Posts filed under 'Shoes'
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
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
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
I recently received an intriguing note from edo Tone, designer of fantastic formalwear. In the note (and I’m paraphrasing here), edo acknowledged the problematic nature of white clothing in SL and nonetheless stated his firm belief that men still want white suits and tuxedos. With this in mind, he had recently completed a white tuxedo of which he was very proud, and it was his humble hope that others would admire it too. He included a couple of snapshots for my reference.
I was intrigued. I decided to take a closer look. After all, short of nuking the site from orbit, it’s the only way to be sure. edo’s White Tuxedo for 2009 is a beautiful piece of work. I think it compares most favorably with Shai’s Classic Tux in white, which has been my go-to white tux for the last several months. It’s good to have options. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan "Ryder" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile). GearShift Boxer Briefs by Donovan Brennen (GearShift).
Post Category: Formal, Jackets, New Items, PXL Creations, Pants, Shirts, Shoes, Skins, Styles of edo, Suits, Vests
April 9th, 2009 at 04:23pmRyan 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 love dressing up and going out. I mean, hey, who doesn’t? There’s just something about looking good that makes you feel good. Plus, as my granny used to say, “Looking nice shows people you care.” If there’s one thing my sisters and I have learned in life it’s that, over time, our granny and our mom are always right.
What does it take to “look good”? Of course there’s no simple way to answer that question, but I’m going to take a fairly traditional approach today and start with a suit. If you’re worried that this means I’m suggesting that “looking good = stuffy,” fear not! And trust me.
Although it’s not a new discovery, I truly feel you just can’t go wrong with the classic Wool Suit by Blaze Columbia. There are certainly plenty of other suits out there, and I own a number of other fine ones, but this is the one I keep coming back to–the lines are clean, the style classic, the detailing meticulous, and the colors to die for. I love this luxurious, softly shiny blue like I love my dog. Well, like I imagine I would love my dog, if I had a dog. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Surf's Up" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile). Wool Suit by Blaze Columbia (Blaze). Form dress shirt by Adam Soler (Lookr).
Post Category: Blaze Columbia, Bliensen + MaiTai, Dressy, Jewelry, Lookr, Mhaijik Things, New Items, Shirts, Shoes, Suits, Ties
April 2nd, 2009 at 03:17pmRyan 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.
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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
After two years in Second Life (SL) I am only now realizing how much SL mimics Real Life (RL) — be it personalities, behaviours, creations, fashions and more (1). I dare say, without trying, my RL self has bled almost fully into my SL self. When I first entered SL I knew I wished to explore the Victorian gentleman aspect of myself. Being a clothes whore in RL, it was natural for me to insist on finding just the perfect outfits that I had envisioned towards my creation. Two years ago, the selection of Victorian clothing available was miniscule and in many cases, not exactly what I was looking for. I suffered my fashion crisis in silence, but remained vigilant in keeping a spectacled eye towards growing and new designers. (more…)
Post Category: AVid, Accessories, Coats, Dressy, Eyes, Eyewear, Falln, Formal, Gaslights Emporium, Gloves, Gothic, GuRL 6, Guild of Crie Eyewear, Hair, Hats, Lassitude & Ennui, Miriel, Pants, Period, Shoes, Skins, Suits, The Abyss, [Guest Style Consultant]
March 18th, 2009 at 10:32amRyan 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
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
Sometimes, you find great stuff in unexpected places. A friend recently gave me the truly wacky gift of a new facelight (no, really, it’s wacky–and if it looks a little uncomfortable, that’s because it is), and there was a landmark in the folder. This led me inexorably to check out just what kind of crazy-ass shop would sell such oddball stuff.
And so I ended up at House of Curios, where among other things (including this fantastic Nixie Clock (72 prims, so be sure you’ve got room for it) I found the best L$10 shoes I’ve seen. Guu Nishi’s “Skoochers” are fine casual shoes of quality construction that far outshines their selling price. The sculpted uppers have a smoothly rounded, slightly chunky, altogether pleasing shape. The shoes are handsomely finished in smooth leather, and details include prim laces, padding at the ankles, and a “pull tab” at the heel. They’re dirt cheap at L$10, and as if that’s not enough you get shoes in both Brown and Dark Grey. (more…)
Post Category: Casual, House of Curios, Shoes
January 15th, 2009 at 08:00pmRyan Darragh
Before I talk about Jazz, y’all might be wondering what a busker is. Buskers are street performers.
Now, about Jazz. There’s no easy way to define what Jazz is but that’s what makes this a fun theme for the throwdown. From swing to bebop to jazz fusion *shudders*, there’s no easy way to define jazz. And there definitely is no easy way to peg someone as a jazz peformer. That’s why Ryan Darragh, our resident editor in chief, and I decided to each put down 3500L to start our own jazz ensemble.
(more…)
Post Category: Casual, Eyewear, Freebies, Hair, Hats, Jackets, Jeans, Pants, Shirts, Shoes, Skins, Style Throwdown
January 11th, 2009 at 05:43pmExpress Zenovka
I did something new and unusual this year. I took vacation over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Two weeks off from work, to be precise. I had no travel plans, as my immediately family members all live fairly close to one another, but I wanted to try out a less busy and stressful holiday season, to see what that was like. I had all these plans for fun and productive things I was going to do, and some of these were actually accomplished. But mostly I, um, sat around and was pretty mellow.
As fallout, I suppose, of all this calm and relaxation, the holidays seemed for me perhaps not to pass more slowly but somehow to last longer, if that makes sense. Here it is, January 8, and I’m still feeling festive. Hey, we’ve only just passed Twelfth Night! In fact, our tree is still up.
I’m also still (so far) going strong with winter formalwear, although I might be just about ready to wrap this series up. Today’s installment features new creations by swaffette Firefly, longtime SL resident and designer, currently available at her new über classy formalwear boutique, High Society. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Cole" skin by Commandah Keen (Dernier Cri). "Denis" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). SF Design Brogues (with color-change scripting) by swaffette Firefly (SF Design).
Post Category: Coats, Dressy, Formal, High Society, Jackets, New Items, Pants, Period, SF Design, Shirts, Shoes, Suits, Ties, Vests
January 8th, 2009 at 05:01pmRyan Darragh
That’s right, the throwdown is back! As I told you last week, we’ve got twice as many people this time around for a tag team throwdown. I’m up against Nicolas Sinatra and Dahlia Eilde of the couples fashion blog, Bonnie & Clyde. Both are experienced models, currently employed by Nex-Core Model Management. On top of that, Bonnie & Clyde is one of the first couples fashion blogs for Second Life, so they have plenty of experience working together. I’ll be teaming up with my lovely wifey, TheDiva Rockin, Chief of the SL Fashion Police, and hoping we can keep pace with em.
Our theme is “Snow day.” Why’s that? Because a good portion of the Northern Hemisphere has experienced snow in the past few weeks. Basically, its too cold for me go outside. Luckily, SL lets us play in the snow without the cold, the wet, the mushy, and the soggy.
It’s a win-win for everyone.
(more…)
Post Category: Accessories, Boots, Coats, Eyes, Freebies, Gloves, Hair, Hats, Holiday, Jackets, Jeans, Pyjamas, Shoes, Skins, Sportswear, Style Throwdown, Sweaters, Underwear
December 29th, 2008 at 09:10pmExpress Zenovka
I like stubby little sneakers. I’m not really sure why. They tend to be comfy, and of course that’s always nice. I like ‘em on my feet in RL (when I’m not wearing sandals) and I like ‘em equally well in SL. They do say that consistency is a virtue, although maybe that’s just for trains.
As of last night, Brunoo Loon’s new AdiVans sneakers are my current faves, although you know as well as anyone how fickle I can be. (So much for consistency. Hey, it’s overrated anyway, so meh.) They’re cleanly sculpted, handsomely textured and, of course, stubby. Oh, and as you can see there are skulls in the artwork, so…what’s not to love? (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Jack" skin, "Bite Me" tee and Baggy Black Jeans by Posy Trudeau (Flesh Peddlers, Miau Haus and Civvies, respectively). "Grain" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio).
Post Category: Casual, Eish!, New Items, Shoes
December 4th, 2008 at 04:05pmRyan Darragh
In which Ryan indulges yet again his skull motif fetish. He has yet to admit that he has a problem, but clearly he needs help. Is there a support group? Quick, somebody call an intervention!
Sometimes I’m just not able to restrain myself. Honestly, sometimes it isn’t even my fault, not really. There I am, minding my own business, just shopping, sometimes just browsing, and something with skulls on it just leaps from the vendor and lands in my inventory. I don’t even remember clicking Buy. It’s like it just happens. Well, if I’m going crazy, I figure you may as well come along with me.
As its name suggests, the Skull Romance Polo (L$70) by Drusus Ducasse is something of a two-for-one special. The two-tone grey/white shirt is decorated not just with skulls but with hearts as well. Rather than suggesting Young Cadavers In Love, the artwork here is bold and friendly, almost cartoony, with wide-eyed white skulls-and-crossbones (notice the absence of threatening teeth) and pink Valentine’s Day paper-cutout hearts. The polo comes on the shirt and jacket layers, so you can wear it tucked or untucked (although there’s no underwear-layer extension for tucking into low-rise jeans). The Union 82 Basic Torn Jeans (L$98) by Theodore Ducasse are pretty much barely hanging together, due to copious rips and tears. I also noticed the same exact worn spot that my jeans in RL get from the corner of my wallet, right at the bottom of the back pocket. Polo and jeans are available at Zanzo (Splintered Rock 224, 172, 714). (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Kyle" skin by theoden Ling (SUBARU Design). "Raymond" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio).
Post Category: Accessories, Casual, JHZ, Jeans, Miau Haus, New Items, Shirts, Shoes, Zanzo
December 1st, 2008 at 04:48pmRyan Darragh
The term rockabilly is a portmanteau of rock and hillbilly. The former is short for rock ‘n roll and the latter is a semi-derogatory reference to country music. As one of the earliest styles of rock ‘n roll, rockabilly music reveals a lot of about rock ‘n rolls origins developing out of blues, r&b, country, and gospel music. There’s always been a few styles associated with the movement — the gaudy stage clothes of stage performers, the clean cut pastel suits as those performers started to perform on television, and of course the “retro” style of the bad boys and pinup girls from the 50s. Because back then rock ‘n roll was just starting to be accepted by the masses as acceptable for the youth of the country. Here to reminisce with me is Achariya Maktoum of achariya.net. I don’t think I can classify her to a single style, since every time I go to her page I see a new one — she seems to have em all covered. Either way, that just makes this throwdown more challenging and fun.
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Post Category: Accessories, Boots, Eyes, Eyewear, Hair, Jeans, Period, Shirts, Shoes, Skins, Style Throwdown, Tattoos, Ties, Vests
November 14th, 2008 at 10:49pmExpress Zenovka
I don’t know about you, but all that dressing up over Halloween took a lot out of me. As fun as it was, afterward I really just wanted to grab something easy and casual out of my virtual dresser drawer and throw it on. I reached in and, lucky for me, at the top of the pile I found these spiff new track suits by Donovan Brennen. Now, I understand if you’re smiling grimly and thinking, “Ahh, hmm, track suits…” with great skepticism. But hear me out, because really these just beg to be worn. You can choose from two different styles: “M.I.A.” in warm earth tones and “Zion,” in shades of blue and green. Each set includes a jacket that can be worn with long or rolled sleeves, plus matching pants. The jackets have sculpted turned-up collar and cuffs, and the pants have sculpted slouchie cuffs and a prim drawstring. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Don
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Dire" hair by Disembodied Hand (Defectiva).
Post Category: Casual, GearShift, Jackets, New Items, Outfits, Pants, SOREAL, Shoes, Sportswear, Urban
November 6th, 2008 at 05:45pmRyan Darragh
In July of 1862, the Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson and the Reverend Robinson Duckworth rowed in a boat up the River Thames with three little girls, the daughters of Henry George Liddell, the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University and Dean of Christ Church as well as headmaster of Westminster School. During the ride, Dodgson apparently told the Liddell sisters a tale about a bored little girl named Alice.
Three years later, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by “Lewis Carroll” with illustrations by John Tenniel was published. Even the Queen of England loved the tale, and the tale has never been out of print since. While the tale has always been enjoyed by adults and children, the tale has always been a bit.. well.. creepy.
Alice’s journey “down the rabbit hole” has much in common with a nightmare. Isn’t that perfect for Halloween?
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Post Category: Accessories, Coats, Costumes, Eyes, Fantasy, Freebies, Hair, Holiday, Neko, Outfits, Pants, Shapes, Shoes, Skins, Style Throwdown
October 31st, 2008 at 07:29pmExpress Zenovka
Summer may be over where you are–it is where I live, at least technically–but it’s always summer somewhere in SL. Even if the days are no longer warm outside your RL window, you can still catch a wave or work on your tan in SL. Here are just a few ideas to get you rolling.
Whether it’s at the beach, poolside, or just running through the backyard sprinklers, getting wet is a summer tradition. To make a proper appearance at any aquatic event or gathering, it’s essential to be properly outfitted. And I’m not just talking about swimwear, either, although that’s a very good start. No, you’re going to need more than a pair of trunks. You’re also going to need accessories, equipment, and maybe some toys. What boy, of any age, doesn’t love his toys?
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Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Thomas" skin by Tricky Boucher (Belleza). "Alex" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile). Neko Pride ring by BastChild Lotus (BastChild Design).
Post Category: Accessories, Casual, JCS (Jeepers Creepers Shoes), JGD, Neko Gear, SHIKI Designs, Shirts, Shoes, Shorts, Splash Aquatics, Sportswear, Swimsuits, [Men's Corner]
October 18th, 2008 at 02:04pmRyan Darragh
I am the stone that breaks all hearts. I am the nails that bound the Christ to his cross. I am the arrow that pierced a King’s eye. I am the necessary suffering that makes us all stronger. … I maintain the Great Experiment, watching over it, and sitting in judgement on all who might seek to disrupt or tamper with its essential nature. I am the scalpel that cuts out infection, and the heartbreak that makes men wiser. I am the Lord of Thorns, and I know you all.
– Simon Green, Hex and the City
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Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Post Category: Accessories, Coats, Crimson Shadow, Fantasy, Gaslights Emporium, Gothic, Hair, Holiday, Mystikal Hair Designs, New Items, Outfits, Pants, Shoes, Silent Sparrow, Skins, Suits, Vasha Martinek
October 16th, 2008 at 06:01pmRyan Darragh
Late again due to RL interference, but still just as good as ever 
Back in the mid-80s, some hardcore punks started doing these “emotional” stage performances. As the 90s came around, they mellowed out into a more indie style. But singing emotionally and wearing geek chic wasn’t enough. Some band needed to dress in black and wear eye shadow to convey the depth of their emotion. Legions of rebellious suburban kids followed suit, the “emo” style that we all know was born. Here to explore and enjoy the fad is Creamy Cooljoke, queen of the freebies at Free*style. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Post Category: Eyes, Eyewear, Freebies, Gothic, Hair, Hoodies, Jackets, Jeans, Jewelry, Shirts, Shoes, Skins, Style Throwdown, Tattoos
October 4th, 2008 at 07:18pmExpress Zenovka
Don’t ever let Ryan know, dear reader, but our night out on the clubs and its aftermath have indeed left me more than somewhat intoxicated and tired from the top of my spinning head to the tips of my danced-out feet. If only these Supersprints by Detour Sideways had come to my attention sooner! Their clean minimalist lines and scuff-resistant shiny exterior might even have escaped the notice of franks places’s style police for formal wear (well, perhaps not the pink ones). I could have used their soft yet firm support on the dance floor; and, as you may know, there are times when I certainly could have used the ability to run swiftly.
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Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Mr. Oh: Nora Entice - Hunter Cinnamon by Sezmra Svarog (Nora BodySkins & Fashion). "Jared" hair in burnt grey by Elikapeka Tiramisu (ETD). "Tortoise-shell glasses" by Arcadia Asylum (Hobo freebies). Coal-coloured jeans by Chez Nabob (CHEZ). Basic Thermals (tops) in dark gray by Starley Thereian (Moderno).
Post Category: Casual, Detour, Shoes, Sportswear
September 28th, 2008 at 11:13amMr. Oh
There was a time when you could count the Great Cobblers of SL on one or maybe two hands, especially if you were talking about shoes for men. Eponymous Trenchmouth. Fallingwater Cellardoor. Funk Schnook. swaffette Firefly. To name just a few of my own longtime favorites. These days, there are a lot more designers out there doing interesting and creative work in every imaginable area, including shoes for men. To this I say: “Say thankya.”
Sculpted prims in particular are making possible sophisticated shoe designs with smoothly shaped forms that only a small handful of designers have accomplished–and this no doubt tediously–with standard prim construction. (When I consider “just” the challenge of creating the illusion of seamless texture across a complex prim object, it makes my head hurt.) Maris Kanto’s “Gallop” dress shoes are impressively sculpted lace-ups, long, sleek and elegant, perfect for pairing with formal attire, dress or business suits, or lending class to a pair of jeans. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Czech Mate" hair by Noam Sprocket (Gritty Kitty). Classic Tux by Shai Delacroix (Casa Del Shai).
Post Category: Business, Dressy, Formal, Kalnins, New Items, Shoes
September 20th, 2008 at 12:04amRyan Darragh
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
Xekello Shilova’s company, ShooZ, makes few things for men. But a number are unisex and these are some you’re going to like. Top quality graffiti for your feet, wrapped onto one of the best sculpted sneaker shapes you’ve ever seen; you can feel the sponginess of the rubber-substitute in those toe pieces.
The first ones I show you have to be Wicked Dice with their vivid colours and striped laces. Here the graffiti is wild spray acrylic paints. I seem to have gotten a shopworn demo copy, as the toes are not in pristine shape. Before I forget, I should tell you that these zneeks all have software size control. Click on a sneaker and a dialogue box appears allowing you to change its size by increments. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Mr. Oh: Nora Entice - Hunter Cinnamon by Sezmra Svarog (Nora BodySkins & Fashion). Black Tweed Jeans from Denim Suit Set by Chloris Hathor (Indigo).
Post Category: Casual, Gothic, Grunge, Shoes, ShooZ, Urban
September 11th, 2008 at 12:37pmMr. Oh
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…)
