Mesh must haves! (part one)

When mesh was enabled last autumn it met a very mixed response - some hailed it as a great step forward, a new tool for creators that gave them the ability to make clothing and objects with finer details, lower prim counts (or as they are now called "land impact") and the ability to make clothing that moves with the avatars body - no more hair sticking through bodies or dresses you can't sit down in.

Others were more sceptical - it made SL unstable, the clothing is bulky, it doesn't "swish" like flexis, you might have to change your shape to wear it, and people still using old viewers without mesh enabled can't see it, so you look odd to them - with strange egg shapes, boxes and invisible bits.

Even though mesh has been around for about 6 months now, and is clearly here to stay, I'm surprised how often I still hear the same old arguments rehearsed in group chat. I will admit to being a mesh fan from the start - I downloaded SL Viewer 3 the day mesh was enabled, and I even won the first ever contest (The Face of October Studios) where styling in mesh was the theme, back in September 2011.

Although the earlier mesh clothing did tend to be a little bulky looking, I had yearned to wear a maxi skirt that moved right, and thigh boots that I could walk in without looking like I had deformed knees! It was clear that, as with all new tools, it was only a matter of time before designers would develop their skills in order to fully exploit what mesh has to offer - and now there is a fantastic range of mesh available - clothing, shoes, hair, accessories, buildings and furniture.

So, I think it's about time for me to have a look at some of the fab mesh goodies on offer to today's fashionista in SL. First up is this casual but very chic look, just right for clubbing.

I'm wearing the new mesh Couture Leggins from Maitreya in yellow. These come in a fantastic range of colours and fabrics - shiny, suede and denim look, with 2 shape options - the couture option (shown here) includes boots, and there is an option for the more conventional ankle length legging so you can wear the footwear of your choice. I have a feeling these are going to be one of this season's fashion must have's. I'm wearing them with a top from coldLogic, an exclusively mesh store. This top is a hunt gift as part of the Fresh Unknown Hunt - all stores involved in this hunt have opened since November 2011, so it's a great way to find new talent. The hunt only runs till 31st March, so don't waste any time!

Style notes:

Leggings: Maitreya  - Couture Leggings/Yellow

Top: coldLogic - jett/black

Bag: LaGyo - Mira shoulder-bag/Aurora

Ring: Je Suis - Voyante ring/plain

Hair: Elikatira - Changes/Blonde 03

Skin: Glam Affair - Linn Light/BL clean

Makeup: MOCK - Bright Sunshiney Day Lucir Makeover

Lips: MOCK - Lucir Lipcolor Peep Yellow

Eyeliner: Miamai - XGen Makeup_LashNLiner *Charme* 

Nails: N-core Manicure