I typically receive a lot of requests from “new” brands asking me to look over their skins, give some feedback, and blog them. I have an excellent memory when it comes to something visual – especially skins. So when I receive “new” skins that looks exactly like skins I already have in my inventory, I will investigate. I”m always excited when I receive new skins to blog but sometimes I have to make hard decisions when I don’t think it is legitimate or something is “off”, I will let the creator know before blogging about it.
In this situation, I have contacted everyone involved so I want to share with you guys a lil’ story.
Here’s some history, so the rest will make more sense.
Last year, I was approached by Guy Seiling to check out some Maeve skins created by her friend, Mae Moriarty. When I tried on Maeve skins, I loved it. So I agreed to blog it on my site. The Maeve update group sent out a preview skin (so some of you might have it) but then, for some vague reason, the shop was closed before it opened and the Maeve skins never went on sale. I have not heard anything about Maeve or Mae Moriarty since.
So, fast forward to today. Guy Seiling approached me to blog skins from her new brand, Po De Arroz. When I tried on Po De Arroz, I loved it! I told Guy it was excellent, and that people would love it but when I looked closely at the body and the face, I thought the face was a lot like Maeve.
(Click here for full-size)
When I took a closer look at the body, I noticed that it was *A LOT* like Maeve, with some bits of older Minnu Palen skins mixed into it. Most noticeably, the belly button and the vag area. If you click on the full-size image, you’ll be able to see the comparison better.
(Click here for full-size)
Here is a picture of the Maeve legs & feet area, which is identical to Po De Arroz.
Now, this leads me to one conclusion: Maeve and Po De Arroz were created by the same person.
I asked Guy Seiling if she thought Po De Arroz skins looked similar to Maeve and she said no. I also told her that I thought some bits of Po De Arroz resembled older Minnu skins. If anybody reads my blog regularly, you know that I love Minnu skins. I can usually name the line, the order they were released, and pretty much everything about Minnu skins — I’m a Minnu skins addict, and above all, a skins addict. So I trust my judgment on this.
I think that Guy has done great work, and I told her this, that the Po De Arroz had a gorgeous face and a lot of you guys would love it. BUT, after seeing all these things.. and Guy not admitting to be Maeve, I am a bit disappointed.
That is all.
Check out Po De Arroz in-world.
For people that are interested, I plan on showing you guys the full range of Po De Arroz skins, but I will say this, buyer’s beware.
My first Belli home was a Traditional, which I used an add-on for. After seeing the previews for the Stilt homes, I gave it up in preparation for a Stilt. So then I missed having a Belli home and grabbed a log home to decorate for Halloween. I gave that one up on the day after Halloween, but was curious as to how fast it would be grabbed, so I kept hitting the refresh button. Suddenly a houseboat showed up and I thought “Why not?”. I never wanted a houseboat when they were first released, but I really love this! I am using the Barnacle and it is surprisingly roomy. There are add-ons for it, including one by the same maker as yours, but as yet I’m not feeling the need to ‘expand’. It has always been important for me to be next to the water in SL. Since I am now ON the water, a Stilt home is no longer a priority.