[#652] Can’t Knock The Hustle

 

My manager’s slacking so I gotta’ move quick
I’m lacking in natural gifts
I’m an ugly motherfucker but I work hella’ harder
And you can write a blog about it

Weezer, ♫Can’t Knock The Hustle♫

 

It’s been a few since my last post and I promise I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth. I’ve just been preoccupied with other things and it’s cut down on the amount of time I spend on photo taking and blogging. I still have the passion to do this but after having this time away and reflecting I’ve grown even more of an appreciation as well as knowing that before I was stretching myself way to thin. With the amount of sponsors (there’s no true way to avoid using the word that just makes my skin crawl but for what reason I don’t know (perhaps in my earliest days of blogging I used it ad nauseum).

While there are a few days left of the eBento event, Session Skins has another great new male offering named “Simon”. It was harder than I imagined to not continue wearing “Tom” but being a blogger that does skins it would be way too difficult to be a one trick pony. Simon has a bit softer features and has lighter stubble then the previously mentioned skin. It also boasts the same crazy amount of detail and features that Tom has (brow/no brow and mole options). He is a youthful and handsome guy that will turn some heads on the grid and that is all thanks to Session Skins. The eBento event ends on July 31st so hail the taxi down in the credits to get a better look.

One of the brands I once blogged for and still enjoy has just moved to a new location and with that they are offering a new item free without the need for a group. That’s correct, Modulus has moved and to treat all of us right they have put out the “Cole Hair” as a prize for just stopping in. The item just needs to be purchased for a dollar but it is quickly refunded back as it meant to be able to keep a record in case it ends up being swallowed in your inventory (you can get it redelivered woot!)

This is a FatPack so you get all 5 color packs with HUD (with built in color picker to enhance your look). One of the things that impresses me is that a CATWA version as well as a LeLutka version are included (hair sizing can be a pain and most people often give up so easily on it; that’s the truth of the matter). For anyone who may not know of this store (by now you should and if not then why) it’s a good way to get a sample of what they do and then take a look at other styles to browse.

My memory is stretching to try and remember the last time that Cold-Ash last released new clothing that was not exclusive to an event. The “HURST Cargo Shorts” could very easily have been a big hit at TMD but I think that it’s good to reserve some things for your shop as it gives more incentive for people to come in and shop not just for these shorts which I haven’t been able to take off since I unpacked them but also for other releases they might have missed.

Compatible for Belleza (Jake) and Signature (Gianni) the full pack boasts a HUD complete with 12 fabric colors and 12 belt choices to allow for lots of combination to wear with your favorite kind of shirt. For this look I choose to also wear another Cold-Ash stable the “JASON Polo Shirt” that for looking like a pizza delivery guy was easy as pie.

That was a terrible rhyme but I couldn’t help it! My humor comes out now and again (regardless of how good it is)

 

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.
Abraham Lincoln

 

POSE: Kirek Poses – Pizza Guy

HAIR: Modulus – Cole Hair ✦ Grand Opening Gift / NEW
HEAD: LeLutka – Guy v3.3
SKIN: Session Skins (Store / MP) – Simon (Tone 02) @ eBento ✦ NEW

SHIRT: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – JASON Polo Shirt
SHORTS: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – HURST Cargo Shorts ✦ Main Store Release / NEW

 

[#651] Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon

 

But if they get their chance they’ll end it for sure
Surely would
Baby I’ve done all I could
Now it’s up to you…

Urge Overkill, ♫Girl You’ll Be A Woman Soon♫

 

Pulp Fiction has to be one of the top 10 movies on my list of faves of all time along with such classics as Fight Club and Scent Of A Woman (which tells you my taste is all over the board). With my warped sense of humor the movie is absolutely quotable although I suggest not to show it to younger viewers or some of the things they’ll take away from it will undoubtedly get them and or you in trouble. As it was when this film came out I was a teenager and I’m sure that my parents were dreading that I’d be quoting Samuel L. Jackson all day, every day. Suffice to say I managed not to let my lips get me in trouble but these days when I’m able to quote something from the movie I go for it.

How this all ties in is that Amitie Poses released a gacha machine earlier this year that had poses related to different movie posters or moments from movies from such films as Rocky, From Dusk Til Dawn, A Star Is Born (2018) and of course Pulp Fiction. I knew that I really wanted to try to recreate in my vision the classic poster with Uma Thurma laying on her stomach smoking a cigarette.

With the help of the “Gwen” hair by lock&tuft which I thought was super incredibly close to the hairstyle she had on the film. It was an easy choice to throw on and then I just needed to put together the outfit which would prove to be more of a challenge. The exact matches being that I am still figuring my way around the different female clothing stores were going to be tough but I think that since this was not going to be absolutely 100% accurate which is certainly alright with me.

I caught wind of “Davia Tank” on sale at the newly re-opened Epoch store which had the appearance of the idea that I was looking for and it was solid black much like the poster. Not only did I find something that worked but I caught it on a sale too! Right now they have a hunt going on with really low priced prize items (10L!!!) with special guest items from Reign and Modulus! For any of the ladies reading at the moment or guys that want to take their girls shopping check the credits at the end of the post for a taxi; you just never know what kind of exciting deals you might find.

Several days before I buckled down to do the photo session I wasn’t sure what I should do for pants because everything I had seen were too long and I was being stubborn and did not want to compromise. I did remember that L&B had a pair of pants that were at the Uber before this most recent round called the “Lyla” and one of the features were they were not only long pants but also boasted a Capri version which was what I was trying to find so I added them to my wardrobe and with a half dozen different shots I managed to compile them into the finished photo I’m featuring here.

lock&tuft – Gwen (FatPack)

• Original Mesh
• Resizable by clicking on hair for menu
• 5 color packs to choose from
• Fatpack option also available
• Available now in the lock&tuft store

L&B Swear – Kayla Pants (FatPack)

• Original Mesh
• Compatible with Belleza (Freya and Isis), Maitreya (Lara) and SLink (Hourglass and Physique)
• Regular and Capri length options
• FatPack Hud contains Solid (Lights, Mediums and Darks) and Flower Print design choices
• Available right now at Lapointe & Bastchild in-world location

 

Because you are a character doesn’t meant the you have character.
The Wolf, “Pulp Fiction”

 

POSE & PROPS: Amitie Poses – Pulp Fiction ✦ Gacha

HAIR: lock&tuft (Store / MP) – Gwen
HEAD: LeLutka – Korina v3.3
SKIN: Spicy Body Shop – Nicole / Milky
BODY: Maitreya – Lara v4.1

TOP: Epoch – Davia Tank – Black
PANTS: L&B Swear (Store / MP) – Kayla Pants (FATPACK)
HEELS: Blueberry – Love Bite #26 (Black) ✦ Gacha

 

[#650] Summertime

 

The temperature’s about 88
Hop in the water plug just for old times sake
Break to ya crib change your clothes once more
Cause you’re invited to a barbecue that’s starting at 4

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, ♫Summertime♫

 

Two days in a row with new posts…that is kind of a record for me lately as I haven’t really done that since I was massively focused on Vintage Fair. The rest has been good though and I didn’t really write about it in the last entry but I’ve wanted to try and get a handle on doing quality posts as opposed to slinging out as many as I can without any thought of quality. I’ve sold myself short in the past at times and I owe it to the brands I am promoting and to myself to not do that so if any of the stores that sponsor me have ever felt the quality of my work was less than it should be I sincerely apologize.

Putting that aside, this post contains a double dose of Native Urban from current events to share that completely fit the summer vibe that I’ve brought with the addition to a classic by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (Will Smith for the younger crowd). The Menorquina Flats are cool sandals for the men who like the idea of sandals but don’t like the kind that put a wedge between your big toe and the toe next to it (I believe those are called tongs). A lot of different options here (with the all colors pack) so I could probably not wear sneakers the rest of the summer and not have the same color style unless I chose to.

The “Deck Shorts” are super casual and are something I’d wear just relaxing around the house or meeting up with my people for get togethers like cookouts. Just like the flats there are a good amount of choices both in single form and also the all colors option. I like how the two items go together and it was good timing by Native Urban to release them how they did. There is also a female version for Menorquina as well that are more like wedges so everyone can be pleased with warm weather footwear.

I realize too that sometimes praising the FATPACKS of an item by any brand might seem overbearing and not everyone can do them. I get it believe me I do but this way at least I can show some of the options that might make it worthwhile but it is certainly a matter of choice of what anyone chooses to purchase once they go from this blog to a store or event.

With as warm as it’s been in the real world I chose to go shirtless as whenever there’s a picnic or cookout there’s always someone at them not wearing one so for this pic I’m that guy. Adding to the cool factor, I dug into my closet and found my “RetroNerd Shades” by Paparazzi which I love big time and wanted to pop them on my face to complete the summer vibe.

Native Urban – Menorquinas

• Original Mesh
• Compatible with Signature (Gianni)
• HUD contains 19 colors for 7 customizable parts
• Get them now at Uber until the 22nd of July

Native Urban – Deck Shorts

• Original Mesh
• Compatible with Signature (Gianni)
• HUD contains 8 colors with 6 customizable parts
• Get them at the Anthem event until July 30th

 

Summer has always been my favorite season. I feel happier
Zooey Deschanel

 

POSE: M-1 Art Poses – Casual Lean

HEAD: LeLutka – Guy v3.3
SKIN: Session Skins (Store / MP) – Tom (Tone 02)

GLASSES: Paparazzi (Store / MP) – RetroNerd Shades
SHORTS: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Deck Shorts / All Colors @ Anthem ✦ NEW
SANDALS: Native Urban (Store / MP) – Menorquina (Men) / All Colors @ Uber ✦ NEW

 

[#649] Lollipop

 

Crazy way he thrills me
Tell you why
Just like a lightning from the sky
He loves to kiss me till I can’t see straight
Gee, my lollipop is great

Bobby Vee, ♫Lollipop♫

 

It’s been about a week since my last post, which I didn’t intend for it to go that long but with Independence Day and some other real life goings on this was the first chance I’ve had to get back into it. Summer tends to be a lighter schedule as far as blogging which works pretty well with my more relaxed approach to it lately.

This is my first attempt at blogging a female skin from Session Skins and I decided to do something with a tinge of humor which was made possible by the pose set I chose from Image Essentials. As a candy enthusiast, I tend to enjoy treats like suckers because they aren’t just gone in one fell swoop and you can take your time enjoying them. From Blow Pops (always being careful not to swallow the gum) to Dum-Dum Pops which were always a staple at the barber shop when I was you to Tootsie Roll Pops which definitely take more than three licks Mr. Owl! I’m sure I could have blogged this regularly but I’m able to get creative by doing it as it is intended.

Sprinkle in a classic vintage song which would have probably worked pretty great with Vintage Fair last month but the idea didn’t come until just the last few days (funny how that works sometimes). I think though that this post kicked up some more inspiration for some other cool ideas that I’m looking to try out in the next few posts as I showcase some of the latest from brand partners like Session Skins as well as Native Urban and Lock&Tuft.

Session Skins – Misty (Tone 01)

• LeLutka Head Applier
• Dark, Light and Dark Red Brow Options
• No Brow Option
• Freckled Versions of Each Brow Type
• Available now at the Session Skins store

Image Essentials – My Lil’ Sucker Pose Set

• Original Bento Static Poses (Bento Viewer Required)
• 5 poses (each with mirrors) in set
• Left and Right mesh sucker prop included
• Available now at Image Essentials Poses

 

Then there’s that ‘You’re only as old as you feel’ business, which is true to a point, but you can’t be Shirley Temple on the Good Ship Lollipop forever. Sooner or later, dammit, you’re old.
Joan Crawford

 

POSE: Image Essentials (Store / MP) – My Lil Sucker

HAIR: ELIKATIRA – Misha
HEAD: LeLutka – Korina v3.3
SKIN: Session Skins (Store / MP) – Misty (Tone 01)
BODY: Maitreya – Lara v4.1

TOP: Bueno – Mia Top (Caffeine Black)
JEANS: Bueno – Cuff Jeans (Acid)

 

[#648] It’s Been A Long Day

 

Reach down your hand in your pocket
Pull out some hope for me
It’s been a long day, always ain’t that right

Matchbox Twenty, ♫Long Day♫

 

Inspiration came to me a bit late on this one because I didn’t manage to blog something that was at The Men’s Department while the June round was open. With that in mind I’ve figured out that blogging items such as shoes can be done in other ways than they are intended (wearing them obviously). Putting them in the scene beside me to depict what it is like for someone to have a super long day and then come home to relaxing them in the pool is what I decided to do.

Maybe this will help me come up with scenes in the future that have footwear in them if I don’t have the perfect idea for as part of an outfit. Also consider this more outside of the box thinking because this is probably only the second time I’ve ever done that with footwear (it was in a photo I did where they flew off of me as I was in an out of control shopping cart).

This is certainly the right time to be thinking about wading around in a pool (probably more than just dipping your legs in) because in most places that I’ve seen on the weather have been hit with a bit of sizzle.

The “LANGDON Boots” from Cold-Ash are much like work boots and the HUD from the FATPACK has a lot of different earth tones to choose from (lots of different browns and of course grayscale colors). I enjoy this style but the one thing that I was personally hoping it would have was a way to change the sole colors as each tone has a white sole (which makes it seem out of sorts for me as I tend to enjoy footwear that you can match a similar sole color to the base of whatever style it might be). It’s not entirely a deal breaker but it may limit the ability to match it with a lot of things but still there are plenty that they could be paired with.

Here’s some of the features that are a part of the boot:

• Original Mesh
• HUD contains 9 shoe leather colors (9 lace colorways also)
• Regular and Short Versions (For pants)
• Add-On socks for regular version
• HUD to change sock colors also included

These boots can be picked up at the Cold-Ash flagship store but if they have not been added, they should be in the next day or so as the June round of TMD has come to an end and a new round will be starting in a few days.

I‘m also putting together the next post soon that will be a female item feature (the idea came to me when I saw a hair that my son Eli made). This should be a fun one and I don’t want to give up too many details in case I end up getting sidetracked and photo something different plus I’m not really that much of a sharer though but that really isn’t news to most that know me.

 

People inspire you or they drain you — pick them wisely.
Hans F. Hansen

 

BOOTS: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – LANGDON Boots – FATPACK

POSE: Animosity – Joey

HEAD: LeLutka – Guy v3.3
SKIN: Session Skins (Store / MP) – Tom (Tone 02)

HAT: Ascend – Josh Baseball Cap
SHIRT: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – JONAS Muscle Shirt
SHORTS: Kalback – Sweat Shorts M4 Pattern 05