Zullay

Chance of a lifetime

2009-05-13T16:19:00.011-04:00

I've gotten some messages asking if I'm going to be releasing anything new. It's been a few weeks and I guess people are starting to wonder.

I haven't had much time as of late, due to a way cool and very excellent real life opportunity. This project is something I'm very passionate about, and hope to make a real life difference with my work.

Unfortunately, this means that designing for Zullay Designs will no longer be possible.

The store will probably stay open through May 31th, 2009 so if there is anything you'd like to purchase you can pick it up.

This has been a wild and crazy ride, and my sincere thanks to everyone for making my fashion designer fantasy come true. I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends and you awesome customers.

Never forget that YOU are extraordinary!

I wish you all lotsa love, laughs and chocolate :)
<3 Zullay

The outpouring of support is so cool! Thanks everyone, it means a lot.

I've also received some questions and requests so here is a quick FAQ's about the store closing (sorry I've not the time to answer them all individually):

Q: Will you be discounting your items or giving them away?
A: No. To give them away or to discount them all would devalue the work I put into them, and would not be fair to those customers who paid full price. The items I placed on discount before my decision to close the shop will remain on discount.
I have always endeavored to do right by my customers and will continue to do so until the shop closes.

Q: Will you hire me/my company/my friend to manage your store so you don't have to close it?
A: No. I do not have the time to create new items and keeping a store just have my current stock available isn't a sound business practice. The stock would soon stagnate and sales would eventually die out completely leaving me to pay my rents out of pocket. If I cannot add anything new and fun for my customers, then there is no motivation for me to keep the store open.

Q: Can I have your files full perm?
A: No. All of the designs are my original designs and I will maintain ownership of my copyrighted materials and creations.

Q: Can I buy Zullay Designs or use the name?
A: No. Zullay Designs is trademarked, and I will not be selling the store. Zullay Designs was my little dream and it is not for sale at any price.

Q: Will you ever return to designing in SL.
A: I've loved my time here and creating yummy stuff has been such a tremendous joy. If there comes a time when I can return and create again, then I will certainly come back.

Q: Can I still purchase the outfits you currently have listed on XStreet?
A: No. They will be taken down as well when the store closes.

Q: Can I sell your items for you and pay you a percentage?
A: No. I am not authorizing anyone to sell my designs on my behalf.

Q: When will you be filling my gift certificate I sent you?
A: I will be filling the gift certificates I currently have this week. Please forgive the delay, but I've such little time at the moment to do anything in SL. I will fill them when I have a free second, I promise! :)

Winners!

2009-05-02T04:29:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Grace Staryk who took 1st place in our *Spring* photo contest! She'll be receiving a L$2,500 gift certificate to buy herself some yummies from Zullay Designs!

Janaina Delvalle took 2nd place and gets a L$1000 gift certificate, and Chirzaka Vlodovic took 3rd earning her a L$500 gift certificate. Cheri Larnia is receiving a set of the Georgia shorts and top for winning Honorable Mention.

Congratulations everyone, and thanks to all of you who entered.

Happy weekend!
<3

Spring/Summer '09

2009-04-24T00:50:00.004-04:00

[Poet Collection: "Miranda" belted dress w. hooded cowl]

I've finished up the first few pieces of the Spring/Summer yummies and hope to have them in the store by Friday evening. Beginning with these items, all future items priced over L$300 will have free demos for you to try on prior to purchasing.

The first is Miranda (above) from the Poet Collection and has captured the Springtime in Paris vibe. The set includes the sculpted (2 piece) hooded cowl, dress top and knee length system skirt (w. glitch), flexed prims skirt, contrasting prim belt (touch to resize) and gloves. Miranda was created so that you could wear it with or without the cowl or flexed skirt and will come in Cyan (shown), Rose, Violet, and Latte.

[Glamour Collection: "Isabeau" in Sunset]

[Glamour Collection: "Isabeau" in Afternoon]

From the Glamour Collection we have Isabeau, which is a 3 outfits in 1. It's a mini dress and one piece swimsuit (shown above), and can also be a top when worn with a pair of skinny jeans. The top is decorated with contrasting hand painted jewels on the straps on the front and back. Along with the Sunset and Afternoon colors shown above, a baby blue and pink version called Morning and a black and red one called Night will also be available.

[Poet Collection: "Georgia" Top & High Waisted shorts (separates) in Red & Cream]

[Poet Collection: "Georgia" Top & High Waisted shorts (separates) in Navy]

Last, but certainly not least are the Georgia separates from the Poet Collection. The striped tops button down the back and come in tops will come in Navy, Red & Gray on cream with matching scarves. The high waisted shorts zip up the back and are pleated on both the front and the back with 6 decorative buttons and sculpted cuffs. The shorts will be available in Navy, Cream (both shown above), Red and Gray.

The new hairstyle shown with the new outfits is called "Demure" and will also be introduced this weekend with the new clothing. Demure is part of the Poet Collection and is touch to resize, as with all of our hair styles with free demos.

I'll be sending out a notice to my groupies as soon as the outfits hit the store!

Have a delightful weekend everyone!
<3 Zullay

Congratulations

2009-04-21T14:58:00.003-04:00

To say that it was difficult to choose the top 3 photos for our first photo contest would be an understatement.

So many awesome entries. The creativity and imagination shown by everyone is inspiring.

But, in the end we had to choose. Congratulations to (in no particular order)
Grace Staryk
Chirzaka Vlodovic
Janaina Delvalle

These are our top 3 choices, and now (starting on April 22nd), all of our customers can come to Zullay Designs and vote on your favorite! (Check HERE to see the initial entry with the how-to of the voting).
We would like to send out an honorable mention to Cheri Larnia for excellent work as well (and she'll be getting a special gift).

We are delighted that so many of you took the time to create some really cool shots for our *first* photo contest, that everyone who entered will be receiving an item (in a limited color) from the upcoming Spring/Summer 2009 collections. If you entered, be on the lookout for some incoming yumminess this weekend when I'll be sending them out!

Thanks everyone!
<3 Zullay

For a great cause

2009-03-16T13:01:00.003-04:00

The RFL Clothing Fair begins today, and I'll be donating all of the proceeds from the "Pirate Grace" set to the cause. The theme is "Pirates" and Grace is how I do pirates...chic and sexy.

I'm hesitant to reveal much about my personal life, but cancer hits very close to home for me . My mother died of cancer several years ago, and it isn't a phone call I wish anyone to have to receive. Ever.

To that end let's Relay...let's make a difference and get one step closer to a cure.

Have a delightful week everyone and shop til you drop.

Aaargh.

<3 Zullay

2 New Yummies

2009-03-07T19:39:00.004-05:00

"Aurora" Skirt & Top set, new for the Poet Collection

"Ariel" swimsuit new in the Glamour Collection

I've been busy making some new yumminess for the upcoming Clothing Fair, but I so love these 2 outfits I had to share!

Enjoy the sexiness and bring on the warmer weather :)

<3 Zullay

"Spring" I'm Extraordinary photo contest

2009-03-06T23:24:00.004-05:00

It's nearly spring time, and I'm looking forward to some warmer weather and yummie outfits! To get us all in the mood for the springtime we're having a photo contest. Just join our Flickr Group , submit photos of yourself wearing our stuff, and you could win a cool gift certificate for Zullay Designs (which means a shopping spree on us...and that's pretty cool).

The best part is that our customers get to pick the winner! Dame Demina (my awesome assistant) and I will pick the top 3, and you pick who wins.

So here are da rules (because it's a contest and we have to have rules):

-Submissions for the Spring I'm Extraordinary contest run from March 10-April 19, 2009 and need to be submitted to the I'm Extraordinary Flickr Group between the above dates.

-Submissions must have have your full name in the title of the photo (so we know who to credit when you win).

-You need to be wearing a Zullay Designs outfit minimum in the theme of Spring

-Feel free to do some "photoshopping" to the picture if you are so inclined, just don't change it up to the point where we can't see the hair, clothing and skin, and no nudity please

-The judges for the contest are Zullay Thor and Dame Demina, and we will be choosing the top 3 photos. These 3 will be announced on April 20th and their photos will be placed in the main shop for customer voting beginning on April 22nd

NOTE: If you are chosen as one of the top 3, you must send a full perm TGA graphic to us in order to be entered for the final in-store customer voting. You will be contacted on who to send the graphic to if you are one of the top 3 chosen.

-Customer voting for the best photo will start April 22-29 in the main shop of Zullay Designs. You must go to the location and touch the photo of your choice (only one vote per photo, per avatar)

We hope you have some fun with this, and I'm really looking forward to seeing all of the great photos our customers share with us!

<3 Zullay

Stuff to do

2009-02-19T14:57:00.004-05:00

Hello there!

It has been a couple of insanely busy weeks, and the schedule doesn't appear to be slowing much. With the spring/summer 2009 Couture Collection on the drawing board along with the spring items for the read-to-wear collections I've my hands full. Add in a few custom Couture orders and some fabulous fashion shows, it's a bit crazy! But I'm loving it.

Here are a few events that are coming up where my yummie designs will be featured:

-Morpheous Dreams fashion show produced by the Atlantis Modeling Agency. They are a top-notch group and great to work with. It will be at my main shop on Saturday Feb. 21st at Noon SLT SLurl

-March 16-22: Clothing Fair. LM's will be available in a few weeks and I'll keep you updated on how to get there and what fun stuff I've designed (including a limited edition set).

I regret I was not able to have the information for my show at RUNWAY's Fashion Week in Bryant Park out to you in time for the show on Tuesday. It went really well and I was thrilled to work with Maggie Mahoney and Ocean Bates, et al for this event. They do a wonderful job. The shows will be going on through next week, so do look it up in-world and go if you can. There is also a small boutique where the shown fashions will be available to purchase after you've seen them on the runway.

RUNWAY is also producing an YSL tribute show this summer and I'll have a design in the show. The design is inspired by YSL, who was one of fashion's major influences for the past 50 years. His death last year left a whole in the heart of the fashion industry, but his style goes on as his influences can still be seen in the designs of Micheal Kors and other contemporary designers.

I'll keep you updated on other events I'll be partaking in, and I hope to see you there!

<3 Zullay

Newness

2009-02-12T00:28:00.004-05:00

Here are the first 2 hair styles with the new textures (I so love them!). I will be retexturing the older styles next week at the latest.

Also new is the Zenobia mini-dress complete with silver linked belt. Of course all of the hair styles and the prim belt have the handy "touch to resize" script making them easy to fit.

I'll be posting all of the upcoming events here on the blog soon, so check back!

<3 Zullay

Where's the L.O.V.E. ?

2009-02-03T22:49:00.004-05:00

Now that the store is all put back together and organized, I'm holding a Valentine's Day goodie hunt. There will be 4 hearts hidden in the store. Each heart will have a letter that spells out LOVE. You have have to find all 4 hearts to get all of the pieces of the Christine Dress I've done in black and pink and will not be available after the hunt.

Find the LOVE, find the goodies :)

<3 Zullay

Pardon our dust

2009-02-03T07:43:00.009-05:00

Hello dahlinks!

Some updates for you....

For several weeks I've been mentally designing a new look for my main shop. I love the island location, but the interior is so not me. After many long hours of searching for the right color palette and working on the layout, it is finally time to update Zullay Designs.

I'm so excited about this new look and I can't wait to show you!

But, if you see me in the shop tearing down walls, ripping up the floors and making a general mess of things...do not worry. In a few days it will be all done and better than ever.

Speaking of better, I've been messing about with new hair textures on and off for the past month. I knew I wanted to improve them, but not exactly certain what I was going to do!

In order to avoid actual work, I've spent several hours playing in Photoshop trying out different techniques to make my new hair textures. At last I've completed the textures for the straight hair and hope to have some new 'dos in the shop soon after the remodeling is complete. I'll be putting 3 of the older styles on sale for 50% off so you can grab them before they are replaced. Sale hair styles have the giant glowey red sign that says, "SALE" on it.

I'll send out a notice once the remodeling is complete and the new yummies are in.

Have a delightful week!
<3 Zullay

Oooh Pretty!

2009-01-23T17:14:00.001-05:00

The Glamour Collection Mani/Pedi set in "Ravish" (Shown with the new Glamour Skin in "Ravish" make up)

The Glamour Collection "Marilyn Dress" in periwinkle. I'm channeling old Hollywood here and loving the sexiness!

Poet Collection "Silvia" gown in Rose. (Hat sold separately)

Glamour Collection "Veronique" Gown in Red (Oooh la la, no?)

Glamour Collection "Flora" Dress in Scarlet (tres chic and so feminine).

The ever popular "Diana" Gown, now in 3 more colors (Green shown here). This new version of Diana comes with 2 pairs of gloves: one to match the bodice & the traditional black pair.
________________________

Because I'm such a tease, I'm posting some snapshots of the new items I'm releasing on Sunday. I'm very excited and if you're in my group, then you'll be receiving a group gift today....a free set of my mani/pedis in a limited edition color.

So I will see you all on Sunday from 10am -1pm SLT where we can dance and enjoy the new yummies! :)

<3 Zullay

Personal Assistance

2009-01-23T16:45:00.004-05:00

UPDATE:
Yesterday I hired Dame Demina as my personal assistant. I believe she is the perfect addition to Zullay Designs and I'm looking forward to working with her.

Help me welcome her aboard, and I'm certain you will treat her with the same kind and generous spirit with which you've all treated me.

<3 Zullay

Dress Up!

2009-01-20T21:06:00.008-05:00

I've been a busy the last few weeks. Feeling I needed a few more dresses for the shop as well as manis & pedis to match my skins, I went to work and created some yummie items for you.

On Sunday, Jan 25th from 10am-1pm I'm having a little party celebrating the release of these new items. And I just really was in the mood for a party .

I have 5 new dresses, one of which is the popular Diana gown in new colors, 3 new make ups added to the Glamour collection skins, and new mani & pedis to match the Glamour Skins.

So starting at 10am on Sunday all of the new items will be 15% off until 1pm, there will be a goodie hunt, door prizes and DJ Summer Deadlight will be spinning some danceable tunes from 11am-1pm. Come and play dress-up and have fun :)

Limited

2008-12-13T12:22:00.003-05:00

Hello there!

I've been working on a new collection which fits nicely betwen the ready-to-wear items from the Glamour, Poet & Ethereal collections and the one-off items from the Couture collection and are perfect for those who would like an exclusive item without investing in a Couture piece.

::The Limited Collection:: consists of exceptional items and are limited in their availability. Only 10 are sold, and I retain a copy for personal use for a total of 11. Pieces from the Limited Collection will not be available once all 10 are gone.

All pieces are numbered # of 11 so you can see which of the set you are purchasing.

(To purchase an item from the Limited Collection, right click on the item and choose "More" and then "Buy". The item now belongs to you, but you must "Take" it. Now the item will now be in your inventory boxed and you will have to rez the item, then open it and copy them to your inventory in order to wear it.)

You can find the first from the Limited Collection beside the Couture Collection near the back of the store.

::The Chantal Gown:: is the first from the Limited Collection and comes in Scarlet (shown), Violet & Ebony. Top on 3 layers along with a semi transparent flexed skirt, system skirt, glitch pants and gloves are included.

I am also opening a small shop on the new LE.LOOK! Sim which has it's grand opening on Sunday. I've made a new gown that is available exclusively in that shop on LE.LOOK! and you can stop by the new sim and pick up the Vivian Gown.

::The Vivian Gown:: includes top on 3 layers along with a flexed skirt, system skirt, glitch pants, gloves with sculpted flowers, and a scarf with sculpted flowers.
I'll send out a notice on Sunday for those who would like to attend the opening and do a bit of shopping.

Have a delightful weekend!

Additional Styles

2008-11-20T22:44:00.003-05:00

I've just placed 2 more styles in the shop. Hope you love them!

Much love!
Zullay

More Couture

2008-11-10T06:53:00.005-05:00

Here are the two newest and yummiest items from Zullay Designs Couture. The Artemisia set is sexy and chic while Caseopia is nothing short of elegant.

Both are hot off of the runway, literally, as they were revealed for the first time on Saturday at the RUNWAY/Miss Virtual World Couture Revue fashion show. They will be in the shop, Zullay Designs soon (Monday evening is the target!).

These designs are true couture and only the original is available for sale. No copies will be sold, nor will I create any more of these designs.

Happy Monday! :D
<3 Zullay

EDIT: The Caseopia Gown has been purchased. It now has a loving home :D

Mixing 'N Matching

2008-10-27T14:34:00.007-04:00

I enjoy mixing and matching colors, textures and looks. That enjoyment inspired me to create these awesome autumn looks which I called the ::Hera:: set.

A belted jacket, nicely textured shorts with sculpted cuffs, a striped sweater, and a pleated neck blouse make a nice addition to any wardrobe.

All of these items are sold separately in 7 yummie colors.

When you stop by, be sure to check out the pumpkin. There is a treat in there for those of you who like free goodies.

Couture

2008-10-11T03:44:00.004-04:00

It is nearly 4am, but I cannot sleep. I'm so excited! Why? You mean you don't know? Well today I will be premiering 4 new and lovely pieces for the Couture Collection and they are so beautiful they are beyond yummie (I'll need a new adjective now).

So today will be the VIP preview (for members of my update group and other wonderful people who have supported me), and Sunday I'll spend a few hours modeling the pieces for the public. I have a new skin and hair style to go with the pretty new things. The pieces are limited as in there is only one created and sold. That's right, only one! So yes, the prices will reflect their uniqueness, but for those who want that special outfit that is theirs alone, this is the perfect opportunity.

The skin and hair will be available only through Oct 26th, then it will be gone forever.

And to even add more giddy to my giddiness, Strawberry Singh (Aka Berry) posted a delightful blog post about me and my little shop on her blog of awesomeness named Berry's Blog. You should check it out. Her photos are really something.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Zaara Kohmine of {Zaara} who was hanging out with Berry while we chatted in my shop. Now I don't get out much shopping for clothes, but I do keep an eye on the blogs and magazines. Zaara is an incredible artist and she's a delightful person as well. I have never been to her shop, but I plan to go very soon just to stand in awe of her creations.

Now I can tell my friends I know a famous SL designer :P And she's cool too.

So dahlinks, read Berry's Blog (link to the left) and then I'll see you this weekend when I'm showing off my newest items. I'm really excited and hope you can make it!

<3>

Hoodie

2008-10-03T02:12:00.007-04:00

I love autumn. I also love the comfy weekend wear that comes with the cooler weather. So get cozy with the new Nysa Layered Hoodie.

This is a layered, mix and match look with the Nysa hoodie, the hoodie layered with the longer undershirt, and the longer undershirt with sculpted prim cuffs and a cool sculpted prim hoodie. Each can be worn separately for 3 different looks in 6 de-lish fall colors:
-Red
-Orange
-Brown
-Black
-Ecru
-Purple

Decisions

2008-09-30T00:24:00.005-04:00

I have received many questions about the upcoming Couture Collection. Some people ask when will it be released, while others are curious about the cost of a unique ensemble. The most asked question is, to my surprise, how will they be sold?

When I developed the idea of having a Couture Collection, my focus was on creating luxuriously detailed and unique outfits and hadn't give much thought to the logistics of selling them.

Will they be auctioned? If so, how? How is the starting price determined?

Will it be first come first serve? And how is that going to work with customers from around the globe in different time zones?

How will the creations be debuted?

To answer some of these questions truthfully: I do not know.

In case you are not familiar with my Couture Collection, it is a group of several unique and quite beautiful outfits that I am creating. This collection differs from my other 3 collections in that I will sell the originals, not copies. This means only one person will own the creation and I will not make another.

I am leaning towards a silent auction because it is the most organized option I can think of. Give everyone a few days to see the outfits and then send me note cards with their bid on it.

Prices will be determined by the amount of time I spent on the item. Currently I have 3 outfits completed and they range in price from L$3,000 to L$35,000.

For an unveiling I want those who have supported the fledgling Zullay Designs to be the first to see the items. I'm considering randomly choosing the names of 15 group members who have my store in their picks in world and they will be invited to the unveiling. Then later I'd allow the masses to come and visit the new yummies and drool for a bit before the auction opens.

The tentative release date is October 11th.

I'm creating a poll over on the left there to get some feedback. I'm very interested in what my customers think.

Success

2008-09-20T23:32:00.002-04:00

Some people define success by their financial situation. Others by their family and friends. I am going to define the success of Zullay Designs by my happy customers.

Today I was very successful.

I heard how much the free goodies and scavenger hunt prizes were appreciated and how much people loved the items they purchased. This means a lot to me. Certainly there is the need to pay rent and cover my upload fees, not to mention paying for my time spent creating an item, but it is not as important as you wearing an item from Zullay Designs and feeling special.

That is my number one goal.

Speaking of happy people, there are 3 very lovely and very fortunate ladies who have won the Grand Opening Drawing. They each get to choose 5 items from the store and I know they will wear them proudly! Our winners are Ella Quinsette, Zelda Homewood and Eden Knoller.

Congratulations ladies and I hope you love each and every piece you choose.

It has been a long and wonderful day, but I must retire for the evening.

Thank you all for visiting Zullay Designs.

Firsts

2008-09-18T21:18:00.008-04:00

This has a been a fun week of firsts for Zullay Designs. I sold my first skin, and we have our first posted reviews.

Big smile.

It's all quite exciting.

I admit some trepidation when sending out review items to both Stella Stapleton (of SexySecond ) and Rhi Rossini (of Second Style ). They are both bloggers that I enjoy reading, but asking them to review my creations was a bit nerve wracking. I am quite proud of my designs, but no one ever wants negative feedback.

You can link to the blog posts over there on the left

The Grand Opening is just days away and unfortunately I will not be showing the Couture Collection at that time. I have been spending every spare moment working on the collection, but it is not going to be completed to my standards and I refuse to show anything that isn't 100% fabulous.

It will be another week or so before it is done, but it will be worth the wait, you can be certain.

I have several things scheduled for our Grand Opening:
-A scavenger hunt of sorts around the cove outside of my shop. Gift bags will be filled with goodies and free to those willing to make their way through the undergrowth to find them
-I will have a new set of skins free during the Grand Opening and NOT available afterwards
-A limited edition version of one of the Glamour pieces will also be available during the Grand Opening only
-Finally, I will be giving away pieces of each collection. 3 winners will be chosen and they will receive 5 items of their choice from the collections.

Please stop by Zullay Designs on Saturday September 20th from 10am - 4pm and say "hello". I'll be there along with my yummy creations.

Hello

2008-09-13T12:59:00.006-04:00

About 6 months ago I created my first nice skin (one that I could wear out in public) and I am now wholly addicted to this concept of wearable art (which is truly what Second Life (tm) fashion is).

I have rented a cute little shop Zullay Designs on a very pretty island and I have filled it with skins, beautiful clothes and hair styles.

It's all very exciting and I hope you find something that you truly love to wear.

(Psssst...a little secret: in the shopping bags by the front entrance I have placed free skins and a beautiful gown as a gift to those who stop by before the grand opening).

Of course my little store would be nothing without a thank you to those who have supported me, encouraged me and, most importantly, were my crash dummies while I was making my first designs. And I'd be remiss if I did not also acknowledge those who made learning how to create in SL (tm) possible through their clothing templates, base skins, and the brilliant tutorials.

Much love,
Zullay