Men's Second Style

HESE ARE the thinking man’s version of the t-shirt and jeans ensemble: Isis Shirts and Classic Jeans from Zaara. There is, of course, a simplicity born of shallowness. But when you achieve simplicity through rich colour and intricacy of detail, you have arrived at intelligence. “Smart casual” indeed.

Zaara Kohime’s clothes and jewelry for women have always been full of grace, colour and hints of the exotic. The story goes that she created men’s versions of her hand drawn jeans after spotting males wandering the grid wearing the women’s version. Her small collection of men’s garments are very welcome. We can only hope that the range expands. Read the rest of this entry »

I cannot tell you—I don’t think I can even begin—how much I dislike the word “murse.”  It’s not even a word, really.  It’s just a fake word somebody made up because they didn’t want to say “man purse.”  And you can see why, but still.  I mean, why does it have to be a “purse” of any kind?

Because I do like bags, and men often do really get the short end of the stick when it comes to things to contain and carry their stuff in.  Women of course have purses, which are (in Western culture, at least) universally accepted not just as a utilitarian necessity but as a legitimate fashion accessory, and often a quite beautiful one.  They take a variety of forms, as well, for different seasons and occasions:  shoulder bags, tote bags, handbags, clutches, and the list goes on.  And then there are the many interpretations and variations in shape, size, color, accents, trim—they’re almost like butterflies, with no two alike.

Men have wallets.  Usually in black or brown.  See what I mean? Read the rest of this entry »

Well, Valentine’s Day 2010 is shaping up to be a bit of a casual affair for me this year, in SL as well as RL-–I still don’t have RL dinner reservations!  (I know, I know.)  The very casual ensemble I’ve put together for your consideration isn’t exactly appropriate for an intimate dinner at a fine restaurant.  Think more romantic picnic in the park and you’ll be just fine.

The Grunge Tanktop and Flame Red Swim Trunks are both by Shinichi Mathy.  As always, fine fabric texture work is the hallmark of Shinichi’s garment designs, whether casual, dressy or more formal.  The busy print on the swim trunks helps the optional prim leg extensions to blend in better than they might in a solid color.  I did mod the taper of the prims just slightly to fit my fairly thin avie a little better.  These are the February 2010 Shiki group gift for guys.  You’ll need to join the Shiki group (if you aren’t already a member) and visit the shop Shiki 91, 153, 22 to pick up your gift.  Head down the red hallway (on your right as you walk down the main aisle) to the special Members Only area to find the gift vendors.  Available at Shiki Designs (Shiki 91, 153, 22). Read the rest of this entry »

[i]  Things had never been easy on the farm.  Raising crops was honest work, but hard, and it was all he had known his whole life.  But since the drought had begun things had been ever harder.  The soft greening wheat had turned brown and brittle; the dark brown earth had grown hard and grey.  Read the rest of this entry »

You never see men wearing smoking jackets any more.  (Okay, Hugh Hefner, but he’s the last bastion.)  That seems a shame to me—there’s something very classy and Old Hollywood about the image of a gentleman properly attired for lounging about the manse.  Is that you, Clark Gable? Read the rest of this entry »