Posts filed under 'Casual'
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
(more…)
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
I think it might just be. An Easter freebie by Samantha Poindexter. In black, white and three colors (pastels, natch). Pick yours up at Samantha’s Shirts.
Post Category: Asides, Casual, Freebies, Samantha's Shirts, Shirts
April 11th, 2009 at 11:11pmRyan Darragh
To begin with, in second life, I’m a DJ and manager at The Wharf. I host events for other Djs, as well. If you’ve never been to the Wharf, you are missing out on a fantastic place. Chester Howley and Finnegan Chesnokov are the dynamic duo that own the place, and have made it into the awesome place it is today. I love to talk to and meet people. And I love to share my music - hence the DJ thing.
You could say that I spend a great deal of time in and around music on SL. I enjoy exploring various places, whether its a music club, seeing interesting builds, or going shopping and doing things with my friends. I have met some fantastic people, and have grown very close to a few. (more…)
Post Category: Accessories, Akeyo, Animus, BareRose Tokyo, Boobery!, BroGear, Casual, Earandil Lowenhart, Eyes, Eyewear, Fantasy, Grunge, Hair, Jackets, Jewelry, Pants, ROLE Optic, Shirts, Shoes, Skins, Snipster'Z, Styria, The Body Politik, Zanzo, [Guest Style Consultant], sey
April 7th, 2009 at 11:16amRyan Darragh
I have a terrible confession to make. Are you ready? Please don’t make me say this more than once, it’s bad enough as it is. Okay, here goes: Stuff gets lost in my inventory sometimes.
There, I said it. Wow, I feel about a thousand times better already! Confession really is good for the soul.
Does this ever happen to you? It’s not just me, right? Tell me it’s not. Maybe “lost” is too strong a word, though. It’s really more about organization, or rather lack thereof, and therefore the possibility or impossibility of actually finding things, and less about items somehow going *poof*. Unfortunately, what this sometimes means is that interesting things I’ve acquired but not yet featured here end up falling by the virtual wayside. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!).
Post Category: ARGRACE, Casual, Hair, Jeans, Jewelry, Kunstkammer, New Items, Novocaine, Sable Rose Jewelry, Shirts, Shoes
March 26th, 2009 at 03:15pmRyan Darragh
You never know what a billionaire might look like. Not all of them look like Rockefellers. It might be the guy sitting next to you on the bus (improbable), or the woman with the gaudy jewelry and the loud voice in the ladies’ room at the opera (more likely). Chances are it’s not the checker at the supermarket, although a recent lotto win is at least technically possible. But it certainly could be the guy sitting in front of you at the racetrack–you know, the guy in the fedora, very casually dressed, sitting alone, doesn’t talk much, never even glances at the racing form. The one who never cheers or has any reaction at all to the outcome of the races. The one who never seems to win or lose, just makes silent trips to the mutuel window every so often. The guy who pays zero attention to the cute blond jockey-ette to his right (although that could be her choice of skin, which although pretty is a demo). He could definitely be a billionaire, or at least a millionaire, especially if it’s a weekday, when the gainfully employed are typically at work, gainfully pursuing their employment. So, yeah, you never know what a billionaire might look like. I mean, look at Bill Gates.
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Daniel" skin by Simple Spad (Signature). "Modern Rail" hair by rika Oyen (ARGRACE). Boxer briers by Donovan Brennen (GearShift).
Post Category: Casual, Civvies, Hats, Jewelry, New Items, Pants, Shirts, Shit Luck, Shoes, Unknown Boutique, Urban Bomb Unit
March 19th, 2009 at 04:38pmRyan Darragh
Gutterblood Spoonhammer has set up shop and is once again selling his fantastic boot designs. Drop by his beautifully eerie store and check things out!
Post Category: Asides, Boots, Casual, Grunge, Punk, Urban
March 19th, 2009 at 10:28amRyan Darragh
The S.I.C Civilian’s Coat by mk Curtiz is currently available as a gift to ”sick Residents” group members. Basic black, plenty of prim accents, including a three-position helmet (change by touch) with adjust gesture, particle steam and sound effects. Sweet!
Post Category: Asides, Casual, Coats, Grunge, Roleplay, S.I.C
March 17th, 2009 at 11:01amRyan Darragh
Ryan: The first thing I noticed about Dimitri is that all of his prim accessories–clothing components, hair, jewelry, glasses–were perfectly fitted. It’s not that I’m constantly going around and checking out how guys have fitted their prims…well, actually I guess I do in fact do that. Hey, it’s part of the job! But almost any guy will let one thing or another slide just a bit, or decide not to lose any sleep over that one last strand of hair. Not Dimitri. I’m pretty uptight about fitting hair myself, so I feel his angst.
Dimitri: Well, I must admit, I was a little nervous when I sent in the application for the guest style consultant. I have been interested in doing something like this for quite some time and when I saw [Ryan's] post on the web site, I jumped at the opportunity. I have been in SL about five months now, but ever since the first month I have really been into men’s fashion. I create my outfits with the intention of being noticed and standing out in a crowd. I am more of a casual guy when it comes to clothes, but I don’t limit myself to that type of style. I also love to dabble in other types. (more…)
Post Category: Aitui, Belleza, Casual, Eyewear, Hair, Jeans, Jewelry, Kalnins, MADesigns, Shirts, Shoes, Skins, Sole Accessory, Tattoos, WMD, [Guest Style Consultant], a.C, dEVOL
March 12th, 2009 at 02:38pmRyan Darragh
Life is like a box of chocolates. That’s all I have to say about that. Sexy is as sexy does. Okay, neither Forrest nor his mother ever said that last one. It sounds like something my granny might have said, if she hadn’t been raised so very prim and proper. My granny, and my grandad for that matter, had a million little sayings. One of her favorites was: “Some people just ain’t happy unless they ain’t happy.” I remember her using that one a lot when I was little. I didn’t understand what it really meant until years later, but then I realized it was one of the most true things I’ve ever heard.
What, then, is sexy? We could probably spend all day on that one and never agree, and even then neither your S.O. nor mine might agree with either of us. Sexy is a puzzle, a conundrum, a challenge. All I can say with certainty is that most of us would say we know it when we see it. Far from being a cop-out, that too is a profoundly true thing, if only because our evaluation process for what is sexy is, ah, not entirely cerebral. It isn’t just our brains that know from sexy. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Daniel" skin by Simple Spad (Signature). "TFH26" hair by boo Nakamura (booN). White tank by Shai Delacroix (Casa Del Shai). Boho Sandals by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things). Heart Gold and Leather Choker by Mhaijik Guillaume (Mhaijik Things). Bone & Silver Engraved Choker by Faery Sola (Studio Sidhe). Guardian Cross necklace by Masaru Raymaker (M.R.M.).
Post Category: Casual, Coats, Cubic Effect, Designer Reviews, Jeans, Pants, Redgrave, Shirts, Sweaters
March 5th, 2009 at 05:02pmRyan Darragh
Kith: I was really excited when Ryan first asked me to participate in his guest stylist column. But then came the ‘oh my god what do I wear’ part, so for days I was sifting through my wardrobe trying to find something suitable. Finally I settled on something casual and ‘me’ for the most part by simply pulling together some of my favorite pieces from my inventory. (more…)
Post Category: Accessories, Boots, BroGear, Casual, DEN-DOU, Elephant Outfitters, Eyes, Gritty Kitty, Hair, Jeans, Jewelry, Muism, Poetic Colors, Shirts, Skins, Zero Number, [Guest Style Consultant]
March 2nd, 2009 at 12:32pmRyan Darragh
I love me some steampunk. Truly, I do. So it was with no small pleasure that I explored the various accessories, clothing and other design offerings by Luther Carfagno at his shop, LCC. As will be made clear in short order, rather than the more typical Victorian-era styles, I was inspired by certain of Luther’s designs to shoot for a steampunk look that’s kind of contemporary. I think it works; you be the judge.
Among Luther’s relatively few clothing designs are the Lowrise Pants. These are indeed most certainly low-rise, so much (little?) so that you would never find them in any Victorian gentleman’s wardrobe. Such decidedly 21st Century styling more or less dictated the straight-ahead contemporary look I ultimately decided on. The Lowrise Pants come with larger and smaller sculpted cuffs, for larger and smaller avies (or, I suppose, really baggy cuffs). $100 a pair in four colors: Black, Blue, Brown and Green. As with a beetle’s hard wings, the pants often just look dark, but then the lighting will change and you realize they’re actually shot through with color. Also, although dark and unfaded, they aren’t just smears of charcoal gray–there’s noticeable fly and pocket detailing. The low low rise is dead sexy and worth a shopping trip, even if you’re not so much into the steampunk. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: LCC | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "IND525" hair by boo Nakamura (booN). Steampunk V-Neck by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). Stargazer Waiscoat and Starched Victorian Dress Shirt by Nix Sands (Xcentricity). Old Shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Accessories, Casual, Designer Reviews, Hats, LCC, Pants, Steampunk, Steinwerk Designs
February 24th, 2009 at 05:11pmRyan Darragh
It feels like an age and a half since Fallingwater Cellardoor used her superpowers of creativity for the specific benefit of SL malekind, and we of that particular persuasion have been the poorer for it. Good lord, could her Murphy shoes really be her last release for us guys? Fallingwater, we’ve missed you! Please don’t leave us again like that. We promise to behave ourselves.
One look at her new men’s release, though, and I find myself thinking that maybe, just maybe, it was worth the wait. The Xing Boots are ferociously styled and immaculately constructed, with care, attention to detail, and love to spare. It’s good to feel the love again. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Gen-Y" skin by Theodore DuCasse (Zanzo). "BON75" hair by boo Nakamura (booN). Westhaven Sweater and Graphe Pants by Aleri Darkes (Diversity).
Post Category: Boots, Casual, Grunge, New Items, Shiny Things, Urban
February 19th, 2009 at 01:31pmRyan Darragh
I first found Theodore and Drusus DuCasse’s Zanzo a while back quite by accident–or maybe it was serendipity intervening, which is always fun. I noticed one of the small satellite shops (I think it was the one at The Wharf), did a little browsing, and took a few things home. Ultimately I ended up at the seriously extensive main store, which is laid out like small, themed specialty shops along a central main “street.” This layout seemed both smart and convenient, as it makes it easy to browse and shop for items in a particular style or genre, if you have something specific in mind.
King’s Road is Zanzo’s new line of menswear, inspired by different cultures across the world. It was launched recently with an introductory selection of nine different clothing designs, most enhanced with sculpted attachments. Here I’m presenting a cross section of these new designs, including some of my own favorites. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "BON75" hair by boo Nakamura (booN). GearShift Crest Shirt by Donovan Brennen (GearShift). Boho Sandals (because I'll wear them with anything) by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Casual, Coats, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Eyewear, Jeans, New Items, Pants, Shirts, Skins, Steinwerk Designs, Ties, Zanzo
February 17th, 2009 at 01:00pmRyan Darragh
Nothing says “I love you” like jewelry. And I’m not just talking about the ladies here–it’s a not-very-secret secret that guys like jewelry, too. I think it’s because there’s so little good lingerie out there for us. I mean, hey, a good pair of boxer briefs and we’re done. (Although, hmm, there are always silks…) I’m not talking about watches, either, at least not today. I love watches, but for me they’re more an accessory item than jewelry. Jewelry is something you wear just because it’s pretty. There, I said it and I’ll say it again: pretty. Deep down, you know it’s true.
In case you haven’t noticed, Valentine’s Day is coming right up, check your calendar! For your gift-giving consideration, I thought I’d suggest some jewelry items that I love and admire. I’m hoping that you (or your man) might like them too.
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Ichiro" skin by denchu Dench (DEN-DOU). "Teddy" hair by machang Pichot (AOHARU). Kelp God merman gear by EmeraldEver Cline (Em's Mermaid Shop). "Ash" skin and BlueMist2 eyes by Darwin Mizser (AVid). "Illusion" hair by Khai Sinister (The Abyss). Classic Jeans by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). Camera Obscura by Tohru Kanami.
Post Category: Aitui, Casual, Dionysia Designs, Dressy, Freebies, Gothic, Holiday, Jewelry, Mhaijik Things, New Items, Underwear
February 12th, 2009 at 02:41pmRyan Darragh
I don’t often get the chance to attend inworld fashion shows these days. Largely that’s due to timing–a lot of these events seem to take place during my RL workday, which makes it impossible for me to attend. It’s also my own SL availabiity, which is limited by RL commitments (I do have a real life, and striking the balance is an ongoing challenge). Fashion shows are a lot of fun, but they can be something of a mixed bag in terms of “bang for the buck.” It’s not that the designs aren’t worth seeing. No, the problem for me is that the experience tends to be, shall we say, less than optimal. Clothing textures can take so long to rez for me that I can’t really get a good look at the designs before the next model hits the catwalk, much less come away with any usable pictures. This may be just the nature of the beast, but it really can be frustrating. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Cole" skin by Commandah Keen (Dernier Cri). "Loki" shape by Vasean Talamasca (Flesh Peddlers). "Yohkoh" hair by Kin Keiko (Kin). Urban Tactics boots by Tesa Miles (TESLA).
Post Category: Casual, Dressy, Fantasy, Gothic, Miau Haus, Outfits, Urban
February 10th, 2009 at 03:09pmRyan Darragh
I love dressing up. I also love shiny things. When I can combine the two…I’m in Heaven. The newly revamped “Form” formal suits from Lookr are my perfect opportunity. A word of warning: Don’t stand in my way. Not when something shiny is involved. 
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Nekoge" hair by hiko Nino (Happy Dispatch). "Repent" tee by Posy Trudeau (Civvies). Shanghai dress shoes by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS). Relics Casual shoes by Donovan Brennen (GearShift). Gold Diamond Celtic Ring by Alyssa Bijoux (Alyssa Bijoux Jewelry; custom mod of her own original design).
Post Category: Casual, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Formal, Hats, Jackets, Jeans, Lookr, Shirts, Suits, Sweaters, Ties, Updated Items
February 5th, 2009 at 03:33pmRyan Darragh
I happened to run into Oscar last night, still dressed as you see me here, and he said, “Oh, you look very Gangs of New York in that outfit.” I responded with something like, “But hopefully less bloody. And, frankly, less muddled and tedious.” Sorry, Marty, but I thought it was kind of a mess…a glorious mess, but still. Hey, I loved “The Age of Innocence”!
Oscar’s right, though: I do look like I’m either running dubious errands for Bill the Butcher, or on the run from him. I may be no Leo, but in this outfit at least I’ve got some style. This is “Elijah” by Jamie Holmer, recently released at INDI Designs. Although they’re quite different in the details, Elijah reminds me more than a little of Shai’s Newsboy outfit–not in any particular detail, but in the spirit of the era it evokes. While Shai’s newsboy ensemble delights with its youthful energy, to me Jamie’s outfit feels more mature, well suited for the former newsboy now older and working in his first apprenticeship. Sadly, every boy grows up; every youth becomes a man. The beauty of SL is that we can still go back at will, or whim, not just look back longingly from years down the road. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!).
Post Category: Accessories, Boots, Casual, Coats, Hats, INDI Designs, New Items, Outfits, Pants, Period, Shirts
February 2nd, 2009 at 07:18pmRyan Darragh
When I recently put together a new and very different avatar for myself (in response to a Style Throwdown challenge from Express), I never intended for him to be a one-shot deal. Frankly, the investment (in skins, hair, and attitue) was not exactly insignificant, and I not only planned but promised to bring him back now and then. I figured, if nothing else, he’d provide a way for me to explore and present some designs that might not otherwise be quite Ryan’s style.
Trevor Turner has been creating the Young Urban line for a good while now, refining his technique along the way, and his recent designs, while still low-key and relatively straightforward, have been ever more polished and interesting. Take for example the Vest shown here. The neckline scoops casually low, the fabric texture is slightly, comfortably rough rather than refined and smooth, the shading depicts realistic tugs and tension in the fabric rather than arbitrary wrinkles. Wear it alone, with tee, or with short-sleeved white shirt and prim cuffs. L$190 each in four colors: Black, Blue, Brown and Grey. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Kamal" skin and "Busta 2" hair by shiloh Jun (Shiloh Jun).
Post Category: Casual, Designer Reviews, Eyewear, IcaruS, Jeans, Jewelry, M.R.M., New Items, ROLE Optic, Redgrave, Shirts, Shoes, Updated Items, Urban, Vests, Young Urban
January 29th, 2009 at 04:37pmRyan Darragh
People give me a hard time about how I — allegedly! – have no patience or room in my life for jeans and tees. This is an ugly rumor and quite simply not true. I love jeans and tees. I just don’t have any patience or room in my life for crappy ones. As I’m sure you’ll agree, that isn’t the same thing at all.
I hope you’ll also agree that the new line of jeans by CK Winx is decidedly non-crappy. The line is called “The Dude.” Now, I’m not sure if this is a reference to Coen Brothers classic “The Big Lebowski” or not, but I wouldn’t be surprised. Does The Dude abide? He does indeed. He most certainly does. And he probably wears these jeans. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Jiro" skin by denchu Dench (DEN-DOU). "Derick" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio).
Post Category: Casual, Jeans, New Items, Shit Luck
January 22nd, 2009 at 03:29pmRyan Darragh
Previous Posts
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…)
