This week's offering is a sweet and saucy babydoll dress with a rose pattern and sculpt skirt and prim pearl buttons in back. It's in a color exclusively available this week only for 50L friday. TP there now.

Frustration, Theft, and Communication Issues

A few days ago, Hybrid Ansar alerted me to a suspcious avatar by the name of Medussa Neutron. This person had ripped off a few people, including Hybrid's friend Ikaru Aichi. What's worse is that this person had done this under other accounts previously and when caught, just created Medussa to continue with their theft. When I looked at the pictures of the item in question and Medussa's Xstreet listings, it was clear to me that she had indeed stolen the texture from my Tease corsets and used them in her own designs. My corset was 100% hand drawn and all of the details lined up perfectly with Medusa's corset: wrinkles, hooks, boning. When I logged onto SL today, Hybrid asked me if I had filed a DMCA yet because Ikaru had been IP banned and they believed it was as a result of retaliation against Ikaru for filing the DMCA. Hybrid asked me to put in a good word for Ikaru and mention my experience and I offered to do so as a courtesy.
My problem is just how do I go about communicating with LL about this issue? I can not file an Abuse Report about the theft because Medussa is no longer listed in search and that is a requirement for an AR, I can not file a DMCA on an account that no longer exists about items no longer available on Xstreet, I can't file a ticket because my issue does not fit into any of the categories and an incorrect listing will be ignored, I do not have a premium account so I can't file under avatar issue, and the 800 number is for billing issues only. If there is another avenue of communication with LL, I'd appreciate it if someone let me know.
All I can do right now is show you all the pictures and ask you to keep an eye out for this person's work in the future since they are a repeat offender.

Dead Beauty Corset


5th & Oxford Corset


Composite

Poll Results and Clarification

Thank you so much everyone for weighing in on this decision. I've posted the results below and as you can see, the crochet dress has one by a large margin so that's the next design I will be working on.
crochet sheer mini 49%
ditsy print dress 11%
rose babydoll 20%
striped top/skirt combo 20%

So, that means next design is the...



Crochet Mini





Now that this is out of the way, I'd like to address something else. It came to my attention yesterday that there was a misunderstanding about my creative process, specifically, in relation to this poll. Some people were under the impression that I would be copying the design exactly and/or photosourcing it. When I created my poll/last blog, I assumed that everyone who reads my blog and plurk are friends and/or customers and as such, are familiar with how I work. Since I've learned this is not the case, let me explain my process to you all.

The majority of the time when I begin a new project, I look at magazines, blogs, etc, to draw inspiration from. Often, I have some theme/look in mind and assemble a variety of items on an inspiration board and draw a bit from each one. On some occasions (like this one) I'm at a total loss and I poll folks in plurk and randomly pull images that appeal to me and then systematically narrow it down to whatever I think will work best in sl and be most appealing. I do not sketch because I can't draw anything better than a stick figure. In fact, I don't 'draw' my textures. I create my clothing by making a series of selections and shapes and using various tools to achieve the effect I am looking for. Even when basing a design off of just 1 image, I still like to alter the look to suit both SL and my own personal taste. I NEVER do exact replicas of rl designs for my own personal reasons. That said, it would be perfectly legal for me to copy a rl design because in the US, unless you are copying logos or distinctive features from a design (like a patented super special zipper or a trade marked print like Burberry plaid) it is perfectly legal to 'knockoff' a design.

When it comes to the actual execution of a design, I do NOT photosource a whole image and I rarely photosource elements in the design. Out of all my designs, only 3 contain any photosourcing. Without going too much into ip laws, I will say that I take greater care than I legally am bound to when sourcing for my designs and all of my sources have been in public domain. I hope this clears up any confusion and please let me know if you are interested in seeing and reading more about my process. <3

YOU decide!

So, I've been wasting WAY too much time discussing what my next release should be with CJ and we've narrowed it down to 4 options and I've decided to ask all of you what you think we should release next. So please take this survey and let us know what you think.

New @ 5th & Oxford: Narita

This week's release is a glamorous swimsuit with retro appeal. Narita features ruching and comes in both a hibiscus print and solid colors. They come in 4 colors each and as always, are available in multiple layers.

tp to 5th & Oxford

HBox Skin Fair Exclusive!

We're very pleased to announce the release of our new skin, Sorbet. It's an exclusive skin available only at the Hbox fair. Our Touch of Sun Sorbet set includes skin, shape, and an adorable little bikini with a cherry motif. This sweet skin has just a touch of sun on the cheeks and nose and comes in 3 skin tones and features mod brows.















Be sure to drop by the fair to check out the other creators as well. It's an adorable enviorment and because it's such a small scale, the lag should be at a minimum. There is also a live music event at 2pm.

2 Fifty Linden Friday Items

Something for the ladies AND the gentlemen this week. The first item is a teeny little bikini with cherry detailing on the bust. This item is not yet available in our store so be sure to snap it up this week!




The second item is a little something for the men. I've created two novelty tees in red and gray. It's something small but I do promise more things for men will be coming in the fall.

From Seaside to Bedside

The Seaside Sweetie collection comprises of a striped knit halter, solid cotton halter, high-waisted linen skirt and shorts with buttons. All four pieces are available as separates in 8 complimentary shades and multiple layers to maximize mixing and matching. This set is available at both our main store and Copley Square satellite location.










5th & Oxford is also pleased to announce our upcoming lingerie release, Lila, will be available in a color exclusive to Copley Square during the month of June. This 100% hand drawn set includes a slip, panties, stockings, and garters in a variety of
layers.





http://slurl.com/secondlife/nouveau/230/219/23/?title=5th%20&%20Oxford

Fifty Linden Friday: Grace Bustier

We're participating in Fifty Linden Friday again this week and I've created an adorable little cropped bustier just for the occasion. The linen bustier features pearl buttons and is being sold in a set of 3 colors. You can find it here in our main shop. Be sure to also check out other participants in this week's 50L Friday.

50% Off Every Item - Sale Ends Today!

The biggest sale we've had since opening! Every item from skins to furniture, 50% off. Just a reminder that the sale ends today. The good news is that our Jori set and some select skins will be available on sale for a few weeks more at Copley Square. There are a number of other great stores participating in the sale, so be sure to check it out.

Fifty Linden Friday: The Tease Lingerie

By popular demand, we've created our sumptuous Tease lingerie set in turquoise. This color was done exclusively for 50L friday, just one day only. The set includes bra, panties (with and without garters) and 2 sets of stockings. Be sure to check out this week's other participating vendors as well.

We're Tease-ing you!

With the most sumptuous retro lingerie set ever, from the talented pixelated fingers of Roslin & CJ.

Yep. It's called "Tease." You can buy the whole set or select the pieces you want. Prices are just right! Colors? 6 delicious ones: Amethyst, Ruby, Onyx, Sapphire, Emerald and Cerise.

I'm particularly entranced by the buttons down the front and the laced-up back. Not to mention the new version of the beloved 5th & Oxford gloves.

Come, take a look and treat yourself!

Your taxi awaits: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/242/251/23

50 Linden Friday - The Tease

Our 50 Linden Friday item this week is a set of lingerie that offers a sneak peek at our upcoming release. Aptly named, The Tease, this set comprises of bra, panty, panty garter, nude stockings, and matching colored stockings. All of the clothing comes in every layer I could imagine and I've even made the garters available without panties for even greater mix and matching possibilities. The rest of the set will be out before Valentine's Day but not at this great price so snatch it up while you can. Also, be sure to visit the other participating vendors this week.

New Face of 5th & Oxford: Brooke

Brooke features the same body as our Audrey line but with increased saturation and contrast. It's available in 3 skin tones and 30 makeups. Some of the new features of the face include new, thinner brows, new nose, mouth, and refined shading on the face. Brows are still mod and the price remains the same as Audrey, just 600L with a discount available with the purchase of a 2400 store card that has a value of 3600. The skins are available now.

2 New Additions To Make Gift Giving Easier

Some of you may be familiar with our older gloves. These gloves come in 8 colors and are sold in sets of 3 lengths per color. They will also be available as either copy or transfer, for ease of gifting.

We also have 5 sculpt gift boxes that are mod/transfer. They are perfect to use when giving store cards or gloves away as gifts. Don't forget that our higher denomination store cards come in with a built in discount.

Rebel, Rebel Release

Our latest release is a laid back departure for us that includes casual but stylish clothing items as well as something for the home. See notecard for pics and lm. This release includes 2 tees and one halter in 5 colors, and a denim mini with prim skirt and sculpt belt. Home furnishings include, wall and floor textures, 2 record mobiles, and a sofa in 2 colors.



Grazia Horwitz was nice enough to serve as stylist, photographer, and model. She is wearing the Rebel,Rebel makeups from our new skin line, Brooke which is set for release in the next week or so.

50 Linden Friday - Rebel, Rebel Outfit

We're part of 50L friday this week and will be putting up an outfit that will be part of an upcoming release. The Rebel, Rebel outfit includes an olive green halter with hand drawn chain detail. This color will only be available for 50L Friday. The outfit also includes a mini denim skirt with a sculpt belt. Enjoy!

50 Linden Friday - Brooke Winter Stars Skin

We have an extra special treat for Black Friday, we've created a special makeup for our soon to be released Brooke skin, available one day only. Please be sure to sure to check out other participating vendors, this Friday's roundup is HUGE. Enjoy!

Birthday Sale!

Today is my 32nd birthday so I thought what better way to celebrate than to spread some of the joy to all of you. Our entire Little Miss set of skins are all 50% off. Also, look for gift boxes which mark the items that are on sale for just 32L! The sale is on for 24 hours only so be sure to stock up while you can.

50 Linden Friday - Novelty Ts

This time around, our 50 Linden Friday item is a novelty t-shirt that sports the words "50 L Floozy" and a bonus t "Rock Royalty" is a sneak peek at 5th & Oxford's upcoming Rebel, Rebel rock inspired line. While at our store, be sure to check out a notecard with lms for other 50L shops or join the group.