Posts filed under 'Shirts'
I love New Year’s Eve. In some ways, it reminds me of my senior prom. It’s an opportunity to get all glammed up, go out to a fabulous party, and play for an evening at being grown-up, or maybe at being rich. Or both.
And a great beauty of SL is that you don’t have to be rich to play at being rich. For the equivalent of the cost of a mocha latte or two, you can outfit your SL self in stunning style, with attire and accessories that would be the envy of even the hottest flavor-of-the-moment supermodel. Not that supermodels care all that much, anyway; wearing beautiful clothing is just a job to them.
It’s become something of an annual tradition for me to feature formalwear from Styles of edo. I guess that shouldn’t be too surprising—edo Tone’s formals are among the best I’ve seen, and they’re always some of my favorites. I’ve chosen a few designs from his 2009 collection that I think are especially noteworthy. Hopefully you’ll think so, too. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Some | Friends list: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Narcissus" skin by Theodore DuCasse (Zanzo). Arabesque Cross Ring by Yukirei Greene (Skill Normal). Braced Wooden Cane by Vincente Shepherd (Gaslights Emporium).
Post Category: Accessories,Coats,Dressy,Formal,Hair,Hats,Jackets,Jewelry,Pants,Rozoregalia,Shirts,Shoes,Styles of edo,Suits,Ties,Vests
December 31st, 2009 at 06:23pmRyan 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
I’m fortunate to live within easy driving distance (although, alas, not stumbling distance) of Tiki-Ti, one of the best of the handful of remaining classic Tiki bars in the U.S. (Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge in Alameda, CA is by all accounts a great place, and the newly opened Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco looks like it’ll be well worth a visit.) I’ve tried working my way through the menu at Tiki-Ti—not all in one night!—but I keep forgetting where I left off and having to start over. Dark and Stormy! Space Pilot! Ray’s Mistake! Ooga Booga!
No matter how you look at it, there’s a lot of rum going on. A boatload, even. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copy: Some | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Narcissus" skin by Theodore DuCasse (Zanzo). "Stewart" hair by Din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio). Dan Jeans, Max Jeans, Quin Khakis by Floatie Hock (Hell Bop). Chucks shoes by Armin Rickenna (Maschienenwerk). Tiki bar and accessories by Antonia Marat (Artilleri). Cocktails by Maximillian Milosz (Maximum Minimum).
Post Category: Casual,Hell Bop,Period,Shirts,Uncleweb Studio
December 6th, 2009 at 07:27pmRyan 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
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
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
He did not know his own name. It was an interesting conundrum, but neither entirely uncomfortable nor, it seemed, wholly unfamiliar. He felt that he floated somehow in a peculiar limbo of personality. He knew some things—what languages he spoke, what foods he enjoyed, that he had never known his parents—but little about his own self.
He did not know his own name, but he knew that he could fight. His mind might be all but blank, but his sense memory was strong, and his body could do things he did not remember learning or training to do. He felt his muscles tense and thrum as he moved, wanting to defend, yearning to engage, aching to attack. He pitied the ill-advised fool who attempted to draw him into conflict; his day would not end well. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in world: Yes | Review copies: Some | Friends list: No
Notes: On Ryan: Vivant Pale Ardent skin by CJ Carnot (Fleur). Black Ring Boots by Mai Runo (Zero Number). “Adria” glasses by Nibb Tardis (primOptic). Arabesque Ring and Stylish Leather Bracelet by Yukirei Greene (not currently available).
Post Category: Casual,Demise,Fantasy,Gothic,Hair,Hoodies,Outfits,Pants,Roleplay,Shirts
October 16th, 2009 at 08:32pmRyan 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
Getting dressed is as easy as throwing on a pair of jeans and a shirt. But style is in the details, and that often means accessories – an area of fashion often difficult for men. Should the belt match the shoes? Should the shoes match the coat? Should the coat match the watch? Can’t I just say to hell with it and put on my bathrobe and stay home?
In any outfit, finding the right balance of accessories is key. Too few is bland; many and you end up looking like Mr. T (and that is only a good look on Mr. T). Further, your accessories should complement each other. While they don’t have to match exactly, they should appear to have the same purpose. Dress shoes look good with a suit, or parts of one; less so with Bermuda shorts. (more…)
Post Category: 2g,Accessories,Casual,Dressy,Eyes,Eyewear,Flesh Peddlers,Freebies,GBTM,Hair,Hayate's Hair Lab,Jeans,Kari,Laqroki,LeLutka,Maschienenwerk,Shirts,Shoes,Skins,The Abyss,Ties,[Guest Style Consultant]
September 23rd, 2009 at 09:46amRyan Darragh
All this talk lately about N1H1 Flu has got me thinking – why do we always have to look our best in SL? What about those days when you’re just not feelin’ it and want your AV to reflect that? My friend Miko has an answer, a folder with her Sick/Mental Health Day Outfit complete with bathrobe, hair towel, fuzzy slipper, eye covering cucumber slices and a mud mask, all perfect for just such a day. She tops it off with a tag reading “Haven’t had my Coffee” and a steaming mug. It’s hilarious! (more…)
Post Category: Casual,HOC Industries,Hair,Jeans,Jewelry,Macho,Miau Haus,Perfectionist,Shirts,Skins,TRUTH,Touch of Whimzie,WoE,[Guest Style Consultant]
September 8th, 2009 at 08:42pmRyan 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
Do you ever get a crazy question stuck in your head, and you just can’t shake it? You know what I mean. It’s usually an “I wonder” type of question, typically one with no readily apparent answer. For a kid it may be, “I wonder why the sky is blue?” Adults may venture into the philosophical with “How do they get all those clowns in that little clown car?” And then there’s the eternal classic: “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?”
Well, recently for me it was “I wonder how elves dress in summer?” I know—it’s not exactly earth-shattering. And yet…I really wondered. How do elves dress, anyway, for say a summer picnic? Or a cruise, maybe, or just business casual? Try though I might, I just couldn’t shake it. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan:"Edwen" skin by Namida Akami (MUWU). "Lovestruck" eyes by Photos Nikolaidis (A:S:S).
Post Category: Accessories,Casual,Caverna Obscura,Defectiva,Dressy,Gems & Kisses,Hair,Jackets,NachtMusik,Outfits,Shirts,Shoes,Shorts,Suits,Wasabi Pills,Yukirei Greene
August 20th, 2009 at 12:05pmRyan Darragh
I was told the hardest thing to do when you’re a guest style consultant was to write a few words on the outfit. They probably had never met someone like me before, with a cazillion outfits and different looks in my inventory, by far the hardest was finding just one that shouted out here is jamie Cheeky, mainly because I morph alot on style.
The skin part is easy. After 2.5 years of running about SL in a old Naughty skin I decided to go for a new look. Zanzo Seraphim – Raphael (freckly) was perfect. I’m not a 6 pack lover or a gorilla chest freak and Zanzo fitted the bill. I got the freckles just because I thought they were cute and added a youthful spirit to the look. $L 1200 at Zanzo. (more…)
Post Category: ARAI,Accessories,Akeyo,Black Operations LLC,Eyewear,Find Ash,Grasp,Hair,Jackets,Jeans,Love Soul,Muism,Primitive Design,Shirts,Shoes,Skins,Zanzo,[Guest Style Consultant]
August 17th, 2009 at 08:47amRyan Darragh
Summer Trends
I’ve experienced a lot within my one year stay in this amazing world, and I must say I simply love it when summer time rolls in and everyone changes their wardrobe! Yes, it’s that time to wear form comfortable and relaxing clothing! So I did just what everyone else did, went shopping for the latest trends! There were so many options, and I had no idea what I wanted to go with–Tees, Cuff Shirts, Skinny Jeans…the list is endless! (more…)
Disclosure: Seen In World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Jeffery: Cole skin by Asuka Martin of Dernier Cri
Post Category: Accessories,Bryce Designs,Casual,Chinese Takeout,Cobrahive,Ducknipple,Hair,New Items,Pants,Shirts
August 11th, 2009 at 08:29amJeffery Worbridge
After spending several days focused almost exclusively on hairstyles, it’s really nice to get back to clothing items and the fun (because, after all, it is fun) of putting a “look” together. I know I can always count on Shelly Toonie to provide any number of choices for that “certain something” that any outfit needs come together rather than fall apart. Shelly’s new “Après” shirt/sweater combos are just what the doctor ordered to help me recover from a slight but noticeable case of Post-Hair Fair Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (PHFCFS).
The mechanics here are straightforward, even basic (which frankly at this point I find comforting)—and anyway, as always it’s execution that makes the real difference. Each set includes a layered shirt/sweater in coordinating colors. You can wear the shirt/sweater tucked or untucked, as it’s thoughtfully provided on all clothing layers. However, you can’t wear the shirt and sweater individually as they’re rendered together on the clothing layers, and not included as separates. The combo has a neat, well-groomed look when tucked in, but me, I prefer the extravagantly casual loose shirttails on the untucked jacket layer. The fabric texture and shading work are well executed and handsome. Take special note of the shading that defines the pecs—it’s clean, strong and masculine, but not overdone. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Gael" skin by Rack Brautigan (Imagen). "#034cn" hair by Redd Karas (REDLIC). "Kazuho" corduroy pants by Posy Trudeau (Miau Haus). "numero79" glasses by Youki Rau (ottico).
Post Category: Casual,Moonshine,New Items,Shirts,Sweaters
August 6th, 2009 at 10:10amRyan Darragh
When Posy and I set out to explore the vast, unknown depths of Hollow Earth Underdark, our excitement was tempered by a thrill of apprehension. What would we discover? What secrets lay in wait for us? What mysteries might transform us? Would we need a travel buddy? (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). Boho Sandals by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: AOHARU,Casual,Curio,Hair,Jewelry,Mhaijik Things,Pants,Shirts,Zanzo,[Destinations]
July 21st, 2009 at 10:28pmRyan Darragh
Being classy on Second Life in a predominantly hip-hop environment is not easy. I’ve been on the game for well over one year and from the first day to the day I wrote this I can honestly say certain scenes on SL have and will never change. Every group, every clique, every organization has a particular style they represent. In the hip-hop community it’s usually as follows:
1 pair of Nike Uptown styled sneakers (tennis shoes for those of you in the south)
1 pair of baggy jeans
1 sports jersey
1 excessively over-primmed platinum chain and matching earrings
And last but not least, 1 oversized baseball cap representing the local team (more…)
Post Category: Adam n Eve,Dressy,Epidermis Emporium,Exotique,Eyes,FNKY!,Jackets,Jewelry,Kalnins,Muism,Naith Smit Design,Pants,Poetic Colors,Rogue Men's Clothing,Sartoria,Shirts,Skins,Suits,[Guest Style Consultant]
June 25th, 2009 at 12:11pmRyan Darragh
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
It’s official–swaffette has gone a little bit mad.
In the best way possible, I mean. Her new Performance Suit, released earlier this month, may just be the most impressively flexible suit I’ve ever worn. Dozens of pieces provide for what seems like tons of mix-and-match wear options. I tried to count up the possibilities, but I gave up when I lost track and had to start over. Twice. I kid you not.
swaffette’s creation is a classic English three-piece suit, in an attractive slim cut, with two-button jacket. This simple description doesn’t begin to convey the extensive planning and effort that have clearly gone into such a generous “single garment” offering. If that doesn’t signify some kind of madness, I don’t know what does. But you be the judge. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: "Vivant Blush Clean" skin by CJ Carnot (Fleur). "Jude" hair by Aleri Darkes (Diversity). Oxford Loafers in Wolvercote by Drusus DuCasse (Zanzo). Dragon Slippers (a Midnight Mania freebie) by Photos Nikolaidis (A:S:S). "Arcadi" glasses by Rohal Schnyder (ROLE Optic).
Post Category: Business,Dressy,Freebies,Jackets,New Items,Pants,SF Design,Shirts,Suits,Ties,Vests
June 16th, 2009 at 02:59pmRyan Darragh
I like a good pun as much as the next guy. So it was, unsurprisingly, with a fair bit of amusement that I first visited the shop of Photos Nikolaidis, the puntastically named A:S:S. I seem to recall reading (in a notecard or somewhere?) that the name at least loosely stands for Another Stupid Shirt Shop, or some such. I admire a healthy dose of self-deprecation as much as or maybe even more than the next guy, so I heartily approve. Also, it makes me laugh, and what more do you really need? Hey, let’s see how many puns I can make! Go ahead, groan all you want, it won’t help.
Photos’ main shop is good, even impressive size–I had no idea that anyone’s A:S:S could be that big–and it’s well stocked with a wide variety of casual clothing for both men and women, including some unisex designs. I don’t mind admitting that I had some trouble deciding on a manageable handful of things to share with you here. (Setting my sights idealistically but unrealistically high is a recurring bad habit of mine.) I decided to start with a few designs that were just fun, and then go from there. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Dante" skin by Lost Thereian (Naughty). "Fastball" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile). Akeyo Chucks hi-tops by Akemi Yoshikawa (Akeyo).
Post Category: A:S:S,Casual,Jackets,Jeans,Shirts,Shorts,Sweaters
June 5th, 2009 at 01:57pmRyan Darragh
Every once in a while, I run into clothing designs that impress and even amaze me on every level: technical, artistic, aesthetics, style. It is, to say the least, an impressive accomplishment. Not because I’m difficult to please–I like to think that I’m selective and discriminating, but taste is after all highly subjective–but because of the amount of work the designer/artist has done to create the designs. I simply can’t imagine the the hours of painstaking effort it must take to create the textures, sculpts and prim designs that go together to make a virtual item that feels fully real. It makes my eyes cross and my head hurt just to think about it. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Uchi II" Tan Chops Tattoo skin by Dismebodied Hand (Steam Powered Industries / Defectiva). "Zach" hair by Truth Hawks (TRUTH). Mayhem Umbrella 2.0 by Drack Diesel (freebie).
Post Category: Accessories,Arcavim,BLITZED,Boots,Designer Reviews,Dressy,Eyewear,Fantasy,Hats,Jackets,New Items,Pants,Period,Roleplay,Shirts,Steampunk,Ties,Vests,Victorian
June 2nd, 2009 at 03:43pmRyan Darragh
We still have a few weeks left of Spring, but Summer’s coming on fast. I can feel it sometimes in the air, and already we’ve had to run the a/c for a day or two here and there. I’ve pulled out my shorts for the season in RL, and it seems appropriate to do the same in SL.
And there’s a bonus–in SL (although not in RL, at least not yet), I have some favorite new cargo shorts. And cargo pants. All in one. I’m talking about Masaru Raymaker’s new 4-Way Cargo Pants. What exactly are 4-Way Pants? you may well be wondering. Never fear! I shall tell you.
It’s fairly straightforward, actually. The name pretty much tells the whole story. By mixing and matching from an impressive selection of clothing-layer pieces and sculpted pockets and cuffs, Masaru’s 4-Way Cargos can be worn in four different ways, for four different looks: as shorts; cropped, or rolled to just below the knee; with the standard “system” pants cuffs we all know and love/hate; and with flared, slouchie cuffs. Not only are these impressively flexible, like all of Masaru’s designs they’re amazingly good-looking. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: "Gen-X" skin by Theodore DuCasses (Zanzo).
Post Category: CREAMSHOP,Casual,Eyewear,Hair,Hats,Jewelry,M.R.M.,Monolith,New Items,Pants,Shirts,Shoes,Shorts,Sweaters,Zanzo
May 27th, 2009 at 12:18pmRyan Darragh
Before we get started, I’d just like to mention out that I was working (albeit vaguely) toward a goth-themed post of some kind even before a recent discussion in comments touching on the relative merits of themed or “genre” style, such as goth, emo, neko and grunge. To me it seemed that the upshot of our dialogue was that themed styles like these are great, but it’s good not to fall into the rut of any one style and never do anything else. Fair enough! I’d buy that for a dollar.
So, as I say, I was already working on something, and by this I mean that I was accumulating some things (too many things, in turns out) that I thought would work and letting the ensemble percolate in my mind, waiting for it to be birthed fully formed, like Venus. Lest you get the wrong impression, I hasten to add that it is only sometimes that serendipitous. Most often, I find that I have to sweat a little bit to make the magic happen. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: Ash Jeans by Zabitan Assia (FORM).
Post Category: Accessories,Aphrodites Skin and Shapes,Boots,Casual,Dressy,Eyes,Fantasy,Gothic,Grunge,Hair,New Items,Schadenfreude,Shirts,Simply Neko,Skins,Styria,TESLA,Ties,Wasabi Pills
May 21st, 2009 at 05:02pmRyan Darragh
It will come as no surprise to you when I observe the truism that Spring and Summer are, sartorially speaking, quite different from Fall and Winter. Fabrics are lighter in weight, brighter in color, bolder in pattern, and layering for hot and cold weather are entirely different things. Even though the climate where I live is overall pretty mild, my RL wardrobe for warm weather is very different than for the cooler seasons. Temperatures and precipitation aside, Spring and Summer just feel more casual to me–I wear a lot of shorts, linen trousers and casual shirts, and apparently I’ll wear sandals with anything. But what to do when the sun is blazing down, but the occasion is formal, and a linen suit simply won’t do? (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Miguel" skin by Tricky Boucher (Belleza). "Alex" hair by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns). "Moliere" shoes by Storm Schmooz (L'Atelier Storm Schmooz).
Post Category: Belleza,Formal,Jackets,New Items,Pants,Rebel Hope Designs,Shirts,Skins,Socks,Suits,Ties,Vests
May 19th, 2009 at 02:23pmRyan Darragh
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I love New Year’s Eve. In some ways, it reminds me of my senior prom. It’s an opportunity to get all glammed up, go out to a fabulous party, and play for an evening at being grown-up, or maybe at being rich. Or both.
