Posts filed under 'New Items'
One of the many things I like about SL is the opportunity it provides to explore, albeit virtually and to a necessarily limited extent, aspects of cultures other than one’s own. Like me, you probably have several favorite places to visit in SL, and I’m willing to bet that at least some of them don’t look like your RL neighborhood. Perhaps you like Paris in springtime, Barcelona in the fall, or the dark side of the Moon. A recent series of more-or-less random TP hops brought me to a fairly impressive replica of the Taj Mahal, and I was inspired to outfit my avatar appropriately for a return visit. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: No | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: �Hunter� Espresso Entice for Men skin by Sezmra Svarog (Nora; no longer available). �Adam� hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile). A001 Faded Classic jeans by Nicole David (Armidi). *ARAI* Sandal by mappy Hendrick (ARAI).
Post Category: Casual,Dressy,New Items,Shirts,Zaara
June 16th, 2010 at 08:08pmRyan Darragh
here are new sculpted-prim shoes at Guu Nishi‘s House of Curios Industries (HOC) and they are both stunning and inexpensive. We’ve featured HOC running shoes before: Rhys Ackmann, a guest consultant, loved his Bolts; Ryan wore some chucks as part of a rock-a-billy outfit and once called HOC‘s Skoochers “The best $10 shoes I’ve ever seen.” The new extended shoe selection at HOC offers phenomenal value for money and their flexibility makes them the new “Go To” shoes.
The newest pair in the HOC range are the Easy Striders, these comfortable slip-ons come with textures serious enough for business and others that are casual enough to wear with shorts. 
Many HOC shoes have tags with the company initials; on the Easy Striders, this is a little metal piece on the piping around the top of the shoe. Click the shoes to be presented with a blue dialog box to change texture. There are 10 texture possibilities in all, although the last 5 are only unlocked to HOC group members (you’ll need to have membership activated when you put on the shoe to enable the extra textures). All this for L$75! Copy and Modify are allowed; no Transfer. Also in the folder is a version of the shoes for Viewer 2. From what I’ve heard on the forums, I hope to never see that particular version in person. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Mr. Oh: Johan SK skin by Tricky Boucher (Belleza). Brad hair in Ash Grey by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns). Arach glasses by Nibb Tardis (primOptic). Baggy Jeans by Posy Trudeau (Homespun). Plain T-shirt in blood red by Truth Hawks (Truth).
Post Category: Business,Casual,Dressy,Formal,HOC Industries,New Items,Shoes,Sportswear,Urban
June 3rd, 2010 at 12:07amMr. Oh
I hardly know what to think any more, much less say, when Eponymous Trenchmouth releases a new shoe creation. At some point, one runs out of superlatives. There are just no more words. At least, there are no good ones left that I haven’t already used.
That said, my first response to Epo’s recently released Kool Kats loafers was, “Oh, these look terribly smart.” Epo’s reply: “Thank you. I was inspired by an old pair of two-tone Hush Puppies! The green ones are copied from mine. But my favorites are the Umber ones—not so much a color as an absence of same.” (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Yes | Friends list: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Elick" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). "Alexander" shirt by beanster Potato (Ducknipple). Brown Cords by Dan Senyurt (Dan Senyurt Menswear).
Post Category: Casual,Dressy,Jeepers Shoes,New Items,Shoes
May 14th, 2010 at 06:40pmRyan Darragh
ithin the last week or two, Italian designer Sissy Pessoa has brought in a wealth of new men’s shirts and trousers for summer. I’ll show you a few of those in a minute. First, though, let me tell you about my favourite outfit that’s been out for a while. This is Nathaniel Suit in blue from Baiastice. (As usual, click the picture to see the full-sized version.)
There’s something very casual about the cut of the jacket. And it doesn’t hurt that the material looks like denim, especially on the blue version. The light and colour play on the fabric wonderfully, making it a fascinating garment to look at. The trousers in particular win my admiration. Note that since they are low-waisted, a shirt that is only on the shirt- or undershirt-layer will leave a gap. Even wearing the jacket there’s a tiny triangle of a hole where the underlying layer shows through at the waist. But with the right shirt (here I’m wearing an Oxford from Schadenfreude), I find these are currently my favourite trousers. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Mr. Oh: Johan SK skin by Tricky Boucher (Belleza). Brad hair in Ash Grey by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns). Formica Glasses No 4 in silver by Rozoregalia Braveheart (Rozoregalia). Murphy shoes in white by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things). White Oxford Shirt by Allegory Malaprop (Schadenfreude).
Post Category: Baiastice,General,Jackets,New Items,Pants,Shirts,Suits
May 2nd, 2010 at 03:32amMr. Oh
Forget your fellow man
Offer no helping hand
Put a little glum in your heart
You see it’s getting late
Oh, please don’t hesitate
Put a little glum in your heart
Another day goes by
Hey, hear the children cry
Put a little glum in your heart
If you want the world to know
We won’t let gladness grow
Put a little glum in your heart (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: No | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: “RED – Pale” skin by Iki Ikarus (Dutch Touch). “London” hair by Tigerlily Koi (Calla). “Edo” hair by Bryce Tully (Bryce Designs). Vader’s High-Tops by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS). Piercings by Posy Trudeau (Miau Haus).
Post Category: Casual,Dark Draconia,Designer Reviews,Freebies,Hoodies,Jeans,New Items,Shirts
April 6th, 2010 at 10:29pmRyan Darragh
You may have thought you’d seen it all. Or, at least, everything I’d ever actually wear in public. After my initial foray into latex (with a Christmas theme, no less!), you may well have been wondering, “What next?” I wondered myself. What would be my next adventure, my final frontier, my undiscovered country? It occurred to me, and not for the first time, that I had not yet explored the adventurous territory of silks. Now, I’ve seen a lot of silks, more than you might expect in fact, and tried on perhaps more than my share. But, while I make no claim to have made an exhaustive survey of the genre, I had never come across any that spoke to me on any level. Silks are by their very nature simple in design, and while I’ve certainly seen many examples that were well done, often they simply weren’t very interesting. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Some | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Akio" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile).
Post Category: Designer Reviews,Fantasy,Golden Thorn,New Items,Roleplay,Silks
March 13th, 2010 at 03:23pmRyan Darragh
I cannot tell you—I don’t think I can even begin—how much I dislike the word “murse.” It’s not even a word, really. It’s just a fake word somebody made up because they didn’t want to say “man purse.” And you can see why, but still. I mean, why does it have to be a “purse” of any kind?
Because I do like bags, and men often do really get the short end of the stick when it comes to things to contain and carry their stuff in. Women of course have purses, which are (in Western culture, at least) universally accepted not just as a utilitarian necessity but as a legitimate fashion accessory, and often a quite beautiful one. They take a variety of forms, as well, for different seasons and occasions: shoulder bags, tote bags, handbags, clutches, and the list goes on. And then there are the many interpretations and variations in shape, size, color, accents, trim—they’re almost like butterflies, with no two alike.
Men have wallets. Usually in black or brown. See what I mean? (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Some | Friends list: Some
Notes: On Ryan: “Daniel” skin by Simple Spad (Signature Skin Labs). “Nick” hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Firenze Blues suit by Shiryu Musashi (Musashi-Do). React sunglasses by Rohal Schnyder (Role Optic).
Post Category: Bags,Dressy,Jeepers Shoes,New Items,SOHO Fashion,Shoes
February 25th, 2010 at 08:07pmRyan Darragh
Well, Valentine’s Day 2010 is shaping up to be a bit of a casual affair for me this year, in SL as well as RL-–I still don’t have RL dinner reservations! (I know, I know.) The very casual ensemble I’ve put together for your consideration isn’t exactly appropriate for an intimate dinner at a fine restaurant. Think more romantic picnic in the park and you’ll be just fine.
The Grunge Tanktop and Flame Red Swim Trunks are both by Shinichi Mathy. As always, fine fabric texture work is the hallmark of Shinichi’s garment designs, whether casual, dressy or more formal. The busy print on the swim trunks helps the optional prim leg extensions to blend in better than they might in a solid color. I did mod the taper of the prims just slightly to fit my fairly thin avie a little better. These are the February 2010 Shiki group gift for guys. You’ll need to join the Shiki group (if you aren’t already a member) and visit the shop Shiki 91, 153, 22 to pick up your gift. Head down the red hallway (on your right as you walk down the main aisle) to the special Members Only area to find the gift vendors. Available at Shiki Designs (Shiki 91, 153, 22). (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Some | Friends list: Some
Notes: On Ryan: “Narcissus” skin by Theodore DuCasse (Zanzo). Lustrous Eyes by Brandy Rasmuson (Shine).
Post Category: Casual,Hair,Hummingbird Designs,Jewelry,Jordan Morgenrote,New Items,SHIKI Designs,Shirts,Swimsuits,Uncleweb Studio
February 11th, 2010 at 08:17pmRyan Darragh
[i] Things had never been easy on the farm. Raising crops was honest work, but hard, and it was all he had known his whole life. But since the drought had begun things had been ever harder. The soft greening wheat had turned brown and brittle; the dark brown earth had grown hard and grey. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Yes | Friends list: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: “Justin” skin by sachi Vixen (Adam n Eve). “Adam” hair by Bryce Tully (Bryce Designs). Homespun Eyes in Chambray by Posy Trudeau (Homespun). Headphones and stick bundle by AM Radio.
Post Category: Accessories,Casual,Eyes,Hats,Homespun,Jeans,New Items,Pants,Period,Shirts,Shoes,Sweaters,[Destinations]
February 5th, 2010 at 10:06amRyan Darragh
You never see men wearing smoking jackets any more. (Okay, Hugh Hefner, but he’s the last bastion.) That seems a shame to me—there’s something very classy and Old Hollywood about the image of a gentleman properly attired for lounging about the manse. Is that you, Clark Gable? (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: No | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: “Cole” skin by Commandah Keen (Dernier Cri). “Alexander” hair by Wicked Loudon (Noueau Miranda). Pajama pants by Shai Delacroix (Casa Del Shai). Kippers slippers by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS). Cigarettes by LupineFox Paz (Foxy’s Smoke Shop).
Post Category: Casual,Figleaves,Hats,Jackets,New Items,Period,Robes
February 1st, 2010 at 11:21pmRyan Darragh
It isn’t too unusual that I find myself impressed by a single clothing item or accessory. In fact, the creativity and ingenuity of SL designers never ceases to amaze me—they constantly find ways around inherent limitations in the virtual world, and they manage to amaze and delight in spite of the technical ties that bind them. Even so, it’s not often that I’m surprised and taken aback by something as seemingly basic and utilitarian as a polo shirt. After all, aren’t they everywhere? A dime a dozen, basically? Well, yes…and no.
It’s nice to be surprised now and then. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Yes | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: “Antonio” skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). “Noah” hair by Truth Hawks (TRUTH). Corduroy Pants by Dan Senyurt (Dan Senyurt Menswear). Offshore Pro watch by Beyondthematrix Boa (GBTM).
Post Category: Casual,New Items,Shirts,Stash
January 14th, 2010 at 07:43pmRyan Darragh
Well, I had some more formalwear items lined up to share with you over the holiday season. Unfortunately, timing didn’t work out in our favor there, the holiday season now being over and all. If we’re lucky, I may well get back to some of those designs in the near future.
In the meantime, though, I feel like doing something a little bit different. I’ve had some winter gear piling up in my inventory over the last few weeks, and now seems like as good a time as any to break it out, even though for the last few days it’s been 75-80 degrees F where I live in RL. Hey, it’s technically winter, after all; I’ll just pretend that it actually feels like it outside. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Some | Friends list: Some
Notes: On Ryan: “Antonio” skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). “Noah” hair by Truth Hawks (TRUTH). V-neck Sweater and Formal Pants by Yelmer Peffer (Alphamale). Couru shoes by Pique Flan (2g).
Post Category: Accessories,Casual,Coats,Hats,New Items,SHIKI Designs,Sway's Creations
January 7th, 2010 at 07:12pmRyan Darragh
I guess I’m getting a little ahead of myself here. I have some beautiful formalwear to show you—possibilities for a highly dramatic New Year’s Eve party—but I thought that first I’d go directly to the after-party. Do not pass Go, do not collect L$200. Now, it’s understandable if you feel that the main event deserves most of your sartorial time, attention and budget. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that what you wear to the after-party somehow matters less. In its own way, it’s just as important. You’re still making an impression, after all! You can’t just throw on khakis and a polo and let it go at that. (Jeans and a t-shirt can work, though…if they’re the right jeans and the right t-shirt.) No, you still need to put some time, effort and attention into your after-party attire. Don’t worry, though. I’m here to help. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Some | Friends list: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Kamal" skin by Shiloh Jun (Shiloh Jun). "Dynamite" hair by Booperkit Moseley (BooPerFunK!).
Post Category: Casual,Dressy,Eolande Elvehjem,Havana,Jeepers Shoes,New Items,Outfits,Pants,Shirts,Updated Items,Yukirei Greene
December 28th, 2009 at 07:47pmRyan Darragh
He’s making a list, checking it twice
Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town!
You’ve almost certainly heard the Christmas song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” If you’re of a certain age, you probably remember well from the childhood the old Rankin-Bass holiday TV special of the same name. What’s important here is Santa’s role as judge, jury and (metaphorical) executioner, at least as far as Christmas gifts are concerned. Who wants a lump of coal in his stocking?
You do remember that key section of the lyrics, don’t you? It actually sounds kind of scary, when you think about it. I mean, what, Santa knows everything? All the stuff I’ve done this year? Even that one thing? I only did that once, I swear. Okay, two or three times. But still, what happened to my right to privacy? I still deserve presents, don’t I? I’m a good boy, I am! (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: No | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: "MSkin Natural Light" by Crushed Clarity (Atomic). "Free hair to wear with hats" by swaffette Firefly (SF Design).
Post Category: A:S:S,Boots,Costumes,Freebies,Hats,Holiday,Latex,New Items,Novelty,Outfits,Pants,Shirts
December 21st, 2009 at 11:00pmRyan Darragh
Wow, where does the time go? More importantly, where does it come from? By which I mean, where can I get more?
As you can see, I haven’t been around all that much lately. Believe me, it’s not for lack of wanting. RL (work in particular, as I may have mentioned) has been kinda crazy, and of course it’s the holiday season, and there’s only so much time to go around…never quite enough, it seems. I do have some good stuff I want to share with you, though–some coats and scarves, festive party attire, stuff like that–and I’m hoping to get in at least a small handful of posts between now and the end of the year. They may be short and sweet, but hopefully you’ll still find something worth shopping for. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Yes | Friends list: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: “Dave Gears” skin by Khai Sinister (The Abyss). “Andy” hair by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns).
Post Category: Casual,Coats,Hats,Jeepers Shoes,New Items,Outfits,Pants,SF Design,Sweaters
December 17th, 2009 at 10:51pmRyan Darragh
I’m pretty sure I’ve said before, probably more than once, that I could dress myself every day only and entirely in clothing by risey Arai and be happy. I suppose boredom could be an issue, eventually, in a really long time, but actually that’s difficult for me to imagine. risey’s designs are so consistently interesting, not to mention impeccably executed, that it’s hard not to get lost in admiring details of fabric texture and prim construction. Sometimes I forget that I’m getting dressed for a reason, and friends wonder where I’ve been. Admiring myself in the virtual mirror, that’s where. It’s not my fault, though! Blame risey. I do. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Yes | Friends list: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Jiro" skin by Denchu Dench (Den-Dou). "Hakuei" hair by Toshiya Okawa (eXceSs). Sheer Tank – Star by Photos Nikolaidis (A:S:S). Soot jeans by Zabitan Assia (FORM).
Post Category: Boots,Casual,Jackets,New Items,sey
December 12th, 2009 at 05:27pmRyan Darragh
Wow, um, sorry about that post title. Apparently I’m pathologically unable to resist a pun, even a fairly obvious one. I’m also such a sucker for sweet fabric textures, I can’t even tell you. Maybe this is why I find Wicked Loudon’s new menswear designs so appealing. After all, one could argue that, on the surface, they’re not necessarily breaking much new ground from a design perspective. Sweater vest with shirt? T-shirt? Jeans? Ho-hum, I hear you saying…some of you, anyway, and you know who you are. But surely there’s room enough in the world for designers to put their own spin on familiar items, and hopefully, just maybe, bring something to them that’s fresh? I like to think so. Because here’s the thing: a good designer can take a familiar design and bring freshness to it, even if it’s “only” the designer’s own unique stylistic tweaks. I don’t know about you, but in RL I have more than one pair of jeans. Let’s not even talk about shoes. And am I a whore for a beautiful sweater? You bet your ass I am. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Some | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Narcissus" skin by Theodore DuCasse (Zanzo). "Hinder" hair by Bryce Tully (Bryce Designs).
Post Category: Boots,Casual,Designer Reviews,Eyewear,Jeans,New Items,Nouveau Miranda,Sandals,Shirts,Shoes,Sweaters
December 1st, 2009 at 10:04pmRyan Darragh
I don’t do a lot of one-off posts these days, partly because the more ambitious/complex posts, time-consuming as they are, are not just fun but rewarding for me. I keep telling myself, though, that I shouldn’t resist featuring the occasional particularly nice solo item. In theory (ahem) a post like this should be quicker and easier to put together, you still get to do some shopping (assuming you like what you see), and I still get to accessorize! I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a win-win to me. You be the judge. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: No | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Narcissus" skin by Theodore DuCasse (Zanzo). "Casket (Belt)" hair by rika Oyen (ARGRACE). Kazuho corduroy pants by Posy Trudeau (Miau Haus). Nouveau Casuals shoes by Wicked Loudon (Nouveau Miranda). GT Sunglasses and X Metal watch by Aveline Stein (Steinwerk).
Post Category: Astaroth,Casual,Hoodies,New Items,Sweaters
November 22nd, 2009 at 04:16pmRyan Darragh
Shiryu Musashi has been designing for the SL fashion scene for coming up on five years now—his store, Musashi-Do, officially opened on November 27, 2004. I don’t know about you, but this is significantly earlier than my own rez date. He has a well-earned reputation for painstaking perfectionism, and his hand-painted fabric textures are beyond reproach. Shiryu has recently released some new suits for men—something that’s always nice to see!—and these are accompanied by his own innovation in dress neckwear: the InfiniTIE. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Yes | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Narcissus" skin by Theodore DuCasse (Zanzo). "Leo" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile; this "Kerosene" color was a group gift). Oxford Shoes by Tesla Miles (TESLA).
Post Category: Business,Casual,Dressy,Freebies,Jackets,Musashi-Do,New Items,Pants,Shirts,Suits,Ties
November 18th, 2009 at 08:59pmRyan Darragh
I don’t know about you, but I’m on the never-ending quest for the perfect skin. Really, isn’t everybody? Surely I’m not the only guy who at some point has said, “I really love This Skin, but if only it had the abs from That Skin, or the face from The Other Skin…then it would be perfect!” Sound familiar? Yeah, I thought it might.
Now, don’t get too excited. I’m not here today to tell you that I’ve found The Perfect Skin, or even The Perfect Skin For Me. Either of those would be a hell of a thing. However, as momentous as such a discovery would be, I might just have to hang it up after that. I mean, what would be left? Even yet still more sculptie high-tops? Not that there’s anything wrong with that. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Yes | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Clem" hair by Bryce Tully (Bryce Designs). Lustrous Eyes by Brandy Rasmuson (Shine). K.D. Vest by risey Arai (:sey). 010b jeans by Zabitan Assia (FORM).
Post Category: Bryce Designs,Casual,Hair,New Items,Skins,Vests,Zanzo,sey
November 13th, 2009 at 10:38amRyan Darragh
In SL, I try to get out of my RL box, from time to time at least. Isn’t that a big part of what SL is for, really? My recent Prince of the Underworld is miles removed from anything I’d wear in RL, probably even for Halloween, if only for practical reasons. Stuff like that is a lot of fun, and it’s good to stretch. I do have my comfort zone, though, and every once in a while I run into some new designs that seem quite literally tailor-made for me and my own tastes. AlexanderHunter Rembrandt’s just-opened {AHC} (the initials stand for “AlexanderHunter’s Couture”) houses just such a collection. AlexanderHunter says that his goal with {AHC} is “class and excellence with just a hint of sexiness for both men and women…haute couture and accessories inspired by real life’s top designers. The collections are seasonal and therefore available only for a few months, making every design a limited edition.” The names of the various specialty shops at {AHC} reflect these inspirations: Dulce & Ghanel women’s wear; Valenciaga men’s wear; Prava men and women’s footwear; Vuittior men and women’s jewelry, handbags, and additional accessories; and San Lauren men and women’s skins and hairstyles. They also convey a slyness and sense of fun suggesting that AlexanderHunter isn’t taking himself too seriously. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copies: Yes | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Narcissus" skin by Theodore DuCasse (Zanzo). Gold Flakes – Olivine eyes by Lano Ling (Poetic Colors). Soubresaut shoes by Pique Flan (2g). Murphys shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things). Brown Leather Bag by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui).
Post Category: AHC,Casual,Designer Reviews,Dressy,Freebies,Hair,Jackets,Jeans,Jewelry,New Items,Pants,Shirts,Suits,Sweaters
October 19th, 2009 at 09:23amRyan Darragh
Mortis was bored. He hadn’t gone anywhere in ages. Well, unless you counted going to and fro on the earth, and walking up and down upon it. Which he, himself, did not count. He couldn’t believe he had ever let Lucifer talk him into that one. When you came right down to it, it was hardly an enjoyable pastime—in fact, it was worse than jogging—and it wasn’t like he needed the cardio. No, he wanted to go out and have some fun. He wanted to go dancing. Goth black boots or no, his feet were nimble and he knew how to trip the light fantastic. If you asked Mortis, dancing hadn’t been the same since the end of disco. That Travolta was one mortal who knew how to move. Well, he had some moves of his own, if he did say so himself. God, but the Seventies had been great. On earth, anyway—everywhere else they had kind of sucked. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Steampunk Gothic Black Boots by Thomus Keen (Steam Powered Nuts).
Post Category: Avatars,Dressy,Fantasy,Gothic,Kitheres,New Items,Period,RFyre,Roleplay,Suits
October 13th, 2009 at 10:09pmRyan Darragh
So, overall it’s been a pretty good week. As I shared earlier, Dragontat Zagato has stepped back into the SL fashion world with his new collection at Deserted. And, oh by the way, he mentioned that he’s also reopening Brief Encounter this weekend, with new underwear designs and a Halloween collection! So there’s that as well. As if all this weren’t enough, at the Deserted opening shindig I got the chance to chat with Zabitan Assia—it had been way too long—and learned that he too has some new designs burning a creative hole in his inventory. Like DT’s, Zab’s tees have long been among my favorites. I love their dark, rich color palettes and the subtle intricacy of their design work, which is at least occasionally inspired by anime and manga.
Zab’s new tees have much in common with his earlier designs (a.k.a. The Classics), and that means there’s much to love. Slinky fit, check. Black is the new black, check. Neat edging on collar and sleeves, ch—wait. What the f—? Hey, these shirts are jacked! Seriously, look at ‘em, the edges are all torn up. Is that just shoddy workmanship, lazy-ass stitching maybe, or did somebody use too much bleach? No, no. And no. These shirts are not jacked. They are tattered, though, intentionally and ever so stylishly, to add just a bit more low-end grunge to your high-end vibe. See, there is a method to the madness. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: “Steve Law” skin by Khai Sinister (The Abyss). “Kein” hair by Shylah Honey (Damselfly). Desolate Jeans by Dragontat Zagato (Deserted). Low-top sneakers by Armin Rickena (Machienenwerk). Micanga (friendship bracelet) by noni Troncon (nonino).
Post Category: Casual,FORM,Grunge,New Items,Shirts
October 9th, 2009 at 09:26amRyan Darragh
It’s good to know that some things don’t change. Or maybe Alphonse Karr had it right, and the truth is more along the lines of his famous saying, “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” (usually translated as “The more things change, the more they stay the same”). I could get all philosophical, and bore you to death, but fortunately for you that’s not why we’re here today.
No, we’re here to talk about clothing. Men’s clothing. Casual men’s clothing, in fact. I don’t have to imagine your shock and surprise—I can feel it from here! Now, it’s true, I admit it—I don’t always give a lot of love to jeans and tees. It’s true that pretty much anyone and everyone who sells clothing in SL has taken a stab at jeans and tees, commodity items that they are. But it’s also true that, in spite of their commodity status, it’s possible to do them well, even exceptionally so. Some of my favorite jeans and tees have consistently come from the creative minds and artistic talents of Donovan Brennen, Dragontat Zagato and Zabitan Assia. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Steve Law" skin by Khai Sinister (The Abyss). "Jonas" hair by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns). "It was freedom" tattoo by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui group gift). Low-top sneakers by Armin Rickena (Machienenwerk). "Porsh" and "Monza" glasses by Nibb Tardis (primOptic).
Post Category: Accessories,Casual,Deserted,Designer Reviews,Jackets,Jeans,New Items,Shirts
October 6th, 2009 at 09:19pmRyan Darragh
I don’t wear a lot of jewelry in real life. Oh, I have a few items I love and wear regularly. Pretty much every day I wear the Celtic knot ring in silver that I bought from a street vendor in Dublin, as well as a simple but unusual fleur-de-lis pendant I found in New Orleans. I also have my grandfather’s gold high school class ring (Class of 1932), which gets pride of place on my right hand (the middle finger—he was a big man) on special occasions. From time to time, I wear a watch, although mostly these days I rely on my mobile phone to tell me the time—strictly functional, not especially classy.
But SL is different. And I don’t mean just because in SL I can afford all kinds of extravagant jewelry that I could never even dream of touching in RL. I mean, that’s true of course—I can do that if I want to, and I certainly have. But that’s not the only difference. Equally real is the possibility of exploring different aspects of one’s personality by venturing into different genres, styles and themes that in RL might not take first priority or even be accessible. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Cole" skin by Commandah Keen (Dernier Cri). "Jin" hair by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns). Lustrous Eyes by Brandy Rasmuson (Shine). A0001 Jeans by Nicole David (Armidi).
Post Category: Casual,Designer Reviews,Dressy,Jewelry,LOAQ,New Items
September 21st, 2009 at 10:09pmRyan Darragh
And he had thought his life was crazy before he moved to Bon Temps.
Things had been hard in New Orleans since his grandpa died. He had never been one to run from trouble or hardship, but the music gigs had pretty much dried up, he lost his day job (oh well–it was boring, anyway), and then one day an old Creole woman stopped him on the street, looked him deep in the eye and told him it was time for a change. Maybe, he thought, it really was. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Kamal" skin and "Sidney" hair by shiloh Jun (Shiloh Jun). Yuck Jeans by Zabitan Assia (FORM). Old Shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Casual,New Items,Shirts,Young Urban
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:27amRyan Darragh
I think it may have been Oscar I was talking to when we mutually agreed that, if for some reason we could only and forever dress in risey Arai’s clothing designs, that would really be okay with us. I mean, of course we would miss the artistic approach and creative touches of any number of other designers, not to mention the simple joy of sheer variety. But risey’s designs are so comfortable, so carefully put together, so flat-out beautiful that it’s hard to imagine feeling especially deprived if for some reason my wardrobe were mysteriously limited to things I could find at :sey.
Today I’m showing off a handful of risey’s more recent releases—just a few, but they’re all sweet. Most if not all of risey’s clothing designs are characterized by excellent use of sculpties, and these are no exception. Forgive me if I run out of superlatives; it’s an occupational hazard. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Edwen" skin by Namida Akami (MUWU).
Post Category: Accessories,Casual,Eyewear,Hair,Hats,New Items,PrimOptic,Shirts,Shoes,Shop Therapy,Shorts,sey
August 28th, 2009 at 01:27pmRyan Darragh
As I mentioned in my last post, I was wearing a new skin by Namida Akami. Typically, if I plan to give a new skin a formal review, I try to do so before wearing it in a post primarily featuring clothing or other designs. This time out, I broke with tradition—I thought that Namida’s skin had just the right tone and facial features for my summer elf. I had already put the outfits together, but I made an atypical last-minute change and swapped out the skin. That’s taking a certain risk, and I wouldn’t normally do it, but in the end I think it worked out very well.
Namida’s new skin is called “Edwen”. Although I don’t know if this was Namida’s intention, the name immediately struck me as a blend of Arwen and Edward. Half-elven Arwen Undómiel, of course, was the daughter of Elrond and Celebrían, granddaughter of Galadriel, and ultimately wife of Aragorn in J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The most popular Edward in fiction these days is probably Edward Cullen, Stephenie Meyer’s ethereally beautiful boy vampire, who sparkles rather than burns to ash in sunlight. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Daniel" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). "Lovestruck" eyes (yes, again!) by Photos Nikolaidis (A:S:S). Jeans – Indigo (with sculpted cuffs) by mappy Hendrick (ARAI).
Post Category: Jewelry,MUWU,New Items,Sandals,Skins,Uncleweb Studio,Vests,Yukirei Greene
August 25th, 2009 at 12:56pmRyan Darragh
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