Archive for September, 2006
Sol Columbia of Luminosity was been on a roll lately with her new designs. I ran into her at her shop the other night, and she dropped these khakis on me. They are part of a bigger set for the ladies called Sahara West, but like her camo pants before, they look just as good on guys.
They are a little low cut in the waist so you will need to wear shirts on the jacket layer that have some additional length, but I like the low slung look. Tan is a hard color to work with but she has done a great job with the textures.
And you may notice, while I was there she pressed me into service as a model for her ad 
Luminosity can be found in Igbo, Couture Island, and Eventide South.
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: Hair - "Drew" by Zyrra Falcone (Panache), Skin - "Tan" by Lost Thereian (Naughty Designs), Shirt - "v-neck sweater brown" by Barnes Boutique, Shoes - "Old Shoes" by Shiny Things, Necklace - "Braided leather necklace with skull medallion" by Brutal Gear
Post Category: Luminosity, New Items, Pants
September 30th, 2006 at 10:42pmNicholas Shaftoe
Ok, ok. I know you must all be thinking that this was a flash in the pan and now I’ve given up since I haven’t posted in a while. Well, not so. That damn RL seems to be conspiring to interfere with my Second Life. It’s just been a busy week in RL, but I have a couple of new things to post, and hopefully things will start rolling again.
Post Category: General
September 30th, 2006 at 10:25pmNicholas Shaftoe
First off, a thank-you shout out to Sean for turning me on to this great casual beachwear for men at Nicky Ree’s Boutique, at Plush Lambda 152, 21, 22. (The main store in Plush Lambda is pretty large, and men’s items are also available at the smaller store at Dublin 58, 222, 26, which may be easier to shop in.) If you’re looking for something new and fun to wear to that upcoming tiki party, look no further! These color-coordinated Batik-design outfits include a short-sleeved shirt, pants, long swim shorts, and swim trunks. They are available in seven colors (red, purple, blue, brown, grey, blue-grey, and green) for a very reasonable L$200 per set. The design artwork is very nicely done, and all the clothing pieces have a great casual feel. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Skin, ND Light (Toned) by Lost Thereian (Naughty Designs). Hair, "Drew" by Zyrra Falcone (Panache). Journeys Leather Sandals by Arycon Fasching (KK Outfitters). Glasses, "Rectech" by Primcrafters. On Sean: Skin, ND Pale (Toned), by Lost Thereian (Naughty Designs). Hair, "Bedded" by HCT. Shoes, Double Strap Leather Sandals by Barnesworth Anubis (Barnes Boutique). Glasses, "TopRim" by Damanios Thetan (Collection Damani).
Post Category: Casual, New Items, Nicky Ree, Outfits, Pants, Shirts, Shorts, Swimsuits
September 27th, 2006 at 04:20pmRyan Darragh
Adri Saarinen, an established designer of women’s fashions in SL, has just launched her new Adri For Men line, starting with the AdriKilt (pictured at left and below, after the jump) and a handful of fun t-shirts. You can find her store, Designs By Adri, at Suisun 111, 181, 72.
I had the opportunity yesterday to sit down and talk with Adri about her new men’s clothing. I asked her first about her pinup girl tees, which I think are fantastic and fun. Hey, three tees in the pack, three different colors, three different pinups–what’s not to love? She was happy to share how she came up with her idea. “I was actually just trying to come up with some t-shirts to display with my AdriKilt, and searching stock photos. I wanted the Martini Girls, you know, the girls in the martini glasses, but those are all copyrighted images. But there are plenty of royalty-free vintage pinups out there. So I did some Google searching and picked out a few I liked. They’re on Robin (Sojourner) Wood’s free t-shirt template.”
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Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Brennen: Skin, David (pale) by Cryogen. Hair, "Bedded" by HCT. Jeans, "Fav faded" (freely available). On Ryan: Skin, Naughty Designs Light (Toned) by Lost Thereian. Hair, "Drew" by Zyrra Falcone (Panache). Jeans, Random Lazy Lowriders (very dark wash), by Garbage Prototype. Men's Gold Hoop Earrings by Ramos Designs. UT Brown Cross tee by Trevor Turner (Untitled Threads). Journeys Leather Sandals by Arycon Fasching (KK Outfitters). Silver Claddagh Ring by Eggberta Echegaray. On Sean: Skin, Naughty Designs Pale (Toned), by Lost Thereian. Hair, "Bedded" by HCT. Jeans, Random Lowriders (dark wash) by Garbage Prototype. Glasses, "TopRim" by Collection Damani.
Post Category: Adri For Men, Designer Reviews, New Items, Shirts
September 22nd, 2006 at 07:20pmRyan Darragh
Andrew LaVallee of the Wall Street Journal has written an article about Virtual Fasion in SL. It appears in botht he online and print editions (cover of the Marketplace section.
Yours truely was inteviewed and have a few quotes in the article, including the funny closing line. The print edition has a cover shot of Second Style Magazine, and it is also shown in the slide show about halfway down the page on the olnine edition.
Now let the flame war begin over my “Wal-Mart” quote.
Post Category: General
September 22nd, 2006 at 01:20pmNicholas Shaftoe
I’ll cut right to the chase: Brief Encounter is the best men’s underwear shop I’ve found in SL. Now, I have some other underwear I wouldn’t want to have to live without (the Barnes Boutique boxer briefs by Barnesworth Anubis, the Naughty Designs briefs by Lost Thereian). But for sheer fun as well as great style, nothing beats Dragontat Zagato’s designs for Brief Encounters. I’ve done plenty of shopping at the B.E. store in Linda, but I heard they had some new stuff out and decided this time to drop by the main store at Yeanim (109, 80, 22).
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Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Skin, Naughty Designs Light (Toned) by Lost Thereian. T-shirt, "Golden Tee" by FORM. Hair, "Virile" by ETD. Glasses, "Rectech" by Primcrafters. Men's Gold Hoop Earrings by Ramos Designs.
Post Category: Brief Encounter, Designer Reviews, Underwear
September 20th, 2006 at 03:42pmRyan Darragh
I am pleased to announce that this site is now part of the Second Style brand as Men’s Second Style. Celebrity Trollop and Josie Hamilton approached me with the idea last week, and I decided it would be a good move since they seem to be the leaders in the SL fashion media.
So what does it mean for this site? The content will be the same, and the writers will be the same. We will have a new name (same URL will work), ad sharing with their publications, and hopefully some more exposure for men in Second Style Magazine.
If you are not familiar with Second Style check out the magazine and the Fashionista blog.
Post Category: General
September 20th, 2006 at 01:14pmNicholas Shaftoe
I met Nex Brannan randomly a few weeks ago through a mutual friend. He was relatively new to Sl at the time and said he was working on learning to make clothing. I told him to let me know when he had some stuff to show, and a couple of days ago he dropped a bunch of stuff on me to check out. I wanted to hold off posting until he had a store set up so you can actully get the stuff. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in Word: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes (but after initial review)
Notes: Hair - "Drew" by Zyrra Falcone (Panache), Skin - "Tan" by Lost Thereian (Naughty Designs)
Post Category: Brutal Gear, Designer Reviews, Eyewear, Jackets, Jewelry, New Items, Pants, Shirts
September 20th, 2006 at 12:06pmNicholas Shaftoe
If you are a fan of the hand drawn look, you will have to check out Nylon’s new skins. She put a lot of great detail into them. I really like the facial hair options, you can tell a lot of work was put into getting them to map on the face right and make them actually look like hair. Also I think the body detail is a lot better on these ones than her old ones, which is why I am suprised she did not provide a picture of it with her forum post. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes | Slept With: Yes
Post Category: New Items, Nylon Outfitters, Skins
September 19th, 2006 at 07:41pmBarnesworth Anubis
Just a quick update to let you know about a great new piece of casual jewelry I love, and I’m betting you’ll like it too. I had the opportunity to chat with Mhaijik Guillaume the other day and she mentioned that she had been watching “Survivor,” noticed a necklace on one of the island residents, and was inspired to create a new piece like it. (Artists and their sources of inspiration never cease to amaze me.) She offered to send me a copy to try on when it was ready. Great, I thought–a scoop! I tried the necklace on and it’s a fun, casual design that’s perfect for the beach (naturally enough), with a knotted brown leather cord and some colorful beads.
Mhaijik works so quickly that the piece is already available in her shop, Mhaijik Things (Pheosia 56, 220, 152), for a reasonable L$250. (So much for my scoop.) Look for it on the New Items board at the left side of the store, conveniently located near her other men’s jewelry. By popular request, she has already created a smaller version for female avatars, so this looks to be a very popular item. Be the first on your block–drop by and get yours today!
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Skin, Naughty Designs Light (Toned) by Lost Thereian. Hair, "His" by Six Kennedy, available at Gurl 6. Glasses, "Rectech" by Primcrafters. Silver Claddagh Ring by Eggberta Echegaray.
Post Category: Casual, Jewelry, Mhaijik Things, New Items
September 18th, 2006 at 02:28pmRyan Darragh
If you liked Fallingwater Cellardoor’s Old Shoes, then check out this tall boot version just released today. I got a copy of these a couple of weeks ago and like the Old Shoes, the textures are very realistic, looking every bit liked scuffed leather. The prim buckle detail is very rich, and every edge and seam is carefully planned.
These boots honestly don’t work with just jeans and a t-shirt for the most part (something Fallingwater agrees with so it’s not a dis of the product). The delay in the release was to time it with DoC Eldritch’s new outfit Chapter 1. Fallingwater describes the outfit as “piratey” while DoC thinks it has more of a Robin Hood feel.
I haven’t written much about DE Designs here as it typically isn’t my style, but there is no doubt that DoC is talented and creates very creative and high quality designs.
The boots come n black and brown and are no modify/copy/no transfer. A demo version is available, and they cost L$450 to buy. They can be found at Shiny Things in Hotei.
The Chapter 1 outfit is available for men and women and can be found at DE Designs.
Disclosure: Boots - Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Outfit - Seen in World: No | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Post Category: DE Designs, New Items, Outfits, Shiny Things, Shoes
September 17th, 2006 at 11:56amNicholas Shaftoe
To follow up on BushidoBrown’s post I went and checked out the sneaks and though I’d give you a close look at the shoes.
As he noted these are really the first true to life running shoes. With lots of prims and rich textures, probably sourced from Adidas themselves, these runners look really good.
My only gripe is that while they come in 3 sizes (small being right for women), even the largest size shoe on a size 0 men’s foot, you see the av foot peeking out the side in a few places. Since the shoes are no mod, the only way to fix this is to wear a black or white sock which still breaks through some of the textures. So to River Run Red I say make an XL size.
Also the store is SUPER confusing with black shoe boxes all over and a few shoe samples in odd places, it is very unclear wher you click to buy, how many styles there are, and whether they are unisex or not. In virtual worlds the principles of user centered interface design apply, it can’t be a straight retail design.
At L$50 per pair this is more a marketing ploy then a money maker obviously (you get a popup to the Adidas website on purchase), but whose complaining
They are available in the Adidas sim.
Disclosure: Seen in Word: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Post Category: Designer Reviews, Shoes
September 16th, 2006 at 11:33amNicholas Shaftoe
Got kicks? Adidas slam dunked the Second Life™ sneaker scene today by establishing a presence on the grid. The Adidas island was developed by one of the top design groups in SL, Rivers Run Red. Now you can rock some serious kicks for the virtual you! Adidas a3 Microride Astronauts and High Jumpers are currently in effect (and the sneakers actually do something when you activate their features).
Adidas has definitely scored with this hot reality mix. It’ll be on point when you can jack in, order some kicks, and they touchdown at your home a few days later (it’s not an impossibility). For now, my presence on the grid remains fresh and clean with legit pairs of Adidas on my feet.
This is some next level Sneakerplay™ ALL DAY for the sneaker pimp in you. Rock these joints in this reality and the next! Also, big shout outs to the companies getting respect in this post: Adidas, Second Life™, River Run Red, and Sneakerplay™.
Disclosure: Seen in Word: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Post Category: Commentary, Designer Reviews, Shoes
September 16th, 2006 at 11:15amBushidoBrown Hightower
Ginny Talamasca his reduced everything on her back wall to just 100L to make room. After Sunday everything will be taken down. Part of this group is her menswear so get it while you can (although she told me she is working on new stuff).
See my review of her menswear and then hop on over to the Dazzle sim.
Post Category: Announcements, Dazzle
September 14th, 2006 at 11:00pmNicholas Shaftoe
As I sit writing this in RL, it’s a gloomy, drizzly day outside, apparenly the first day of fall before summer is even properly over. I had to run back inside for my umbrella as I was leaving for work. Blah.
Enough of that. As Nick pointed out to me the other day, “Dude…it’s always summer in SL.” And of course he’s right. With that established, I want to let you know about some great new board shorts I picked up the other day. You’ll probably find me sunning on some SL beach in these after I get home from work tonight, even if it’s pouring down rain outside in RL. Ah, escapism…
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Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Skin, Naughty Designs Light (Toned) by Lost Thereian. Shoes, Double Strap Leather Sandals by Barnesworth Anubis, available at Barnes Boutique.
Post Category: Casual, New Items, Reaction, Shorts
September 14th, 2006 at 02:20pmRyan Darragh
If you haven’t yet visited the new Naughty Designs location, Naughty Island (Naughty 55, 220, 44), you owe it to yourself to drop by immediately, if not sooner. Lost Thereian and Ambyance2 Anubis have outdone themselves with the design and execution of their new shopping environment, which has the look and feel of a very upscale shopping mall. Signage at the main TP arrival point helpfully shows which way to go for what products, but feel free to just strike out and wander. For menswear, from the main TP arrival point turn left and walk down the big, bright walkway behind you all the way to the end. When you see the grand piano, you’re there. Hey, shopping isn’t just an errand—it’s an experience!
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Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Skin, Naughty Designs Light (Toned) by Lost Thereian. Hair, "Sleek" by ETD. Glasses, "Geek Chic" by Primcrafters. Jeans, Men's Low Rise Jeans (dark grey wash) by Naughty Designs; Random Baggy Lowriders (light wash) by Garbage Prototype. Charles Rennie Mackintosh-inspired "Cut Out Rose" necklace by Eggberta Echegaray, available at Willow Tree Tea Room.
On Sean: Skin, Naughty Designs Pale (Toned), by Lost Thereian. Hair, "Bedded" by HCT. Glasses, "Toprim" by Collection Damani. Earrings, Single Silver Loop Earrings with bling, by Pride Jewelry. Pants, Blaze* Men's Khaki Casual Slacks by Blaze Columbia.
Post Category: Casual, Dressy, Naughty Designs, New Items, Shirts
September 13th, 2006 at 07:42pmRyan Darragh
Janie Marlowe of Mischief has a secret… The secret is that she has a LOT of men’s clothes in her store! I feel bad I have neglected writing this review for so long since I wear these clothes a lot. Janie is another designer very well know for her womens fashions that is often overlooked by men. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: No | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: Hair - "Poco" by icky*hair, Skin - "Tan" by Lost Thereian (Naughty Designs)
Post Category: Designer Reviews, Jackets, Mischief, Pants, Shirts, Underwear
September 12th, 2006 at 04:00pmNicholas Shaftoe
The brand Dazzle might not be a name that many SL men are familiar with, but for the women Ginny Talamasca’s designs are to die for. The store is packed floor to ceiling in an enormous build, with Ginny often releasing half-a-dozen items a week. Her style is know for its creativity and technical accumen, with lush textures and realistic folds.
The reason I bring all this up is that off in the back left corner of the store, and unadvertised, are a few men’s items. These are great casual outfits that come in packs that include many colored shirts, pants, and even underwear all for a few hundred Lindens.
I picked up 2 of the 3 outfits for you to see. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: In both pictures, Hair - "Drew" by Zyrra Falcone (Panache), Skin - "Tan" by Lost Thereian (Naughty Designs)
Post Category: Dazzle, Designer Reviews
September 12th, 2006 at 09:51amNicholas Shaftoe
Sol Columbia released a new outfit for the ladies that included striped shirts and some camo pants, but she mentioned it could work on guys too, so I checked it out.
The pants are great, I have been wearing them all day. They come with prim pockets that add a great detail. They have to be modded outward for guys legs but that was easy enough.
The shirts that come in the pack are unwearable for guys because of the cut of the sleeve and the short length, but I can’t fault her for that since it was not designed for guys.
The pack also included a sweet prim leather cuff (kinda hidden in the pic cause of my pose but trust me )
Get it at Luminosity in Igbo.
Disclosure: Seen in World : Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: Hair - "Drew" by Zyrra Falcone (Panache), Skin - "Tan" by Lost Thereian (Naughty Designs), Shirt - "Fleabag" by Miau Haus, Shoes - "Old Shoes" by Shiny Things, Watch by Ingrid Ingersoll, Necklace - "Kaigen" by Desert Moon Outfitters
Post Category: Luminosity, New Items, Pants
September 12th, 2006 at 12:31amNicholas Shaftoe
It’s no secret that there’s a lot more attention paid to women’s fashion than to men’s in Second Life.  Hey, that’s why you’re looking for guidance here at Second Man, right? Turns out this truism applies for jewelry just as it does for clothing.  After looking at a lot of jewelry items, and trying out more than a few (some freebies, most not), I began to despair.  Most of the men’s stuff is overloaded with bling, too shiny, too elaborate, too magickal, too big, or just not attractive.  Oh, I found a couple of rings that I liked well enough to wear them once in a while, and one truly great watch (the Tag Heuer by Dave Moreau, available on SL Exchange).  But…it wasn’t enough.
Enter Mhaijik Guillaume and her fantastic little shop, Mhaijik Things (Pheosia 56, 220, 152). Â Yes, it’s mostly for women, mostly magickal, and a lot of crystals, vampire and goth stuff. Â But there are also some beautiful pieces of men’s jewelry that will be well worth your trip. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Post Category: Designer Reviews, Jewelry, Mhaijik Things
September 11th, 2006 at 07:17pmRyan Darragh
Okay, okay. I know I have been slacking the last few days, but I got some new stuff for ya soon I promise. In the mean time I am pleased to announce the addition of 2 new authors for Second Man.
Barnesworth Anubis, the designer who probably needs little introduction to this audience, will be posting cool finds, fashion tips, and anything that catches his fancy. Let’s hope he posts here more than his own blog. I kid!!
Resident Ryan Darragh will be contributing posts as well. He already has a nice review in the bag ready to post, but I won’t steal his thunder and tell you what it is.
Welcome to both, and we still could use a few more if you are interested.
Post Category: Commentary, General
September 11th, 2006 at 02:42pmNicholas Shaftoe
I know all the ladies have been waiting a long time for a new installment of what could be SL’s best magazine, but there is a fair amount inside for us guys too.
This issue features a major interview with clothing and skin designers Ambyance2 Anubis and Lost Thereian (I guess I should mention the photo of them was taken by yours truely ).
Also there is an interview with Blaze Columbia, Zealot Benmurgui’s column, stomper boots, and features a Style Guy, Jazz club owner Athel Richlieu, instead of the usual Style Girl.
You can get the PDF on their website or a free in-world copy from their vendors.
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Post Category: General
September 6th, 2006 at 11:48amNicholas Shaftoe
If you haven’t heard about the death of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin yet, I’m sorry you heard it here first. While some may say it was inevitable, I am very saddened by the news. He may have been a bit reckless, but his contributions to wildlife education are boundless and will no doubt continue through he immortal medium of television.
Callie Cline felt the same sense of loss and has created a Steve Irwin tribute t-shirt for a minimum L$100 price which will be donated to the Steve Irwin Foundation.
In her own words:
the shirts will be sold in packs of 2. one man’s, one women’s. they will be sold only at FUNK in Elpenor and Feri Beckenbaurer’s Mall, in Feri’s main shop.
They will be sold for donations ranging from 100L to 10,000 L.
I would love to see thousands of SL citizens wearing them from now until his funeral, which may be a national funeral in Austrailia.
If you purchase the shirts, please take your photo with your friends (or alone) and send them to me and I will make a card collage to send to the irwin family from the citizen’s of second life.
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Post Category: Callie Cline, Commentary, New Items, Shirts
September 6th, 2006 at 10:47amNicholas Shaftoe
Previous Posts
Sol Columbia of Luminosity was been on a roll lately with her new designs. I ran into her at her shop the other night, and she dropped these khakis on me. They are part of a bigger set for the ladies called Sahara West, but like her camo pants before, they look just as good on guys.
