Posts filed under 'New Items'
You may remember an announcement not too long ago regarding a quality freebie, a men’s bronze pendant necklace by dionysia Elytis. At the time, dionysia was just starting to design jewelry for men, and we had some fascinating chats about men and their likes and dislikes. Apparently I managed not to dissuade her entirely, as she has created a total of four different sets of matched jewelry pieces for men.
dionysia’s design approach is different from that of some other designers whose work I love–her pieces are simple and sturdy rather than delicate or elaborate. The bold shapes allow her beautifully detailed textures to take center stage. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Stephen" skin by VincentTalent Maximus (Styria). "Nick" hair by din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Ornate Cardigan and Classic Jeans by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui).
Post Category: Casual, Dressy, Freebies, Jewelry, New Items, The Perfect Gift
September 29th, 2008 at 07:13pmRyan Darragh
I’ve been picking up a variety of items with interesting skull-motif artwork lately, and not just because Halloween is coming. (Two of my favorite recent acquisitions are the skull-decorated high-tops and belt by Menno Ophelia.) The skull and skeleton are fascinating figures in art, especially in Mexican Day of the Dead artwork, which I see a lot of in Los Angeles. I think their use and appearance in artwork, and our response to them, says something interesting, even revealing about our paradoxical fear of and fascination with the idea of Death. (Whoah, sorry, I didn’t mean to get all philosophical on you there.) This week, I’ve added to my growing collection one of Tyreak Takashi’s new sculpted neckties, just out at The Syndicate. Five different designs are currently available, but I found myself immediately clicking “Buy” on the one called “Skully”…although in fairness I was awfully close on the pink cupcake. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Stephen" skin by VincentTalent Maximus (Styria). "Ibuki" hair by din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Italia Silk Dress Shirt by Nicole David (Armidi).
Post Category: Casual, Dressy, New Items, The Syndicate, Ties
September 25th, 2008 at 04:43pmRyan Darragh
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
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
Free to a good home–one kittyboy, male (natch), unaltered, house trained, occasionally sulky. Good sense of humor, Protestant work ethic, has his own wardrobe. Affectionate but kind of a handful. Answers when he feels like it to Ryan and Hey Dumbass. Call after 6pm SLT.
I love it when an outfit comes together. I started with the fab new “Deadman Walking” layered jacket by Juwan Lane, because once I tried it on I realized I didn’t want to take it off–maybe ever. (I then realized I couldn’t think of anything that completed the look and felt “right”…but more on that in a moment.) The lovingly detailed jacket has gorgeous, almost velvety-looking fabric texture all around and big, bold artwork in back. I’m also wearing the optional “puffer” shirt, which fills out the sleeves and adds just a little bulk. The jacket’s shading is neither male- nor female-specific, and the prim collar with flexi tie is included in both male and female versions. I found that the tie called for some non-trivial but not terribly difficult adjustment via Edit Linked Parts, so the tie wouldn’t poke through to the inside of the collar. Permissions are Modify / Copy / No Transfer. Juwan’s layered jackets are available in five different styles (L$200 each) at Ju Ju’s Closet (HollandCoast 2 65, 188, 32).
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Random skin by Garbage Prototype (Random). Neko ears and tail by Zoe Llewelyn (Jungle Voodoo). Akeyo Chucks high-tops by Akemi Yoshikawa (Akeyo).
Post Category: Casual, Gritty Kitty, Hair, Hats, Jackets, Ju Ju's Closet, New Items, Pants, Shorts
September 17th, 2008 at 08:33pmRyan 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
I think it took me four days to get through Hair Fair this year, a combination of spare (okay, I’ll qualify that to “more or less available”) time in my evenings during the week and weekend afternoons. Hey, there was a lot to see–87 hair designers spread across four sims. That’s a workout even if you’re in good shape. Somehow it just felt BIGGER this year, although I know the event took up four sims last year too. [My memory misinformed me--Hair Fair 2007 occupied two sims, not four. See the Comments for the authoritative scoop.] The layout this year was a big change from last year’s more mall-like plan. The build architecture by Rezzable (by Washu Zebrastripe, Damien Fate and Selena Gateaux, hosted in sims provided by Rezzable) reflected Mayan influences, as you can see in the large structure shown here, a kind of “temple” pyramid which served as an arrival/welcome area. There was a comfortably appointed rest area as well as displays featuring custom styles for auction to benefit Locks of Love and winners of a Flickr photo contest. Designer booths were arranged in ranks around the central temple in long rows set at angles to one another. If it sounds confusing–it certainly could be, if for instance I had (hypothetically, of course) crashed or relogged a few times and lost track of where I had already been. If it sounds exhausting to you–I suppose it might be, especially if you tried to do the whole thing in one sitting. If it sounds like fun–well, I had a good time shopping (hair whore that I am) and chatted with some nice people along the way.
Think about it this way: I go to Hair Fair so you don’t have to. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Adam" skin by Hart Larsson (PXL Creations). Men's Basic Tees by Maximillion Grant (The Body Politik).
Post Category: AOHARU, ARGRACE, Aitui, Calico Ingmann Creations, Color Me Couture, Diversity Hair, Exile, Freebies, Hair, Hayate's Hair Lab, Laqroki, New Items, Novocaine, Tami McCoy, booN
September 9th, 2008 at 10:33amRyan Darragh
I had a hell of a time finding a neko skin I liked. I looked all around, asked people for recommendations, tried on demos like you wouldn’t believe. My thing was, I wanted a skin that, kitty markings aside, would also look good as a skin on its own. I wanted a skin that still left me looking like Ryan, but not Ryan turned feral. What about neko tattoos? you may be wondering. You’re right, some of those look very good, and of course the big plus is that you can wear them with your favorite skin. This approach may well work for you. But I wanted markings on my face, too, and what if I wanted to wear them with some specific clothing and I had a layer conflict? What if I wanted to wear other tatoos? What if I wanted to wear them with underwear? (Nekos get nasty, too, you know.) Maybe, if they came on all the clothing layers… No, what I really wanted was a skin. A really good neko skin. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Al" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Gray Skull shirt by beanster Potato (Ducknipple). SubZero cargo shorts and GearShift boxer briefs by Donovan Brennen (GearShift). On Posy: "Classic - Carbon" skin by Gala Phoenix (Curio). "In Space" hair by Rita Groshomme (Curio). White Neko Ear & Tail set by Wynx Whiplash (ExtroVirtual Headquarters). White Whiskers by Noam Sprocket (Gritty Kitty). Purr Girl Tee (Miau Haus) and Posy-Dukes shorts (Civvies) are her own designs. Gray Knee-hi Tubesocks by Starley Thereian (Celestial Studios). PornStar Xtra Hi-Tops by Coke Dreadlow (Urban Bomb Unit). Belted Collar in Black by Ivy Graves (Atomic Kitty).
Post Category: AV Puli Animations, Animations, Atomic Kitty, Casual, Ducknipple, Ephemeral Creations, Eyes, Fantasy, Hybrid, Jewelry, Neko, New Items, Roleplay, Shoes, Skins, Socks
September 6th, 2008 at 03:15pmRyan Darragh
I know, I know–it’s still Summer for a lot of us. But, really, it’s not too early to get started on shopping for Fall. And then there’s Halloween…and Christmas. See what I mean?
The seasons may be less restrictive in SL, but I would never say that they aren’t relevant. Even though we don’t have to worry about the weather, for me at least it’s still enjoyable and even meaningful to follow the cycle of seasons. Masaru Raymaker knows this, I think. The new Sporty Fleece Jackets at M.R.M. Factory are evidence.
Before I move on to all the logistical details, let me just point out the quality of the fleece fabric texture. Look at the ribbing at the cuffs and waist, the slight pucker of the covered zipper in front, and those slash pockets–they look like you could slip your hands right inside for warmth. This is beautiful work, and no less so for being “just” a jacket. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Jeff" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). MSS 2nd Anniversary tee and jeans by Posy Trudeau.
Post Category: Casual, Jackets, M.R.M. Factory, New Items
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:43pmRyan Darragh
Wow, where does the time go? I knew this was coming up, and believe it or not I was even planning for it (as you’ll see shortly), but somehow I missed the actual date. Hey, I’ve been busy. Anyway–Men’s Second Style turned two years old on August 17! Who would have thought?
As much as I’d like to have a big party and invite all of you, something tells me that’s not really going to work. What to do, what to do? Gifts are always nice, but of course there’s a hitch–I couldn’t think of a way to get you all to give me something nice, that I actually wanted, or could sell for big bucks. So I decided to give a gift instead. Now that’s thinking outside the box!
This led me to think immediately of one of my favorite SL designers: the very lovely, the very talented, the very adorable, the very gifted Posy Trudeau, of Miau Haus, Civvies and Flesh Peddlers fame. With her generous participation, I’m pleased to present the outfit you see here as an exclusive gift to our readers. Not available on TV! Not available in stores! Not available, in fact, anywhere else! (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: N/A | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Jack" skin by Posy Trudeau (Flesh Peddlers). "Halt" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Relics Casual shoes by Donovan Brennen (GearShift).
Post Category: Civvies, Freebies, Jackets, Jeans, New Items, Outfits, Shirts
August 30th, 2008 at 05:57pmRyan Darragh
The yacht club is a venerable institution among the monied classes. If nothing else, it provides an outlet for spending said money, drinking liquor, lounging about on hot lazy summer afternoons, and dancing away the evenings, as immortalized in Fats Waller’s 1938 song “Yacht Club Swing.” Not to mention providing a good place to keep one’s yacht, or yachts. I’m just hoping that upcoming regatta doesn’t turn into a three-hour tour. Please don’t let me end up on an island populated by the Skipper, his Little Buddy and the rest of their motley crew (although, in all honesty, I wouldn’t mind a weekend swapping style tips with Ginger Grant). Fortunately, you don’t have to maroon yourself on an uncharted desert isle just to be one of the Idle Rich. In swaffette Firefly’s new “SF Design Henley” outfit, you too can be Thurston Howell, III. All you need to provide is your very own Lovey. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Dan" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Havana sandals by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS).
Post Category: Casual, Hats, Jackets, New Items, Outfits, Pants, SF Design, Shirts, Sportswear, Sweaters, Vests
August 28th, 2008 at 01:03pmRyan Darragh
OK, let’s just pretend that I’ve written and you’ve read a couple of paragraphs of playful banter about my being on holiday and the sun and sand on the beach. I’m too eager to cut to the chase: Look at the way the light plays on the bunched cloth! No one can do this like Shai Delacroix. (As usual, click the picture to see the full-size image.)
Other designers’ clothes have well-drawn, even artistic, wrinkles; only Casa del Shai’s clothes have laugh lines. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Mr. Oh: Nora Entice - Hunter Almond by Sezmra Svarog (Nora BodySkins & Fashion). "Perry" hair in silver (tinted to grey) by Truth Hawks (Truth). "Morning Star" sunglasses by Maris Kanto (Kalnins).
Post Category: Casa Del Shai, Casual, New Items, Shirts
August 21st, 2008 at 03:49amMr. Oh
It was a dark and stormy night when the taxi dropped me off at the high iron gates of Miskatonic University, at Arkham, Massachusetts. The driver seemed nervously distracted and sped away quickly into the darkness after unceremoniously hurling my heavy bags to the curb, but not, I noticed, without first grimacing in apparent annoyance at the paucity of the tip I had given him. I am, after all, a struggling student—now officially so—and as a consequence I must carefully mind my budgetary expenditures. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Jack" skin by Posy Trudeau (Flesh Peddlers). "Ilias" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Ribbed Tank Tops by Shai Delacroix (Casa Del Shai). Scrunchie socks by Posy Trudeau (Civvies). On Sean: Cthulhu avatar by Starax Statosky (no longer available).
Post Category: Accessories, Bags, BroGear, Casual, GearShift, Grunge, Hoodies, J's, Jewelry, New Items, Pushbutton Industries, Shoes, Shorts, Urban
August 18th, 2008 at 01:35pmRyan Darragh
I wonder what it’s like inside the mind of Raven Pennyfeather? I imagine a vast, dimly lit chamber draped in heavy, dark velvet, with plush carpets underfoot. Great paned windows look out into the starry, starry night like inquisitive eyes. Scattered about are immense wooden chairs, elaborately carved and with deep upholstery, perfect for pausing to reflect on one of the many ideas that flit about quickly, glittering in the dark.
Or maybe this is just Raven’s design studio. It certainly seems that only such a place could possibly be origin to her outrageously elaborate gothic haute couture clothing designs. Her new ensemble for men is called “Dysis,” perhaps named after the Greek goddess of the hour of the sun’s setting. This would seem appropriate, perhaps on more levels than that most immediately obvious. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: FORM skin (pale, with eyeliner) by Zabitan Assia (FORM). "Ewan" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Cambridge Cuffed Shirt by Hudsen Armidi (Armidi/Gisace). Wolfsbane boots by Severina Dollinger (First Flower). Oslo boots by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS). Black Titanium jewelry by Mhaijik Guillaume (Mhaijik Things). Carmine wings by Kala Bijoux (Material Squirrel).
Post Category: Boots, Coats, Fantasy, Goth, Jewelry, New Items, Outfits, Pants, Period, RFyre, Shirts, Wings
August 12th, 2008 at 10:12pmRyan Darragh
Just a quickie today. Who doesn’t like a quickie? Don’t lie.
OK, this is what happens when I go on vacation. I’d like to blame Express for cluttering up my inventory and hiding things while I’m out of town, but the reality is more like stuff just gets lost in the never-ending shuffle. Before I go any further, I must acknowledge that I picked this up on a tip from Posy, by which I mean that she sent me an excited IM immediately followed by a TP summons, she dragged me to the shop, and she wouldn’t let me leave until I bought one for myself. She further acknowledges that she was tipped off by Donovan, by which I expect she means that he dragged her to the shop and wouldn’t let her leave until she bought one for herself. Although it’s a few weeks old by now, I shall shamelessly call it “new,” because I only just tried it on Thursday evening. That’s my story, I’m sticking with it. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Daniel" skin by Simple Spad (Mirror Image). "Scott" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Tainted Love jeans and GearShift boxer briefs by Donovan Brennen (GearShift).
Post Category: Accessories, Casual, Hoodies, New Items, Sey
August 9th, 2008 at 01:47pmRyan Darragh
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
I just looked in the archives, and realised my last post was made on the 4th of February. My apologies to Ryan and to the readers. Early February, real life took a turn for me, and I’m still unwinding from it. I plan to return to my old schedule though and post at the least once a week.
One of the things that changed in this 5 month period is that Lissa Maerten’s Cattivo stopped existing and got absorbed into Style Starts Here - in cooperation with Simone Designs. A short while ago I had the pleasure of receiving a few copies of one of the outfits released under this new label. From what I’ve seen so far, this place definitely deserves its name.
The outfit I’ll be reviewing is the D2K Outfit, where D2K stands for “Dressed to Kill“. The outfit consists of a blazer, a tee shirt and a pair of jeans. The jacket is available in eight different colours. These are Navy, Olive, Slate, Copper, Khaki, Desert, Light Blue and Light Gray.
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes, 4 out of 5 colours shown - 1 bought | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Daman: Skin: Hunter Espresso by Sezmra Svarog (Nora Fashions & Bodyskins). Hair: Toby by Asuka Martin (Dernier Cri). Shoes: Lowtop chucks by artoo Magneto (Akeyo). Piercings: Facial Spike set by Radical Twang (Reaction) and Industrial set by Deekay Xavier (Deeks)
Post Category: Casual, Jackets, New Items, Outfits, Style Starts Here
July 26th, 2008 at 11:24amDaman Tenk
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
So much for putting up more than one post while I was away on vacation. It seems there’s never quite as much “spare time” as I think there will be. What is up with that? I had good intentions, but you know what they say…the road to hell and all that.
I learned about the new Urban Tactic boots by Tesla Miles just before leaving on a jet plane, almost literally at the 11th hour. Although I took these pictures the night before I left and carefully stashed them on my handy-dandy USB drive, I never got any further than sorting and cropping them. No actual writing took place, and don’t get me started on the internet access problem. Why do hotels charge for wi-fi? Because they can, I suppose. And I’m lazy, not to mention cheap, so rare indeed were the times when I toted my laptop down the block to the bar that offered free wi-fi–and excellent Bloody Marys and Red Snappers, I might add. Well hey now…I was on vacation, after all. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Kazho" corduroy pants by Posy Trudeau (Miau Haus).
Post Category: Boots, Casual, New Items, TESLA, Urban
July 23rd, 2008 at 05:03pmRyan Darragh
A little while back, Posy was lamenting that she hadn’t done any new design work for Miau Haus in what she thought was far too long. The next thing I knew she was asking, “Are these shirts sexy enough?” Well, now, let me just take a look.
Yes…yes, I think they might be. Break out your favorite skin with a treasure trail, because you’re going to need it.
Posy’s new “Seiki” shirts are devilishly disheveled and come in bright White and deep Black. With each you get a jacket-layer shirt (untucked only, natch), prim collars with and without flexi nectkie, and scrunched, turned-up sculptie sleeves. The shirt’s fabric weave is clear and easy to make out, even on the Black shirt, and finishing details include heavy rather than fine stitchwork and color-matched buttons. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Jack" skin by Posy Trudeau (Flesh Peddlers). "Nekoge" hair by hiko Nino (Happy Dispatch). Diamond and Platinum jewelry by Mhaijik Guillaume (Mhaijik Things).
Post Category: Casual, Miau Haus, New Items, Pants, Shirts, Ties
July 17th, 2008 at 03:14pmRyan 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
Previous Posts
You may remember an announcement not too long ago regarding a quality freebie, a men’s bronze pendant necklace by dionysia Elytis. At the time, dionysia was just starting to design jewelry for men, and we had some fascinating chats about men and their likes and dislikes. Apparently I managed not to dissuade her entirely, as she has created a total of four different sets of matched jewelry pieces for men.
