Where else but Second Life can you get a virtual Porsche or an entire house for the equivalent of a few U.S. dollars? Shopping is the real backbone of this virtual economy where talented residents like yourself create and sell just about anything you can dream of. The challenge sometimes comes when you try to locate these great shopping locations and because Second Life is a very large virtual world, it can be somewhat difficult. There are also a lot of bad shopping locations that don’t offer much and what they do offer is rather low quality. In this chapter we take a look at some of the best shopping locations—where you should be able to find what you are looking for and (like when shopping in real life) things you didn’t even know you wanted.
We start with Naughty Island because they offer one of the most complete shopping experiences in-world. Covering an entire SIM, this mall has several stores where you can purchase clothing, skins, and more. The creations from the team at Naughty Island are also very high in quality so while they aren’t the cheapest, they offer some of the best products for your avatar or home.
The official web site is available at http://www.naughtydesigns.net/.
You can find mens denim and dresses for women at this store. The Exclamation store also has a selection of accessories, such as necklaces and sunglasses.
An overwhelming amount of choices of make up and skin tones are found here. These products give your avatar a great new look and level of realism. Many are available as a demo to try before you buy.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Explore the entire mall. There are many other great shops.
Naughty Island also maintains an official website at http://www.naughtydesigns.net/
Look for products labeled with “Demo.” These are free and allow you to preview the product before purchasing.
After you start to edit your appearance, you’ll quickly notice you are pretty limited on options for hairstyles. In fact, you’ll probably also discover that unless you want a Mohawk you won’t have much luck creating a cool hairstyle with the default tools. The nice thing about limitations in Second Life is it inspired residents to create products that address any shortcomings. In this case—the invention of PRIM hair, which works much like a wig. The Cake store has some of the best designed PRIM hair, complete with flexi prims that allow the hair to move just like natural hair.
Cake offers a wide range of hairstyles and colors. The smaller boxes indicate the color of the hairstyle while the larger signs offer a demo of the product. The demo is free and allows you to give the hair a test drive before purchasing.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Almost all products here include a demo version for trying before buying.
After purchasing a hairstyle, locate it in your inventory and right click it. Next, select “Wear.”
Panels with multiple colored blocks indicate different colors of the hairstyle. Make sure to click the correct one.
Where you can find tons of objects free of charge
Alright. Maybe not the best things are free, but if you are new to Second Life, freebie locations are a great place to stock up your inventory. You’ll find the items here aren’t quite the quality of what you find in some of the other locations we feature, but you certainly can’t beat the price. Since so many new residents flock to these destinations they are usually some of the busiest spots and rather laggy.
There are literally hundreds of locations that offer free items in Second Life. An easy way to locate them is to open the search box and type “freebie” into the places search field. Because this is also a popular keyword, many locations have included it in their description hoping you will teleport through to their store. If you find yourself having trouble locating items that are actually free, try the following locations, which are well-known freebie shops in Second Life.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Many freebie items include other items you might not need. Keep your inventory clean by removing items you don’t need.
Don’t expect to find very well designed objects here. As they say, you get what you pay for.
Watch out for items that are not actually free. Many sneaky vendors place these right next to freebie items.
Burns (95, 148, 79)
Freebie Warehouse is one of the oldest and largest collections of freebies boasting over 5000 objects. Items like scripts, weapons, buildings, and furniture are all organized in boxes scattered throughout the location. Each box has hover text above that indicates the type of items included. To obtain your free good, simply click on the box; the contents will then be copied into your inventory.
Wien (129, 212, 28)
This location offers a more complete freebie shopping experience with several different shops and products. You’ll notice a yellow line on the streets here, follow this to visit the various shops. Be aware that mixed in with some of the free items, there are always items for sale. While this is a bit deceptive you can’t blame them too much for wanting to make a little money on the side.
On Elite Island you’ll find everything you need to decorate your house, including the house itself! You can find furniture for every room of the house—from the kitchen to the living room and even the bathroom. This location also has some very nice furnishings with Asian and Gothic inspirations. Outside of the main shopping area are about a dozen prefab homes that include some very nice mansions. This is your second life after all, why not live it large.
For those planning a Second Life wedding, you’ll want to visit the Elite Bridal Shop. Everything from the engagement rings to the invitations are available for that perfect dream wedding. Thanks to a partnership with Happily Ever After, you can even get help planning your wedding and, of course, your virtual honeymoon.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Camping is available here, which allows your avatar to earn Linden dollars by simply staying in this location. Please note the payout is very small for this and usually is not worth the time it takes.
Before you purchase a house from here make sure it will fit on your existing land.
Live like a king in this Majestic Castle—available from Elite Designs. This one even includes a dungeon!
For those taking the big leap into virtual marriage, be sure to visit the Elite Bridal Shop. Whether it is a dress, a ring, or the wedding cake, you can find everything you need here.
If you want to breathe a little life into your avatar and other Second Life experiences, you are going to need some additional animations. By default, you’ll notice your avatar has a somewhat awkward stance and rather stale motion. At Mr. P’s you can extend a lot of these boring gestures with some incredibly accurate reproductions from real life. Help your avatar stand out from the pack with new animations for everything from standing, walking, flying, and more.
When you first walk in, you’ll see a few animation packs and other animated accessories. In the back room there are 100’s of great animations you can try before buying. Don’t miss the basement which is reached by clicking the teleporter labelled “Go Down.” You’ll find more animation packs and various pose stands.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Mr. P’s has a second location on the Koleamoku SIM (230, 93, 63).
After purchasing an animation you’ll need to activate it in your inventory. To do so, locate it and right click it. Now select “Activate.”
You can assign keyboard shortcuts to animations to make them easier to use in-world.
Created by well known builders Aimee Weber and Mistress Midnight, Midnight City is a gritty urban location that offers several shopping locations. In addition to the shopping, there are also many other interesting things to explore. This city includes a ritzy uptown area (where most of the shops are), a slum, and even a soccer stadium.
Along many of the streets you’ll find various stores—each with a unique product line. You’ll find most of these locations up-town and should you find yourself in the shady part of town, clutch your purse or wallet tight.
For when you just want to blow things up
When Second Life was first created they didn’t plan on residents engaging in combat like you find in many other online video games. However, in a world where the residents have the ability to create whatever they want, it wasn’t long before weapons started to pop up. Now there are several combat-themed SIMs where you can blast fellow residents into virtual oblivion. To do so, you are going to need some fire power.
Fiddlers Green 62, 195, 36)
Black Ops Guns is a well known virtual arms dealer in Second Life. At their large store you’ll have access to a wide selection of weapons. They also have a nice firing range for testing out your purchases.
Matiarch (130, 60, 23)
Head upstairs to locate the weapons section of this store. Check out the flame thrower and green gas bomb—both of which are well designed and a ton of fun.
When your avatar is born he or she enters this virtual world much like a Ken or Barbie doll—without the proper, let’s say, “equipment.” Like with weapons and combat, sexual relations were not something included in the original vision of Linden Lab when they created Second Life. However, residents took it upon them selves to create and retrofit themselves with all types of genitalia. Originally these items were just for show, but one company in particular took this to the next level by adding scripts and interactivity.
The appropriately named Xcite! company began to offer scripted genitalia and has become the largest seller of such items. As the sophistication of the software increased, so did the options for these items. In fact, you might be surprised by what is now available. Every size, shape, and even species of genitalia is available for your pleasure.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Don’t be too “liberal” with the sizing of your new genitalia. This is typically laughed at by fellow residents.
Like weapons, make sure you use your new purchases in appropriate places—like your home or mature SIMs.
You can also purchase various colors and other attachments like piercings.
In addition to body parts, the Xcite! store also offers a wide variety of sex furniture—like this chain bondage system.
The “Starter Pack” is the most popular item at Xcite! and has everything you need to equip yourself.
Textures make this virtual world go around, well, actually they just make it pretty. A texture is the image you see applied to walls, ground, clothing, and really everything else in Second Life. If you are building items from scratch, you’ll want to make sure to stop by this location to stock up on artwork. There are hundreds of choices from a few sounding shops that offer tattoos and photography services.
Whether you are creating a rug or a wedding dress, you’ll find what you need in this huge collection of textures.
I’ve always wanted a tattoo in real life but the permanence of such a body modification has always kept me out of the tattoo chair. However, now you can get a simple design, like this dragon or a full set of sleeves, at significantly less cost, and of course, pain.
In-world photography is a big business in Second Life—and why not? Since residents spend huge amounts of time and money to create their look, why not preserve it. For those not familiar with how to take photographs and work with Photoshop, you can now hire a professional. Add a nice picture frame to the end result and hang your portrait in your house for guests to enjoy.
When most residents create an avatar they typically go for something far different than their real-world appearance. This is confirmed as you venture through this virtual space where just about everyone has the body of a greek god or supermodel. However, some (myself included) may want their avatar to more closely resemble their first life appearance. Those that do will want to visit Avatar Island, where you can easily add your own face to your avatar.
Backed by Cyber Extruder a real-world 3D software company, this unique service is the only one of its kind in-world. Simply upload an image of yourself and with a few clicks this picture is converted into a 3D texture image. This image can then be applied to your face to create an eerily accurate rendering. This is great for those trying to create a virtual presence for your first-life persona.
Virtual Shopping Tips
You can get more information about this company on their official website: www.cyberextruder.com.
Follow the directions very carefully to ensure a proper rendering.
Visit the other shops along the outside of the main building. You’ll find many other products for your avatar like skins and clothes.
At Jeepers Creepers you can find virtual versions of many of your favorite real-world shoe brands . Unfortunately, unlike in real life, you can not try them on first. However, thanks to the high level of detail on all of Jeepers Creepers products you are bound to be happy with what you get. Additionally, some shoes come with modify permissions so you can easily size them to fit any avatar.
Created and owned by resident Eponymous Trenchmouth, Jeepers Creepers also offers something many stores do not. With each purchase, satisfaction is guaranteed. If you are not happy with the product, simply drop her an instant message with your comments.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Included with every pair is a custom foot shaper to also ensure a proper look and fit.
New styles are often added, so be sure to visit a few times.
Use the pose stands located in the store to properly align your new shoes.
Some shoes come in several parts—be sure to attach them all for a complete look.
Every once in awhile you come across objects in Second Life that appear so real you just want to reach out and touch them. This is the case with everything you find at Mike’s furniture store, where attention to detail is taken to a whole new level. If you are looking to get some of the best-designed furniture and home accessories, like pillows and wine glasses, this is the place for you.
The owner, Michaelangeo David, focuses mostly on what is called sculptie furniture. Most objects in Second Life are built using basic shapes like cubes and spheres. However, a sculptie can take on almost any shape. The end result is hyperrealistic objects that require fewer PRIMs.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Next door to Mike’s is the Cubik Circle Furniture Store that also sells very nice high-end furniture.
Mike’s Studio has two levels, so be sure to look upstairs before leaving.
Pick up the beautiful red sculptie ant at the entrance of the store for only $1L.
Diamonds are a girls best friend, even a virtual girl, as it turns out. JCNY has a rather large presence in Second Life offering several different clothing and accessory lines. At this location, they offer some of the best-designed jewelry—or “bling” as its called in-world. They call it bling because these objects literally bling and sparkle, creating an over the top, but impressive, addition to your avatar.
Virtual Shopping Tips
JCNY also runs an official website at www.jcnycollection.com.
Look for the freebie items next to the entrance for great free items like jewelry and t-shirts.
Outside the main store in the courtyard is the “JCNY Fashion District.” Several vendors sell other clothing and accessories.
If you are a land owner and looking for a home to call your own, I recommend checking out Prefab Alley. The truth is, even some Amish would have trouble building a complete house in Second Life from scratch. Luckily for you, there are many prefab locations that have already created homes of all shapes and styles. What’s especially nice about Prefab Alley is they have REZ’d many of them on the property so you can take a virtual open house tour before purchasing.
When you first arrive, you’ll see a large sign with thumbnail images of all available homes. If you right click on one of interest, it will give you the option to teleport directly to it.
Nyte’N’Day is a rather interesting Second Life success story because what started on a small plot off the mainland has now turned into one of the premier locations for clothes and accessories. Within just the span of a year, resident Nyte Caligari has created a small clothing empire for herself and become a well sought after brand. During this time she was also diagnosed with Lupus and as a result had to spend many painful months bed-ridden and unable to work. Thanks in part to the support of the Second Life community and her personal talents, Nyte’N’Day became a full-time job and helped to pay bills and pass the time.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Like any good department store, the fashions are constantly rotated out and replaced with new ones. Visit often and don’t be afraid to mix and match your purchases.
You can get all the latest news from Nyte & Day on their official blog at http://nytenday.blogspot.com.
This location does specialize in women’s clothing, but is beginning to branch out into men’s.
Another favorite clothing store of many residents is Pixel Dolls. This multi-level store has a wide variety of clothes for both men and women. Once again, you’ll mostly find women’s clothes here (sorry guys, but even in Second Life women tend to shop more). However, you’ll find men’s clothes scattered throughout the store. Most can be located on the top floor.
Pixel dolls is brought to us by long time resident Naphilaine Protagnonist.
Some of the many clothing items available at Pixel Dolls. Clothes are routinely swapped out with new styles so be sure to visit here a few times.
Virtual Shopping Tips
More information is available at their website, which is located at www.nafii.com/PixelDolls.
A virtual Pixel Dolls credit card is available as a gift or for personal use.
The entire Port Seraphine SIM is full of other great stores so be sure to explore when you finish shopping.
Now guys, don’t worry. I certainly haven’t forgotten about you. For men’s clothes and accessories, you’ll want to stop by the Men In Action (MIA) mall, which features several stores. While men are the focus here, there are stores that also carry items for women. Speaking of the ladies, if you have one, you’ll want to visit the park next door to the mall. There are plenty of scenic and romantic locations for you and that special avatar friend to enjoy.
Here we have an innovative idea, items you can purchase in-world that are then shipped directly to your home or office. What you see here represents the possible future for virtual commerce. Unlike a website, the experience is much more engaging and even more fun. In fact, many of the items here are all about having fun. IWOOT’s tag line represents this well when it says “Stuff you don’t need...but you really, really want.”
IWOOT was developed by resident Ecocandle Riel and his company Riel Life Productions. More information about this company can be found online at www.riellife.com.
This is where you’ll want to start your shopping. You can register with IWOOT and get additional information on the process.
Who doesn’t want one of these great products—like a remote control helicopter? This location is full of tons of great products so don’t be surprised if you find yourself saying “I Want One of Those!”
Virtual Shopping Tips
You can also order items directly off the IWOOT website at www.iwoot.com.
Pick up the free shopping HUD at the front desk.
The two large buildings house mazes that can be a lot of fun if you need a shopping break.
No real-world shopping experience is complete without a shopping cart. The talented developers of this location haven’t missed out on this either. The IWOOT shopping cart allows you to collect your items and check out when ready. There is even a seat for a guest and Eject button if you want to have some fun with them.
Maximum Minimum offers very high-end modern furniture, home accessories, and prefab houses. Brought to us by a very talented Norwegian digital media specialist, this location features some of the nicest objects available in the entire metaverse. Using sculptie and baked-in textures, these products are sure to make any home stand out and impress your friends or visitors.
Just some of the many gorgeous furnishings available here. Many items include shadows for additional realism.
On the coastline, we find several amazing prefab homes. The attention to detail and slick design will definitely make the neighbors jealous.
Virtual Shopping Tips
With great modern design comes a high price tag. All items here are easy on the eyes but not so easy on the virtual wallet.
Join the group “Maximum Minimum VIPs” for product updates and specials.
Visit the blog at http://maximum-minimum.blogspot.com/ for the latest updates from Maximum himself.
From long time residents Jennyfur Peregrine and FlipperPA Peregrine, the Indigo store offers a wealth of fashions and accessories. With a long history of contributions to Second Life, including SLTriva and the Second Life Community Convention, it’s no surprise that the products here are extremely well designed and affordable. This multi-room and multi-level store features clothing, body parts like eyes, animations, and much more. Take your time visiting each room, you are bound to find a few objects of interest.
Virtual Shopping Tips
There are so many items here it will take some time for everything to fully REZ. It’s best to teleport here and sit for a few minutes while the objects and textures download.
You can read more about one of Second Life’s most famous couples on their website at www.peregrinesalon.com
Welcome to the future, or should I say welcome to the future of virtual transportation. F-ZiXX creator JC Hill is well known for creating some of the coolest futuristic rides and avatars in the metaverse. With wonderful (and very shiny) detail, all products found here will make any futurist happy. From hovering planes to motorcycles straight out of Japanese anime, this shop is full of both beautiful and well-scripted items.
Virtual Shopping Tips
Join the “F-ZiXX Members” for new product announcements.
The future is expensive! Many items here retail for up to $5000L.
Many rides are full of great options so be sure to read the included notecards for instructions.
After purchase you can get started with most rides by right clicking them and selecting “Get In” or “Sit Here.”
