Saturday, October 26, 2013

CALLIE'S PICKS, Store Review

**Warning: Like many of my posts, the following is subject to a hefty amount of swearing and finger-pointing. If you are uncomfortable with foul language, this is not a post for you . . . 

Today marked the opening of yet another store in the Starplaza. While I'm all for new collections, Callie's Picks was definitely not anything I was expecting.


And when I say, "Not what I was expecting," I mean it in the humblest what-a-piece-of-shit type of way. Now, it might just be me, but I'm not too keen on seeing doubles. Might I mention the use of mildly-rare items in this modern day collection?

Take the Tartan Cap Sleeve Dress, for example. Remember seeing that in Stardoll's Versus S/S 2011 collection? Ah, let the nostalgia sink in. And while we're at it, how about the Tartan Dress inspired by McQueen? If memory serves correct, at one point, that too, was considered valuable.

Though while I'm all for a re-release of something that suits my fancy, I'm not all that fond of rares releasing for round two. The very reason is in its name.

Lets start with why a rare is labeled a rare. Because it pertains to a certain value, therefore making it desirable. Kicking up the dosage of nostalgia: I can clearly remember asking my parents why the government doesn't make more money? To me, it made so much sense - hell, no one would suffer poverty; everyone'd earn a healthy dose of food each evening; and be able to afford all the 'wants' in life.

That's the thing, though. If money was spewing from trees, it wouldn't be seen as desirable. Same thing relates to Stardoll's rares. If everyone had lets just say, the DKNY Scuba Dress (Ah, yes, that'd be nice, wouldn't it?), it wouldn't be seen as a got-to-have item. And yeah, I'm well aware of the eye rolling; you don't need a lesson on value.

Aside from the point, though . . . lets not forget the other items featured in Callie's Picks.

To be completely honest, the entire collection makes my head spin at the sight of two completely different sides of Stardoll. I'm sure you're all highly aware of my - quite - obvious distaste towards newer collections of Stardoll's - hence the super shiny objects that appear as if they'd just gotten a hitchhike from Barbie. Often times I'll find myself wishing for elder feats of Stardoll - a little something I like to call quality. And yes, you can get that too, all here at Callie's most coveted closet. From the Gold Foil Plaid Dress (Which features the best of Photoshop's dodge and burn tools . . . ), to the Ruffle Hem Blouse (And ironically, doesn't even cater a speck of plaid), you can get all pieces of tartan known to man. Or dolls, in this case.

I'd also like to touch up on the fact that Stardoll seared the face of a fictional character into the seams of their "new" clothing. Cause' lets face it, Callie.Stardoll is just a myth in their game. If there was some solid proof that in fact Callie existed, then maybe I'd change my mind. Though, it's going to take a lot of convincing seen as it's been confirmed many times over that she's just a made-up name. That said, if it really is an invisi-woman making all the decisions, then how the hell is Stardoll translating her words of silence into a solid fourty plus items?

Also couldn't help but point out the cliche'd title of Stardoll's latest and greatest? I swear even "Original Future" is more original than that . . .

On a high note, however, I was actually thrilled by the little quick-fact article written up - all if you click on the "About the Trend" icon as featured in the store. It'll make up for some educated dollies as to this season's hottest trends, even if it's just the tip of the iceberg, at best. I'm just happy Stardoll brought in some facts strait off the runway - albeit the items featured come from previous seasons, and are so-called out of style.

Despite some - in my opinion - major flaws in Callie's Picks, I was alright with this release. I'd just wished it'd taken more than ten minutes top to create a collection of fourty-six misfits. And of course, add a dose of quality, and then I'll hand Stardoll over my seal of approval.

Friday, October 25, 2013

NEW RELEASE - CALLIE'S PICKS

Today marks the release of another new store on Stardoll, simply entitled Callie's Picks. The store is, unsurprisingly, full of Callie's picks for the week, or so, and for the first collection a whole load of recycled tartan was delivered to our very own shopping plaza. This is definitely one of the best store ideas we've had in years on Stardoll and it could even be labelled as a cool new Hot Buys alternative, but I find myself disappointed that Stardoll have yet again recycled old items for the release of a new store. Of course there are a fair few items that are worth the price, and it's worth mentioning that it is not expensive either, with pieces from the 2011 Lanvin Tribute selling for many stardollars cheaper than their original prices. I really want to love it, and I thoroughly enjoy the idea, but I find myself disappointed that Stardoll find the need to recycle every item existing in their own back catalog. But hey, cute bags. 

Stay tuned for a review!
Verdict: ★★★★★★★ 1 / 2 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

OUR NEW PARTNERSHIP












Styled By Ambition is a new upcoming fashion blog owned by the Stardoll maestro and creator of this very site, Tylerisbold - So when an offer came around to partner with this bound-for-success website there's no surprise that we accepted within the second. To check out the blog which features many exciting new announcements, reviews and Stardoll Suite Style posts click here.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

FASHION WEEKEND LOOKS

Want your opinion featured? Comment below on what you think of all the outfits from TTT Fashion Weekend night one. More outfits are featured after the break.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

MISS STARDOLL WORLD 2013


Congratulations to the winner of Miss Stardoll World 2013, Sweetskyangel from the Netherlands. To check out the winning suite and congratulate her click here. In second place is nikol_n from Greece and in third is izebelach from Poland. Sadly, the forty finalists chosen and voted for by Stardoll members mostly looked like generic MSW participants and some diversity between them all would be great, however I really do congratulate everyone who made it to the final of this year's MSW, and of course the winner Sweetskyangel.

Monday, October 21, 2013

A HAUTE REVIEW

On October 12th the fourth issue of Haute Magazine, owned by Lindsey (lovegossip4life), was released for the entirety of the Stardoll world to see. With Kirsten Well, the owner of The Stardoll Lookbook gracing the cover it was bound to be an interesting issue, but how does Haute Fall 2013 really rank?



On first glance, the issue is evidently stunning, but as you go into more depth the pages seem to become more and more repetitive. The same background of the New York skyline is continually used throughout the issue, and though cohesion is a must, it's also very important to have a variation of shoot locations and colours to keep a good balance between both so the issue is interesting to read, or just glance, through.

The cover is exceedingly well made and Kirsten looks like a true 'blogging beauty' in all of the cover girl shots chosen and created by Lindsey. In fact, all of the graphics in this issue of Haute were up to an a pretty solid standard. Flawless? Not quite, however there is no denying that they are a pretty strong bunch of shots. My one problem though is the lack of themes; everything is inspired by the city theme which makes it hard for anything to stand out.

The articles, although admittedly wonderfully written, are just too long. Although interesting articles are a must in a magazine it must be appreciated that the majority of people prefer shorter, easier to read, articles to sift through. Personally, I would try to keep a few longer articles mixed in with some snappier articles of smaller length.

All in all, an evidently beautiful and well thought out issue of Haute which still manages season after season to deliver. There are a few small points preventing Haute from reaching it's true peak however, and I believe that once these are tackled, Haute could be well on it's way to a near flawless issue.

★★★★★★★★

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Street Chic: Stardoll Style, curly675
































Who: curly675
What: There is no holding back with this daring look in all black everything.
Wear: Chanel push sleeve blazer, Chanel black collar shirt, Fallen Angel slim fit pants and doubled up Fallen Angel pointed creepers alongside daring black eyebrow makeup.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

JUST ANOTHER CHEAP MONDAY

Which ironically, happened to be released on a Friday. Though, I can't complain, seen as the Nelly.com store is one of my few staples these days.

Earlier today, Stardoll announced the opening of two new floors for Nelly, entitled 'Cheap Monday.' While I was rather skeptical, considering the title, I was pleasantly surprised when two full pages of anti-shine (for the most part, that is . . . ) garments graced the Starplaza.

Observe:
Everyone (especially on the blogger side of Stardoll) is all too aware of Stardoll's shine enthuse. Nelly seems to be one of those very few shops that cater to those who actually care about quality over quantity - or in this case, those whom no longer invest in all-too-sparkly barbie dolls. I'm especially keen of how the line manages to incorporate street style with a dash of elegance and high fashion.

Another aspect of Cheap Monday I'd like to commend is the fact Stardoll realized the ever-growing population of males. Though there was only one complete male outfit, I thought it was still a nice addition to the collection, none the less.

I can't help but also point out those gorgeous shoes Stardoll whipped out. In particular, the Carly Ellwood Shoes are absolutely, without a doubt, my favorite piece in the Cheap Monday debut.

Despite Cheap Monday being one of Stardoll's few successes in these past few months, I found myself missing a better flow from one garment to the next. I, personally, was not all to fond with a party dress and cocktail gown joining the mix of casual street wear. Maybe it's just me, but I'd like to see a better flow.

That said, I've chose two completely different looks that feature at least one Cheap Monday item in their assemble.

From left to right: Jelinna, Pau.Cam.Arena

What are your thoughts? Which style do you prefer of Nelly? Street wear or elegance? Vote in the comments and share your opinions on Cheap Monday.


And on a totally unrelated note, I've pitifully abandoned TTT - yet again. Fear not, my friends, for I'm making a comeback! That's right, the bitch with the sarcastic attitude is back for more. Stay tuned.

WE ARE HIRING

It's out with the old and in with the new, and here at Today's Top Trends we are looking for three new writers to take a position at the blog! I want to give flexibility to the writers, therefore to apply comment below with your name, stardoll username and a) a link to a blog post of yours or b) a piece of writing that would qualify you as a good candidate for the job at TTT.
I wish for a writer to cover the release of each Hot Buy as they come out with a small review and a rating out of ten, alongside a writer for current affairs involving other projects on Stardoll. The third writer would be freelance and give posts about varying subjects and features in and around the Stardoll world. The two other writers could also write a number of freelance posts during each month alongside their allotted posts on their given subjects. Think you have what it takes? Apply below. 

Friday, October 18, 2013

MY STYLE, LIMITED EDITION

As every season passes I find myself getting more and more bored of Limited Edition on Stardoll. Although the most recent collection had a promising concept the graphics lacked completely, leading to, in my opinion, the collection falling flat and becoming what could be the worst ever collection of LE.

I want Limited Edition to do well, and I really want some real life fashion to be injected back into the Stardoll world. Below I have compiled multiple looks, all made by myself, consisting of looks from different Spring/Summer 14 shows that could slot perfectly into the Limited Edition brand. What are your thoughts? What would you like to see Stardoll create?

Credit to Jack (QueenDetox) for the flawless mannequin!