Men's Second Style

Lo these many or at least several months ago, so long ago I’m not sure exactly when, I remember receiving an IM one evening from someone I knew by reputation, but not personally. “We’re making new stuff! We’re opening a shop! We’re so excited!” The “we” in question was Ghost Harris and Willow Caldera, and the ensuing chat was friendly, humorous and altogether enjoyable. In all honesty, at this point I’m not really sure which one of them I was chatting with that evening. Was it Ghost? Was it Willow? Does it matter? Nah, not really. It was good news, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.

Then, as so often happens (and not always for the better), RL intervened. The details aren’t important; we all know how this goes. Things come up, distractions pull us away, people get busy, crisis and drama rear their ugly heads. The unfortunate upshot was that SL took a back seat—temporarily, as it turned out, but still for a while. Time went by, as it is wont to do, and next thing anyone knew it was a new season. Flash forward to Now: “We’re really making that new stuff! We’re finally opening that shop! Sorry it took so long. We’re still so excited!” Well, guess what? I was too.

The new shop is called Bother, a wry and amusing moniker indeed, and there’s an equally wry and amusing brand logo to go along. Bother’s initial release is relatively modest in scope but impressive in quality, a solid double handful of casul items that are at least nominally made for men, but for the most part equally well suited to the fairer sex. The clothing is really very nice indeed, but for me the real prize here is the prim accessories. I’ve put together a kind of weekend-adventurer outfit from some of my favorite pieces, so I’ll shut up now and let the designs speak for themselves. From head to toe:

“Put your hat on before you go outside!” That’s my mother, pretty much my whole childhood. According to a friend of mine who’s a dematologist, my mother was right. Hats are more than stylish—they also protect against decidedly skin-unfriendly UV-A radiation. Admittedly, the latter isn’t so much a concern in SL, but still. Ghost’s Howdy Hat is beautifully sculpted, the texture work is fine, and the prim detailing (including sensible ventilation grommets and jaunty feathers) is impeccable. L$75 each in five colors (I’m wearing Light Brown), or L$250 for a pack of all five.

Ghost’s ringer-style Tee is of course classic rather than original, but it’s so well executed that one need look no further for this particular wardrobe staple, if one of the available colors suits. The fabric texture is smooth and natural, with shading that provides pleasingly natural rather than superhero-style definition. I love the tiny Bother logo, right at the neckline in back. L$75 each in 9 different colors, or L$600 for the whole set. This one is a nice milk-chocolatey Brown, but I might just like the Lime one even more.

Here’s another of the prim accessories I was raving about: the Baggage Knapsack. Note that this is billed as a knapsack and not a backpack. Just thinking about that sent me running to Google, and guess what? There seems to be a not insignificant amount of existential-etymological angst concering just what may or may not be the difference(s) between the two. (And then there’s rucksack, just to make things even more interesting.) While for many the terms may be interchangeable, for others there are some differences, be they regional, generational, subjective or what have you. (For at least some, the differences appear to be centered around construction and capacity: i.e., knapsack is smaller and lighter, suitable for afternoon hikes or day trips; backpacks are larger, often with aluminum frames for structure, and intended for longer treks.) This, though, is a knapsack, not a backpack. If you really want a more rugged-looking backpack, don’t worry—you can get one of those at Bother, too. Ghost’s Baggage Knapsack boasts a variety of fabric textures, from the comfortably padded straps to sections of nylon webbing, that blend harmoniously to make one sweet little accessory. L$250 for a bundle of five different colors. Also available in a more utilitarian “survival” style (L$175), complete with prim bedroll and corn whiskey jug. Because you never know.

Every guy needs a good pair of cargo pants. I have much liked my share and then some in the past. Although less elaborately constructed than some of these others, the cargo-style Camo Pants are a more-than-respectable example of the form. The “multicam” camo print is fairly small and subtle rather than big and bold, and the sculptie side cargo pockets (one for each thigh) are both nicely detailed and resizeable. Sculpted cuffs are also included, although I’m not wearing them here with the boots (but read on for a linked photo that offers a glimpse). L$150.

I have a lot of boots. You probably do, too. Will you hate me if I suggest that you might need just one more pair? Or maybe two, in different colors? These unisex Militia Boots have a look and feel that’s sturdy and rugged, but not rough-and-tumble or beat-up. Their two-part construction is familiar (foot-attach lower “shoe” and leg-attach upper), and the texture work is clean and polished. The soft, somewhat stylized leather texture really works for me. You can choose from four classic, natural colors (L$175 a pair, or L$450 for a pack). Five decidedly less traditional, bright, vibrant shades are also available, so your self-expression needs know no bounds.

Although they didn’t really fit in with the outdoorsy outfit I was putting together, I also want to make at least quick mention of the Skater Shoes. If you’re thinking (slash hoping) that these might be shoes with built-in, pop-out roller skates, you can be forgiven—hey, I was thinking that for a minute or two. Unfortunately, I must disabuse you of that notion here and now, becaue that is not what these are. Fortunately, though, what they are is fun, stubby little sneaks that would look entirely at home doing their grippy best to keep a shaggy-haired twentysomething firmly, safely, gravity-defyingly anchored to his or her skateboard. Even if you aren’t a skater, you may find them useful for “urban hiking” outings. Choose from seven colors, L$250 a pair, or take them all home for L$750. Each pair includes seven different variations, textured to varying degrees of pristine newness, but all equally fun.

You can visit Bother at Happy Land 202, 77, 1085. Be sure to take a walk around outside the shop, and enjoy the calm atmosphere of the small but handsome high-altitude build. Inside the shop, in addition to the designs featured here you’ll also find decorative tees, the previously mentioned backpacks, and plenty of other casual clothing and accessories.