You know the stars are shining just for you
Let’s take a walk and we can follow the moon
Until we reach the place we could stay
Maybe kiss a bit and dream away
Kissing Under The Mistletoe, ♫Loving Caliber (feat. Emmi)♫
After a small break with that last entry, I’m back at it again with more goodness from the Pose Fair; I couldn’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy doing photos with Brenna. This time we’ve come together to show everyone the “Kiss Me” pose from Space Cadet. It works well because we are both fans of this brand and when I see them at an event like Pose Fair I gravitate towards it and I make sure that I put together a scene as quick as possible. This sweet pose is included with the mistletoe prop so that anyone can get in on the fun.
It also seems that Brenna also has most of the new items in her look then I do but of course I’ve previously blogged the skin I’m wearing as well as the hat/hair (that I’ve not found a good angle to capture yet still but bare with me, I’m trying!) She’s wearing hair and a skin from the Doux/L’etre gacha from The Arcade (and was also kind enough to hook me up with some spares for one of my previous entries). There’s also the “Dove Sweater” by Miss Chelsea that has two exclusive designs at the Anthem event for just $99L through the course of the event so ladies if you haven’t taken a look at that it’s worth doing.
Admittedly this probably wasn’t the greatest scene setup that I’ve ever used in one of my photos but I wanted to focus on the pose and the closeness of Brenna and I. This time of year is not that easy for me and probably even more so now without getting into detail but the best way to put it is that being with those you care about helps with some of that and I’m all for those moments…and besides I don’t think we’ve ever done a photo before where we’re kissing with mistletoe.
I wouldn’t be opposed to more of them in the future.
Mistletoe. I surmount all obstacles.
Vanessa Diffenbaugh, The Language of Flowers
And I don’t even know where I’m going to
But I don’t want any motherfucking part of you
I’ve been waiting for this moment for way too long
I don’t know where I’m going but I just keep moving on
Three Days Grace, ♫Right Left Wrong♫
Posts have been few and far between lately but there’s several reasons for that but if anyone is concerned that I’ve retired from blogging, I can say with absolutely certainty that is not the case. My focus has shifted a little bit to a few things that are not virtual related but I still enjoy doing this but will not allow it to consume me like it has in the past and that’s just the way it is. I have excellent brands that have given me an opportunity and I will keep trying to shine for them but I’m not necessarily looking for anything else on top of that or that has requirements that I’m not a fan of.
So to those stores that have shown their loyalty, I love you guys for letting me be myself and for having relaxed requirements so that the people that blog for you don’t lose their minds.
Native Urban has a new Henley style shirt that is available at the Anthem event this month. It’s compatible with Signature (Gianni) only…sorry all other fitted bodies (though I’m sure that the Legacy body owners will at least try the demo to see if they can get it to work). A cool feature about this is that in the package there is an untucked version for use with jeans or pants but it also has extra versions that work with previously released Native Urban products (Deck Shorts, Rolled Jeans / Pants and the Wezol Joggers).
The FATPACK HUD boasts 12 different colors with 4 different faces that can be colored and even the buttons have 4 different choices too! Single colors are available as well for shoppers that are only interested in maybe a certain color choice. To make things easy I did pair the shirt up with the Rolled Jeans and they fit together like a glove (as they are supposed to!)
I also decided before I take some photos of other new Session Skin items (one male and one female) that I’d wear “Simon” for one more go in case it takes a while for me to wear it again. They have such a great variety of them that I tend to be torn with which face to wear but it does help that I have them kind of categorized by mood so that helps me distribute as evenly as possible. Simon can now be found at the Session Skins store after having it’s run at eBento.
Also making an appearance in this blog that I’d like to mention is the “Fade To Black” backdrop by Paparazzi. It’s part of a Gacha that was from the June round of The Arcade and the entire set is pretty cool but I know sometimes those machines can be pesky so I wouldn’t say to anyone to seek out the entire set but at least take a ride over to Paparazzi’s store and play a few times just to have something interesting and cool to use in a scene.
Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.
Lyndon B. Johnson
Girl there’s just something bout nothin’ to do
We could turn a happy hour right into two
Three or four if you want… It’d be a shame if we don’t
Parmalee, ♫Day Drinkin’♫
Life’s been pretty good lately and while it may have cut into the time I take to blog these days I consider it an even trade. This way I don’t end up getting burned out or think that it is a chore, which I think happened somewhere along the way at the beginning of the year. I was doing a lot of things and became overwhelmed to the point where I wasn’t enjoying anything. Thankfully with some help from great people around me it was able to turn around and yes I’m not doing as much as I used to but I think what does go up on the site will have the same passion as I’ve always had.
One thing that I’ve mentioned before (at least I’m fairly certain of) is that I have contoured the brands and events that I’m paired with. I’ve made sure that they are not only a good fit but won’t require that I kill myself trying to keep up with deadlines and goals, which I believe is what happened which ended up getting myself in two deep of water at one point and I am a fairly competent swimmer…but sometimes even the best can drown.
The focus of this entry is something I don’t do often enough which is creating a scene that focuses on something other than my entire body or even my face. I always thought that is what blogging was…to always show your face in photos but it’s honestly not. Given the opportunity to wear the “Voom Sneakers” from Native Urban and the “Lawrence Cargo Shorts” from Noir, I wanted to make the best of it with a close-up shot.
The “Voom Sneakers” have what I’d consider both a classic and modern appeal. What draws me to them is that they are similar in style to a shoe brand that stars with an “A” and ends with “S” but has touches that make it unique to Native Urban. This store excels when it comes to footwear in terms of not only style but also with the ability to customize just about every part of the shoe (for All Colors pack owners).
It’s shorts season and I am a fan of cargo shorts for the simple fact is the amount of pockets most styles have. Noir does an excellent job with the “Lawrence Cargo Shorts” and which has some nice features including boxers with the option to hide or show them. The two main side pockets have some bonuses with a wallet complete with chain attachment and the right has a pack of cigarettes. Truthfully I love the wallet with the chain and even if I’m not a smoker the pack of cigs is a nice touch and adds an extra bit of cool factor.
I can also freely admit that the pattern being worn (Tartan 2) was purchased by mistake as I was trying to get a different version but I still really like this style as well so I’m considering it a happy accident!
Native Urban – Voom Sneakers (All Colors)
Original Mesh
15 colors with 10 Customizable Parts
Compatible with Belleza (Jake), Maitreya (Lara – Hi and Low), Signature (Gianni) and Unrigged
Can be found exclusively @ Anthem until 05/30/19
Another thing I’m going to admit to is that the song I picked to accompany this blog was one that I heard in a commercial for alcoholic iced tea…which I find pretty amusing but the fact that Parmalee is a band I’m familiar with (before their country music days) made it worth using regardless of how I came across it.
Figured it would be an amusing story to share all the same; if I’m laughing at it there’s probably someone who will read it that will get a kick out of it too. As you can see I also did an alternate shot which at any other time would have been the primary one for the blog but because I didn’t want to detract from the shoes and shorts I am throwing it in as an added bonus (as well as because I had fun taking photos.
I feel it is also acceptable to do some “Day Drinkin'” when you’re just having a chillax moment on the pool deck of your house as I’m doing. Of course it is worth noting that I condone responsible activity when it comes to consuming adult beverages to help make things clear! I’m not one of those buzzkill kind of people just as long as things are done safely and won’t cause harm to others which means party on but do it reasonably!
I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me.
Winston Churchill
All along the watchtower
Princes kept the view
While all the women came and went
Barefoot servants too
Jimi Hendrix Experience, ♫All Along The Watchtower♫
When I was thinking about songs that I felt would go with the visual of this blog I came up with a few of them but the one that stood out was “All Along The Watchtower”. Originally by Bob Dylan, it’s almost always associated with Jimi Hendrix who did a cover version of it a year after it was first recorded. I have nothing against Bob Dylan, the fact remains that I’ve already used some of his songs already and until today have never featured anything from Hendrix, who I have always felt was an amazing talent who left the world too soon. Perhaps maybe some of the best musicians who were gone much too soon could have continued blazing a path or could have fell off the face of the planet but it’s something we’ll never know as we cherish the things they gave us while they were here.
I chose to visit Ironwood Hills, which is a place I enjoy going to when I want to do some kind of post-apocalyptic scenes. Though with this I didn’t throw in any zombies or anything because I’ve done that and I wanted to make it more about anticipation instead of action. While I may not actually be on a watchtower in the scene, I am keeping an eye out with this pose set by Kirek Poses called the “Defense Pack” there are three different poses each with an accompanying rifle. To me the pose I picked really shows that I’m surveying the area but if need but would be ready to defend myself from whatever could be around the corner.
Kirek Poses – Defense Pose Pack
Bento static poses (poseball versions included)
3 different poses
Rifle for each pose included
Pose Fair exclusive until 05/25/19
My wardrobe is a mixture of both old and new but I’m going to focus on the event specific things that have hit some events this month. My glasses are a part of a new gacha from BlankLine that have two different styles of glasses each with different frame colors to play for. Somehow I got lucky and was able to pull the RARE from the machine that includes a HUD that can change the lenses on it with emoji’s and things like that. I am going to have to see if I can get my hands on one of the commons I was looking for because after getting the the most sought after prize, I felt like I shouldn’t keep trying my luck.
I also have been hanging onto these for a bit since Anthem opened because I wanted to break them in for the right scene and they almost made it into the last one but I reserved them for a little longer. I’m talking about the “Kojima Jeans” from Deadwool, and this is I believe the first major jeans release for the store since the collab with Blueberry a few years ago; I may be wrong so if I am I’m sure someone will inform me. These are fantastic and great fitting with several features including three different leg bottom styles (Deep Cuffs, Rolled Up and Stacked) and for those interested in getting the FATPACK there is a cool belt loop chain included but for those of you who just want maybe one or two color choices you’re in luck as well because it is sold separately too.
The beard I picked up from LeLutka maybe a week or so ago has literally been one of my most favorite things ever and seemingly haven’t been able to take photos without it. I think this evening was the first time I went without it as I took Brenna to the big prom that was posted about on Facebook. I wanted to truly clean up well and did so by shaving my face so I looked fresh. I’m sure that by tomorrow the beard will be back or by the time I take the next photo but we will have to see.
“All art is a kind of confession, more or less oblique. All artists, if they are to survive, are forced, at last, to tell the whole story; to vomit the anguish up.”
James Baldwin
HAIR: Modulus – Christian Hair HEAD: LeLutka – Guy v3.3 SKIN: Clef de Peau – Norman (Tone 01) @ A+ Event ✦ NEW BEARD: LeLutka – Hip Hip Hooray Beard
GLASSES: BlankLine – Glasses Gacha 01 RARE @ TMD ✦ NEW TANKTOP: Cold-Ash (Store / MP) – TYLER Tank Top JEANS: Deadwool – Kojima Jeans (Stack) @ Anthem ✦ NEW
Working at the car wash
Working at the car wash, yeah
Come on and sing it with me, car wash
Sing it with the feeling now, car wash yeah
Rose Royce, ♫Car Wash♫
Even if the weather hasn’t been as cooperative as I’d like, I know that I can jump to the virtual world and enjoy throwing together a scene with summer vibes. Pretty soon around the corner all the guys will be in shorts and tank tops and the girls will be in their bikini’s at the beach so what’s better than having a bit of fun with a car wash?
You can find just about everything that could be thought of at Pose Fair much like the “Get Wet 02” couples pose by CuCa Designs and “East Side Parking Lot Backdrop” from IlluZion. CuCa Designs released several different compatible pose sets to go with the backdrop for the event. Summer fun can be easily kicked off with any of the sets but I really thought this pose that Brenna and I are using was a lot of fun.
I probably look not very enthusiastic about getting sprayed with water but we had a lot of fun so that’s what matters isn’t it?
CuCa Designs – Get Wet 02
Bento static couples pose
Adjustable by built in script
Mesh hose rezzes upon use by both avatars
Exclusive to Pose Fair until 05/25/19
IlluZion – East Side Parking Lot Backdrop (Wet)
Original Mesh Build
Dry version also available
Car can be color changed via click (many colors to choose from)
Exclusive to Pose Fair until 05/25/19
Man Cave is still open until this weekend which gives all you guys time to give it a look and one of the cool things you’ll find their is a new ‘do by lock&tuft called “David”. It’s a short length that is just long enough to have a few splayed wisps which is a change from the longer styles I had been wearing in several of my last couple posts.
A lot of the time I don’t step out of my usual color comfort zone but I am this time by choosing a more golden blonde tone that I was easily able to match my beard with. It’s not a requirement mind you but I generally at least like my hair and beard to look similar (Eyebrows are a bit tougher to get exactly right so those stayed as they were).
lock&tuft – David
Original Mesh
Resize script built into hair
5 color HUDS with dozens of colors
Man Cave Exclusive until 05/11/19
Some notes for the rest of the non feature specific items for this blog that are new include the new Longline Tanktop by Tonktastic that I grabbed while I was at the Anthem event. Finding excellent fitting and stylish clothing from this store is like a snap and I really like the praying skeleton design with the stars (it also doesn’t hurt that it’s in monotone colors which is kinda my thing). For those of you who picked up the recent hoodie collab with Hermony, there is a really affordable add-on with the longline tanktop so you can add your shirts to the HUD for even more wear-ability.
A new pair of low top sneakers from Semller have also hit the shelves of The Men’s Department, I didn’t necessarily have these in my budget but I made an acception to get the full package because of all the different options it had and the amount of faces that could be recolored by the included HUD. One of my fave options about them is that you can wear them with the laces out or tucked in which helps with various styles of jeans. This is definitely something I’d like to see more designers doing because I have not seen much of it (and if there are a lot of products out there of that type then I am likely very blind! Haha)
Brenna has a few new things as well which I’m sure the ladies might like to hear about. For those that are members of TRUTH’s VIP group there are two new VIP styles one of which is on the wall in the store and the other is in the group itself as an attachment for a limited amount of time. “Horizon” is the limited time hair that you can get in the group notices and is a full pack with every color and different style variations in the hair. For those not in their group there is a minimal fee to it but for the amount of perks you get it’s well worth it and you can trust me on it.
The bikini Brenna is wearing is new to FaMESHed this month by Baiastice. The Aura Bikini is definitely hot enough to melt asphalt and maybe I’m not really supposed to say that but I truly don’t care as I appreciate the detail and the features that this item has. Each color/pattern variation has a dry or wet sheer version in the package so it definitely works either way for a day at the beach or even the car wash.
I always enjoy taking photos with Brenna as they are always a lot of fun; they also turn out well too!
“Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.”
Helen Keller
BACKDROP: illuZion – East Side Parking Lot Backdrop (Wet) @ Pose Fair ✦ NEW
My Style
HAIR: lock&tuft (Store / MP) – David @ Man Cave ✦ NEW
HEAD: LeLutka – Guy v3.3 SKIN: Clef de Peau – Norman (Tone 01) @ A+ Event ✦ NEW BEARD: LeLutka – Hip Hip Hooray Beard
We only come out at night, we only come out at night
The days are much too bright
We only come out at night
Smashing Pumpkins, ♫We Only Come Out At Night♫
Let the Pose Fair madness begin! My last post for the month of April featured but one of the many great pose items from the fair and I’m starting (It’s gonna be) May with another. Tomorrow the fair will open to the general public and everyone will be wanting to get in on all the fun and creativity that can be had.
The hardest part once again is that I didn’t have a soundtrack for this post before I took my photo and that lends sometimes to going through tons of different things that I personally own as well as scouring YouTube for possibilities and I narrowed it down to about three but I’m going to keep the ones I didn’t use to myself because they will potentially be used in other future posts.
Salacity’s contribution that I found to be really cool is a window backdrop complete with curtains, ledge and a surround which can be changed between three different scenes (midnight, stormy and sunrise) and I did try them all as I was initially setting up my shot but much like the song I chose, I went with midnight. In reality I tend to be a night owl and as such most of my creativity happens during the hours that most people are asleep. I paired it with the male pose set that is meant to be a companion of the backdrop; there is also a female version and as a whole I really think all of these releases could inspire a lot of great photos.
Salacity – Window Seat Backdrop
Original Mesh
3 different backrounds (midnight, stormy, sunset)
Compatible with Window Seat Female and Male pose sets
Exclusive to Pose Fair starting 05/04/19
Salacity – Window Seat Male Poses
Bento Poses
5 different poses (mirrors included)
Exclusive to Pose Fair starting 05/04/19
A new event just started today called Anthem and one of the proprietors of it is Mikel Monk who is also associated with The Men’s Department, one of my all time favorite events since the beginning of such things to exist. I felt like I couldn’t go wrong trying to get in there during the middle of the night (even if it might get me a talking to). From what I did see, there are lots of great items and a few of which came home with me so you’ll likely see them this month unless I forget and then it’s a tragedy.
The event also marks a new release by my longtime brand partner, Cold-Ash, who is proudly bringing to consumers the “TANNER Open Hoodie”. When the notice came in of the new item and I saw what it was, I am not going to lie I became really excited. Spring and the beginning of Fall are probably my second favorite times of year outside of summer weather wise. I can go out and not have a clunky winter jacket on and normally am wearing a hoodie of some sort (I own many of them rl).
The Fatpack of Tanner comes with two options for the hoodie (with or without shirt option) and I should have been a bit bolder and gone without the shirt but at the same time I didn’t feel the photo deemed for that. There are plenty of basic color choices between both the hoodie itself and shirt to make a lot of different combinations and I think that will be enough of a selling point in itself because if there are a lot of people out there like myself, I am a fan of choice and to have many is by far the best option.
Cold-Ash – TANNER Open Hoodie (FatPack)
Original Mesh
HUD Contains 15 hoodie colors & 9 shirt colors
2 versions (With or Without Shirt)
Fitted for Belleza (Jake) and Signature (Gianni) mesh bodies
Exclusively at Anthem until 05/30/19
Finalizing my wardrobe are two items from Native Urban (one of which a current release, the other a previous release that I really have wanted to wear). The “Guetta Snkrs” are currently at Access for another few days so for anyone who really likes a good classic hi-top shoe should check this out ASAP but do not worry if you can’t make it to the event, they’ll be placed in the store shortly after it ends. The amount of colors and faces you can change are everything I mentioned earlier in my writing. Styling for this shoe is almost infinite and I could wear it just about every day with a different color scheme and never have the same one unless I wanted to.
Going with a casual look as I am wearing a hoodie, I went with the “Wezol Joggers”. I knew that doing it this way would make it easier for me to wear the hi-tops without clipping and it worked well with what I am wearing on the upper part of my body. My goal is that if I can make something work without having to make slight edits (because I want to ensure the integrity of the item remains intact) and can achieve it then I’m a happy guy.
Native Urban – Guetta Snkrs (All Colors)
Original Mesh
HUD includes 25 colors with 11 customizable parts
Unisex Item
Fitted for Belleza (Jake), Maitreya (Lara) and Signature (Gianni) mesh bodies
Exclusive to the Access event until 05/07/19
During the course of this month I’ll be covering Pose Fair obviously and be throwing in bits and pieces of events that I’ve gone to and shopped. I’m looking forward to the kinds of things that will come from this as I recall mentioning that poses are one of the most important things to a photographer. They help tell the stories sometimes more than the decor or clothing we have on and around us.
I also want to give a thank you to everyone behind The Men’s Jail event from the owners, to the blogger manager as well as all the designers I’ve had the pleasure of featuring during my time as part of the event. It was invaluable to me and hopefully once I’m able to have more time we’ll be able to work together again.
“It was the possibility of darkness that made the day seem so bright.”
Stephen King
POSE: Salacity – Window Seat Male Poses @ Pose Fair ✦ NEW
These Conversations Kill 