I’m a dress collector - online and off. I don’t often have the occasion in either world to wear the especially interesting ones - but that doesn’t mean I don’t acquire them with both focus and reckless abandon.

In this entry, I’ll be covering a range of formal gowns and extraordinary dresses - period frocks; goth dresses; modern gowns; fairytale gowns and one of the most dramatic dress in game. I chose each piece for its unique cut, rich textures, detail and/or overall feel. I also want to mention that these dresses are not necessarily new - but each one is special in its own way. I wish I could show all the ones I consider “special” because there are so many more. Special for instance like the two below from Taliah Talamasca’s Wardrobe Trunk (more on these in a moment) or the gown from Shai that I blogged a while back.

I’ll tell you what each one is, who made it and where you can get it, but to be clear, this is a showcase. I loved them all.

Starting with “Lucinda” in rose from RFyre (which is what I am wearing in the first photo as well). I’m attempting to show Raven Pennyfeather’s exquisite texturing on the prims, which is best seen close-up.

Click for more from (RFyre, Taliah Talamasca, Sachi Vixen, Paper Couture, and Last Call)

Here’s Lucinda from farther back. When you purchase this a-mazing outfit (yes that’s emphasis), you also get a full-length gown option, dress boots, and prims galore to finish it. The texturing…is…unbelievable. (note: the lace you see coming through on the right is the petticoat flexing - not a problem with the skirt - look at the first picture, this garment really flexes)

Also from RFyre, this is “Goth Doll II” - a similar cut and same perfect texturing with a much darker look in smoky crushed velvet with metal accents.

The next two are the ones I led with from Wardrobe Trunk. They are - in a word - perfection, if you’re looking for period dresses. I stumbled upon this shop months and months ago, promising myself I would be back. I couldn’t even find it again without revisiting my Snapzilla to see where I had been.

First is the red/black dress, which comes with two main looks. I’m only showing the Victorian option here (with hat and parasol) but you also get a more burlesque look as well. Of course, you can also opt out of the parasol, etc., but they’re in there for a reason should you have the occasion for them. The parasol animates you very nicely.

Next a hand drawn white beauty in “Virgin” with bustle, and lace collar and sleeves. Very regal. Very different. The skirt is a system skirt with prim bustle. I also saw a similar gown there with blood spatters all over it, so perhaps you can be a bloody mary for Halloween.

Moving on to the more modern, here is “Tillie” in aqua from sachi Vixen at Adam N Eve. This is a new release and a good reminder to think of sachi when you’re shopping for a gown.

The bodice is very beautiful - and quite revealing ^^. No, I have not had work done The choker is from Charmed and is easy scripted initial change. You can also tint the ribbon.

Also new from sachi is “Rose” in well, rose. The bodice cut is similar and the texturing and detail is also lovely. The skirt is a straighter cut, which is flattering to many avatar shapes. Again, with a plunging neckline that would make my Bubbeh (that’s grandmother) blush.

Fairytale gowns? Check. This gown that you have likely seen before called “Josephine” from Last Call is one of my all time favorites. For me, it’s truly a fantasy dress for a most special occasion. There is no better like it that I have seen and certainly not in my inventory. If I were playing Tiny Empires like Jelly, I might even try a crown with it. But hell if I could figure that game out. I never got out of Peasant status.

Lastly, the mother of all gowns…you knew it had to be this right? This is the “Falsetta Layered Gown” from Paper Couture. It speaks for itself. I had this my inventory for months before I wore it and don’t know that I’ll have the opportunity to again…but it waits in my inventory just in case.

I’ve been working on this for quite a while and posts like these take a while to put together, but I hope you’ll find something you’ll be inspired to try - or maybe revisit some of your older favorites.

Skin ~ CS/DN Vogue (various makeups); Hair ~ ETD Cadey and Naughty Crave; Jewelry ~ all earrings from Diamonde and bracelets from EMJ; Shoes ~ Shiny Things

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