Archive for September, 2007
New this week at Shiny Things are the “Tritone” sculpted-prim men’s loafers, by designer Fallingwater Cellardoor. Now, my only beef with Fallingwater (and she knows this, I’m sure) is that I wish she created more shoes and accessories for us men! However, I cannot hold against her the work she does on behalf of the women of SL–those designs are things of beauty and joys to behold, and I’m willing to bet that they fulfill her creatively. Hmm, maybe I should give some more thought to that female avie…if it means I can have more shoes. 
Nah, probably not. In any event, right now I’m more than happy, I’m delighted with these casual slip-ons. Sleek, stylish and available in a variety of colors and patterns, they’re perfect for dressing up your favorite jeans or khakis–a great going-out alternative to sneakers or deck shoes. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Jared" hair by Elikapeka Tiramisu (ETD). Docker Shirt and Loose Fit Cargos by Truth Hawks (TRUTH).
Post Category: Casual,New Items,Shiny Things,Shoes
September 28th, 2007 at 01:14pmRyan Darragh
BUMP: Don’t miss your chance to win L$1,000 and help us improve Men’s Second Style. Take our reader survey before the end of September. There’s only a few days left!
You may have heard that we’ve been conducting reader surveys across all of the Second Style websites starting with Fashionista in July, then Second Style Magazine in August, and you may also have been wondering, “When am I going to get my shot?” That time is now.
From now through the end of September, I invite you to take our short 1-2 minute Men’s Second Style reader survey, available at this link:
http://secondstyle.men97.sgizmo.com
Along with offering your opinions about how we’re doing on the blog and how we can make it even better, you’ll also get a shot at winning one of five L$1,000 cash prizes to be awarded in a random drawing at the end of the month. Your participation in the drawing is voluntary and your answers in the survey will not affect your eligibility to win a prize.
Thank you for reading Men’s Second Style!
Post Category: Announcements
September 27th, 2007 at 09:56pmCelebrity Trollop
I admit it! I’m a shameless child of the 80′s…
MTV played music videos. Reality shows were unheard of. MTV played (OxO) music videos. Reality shows were unheard of. Everybody had hair up to there (holds hands well over head). Now that I think about it, that’s where the hole in the ozone layer came from…my sister spraying her hair into a wave of epic proportions.
Said sister, name of binary1oh gives the author a look affectionately known as ‘hairy eyeball’.
Back when the Transformers were cel-drawn animated cartoons and took over my afternoons. Long before computer animation and of course, our Second Life and all of its residents…
Ripped jeans that were airbrushed on. A worn button-down shirt over your favorite rock band or cartoon t-shirt. The mashed-up hat worn low. The weirdest collection of bracelets and jewelry I could find… (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Post Category: Accessories,Barnes Boutique,Boneflower Design,Designers,Freebies,Gritty Kitty,Grunge,Hair,Hats,Jewelry,Mhaijik Things,Outfits,Pants,Shirts,Yummy
September 26th, 2007 at 07:03pmMaxmillianDArgent Ferraris
I’ve been a fan of Chloris Hathor’s clothing designs for men since I first saw some of her casual denim and leather items, and the plain and plaid shorts she released a while back quickly became favorites of mine. Along the way, she has re-imagined her men’s brand, taking it from an extension of her Threads By Chlo! and GLAM lines to its current independent incarnation as Indigo. Chlo recently released an extensive new collection of menswear and undertook a redesign of her main store, which seems a lot for any one person to take on. She was kind enough to put together a few of her own favorite outfits from the new collection, and those are featured here, along with a few things I especially liked and wanted for myself. With this collection, Chlo’s designs move in a more upscale direction without losing the comfortable, casual appeal of her first designs. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Broder" hair by Avant Scofield (The Good Life). Black Oxford, "Scratch" and "Rebel" (James Dean) shoes by Eponymous Trenchmouth (Jeepers Creepers). Basic Workboots by Posy Trudeau (Civvies).
Post Category: Casual,Designer Reviews,Indigo,Jackets,New Items,Outfits,Pants,Shirts
September 25th, 2007 at 07:40pmRyan Darragh
Blaze Columbia makes some of the finest dress and formal menswear in Second Life. Blaze’s Power Suit has been one of my favorites since its release in March. Surely no man’s wardrobe inventory is complete without at least two suits by Blaze…one in black, and at least one in another color. Newly released at Blaze Fine Fashions is the classic Wool Suit, now updated with all new fabric textures and sculpted prim pants legs in two different styles: without and without turned cuff. The suit comes in a wide spectrum of 20 different colors; you see me wearing it here in Maple and Sea Green. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Deviance" hair by Lost Thereian (Naughty). "City Walk" shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things). "Rectech" glasses by Cienna Rand (Primcrafters).
Post Category: Blaze Columbia,Business,Dressy,Suits
September 24th, 2007 at 09:01pmRyan Darragh
Those of you who have been following along for a while know that I’m a whore for long coats. It is arguably both a gift and a curse. Fortunately, the offerings of a variety of talented SL designers have made it possible for me to feel good about my addiction, if not overcome it. The new “Iron Cross” Long Coat (L$500) at Civvies is something of a cousin to Posy’s earlier Road Agent Coat, although with different coloring and finishing details. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan:FORM Skin by Zabitan Assia (FORM). "Drift" hair by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui).
Post Category: Boots,Casual,Civvies,Coats,Fantasy,Grunge,Hats,New Items,Outfits
September 21st, 2007 at 07:56pmRyan Darragh
New at Nylon Outfitters from designer Nylon Pinkney is this set of Button Down Stripe Shirts. Although quite different, these strike me as companions of a sort to Mathfew Alonzo’s short-sleeve shirts from Savvy Avvy. These too are perfect summer shirts, and although also striped these have long sleeves, brighter colors and perhaps something of a Seventies vibe with the spread collar and slinky fit. You could get away with wearing these to a disco revival party, but why wait for a special occasion? Throw one on with your favorite dark jeans or slacks and enjoy today. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Broder" hair by Avant Scofield (The Good Life).
Post Category: Casual,New Items,Nylon Outfitters,Shirts
September 19th, 2007 at 07:38pmRyan Darragh
I am so very excited and pleased to announce that Second Style Stylecast #1 was released late yesterday night and is now available for your listening pleasure.
Stylecast is a short (under 10 minute run time) weekly podcast hosted by Daphne Abernathy and Tamara Kirshner of Going Broke with Daphne and Tamara. Each episode covers one specific fashion topic — and episode #1 is about new hair textures from Diversity, Calla and ETD.
You don’t need an iPod or any special software to listen to the show. Just click here to visit the show’s homepage and click on the player button — or, if you like, click here and subscribe to the show in iTunes.
The next episode will be out in a week. And I promise you — men, you are not forgotten!
Post Category: Announcements
September 19th, 2007 at 04:20amCelebrity Trollop
I grew up for the most part in Southern California, and although I’m not a surfer myself I love the beach communities and their casual, laid-back vibe. Nothing says summer to me quite like the bead and shell jewelry you see on surfers all through the long, hot days of July, August and September. This new jewelry by designer KiKi Miranda would fit right in and be all the rage. KiKi recently joined the design team at Aitui and is bringing her own talents and style to Jesse’s established line. Her new Tapa Necklace and Tapa Bracelets for men feature simple beads in natural colors strung on leather thongs. The larger oblong beads are decorated with intricate designs inspired by traditional tapa cloth artwork, a beautiful touch that fits right in with the Polynesian and tropical influences seen elsewhere in the Aitui line. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Chad" hair by Aleri Darkes (Diversity Hair). Plain Tank Top and Classic Jeans by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui).
Post Category: Aitui,Casual,Jewelry,KiKi Miranda,New Items
September 18th, 2007 at 03:10pmRyan Darragh
Not too long ago I wore designer Avant Scofield’s ”Delinquent” hair in another post (sure, go ahead and take a look now). I was pretty impressed by the style and regretted that I wasn’t giving it more specific attention in a review of its own–it just felt so perfect for that layout that I didn’t want to replace it. And I figured there’d be more good stuff to come at Avant’s shop, The Good Life. I was not wrong. Like “Delinquent,” Avant’s new style “Broder” is a beautiful casual style with great hair texture and complex, realistic construction. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). Armageddon tee and Serpent Dragon jeans by Rahsus Kronos (Urban Underground).
Post Category: Casual,Hair,New Items,The Good Life
September 15th, 2007 at 01:02pmRyan Darragh
I happened to bump into Shai outside her shop the other night (a coincidence, I swear, although I know she thinks I’m her personal stalker). It had been ages since we had done more than exchange an IM or two and it was great to catch up with her. When I mentioned her new Greek Boy outfits she was excited and confided that these feel to her like something of a “return to my roots.” I couldn’t agree more–the richness of the fabric textures and the jewel-like colors take me back to Shai’s Heath Jackets, Irish Sweaters and Flaunt Jeans from last fall. This feels like perfect timing to me as summer winds down and the boys head back to school. How about one last Mediterranean blow-out before classes start up? I’m thinking Mykonos. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Medium) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Jude" hair by Aleri Darkes (Diversity Hair). "Scratch" shoes by Eponymous Trenchmouth (Jeepers Creepers). "Bella" eyeglasses by Fenigan London (House of London).
Post Category: Casa Del Shai,Casual,Jackets,Jeepers Shoes,New Items,Outfits,Pants,Shirts,Sweaters
September 13th, 2007 at 07:59pmRyan Darragh
Meditations in Midnight.
Breathe, chill, relax, switch to decaf…(ignore that last one O_x)…
Even in Second Life, a body can get a little stressed out. Between lag, hardware issues, script bugs, animation quirks, and other grid gremlins, even a saint could get a complex. Hence the above reminder. Much like RL, I find myself needing the occasional prompt (ok—a large thermonuclear device detonated on my head) to focus on what’s really important.
What does this little jaunt through the slightly sleep deprived corriders of my pixelated brain have to do with fashion, one might inquire. Just this…when I take the time to make myself comfortable in SL, like RL, I find myself encouraged to relax. It’s odd I realize but somehow it works. All right, I admit, I’m probably the only av that changes into pjs before returning my consciousness to RL (yeah Ryan, I’m nucking futz but you knew that already) but it is part of my personality. So there. XP (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: Yes
Post Category: Accessories,BooPerFunk,Casual,Gothic,Hair,Item Style,Jewelry,MIA,Made Men,Outfits,Pyjamas,Shiny Things,X2: Exotica,Yummy
September 12th, 2007 at 01:56pmMaxmillianDArgent Ferraris
Lissa Maertens was thoughtful enough to give me a shout recently when she added some new items to her menswear line at Cattivo. My personal favorite of the recent additions is this classic Bomber Jacket. The leather’s sheen suggests that it would feel supple and butter-soft, not rough or stiff. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Sleepwalk" hair and Classic Jeans by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). Ribbed Tank Top by Shai Delacroix (Casa Del Shai).
Post Category: Casual,Cattivo,Jackets,New Items
September 11th, 2007 at 07:58pmRyan Darragh
The desert was the apotheosis of all deserts, huge, standing to the sky for what looked like eternity in all directions. It was white and blinding and waterless and without feature save for the faint, cloudy haze of the mountains which sketched themselves on the horizon and the devil-grass which brought sweet dreams, nightmares, death. An occasional tombstone sign pointed the way, for once the drifted track that cut its way through the thick crust of alkali had been a highway. Coaches and buckas had followed it. The world had moved on since then. The world had emptied.
–Stephen King, The Gunslinger (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Aidan: Male Lucent Skin 5'oclock Shadow by Maximillion Grant. Bare Rose Syuriken Hair (Black) and Daruma Tank & Pants by June Dion. Kalico Korners Blooded & Bandaged Shirt and Ripped Frayed Jeans by Kenny Sleeper. Goth1c0 Public Enemy Jeans by Keishii Roo. Homicide Designs Mothblood Shirt by Nerolus Mosienko. Brutal Gear Lowrise Grunge Jeans by Nex Brannan. Tattoos by me.
Post Category: Accessories,Angry Monkey,Boots,Casual,Designer Reviews,Gloves,Hats,Novelty,Steampunk
September 10th, 2007 at 11:58pmAidan Recreant
I never know what I’m going to find when I walk into Pushbutton Industries, designer Pushbutton Skolnick’s shop featuring her own highly eclectic clothing and accessory items for all the sexes. She’s always got something going on, anywhere from decidedly off-the-beaten-path new designs to an entirely revamped shop design and layout, just because she was bored. New this week at PBI for the guys is this set of jackets Push calls “The Barrage,” available in four colors: Arsenal (grey), Hypoxia (blue), Powder Burn (black), and Turned Earth (brown).
Ryan Darragh: Hey, what is this fabric texture?
Pushbutton Skolnick: Komodo dragon.
Ryan: I was torn between snake and lizard. Now I know. Hmm, feels sexy.
Push: It’s like the special sauce.
Ryan: As in, two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions…?
Push: That’s just the stuff they tell you about. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Tan) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Nekoge" hair by hiko Nino (Happy Dispatch). Damaged Jeans by Nylon Pinkney (Nylon Outfitters). Boho Sandals by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Casual,Jackets,New Items,Sprawl / Pushbutton Industries
September 10th, 2007 at 08:32pmRyan Darragh
The Angry Monkey product selection was brought to my attention by Saeya Nyanda when I was looking for outfit components to support a review I was working on for Steam Powered Industries’ Jump Boots. Upon entering the store one immediately notices two things: (1) the level of texture realism embodied in the work and (2) the salvage yardian feel of the goods. I walked away with the Splinter Bracers and a lasting impression of the calibre of goods – the Junkyard Patriot flag being one of the most striking alternative accessories I’ve seen.
The quality of Vas Legend’s work speaks for itself. In fact, when I donned the pieces from his his newer “Distruzio”, “Road Warrior” and hobo-esque releases and wandered around the grid many people instantly reacted to the pieces. “Great gear” and “That is some ding dang diggity dong cool sh*t you have on!” were some of the comments aimed at the gear. If they weren’t strapped on tightly someone would have walked away with ‘em ([21:18] Aenea Nori touches Cat’s banjo. [21:18] Catero Revolution slaps Aenea’s hand).
Not too long ago Mr. Legend was kind enough to entertain some questions about his store, his content creation philosophies and his latest releases. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Catero: Skin, Justin - Dark, Aftermath (The Good Life / Avant Scofield); Hair, Sleepwalk Hair in black (Aitui / Jesseaitui Petion); Shirt, Brawler Tank - Steel (Truth Designs / Truth Hawks); Pants, Patched Jeans - Brown ([Civvies] Wearables / Posy Trudeau); Watch, Time by Kari - Male *not yet released* ({Kari} / Menno Ophelia); Cigarette, Lucky Sticks - Slim & Mild (Sakura's Smoke Shop /sakura Jannings )
Post Category: Accessories,Angry Monkey,Boots,Fantasy,Gloves,Grunge,New Items,Steampunk
September 9th, 2007 at 12:15amCatero Revolution
I don’t know how it is for you, but every once in a while I’m digging through my inventory, which no matter how carefully I sort and organize still seems to get out of control, and I find something that has somehow gotten lost in the shuffle. Here is an example of that sad syndrome. Unfortunately this hair style by Hayate Ewing is no longer brand new in the shop, but it’s still the most recent addition for men. “Soh” (which, unless my googling misleads me, means “peaceful” or ”harmonious”) is extravagant, elaborate, and just plain big. It is advertised as a “Japanese Men’s Gorgeous Hair Style,” and I won’t argue on any count, but I think it would work equally well for women. In fact, it makes me think of Ann and Nancy Wilson in Heart’s heyday, although maybe with not quite so much gel and mousse. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Tan) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Garage Band" tee by Posy Trudeau (Civvies).
Post Category: Casual,Hair,Hayate's Hair Lab,New Items
September 7th, 2007 at 09:38pmRyan Darragh
He barely remembers being on the ship any more–it was too long ago, and he was too young. It’s hard to know what to make of the confusing memories of being in the great wooden box, floating on the water, surrounded by it on all sides. The feeling he has in the memories seems to him something like the way he feels when he’s safe at home in the tree houses, but not nearly so pleasant, and out in the middle of water. This he does not understand. After all, none of them care much for water, except to drink. Falling into pools of it is very unpleasant, not that he ever does that any more–he suddenly feels much more powerful and graceful now than he did before, his footing more sure–and crossing the great expanse of water that surrounds their little ball of land is…not forbidden so much as inconceivable. Why forbid it? It would be like saying, “You shall not walk to the Moon.” What difference would that make? (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Tan) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Nekoge" hair by hiko Nino (Happy Dispatch). Neko ears and tail by Zoe Llewelyn (Jungle Voodoo). On Posy: Skin, D-Skin02 v1.1. Hair, "Cumie" - Platinum (Here Comes Trouble). Neko Ears and Tail by Wynx Whiplash (Extrovirtual). White Flexi Whiskers by Noam Sprocket (Gritty Kitty). Primal Bikini from Chaospire. Beaded Bracelet by Broder Kubrick (BroGear). JunkBarb and Shady Sands by Vas Legend (Angry Monkey). Spear from the "Savage Girl" outfit (Ko Industries).
Post Category: Accessories,BroGear,Fantasy,Neko,New Items,Outfits
September 5th, 2007 at 07:20pmRyan Darragh
It may have been on your radar that Men’s Second Style recently celebrated its first anniversary. (Of course, you may have noticed because I made a point of mentioning it here.) In celebration of that truly momentous milestone, you are invited to drop by my inworld office (click here or check my Picks) to pick up a gift, kind of a thank-you for reading along and supporting our efforts here.
This gold choker-style necklace was created exclusively for Men’s Second Style by designer Mhaijik Guillaume of Mhaijk Things. In Mhaijik’s own words: “I used Gold Bar beads, deep blue sapphire pukka, a warm deep walnut wood center bead, and slips and swirls of leather threads with tiny knots for whimsy. At the back is a golden interlocking closure, pukka and more leather knotted whimsy, with a leezard added to the left side.” Its design is intentionally reminiscent of the necklaces I covered in my first review of Mhaijik’s designs, on 11 September 2006. I think this piece is especially beautiful, although I may be biased as it does reflect my own tastes. I do hope that you like it, too. 
(more…)
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Derek" hair by Aleri Darkes (Diversity Hair). Plain Tank Top by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). Phoenix tattoo by kohdai Beck (KS Tattoo Studio).
Post Category: Freebies,Jewelry,Mhaijik Things,New Items
September 4th, 2007 at 07:24pmRyan Darragh
In recognition (honor?) of the fact that this weekend has brought the hottest days of the year so far where I live, I thought it would be nice to take a look at some designs that are similar to things I (and many others) are wearing in RL right about now. These lightweight shirts by Mathfew Alonzo of Savvy Avvy (formerly az design) are billed as “Short Sleeve Dress Shirts,” but don’t let that limit you–they work equally well with either a simple but classic suit for a dressy but informal look, or with a pair of jeans of shorts for more casual dressing. The shirts come in five colors: Arctic Blue, Mustard, Pea Green, Rose and White. Each can be worn tucked or untucked. The subtle pinstriping is a good look for almost any guy, and details like the double layer of clothing at the pocket and along the placket are nicely realized. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Alec" hair by Aleri Darkes (Diversity Hair). Rugged Cargo Shorts by Chloris Hathor (Indigo). Ultimate Wool Suit by Blaze Columbia (Blaze Fine Fashions). Boho Sandals by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Casual,Dressy,Savvy Avvy,Shirts
September 3rd, 2007 at 01:05pmRyan Darragh
Before I get started, let me vent for a moment. It’s turning out to be one of those days and I’d like this to be all about me, just briefly. Thanks in advance for your indulgence. So last night I was busily taking pictures of these new hairstyles by Tami McCoy and quite pleased with how things were looking. You’ll also note that it’s not one, not two but three hairstsyles this time, so quite a few pictures were taken (I have a tendency to blink, and I like to have options). I finished up, logged out of SL and went to review the pictures before converting them to JPEGs, because good Lord but bitmaps are big. I started flipping through them and saw to my horror that in every single one of them the SL client interface was showing! It might not have been so bad, but I had the camera controls conveniently located (i.e., more or less in the middle of the screen), not to mention a couple of HUDs that would have been obnoxiously difficult if not impossible to crop out. Maybe this is why HUDs are the Devil. I could go on…and on…but let’s just say that it actually takes longer to recreate a photoshoot (down to camera angles and lighting) that you’re happy with than it did to take the pictures in the first place.
But enough about me. 
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Repent" tee by Posy Trudeau (Civvies). Mhaijik Tag on Leather Thong necklace by Mhaijik Guillaume (Mhaijik Things). Phoenix tattoo by kohdai Beck (KS Tattoo Studio).
Post Category: Casual,Hair,New Items,Tami McCoy
September 1st, 2007 at 07:13pmRyan Darragh
New this week at Shiny Things are the “Tritone” sculpted-prim men’s loafers, by designer Fallingwater Cellardoor. Now, my only beef with Fallingwater (and she knows this, I’m sure) is that I wish she created more shoes and accessories for us men! However, I cannot hold against her the work she does on behalf of the women of SL–those designs are things of beauty and joys to behold, and I’m willing to bet that they fulfill her creatively. Hmm, maybe I should give some more thought to that female avie…if it means I can have more shoes. 
