Every once in awhile someone produces a list of The Best of  SL Merchants in different categories. For consumers, these lists can be useful lists of new places to check out and a source for ideas of where to look, but there is the downside of short-circuiting you own exploration and the fun of finding new and unique stores. For retailers, the lists are a great boost in building traffic and brand recognition, but there is also a downside of getting pigeon-holed. That certainly has happened with Sn@tch – a store that is often labeled Punk, Goth, Grunge or whatever is the au courant label for Alternative clothing. The category fits, but too tightly – and ignores the wonderful range of mainstream separates and high fashion outfits that you can find at Sn@tch. I thought I might spend a few days highlighting how Sn@tch is much more than the label and do my small part to stretch expectations.

Consider this Uptown outfit from Sn@tch. Yes, with the right accessories, hair and makeup, it could look alternative.  However, it’s a beautifully coordinated and completely mainstream sweater and skirt that is perfectly at home in a museum, a fundraiser or most any event short of a formal ball. It’s simply beautifully done.

I love some of the details – including the extended sleeves. Let’s give Ivey some accolades for including a manicure with the gloves.  Okay, the finger gloves are a hallmark of alternative design – but also of high-fashion design. When my RL friend saw this outfit, she classified it as high-fashion and pointed to the extended sleeves as what made it high fashion, not mainstream.  By the way, speaking of high fashion, I have to point out these gorgeous shoes from N-Core. I could not resist choosing a red heel to add a pop of color.

The jewelry is from Uzuri – where Afrocentric meets High Fashion. I love Uzuri’s jewelry and these bits of red make a good counterpoint to the dash of red in the shoes. The hair is from Vignette and the skin is Rockberry’s new Kalista that was just released.

***STYLE NOTES******
Promotional Copies are denoted by a Bold R

• Poses: Behavior Body
• Skin: Rockberry Kalista Light J R
• Eyes: Shine Cover Gold Sage
• Lashes: Lelutka Diva Prim Lashes
• Nails: PXL Creations
• Hair: Vignettte Jaime Brick
• Dress: Sn@tch Uptown
• Shoes: N-Core Cherie
• Jewelry: Uzuri Dalya Earrings, Uzuri Chura Necklace