Posts filed under 'Designer Reviews'
I’m back again, this time with a review of JHZ. JHZ is a small store that advertises as selling High Definition clothes for men. The style is somewhat urban with baggy, worn jeans and tight T shirts.
Some of the shirts they sell are branded with first life brand logos. I won’t cover these by blog policy. I’ll cover the jeans, some original t shirts and some layered tees though. The store also makes some accessories, of which I’m showing the bracelets in my review.
I’ll start with the jeans. The texture is quite ‘crispy’ and sharp. The only blurry area I saw on the jeans was around the crotch, but that was completely the fault of the SL mesh. I’m sure we’ve all seen how SL distorts baggy or loose clothing. Since the pants are modify enabled I fixed it for myself by lowering the crotch height from 33 to 15. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Daman: Scorpio skin by Khai Sinister (TheAbyss), Stripped Black Sneakers by Emilia Redgrave (Redgrave), Industrial piercings by Deekay Xavier (DEEKS), Jack hair by Wicked Loudon (Dernier Cri)
Post Category: Designer Reviews, JHZ, Jeans, Jewelry, Shirts, Urban
September 27th, 2008 at 11:00amDaman Tenk
It’s not often that Mr. Oh and I have the opportunity to get out and tear around inworld together, wreaking havoc as we go. (Living on opposite sides of the “real world” will have that effect.) I am somewhat saddened by this.
—Well, thank you, Ryan; most kind of you to say, although there are those who might argue that, all things considered, it’s for the better that our teamwork is limited by the realities of geography and time zones and…
Let’s let the good readers judge that for themselves, my friend. After all, it was all in good fun.
—Well certainly on my part, of course, but… (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Most | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Random skin by Garbage Prototype (Random). "Jin" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Kalico Neko Ears by Kenny Sleeper (Kalico Kreations). Neko tail by Zoe Llewelyn (Jungle Voodoo). "Gallop" shoes by Maris Kanto (Kalnins). On Mr Oh: Nora Entice - Hunter Cinnamon by Sezmra Svarog (Nora BodySkins & Fashion). "Perry" hair in silver-grey by Truth Hawks (Truth). "Monocle!" by Brodrick Kubert (BroGear). Hand-Drawn Wingtips in Black, Brown and Oxblood by Barnesworth Anubis (Barnes Boutique). On Posy: "Tuesday Honey - Pink Portia" skin by Annyka Bekkers (Blowpop). "Hive" hair by Six Kennedy (Gurl 6). Chiffon Ruffle dress by machang Pichot (AOHARU). "Belles" shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things). On Suzi: Suppin Platinum Pearl skin by Hiro Pintens (Hi-Rop). Rumor in Ash Blonde by Stumbelina Ophelia (Cake). Blue Lace Satin gown by Tavo Vella (Bogart's).
Post Category: Business, Casual, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Jackets, New Items, Outfits, Pants, Sartoria, Shirts, Suits
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:28pmRyan & Oh
I was so impressed with the beautiful Emvee Cuba build by Menno Ophelia that I did “location photography” there for not just one but two of my recent posts–and I still haven’t exhausted all of its possibilities. It seemed something of an interesting coincidence, then, when I heard about Menno’s new clothing and accessories shop, Kari. It took me a few days (I got sidetracked by Hair Fair, so shoot me), but on my first visit to Menno’s shop I found myself grinning more often than not as I perused the eclectic selection.
“Kari has been in creation for over a year,” says Menno. “My style is not the easiest to describe, but basically it is unisex clothes, sculpted shoes, accessories, posed props and whatever I feel like making. My influence comes from personal things I wear, like to wear and see on the streets [of Amsterdam] on a daily basis.” I can only speak for myself, but I admire designers who follow their bliss, so to speak, simply creating things that appeal to them. I honestly believe that, when a designer is excited, passionate and having fun, that shows through in their work.
“If you build it, they will come”? Yeah, it’s a cliché, I know. But still. 
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Random skin by Garbage Prototype (Random). "Avant-Garde" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile).
Post Category: Accessories, Bags, Casual, Designer Reviews, Hats, Hoodies, Jeans, Kari, New Items, Shirts, Shoes
September 13th, 2008 at 11:23amRyan Darragh
Where do you go to get your wow outfits? The answer to that tells me a lot about you. But now… where do you go to get your staple clothes? That tells me even more. In your closet, it isn’t the dramatic outfits on their luxury form-fitting hangers that reveal your character as much as the rest of the stuff, hanging on wire hangers and folded up in your drawers.
And so it is that while I love the sudden thrill of finding a shop with something new and wild, I’m just as impressed when I can walk around the shop and gradually come to the conviction that, yeah, they sell just about everything and I could pretty much wear any of it quite happily.
Such a shop is Kerem Lunt’s King for Men.
Take for instance my first combination. The brown Canvas Trousers (L$145 in brown, light brown or black) have a nice earthy glow to them. They attract the eye, but are willing to yield attention back to the top, the red Argyle Sweater (L$135 in light brown, white, red, grey, green or brown; the white comes with a black shirt peeking through underneath, all the others have a white one). See what I mean, though? Wear an outfit like this and no one is going to gasp. But those with an eye, those with discernment, the ones you want to notice… they’ll notice. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Mr. Oh: Nora Entice - Hunter Almond by Sezmra Svarog (Nora BodySkins & Fashion). "Perry" hair in silver-grey by Truth Hawks (Truth). "Arach" glasses with scripted frames and lenses by Nibb Tardis (primOptic). Murphy shoes in various colours by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Business, Casual, Designer Reviews, Jackets, Jeans, King for Men, Pants, Shirts, Suits, Ties
August 27th, 2008 at 03:00pmMr. Oh
Primitive Design is one of those stores I’ve been familiar with for quite some time, and had on my list of places to review for nearly just as long. For some reason I’ve never gotten to it however, I should blame my lack of time in the past. A few days ago the creator Geyer Schnyder gave me a full tour of the store however after a mention of Ryan - and now here I am, finally writing the review I’ve been meaning to do for ages.
The store makes items of a grungy urban/street style. They sell pretty much everything you need for a full avatar, including skins since a few days ago. The skins are only available in two white skintones however, so I can’t review them. Luckily I’ll already have my hands full enough with the clothes and accessories.
I have put two full outfits together with the store’s items, and will show those in the review. There’s so much more for sale though that you should definitely check the place out. My goal here is to give you an idea of the designer’s work in general, so I’ll try to keep it as short as I can by not spending more than a paragraph on each individual item. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Everything except for the hair | Friends List: No
Notes: On Daman: Scorpio skin by Khai Sinister (TheAbyss), Akeyo Lowtop chucks by artoo Magneto (Akeyo), Pornstar Hi-Tops by Coke Dreadlow (Urban Bomb Unit)
Post Category: Accessories, Bags, Designer Reviews, Grunge, Hair, Jackets, Jeans, Jewelry, Primitive Design, Shirts, Urban
August 16th, 2008 at 07:07amDaman Tenk
If you’ve been searching for the perfect casual wardrobe for summer, you may need look no further than Common Thread by meriwell Faddoul. I didn’t know what to expect when I made my first visit to meriwell’s shop, but the clean designs and gelato-bar color palette brought back memories of Don Johnson in “Miami Vice.” In the best possible way, of course!
I’ll start with simple and classic. The Threads Button Tee (L$100) has a button-up front, collar and chest logo, so for my money it’s more polo than tee. I’m not going to quibble, though. It’s available in a handful of colors, and shown here in Green and White. Here and throughout I’m also wearing meriwell’s Light Linen Trousers (L$100). The fabric has a delicate crosshatch texture, and meriwell mentioned that he left off the side seam because he preferred the softer, casual feel that provided. Three styles are included: belted, unbelted, and tapered at the ankle for wear with sculpted cuffs. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Most | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Daniel" skin by Simple Spad (Mirror Image). "Anji" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Boho Sandals by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Casual, Common Thread, Designer Reviews, Jackets, Jewelry, New Items, Outfits, Pants, Shirts, Studio Sidhe
August 6th, 2008 at 07:33pmRyan Darragh
At some of his club gigs lately, my friend Kaj has been wearing some intriguing and unfamiliar jeans and shirts–detailed design work, rich colors skewing to the dark side, goth influences but nothing heavy-handed. He was kind enough to put me in touch with the designer, VincentTalent Maximus, whose work was new to me. Vince’s “2di4″ collection so far isn’t extensive, but it’s well executed, beautifully artistic and growing. We were able to beat our schedules into submission and make time for an inworld chat, so in addition to my usual blather you’ll be hearing from Vincent himself regarding his design work.
“Right now I’m experimenting with a few things,” Vince says. “I’m really into goth influences (not hard core), spend lots of time listening to dark ambient music, things like the Legendary Pink Dots. [I] love Tim Burton and the lighter side of dark. Vampires are great, but they should be sexy!” I find myself in agreement with the sexy vampires idea. After all, they’re not just Max Schreck. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Leto" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile). Urban Tactic boots by Tesla Miles (TESLA). Verge boxer briefs by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). Birdeye Black Leather bracelet by Georg Honi (A&C Longbow).
Post Category: Casual, Designer Reviews, Goth, Jeans, Shirts, Skins, Styria
July 29th, 2008 at 04:05pmRyan Darragh
I love hair.
That’s probably not news to you. After all, you see me here (and inworld, if you happen to bump into me or, hmm, stalk me down) wearing new or at least different hairstyles with frightening regularity. Oh, sure, I have a few favorites that I keep going back to (*cough* “Nekoge” *cough*), but who doesn’t? Hey, I’ve been giving “Poynter” a break lately, so give me some credit there. 
It’s been a few weeks by now, but Kavar Cleanslate recently updated and expanded his collection of men’s hairstyles at Exile. (The update includes all-new hair textures–more on that later.) His new styles are available in 30 different shades, packaged in packs of six. Four of the packs contain natural shades: Blacks, Blondes, Browns and Reds. (All styles are shown here in Scarlet, one of the Reds.) The fifth pack is appropriately called Wild Cards as it contains a selection of brighter, less natural colors. The sixth pack is K’s Choice, and it includes a selection of five from Kavar’s naturals and one of the wilder shades. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: FORM skin and GQ Shirt by Zabitan Assia (FORM). Eyes by Garbage Prototype (Random). Freebie jeans by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile).
Post Category: Designer Reviews, Exile, Hair, New Items
July 25th, 2008 at 12:26pmRyan Darragh
I go back and forth on shapes. Let me tell you what I mean by that. I like my own shape–I made it myself, and I don’t share it around, so it’s unique to me. I’ve tweaked it over time, but only a little here and there. It just feels right to me. (A) I’m satisfied with it, although sometimes I wonder if I might want to be taller, and (2) I don’t want to have to re-fit all my attachments, so there’s no way I’m making significant changes. For myself, I don’t see any need for pre-fab shapes.
On the other hand, I look at some of the shapes created by, say, Vasean Talamasca. The shapes in his collection at Flesh Peddlers are attractive, sexy, even exotic. I see a lot of guys roaming the grid who, frankly, could use some guidance from somebody with a good eye. I don’t mean to be judgmental, and I’m naming no names, but if you look like a muscle-bound, top-heavy gorilla on steroids, I might have bumped into you.
Jeckie Hax is partner in crime to Shinichi Mathy (SHIKI Design) and the talent behind SHIKI Shapes. Jeckie mentions in one of her informational notecards that shiki means “The Four Seasons” in Japanese, and to me this suggests not only the flow of time but the balance inherent in the succession of the seasons. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that Jeckie’s shapes demonstrate balance, proportion and harmony applied to the human form, or at least its representation in SL. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Thomas" skin by Tricky Boucher (Belleza). "Broder" "Broder" hair by Avant Scofield (The GL). Boudoir Boxer Briefs by Shai Delacroix (Casa Del Shai).
Post Category: Designer Reviews, New Items, SHIKI Shapes, Shapes
July 14th, 2008 at 12:09pmRyan Darragh
Last time I saw Jesseaitui Petion, he was busy getting his new menswear designs set out, arranged to his satisfaction, and properly priced so he could re-open Aitui to the public. Pretty much every time I’ve seen or talked with him, he’s been pretty mellow, but that night he was a man on a mission. He said that he’d probably be pulling an all-nighter, and I thought, Wow, I thought we gave all that up when we finished college. I guess some things don’t change. He re-opened a few days ago now, so you may have already discovered his new collection, but I wanted to share a few of my favorite items with you here.
I don’t know if Jesse considers his Tokyo Intake Jacket (L$235) the centerpiece of his new collection, but to me it epitomizes the attitude and vibe of his new designs. The jacket is cut high rather than low on the hip, and it can be worn with or without the untucked printed tee (the tee is not on a separate clothing layer and can’t be worn on its own). Although I’m wearing one of Jesse’s scarves here–more on that in a moment–the jacket has a sculpted turned-up collar, which Jesse has thoughtfully provided pre-set for two different attachment points (chest and spine). Several different fabric finishes are available; Charcoal is shown here. I love love love this jacket and I’m already plotting what other cool tees I can wear with it. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Most | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "David" skin by sachi Vixen (Adam n Eve). "Beau" hair by Wicked Loudon (Dernier Cri). "Dion" glasses by Rohal Schnyder (Role Optic). Stone Cross Necklace by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui).
Post Category: Accessories, Aitui, Casual, Designer Reviews, Hoodies, Jackets, New Items, Pants, Shirts, Shoes, Underwear
July 7th, 2008 at 07:18pmRyan Darragh
Designer Shinichi Mathy described himself to me as “a newcomer to the SL fahion scene.” He may have arrived relatively recently, but I hope he sticks around for a while. His shop SHIKI presents a generous collection of unabashedly colorful, breezy casual designs for men, and a handful of items for women. I’m pretty sure the shop was redesigned within the last few days–it had a completely different layout when I made a quick last-minute visit last night. Things do come and go so quickly around here.
Although I’m not featuring them here today, you’ll also find a few decidedly informal suits…perhaps just the thing for a summer garden party or evening cocktail cruise. The pieces I’m wearing here are just a small selection from Shinichi’s Spring and Summer ‘08 collections. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Liam" hair by Wicked Loudon (Dernier Cri). Beach Bum sandals by tatoo Korvin (D2TK). "Stars" gold and leather jewelry by Mhaijik Guillaume (Mhaijik Things).
Post Category: Casual, Designer Reviews, Jeans, Outfits, Pants, SHIKI Design, Shirts, Shorts
June 26th, 2008 at 08:06pmRyan Darragh
Izumiya is a wonderful store that I’ve been meaning to post about but never got around to actually doing it. Till now that is. I mentioned one item in an earlier post, but Izumi Homewood’s work deserve so much more attention than that.
Izumiya consists of mutually complementing halves. The second floor is all freebies and dollarbies. There are accessories, shirts, pants, hats(with hair), a suit, and even poses to be found up there. Creamy Cooljoke, of Free*style, and I coincidentally discovered this store at the same time, and she (unlike me) already covered the freebie side of things, esp. the dollarbie suit. So I’ll focus on the other half, the only slightly more expensive first floor.
Downstairs, prices range between 5L and 70L. Items range from pendants, hats, and hair to belts, bags, jackets. My favorite part, however, are the prepackaged outfits.
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Express: "brown gray" eyes available from Freebie Eyes Package (House of Zen).
Post Category: Belleza, Designer Reviews, Freebies, Grunge, Hair, Izumiya, Kalnins, Outfits, Skins, Urban, booN
June 13th, 2008 at 06:12amExpress Zenovka
I don’t wear a lot of tattoos in SL. I have none at all in RL, although I have been contemplating one on and off for a while now. But tattoos are yet another area where it’s fun, rewarding, even enlightening to express yourself in SL, even though I might not indulge at all (or yet) in RL. Not just any ink will do. It has to be the right artwork, the right style, the right outer expression of something inner–these make all the difference.
Negko Devinna’s tattoo designs came to my attention by way of a reader recommendation. (Thanks, Viola!) I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I arrived at Negko’s shop–although Viola had mentioned Negko’s blog, I, um, hadn’t actually checked it out yet. :/ As a result, everything was new to me as I stepped into the Great Unknown…which was perhaps a good thing. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Adam" skin by Hart Larsson (PXL Creations). "Yuuya" hair by Rei Gully (Zero Style). Ash Jeans by Zabitan Assia (FORM). Stylish Leather Bracelet by Yukirei Greene (Yukirei Accessories).
Post Category: Designer Reviews, Negko Design, Tattoos
June 3rd, 2008 at 07:00pmRyan Darragh
Now, I don’t mean “guywear” in the sense that it’s clothing Lloyd Dobler would wear. (”The world is full of guys. Don’t be a guy. Be a man.”) It’s just that “menswear” seemed somehow not quite right here. Yes, I’m making it up as I go along. Anyway, Lloyd might well wear some of this stuff. I’m thinking by the end of the movie.
I seem to recall that Garbage Prototype had dropped one or two vague hints during the two months or so it took him to redesign and rebuild his shop and completely revamp his clothing and body lines for men and women. I think he just likes to tease like that. This is the kind of thing that just nags away at me from the back of my brain, kind of like my mother, or my conscience if I had one, or the approach of Christmas when I was a kid. I had also visited his website and seen his teaser video, so I knew that interesting things were afoot at the Circle-K. When he finally said, “Okay, I’m not ready to open yet, but come and take a look if you want to!”–I most definitely wanted to.
I honestly don’t know what my expectations were. I didn’t expect the shop’s casually elegant atmosphere to so slyly reflect Garbage’s creative approach. I know that I was surprised by some of the designs–wow, Garbage did a suit?–and impressed by the range of items and choice of colors. As a collection it felt focused, consistent, and very much an expression of a designer’s vision. I couldn’t wait to pick his brain. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: Random Male Skin, eyes and various hairstyles by Garbage Prototype (Random Fashions). Men's Oxford Leather Shoes by Tesla Miles (TESLA). On Sean: "Dante" skin by Lost Thereian (Naughty). "Poynter" hair by Liam Oliver (Armidi). "Trader" jeans by Dragontat Zagato (Desert Moon Clothiers). Classic Jeans by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). City Walk dress shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Business, Casual, Coats, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Hair, Jackets, Jeans, New Items, Random Fashions, Shirts, Shorts, Skins, Suits, Sweaters, Ties, Vests, Yukirei Greene
April 15th, 2008 at 01:14pmRyan Darragh
“They say the city of Kalico was once an industrial hub, where most people in the country congregated, worked, and lived. I, personally, find that extremely damn hard to believe anyone came to this city because they wanted to. They came because they had to. They came because everything was here. Everywhere else had nothing! Nothing at all! It’s like someone decided to slap every technological, social, and business aspect of living into one giant concrete hell. We don’t know much about what life was like before ‘it’ happened, but we definitely know what ‘it’ is. Everyone does. It’s the stuff of stories that parents would tell their little kittens so that they would sleep at night. But ‘it’ definitely happened, and ‘it’ destroyed everything.” – So begins the roleplay info notecard for Kenny Sleeper’s new-and-in-progress “Kalico City.” I was familiar with some of Kenny’s emo/neko/punk designs from his shop Kalico Kreations, and Aidan featured some of his designs in a previous post, but his new venture sounded intriguing (although I find I don’t have enough time to devote the amount that serious RP calls for). When he mentioned that he had also been creating some new designs so players can trick themselves out in style, it was clear that a visit to Kalico City was called for. Who knew what grungy, post-apocalyptic wonders would await? (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "David" Entice for Men skin by Sezmra Svarog (Nora BodySkins). "Skye" hair by Mystikal Faddoul (Mystikal Hair Designs). Akeyo Chucks high-tops by Akemi Yoshikawa (Akeyo).
Post Category: Accessories, Casual, Designer Reviews, Fantasy, Grunge, Jeans, Jewelry, Kalico Kreations, Neko, Shirts, Shoes, Shorts, Tattoos, Ties
April 8th, 2008 at 11:09pmRyan Darragh
This is the second part of a two-part designer review of Kavar Cleanslate’s clothing designs, available at Exile. You can read the first part here.
Let’s just pick up where we left off, hey? Up next is “London Punk” (L$550), an outfit with a distinctive look that for most needs no further description (but pictures are always helpful, so you’re getting some). In the box you get two jackets (one with tartan-and-black sleeves, one sleeveless), a barely-there “spidertrap” shirt, red tartan pants with prim side pockets, black facial jewelry, plus collar, belts and various armbands and legbands. The facial jewelry is linked as a single attachment, so you will need to use Edit Linked Parts to position the various pieces precisely for your avatar–I found this to be fairly simple. This is another of Kavar’s “deluxe sets,” and in addition to the clothing items you also get his “Revenge” mohawk hair style, shown here in blonde with dark tips. This style so reminds me of a guy I knew in high school, who used large quantities of egg whites, dyes and bleach to get his hair to look just like this. I admired his dedication. Right-click-and-wear is much simpler. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). Stealth Rigger Boots by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS Shoes). Boho Sandals by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Casual, Costumes, Designer Reviews, Exile, Fantasy, Novelty, Outfits
March 1st, 2008 at 05:59pmRyan Darragh
Just so you’ll know, I do occasionally learn from my own experiences. Although I’m embarking here on an overall designer review (rather than a specific new release), I will endeavor not to make again the tactical error I made when I reviewed Gaia Goodnight’s Darkstar Designs earlier this month, namely the ill-advised decision to include umpteen different outfits and items in a single post. And don’t get it wrong–the temptation to do so again with Kavar Cleanslate’s designs at Exile was very, very strong. However, I’m confident that you are a gentle and patient people, and you’re willing to accept delayed rather than instant gratification. If not, you can just TP over to the shop and check things out for yourself.
Kavar mentioned to me that he’s really into themed outfits and costumes right now, and I want to cover a couple of his new releases for you here. Imagine the possibilities for themed nights at your favorite club! Hmm, sometimes there are cash prizes…I’m just sayin’. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). Old Shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Accessories, Casual, Costumes, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Exile, Hair, Hats, Jeans, New Items, Novelty, Outfits, Pants, Shirts, Ties, Vests
February 27th, 2008 at 07:27pmRyan Darragh
We all go a little crazy sometimes. It even happens to me. Fortunately in this case I’m not talking Norman Bates crazy; I just got a little click-happy and kept buying, and buying…and buying. I blame Posy (that’s my story, and I’m sticking with it) because she’s the one who dropped on me the landmark to Gaia Goodnight’s shop, Darkstar Designs. Hopefully this isn’t old news to everyone but me, but Gaia’s shop showcases some great design work with clear anime, steampunk and cyperbpunk influences, all at extremely reasonable prices. The beauty of this is that when you do go crazy (and you will, I say this with confidence), the effect on your L$ balance won’t be devastating. 
Unfortunately there aren’t a lot of men’s clothing designs beyond a few tees (although there are plenty of things for the ladies just across the way at Sh!t Happens), but as you’ll see I came home with hair styles and accessories enough to put together seven different looks. I may not have mixed-and-matched the way Gaia had in mind, or the way you would do, but that’s the further beauty of having such an embarrassment of riches to play with.
Let’s start kind of simple and work our way up from there. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Jack" skin by Posy Trudeau (Flesh Peddlers). Supertight Men's Tees and Filthy Canvas Pants by Posy Trudeau (Civvies). O-Ring Black Ribbon Jewelry by Mhaijik Guillaume (Mhaijik Things).
Post Category: Accessories, Boots, Darkstar Designs, Designer Reviews, Fantasy, Gloves, Hair, Novelty, Shirts, Steampunk
February 6th, 2008 at 04:58pmRyan Darragh
A few days ago I got myself a freebie Benz from Akeyo, probably the best free car in SL at the moment. A couple hours later I get an IM asking if I was interested in covering her clothing line. I ported in to check out the store and after looking at the items there, of course I was.
The store offers a variety of clothing and accessories, mostly using sculpties for the prim parts. She sticks to using sharp and bright textures and offers her stuff for reasonable (though not excessively cheap) prices.
The items I’m covering in this review are the shoes, hoodies and caps. The shoes and caps are both offered in 2 lines currently. For the shoes that’s slippers and sneakers, for the caps that’s jeep caps and baseball caps.
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Daman: Hunter Espresso by Sezmra Svarog (Nora Fashions & Bodyskins). Black Jeans (iki casuals). Sandstorm jeans by Adam Soler (Lookr). Halo sunglasses by Kwamey Pinion (Soreal).
Post Category: Akeyo, Designer Reviews, Hats, Hoodies, Shoes, Sweaters, Urban
February 4th, 2008 at 01:30pmDaman Tenk
I am unsure how he found me? But, clothing designer SerJordan Bonetto and owner of Men’s and Women’s clothing store Emery, contacted me this week about the possibility of writing an article for the blog. Being a polite person and always looking for the hot new item, I quickly finished what I was doing and rezzed. I was immediately blown away by the fantastic sense of style his men’s department exhibits. The best RL comparison to make would be a merger of the Gap and Urban Outfitters. The eclectic mix of merchandise ranges from the funky and nostalgic to the fashion essentials Du Jour. If you need to put together a hip and unique wardrobe for a low price Emery should be in your bag of tricks.
I asked SerJordan to define Emery’s image. “If i had to choose an image, I think I would get Debbie Harry, Morrissey, Nicole Richie, Pete Wentz, and Jared Leto and take a picture of them all together after one long night…” (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Blink Pinion: Minnu Model Skin (Dark, w/beard GenI) by Thora Charron. Armidi Hair (The Poynter, Smoked Mahogany) by Liam Oliver. Soreal (Halo Sunglasses) by Kwamey Pinion.
Post Category: Designer Reviews, Emery, Pants, Shirts, Sweaters, Ties
February 2nd, 2008 at 09:54amBlink Pinion
It can be challenging to actually (virtually) meet up with someone in SL, even given the convenience of not having to leave my house or even, um, get dressed. So many people, so many time zones–it’s not as easy as it looks. I was fortunate enough to connect via IM with Abby Coalcliff earlier this week, and we chatted about her new fantasy menswear release at Analise.
Abby: My sister [Talyn Barrett] is the main designer of Analise. I usually sell women’s casual wear, and now I’m entering men’s fantasy. I know it’s a bit silly but it’s fun to do something a bit different sometimes.
Ryan: I think SL should be fun–which to me means getting to do things I wouldn’t or couldn’t in RL.
Abby: Oh, I totally understand! I’m currently trying to get out of my RL box.
Ryan: More of us should do that more often.
Abby: [If you] get any silly men’s clothing ideas, send them my way!
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: FORM skin (Very Light, redhead) by Zabitan Assia (FORM). "Sawyer" hair by Tami McCoy (Hair Designs by Tami McCoy). Sparrows Boots by Broder Kubrick (BroGear). Silver Claddagh Ring by Eggberta Echegaray.
Post Category: Analise, Casual, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Fantasy, New Items, Outfits, Period
January 31st, 2008 at 09:50pmRyan Darragh
If you remember the 1980’s movie “The Abyss,” in which a group of explorers discover intelligent life at the depths of the ocean, you will understand why my first visit to the clothing store Lookr was, to say the least, a little eerie. The clothing store is just below the surface of the water and is enveloped by the darkness of the sea. To enter the store you must swim through a fog of cold water and up through a hole in the floor of the complex.
(more…)
Post Category: Designer Reviews, Lookr
January 25th, 2008 at 10:45amBlink Pinion
Previous Posts
I’m back again, this time with a review of JHZ. JHZ is a small store that advertises as selling High Definition clothes for men. The style is somewhat urban with baggy, worn jeans and tight T shirts.
