All About The Mesh (NWS)

by Penny London (with Anonymous)

Mesh mesh mesh mesh! SL is in the throes of the mesh revolution. Its soooo much better! Just ask anyone! You simply must get a mesh body!

Wow, do I hate mesh.

WHY MESH BODIES SUCK

1. Mesh bodies look soooo much better!

Its true, mesh is smoother.  That is the main difference. Avatar shoulders are still terrible, the underside of your butt still looks like you had an accident. But hey, don't take my word for it! See for yourself

 

System butt

 Mesh Butt

 

System body

 Mesh body (Maitreya, Lara)

To achieve this smoother appearance, mesh requires the use of multiple confusing HUDs - one of the only things you can layer with mesh (more on this later).

My main reason for disliking mesh bodies is that your design options are limited. Currently Maitreya creates the best (2000L including hands and feet), her shapes build on your existing system shape so they don't need as much modding, and the curves of the shape itself are very attractive. While it works well for this avatar, the breast shape is odd (narrow at the base and slightly square). My system breast shape was more realistic.  I do prefer my Mait butt however the divits on my hips annoy me. I can't change these things.

Annoying hip divits

This shape does not work at all on my alt, who is not tall and thin!

2. Where are the men? 
That is a really good question. The other issue with mesh bodies is the total lack of comparable shapes for men.  Slink has an OK male shape but it requires intense modding (2000L no hands or feet). TMP has one that also requires extreme modding and is blisteringly expensive (5000L). The TMP HUD is extremely confusing. Also TMP limits many accessories/clothes/etc to TMP items. Fail.

Slink v1.3 - still modding

TMP - this is the hottest man in SL so it might be worth the money and time if you can mod it like he did.  This cost upwards of 9000L - shape, skin, applier (hair), wig, eyes, cock, AO.  That's $40 USD folks! Of course, with that look he doesn't need clothes so it's really about your priorities. Bonus: SL = safe sex!

I think this is a blessing - mesh is more trouble than it's worth and while you can still get away with not having a mesh body I say enjoy it - but know that your system body better look terrific because the bar just got raised (detailed instructions here).

You will still need to buy genitalia, skin, hair, eyes and other accessories (detailed instructions here also).

WHY MESH CLOTHES SUCK
Mesh shows textures so much better!  

This is true, it does. It has simply revolutionized builds! And that is where the joy ends. It just isn't sophisticated enough for clothes.  Here's why:

A. No layering. Personally I like to wear layers - great for creating a unique look (or stripping off). Mesh applier layers don't allow this. The alpha layer each layer is created on almost always cancels out the one below. No mix 'n matching allowed.

B. RLV does not work with mesh, so no one else can strip you either.

Mesh moves with you so we can finally have coats and skirts that work!
Not yet. While mesh does offer some movement with the avatar it is very limited and stiff. This works well for coats and pants (definitely buy these in mesh and throw out your old system/prim combinations), but skirts lack flow and while the bend mesh offers is an improvement, it looks like you are wearing a plastic sheet.

C: Mesh clothes don't fit!This is the #1 reason I hate them. Mesh clothes are simply clothing shaped objects that you attach to your avatar.  Keep that in mind and the following issues make perfect sense.

The limited bend causes show through of your avi.

Show through

Mesh cannot accommodate avatar physics well, the result looks like you are wearing a prim (note: many fashionistas claim that physics are old school and no one wears them anymore. They are more than welcome to my share of rigid dresses). 
---> Giggle Jiggle Jiggle!

Mesh clothing is available three ways.

1. Rigged Mesh:

Because mesh is inflexible many clothes are available in 5 "standard" sizes that don't fit anyone. The best you can do is pick one that is close and "alpha out" (hide) the parts that show through. Then you sit immobile all night with your AO off because when you move the invisible parts of your body will show around the mesh object as the lines never meet up exactly.

You see right through me!

2. Fitted/Liquid Mesh:

One resolution for this issue is "fitted" mesh. This is a better option, but because it is basically an algorithmic guess at sizing you will usually see gaps between your mesh outfit and you. While this does accommodate physics, show through will still happen when you move (depending on the creator.  Better creators = fewer issues).  Further, you have to be careful to purchase the fit mesh for your specific body creator or it will not work at all.

Mind the gap!

3. Mesh Appliers:

The final, desperate option to get mesh to fit is appliers. This is like system layers. Obviously these fit everyone as they are basically "painted on," however you have to make sure you purchase appliers for your specific creator. The best work around for this is Omega (this link to the relay for Maitreya shapes). Omega has relay HUDs that you purchase for your particular body creator. Then you can safely buy any clothing that shows the omega logo and know it fits, right?

Well, almost. There are still some unprofessional (or ignorant, I'm not sure which) creators that fail to respect the people that actually purchase their clothes. They list their items with the omega logo but only provide appliers for socks or panties. Its really shoddy business practice from some shockingly mainstream creators that I refuse to support (like Dirty Princess, a gorgeous line on which I spent  over 1000L at Halloween on things I can't wear from an extremely rude creator that banned me for complaining). 

In other words, from now on in your mesh life each purchase will be made in multiple steps - one to try the demo, the next to buy the outfit).

D: Mesh is insanely complicated!  All three options require the layering of multiple HUDs on your screen, completely obliterating the avatar you are trying to dress and overlapping so that you don't always know what HUD you are actually clicking on. Fun!

HUD OVERLOAD!!!!

E: You cannot save mesh outfits. Wow, after all this it sure would be helpful to just "save outfit" and move on, right?  Too bad. The most you can do is save all the applicable HUDs attached to your outfit, then when you load the outfit you only have to click each item HUD and select the applicable colors, layers, etc. Every single time. 

F: Mesh is extremely expensive - in case you can't tell by the prices listed. The days of making a gorgeous avatar without spending money are over if you go mesh, and you can expect to lose thousands of L trying to figure it out (like I did - even with a good friend and mesh expert holding my hand!).

In short, don't be a sheep. Just because something is new doesn't make it better. Use your best judgement and decide what outcome is critical to you (for example, the avatar shown here is usually naked so mesh works great for her!).

I also understand that there is a tool that allows you to convert your favorite system clothes to mesh appliers, which makes sense. I am looking into that next.

I hope this post spares you some of the expense and frustration I endured. If you are still unsure, email me. I will walk you through it personally for a fee ;)

4 - Pink Gentlemen's Lounge

by Anonymous

Score: 0= bad, 5=best
5 Design

5 Uniqueness

5 Animations

3 Crowded              (busy during events, usually at least one dancer here)

0 Pervable

5 Staff

-- Ambient sound  (none)

4 Music                 (funky contemporary hip hop, suits the club well http://108.61.73.120:14054)

5 Going stag?       (you will always get a date, for pay.  It will be a GREAT date)
5 Lag

5 Noobs:             

TOTAL = 4.2


You may notice that my posts so far have all been resoundingly negative.  The reason for this is Autumn Rose.

Autumn is the owner of :: PINK ::] Gentlemen's Lounge CAM & VOICE ESCORTS, as well as the person who ushered me into the titillating world of upscale SL sex builds so many years ago.  When I met her she was the top SL escort and her emotes made clear how she earned that title.  They were clever, creative, sexy and fun - just like Autumn herself.  She is also kind and smart as hell.

When I found out that she opened her own place, I knew it would be great. I did not expect Pink.  Pink features the kind of classy wickedness found in Zalman King movies. Its what we hoped for when we started exploring the seamier side of life (both in RL and SL) but have yet to experience.  It is unlike anything else in SL - just like Autumn.

It starts at the landing point, which provides a panoramic view of the classy pink and black facade set into a manicured urban city block. This is how to use the color pink for an adult - or any - establishment!

First look

Facing away!

The classy fun continues when you walk in the door.  The floor plan is unusual, cleverly laid out to give the sense of many hidden nooks and crannys in which to release your inner freak.

 This is the way to provide lap dance chairs!  With lotion and viagra on-hand just in case...Autumn thought of everything!

This trip I discovered the Findom nook! Roped for your pleasure....

See the rooms?  We love rooms.  These are great rooms (come explore for yourself :) and we are provided the perfect vantage point to watch people hook up...until we get distracted ourselves. Tissues and lotion are provided (thanks Autumn!)

One corner of the Glam Suite....a bit like a night at the Four Seasons.  I must come back on a date.... 

Pink also boasts a "Gift Shop" - the cleverly integrated outpost for Spoiled!  

Gachas, group gifts and play clothes all in one-stop-shopping!

 

Awww!  Feels just like home!

The only con here is that its a little dead when there isn't an event. That said, there is at least one girl at all times, ready to treat you like a king.

Autumn Rose simply set the bar too high for the competition.  She treats each and every customer and employee like a friend she hasn't seen in forever -  they, in turn, will treat you the same way.  This, more than all the other benefits, is what sets Pink above and beyond. Pink is obviously geared to men but I alted in as both sexes, was greeted equally warmly and had a blast.  This is very smart and unique for SL men's clubs, where women visitors are generally seen as competition and given the cold shoulder (or booted). No worries here!  Come on down!

Tips:
Use the chat group!  Its very friendly!

GO TO PINK GENTLEMEN'S LOUNGE

-1 Million - Toy Slaves Brothel

by Anonymous

I'm writing this up for one reason:  a warning.  Do not go here!

Wow.  Land. Of. Suck.

I received an invitation to a party on this sim branded with the sim's slogan ❤ CUM, PLAY WITH MY TOYS !! - Madame Aprille Shepherd ❤.  I had a couple hours to kill and I am always on the hunt for new places so I zipped on over.

The lag caused the gaudy pink venue to rez slowly.  I noticed that most of the avatars were older in style, as was the design - circa 2010 I think.  Your basic unimaginative stripper stage nestled under an oppressive yellow sky - the windlight appears to be set on "smog." Last I checked smog was not considered sexy.  Of course neither is 2010 hair. I guess they haven't heard.
 
A nice guy started talking to me almost immediately so that's good.

Unfortunately, Aprille Shepard also happened. The second I landed I got  IM'd a paragraph on rules for this hooker sim, I assumed from a bot.  Apparently they have a problem with random hookers trying to score here, hence the overly detailed list on how many ways I am NOT to play with her toys.  I am no stranger to adult sims. I know the rules. Also, I am not a hooker so her rules were irrelevant to me and I ignored the IM. 

I guess I was supposed to reply because she then proceeded to ram her 8 year old overtall, unimaginative, cheaply dressed and AO-free avatar into mine several times.  Then she stood in front of me.  Before I could finish asking "Are you OK?" she counted down from 10 - 0 then "boot" which prompted me to re-evaluate her status as moron, an update I promptly shared with her. This word seemed to confuse her, she tried to use it in a sentence but failed.  I decided to help her out by teaching her a few more new words to look up at some future date.

I also thanked her for this blog post, and suggested that she consider working on her jealousy issues.

So!  To recap:  I accepted an invitation to a party here and lasted all of 5 minutes before Aprille tried to evict me, presumably for not having a penis.  Ironically I did TP in with my male avatar and while I was not physically and verbally threatened that time, I still didn't get the friendly and warm reception one expects in this situation.  Skip it. Go to Pink instead. 

I live to serve.

DON'T GO TO TOY SLAVES BROTHEL

2.3 - Elysion UPDATED

by Penny London

Score: 0= bad, 5=best
5 Design

5 Uniqueness

-- Animations

2 Crowded

0 Pervable

0 Staff

-- Ambient sound  (none)

3 Music                 (unusual upbeat http://83.170.104.71:7115)

0 Going stag?
1 Lag

5 Noobs:             

TOTAL =2.3

I was startled to read this review in a popular online mag and felt prompted to revise my write up here.  This is a far more useful account from someone that is unknown to the staff here.

The first thing you notice about Elysion is how flat-out stunning it is!

 

Every view is more gorgeous than the last, with interesting trails and alcoves for canoodling (cabins, a tent, campgrounds....).  The sim is sprawling with teleports placed somewhat strategically, it is easy to lose your bearings but honestly?  I didn't mind at all!

Another amazing view, and the gorgeous roman bath!

Its hard to isolate exactly which build is the jewel in Elysion's crown, but I am guessing it's The Luxe, their cozy and sexy theater.  I was enchanted by the private box (below) and then I looked up...and added a whole new dimension in interest to this build!

The Luxe, down and up!

Elysion has scheduled socials and themed parties weekly, and the builds for these are fantastic! Once a month on Sunday at 12pm SLT they have (big inhale) BURLESQUE!  The event schedule is supplied in notecards available at TP locations around the site.  Also,here are some of the most unique and polished avatars I have ever seen (yes, I mean you, Zero!).

Now for the negatives, and these are considerable. 
1.  There is no one here.  Seriously.  Unless there is an event, bring a date or prepare for the ghost town. 
2.  ....Unless there is an event.  The events get a huge turnout, unfortunately the lag then is outrageous!. 
3.  The avi's here are not very social.  There is a tendency in SL to ignore people.  One of the great things about adult sims is that people will talk to you - and at the better sims conversation is far witty and engaging (as opposed to the more common "u want sex now?") This is one of many reasons to hang out with the "adult" crowd.  Everywhere but Elysium, that is.  Not only can you count on being ignored at Elysium events,  they actively discourage having fun in group chat! Appearance, only the sim owner is allowed to post random fun items in group chat.  This is not stated anywhere in the group charter and is a bizarre rule at best. It's also a bit mind boggling as group chat is a great place to get avi's together for impromptu parties and socialization.  It is a terrific tool for driving business to the sim, but not for Elysuim I guess. Behold, their success...

Personally, I try to raise the fun bar in dead places like Elysium and The Chamber by starting discussions in group chat and/or local, by stripping naked and swinging from a stripper pole,  whatever means necessary for a good time is my motto!  Here I was actually ejected from the group when another avi and I started joking around - and we had the conversation rolling too!  Shame on us I guess (but hey!  I made a new friend!).

I had fun here during an unscheduled event once, but they are unscheduled and I now suspect more like command performances for the owner as she is the only one that can post them (my earlier review stated that I found a great one via group chat.  Oh, well). 

New friends....and a spontaneous gif to get the party started!

Elysion seems to be in direct competition with The Chamber, and offers itself as an alternative to "standing around in cigar smoke." The cost is the same and average for a paid group - 350L ($1.75 USD). Do I think it's worth it?  Well, paying to join the group only to get kicked out for using it?  Use your own judgement.  Its pretty cheap and the builds are great. 

NOTES:  In SL it's all about how you feel.  No one likes to be censured, and a warm welcome and special effort to speak to the people you don't know (not just the regulars) can make all the difference!

Tip:
Pay your date's way and wow her right into bed in this glorious place!

GO TO ELYSION

Happy New Year!!

1.4 - 4Play CLOSED

By Anonymous  

 Score: 0= bad, 5=best
5   Design                
5   Uniqueness               
0   Animations
0   Crowded                 
0   Pervable                           
0   Staff.                   (drive thru only!)
2   Ambient sound   (sounds like slot machines)
--   Music                 (voices voices voices)
0   Going stag?                         
2   Lag
0  Noobs
TOTAL:  1.4

Wow.

When I first discovered 4Play I could NOT believe this amazing build!  It is like a glowing candy paradise with lots of skin!  And the skin is beautiful - snazzy updated mesh bodies that look sexy, not grotesque.

There is a lm here to another place called "Original Sin."  They seem to be owned by different people and I am not too clear on the relationship, but Original Sin is like and classed up Fuck Me Daddy.  I loved the transparent curtains for voyeuristic delight, and the design in general is classy classy classy - just how I like my freaky sex (the bar is by Vita so we know it's upscale all the way).

I really could not imagine why I never heard of this place before, until I noticed it's a ghost town.  Seriously.  I have been there several times and there is never any traffic - by that I mean I am the only one there.  I also tried the animations in the beds, and they are horribly outdated.

Back at the club, I noticed one of girls actually using "Entice," one of the very first mocap dances ever in SL and so old you can actually get it free now.  Not that it matters, the most men I have ever seen here is 3. They use voice a lot at the club which is ok, but I rezzed in the middle of a boring and unending discussion about.....McDonald's.  I pulled a ripe, full cherry into my mouth and tried not to feel my skin crawl at the thought of ingesting fast food.  In an effort to inspire a better topic of conversation I made a joke about the photo on the floor.  It's a chick holding a disembodied cock that is dripping with cum (seriously.  Its bizarre).  I was told by one of the dancers that "if that disturbs you then you don't need to be here."

That explains the total lack of traffic.

When I first landed I send a notecard to the owner, praising her build and asking her what she charges for her photography - she is truly gifted.  She never bothered to respond.

What a waste.

NOTES:  Remember to be nice and ingratiating - you don't know who that new avatar is!  Make everyone feel welcome! Also, while random talk is often hilarious and welcome, keep it entertaining.  This isn't really social hour, it's work. 

Tip:
Go and enjoy the build once, then TP to one of the other places we review to have fun.

GO TO 4PLAY

This pen for hire!

We are on hiatus right now. It's called "summer."

Several people have tried to contact me regarding writing gigs. I'm sorry!  I really never considered that you would like me that much!  Awwww...shucks!

 If you would like to hire me to edit or write something for you, you may contact me here anytime!

Thank you - I am so flattered!

Get some sun!

- Penny

Wow! I'm a sex magnet! (How to look HOT in SL) - an ES Tutorial Blog Supplement (NWS)

by Penny London

Look at your avatar.  Really look.  Ask yourself one simple question:"Do I incinerate panties by logging in? Do I reduce clothes to wrapping paper on my avatar? Am I blisteringly hot?"

If you asking this question, yes you are.  As the first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem CONGRATULATIONS!

It's ok to be a noob. We were all noobs once.  Mostly your noobishness results in a reaction of "Awww, look!  How cute," depending on how you act and where you are.  The big exception here, of course, are the adult sims.  Frankly, we don't want you rubbing your noobish pixels on us.  Period.

Since the vast majority of people join Second Life for sex/relationships, this presents a problem. ES is here to help you solve it, as quickly and painlessly as possible.

I go into the reason for all this in detail here (where I tell you how to get laid).  This is a crash course on eradicating noobness. There are many ways to solve your noob problem. There are also a few criteria critical to avoiding it.  These are:
- Shape - no peaheads!  Make sure you are proportioned correctly. Also, beware no-mod shapes! You don't want thousands of twins, do you?  
- Skin - shading and realism is key
- Eyes - so many to choose from and very reasonable!  They must appear liquid, not flat.
- Hair- This is the big tell. Get a modern one.
- AO - this is how you tell people who you are. Pick one that suits you.
- Turn off your "typing" and "away" animation!
- Genitals - again, realism is key.
- Attitude - be a gentleman/lady.  Treat avis like the humans they are. 

SHOULD I GET A MESH BODY?

Yuck, mesh. Since this is a huge and costly undertaking I address it in detail here. If you are curious about mesh read that post first, look at the comparison photos, and decide if mesh is for you. If not I'll see you back here in a few minutes! No rush, I'll hold your place :)

1. ONE STOP SHOPPING
Forget it, it doesn't exist.  You can never get everything you need in one place and we only dream that you could all just buy attitude.  The below, however, is as close as you get.

Some creators sell "complete avatars."  This is a very tricky area as you have to be 100% sure of the creator's skill or you will end up making a lateral move in noobtown.  That is not what you want.  You want angels to sing and clouds to part (among other things) when you walk into a room.  For this reason I am going to provide some of my favorite creators for you now and explain what to look for when finding the avatar that suits you.

There are two ways to shop in Second Life.

A. Inworld
As a noob, I recommend this as a first step.  You need to learn the difference between a finished avatar and a noob first hand.  You also get a great idea of the diverse choices available by window shopping first.  This is the best way to discover options you may never have considered previously - like tattoos, cat ears and unique facial hair.  This option (A) is more expensive than (B) below, but there is the chance that you won't need to change much after you have settled on your first avatar once you create it this way. Just remember, because most shapes are copy there are no refunds so try the demo first and THEN purchase!

My preferred Inworld creators for one stop shopping are:
Laqroki (Laq). - everything but AO. I prefer Laq for hair as the hair is more masculine and less "fluffy" than most.
Unique Megastore - no AO, no hair.  

Many wigs need a hairbase.  This is a layer that colors your scalp to match the color of your hair.  The best are at Analog Dog and they are free.  AD also provides great hair.

Argrace also has terrific masculine hair.

Many sellers give a free AO away for noobs.  I am loyal to Vista.  The 1L male/female AO is a little generic but its serviceable and you can add on to it later.

B.  The Marketplace.
When shopping in the Marketplace, make sure to adjust your maturity levels drop down box to include "adult" or your search will return with an empty page! 

This is where it gets tricky.  First of all, for reasons I have never understood, Marketplace doesn't allow Boolean search criteria so drilling down the selection to what you are looking for is a task.  Secondly, you can't always get an accurate idea of what the avatar looks like from a tiny, Photoshopped, picture (see the vagina section below for an excellent example of this). On the other hand, you can get a great looking avatar for 1/3 of the cost if you know what to look for.  Of course if you knew what to look for you wouldn't be a noob, right?  ES is here to save the day with our list of online creators.  Please note: most of the inworld creators will put their work online so many or all of the avi's you see in A will be listed in the marketplace and vice-versa.  I can't recommend using the "see item in second life" or "inworld store" link strongly enough!  Go there and look at it in person, this simple step can save you from making a critical error! Remember, there are no refunds!

My preferred Marketplace vendors for one stop shopping are:

Noya, one click will really do it all - or most, anyway. Great for women and men, Noya sells shapes (modifiable) skins eyes and AOs - no hair.  Her products are wonderful quality for much less cost than usual and I like her mesh feet better than the pricey ones!  The skins are expertly detailed, for women this means no vagina needed (see below)!

Noya's AO is very basic but adequate and you can build onto it later.

...and just like in life, you have to try hair on to make sure it looks good on your avi.  Sad but true.

Women:
Noelle (hair) is a steal online and great quality!

Poison Aura provides a great shape and style card for a very polished look, but there are drawbacks to this method (see below). 

Both:
Analog Dog  for hairbase +
Laq

Here's my new Ultra Shape.  I used his enclosed style card.  Even with all my shopping tricks and 7 years of SL experience it took 3 hours to complete him. I was totally overwhelmed!  For this reason I am not sure I would recommend this method to a noob. Of course the best way to learn is to do, so use your own judgement but pack a lot of patience.

Many creators, like Ultra Shape, include a style card to create the complete avatar image....this can get tricky.  You have to rely on the creator's ability to speak English (many of the best do not), and their ability to accurately locate and describe the skin/hair/shoes whatever they are directing you to.  As things in SL change constantly, this can be a problem.  Also, physically going to a sometimes huge store to find one item can be overwhelming. The best way to power shop with a notecard is to use the "area search" feature.   This is available in the Firestorm viewer, I'm not sure of the others.

 How to use Area Search effectively:

 

1.  open the tool

 2. Type in the name of that you are looking for

3. Double click the item you are looking for.  A red arrow will appear on your screen that will guide you to the item.  You can also right click and use the flyout menu to TP to the object but this is not always a great plan as you can end up flattened against a wall like a human fly.

2. BUT WAIT, WHERE'S MY....!
That is correct, you have no sex organs.
~Cock Shopping: Yes, you need a penis. Honestly what penis is up to you. This Cock Shop article is a great guide.  Right now the most popular are the most expensive - the Aeros and the Xcite.  The frequency of these updates are astounding and I'm sure by the time you read this it won't be true anymore, however the big question seems to be:  does price matter?

I am a woman and I don't think so - unless, or course, you plan to stand around naked with an erection (obviously). If you emote well you don't really need all the bells and whistles, you just need it to match and not be ridiculously huge. Let me repeat that, it doesn't need to be HUGE, boys, for so many reasons (these reasons!).  It does need to look good, but the less expensive ones do that too. Both cheap and pricey cocks offer various orgasm animations to help you express yourself when your hand's are busy. This is a plus!

Conversely, let me warn you that the first thing we do is inspect your penis (details below).  If we see "hugsies" or "freebie" we won't be impressed - but its not really a deal breaker unless it looks stupid.  The more expensive ones seem to mean that you are a player.

Again, read Cock Shop and make your own decision.

~Vagina Shopping: Women have a selection of vaginas as well.  Some are laughably hideous,but unlike the cocks it's harder to tell until after you spend the Lindens. No vaginas are needed.  No one cares, and most good skins have a serviceable one painted on.

Two of the best vaginas on the SL market:  The #1 most expensive, top of the line, supposedly responds to furniture Xcite X4 "Dahlia" thick lipped version, or as I like to call it "sausage lips" (shudder).  This is an excellent opportunity for you to check the link and see how PhotoShop can make raw meat look almost appealing.

We have a winner! The new VAW mesh vagina is truly realistic with great options including clitoris sizing! As you can see I have not found my clit yet, but I will! Soon!

 

~Foot/Hand Shopping:

The SL avatar mesh is really terrible in a lot of places, feet and hands are two.   Personally the hands don't bother me as much as our weird flipper-like mashed-up feet.  For this reason I have purchased nice pointed mesh feet from Noya for times when they show.  For some reason women are more astute about this than men (men don't notice whether we have a vagina either though, so what do I really expect here?).  Personally, I like my naked men to have feet, not flippers.  Just sayin'.

~Mesh Boobs/Ass shopping:
I have yet to meet a man that actually thinks this look is attractive.  Especially with the bounce turned on so the boobs flap and wave like a shutter stuck to your chest.  Seriously girls? Skip this.

4. AT LEAST I HAVE THESE GREAT LINDEN NEW AVI CLOTHES!
OMG take those off NOW. Yes, NOW!

In SL even more than RL, clothes make the man. Again there are many many options but without a skilled eye its best to just go somewhere and select a nice versatile outfit you know will look great.

*SOAPBOX*  Lately, the "in" thing is mesh.  I despise mesh.  It takes forever to load and all you can see is the alpha (invisible layer) so you end up in a room of floating heads. Also, it doesn't fit. Sadly it is a huge improvement over the system + prim coats and pants we had up to now to switch those over now.  The rest can wait. *END SOAPBOX*

My favorite one stop creators:

MEN
Laq
Lapointe and Bastchild (watch out for dated items in the free room, though!)
Gabriel - get some great freebies here too!

WOMEN:
The top picks for absolutely everything are in the style cards listed here.

5. CREATING THE AVATAR OF YOUR DREAMS/NIGHTMARES
...because in SL either can work for you.

Avatars are a work of art, and extension of yourself.  The rush of embodying the perfect avatar is hard to describe, and well worth the effort!

~Inspect your surroundings!
Learn to use the "inspect" feature in your browser, when you see hair or an outfit you like, inspect it!

How to "inspect" in Firestorm - 1. Right click an item,then

This last step is the key, the name of the part of the item you clicked on appears at left.  To find out where to buy it click the Creator Profile button and read the profile.  Some creators make base prims or sculpts etc. for resale but did not create the entire object, so reading is fundamental.

~Ask!
Inspect only work s for prims or mesh, for a shape or skin you will need to ask the avatar.  Don't be afraid to do this!  We are all proud of our avatars and most people are flattered and happy to share this information with you.  Just remember, as in all things, be nice!

~ Join the Fashion Emergency group !
This is the one with over 1000 members - in world paste the following into local:
secondlife:///app/group/2dfe29f2-a75c-89c2-72c0-4323c9b9566a/about
Six Kennedy's group has been around since SL has I think, and these girls know their business.  They can tell you where to get what you want, and are not afraid to be open and honest.  Just remember to be nice!  This is NOT the forum for complaining.

~Join the MenStuff group here!
In world paste the following into local:
secondlife:///app/group/a8703562-6a52-20df-81a9-9aeed5dc091c/about
They have up to the minute hunt and special info specifically for men!  And they are really nice.

The best avatars are an evolving process. We see a shape we like and then a skin, or vice versa.  We constantly update our hair - style and color.  Men can change from soul patch to goatee etc. These are just the human options, there are a myriad of fantasy/animal options too and all the shades in between.  My point here is that there is no limit to the individualization you can add to your avatar.  Literally the sky is the limit (I wore a thundercloud and rain for a week once when I was having a particularly difficult time...a friend of mine literally floats on air when she stands).  So keep your eyes open and look around you, you never know what you might see.

Some of my favorite SL creators are:
Men:
CS Shapes  (Xanthe does wonderful realistic work and will create from a photo!)
Laq
Bad@zz skins (these skins are a bit orange, some hate them. Up to you)
Unique Megastore

Women:
CS Shapes (again)
Fluffygirl - skin and shape (Roxy Daguerre does realistic and attractive curves, and will create from a photo as seen here, with Heartsick skin)
Aeva // Heartsick - skin and shape (Amesha has marked some of my favorite skins down to 10L, snap them up now!
Unique Megastore

...and as always all the wonderful creators on these style cards.

You didn't really think this would be easy, did you?  It's SL after all!