Sims Nation Magazine: February 2022 by The Sims Nation Magazine

ISSUE 14 | FEBRUARY 2022

100+

LIVE LINKS

STYLISH WEDDING WEAR LOOKBOOKS

BLACK SIMS MATTER:

HOW THE SIMS CAN DO BETTER BY BLACK PLAYERS

HOT OR FLOP? CARNAVAL STREETWEAR KIT REVIEW

FEATURING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH

HEYHARRIE AND CRYPTICSIMS

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

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SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

FROM THE EDITOR 03

FROM THE EDITOR

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

FROM THE EDITOR 04

Kendrick Lamar, famed musician and Pulitzer-prize winning artist, professes to celebrate Black History month like his own birthday. This idea alone, centering the conversations that often permeate Black History Month around Black joy, is honestly revolutionary. It is all too easy to only turn our eyes toward the very real, very harrowing reality that is living while Black in a world that often ignores, disparages, and despises us. When we advocate for equal housing, equitable pay, equal representation, desegregated education, better healthcare, and the right to simply exist without undue violence upon our Black bodies, we are often met with the strange retort that racism is long over and that we are simply “playing victim” in a system perceived as largely just. The blowback from undeniable facts is gut-wrenching and sickening. But the trauma of racism is not all of Blackness. It never was, and it never will be. Like a rose that blooms in cracked concrete, beauty thrives in the Black experience, in Black love, in Black joy. Black History did not begin with slavery. Black History did not end with the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. Black culture, as observed throughout the African diaspora, is rich, full of flavor and vibrant color; our ancient roots lie coiled in the soil and sands of the motherland; couched in our DNA is the scientific blueprint for all mankind; we are endless and beautiful, soulful and musical, full of spirit and godliness and unbreakable grit. We, living and breathing and loving, are Black history, and there is just so much to celebrate. Sims Nation Magazine is an organization of which I am deeply proud. All of our writers, artists, and contributors are committed to our cornerstone ideas: that Black lives matter, that all humans have the right to love and live authentically, that the world which we traverse is precious and ought to be preserved, and that people must work to bend the long arc of history toward justice. This commitment does not stand in order to minimize the struggles of other peoples or to glorify one culture over another, but to remind Black people that they matter, that we have always mattered. It serves to cut through the noise of self-loathing. It serves to allow Black boys and girls to look into the mirror at their round noses, at their skin like cinnamon and bronze and plumdark, at their tight coils and plump lips, and see what they truly are: beautiful and irreplaceable. Yours in Blackness,

A.Em Alaeryn Emlu'rathian EDITOR IN CHIEF

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

STAFF 05

OUR STAFF

ALAERYN EMLU'RATHIAN Editor-in-Chief

LIZZYUK Assistant Editor

IRIMIEL EMLU'RATHIAN

Executive Publication and Graphics Editor

QUEENYAYT

Staff Writer and Custom Content Curator

SHELLYBEE Chief Custom Content Curator

DAY SIMMER Custom Content Curator

WICCAN SIMMIE

MAIA MAKES

SLFJ PRODUCTIONS

Custom Content Curator

Resident Build Expert

Machinima Contributor and Pose Curator

JO_SE_OH

JACECHU

Custom Content Curator

Staff Writer

HERALD SIMS

Sims Community Consultant

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE 06

WE ARE THE REVOLUTION 08

SIMPLE. CLEAN. SOPHISTICATED:

A Moment with HeyHarrie

ENDLESSLY INSPIRED: A Moment with CrypticSims

RUNWAY REVOLUTION BLACK LOVE EDITION 17

"SEXY SUITS" -

"WEDDING WONDERLAND" -

" GROWN AND SOPHISTICATED"-

"DREAMS COME TRUE" -

"TOTS AND TIARAS"

CARNAVAL STREETWEAR KIT:

ShellyBee's Alpha Masculine Lookbook

QueenyaYT's Alpha Feminine Lookbook

Jo_se_oh's Maxis Match Masculine LookBook

DaySimmer's Maxis Match Feminine LookBook

WiccanSimmie's Children and Toddlers formal wear Lookbook

Hot or Flop?

BUILD THE REVOLUTION 61

FEBRUARY SHELL CHALLENGES:

Luxury Living, Chermishello3, Pink_Umbrella

BETTER BUILD TIPS WITH MAIAMAKES: Clutter 101

"FLORAL WEDDING" A Custom Content Wedding Spread

IN THIS

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE 07

ISSUE 75

"HARLUXE HONEYMOON" -

TOP-NOTCH WEDDING VENUES -

A Custom Content Honeymoon Spread

Our Favorite Wedding Venues on the Gallery!

THE REVOLUTION MIGHT BE TELEVISED 83

"THE VOWS" -

"LOVE NIGHT"

Wedding Poses from QueenyaYT

Honeymoon Pose Selection

START THE REVOLUTION 92

CALL TO ACTION:

BLACK SIMS MATTER:

Black Lives Matter

How Sims 4 Can Do Better by Black Folks

THE JOY OF REVOLUTION 98

ANIMAL CROSSING NEW HORIZONS:

FEBRUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

100

BLACK HISTORY MONTH WORD SEARCH

Valentine's Day Custom Designs Haul

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

WE ARE THE REVOLUTION 08

SIMPLE. CLEAN. SOPHISTICATED.

A MOMENT WITH HEYHARRIE INTERVIEW BY ALAERYN EMLU'RATHIAN

However, Sam’s designs feel light and elegant in ways that elevate the world for which they were created. Her work is

HeyHarrie is an undeniable giant of custom content

wrought in sleek woods, rich and sumptuous-looking

creation for the Sims 4.

fabrics, and organic furniture pieces that are deeply inspired, fresh, and eye-poppingly stunning. But Sam’s

Worldwide, build-obsessed Simmers worth their custom

work is in no way one-note. Though she certainly enjoys a

content salt know and praise the jaw-dropping genius that

“with-it” style that many would call chic, she has crafted a

is HeyHarrie; her 3D modeling work is meticulously

wide variety of creative pieces for the Sims, often

pristine, and she has an unmatched eye for what is simple,

alongside Felixandre - another ridiculously talented, well-

beautiful, and cutting edge in the design scene.

known, and highly-praised Sims 4 custom content creator. Together, the two have formed the House of Harlix,

For years, Sam has created custom content that is

crafting farm house beauty in packs like “Living Rum” and

considered “Maxis Match;” that is, her designs slip easily

“Orjanic,” lively, eco-friendly greenery in “Bafroom”, and

into the colorful, clay-like Sims world that Simmers know

intricate outdoor and desert-worthy pieces in packs like

and love.

“Jardane.”

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WE ARE THE REVOLUTION 09

In addition, Sam often sinks herself into the heady work of creating custom packs on her own, like the sleek, clean comfort of modern city living in “Brownstone” or the ultra sparse work of stone and concrete in “Brutalist.” HeyHarrie has managed to break through the busy chatter that is the saturated field of 3D modeling for the Sims to create a name for herself nearly synonymous with build/buy custom content. In fact, Sims developers reached out to her for their 21st anniversary celebration in order to fold her impressive work into the official base game. Sims Nation Magazine sat down with HeyHarrie to find out more about the genius behind the ubiquitous name; the resulting interview reveals Sam as not only a truly dedicated artist and friend, but also a humble, approachable person who is endlessly thankful for those who praise and make use of her designs

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WE ARE THE REVOLUTION 10

Alaeryn: Sam! Words can't express how deeply excited and

Alaeryn: Tell us more about you. Where did you grow up

honored we are to interview you for Sims Nation Magazine!

and how did you get into 3-D modeling? Why Sims?

You've been hard at work creating gorgeous content and collaborating with creators like Felixandre! How is life

Sam: [I was] born and raised in London, England.

treating you? Have you been able to take a breather after

I studied graphic design at university, then worked for my

the holidays?

dad's business as a designer/project manager after that, but it just didn't exercise my creative side, so I started

Sam: Thank you for having me! Life is treating me really

finding other outlets for my creativity.

well right now. I finally took a month off in December to recharge my batteries and get ready to tackle this year's

First, [I took up] cake decorating, [but] when I still needed

content. This year's work is well under way with Harluxe,

more of an outlet that wasn't also such an expensive past

the next collaboration with Felixandre nearing completion.

time, I started my YouTube channel.

It's always exciting to see the community's reaction to new

I only really discovered that there was an online Sims

content, especially with the collab sets as we really go all

community towards the end of the Sims 3 days; however, I

out to create something extra special.

have been playing The Sims on and off since 2000, when my friend's dad bought us the game to play.

Alaeryn: Your name has become nearly synonymous with Sims 4 custom content. How did you come up with your

When I started my YouTube channel, there really weren't

name? Did you ever think your brand would grow to these

any larger channels that used build custom content, but I

levels of absolute success?

had always used it in my own builds, so I decided to stick with custom content (cc) builds in hopes of making build

Sam: My online name is actually a nickname given to me by

cc less scary. Then through my love of cc, I found

my dad when I was a teenager. When I decided to start my

Felixandre's content, and as they say, the rest is history!

YouTube channel, I searched and discovered that there was already a channel that used a play on my real name:

Felixandre showed me his techniques for cc-creation, and

Samantha, so I decided to use my nickname for my

this is an experience for which I feel really fortunate.

channel name instead. At the time it was an easy decision

I had basic knowledge of 3D modeling from my day job, so

as I also used the name for my cake business. And no, I

it was a pretty quick transition process. But to this day I'm

never in my wildest dreams imagined that this level of

still learning new techniques; I would really love to take a

success would be possible. Every once in a while the

course in 3D modeling, so that I can take on more complex

reality that I make computer furniture for a living hits me

items.

and I just laugh out loud of how crazy this all is!

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WE ARE THE REVOLUTION 11

Alaeryn: This month, Sims Nation Magazine highlights the contributions of people of color. How have ideas like Black Lives Matter and Black empowerment shaped your experience as a gamer? A content creator? As an individual simply navigating the world around us? Sam: The Black Lives Matter movement being at the forefront of everyone's consciousness was a real blessing for me not only as a creator, but also within my friendship groups. I had always kept my content focused on the Sims and never really saw myself as having a platform in which to make a change, but with the BLM movement, I saw it as an opportunity to speak up and share my opinion with my community, no matter how large or small I believe it to be. Also, personally, it allowed some great discussions with friends that weren't Black and really weren't aware of any of the issues Black people face on a daily basis. Alaeryn: Your custom content is sleek and beautifully simple. It is chic and sophisticated, often featuring the woods and natural materials that are so deeply in style. Your most recent work - the Harluxe resort collection - is a fine example of this gorgeous, spare style. What or who are your greatest inspirations for your work? Sam: The Harluxe resort collection was greatly inspired by Felix and I's holiday in Mexico last month. The resort had such a cool and sleek vibe, while still showcasing traditional Mexican materials & construction techniques. We both just knew it had to be our next collaboration set. But my other content is usually inspired by something I've stumbled upon on Pinterest. I live on that site! But also I am kind of a magpie when it comes to inspiration. The more images I can look at the better, then I'll filter down into a set concept. I now buy every design magazine and book I can get my hands on as they have new and fresher ideas than I can find on Pinterest.

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THE JOY OF REVOLUTION 12

Alaeryn: Fairly recently, Maxis included some of your amazing custom content into the official Sims 4 base game! Tell us about that experience for you! Sam: To say it was an experience of a lifetime would be an understatement! I just didn't see it happening and was so excited to be a part of it. It was kind of a full circle moment for me. I have been playing the game since its release 21 years ago, and now I’m an official part of the game that I love so much. I did send a special thank you to the old friend and her dad for introducing this game into my life all these years ago. Also now it's so great to see so many people using my content in their cc free builds. When I created those items for my Halcyon CC set, I really was trying to include great everyday items which I thought had been lacking in the game, and now they have officially filled that gap, which is mind blowing! Alaeryn: Do you have anything else you'd like our readers to know? Any advice for aspiring cc creators? Sam: Well firstly I would just love to say thank you for all the community support that has enabled me to be able to do what I love as a job and to carve out a life path that I never thought was possible. To aspiring creators I would suggest that you pick items that you are passionate about. Making custom content is not a quick process, it takes a lot of time and dedication to create at a high standard, so picking a subject that means something to you will get you through those long hours and struggles. It will keep you going when you boot up the game and the item just doesn't work, so you have to spend hours or days troubleshooting! Make the Sims 4 Studio forum your home. There are so many great starter tutorials and fellow creators sharing solutions to common problems you will encounter.

ENDLESSLY INSPIRED

A MOMENT WITH CRYPTICSIMS INTERVIEW BY IRIMIEL EMLU'RATHIAN

Since bursting onto the Simming scene in 2017,

Working with stunning precision, Nathan manages

EA Game Changer CrypticSims has blessed us with

to create lovely arcs of blush, and shining lipsticks

incredible custom content cosmetics, keeping our

with undeniable dimension. When a Sim dons

Sims on the cutting edge of the hottest makeup

Nathan’s inspiring makeup pallettes, they not only

trends. When it comes to Sims 4 custom content,

gain gorgeous color but also a posh glow.

the work of CypticSims is unparalleled; from his

Nathan’s work absolutely shines, making pixeled

flawless placement technique to his colossal

lips look fuller, eyes brighter, and cheekbones

variety of options for Sims of every skin color,

higher.

CrypticSims is at the top of the makeup-molding game.

This month, Sims Nation Magazine had the honor of

Nathan is well-known for his saturated palettes in a

sitting with the legendary creator himself to talk

variety of vivid colors. He produces eyeshadows in

about his unique experiences as a Black content

well-blended ombres paired with thoughtful, eye-

creator, his sources of inspiration, and the best way

opening highlights.

to make it big in the world of custom content.

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WE ARE THE REVOLUTION 14

Irimiel: Nathan! Words cannot express how excited

Irimiel: You are known for your flawless cosmetic

I am to interview you for Sims Nation Magazine. We

custom content creations. When did you decide to

are such big fans of you and your beautiful custom

start creating custom content and why?

content. Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview. How is 2022 treating you so far?

Nathan: I started making custom content in 2017. At that point I was already watching beauty gurus

Nathan: Thank you soooo much for having me! I

that my best friend Natalie introduced me to.

really appreciate this opportunity.

I wanted to create custom content because I

So far, 2022 has been okay. I can’t complain! I hope

wanted to make makeup that I didn’t see other

you’re doing well.

creators making… I remember thinking “Welp, I don't wanna bother other creators with a million

Irimiel: Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you

requests, so I’ll just learn to make it myself.” I also

from?

wanted to create more makeup that looks good on all skin tones. It took me a while to learn, but I think

Nathan: I’m 25, from New Jersey, and I love

I finally mastered it.

everything related to computers, makeup and gaming! I went to college and graduated with a

Irimiel: What would you say, in your experience, has

Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Design.

been the hardest part of being a content creator?

Irimiel: When did you first get into The Sims?

Nathan: To me, the hardest part of being a content

Are there any other video games you enjoy playing?

creator is figuring out how to create content when you’re experiencing creative block and burnout.

Nathan: I first got into The Sims when I discovered

For me, sometimes I would experience burnout

Lifesimmer during my junior year of high school.

while being able to think of a ton of ideas for

I watched a ton of her Sims 3 Let’s Plays.

content. It would irritate me because I’m getting all

I always credit her as one of the reasons why I’m in

of these ideas but I don’t have the brain power to

this community today!

physically create anything. There was a struggle to

As for other video games, I love playing Dead by

find a balance between making what I want to make

Daylight, GTA V Online, and Fortnite. I’m always

and making what I think my supporters would like. I

open to trying new games.

think I finally found a good balance.

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WE ARE THE REVOLUTION 15

Irimiel: You've recreated popular cosmetic palettes

Irimiel: You've recently collaborated with another

and kits but most of what you offer are original

Black powerhouse creator and Sims Nation Mag

creations. What inspires you when creating these

interviewee SheaButtyr. Are there any other collabs

stunning and stylish designs?

in the foreseeable future?

Nathan: I pull inspiration from literally anything

Nathan: I love Shelly so much! Whenever we talk, a

and anywhere! I will never forget going to Walmart

lot of times we’re always talking about possible

with my mom, seeing this gorgeous rug and thinking

collab concepts, so there definitely can be another

“I need to make this into a palette,” so then my

collab in the future. When it comes to other

Aeson palette was born. I also love to pull

creators, there might be a few in the works!

inspiration from my friends, family, celebrities, my favorite artists, music videos and more. At this

Irimiel: Who are some of your favorite CC creators?

point, I feel like there’s nothing I can’t pull inspiration from.

Nathan: I absolutely love Sheabuttyr, Aharris00britney,Luumia,Synthsims,

Irimiel: This month, Sims Nation Magazine is

Simcelebrity00, Greenllamas, Sentate, Lamatisse,

celebrating Black love, fashion, and lives. Tell us a

Okruee, and more… There are sooooo many talented

little about your experiences as a Black content

people in this community. I think my CAS style is big

creator and how has it shaped the work you do?

eyes, big lips, blush and a somewhat abnormally small head, LOL. I also think a lot of my Sims have

Nathan: As a Black content creator, I feel like it is extremely important to make makeup that looks good on Black Sims. That has been a goal of mine since I started making custom content. A lot of times I would download eyeshadows, lipsticks, etc. and see that there are no swatches for Sims with darker skin. It’s very important for me to make sure that Black Sims have the same amount of options as everybody else. It’s also the reason why a lot of my eyeshadows and lipsticks have a lot of swatches. There are some moments where I want to create the same swatches that some brands have, then once I test it in game, I’m like where are the darker shades?! So then I add a few so people don’t have to use sliders. I am thankful for the slider system though! It gives people a ton of more options that were not possible before.

almond shaped eyes.

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WE ARE THE REVOLUTION 16

Of course I purchase an item so people don’t think I’m a weirdo, but simply walking around and taking pictures of stuff in person helps me a lot when I want to get inspired. If it applies, always keep Sims with darker skin tones and Sims with monolids in mind. Being inclusive should be a top priority. Make sure to have a display index number for everything so all of your CC sits next to each other in CAS! Lastly, I would say to collaborate with your best friends or people in the community. I’ve done two collaborations with my real life best friends Bethany and Natalie, and it’s been a ton of fun. Doing collaborations with people in the community is such a beautiful experience because you get to know different people and create amazing content together. Definitely give it a try! Irimiel: What's next for you?

Irimiel: Anything else you'd like to tell our readers?

Nathan: I’m excited to finally update all of my

Nathan: I hope you all have a happy, healthy, and

makeup for sliders, along with having all of my cc

safe year! To those that support me, I appreciate

sit next to each other in CAS. I’m also finally

you from the bottom of my heart and thank God for

releasing my version of The Sims x Mac collab this

you every day. You all are one of the reasons that

year, so I’m extremely excited for that to come out.

I’m still going!

It’s very different from what I’ve released so far and there are a few firsts for me in that collection, as I’ve been experimenting with a few new techniques. Irimiel: Do you have any advice for those wanting to explore the world of custom content creation? Nathan: When it comes to content creation, I would say to have fun with it. Don’t pay too much attention to numbers. Come up with your own ideas. Brainstorm and pull inspiration from the world around you, don’t steal from other creators. Sometimes when I want ideas for CC, I go to a Sephora or Ulta near me and I just walk around the aisles and look for products that stand out to me.

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

RUNWAY REVOLUTION - BLACK LOVE EDITION 17

SEXY SUITS AN ALPHA CC MASCULINE LOOKBOOK BY SHELLYBEE

LEO

ISRAEL

KHALIL

DORIAN

ANDREW

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

RUNWAY REVOLUTION - BLACK LOVE EDITION 23

WEDDING WONDERLAND AN ALPHA CC FEMININE LOOKBOOK by QueenyaYT

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

RUNWAY REVOLUTION - BLACK LOVE EDITION 28

GROWN AND SOPHISTICATED A MAXIS MATCH MASCULINE LOOKBOOK BY JO_SE_OH

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

RUNWAY REVOLUTION - BLACK LOVE EDITION 34

DREAMS COME TRUE

A MAXIS MATCH

FEMININE LOOKBOOK BY DAY SIMMER

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

RUNWAY REVOLUTION - BLACK LOVE EDITION 39

TOTS AND TIARAS

CHILDREN AND TODDLERS FORMAL WEAR LOOKBOOK BY WICCANSIMMIE

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

RUNWAY REVOLUTION - BLACK LOVE EDITION 52

CARNAVAL STREETWEAR KIT: HOT OR FLOP? REVIEW BY ALAERYN EMLU'RATHIAN

OVERVIEW When I first heard that the Sims 4 developers planned to release a Carnaval-themed kit, I was overjoyed. After all, Carnaval is the caliber of world-wide party that encompasses nearly every aspect of my unique Simming style: it celebrates and centers people of color, often highlights the exuberance of queer culture, and embraces all that is over-the-top and breathtakingly indulgent. The unapologetic debauchery of Carnaval is a luscious luxury-experience of the senses, and I am here for every inch of it. Dubbed “Carne Vale” or “farewell meat” by the ancient Romans, Carnaval actually originated in ancient Egypt as a ceremony that ushered in the spring season and bid the winter months goodbye. It is the period of absolute jubilation and feasting that comes before the season of Lent, when many Christians abstain, or fast, from meat, a favored food, or a vice. Sims 4’s Carnaval Streetwear Kit is a Create-a-Sim kit that toes the line between classic Sims readyto-wear styles and the unapologetic neons, sequins, feathers, and cut-outs of Carnaval. The kit boasts stunning party pieces in eye-pleasing ice-cream colors and knock-out neons. It offers tight skirts, glimmering tops, quaint overalls, floral rompers, and feathered accessories all unabashedly inspired by the colors of various queer pride flags. LGBTQ+ people and their allies will quickly recognize not only the quintessential rainbow flag but also the flags for lesbian pride, demi pride, pansexual pride, and many more.

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

RUNWAY REVOLUTION - BLACK LOVE EDITION 53

The kit comes stocked with one new nail set, two new

The star of this kit is, undoubtedly for me, the floral

makeups, three accessories, twelve feminine pieces, and

romper. Available in nine pleasing swatches, this

six “masculine” pieces. I aim to review my favorite

gorgeous get-up comes with an open v-neckline and a

pieces, but not all of them. For example, I left off the

head-turning leafy print that gives the feeling of floral

watermelon shirt because, well, it’s dorky. Deal with it.

without actually edging into flower print territory. God, is this outfit perfect. Both bold and clean, preppy

It should be noted that although I have divided this review

and fun, the romper is perfect for the high-fashion Sim

into “masculine” and “feminine,” a major selling point of

ready to party for days in the Brazilian sun.

this kit is that each piece is designed to suit all body types. This is a necessary and highly-requested change

A close second for me is the colorful mesh top.

that the Sims team appears to whole-heartedly embrace.

This top, available in the many colors of the queer flag

By challenging the very idea of “masculinity” with their

rainbow, is exactly what any self-respecting man in a

recent “Modern Menswear Kit” and creating new looks

pride parade should strive to wear. It does also come in

that are designed to fit all body types, the Sims looks to

plain white and black swatches, which somehow manage

stay on the cutting edge of culture, fashion, and the arc of

to feel even sexier than the other variants, and that is

history that bends toward justice.

saying something. Alaeryn, my main Sim, with his long and narrow torso and broad chest looks smoking in this

MASCULINE LOOKS

top.

I’ll be honest. Most of the Sims in my save are masculine. I enjoy making male Sims more than perhaps any other

FEMININE LOOKS

gender, so I am always incredibly excited to get new menswear. But, perhaps more specifically, I love

In true Sims fashion, the women get the lion’s share of the

menswear that retains the hyper-masculine silhouette –

fresh looks in Carnaval Streetwear Kit, and nearly all of

broad shoulders, clean lines, narrow waist – while

them are knockouts.

challenging the hyper-masculine stereotypes with flashy colors and head-turning textures. Before Carnaval

Perhaps the winner of the entire repertoire is a sunny,

Streetwear Kit (and Modern Menswear) I was beginning to

beaded top, again available in many shades of the queer

grow tired of the scores of boring button-ups and formal

rainbow. It is a beautiful, skin-baring, jewel-toned work of

suits. Custom content became my saving grace when I

art that is shiny and colorful and absolutely delicious to

dressed my men, though I did also find immense joy in the

behold.

Fashion Street Kit as well. But let’s get to the meat of what I must say about the masculine looks.

But the fun does not even begin to stop there.

SIMS NATION MAGAZINE

RUNWAY REVOLUTION - BLACK LOVE EDITION 54

Another favorite of mine is the pride-flag crop top, a

THE VERDICT

quaint little thing that thrives on bold colors. Its formfitting fit and pleasing design is an easy win, though I’m

For me, there is not much to hate when it comes to this

sure many Simmers feel more than inundated with wave

pack. It is bold, sexy, and just plain fun. With its constant

upon wave of crop-tops for women. I am inclined to

nod to queer culture, it is a must-have for any self-

agree. It is pretty difficult to dress a more a feminine Sim

respecting, parade-loving, over-the-top Simmer.

more conservatively in this game, which can be frustrating, particularly when dressing elder Sims. That

That said, I wish the Sims team would have pushed the

being said, this kit is for Carnaval, a world-wide party

envelope even further. I wanted the massive, full-bodied

known for the sexy and indulgent, so I’ll let it slide this

feather costumes that I associate so closely with

time.

Carnaval. I wanted the shining beads and body paints of Mardi Gras. I wanted thigh-high strappy boots, impossibly

The tight seductive skirt of the pack comes in ten

steep heels, body glitter, and just more.

different swatches. Hip-hugging and sporting a strappy slit along the sides, the skirt is another gorgeous addition

This pack gives me glitter and shine, but falls surprisingly

to the Sims 4 catalog, though there is nothing

short in the texture department. As many Simmers have

extraordinary about it. It’s a lovely skirt sure to inspire

already noted, the fanny-pack which comes with the

many a woohoo session.

shorts looks flat and painted on, lacking believable dimension. The sequins are shiny but in no way 3-D, and if

The incredible feminine looks continue in this pack with a

I’m honest, when putting a feminine Sim in the masculine

tutu like rainbow skirt that comes in twelve vivid

clothing, the clothes changed her body composition

swatches, a pair of very short denim shorts in ten

jarringly. Her torso became longer, her shoulders

different colors, a plain pair of shorts with an

broader, as if to accommodate the masculine mesh,

accompanying fanny pack, a head to toe elegant dress

which, you know, isn’t really the point of unisex clothing,

with tempting cut-outs at the waist, a beachwear outfit

is it?

with vibrant peacock patterns and a long, loose cover up, and a sequined halter-top with an A-line skirt and gold,

All in all, the pack is a keeper if you’re an extravagant

criss-crossed belts. All of these looks are good, a

Simmer like me. Grab it now for $4.99 on Origin.

welcome addition to any feminine closet, and it would be difficult to pick a clear winner if not for the amazing croptop and suspenders combo.

Bottom line: Hot or Flop?

It is flirty, with an off-the shoulder lace up top, bright suspenders, and somewhat modest shorts in several appealing colors.

HOT

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FEBRUARY 2022

SHELL

CHALLENGES

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BETTER BUILD TIPS WITH MAIAMAKES HOW TO CLUTTER BETTER

1. Make it make sense. It's a basic rule you already know but you might need to remember it again. The items that you place should fit in the room it's in. Even if they're not usable, match your clutter with the room's function. Maybe ask yourself: would it make sense if I put this object here in real life? Or: what purpose does it have in here? Not every slot on the table should be filled nor should every wall have a painting. Also, we love adding plants in every corner of a room, but look around the room first to discern if the plant is a good fit. 2. Make it match. Cluttering can range from focused color schemes to crazy color combos. If you want your clutter to look more coordinated, use the same color tones together with objects that either have warm or cool colors; you can casually throw in some black and whites too. You can also complement object textures such as metals, ceramics, or even gold-lined items. Woven wicker items are my personal favorite since they're versatile to use in any type of build.

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3. Make it for your Sim. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all the clutter options, narrow them down according to your Sims' personalities. You already make themed bedrooms for your teenage and child Sims; now apply a general theme for the whole build. Are you playing a suburban family? Add more practical clutter like storage, kitchenware, and toiletries. Maybe your Sims are rich? Opt for more "unusable" display clutter like statues and paintings.

4. Make your own clutter. Up your clutter game with items found in the debug menu. You can make statement pieces with jars, candles, books, and even snow globes. Turn your Sims photos into framed pictures to add a touch of personality. If you have the TOOL mod, you can design any corner exactly how you want it like a pro interior designer!

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FLORAL WEDDING A CUSTOM CONTENT SPREAD BY ALAERN

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HARLUXE

HONEYMOON A CUSTOM CONTENT BUILD BY ALAERN

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TOP-NOTCH WEDDING VENUES

ROSE WEDDING VENUE BY: I_AMUNIVERSE

BLOSSOM WEDDING VENUE BY: RELHCUK1

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FIND THESE BUILDS ON THE GALLERY !

TRUE LOVE WEDDING VENUE BY: ZITA1966

COZY WEDDING VENUE BY: BEGMERITZ

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WANT YOUR BUILDS TO BE FEATURED IN AN ISSUE OF SIMS NATION MAGAZINE?

TAG US ON TWITTER!

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THE REVOLUTION MIGHT BE TELEVISED 83

THE VOWS

WEDDING POSES From QueenyaYT

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LOVE NIGHT POSES FROM ALAERYN

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BLACK SIMS MATTER:

HOW THE SIMS CAN DO BETTER BY BLACK PLAYERS BY JACECHU AND ALAERYN EMLU'RATHIAN

The Sims 4, as a life simulator, strives to cram as much human diversity as it can into its crowded code. In this way, any player can not only create a Sim in their likeness but they can also build the life, no matter how mundane or extravagant, that they desire. February is Black History month in America. Sims Nation Magazine believes that honoring Black history, Black culture, and Black love is a yearround endeavor, but this month, of course, is special. Black history, Black culture, and Black love is American history, American culture, and American love, for the greatest democracy on Earth was built largely on Black backs.

However, although Black bodies quite literally shouldered the weight of America’s rise to global leadership and wealth, Black Americans continue to be brutalized by those meant to protect them, treated as second-class citizens, discriminated against in nearly every aspect of American life, and viewed as overly aggressive, less intelligent, and less attractive than their White counterparts. Thus, the task of representing Black people and Black culture is one essential to truly representing the human experience. The Sims has had some issues giving Black people proper representation. For years, Black Sim skin tones appeared chalky, lacking the endless depths of true black beauty. Hairs were poorly textured and deeply limited. Aspects of Black culture - from food and music to fashion remain few and far between in the Sims, but it appears that the developers as a whole wish to correct that, and it’s about damned time.

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BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL

For centuries, Black people were surrounded and inundated with the idea that White people and their features were superior. Tightly coiled hair, darker skin, and rounded noses have been viewed as features to be fixed through relaxers, bleach, and even plastic surgery. The act of selflove, for Black people, is revolutionary. Thus, Black beauty, as represented in the Sims, is not simply a matter of providing more accurate Sim-self options but also a moral obligation many media companies must meet. The Sims 4 had a skin tone update in December 2020, nearly six years after the game’s release in September 2014. This skin tone update overhauled how skin tones worked. Before this update, no skin tone was customizable or all that great, but darker skin tones were particularly bad. In-game, the darkest skin tones appeared blotchy at best and chalky at worst. The shimmering beauty that is black skin was jarringly absent in the Sims; there was little distinction between warm, cool, or neutral tones. In fact, many Simmers of color had to resort to custom content skins and makeups to capture the effortless effervescence of dark skin. This essential update vastly improved the look of darker skins in-game, but it only came after droves of players advocated for it loudly. It is difficult to talk about Black representation without mentioning Black hair. Curled, kinky, and coiled, Black hair is incredibly diverse and unique, often vilified by others who do not understand it. Again, for centuries, naturally curled and coiled hair was deemed “bad hair” and straight, smooth hair was called “good hair,” even within the Black community. The modern natural hair movement strives to reject such euro-centric standards, to see the inherent beauty in braids, afro-textures, locs, and big, bold natural hair. The uniqueness of black hair texture was not captured correctly at all when Sims 4 first launched; as a result, in the last few years developers have worked to improve original textured base game hairs. For example, one of the original big afro styles was revealed as “cauliflower” inspired. The result was chunky, awkward, and stiff. This hairstyle in particular was updated to appear more natural, with recognizable curls and texture. In addition, several textured hairs that were originally released as paid DLC were made free to the base game. Despite criticism, The Sims team has made it clear that this will continue.

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How can the Sims continue to improve their physical representation of Black beauty? The Sims would do well to: continue providing updated hairs and including more textured hairstyles such as locs, twists, braids, knots, and more into Create-a-Sim Adjust in-game sliders to allow Simmers to create larger lips, wider noses, and more unique body features Include essential portions of the Black beauty experience including but not limited to day-long salon visits, intimate hair-braiding sessions, “tender-headed” traits, hyperpigmentation, lotions, wash days, wigs, weaves, and more.

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ALL BLACK EVERYTHING: FASHION

While Black fashion is American fashion, there is an effortless style and swagger to Black fashion that the Sims has not yet fully captured.

Black fashion, almost by definition, is always on the

cutting edge of what is considered in-vogue and trendy. But Sims clothing, buried beneath boring button-ups and sweatshirts often fails to meet the stylish standard. But times are changing as Sims 4 begins to provide jaw-dropping, boundary-pushing styles outside of the ready-to-wear mainstream.

This is the moment, as the Sims team begins to provide high-quality textures,

daring silhouettes, and cultural-specific clothing, that they can and should begin addressing Black fashion. The Sims 4 team can better represent Black culture, though not a monolith, by finding inspiration in the tried-and-true Black fashions of our musicians, our celebrities, our athletes, and our public figures. Sims 4 would do well to include: Bold African-inspired prints Sleek, urban silhouettes High-quality and glittering jewelry Loose, effortless jeans with stylish accessories High-top sneaker options Form-fitting shirts and dresses that accentuate thick hips, thighs, and posteriors Thankfully, a Sims Delivery Express on February 9th provided durags and bonnets into the Sims 4 base game. While these items wouldn’t be classified as fashion, they are a remarkably important aspect of the Black experience.

Coils, curls, and kinks require moisture and near constant

protection, and these items, created by acclaimed Black custom content creator Complex Sims, are now available for free to all players.

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FOR THE CULTURE: FOOD AND MUSIC

Another good way to improve Black representation in The Sims would be through music and food. More rap, hip-hop, R&B, or even folk music stations would be a welcome addition to the game. Music, in so many ways, lives in the heart and soul of Black culture. Collaborations with Black musicians like Kendrick Lamar, Lil Nas X, Summer Walker, or Jazmine Sullivan would rock the Black community in the best way. In addition, The Sims 4 would do well to diversify its catalog of available in-game food to better represent Black culture.

Sims 4 could enrich its food selection with soul food, Creole/Cajun

cuisine, Caribbean food, and pan-African cuisine. Soul food is a very important part of Black history. The Black community has used a variety of spices and flavors in their show-stopping cooking since time immemorial.

In America, Black

southern cooking has become the stuff of legends. From baked macaroni and cheese, chitlins, fried chicken, jambalaya, crawfish boil, oxtail, and jerk chicken, there is a large repertoire of dishes from which to choose. Indeed, adding a dish as simple and widely loved as fried chicken could make people of many cultural backgrounds feel as though a little bit of their lived experiences have been brought to the game. In conclusion, while Sims 4 has continued to improve Black representation in their beloved life simulator, there is far more that they can do to further include Black culture in the game. Black culture is, of course, not a monolith. There are as many shades and ways of Blackness as there are Black people. The best way to improve representation of and for Black Simmers is to ask and hire people of color. Our bodies, our culture, and our history deserve it.

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ANIMAL CROSSING NEW HORIZONS:

VALENTINE'S DAY CUSTOM DESIGNS HAUL

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FEBRUARY 2022 CALENDAR OF EVENTS MON

TUE 31

MOBILE

WED 01

MOBILE

THU 02

Dessert for Two (STS rerun)

My Cute Valentine FREEPLAY (pack)

New! Heart Fluttering Hacienda Live Event

FREEPLAY

SIMS 4

FRI 03

Carnaval Streetwear Kit Release

FREEPLAY

SAT 04

SUN 05

Influence Island Season 6: Art Deco

FREEPLAY

HANS on-Player Favorite Quest

Wumples #72 Better Homes and Roses pack rerun

New! Hair Hobby Event: Oh So Ombre!

MOBILE

FreePlay

New! SimChase Season 38: Mariachi Mayhem

SIMS 4

My Wedding Stories Release

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

WORD SEARCH 1.ANGELA DAVIS 2.HARRIET TUBMAN 3.CARTER G.WOODSON 4.ELLA BAKER 5.DOROTHY HEIGHT 6.MALCOM X 7.MAMIE TILL 8.ROSA PARKS 9.HUEY P. NEWTON 10.MLK JR. 11.W.E.B. DU BOIS 12.MARCUS GARVEY 13.MEDGAR EVERS 14.SOJOUNER TRUTH 15.IDA B. WELLS

W H H A R R I E T T U B M A N X E D

E L E M E I E K H O U G L E S J L O

B T S C F R O T C N V I K G X O L R

D N M Y R H X A S E N M J W H O A O

U O K Y M U F P E L L A R A U V B T

B S M D A E R E E B C M Y F I Z A H

O D L R R Y I Q L O I I I D P I K Y

I O K C C P A J O Y T E S R B C E H

S O J O U N E R T R U T H E N O R E

E W O Q S E S O T I N I J W O J D I

K G H R G W G S E N M L R M R B E G

L R N K A T Y A R M A L C O M X P H

A E L E R O C P S O N P Q V H Q V T

W T E D V N E A P T C R N E E N E K

X R W E E A V R F I D A B W E L L S

S A I R Y Y K K P L R S Y U Q P X Z

I C S F F B S S I V A D A L E G N A