MONIQUE’S TRENDS ALERT : WICKED, UNUSUAL AND CHIC TRENDS OF AUTUMN 2025 TO HIT SECONDLIFE - Monique Chapeau Reporting...

Ah yes, Autumn. The season of transition; crispy leaves beneath your feet, warm drinks and pumpkins everywhere. Here are the most wicked, unusual and chic trends of Second Life in the fall of 2025. 

THE POPULAR GIRL’S STRECHY GUM: 

September is the beginning of classes (at least in the West). This means new sneakers out of the box, notebooks that have never been written in and fresh pressed clothing for your first day of class. That first week of classes in September bled into November and that presents us with the lasting trend of what I call “The Popular Girl’s Stretchy Gum”. 

The Stretchy Gum is created by the store Mud and is formally part of the Gatcha collection called: “The School Whore Gum”. 

The gum comes in 3 flavors: #3 Berry, #4 Grape and #5 Mint. The animation makes your finger look like it is twirling the gum, a fun way to make your avatar have a more carefree and rebellious youthful attitude. The Mud store actually paired the gum with outfits that match the “Popular Girl in Highschool” archetype, which fits perfectly with the gum as an accessory to the main character vibe! 

I have been seeing this cute stretchy gum all over Second Life and Mint is my favorite flavor! CHIC READING GLASSES: 

In the fashion world the chic-eccentric academic look has been huge in 2025. 

The fashion house Miu Miu, a label synonymous with what I can only describe as the “chic mad scientist” aesthetic has, over the past three years, perfected a distinctive balance between intellect and irreverence. The brand has presented preppy staples through bold-colored polos,

layered shorts atop thick-waisted boxer briefs, and timeless classics like sleek dress shoes, sharply tailored pencil skirts, and most notably oblong and rectangular shaped reading glasses. 

The “chic-mad scientist look” overall has made its way to Secondlife and specifically the chic rectangular or oblong frames have been spotted everywhere. The pair of glasses that stood out to me particularly was "CIUCIU" Office Frames by the Store CUPID. The glasses have been often spotted in-world, they bring an effortless chic to any outfit and blend seamlessly with nearly every aesthetic. 

TROLL MONSTER OF THE YEAR: THE LABUBU !!! 

From Chic to unusual, we now step in the pop culture craze of the Labubu. 

The first time I truly noticed the rise of the Labubu, I was wandering through department stores, and a fashionable girl had one clipped to her high-end handbag. Soon after, I started spotting them everywhere: kids at the park had them dangling from their backpacks, guys had them clipped to the loopholes of their jeans, and my YouTube feed began filling with Labubu collection videos. Labubu was like a drug, and the only way to get your fix was to order the next rare Labubu and add it to your collection. The Labubu was the next Stanley Cup! 

Let me explain the Stanley Cup… 

In 2023, a girl’s car burst into flames. After the fire was put out, her entire car interior was damaged and littered in ash, but remarkably still intact was the Stanley Cup. When the girl pried it from the melted cupholder, shockingly, there was still ice preserved in the cup. The video went viral with over 1 million views, and overnight, the Stanley Cup became known as "invincible”. 

The craze began, people were lining up in front of Target and Starbucks for hours before opening, and fighting in Stores to get their hands on the latest limited edition of the Stanley. Much like the Stanley Cup, the Labubu has become a viral status symbol and must-have collectible. 

Labubu wasn't always a doll… 

Originally, Labubu was created by a Hong Kong artist named Kasing Lung, as a character in a series of illustrated stories called “The Monsters”. The Labubu in the series is the star and is described as playful and mischievous. Lung, based out of Hong Kong, partially grew up in the Netherlands, where he was influenced by the region's Nordic fairytales and folklore.

In 2015 “The Monsters” were brought to life as collectible art toys. The Labubu’s ugly-cute appearance stood out from the rest of the typical cutesy toys.The Labubu is sold in various colors and sizes and allows fans to customize their Labubu to reflect their personality and style. 

The Labubu primarily soared in popularity across Southeast Asia when Lisa, a member of the famous K-pop girl group BLACKPINK, was spotted with a Labubu and that’s what triggered worldwide popularity. 

Like anything spotlight, there is usually a controversy surrounding it… 

In the case of the Labubu there has been speculation that it is actually a cuter version of the demon Pazuzu, a Demon of the Wind. 

Some owners of the Labubu doll have reported that when they received the doll they experienced paranormal activity. The doll's eyes glow red and following them move across the room, the creepy smile stretching wider, finding unexplainable small scratch marks on their body or the doll vanishing and reappearing around their house. There is concern that the potentially demonic toy’s target audience are children who can be easily influenced by demonic entities. 

The media has picked up on the Labubu Controversy. In the latest season of South Park, The Labubu craze sweeps through the school, and the children use the Labubu doll for a Satanic Ritual. (Episode 4, Season 27) And if you believe the “Simpsons Predict Everything” Conspiracy Theory; in the Halloween Special "Treehouse of Horror XXVIII," Maggie gets possessed by Pazuzu, the same demon linked to Labubu. 

So what of the Labubu in Second Life? 

Whether you believe Labubus to be just a popular toy or an entity that causes demonic chaos, Labubus has inspired Spin-off versions all over Second Life in every form. A phenomenon that can not be ignored! 

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Exploring Second Life's Best Fall Fashion Stores - Wanda Starchild reporting

As fall settles into Second Life (SL), avatars everywhere are embracing the season with layers, textures, and rich, autumnal colors. This year, several standout stores are leading the way in crafting unique, fall-appropriate outfits. If you’re looking to spice up your SL wardrobe with cozy sweaters, chic jackets, or trendy boots, here’s a look at five stores that excel in fall fashion.

The first destination that captured my attention was Blume.Blume is a rising favorite in Second Life, known for its playful and vibrant designs. The store specializes in fresh, feminine styles that are perfect for adding a touch of warmth and color to your fall wardrobe. With cozy knits, floral-printed dresses, and mix-and-match separates, Blume offers pieces that make a soft yet stylish statement. Their fall collection often includes pastel-toned sweaters, plaid skirts that work well for both casual outings and more polished settings. If you’re looking for a store that brings a sense of youthful charm to fall fashion, Blume’s diverse offerings are ideal for creating layered, cozy looks.

The second place I ventured to was Lunar.Lunar has quickly become a beloved name in Second Life fashion, especially for those looking to combine trendy styles with vibrant color choices. Founded in 2019, Lunar brings a fresh, contemporary feel to fall wardrobes with collections that feature bodysuits, dresses, and matching sets in bold colors and unique textures. This season, their popular "Tess" and "Lulu" collections showcase pieces that work beautifully in fall layers or as stand-alone statements. With a strong eye for detail, Lunar’s designs cater to both casual and elegant looks, making them versatile for different settings within SL. Members of Lunar’s in-world group enjoy a 10% discount, making it a favorite among SL shoppers looking for stylish and affordable fall options​.

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The third stop on my journey was C’est la vie!If a cozy, casual fall look is more your style, C’est la vie! captures the season’s laid-back vibe perfectly. This store’s fall collection includes soft sweaters, comfortable skirts, and wool scarves that radiate a cozy, relaxed charm. With an emphasis on soft, pastel colors mixed with classic autumn tones, C’est la vie! outfits can suit both daytime explorations and social gatherings in SL. C’est la vie! is known for pieces that blend elegance and comfort, allowing avatars to look stylish and feel relaxed. It’s ideal for those who want a gentle, whimsical look without sacrificing warmth and seasonal flair.

The fourth location I explored was Salt & Pepper.Salt & Pepper stands out in Second Life for its creative and interactive fashion options. Known for high-quality designs that incorporate unique features, such as wet-look textures that respond to in-world water, Salt & Pepper adds a touch of immersive realism to avatar styling. Their fall collections include a range of outerwear and accessories with functionality and flair, making them perfect for layered, seasonal looks. The Salt & Pepper main store is located in the scenic Birdcage region, where visitors can browse their collections and explore the desert landscape on horseback. This combination of innovative textures and thoughtful design makes Salt & Pepper a must-visit for avatars looking to make a statement​.

The fifth destination I discovered was Ison.For avatars seeking modern, structured looks, Ison has become a household name in Second Life fashion. Known for clean lines, tailored fits, and sleek silhouettes, Ison’s fall collection features trench coats, blazers, and long cardigans that offer a refined touch to any outfit. Ison's pieces often come in neutral tones, providing a minimalist yet stylish approach to fall fashion. Whether you’re heading to a formal gathering or just exploring the virtual world, Ison’s designs offer a timeless appeal with a contemporary twist, perfect for the season’s layered styles.

Fall fashion in Second Life is an exciting time for avatars to experiment with layering, textures, and warm colors. Whether you’re drawn to Blueberry’s versatile basics, Lunar’s trendy vibrancy, C’est la vie!’s cozy vibes, Salt & Pepper’s innovative interactive designs, or Ison’s minimalist structure, these stores provide a range of styles that fit the season. With so many options available, every avatar can find pieces that reflect their personal style while embracing the essence of fall.

So, head out to these stores, mix and match, and embrace the new season in style! From cozy casual to modern chic, Second Life offers endless possibilities for crafting the perfect fall wardrobe.

TELEPORT TO SHOP!

Blume - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bruschetta/146/46/1301

Lunar - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lunar%20and%20Friends/102/139/20

C’est la vie - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Harlman/161/23/50

Salt & Pepper - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Salt%20and%20Pepper/114/124/41

ISON - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Stilast/214/167/28

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Corn Maze! Stacey Cardalines Reporting...

I grew up in a suburban part of New England, and a major rite of Autumn was to go to a corn maze. 

Autumn is unique in that there is no major participatory holiday like the 4th of July or Christmas between Labor Day and Halloween. Many people therefore use Autumn as a sort of minor, extended celebration that ranges from pumpkin patches to apple cider donuts to hay rides. This gets them through the end of October, where they can hang ghouls off the house and dress like a Scary Nurse.

The town I grew up in was not immune to this, so every year would see a bunch of us- sometimes drunk- head out into the farm country to wander through a corn maze. I only say "sometimes drunk" because I was both doing mazes as a child (not drinking) or taking the kids to it (drinking after), which balances out my teens, early twenties and going-with-friends part of my life where one would have to be drunk to go to one.

About half the time, we never finished the maze, backtracking our way out and vowing to whip the maze next year. This happened every time we went after drinking, and a lot of the times where the children wore out easily. I can't actually remember beating the maze, to be honest, although I suppose we probably beat it a few times as children and I just can't remember. 

There are corn mazes in every county where I live, and where I live is only semi-rural. I can't imagine how many there must be in somewhere like Iowa. I recall reading that driving through there was basically "corn corn corn Walmart corn corn corn Gas Station corn corn corn Burger King corn corn corn..." They must have mazes everywhere there, and it would be cool to connect them all into an Iowa-sized maze and trap like 3% of America's population there during Tourist Season.

Corn mazes came into vogue in the 1990s, although no one knows who the first genius to try this out was. The idea sprung from the fact that you have to grow acres and acres of corn to make a profit, and the stalks have to be cut down after. Some great human figured out how to make a maze from this, people showed their interest with their pocketbooks and a new tradition emerged. Many farms rely on this part of the year to stay in the black.

With the bleedover into Halloween season, many mazes are also "haunted," and feature various goblins and serial killers. At least one horror movie- Chlidren Of The Corn- is set in a cornfield, and I am probably forgetting others. A corn maze is closely related to a hedge maze, and even an amateurish corn maze somehow looks creepier than the hedge maze at the end of The Shining. That's not easy to do.

They are best as a rural thing, however. Not many people farm these days, and a corn maze is often the only time a lot of people get close to a way of life that almost everyone practiced at one time.

I went to French Farm on SL to check out a SL corn maze. I was not disappointed. The sim is wholly decked out for fall, and I plan to get several articles out of my visit there. I must have took 100 pictures. They did a really nice job with the season, and I advise you to check it out for yourself. I don't know if they are French or just named French.

Their maze is easy to navigate, and has lots of surprises. There are enough dead ends (each with something cool in it) to make it so you have to at least concentrate a bit. I only took pictures of a few things in the maze, leaving the rest for our readers to discover on their own. It doesn't take long to go through, but you can stretch that out by looking everything over real slow. There are other activities on the im to keep you busy if you make it out of the maze. 

French Farm must be running this through Halloween, because they have a haunted maze, featuring various spooks and haunts and He Who Walks Behind The Rows. It's more cutesy than terrifying, and is a lot of fun either way. If they are smart, they will run it through Thanksgiving. Harvest Season sort of runs, at least in American imaginations, from the day after Labor Day until the end of November.... even late December, if you throw in Christmas tree farms

Please note that I included a picture of me finishing the maze, just in case you think I cheated my way out or anything.

French Farm:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20French%20Farm/52/85/24

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MONIQUE’S MATCHMAKING BOOTH: A GUY’S GIFT GUIDE TO CUFFING HIS CRUSH THIS FALL - Moniques Chapeau Reporting...

Hey Lifey Babes, this is your girl Monique coming to you with the hottest advice when it comes to dating in the fast-paced world of Second Life. 

Autumn is right around the corner and my favorite of the four seasons. There is something so special about the changing colors of the leaves, pumpkin flavored drinks, knitted sweaters and football (even though I have no idea what is going on in the game LOL). 

Cooler weather conditions are perfect for keeping everyone staying indoors and logged on to Second Life. And guess what, it is Cuffing Season! 

SL dating can be challenging for guys. It’s hard to separate yourself from every other guy in your Crush's inbox. Lucky for you, I have a solution, we can get her the perfect gift. 

REMEMBER: 

The objective of cuffing season is to Woo your crush into being your Cuff for the Holiday Season at least up until after Valentine’s Day. Meaning, she is not your girlfriend yet. Therefore, we will need something a little less X-rated and something a little more flirtatious and thoughtful to win her heart!

A HOLDIE DRINK: 

GET TO KNOW YOUR CRUSH 

The Holdie gift is the safest casual choice in the Second Life gift realm. Holdies can be a cute accessory that always fits. Most importantly, a Holdie drink can be an introduction to role play, a quick coffee date to get to know your crush; it’s natural and effortless. 

She will enjoy the gesture and always remember you when she is holding it. Small gestures can create the best memories. A great casual coffee date can lead to future dates! 

The pick up line: 

● “That (Insert X-Drink Name) would be perfect for (Insert X-coffee shop/ X-juice bar), let me Teleport you there!” 

Where do we buy the gift: 

MOVEMENT: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/HYPED/240/39/3002 

● One of my favorite Holdie/Holdables stores. They have many creative options, they look realistic and have many Weekend Sales! 

In the pictures below I am at the MOVEMENT store. I am holding the “Autumn Evening - Coffee and Cinnamon” on display. I also have the” Donut Strawberry Shake.” 

AN ADORABLE PET: 

TO SHOW HER YOUR CARING SIDE 

Women are nurturers, it is in our DNA. Research shows men with cute animals in their dating profiles get more matches. Using this knowledge, we know she will love the perfect little creature as a gift. 

For the girl you already know, ask her in casual conversation what animals she likes and dislikes. Make sure her gift is not an animal she has a phobia of (that could end up to be a disaster). 

If she already has a SecondLife pet, you could get her something similar. If you two are on a personal level, you could ask her for a picture of her real life pet and you could get her the SecondLife version of that exact one. Her heart will melt so be prepared for all the Awes! 

Another thing to consider is your Crush’s overall aesthetic before you get her a pet. Example: 

● If your Crush is a girly-girl you might want something fluffy like a bunny/kitten ● If your Crush is edgy and likes black maybe a reptile/ bat 

● If your Crush is a mythical being she might like a fairy/dragon instead The Pick up Line: 

● “Your pet matches you perfectly, we should do a photoshoot of us and your new pet!” ● “I saw this (Inset X-pet type) that reminded me of (Insert her real life Pet’s name) and I thought you’d like it in Second Life too!” 

Where do we buy the gift: 

REZZ ROOM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paris%20City/170/139/26 ● REZZ ROOM is a great standard place to pick up the standard common pets along with a few exotic ones! 

In the picture below I am at REZZ ROOM hanging out with Lions, the cub is so cute! 

CUTE PAJAMAS: 

FOR A ROMANTIC NIGHT IN 

Cute Pajamas are a step down from the risque nature of lingerie, but still romantic. The perfect introduction to propose a late night movie date or snuggling by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate. 

The pick up line: 

● “You look cute in those pajamas, you should wear them to watch a movie with me later.” ● “You look so cozy in that, you should wear it by this fireplace at (Inset X-location) while we talk and gaze at the stars.” 

Where do we buy the gift: 

GOSSIP: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ELEVEN/146/135/30 

● The store is full of nighties, sleeping shirts and other cute sets I have been eyeing. 

In the picture below I am wearing pajama shorts and a top set with adorable pizzas on them from Gossip, they also have an avocado and cow version if you like! 

JEWELRY: 

TO SHOW HER SHE’S SPECIAL 

Jewelry is for the woman you already have a deep romantic connection with.The gesture will make her feel special. You can present the jewelry on a romantic date before proposing the idea of spending the Holiday Season together. 

Simple earrings or a bracelet that matches your crushes style should do the trick. The benefit to Jewelry is it fits, and ideally should be able to match many outfits. Everytime she looks at it, she will feel adored. Remember, diamonds ARE a girl’s best friend! 

She will have something to show her girlfriends while she talks about how exciting and thoughtful you are. 

The pick up Line: 

● “I really enjoy spending time with you, my family lives far away and I was wondering if you’d like to see eachother on (Inset X-holiday).” 

● “There’s a party and I would like you to be my plus one if you would like to join me!” ● “I was thinking you could wear this. We could both dress up for a photoshoot for (X-holiday) if you like!” 

Where do we buy the gift: 

VOBE: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/VOBE/141/133/504 

● An amazing location to pick up a little trinket or chain of all metals and a variety of styles. 

VEXIIN: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/XODOHTRONU/128/129/3152 ● Firstly, the store is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The store reminds me of a Casino, a great place to actually bring your crush to pick out the gift herself. Vexiin has great classic pieces or pieces that are more blingy your crush likes that look more! 

In the picture below I have on a double butterfly chain from VOBE called “Valentina Necklace Silver ''. I think it’s so pretty. The watch is from VEXIIN and called “Merit Diamond Watch (Platinum)” I wear it all the time as a timeless piece. 

CONCLUSION 

Autumn is one of the most eventful Seasons and in our down time indoors it is a wonderful thing to be able to spend it with people we care about, especially your Crush. As a guy, you can always show the girl you care about affection and treat her with a special gift to make memories that will last longer than a Season. 

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