I don’t have freckles in real life. I was a redheaded kid–there’s some Irish in me–but that kind of faded toward brown as I got older. If I get a lot of sun, my hair lightens toward blond rather than red. I guess the Irish wasn’t dominant enough. My complexion, though, was and still is very fair, but without freckles. I guess it isn’t as bad as Woody Allen (”I don’t burn, I stroke”), but I’m told my pediatrician warned my mom against letting me get too much sun (”Don’t you dare bring that kid in here with a bad sunburn!”). And this was back when it was still “suntan lotion,” not “sunscreen,” so that kind of says something. I always wished my red hair had “stuck,” and for whatever reason I kinda wished I had freckles to go along with it, too. Although it hasn’t been a consuming passion, I’m always on the lookout for a good skin with good freckles. You may recall that I really liked sachi’s recent “Justin”–my only personal reservation was that the musculature was a little too ripped to suit my own tastes. I so like the facial features and coloring that I wear it a lot anyway. Rack Brautigan’s new male skins at Imagen include “Gael,” a freckled skin with toned but not ripped musculature. Although there’s likely no such thing as “the perfect skin” for anyone, and my own preferences may not match yours or those of anyone else, for me ”Gael” does take that one step closer toward fitting my own personal ideal. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Dries" hair by MissAllSunday Lemon (Wasabi Pills). Gold flakes - Olivine eyes by Lano Ling (Poetic Colors). V-Neck Knit Set and Color Denim pants by Machant Pichot (AOHARU).
Post Category: Imagen, New Items, Skins
June 30th, 2009 at 05:12pmRyan Darragh
Being classy on Second Life in a predominantly hip-hop environment is not easy. I’ve been on the game for well over one year and from the first day to the day I wrote this I can honestly say certain scenes on SL have and will never change. Every group, every clique, every organization has a particular style they represent. In the hip-hop community it’s usually as follows:
1 pair of Nike Uptown styled sneakers (tennis shoes for those of you in the south)
1 pair of baggy jeans
1 sports jersey
1 excessively over-primmed platinum chain and matching earrings
And last but not least, 1 oversized baseball cap representing the local team (more…)
Post Category: Adam n Eve, Dressy, Epidermis Emporium, Exotique, Eyes, FNKY!, Jackets, Jewelry, Kalnins, Muism, Naith Smit Design, Pants, Poetic Colors, Rogue Men's Clothing, Sartoria, Shirts, Skins, Suits, [Guest Style Consultant]
June 25th, 2009 at 12:11pmRyan Darragh
This post is Part II of my coverage of Menlosophy, designs by Amanda Bolero and ziamela Loon. You can read Part I here.
One of the more traditional Menlosophy designs is undoubtedly the Chess shirt. When I say “traditional,” I don’t mean it as a slam–it’s not code for “conventional” or even ”old-fashioned”–and I mention it at all only because I’ve said so much in this context about getting outside the box. This shirt may still have one sleeve inside the box, but it’s such a handsome design, in such a challenging fabric print, that I can’t help but love it. The cut is flattering, and the tight check print is potentially problematic but done so well that it looks better than it has any right to do. Sculpted collar and cuffs are pretty much de rigeur for dressy shirts these days, and many casual shirts as well. Here the collar is casual but smart, with sharply creased edges and crisp points. The cuffs are equally casual but softer, rounder, and they looked comfortably turned-up. L$150. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Most | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Vivant Buff" skin by CJ Carnot (Fleur). "Akami" hair by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns). "numero83" sunglasses by Youki Ran (Ottico).
Post Category: Casual, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Jackets, Menlosophy, New Items, Outfits, Pants, Shirts, Shoes
June 23rd, 2009 at 03:04pmRyan Darragh
You’ve heard it. So have I. People complain not just about the relative dearth of menswear designs in SL (in comparison to the vast selection available for women, and although I suffer no shortage of fine items to feature here I think this is still generally true), but about the “sameness” we often see as well. (Sometimes it seems like everyone with Photoshop and a Wacom tablet has a shop selling jeans, tees and polos.) They want something interesting, fresh, original–”outside the box.” Hey, I’ve been known to join in that chorus myself. I’m a big fan of contemporary casual clothing, too, but within that fairly broad category it seems like there should be more room for exploration.
With their new collection at Menlosophy, design partners Amanda Bolero and ziamela Loon push the envelope and stretch the boundaries more than just a bit. Sure, much of the collection qualifies as “contemporary casual”–what’s not to love?–but few of any of the designs are simple or ordinary. One of my favorite pieces is the Velvet jacket, shown here in Verde. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Most | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Vivant Buff" skin by CJ Carnot (Fleur). "Akami" hair by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns).
Post Category: Casual, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Jackets, Menlosophy, New Items, Outfits, Pants, Shirts, Shoes
June 19th, 2009 at 04:29pmRyan Darragh
It’s official–swaffette has gone a little bit mad.
In the best way possible, I mean. Her new Performance Suit, released earlier this month, may just be the most impressively flexible suit I’ve ever worn. Dozens of pieces provide for what seems like tons of mix-and-match wear options. I tried to count up the possibilities, but I gave up when I lost track and had to start over. Twice. I kid you not.
swaffette’s creation is a classic English three-piece suit, in an attractive slim cut, with two-button jacket. This simple description doesn’t begin to convey the extensive planning and effort that have clearly gone into such a generous “single garment” offering. If that doesn’t signify some kind of madness, I don’t know what does. But you be the judge. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Vivant Blush Clean" skin by CJ Carnot (Fleur). "Jude" hair by Aleri Darkes (Diversity). Oxford Loafers in Wolvercote by Drusus DuCasse (Zanzo). Dragon Slippers (a Midnight Mania freebie) by Photos Nikolaidis (A:S:S). "Arcadi" glasses by Rohal Schnyder (ROLE Optic).
Post Category: Business, Dressy, Freebies, Jackets, New Items, Pants, SF Design, Shirts, Suits, Ties, Vests
June 16th, 2009 at 02:59pmRyan Darragh
Its back. Yup, for our 20th Blogger Style Throwdown I’m up against Ranger Theas, a friend of my partner Luna Jubilee. Ranger used to blog on her site for a while, but decided to take a break from SL. He recently told us that he’d decided to come back to SL for a bit (supposedly a woman lured him back, but you didn’t hear it from me). To celebrate his return, I invited him to a throwdown that will hopefully get him back into the blogging grind.
Ranger managed to select the “look of the day” theme, which made its first appearance with Nic and Dahlia last winter. This time the theme was taken a bit more literally as “what would you wear out today?” with 2500L to explore our respective styles.
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Post Category: Style Throwdown
June 13th, 2009 at 10:30pmExpress Zenovka
My apologies if you’ve tried to leave a comment recently and found you couldn’t. Somehow a WordPress setting got changed to require login to leave a comment, which didn’t help much as we haven’t enabled self-registration. That should be fixed now, so comment away. In fact, somebody leave one just so I’ll know for sure it’s working!
Thanks to reader BoyNamed Xue, who dropped me a notecard inworld to inquire politely wtf was up with the comments. 
Post Category: Announcements
June 12th, 2009 at 12:57pmRyan Darragh
So, I was out on an insane shopping spree with Kith on Monday. I won’t bore you with details of the whole crazy excursion, but I will say that we had a lot of fun, and that my L$ balance is still reeling in shock. Ouch! But it hurts so good.
Although you’ll undoubtedly be seeing further fallout from that shopping trip in days to come, I kinda couldn’t wait to bring one set of items to your attention. I don’t do a lot of posts focused on a single item these days–my ambitions somehow get set way up high, and the posts get all complicated, and then they take a long time to put together. I have fun, which is selfishly important to me, but it can drag things out. Friends have encouraged me to mix things up and Fear Not the One-Off, so today I have just one thing for you. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Okay, cue the Radio Announcer Guy voice… (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Jiro" skin by denchu Dench (DEN-DOU). "Happy Valentine" limited edition hair by din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio).
Post Category: LeLutka, New Items, Underwear
June 10th, 2009 at 01:08pmRyan Darragh
It’s been a little while since we’ve had a Guest Style Consultant feature, so I’d say it’s about time. Roland Zepp shares his personal style, advice and suggestions in his own blog, Roland Zepp’s Fashion Sense. He was kind enough to agree to appear here, and it was a great opportunity for us to meet “in person” at last! — Ryan
I’ve gone through a lot of looks in my time here. Starting with the newbie/freebie and working up to writing about fashion and participating in the fashion world as a model and photographer, I’ve discovered a lot of styles, designs, and designers.
It’s hard to nail down exactly what my look is. At heart, I’m a minimalist kinda guy. Less is more in my book. It may not seem like it when you see all my various contests and looks and all, but when I’m just hanging out on the grid, I like to keep it pretty basic. I don’t wear a lot of extra crap in RL and I don’t see any reason to do it here.
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Post Category: Elephant Outfitters, Eyewear, Hair, Hoodies, Jeans, Jewelry, LeLutka, M.R.M., MADesigns, Marinesta, PrimOptic, Shiny Things, Skins, [Guest Style Consultant]
June 8th, 2009 at 03:35pmRyan Darragh
I like a good pun as much as the next guy. So it was, unsurprisingly, with a fair bit of amusement that I first visited the shop of Photos Nikolaidis, the puntastically named A:S:S. I seem to recall reading (in a notecard or somewhere?) that the name at least loosely stands for Another Stupid Shirt Shop, or some such. I admire a healthy dose of self-deprecation as much as or maybe even more than the next guy, so I heartily approve. Also, it makes me laugh, and what more do you really need? Hey, let’s see how many puns I can make! Go ahead, groan all you want, it won’t help.
Photos’ main shop is good, even impressive size–I had no idea that anyone’s A:S:S could be that big–and it’s well stocked with a wide variety of casual clothing for both men and women, including some unisex designs. I don’t mind admitting that I had some trouble deciding on a manageable handful of things to share with you here. (Setting my sights idealistically but unrealistically high is a recurring bad habit of mine.) I decided to start with a few designs that were just fun, and then go from there. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Dante" skin by Lost Thereian (Naughty). "Fastball" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile). Akeyo Chucks hi-tops by Akemi Yoshikawa (Akeyo).
Post Category: A:S:S, Casual, Jackets, Jeans, Shirts, Shorts, Sweaters
June 5th, 2009 at 01:57pmRyan Darragh
Every once in a while, I run into clothing designs that impress and even amaze me on every level: technical, artistic, aesthetics, style. It is, to say the least, an impressive accomplishment. Not because I’m difficult to please–I like to think that I’m selective and discriminating, but taste is after all highly subjective–but because of the amount of work the designer/artist has done to create the designs. I simply can’t imagine the the hours of painstaking effort it must take to create the textures, sculpts and prim designs that go together to make a virtual item that feels fully real. It makes my eyes cross and my head hurt just to think about it. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Uchi II" Tan Chops Tattoo skin by Dismebodied Hand (Steam Powered Industries / Defectiva). "Zach" hair by Truth Hawks (TRUTH). Mayhem Umbrella 2.0 by Drack Diesel (freebie).
Post Category: Accessories, Arcavim, BLITZED, Boots, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Eyewear, Fantasy, Hats, Jackets, New Items, Pants, Period, Roleplay, Shirts, Steampunk, Ties, Vests, Victorian
June 2nd, 2009 at 03:43pmRyan Darragh
“Make Him Over Hunt ~ Second Life’s first MEN ONLY hunt”
June 1 - 30, 2009
The organizers of the Make Him Over Hunt understand your frustration with most hunts, oriented as they often are toward women and their interests. Their goal is to get men involved in the fun of a hunt, giving them a chance to pick up some free items while discovering and exploring stores they might not be familiar with.
As with most hunts, once a starting location has been set, participants will be provided with a starting landmark. At each store, you can find and claim your gift item, along with the landmark for the next store location, until you reach the end. The hunt is circular, which means that the landmark at the last location will direct you to the first location. Even if you start the hunt somewhere in the middle, you’ll still be able to visit all the participating stores. Gifts will be hidden somewhere in each store–just look for the orange “male” symbol. Designers may be offering one of their current designs, an exclusive item available only during the hunt, or a store card.
Visit the official hunt blog for the latest updates and a complete list of participating designers!
You may also join the MAKE HIM OVER group inworld to receive updates.
Post Category: Announcements, Events, Freebies
May 29th, 2009 at 11:23amRyan Darragh
We still have a few weeks left of Spring, but Summer’s coming on fast. I can feel it sometimes in the air, and already we’ve had to run the a/c for a day or two here and there. I’ve pulled out my shorts for the season in RL, and it seems appropriate to do the same in SL.
And there’s a bonus–in SL (although not in RL, at least not yet), I have some favorite new cargo shorts. And cargo pants. All in one. I’m talking about Masaru Raymaker’s new 4-Way Cargo Pants. What exactly are 4-Way Pants? you may well be wondering. Never fear! I shall tell you.
It’s fairly straightforward, actually. The name pretty much tells the whole story. By mixing and matching from an impressive selection of clothing-layer pieces and sculpted pockets and cuffs, Masaru’s 4-Way Cargos can be worn in four different ways, for four different looks: as shorts; cropped, or rolled to just below the knee; with the standard “system” pants cuffs we all know and love/hate; and with flared, slouchie cuffs. Not only are these impressively flexible, like all of Masaru’s designs they’re amazingly good-looking. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Gen-X" skin by Theodore DuCasses (Zanzo).
Post Category: CREAMSHOP, Casual, Eyewear, Hair, Hats, Jewelry, M.R.M., Monolith, New Items, Pants, Shirts, Shoes, Shorts, Sweaters, Zanzo
May 27th, 2009 at 12:18pmRyan Darragh
This follow up post is only.. oh.. about two weeks late. Autumn kicked my ass with 34 votes to my 15, so she gets a shiny trophy. She seems bored of it already.
As for next week, there won’t be another throwdown just yet. This so-called “real life” thing has been keeping me busy and will continue to do so till the end of the month. As a result, the next throwdown will be up on June 12th, so check back then.
Post Category: Style Throwdown
May 24th, 2009 at 07:34pmExpress Zenovka
Before we get started, I’d just like to mention out that I was working (albeit vaguely) toward a goth-themed post of some kind even before a recent discussion in comments touching on the relative merits of themed or “genre” style, such as goth, emo, neko and grunge. To me it seemed that the upshot of our dialogue was that themed styles like these are great, but it’s good not to fall into the rut of any one style and never do anything else. Fair enough! I’d buy that for a dollar.
So, as I say, I was already working on something, and by this I mean that I was accumulating some things (too many things, in turns out) that I thought would work and letting the ensemble percolate in my mind, waiting for it to be birthed fully formed, like Venus. Lest you get the wrong impression, I hasten to add that it is only sometimes that serendipitous. Most often, I find that I have to sweat a little bit to make the magic happen. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: Ash Jeans by Zabitan Assia (FORM).
Post Category: Accessories, Aphrodites Skin and Shapes, Boots, Casual, Dressy, Eyes, Fantasy, Gothic, Grunge, Hair, New Items, Schadenfreude, Shirts, Simply Neko, Skins, Styria, TESLA, Ties, Wasabi Pills
May 21st, 2009 at 05:02pmRyan Darragh
It will come as no surprise to you when I observe the truism that Spring and Summer are, sartorially speaking, quite different from Fall and Winter. Fabrics are lighter in weight, brighter in color, bolder in pattern, and layering for hot and cold weather are entirely different things. Even though the climate where I live is overall pretty mild, my RL wardrobe for warm weather is very different than for the cooler seasons. Temperatures and precipitation aside, Spring and Summer just feel more casual to me–I wear a lot of shorts, linen trousers and casual shirts, and apparently I’ll wear sandals with anything. But what to do when the sun is blazing down, but the occasion is formal, and a linen suit simply won’t do? (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Miguel" skin by Tricky Boucher (Belleza). "Alex" hair by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns). "Moliere" shoes by Storm Schmooz (L'Atelier Storm Schmooz).
Post Category: Belleza, Formal, Jackets, New Items, Pants, Rebel Hope Designs, Shirts, Skins, Socks, Suits, Ties, Vests
May 19th, 2009 at 02:23pmRyan Darragh
This is Part Two of yesterday’s feature, which I split in two because it was long and complex and overly ambitious, I was tired of working on it, you were tired of waiting for it, and figured I might as well milk it for as much as I can get out of it. Nah, just kidding on the “milk it” thing. But it really did make much more sense as two separate posts. So there (or rather here) you have it.
Geekboy though you may be, nobody will ever mistake you for a 98-lb. weakling in any of sachi Vixen’s new skins–at least, not once you take your shirt off. Here I’m wearing “Justin,” just one of nine new skins in the “Skin Evolution” line. The first thing you’ll notice is that this skin is more muscular than the skins I usually prefer and wear–in fact, it’s positively ripped. This makes for something of a dichotomy on my slimmer shape. I tried a few other shapes from my inventory as well, and the look is indeed more balanced on a more muscular avatar. But there’s no way around the fact that Justin’s is the prettiest face of the nine skins in sachi’s new range. That’s part of why I like Justin so much, but then there’s also the fact that Justin is designed for redheads–so we can be real real redheads, if you know what I mean. Yes, that’s naturally red pubic hair! Eyebrows and head hair match, so nobody will ask what shade you buy. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Loran" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). GearShift boxer briefs by Donovan Brennen (GearShift).
Post Category: Adam n Eve, New Items, Skins
May 14th, 2009 at 03:37pmRyan Darragh
Think back to high school. Go on, you can do it, it wasn’t that long ago. Now, be honest–with yourself, if no one else: Were you a 98-lb. weakling? A math geek? A member of the Chess Club? Here, I’ll go first. I was all of the above (okay, French Club, not Chess Club, but still). I was a geekboy, and proud of it! Well, I’m proud of it now. So it’s with no small frisson of delight (French Club, remember?) that I first surveyed and then tried on myvegancookbook Bolissima’s line of geekboy couture, out now at Adjunct. It’s all there, everything you remember–well, everything but the plastic pocket protector. And who knows? That could be in the works even as we speak.
Consider this classic ensemble. Maybe this was you, or another boy in your class, but somebody in your experience dressed just like this. Maybe he (you?) had no choice then, but now we do, and it’s empowering to take it back. The Short Sleeve Dress Shirt I’m wearing here can only be worn tucked in, of course–what self-respecting geekboy wears a dress shirt untucked? There’s a front patch pocket, and the white buttons are buttoned all the way to the top. No one would expect otherwise. Three colors, L$100 each. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Most | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Justin" skin by sachi Vixen (Adam n Eve). "Loran" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Kicks shoes by Menno Ophelia (Kari). Knee Length Athletic Socks by myvegancookbook Bolissima (not for sale). Lunch bag by Posy Trudeau (Miau Haus).
Post Category: Adjunct, Casual, Designer Reviews, Jeans, Pants, Period, Shirts, Shorts, Sweaters, Ties, Vests
May 13th, 2009 at 07:13pmRyan Darragh
Yeah, I’m still here. I’m just desperately busy in RL–lots of stuff going on, including another month of physical therapy. That’s going well, though! My doctor and I both think so. Hopefully the next few weeks will bring further improvement and increased happiness on my part.
I do have a post in the works, although as per usual I’ve been overly ambitious and it’s taking longer than I expected to put together. With any luck, it’ll be ready by tomorrow. I really need to work out a better routine of alternating shorter, less complex articles with the longer, more ambitious ones. Hey, what a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that before?
Just as a reminder, if you’re interested in appearing here as a Guest Style Consultant, please let me know by dropping me a notecard! I think all the guys who have appeared so far would tell you that I’m fun and easy to work with. You can read more about how the process works here.
Thanks for reading!
Post Category: Announcements
May 13th, 2009 at 02:22pmRyan Darragh
So, I’ve been dreaming of a summer vacation. And not just any summer vacation–the perfect one, the one you never want to come home from. It’s unlikely that I’ll manage to pull off anything quite like my dream in RL, but I figure, why let that stop me in SL? And so, as you see, the beach hut in Bora Bora. But then there’s the eternal question: what to wear? (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Kamal" skin and "Busta 2" hair by shiloh Jun (Shiloh Jun). Finz shoes in Bronze by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS). Kaimana necklace and bracelet by Caliah Lyon (Muse).
Post Category: ALB Dream Fashion, Casual, Eyewear, Freebies, Juice, Kilts/sarongs/wraps, ROLE Optic, Shirts
May 6th, 2009 at 09:06pmRyan Darragh
For a while now, Shinichi Mathy has been one to watch. His clothing designs have been not just colorful but impeccably textured and detailed, not just handsome but beautiful, not just interesting but fun. In my own humble opinion, that last might be the most important element of all. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Alpha" skin (Saxon) by Theodore DuCasse (Zanzo). "Jiro" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile). Blossoms long-sleeve tees by Shinichi Mathy (SHIKI). Men's Belt Sandals by JB Gazov (J's). Wonder Ring by Mhaijik Guillaume (Mhaijik Things).
Post Category: Casual, Dressy, Jackets, Jeans, New Items, Pants, Period, SHIKI Designs, Shirts, Skins, Suits, Vests, Zanzo
May 4th, 2009 at 10:50pmRyan Darragh
There have been music-based throwdowns in the past, but there’s always something special about rock stars. Whether it be for their music skills, on stage presence, or armies of fans, rock stars have “made it big.”
Here to explore the world of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll with me this week is Autumn Hykova, owner of the hair store Tiny Bird. Autumn doesn’t seem to use her personal blog, Second Living on the Edge, any more but has nonetheless managed to stay in the blogosphere. A clear master the art of cameo blogging, Autumn put a lot of work into the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, has been modeling over at Of Deer & Dogs, and is the Bonus Jewnas. She even managed to cameo on Men’s Second Style.
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Post Category: Style Throwdown
May 3rd, 2009 at 05:33amExpress Zenovka
It’s true — I am alive, I haven’t died yet, although on Wednesday I did think my physical therapist was trying to kill me. When I accused her of this, she was indignant and responded, “No! Of course not. I was only trying to make you cry.” Which she almost did, but I was too manly to let that show.
So far I’m giving the process a verdict of qualified success. I have a few more sessions before following up with my orthopedist, and then we’ll decide if I need further therapy or if they’ll discharge me. I’m hoping this will be all I need — my therapist is great (aside from trying to kill me and make me cry), but even though my insurance does cover the bulk of the cost the co-pays do add up, pretty scary, pretty quickly. And of course I’d like to feel better sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, I know I’ve been pretty absent (as I had feared I would be), but I am working on a post now and am hoping to be back in my “regular” swing of things soon. My apologies all around, both to readers who wonder what I’m liking lately and to designers who have generously provided samples for review consideration and hope to see their creations here. It truly does suck to have your time constrained in ways that aren’t even any fun.
Also, Express told me this morning that this week’s Style Throwdown is experiencing some technical difficulties due to RL interference. We’ll have that back on track as soon as all the participants are ready and able, not just willing.
Post Category: Announcements
May 1st, 2009 at 03:01pmRyan Darragh
Well, after being neck and neck all week long Niko managed to pull ahead for a 32 to 31 vote victory. I guess he’s the real 外人 with style.
Next week I’m switching gears from Harajuku to rocker, since Autumn Hykova and I have 2500L each to rock your socks off. Autumn hasn’t posted on her personal blog, Second Living on the Edge, for a while, but for good reason. She’s been busy, taking a huge part in the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and more recently opening a new hair store, Tiny Bird. She hasn’t quite disappeared from the blogosphere, though, poppin up over at Of Deer & Dogs and as Bonus Jewnas with the Jewnas Bros. Seein as she’s hanging with the Jewnases, rocking out should be a piece of cake, eh?
Post Category: Style Throwdown
April 24th, 2009 at 07:26pmExpress Zenovka
Some days I feel kind of James Dean-esque. By that I don’t particularly mean anguished, troubled, angst-ridden, and overwhelmed with longing for Natalie Wood (or Sal Mineo). I do mean what seems to us now a simpler time, when girls wore poodle skirts and cat’s-eye glasses, boys smoked without fear of consequences, and rebellion and romance were intimately related. I mean the brightly lit, soft-focus era when my mother grew up and remembers well, although having worn them every day she just doesn’t understand today’s nostalgia for yesterday’s fashions. I mean the kind of idealized Fifties that Antonia Marat seems to believe in with her whole being, and that she designs to within an inch of its virtual life. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Rage" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile). Day of the Dead tattoo by Truth Hawks (TRUTH). Jonas jeans (with ankle socks) by Antonia Marat (Artilleri). Dexter glasses by Zabitan Assia (FORM). Lucky Charm freebie necklace by Rosie Barthelmess (Sable Rose). 8-Ball ring by Elsa Weatherwax (SaLsA!).
Post Category: Accessories, Artilleri, Casual, House of Curios, Juice, New Items, Period, Shirts, Shoes
April 22nd, 2009 at 08:52amRyan Darragh
Finally, a break in the stream of accessory-based throwdowns. Instead, some Harajuku goodness for y’all. That’s right, that Japanese neighboorhood in Tokyo which is basically home to Japanese street fashion.
The theme was chosen by none other than the mix master Niko Lyle, who blogs over at A Shout and A Whisper. A DJ and a fashion blogger, I actually was listening to his latest mixtape while putting this post together. Give it a listen, its good.
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Post Category: Style Throwdown
April 17th, 2009 at 05:19pmExpress Zenovka
It begins here for me on this road. How the whole mess happened I don’t know, but I know it couldn’t happen again in a million years. Maybe I could’ve stopped it early, but once the trouble was on its way, I was just goin’ with it. Mostly I remember the girl. I can’t explain it–a sad chick like that, but somethin’ changed in me. She got to me, but that’s later anyway. This is where it begins for me, right on this road.
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Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Miguel" skin by Tricky Boucher (Belleza). 000 Jeans by Zabitan Assia (FORM).
Post Category: ARGRACE, Boots, Casual, Freebies, Grunge, Hair, Hats, Jackets, Jewelry, Miau Haus, New Items, Perfectionist, Relish, Treads, Vests
April 15th, 2009 at 12:49pmRyan Darragh
Hmm, it dawns on me that you may have been wondering just where the hell I’ve been lately. No, I haven’t been on vacation. That would have been more pleasant. Actually I’ve been dealing with some RL physical/medical stuff–nothing serious, let’s just say that getting older is teh suck. You may remember a while back (October) that I mentioned some intermittent neck and shoulder pain I’d been having. Well, sadly that has never really cleared up, although it did lessen considerably. So now after, let’s see, X-rays and drugs and MRIs (oh my!) I’ve started physical therapy this week. The good news is, I feel great about this–the therapist seemed to know and understand exactly what I’m struggling with and how to address it. The bad news is, the sessions are twice a week for four to eight weeks, that time has to come from somewhere, and it can’t really come from the RL job. It’s bound to put a crimp in my SL time, so brace yourselves for somewhat diminished activity around here for a while. I’ll still be around, just probably not as much as I’d like to be. Did I mention that getting older sucks? 
Post Category: Announcements
April 15th, 2009 at 10:23amRyan Darragh
Previous Posts
I don’t have freckles in real life. I was a redheaded kid–there’s some Irish in me–but that kind of faded toward brown as I got older. If I get a lot of sun, my hair lightens toward blond rather than red. I guess the Irish wasn’t dominant enough. My complexion, though, was and still is very fair, but without freckles. I guess it isn’t as bad as Woody Allen (”I don’t burn, I stroke”), but I’m told my pediatrician warned my mom against letting me get too much sun (”Don’t you dare bring that kid in here with a bad sunburn!”). And this was back when it was still “suntan lotion,” not “sunscreen,” so that kind of says something. I always wished my red hair had “stuck,” and for whatever reason I kinda wished I had freckles to go along with it, too. Although it hasn’t been a consuming passion, I’m always on the lookout for a good skin with good freckles. You may recall that I really liked sachi’s recent “Justin”–my only personal reservation was that the musculature was a little too ripped to suit my own tastes. I so like the facial features and coloring that I wear it a lot anyway. Rack Brautigan’s new male skins at Imagen include “Gael,” a freckled skin with toned but not ripped musculature. Although there’s likely no such thing as “the perfect skin” for anyone, and my own preferences may not match yours or those of anyone else, for me ”Gael” does take that one step closer toward fitting my own personal ideal. (more…)
