Second Century Boy: Second Life For Nancy Boys

TAL Sale

2009-01-06T17:12:00.000-08:00

Analise is having a huge sale, everything is 50% off. I would give you pictures, but SL crapped out on me. Seriously get your butts over there.

Skin Update + The Black Canary

2008-12-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

So, if you know Zanzo at all you know they have fabulous androgyne skins, and now you can get some of those skins free at their lucky chair. Seriously, check it out.

On another note, there's a designer I've been meaning to blog forever. The Black Canary, their stuff is gorgeous. Did I mention they have man sized heels? They have man sized heels. I love Morrigan (the designer) more than I can say, not just for the heels, but because he's really cool and generally made of win. Anyway, enough of my chatter, I got pictures

On me:

Excess Skin that I've told you about like a million times

Calico hair that I've told you about like a million times

Dress: Hollow by the Black Canary

Shoes (200L): Harajuku Walker Male by The Black Canary

On Morrigan:

Suit: Black Canary

Skin: Dunno

Hair: Custom, made for him.

Dress (400L): Widow by The Black Canary

Oh By The Way.

2008-12-18T21:21:00.000-08:00

My partner in crime, and IRL luva/girlfriend creature is going to be writing for this blog. We share an av. When it's a girl, it's her, when it's a guy it's me... or well mostly.

That's my lady. <3

Oh My God... Shoes

2008-12-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

If you're a glam rocker in second life you've probably experinced the aggrivation and difficulty of finding goddamn heels that fit. I know I have. Some people use female avs with the chests flattened out, but it never looks quite... right to me (that and I refuse to go without my bulge).

So, because I have found a few pairs of shoes that work around this highly irritating

problem (and I even remember where I got some of them) here is my survey of secondlife heels that fit men.

First Up: First Flower Hollyhock Boots

How sexy are these? So fucking sexy, and at 200L the price is right. I have them in several variations of black, and they're goddamn gorgeous. *snuggles his boots*

Next Up: Eva's Christmas Boots

These are free... they fit. Need I say more?

Only there through december, so run and get them now.

Next: Eva's Dalmatian Boots

Free... that's all I need to say.

J's Unisex Engineer Boots:

These may not be heels, but I can't run around dressed like a lady all the time.

These are perfect for punk shows, and when I feel like butching it up (kinda), oh and they were free last I checked.

MOAR Holiday Goodies

2008-12-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

On Vixen

Hair (200L): Calico Ingramm Amy I in Cream

Silks (300l): Silk and Satyr Druid Female

Skin (1049L): Excess Coravine Red in Dark Latte

Eyes (0L): Aquamarine by Mirel

Horns (1L): Patchwork Horns by Uncle Wiggly

Shoes: Ancient Freebie

Bjorkalicious

Dress (0L): Free*Style Store, by ghost.

Hair: Calico Ingramm (200l): Amy I in Cream

Horns (1l): Patch Work Antlers by Uncle Wiggly

Eyes (0l): Mirel Aquamarine

Skin (1049L) : Excess Coravine Red in Dark Latte

Happy Holidays

2008-12-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

Happy whatever. I'm going to be posting some holiday items, mostly christmas because that's mostly what there is, and it's what I happen to celebrate (I know, I'm an atheist, but I love christmas, conifers and presents and reindeer are awesome)

Candy Cane Dreams

Skin (1049 L): Lui in Corvine by Excess

Dress (150 L): Etienne by Silent Sparrow (in the "secret" sale area)

Hair (200L): Nathan II in Dark Raven by Calico Ingramm

Boots (200L): Witch Hazel by First Flower

Tattoo (50 L) Gun Shy by Sweet Alice

Stockings: Not sure

Shape: By Me

Photo At: Horst The Starlust Extended

Christmas Eve (My female av)

Skin (1L): Jasmine Night Out by Miasnow

Dress (150L): Etienne by Silent Sparrow

Jewelry (200L): Glitterati in Red by Violet Voltaire

Hair (30 L till december 26th): Jackie in Chestnut

Shape: By Me

Photo At: The Garden Of Dreams

A Note On My Custom Shapes: Contact me in world, and I'd be happy to sell you one for 300L

Nancy Boy Looks Book

2008-12-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

Skin: Little Bird

Hair: ETD

Dress: Lo*Momo's

Eyelashes: Katat0nik

Skin: (FREEBIE) Heaven's Gate

Hair: ETD

Tattoo: Sweet Alice

Eyes: Gnubie Store

Pretty Bitch

Skin: Excess

Hair: Calico Ingramm

Silks (Old dollarbie): Silk and Satyr

Collar Silk and Satry

Shoes: No idea, random freebie

Tattoos: 13 Needles

Eyes (freebie): Curious Kitties

An Interview With Hyasynth Tiramisu (The designer for Silent Sparrow)

2008-07-01T22:47:00.000-07:00

I met Hyasynth at her charming cottage (a small place filled with stuffed animals, and art covering the wall) We talked about a myriad of things, eventually getting so off the point of our interview that I've cut this a bit short so as to spare you, dear reader, from our lengthy discourse on various bits of culture we both enjoy. Hyasynth is a charming woman, very well spoken, and a delightful conversationalist. I don't think I really properly express my fondness for this pillar of the SL fashion community, but enough of my chatter, on to the interview.

Sebastian Clowes: How did you get started designing in SL?

hyasynth Tiramisu: I started designing about a month after I created an account. Second Life was much smaller at the time. SO the clothing I wanted to wear didn't really exist yet.

[15:37] hyasynth Tiramisu: And being a traditional artist in RL the obvious thing to do was to learn to make what I wanted to wear.

[15:37] Sebastian Clowes: And what sort of clothing did you want?

[15:38] hyasynth Tiramisu: At the time something less traditionally "victorian". So more victorian inspired designs than dresses for tea. :)

[15:39] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* other than the victorian era, where do you draw your inspiration from (I know, as an artist I hate that question too)

[15:40] hyasynth Tiramisu: It's never specific sources, I think as an artist you use the world around you even in non "clothing" related inspirations. The idea is to provide your imagination substanance and the muse will speak.

[15:41] Sebastian Clowes: I do know exactly what you mean, certain things speak to one's aesthetic in a way. Any particular favorite books, museums, etc?

[15:42] hyasynth Tiramisu: hmm Books is difficult I have thousands. Obvious ones would be Edward Gorey or Lewis Carroll.

[15:43] hyasynth Tiramisu: Museums. I usually hide out in the unloved early american
exhibit at the Art Institure of Chicago. As it's quiet and a few of my favorite paintings are there :)

[15:44] hyasynth Tiramisu: Obviously I like the pre-raphaelites...but haha usually they are mobbed with people. Which has the exact opposite effect on my creativity.
[15:44] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, I'm fond of both of those myself, my family and I usually go and visit Edward Gorey's house in the summer. Hehe, there's nothing like a slightly unnoticed wing of a museum, the peabody in Boston has these amazing taxidermy animals that are just slightly falling to pieces. *nods* I can see pre-raphaelite influences in your work.
[15:45] Sebastian Clowes: Would you say that your influences come largely from the past?

[15:51] hyasynth Tiramisu: Sebastian Clowes: I have a strong love for objects and places with history. So that does play into what i do i'm sure.

[15:51] hyasynth Tiramisu: With the obvious exception of computers the new and shiny

generally leaves me cold.

[15:52] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* hehe, I quite agree with you there. There's obvious a lot o the victorian/edwardian in your work, any other periods you particularly love?

[15:54] hyasynth Tiramisu: I literally like any artist start with a blank canvas...and stare at it until something happens.

[15:54] Sebastian Clowes: That's quite understandable, but what I meant was more... are there any other historical periods you particularly enjoy looking at?

[15:55] hyasynth Tiramisu: Hmm well obviously I enjoy the whole ega/egl scenes and japanese fashion in general. I have a good friend here who is forever shipping me Gothic Lolita Bibles to support my own collection :)

[15:57] Sebastian Clowes: That's very cool. Are you familiar with the terms Apollonian(I hope I spelled that right) and Dionysian?
[15:57] hyasynth Tiramisu: I'm also a "goth chick" in the fleshy world so that aesthetic is obviously there though not blatantly, I work very hard not to fall into my own stereotype.
[15:57] hyasynth Tiramisu: I am not :)
[15:58] hyasynth Tiramisu: please enrich me! The strangest thing about being an "artist" is it's not something you think about.
[16:00] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, you succeed dear, as for the two terms, Apollonian derives from the Greek god Apollo, a term for an aesthetic that is beautiful in it's order, and cultivation, Dionysian comes from Dionisis (The greek god of wine) a term for an aesthetic that is beautiful in it's wildness, in it's lack of order. Hehe, trust me I know, I'm a writer myself, and whenever anyone asks me questions about it I'm all tongue tied.
[16:02] hyasynth Tiramisu: I would totally be more Apollonian in nature as I generally use the basic design principles of repetition of theme and elements.
[16:02] hyasynth Tiramisu: It's how to create something cohesive...or how I manage it *laughs* across 15 piece sets :)
[16:04] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* it's interesting to hear you say that, as I think although your pieces are cohesive and ordered, the look has a sort of wild quality to it. So, you mentioned you're aso an artist IRL, what sort of art do you do?
[16:05] hyasynth Tiramisu: Oh i do miniature acrylic and oil paintings of whimsical birds :)
[16:05] hyasynth Tiramisu: And also silly illustrative androgynous fey creatures with water color and design markers :)
[16:07] hyasynth Tiramisu: like those ;)
[16:08] Sebastian Clowes: That's very cool. sounds like the sort of thing I'd like. So, now the infamous what music do you listen to question (I promise that although my IRL leanings are gothy, I'm not the pretentious sort who'll judge you)
[16:09] hyasynth Tiramisu: I have very eclectic taste in general. So the obvious goth/industrial though i'm on a modern synthpop kick at the moment.

[16:09] hyasynth Tiramisu: And the less obvious I love bluegrass and old country western and field recordings :)
[16:09] hyasynth Tiramisu: (Which are recordings done of regular people singing traditional songs, Alan Lomax would be the most famous for this)
[16:10] Sebastian Clowes: Ah, a girl after my own heart *laughs*. I'm a sucker for old country myself
[16:12] hyasynth Tiramisu: actually i don't, i usually get too engrossed in the music to get much work done! Possibly I'm too sensitive to it? But I do DJ for the twittery birds as a treat to myself when I'm done with a hard day :)
[16:12] hyasynth Tiramisu: *laughs* though bluegrass/country/rockabilly night cleared the shop really quick haha.
[16:13] Sebastian Clowes: That's very cool, hehe, really I can't imagine why. What would you say the proudest moment in your SL design career has been?
[16:15] hyasynth Tiramisu: I'm not sure there is a specific moment. Even after almost three years. I am and try to remain humble. It still feels very dream like that I can have do something artistic, have people appreciate it and enjoy it, and not starve.

[16:18] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* well you do fantastic work. Which brings me to another point, you are probably one of the only designers in SL (that I know of) who has interesting clothing for men, which makes me wonder, do you have any thoughts on why so few designers have good menswear offerings?
[16:19] hyasynth Tiramisu: People apologize for bugging me when they IM to tell me they like my work. But here's is my official statement as a designer. We love it...it keeps us going. Designing in SL is sometimes like working in a very lonely box. And the few

people who take a moment to express their appreciation and gratitude totally are that extra positive energy that makes me keep going some days :)

hyasynth Tiramisu:: *blushes* Honestly...i don't design for most men. *laughs* would say a lot of SL men are more than happy to run about in t-shirts and jeans. I'm just blessed that women buy my suits also or there would be no market for it :)

[16:30] Sebastian Clowes: *Shakes head* honestly, men who aren't me... I'll never understand em'
[16:30] Sebastian Clowes: as I was saying, what fashion trends (IRL and SL) do you particularly dislike (or find inexplicable/unappealing)
[16:31] hyasynth Tiramisu: That's all a matter of personal taste really.
[16:33] hyasynth Tiramisu: (tries to figure out a nice way to say that)
[16:34] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* I quite agree, hehe, as for nice, I wouldn't worry too much I have a fairly thick skin, and I'm fairly sure that my blog readers (if there are any yet) probably share your aesthetic in at least a sense...
[16:35] hyasynth Tiramisu: I think the complete and total emulation of some idealized mundane real world bothers me as an artist. There is so much you can do here....so many things you can do?
[16:36] Sebastian Clowes: *Nods* that's a very nice way of putting it, and I quite agree, it seems a bit silly to rebuild the world in digital as it were. anyway, other than design and DJing, what other activities do you do with in SL?
[16:37] hyasynth Tiramisu: I spend a lot of time with friends...or at least I try to. When sl is your "job" it's pretty all encompassing.
[16:37] hyasynth Tiramisu: I have a pretty hard core seven seas fishing addiction :)

[16:38] hyasynth Tiramisu: *grins* I'm actually being asked by Tomoyuki if I'd like to go fish now *laughs* (pretty talented loli-goat boy)

[16:39] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* well we could carry on there if you'd prefer. Are you formally trained as an artist?
[16:39] hyasynth Tiramisu: *laughs* oh i can't be coherent and fish!
[16:40] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, alright then.
[16:40] hyasynth Tiramisu: Actually I'm not formally trained :)

[16:42] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* very cool. If you don't mind my asking (feel free not to answer) do you have a college degree, if so what was your major (I find a lot of artists have rather interesting background in that sense)

[16:43] hyasynth Tiramisu: I have never been to college. Somehow life got a bit in the way. Maybe when I'm in my 50's and the idea of being trapped in a room with a bunch of freshman isn't so scary.
[16:43] hyasynth Tiramisu: So I guess I'm a "self taught" artist ;)
[16:45] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, don't worry about it. I dropped out of college myself. In the end though, I think all artists are really self taught. Do you have any amusing stories about customer interactions?

[16:45] hyasynth Tiramisu: hmmm *thinks* not amusing per say. It always makes me giggle when I compliment someone on their outfit and they don't make the connection that I made it. :)

[16:48] Sebastian Clowes: Ah, that is nice. How did you decide on the name for your line?
[16:49] hyasynth Tiramisu: it's actually a title for a very ancient poem i wrote. It's in reference to a scene in the movie version of Snow White with Sigorney (oy i can't spell that) Weaver. Where she has the sparrow in the hourglass, and the image just stuck with me.

[16:56] Sebastian Clowes: As I was saying, I think the name is very evocative, and that in a lot of ways your whole line is very evocative, it reminds me of being a little kid, and going out on rainy spring days to look for faeries. I see a lot of connection to childhood (in a good way) in your line, would you agree that's the case?

[16:58] hyasynth Tiramisu: *nods* I have a very...childlike perspective on the world. In RL i talk to birds...and find the tiniest moments and details fascinating.

[16:59] hyasynth Tiramisu: It's not an immature view it's more...i've yet to let the big ugly picture down out the small moments of beauty.

[16:59] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* I think that that's something a lot of artists have in common
[17:00] hyasynth Tiramisu: *nods* it's a way you view the world and interpret it. And less having the degrees and the techniques even some times.

[17:01] hyasynth Tiramisu: A perfect example would be Henry Darger who was a brilliant outsider artist. Who created his own world.

[17:01] hyasynth Tiramisu: Without any rules or regulations he made this terrible beautiful place.

[17:03] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* more about what you have in your head than how you get it out. I would agree that your work speaks very much of maturity, but also of the good parts of childishness. I love Henry Darger, I should have guessed you'd be fond of him.

[17:04] hyasynth Tiramisu: I have a Darger poster in my bedroom >.>
[17:04] hyasynth Tiramisu: *laughs*
[17:05] hyasynth Tiramisu: amusingly, Darger , Lain and *thinks* the movie May. All other rooms are Jessica and I's paintings and other weirdness.

[17:05] Sebastian Clowes: There's also something very (at least I think) ancient in a lot of your work, it speaks to the collective unconsciousness I think... something... how do i say this... something in common with myths, and images, and fairy tales that seem almost ingrained in human consciousness

[17:05] hyasynth Tiramisu: *blushes*

[17:06] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, I'd also have thought you'd be fond of May... that movie scared the crap out of me, in a good way when I was younger. If I'm at good as guessing as I think I am, I might be correct in saying you're fond of Neil Gaimen?

[17:06] hyasynth Tiramisu: hahaha *side glances at the two kids books from Gaiman on her to be read pile*

[17:09] hyasynth Tiramisu: I have always been a reader? I worked in a bookstore for seven years before this. And the themes you spoke of are often present in my favorite books. So to have them leak into my clothing isn't surprising.
[17:12] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* some of my favorite too, it's funny how the oldest things are often relegated to the realm of children). Have you seen the Czechoslovakian I think) version of alice in wonder land (Hehe, i'm getting all side tracked on small talk)

[17:13] hyasynth Tiramisu: ahh yes Alice :) i have!

[17:14] Sebastian Clowes: That kind of makes me think of your aesthetic. I also noticed you have a meat cake dress, is that a reference to dame darcy?

[17:15] hyasynth Tiramisu: Actually i LOVE Dame Darcy and yes it's where the name came from (her comic).

[17:16] hyasynth Tiramisu: But the dress was inspired by Mark Ryden's work. :)

[17:17] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* I thought it probably was *smiles* I love her as well, she's a charming woman (I've done a bit of business with her through my father's company)

[17:17] hyasynth Tiramisu: That's very cool :)

[17:17] hyasynth Tiramisu: I have the comics all worn and loved somewhere behind me (laughs)

[17:19] Sebastian Clowes: although she is... terribly flighty. Hehe, I have a fair amount of her work on my bookcase as well. There's something a bit dark in a lot of your work, what do you think it is you find compelling about it?

[17:21] hyasynth Tiramisu: Part of the artist perspective we spoke about earlier is not only seeing what is beautiful and magical. It is also about seeing what is ugly and "grey". I wish I was better at describing it.

[17:22] hyasynth Tiramisu: Though I find those things beautiful in their own way.

[17:23] hyasynth Tiramisu: Usually I create what I feel like making at that moment so my clothing very much reflects whatever mood I happen to be in currently.

[17:24] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* I do think I know what you mean... so much of this is such... gut reaction stuff (to use a crude phrase) I feel as if your work reflects I suppose, two sorts (or perhaps three) of fairy tale, the sanitized sweet version we're told as children, the much darker scarier one we read when we're older (usually the original), and the much darker scarier one some part of us always knew existed

[17:26] hyasynth Tiramisu: *smiles* perfectly stated.

[17:27] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, I try.

[17:28] Sebastian Clowes: So, beyond the aforementioned are there any other artists (in any medium) that speak to you in that sense?

[17:31] hyasynth Tiramisu: hmmm Dave Mckean, Joseph Cornell, Joel Peter Witkin,
[17:31] hyasynth Tiramisu: Nan Goldin (which I'm probably mispelling)
[17:32] hyasynth Tiramisu: Egon Shielle <3

[17:33] hyasynth Tiramisu: Trevor Brown (obvious with my love for Ryden)

[17:33] hyasynth Tiramisu: and *smiles* honestly my partner Jessica.

[17:34] Sebastian Clowes: That's very sweet, I appreciate hearing someone devoted to their partner *Disapproves of all this modern noncommittalness when it comes to romance*

[17:35] hyasynth Tiramisu: She is the amazingly brilliant and wonderful but humble sort. And I love her to pieces. *grins*

[17:36] hyasynth Tiramisu: I tell her all the time I don't need to go to college because living with her it like attending the best university. Where you only learn useless things that are interesting.

[17:37] Sebastian Clowes: *Nods* my sweetheart Lillie and I are similar (admitedly he's good at driving me bloody crazy now and then, but oh well) I think that useless but interesting things are the best things for artists to know

[17:37] hyasynth Tiramisu: *laughs* Love is never easy.

[17:38] hyasynth Tiramisu: And anything worth having requires work. Is my opinion.

An Interview With Pope Dagistino (DJ for Second Life Cabaret Bottoms Up)

2008-07-01T22:17:00.000-07:00

Pope is many things, a friend, a wonderful DJ who spins a lot of my favorite tunes, one of the sexiest avatars I know, and someone who, to be honest, isn't quite like anyone you've met before. She's wry, she's honest, she's sweeter than pie, but will smack you for being an idiot. She and I work at the same place, so we had a casual chat while we both worked.

[10:25] Sebastian Clowes: So, how did you get started doing DJ work?

[10:25] Pope Dagostino: well it was a case of have to actually

[10:26] Pope Dagostino: trying to find someone who "got" my vision was almost impossible

[10:26] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* I see. And what was that vision?

[10:27] Pope Dagostino: well anyone can do a "best nose hair" kind of party

[10:27] Pope Dagostino: i wanted to go beyond that

[10:27] Pope Dagostino: from decorating the club to the music that would be pllayed

[10:28] Pope Dagostino: all fitting the "theme" of the party

[10:28] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* that's very cool. Do you find that being an SL DJ gets you a fair amount of attention?

[10:29] Pope Dagostino: well to a degree yes

[10:30] Pope Dagostino: it gives me an income so i don't have to well i have retired from the sex business

[10:31] Sebastian Clowes: That's quite nice. So you started out as a stripper, or escort, or...?

[10:32] Pope Dagostino: yes i started out as a dancer/escort
[10:33] Sebastian Clowes: What would you say the most rewarding thing about being a dj is?

[10:33] Pope Dagostino: well being a real life musician it gives me the opportunity to educate to a degree

[10:34] Pope Dagostino: i enjoy playing things people might not have heard before

[10:34] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* so you're a musician IRL, what do you play (style and instrument wise)

[10:35] Pope Dagostino: i play anything with strings

[10:35] Pope Dagostino: some better than others

[10:35] Pope Dagostino: and i have been know to play a reed now and then

[10:37] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* that's quite cool, do you have proffessional training, or are you self taught?

[10:37] Pope Dagostino: well i did take two guitar lessons

[10:37] Pope Dagostino giggles
[10:38] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, I see. How would you describe your sets stylistically?

[10:39] Sebastian Clowes: Obviously you DJ a wide variety of styles, but is there a common thread?
[12:18] Pope Dagostino: well the parties i like to stick to the theme

[12:19] Pope Dagostino: most DJs will play one or two songs that they think will fit the theme

[12:19] Pope Dagostino: i try to program an entire party with theme music
[12:19] Pope Dagostino: sometimes it's a little challenging
[12:20] Sebastian Clowes: I can see how that'd be tough, what would you say the toughest party theme you've ever had was?

[12:21] Pope Dagostino: it would be the one i have comming up for our Red White and Blue Ball

[12:22] Sebastian Clowes: Oh, I can see how that'd be tough.

[12:22] Pope Dagostino: yeah

[12:22] Pope Dagostino: i do have some John Philip Sousa

[12:22] Pope Dagostino giggles

[12:22] Sebastian Clowes: What was the most fun you've had coming up with music for a party?

[12:23] Pope Dagostino: ohh easy

[12:23] Pope Dagostino: for our "Maid to Order" party

[12:23] Pope Dagostino: lots of demented music about bondage and servatude

[12:25] Pope Dagostino: that party was fun to program and the next one "Puttin on the Ritz" is going to be great fun

[12:26] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, I remember the playlist for that one, you did an excellent job with that. Do you have any artists you consider particularly over rated?
[12:27] Pope Dagostino: well i do on occasion get the odd request for "main stream" music and I try not to play those
[12:27] Pope Dagostino: but i do have some ewwwwwww Bob Seegar

[12:28] Pope Dagostino: makes my flesh crawl just to type his name

[12:29] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, *pats* do you have a top five of artists you like at the moment?

[12:29] Pope Dagostino: well i have my favorites that i try to sneak in every show

[12:30] Pope Dagostino: Betty Blowtorch...........Eno............Roxy Music...........

[12:31] Pope Dagostino: oh and Laurie Anderson....Leonard Cohen

[12:32] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, good choices. What would you say the most unexpected challange involved in DJing is?

[12:33] Pope Dagostino: trying to convince people that this is GOOD music
[12:34] Pope Dagostino: when it comes to music....most people are sheep

[12:34] Pope Dagostino: "do we like this?"........"i don't know do we?"

[12:35] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* I'm sure you get a lot of funny comments about your set, what's the most amusing response to your set you've gotten?

[12:35] Pope Dagostino giggles

[12:36] Pope Dagostino: "Pope........it's sooooooo hard to try and follow your music.....I can't just dance away I have to pay attention"

[12:38] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, *giggle* that is pretty funny. Have you ever had anyone be down right rude or is that largely not a problem?

[12:38] Pope Dagostino: no one has really complained........yet

An Interview With Violet Voltaire (Designer for... surprisingly, Violet Voltaire)

2008-06-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

I met Violet a fair bit before this interview. She's incredibly with a wicked sense of a humor, and fantastic eye. We met at my SL job (I'm a dancer at Bottoms Up Cabaret) while I was on stage for our interview. Eventually due to the crowded nature (and therefore lag) of my work place, we eventually moved to her little sky area high above her main store. Violet's work is, as I think I've mentioned, incredible. Her pieces are unique in a way that almost no one else's are, they have a cute, punky, girlie, Alice in Wonderland with a mohawk aesthetic that is Violet's and Violet's alone.

Violet On Toast (Outfit by Katat0nik)

[12:08] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, so as I was going to ask, how did you get started doing design in SL?

[12:11] Violet Voltaire: Oh, well I knew I wanted to make stuff I just didn't know what at first. I have a failed attempt shirt in my inventory XD. After being in and out of SL for about 6 months I finally came back in and deciding to do jewelry, cause I like making it in RL too.

[12:12] Sebastian Clowes: Ah that's very cool, so you do jewelry design IRL as well, do you think there's much different between your IRL creations, and your SL ones?

[12:14] Violet Voltaire: yeah, the real life stuff is much more a hobby thing. I don't sell it, I just make them as gifts. Actually, they are quite similar. I've noticed I have this facination with bicone swarovski crystals. Which I tend to use a lot as a bead for various pieces I've done in SL. Right now I'm trying to take sculpties head on, because I really want to make stuff that looks like my clay charms.

[12:16] Sebastian Clowes: That's cool, where do you tend to get your inspiration?

[12:19] Violet Voltaire: Hmmm I mostly just try to make pieces that work well with all the clothes I have in my inventory. So I guess hyasynth, katat0nik and canimal have been some of my biggest inspirations. Since those are my largest folders at the moment lol. My glitterati set was heavily inspired by Tarina Tarantino who is just awesome in my book. Also I'd say definately Vivienne Westwood, and Betsy Johnson.

[12:21] Sebastian Clowes: Very cool, a lot of great designers on that roster, I wear a lot of Betsy Johnson IRL. What would you say the most rewarding part of being a designer is?

[12:23] Violet Voltaire: Oh! I really like when people IM me or come up to me and tell me they like something I've made, because I'm really shy and never have the guts to do that to designers, also because I always think everything I make is dorky. :P~

[12:24] Violet Voltaire: Also just the fact I've learned so much in photoshop lately. When I started I was such a noob.

[12:26] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, photoshop's a pain in the butt, until you get the hang of it. What would you say your favorite product in your line is?

[12:28] Violet Voltaire: haha, probably the Glitterati, because it was the necklace I sort of set out to make. It's the one that's inspired by Tarina Tarantino, and the first time I attempted to make it I was still very new to prims so it was horrible. I scrapped it and didn't attempt it again until around March.

[12:30] Sebastian Clowes: Ah, I see. Are there any products in your line that sell very differently than you expected to? (Dramatically more, dramatically less)
[12:32] Violet Voltaire: Oh yeah! Like the angel set, it was just this weird test to see if I could get stuff that tiny, which is odd for me because I love the look of chunky jewelry. It kinda just went boom, and I was just freaking out about that for a few days.
[12:32] Violet Voltaire: I mean yeah it sold well, I talk funny don't I *snort*

[12:33] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, nope that makes sense. If you had to describe your aesthetic in four words what would they be?

[12:34] Violet Voltaire: ermm *thinks*

[12:37] Violet Voltaire: I'm not really sure that four come to mind, but is sparklie and creepy ok?

[12:39] Sebastian Clowes: Sparkle and creepy are great. So, you design mostly for yourself first, and see what the public likes?

[12:49] Violet Voltaire: Yep, I started making jewelry because I was having a hard time finding jewelry I liked. It's also an awesome way to make friends, because if they like what you make and it's a reflection of who you are as a person then there is lots to talk about.

[12:49] Sebastian Clowes: Very true. Outside of jewelry making do you do any other form of art?

[12:53] Violet Voltaire: I've always been into some form of crafting since I was a kid. beadwork, poly clay, sewing, crochet, knitting, costume wings.It seems I'm most at peace with myself when I'm covered in glue, glitter, beads, and paint. XD I recently started taking a stab at vector art.

[12:53] Sebastian Clowes: That's very cool, do you have any formal training, or are you self taught?

[12:55] Violet Voltaire: self taught

[12:57] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* very very cool, so earlier you listed a few of your favorite designers, and I'd prefer to avoid drama (feel free not to name names) but is there any designer/set of designers you feel to be overrated?

[12:58] Violet Voltaire: in SL?

[12:59] Sebastian Clowes: Yes, or IRL both'd be interesting to hear

[13:07] Violet Voltaire: Not really over-hyped no, I'm not very fashion oriented in both RL and SL. If I see something I like in here I buy it without thinking twice.. In RL I'm just a jeans and tshirt kind of girl. I do find it discouraging and sad when I see simplistic items like bangles and pearl necklaces going for a crap ton.

[13:08] Sebastian Clowes: That does seem a bit silly to me as well. Your line is very reasonably priced, unlike a lot of others, do you find it hard to resist pricing higher similar to other stores?

[13:17] Violet Voltaire: I did in the beginning, but I try to keep in mind that I'm doing this for fun. I've never cashed out, and I've only purchased lindens 2 or 3 times, and that was way back when I first started playing SL. Everything I buy comes from what I've made off my creations. So I try to look at pricing from the buyers mindset. When I make something I have to ask myself how much I'd pay for that if I saw it in someone else's shop.

[13:24] Sebastian hehe, I had about two more questions and then I can stop playing journalist. First of all other than design what are your favorite SL passtimes?
[13:26] Violet Voltaire: okie dokes, umm I'm mostly a hermit since I'm always making stuff. For a brief period of time I was really into RPing at KSU, but I kinda stopped once I found out I hurt one girls feelings while RPing. That left me really bummed because I never meant anything I did there. But I did make some awesome friends there, and have some really great memories of that place.

[13:27] Sebastian hehe, that's interesting, I've found that people take a lot of things in group RP really seriously, which is kind of silly if you ask me. As for my last question, any incidents of bad behavior from customers/competitors?

[13:30] Violet Voltaire: Nooo, I find that I've been really lucky so far. I've heard some really bad horror stories about customers. I've yet to experience anything that left any kind of lasting impression. As for competitors, I really like all the designers in the goth/EGL area of SL. I'm happy to buy their stuff and end up just being a major fangirl. Then we end up friends, and that's always just downright awesome.

[13:32] Sebastian That's good to hear, gothic loli does tend to be a nice community as a general rule... though I did have one incident involving my accidentally causing a flame war on an LJ community for EGLs by wearing a slightly too short skirt. Which I thereafter referred to as "The time I agitated the lolitas"

[13:33] Violet Voltaire: hahaha! Oooh yeah the LJ girls are quite severe, I've noticed. I'm way to scared to post there.

An Interview With Katat0nik Pidgeon (The Designer for Katat0nik): Part One

2008-06-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

Miss Pidgeon and I met up at the recommendation of our mutual friend Violet Voltaire. Katat0nik is fairly new to the SL design scene, but she's a visual artist in real life, and her creations are anything but noobish. Her work is highly detailed, with a look that evokes victorian novels, Japanese rock bands, and dreams. We met up at her workshop to talk, unfortunately due to bad weather, and my less than ideal internet connection our conversation was cut off several times, in the end I decided to cut us short for the moment and do a two part story on her. Her designs are cute in the way a little girl who can bite your head off is cute. They're frilly, lacy, adorable... and somehow manage to tell everybody not to fuck with you in the same breath.

[18:11] Sebastian Clowes: So, you're fairly new to designing, what got you started?
[18:12] Katat0nik Pidgeon: I've always wanted to be able to make my own clothes in SL, ever since I joined. I had no experience with digital art though so I didn't even try.... Then I got a Wacom Intuos 2 Tablet as a gift from my sis, and started practicing on & off drawing in photoshop. Eventually I "got" digital art and started making things for SL.
[18:12] Sebastian Clowes: *nods*
[18:12] Sebastian Clowes: That's very cool. Do you do non-digital art?
[18:13] Katat0nik Pidgeon: Yes! I'm a traditional artist irl, I draw & paint with different mediums :D
[18:14] Katat0nik Pidgeon: A lot of my art can be seen on http://katat0nik.deviantart.com *shameless plug* lol
[18:14] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, I just realized what a silly question that was, I've seen your DA, Violet linked me. I really like your work.
[18:14] Katat0nik Pidgeon: Thank you :D
[18:14] Sebastian Clowes: Are you professionally trained, or self taught?
[18:15] Katat0nik Pidgeon: Self taught :) I met Amy Weber (former Magic the Gathering artist) A few years ago, and she gave me a lot of helpful tips for watercolor & oil painting
[18:15] Katat0nik Pidgeon: But other than that I just learned most things on my own
[18:16] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* very cool. So, where would you say you draw your inspiration from?
[18:16] Katat0nik Pidgeon: From dreams & fantasy, mostly dreams. There have been a lot of days where I wake up after seeing something really cool or weird in a dream, and that will be what I paint that day :)
[18:17] Sebastian Clowes: That's very cool, if you had to describe the style of your clothing in four words, what would they be?
[18:18] Katat0nik Pidgeon: arty, cute, different, katat0nik
[18:18] Katat0nik Pidgeon: hehe
[18:19] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* what would you say the peice your proudest of is?
[18:20] Katat0nik Pidgeon: my Carousel dress - the carousel horse on it is all hand drawn and it's my first digital *art* that made me think "Wow, I can actually do a decent job at this!" (digital art/SL clothes)
[18:22] Sebastian Clowes: Ohhh thank you so much *blush*
[18:22] Katat0nik Pidgeon: yw :D
[18:22] Sebastian Clowes: What would you say the biggest challange for you as a designer was?
[18:24] Katat0nik Pidgeon: Lining up seams, and figuring out what kinds of things work and won't work for SL avatars (like different necklines, corset strings, etc.) Sometimes they look great in photoshop & in AvPainter, but horrible when worn inworld.
[18:31] Sebastian: Sorry about that, wifi cut off, as I was saying, what's been the happiest moment of your design career so far?
[18:32] Katat0nik Pidgeon: Just knowing that people like my stuff, and seeing people around SL wearing my clothes/shoes/skins has been very cool for me, it always makes me smile :D
[18:32] Sebastian: That does sound rewarding. What other designers are you fond of?
[18:33] Katat0nik Pidgeon: As far as clothing goes, I love silent sparrow - my first outfit in SL was from there, and I really like Canimal
[18:33] Katat0nik Pidgeon: both their clothes are quite arty and creative, they have great designs
[18:34] Sebastian: *nods* I'm wearing silent sparrow right now *smiles* what sort of music do you like?
[18:34] Katat0nik Pidgeon: I listen to a little bit of everything, not a lot of new music. I'm a big fan of Lovage, Peeping tom, Pepper, Sublime, Pixies, and old Jane's Addiction
[18:35] Katat0nik Pidgeon: ooh and Fugazi, love them very much
[18:35] Sebastian: *nods*
[18:36] Sebastian: What kind of customers do you think your line attracts?
[18:37] Katat0nik Pidgeon: Definitely lot of lolita fans, gothy people, dollies, and men who keep asking me to do mens' clothes. lol
[18:38] Sebastian: hehe, well I 'm sure I'd appreciate a men's line... though for the moment I'm more than content with the women’s *smile* what are your plans for the future of the line?
Katat0nik Pidgeon: I am hoping to get mens' clothes done, it is just gonna take a while for me to figure out how to shade mens' clothing nicely :D And I plan on maybe adding a streetwear line for men & women, and of course lots more lolita dresses will be out in the future too :D
Sebastian: That's good to hear. Do you find you get a lot of attention doing design?
Katat0nik Pidgeon: Yes, for sure! It's been amazing how many people I've met since I started designing clothes, it's been awesome. I never expected so many people to seek me out or be so nice just because they like my clothes :)
Sebastian: Thank you so much. Your textures are really beautiful. I hope not to cause drama, but are there any designers out there you find overrated?
Katat0nik Pidgeon: There are many, I won't name specific names but I think some of the designers who photosource and do not take the time to add their own details, yet are popular...are way overrated. I appreciate a personal touch from designers who make clothes, I don't really go for clothes that have just been copied/pasted from an image (or several images) onto an SL av template and sold
Sebastian: *nods* I agree with you on that, it never looks as good, or as interesting in my mind.
Katat0nik Pidgeon: Exactly! :)
Sebastian: How long does it take you to make your average piece?
Katat0nik Pidgeon: It depends, anywhere from hours to a few days. It depends on the piece really. Sometimes I’ll start one, and then forget about it for weeks doing other work, and then go back and finish very quickly.
Sebastian: What parts of design are you most picky about?
Katat0nik Pidgeon: I’d say probably minor details that no one else notices, like adding extra lace, or tiny little spots.

An Interview with Toshiya Okawa (The Designer for Excess: Androgyne Style)

2008-06-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Toshiya and I met up at Subzero (a dance club plays does mostly EMB/Goth/Synthpop) Toshiya appeared wearing a black wife beater and grey jeans, with long dark brown hair (his own design) heavily tattooed arms and a myriad of facial piercings. Although we had some issues with the language barrier (english gives him a bit of trouble) he came across very well. From the moment we met he seemed very charismatic, and warm with a fantastic sense of humor that came through despite a bit of linguistic trouble.

[17:11] Sebastian Clowes: Hello there
[17:12] Toshiya Okawa: are u ok? :)
[17:12] Sebastian Clowes: I'm fine, and yourself?
[17:13] Toshiya Okawa: yes
[17:13] Sebastian Clowes: Glad to hear it
[17:13] Toshiya Okawa: oh don't mind of my friends, i use they because i have some lacks in english
[17:14] Sebastian Clowes: It's alright. How did you get started as a designer?
[17:15] Toshiya Okawa: i begun about one year ago, because that time there weren’t skins that I liked, after 6 months of looking I tried to make mine <- I’m lazy. so when i got a decent one, people who saw me began to ask where I bought the skin, so... I made my first line for everyone
[17:16] Sebastian Clowes: That's very cool, I really adore your sense of style. Where do you get your inspiration?
[17:17] Toshiya Okawa: meh, anime, manga, Japanese rock groups
[17:17] Sebastian Clowes: I can see a lot of visual kei in some of your work. What bands are your favorites?
[17:18] Toshiya Okawa: Definitely, I got inspiration by Ruki of Gazette.. I made 2 skins inspired to him. for the rest, i tried to do some makeup that could like at everyone
[17:20] Sebastian Clowes: That's very cool, I'm a huge fan of Gazette. Do you think that being a skin designer is very different from being a makeup artist?
[17:24] Toshiya Okawa: I dunno, principally I made my skin for myself so, I was used to follow my taste for first, then, when i got customers i tried to listen they and tried to ..mmm.. how to say...join together various tastes.
[17:26] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* I see, what would you say the best moment of your design career so far was?
[17:27] Toshiya Okawa: i think my best moment will be when i'll complete all of what I have in mind :P
[17:28] Sebastian Clowes: I see, what's your favorite creation so far?
[17:28] Toshiya Okawa: mine?
[17:29] Toshiya Okawa: principally all. if you mean skin, I love my exotica tones. if you mean hair, i think the one I’m wearing now :P
[17:29] Toshiya Okawa: but i still have to do a lot of things so that could change
[17:30] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* I really do like that hairdo. What would you say the most fun part of being a designer is?
[17:32] Toshiya Okawa: mmm that now most of my friends come to ask me things.. I mean.. like I’m their style confluent Oo so sometimes it’s fun because u can say anything and they will follow xD
[17:34] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, that does sound like it might get tiresome sometimes. Have I mentioned I love your tattoos. Who are your faovirte designers in SL besides yourself?
[17:36] Toshiya Okawa: my tatts i bought by other people, and i like to wear it. mm designers in sl.. there are a lot that are good, there are many i like and i follow so the list could be a bit long :P
[17:37] Sebastian Clowes: Hehe, can you mention a few, a long list is fine.
[17:40] Toshiya Okawa: if there is one i always follow or i go to check is bare rose. since i started in SL was my fav shop, I think June does a great work and her shop is very popular. I’m an hair collector, so i have a LOT, one good is DK I like her style. For accessories, I like a lot of the things that my "neighbor of sim" make. is not a case if we toke sim together, he's a good friend and I think he's damn good with accessories
[17:41] Sebastian Clowes: They do really good work. Is there a product in your line that looking back, you don't like anymore?
[17:42] Toshiya Okawa: yes there were, I already took off months ago
[17:42] Sebastian Clowes: Ah, I see, what's your best selling item?
[17:44] Toshiya Okawa: all skins, especially the shadow makeup ones. They’re the most popular, and girls and boys seems like them a lot.
[17:45] Sebastian Clowes: Mhm, they're very versatile. Do you have any professional art training, or are you self taught?
[17:45] Toshiya Okawa: no I went art school when I was younger so I know about things.
[17:46] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* What other types of art do you do?
[17:47] Toshiya Okawa: I like paint and I liked to draw anime, and manga. I won a contest in my country too (when i was in school)
[17:48] Sebastian Clowes: That's very cool, if you don't mind my asking, what country are you from?
[17:48] Toshiya Okawa: Italy
[17:48] Toshiya Okawa: but people always think I’m japanese because of my name,lol
[17:49] Toshiya Okawa: well.. I also look a bit Asian.
[17:50] Sebastian Clowes: You do draw from Japanese pop culture though, how did that come to interest you?
[18:00] Toshiya Okawa: i always preferred japanese anime to disney or american or other cartoon for starters, then I had a lot of girl friends who were crazy for those groups, visual kei etc.. and I liked how they could be so... visual, and japanese people are crazy. I like "non normal" things. I liked how the Japanese could be so innovative and so "attached" to their own culture,
[18:03] Sebastian Clowes: *nods* that's a good way of putting it, hehe. Well, that's all my questions for now ^_^. Your interview should be up soon.
[18:04] Toshiya Okawa: okkey ;) i hope u will adjust my phrases because my english sucks lol
[18:05] Sebastian Clowes: Don't worry about it, I'll do some editting, I think you came accross very well.
[18:06] Toshiya Okawa: oki :)

Fashion Challenges For The SL Nancy Boy

2008-06-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

So, in SL there's a whole world of content to explore, every possible type of clothing imaginable, in every style imaginable... and yet, we femmy boys still have issues finding clothes that look right (and don't have boob shading, one thing we really don't need), male skins with makeup, shapes that aren't built like tanks, and for god's sake a pair of heels that our feet won't eat.

Hair's easy enough, just check out the female section of any good hair place (Analouge Dog, Gurlywood, Sirena, Goldie Locks, and Cake are all nice) and you'll probably find something.

But the rest of it, well that's tough, but I'll share some of my favorite resources... though it's still a desert out there for us nancy boys.

1. The Yaoi Market.

This place has... everything, clothes, hair, skins, and some very nice shapes if you know where to look. I really love a lot of the vendors here. Just watch out for non-modifiable shapes, and make sure you have a good look at the quality of things before you buy.

2. Excess: Androgyne Style

The name really says it all here, they have gorgeous skins that are kind of pricey, but have just the right look. I love mine to death, and wear it all the time. The workmanship is beautiful, and they also have some very nice hair and pretty eyes. I can't say I like the fact that their shapes can't be modified, but hey, you can't win em all.

3. Bare Rose

I can never explain exactly how much I love this place. It's huge, it has everything, most of the stuff is beautifully textured, oh, and did I mention it's cheap? for about 150 L an outfit, you get a lot of bang for your buck, especially because most of the outfits come in fat packs with a lot of color options. Check out both the women's and the men's section here, as they both provide a lot of great style options for your girly man. I wear a lot of their EGL outfits myself, along with their EGA ones, and some of their general stuff. Their "Lord Of Mist Castle" is delightfully foppish.

4. Violet Voltaire

While not strictly fem boy oriented, I have to mention her, as her work is gorgeous, and very fairly priced. On the top story of her main shop you can find doll keys, gothic loli crowns, and other cute accessories for between 10 and 50 L which as I'm sure you'll understand is very, very reasonable. Downstairs she has more jewelry, and my favorite key and crown (My Violent Heart Key, is lovely, and has a turning script, but doesn't make you require winding, which if you ask me, is good as it's a bit of a hassle, and the Wicked Crown which is beautifully detailed, and comes in very versatile colors)

Not to mention, Violet herself is a charming lady, who deserves your business.

5. Silent Sparrow

Very lovely high quality goth/victorian/fantasy clothing, including the "How We Quit The Forrest" sets, which are gorgeous, feature lots of mix n' matchable options, and happen to be inspired by Rasputina, a band that I absolutely adore. Her textures are always highly detailed so as not to have that paper like look that the creations of so many lesser designers have. The richness of detail serves as well, to give her clothing the decadent look so many of us aim for.

Again the owner is very sweet, and has agreed to be interviewed on this blog in the near future.

6. Szentsha Lingerie

Beautifully made lingerie, for reasonable prices, very nice textures on a lot of the stuff. More expensive than bare rose, but a better selection of naughty lingerie too. Nice Newbie Special as well.

Hello There

2008-06-23T15:54:00.001-07:00

So, I thought I'd just greet all of you, and tell you what I plan to post here. Guys like me are rare in RL, and rarer in SL. I'm effeminate, ok. I'm a flamer, a queen, a queer, a nancy boy, whatever you want to call it. I like dresses, and I look fucking nice in them (if I do say so myself), I like makeup, I have long pretty hair, but don't think that that makes me a woman, and please don't refer to me with words like "Shemale" or "ladyboy" or godforbid "sissy."

To be honest, mistaking me for a woman is far preferable to those words, and I'll tell you why. Women are great (well, the ones I hang out with are great, saying all women are great is like saying all people are great... it's too big a generalization), I love women, and women deserve respect and fair treatment. All that aside, I'm still not one, nor do I want to be seen as one. I'm a GUY, a DUDE, a MAN again, whatever you want to call it. In other words, I don't see myself as a woman, just because I paint my nails, and wear dresses and makeup, and have long pretty hair a lot of people infer that I see myself as female in some respect, I don't. Sure I may be girly, but I'm a dude. I like being flat chested, I like being tall. I'm not even that hyper feminine. I like horror movies. I like to play rough. I can (and will) kick your ass if you're rude to me (and I'll do it in heels,) I am a mixture of masculine and feminine, with my identity firmly planted in the masculine. I don't think that looking pretty, and being male are mutually exclusive, I don't think that being masculine is impossible while still being pretty. I think that mixing the two is perfectly acceptable.

When it comes to sex, I'm switchable, top or bottom, I don't really care, but anyway I digress.

I was trying to tell you why I'd rather be called a woman than a "sissy" or a "shemale"

The word woman doesn't offend me. Yeah, sure it's incorrect, but it's not offensive, I can politely correct the person who managed to avoid noticing my height, bone structure, and obvious lack of breasts.

The other words on the other hand? Those piss me off. Shemale is an INTENSELY derogatory term for a pre-op MTF transsexual. It's on a par with calling a person of African descent the N word. So in that case, I'm pissed because you just insulted me, not only did you not look me over and figure out... wait a minute he's not got boobs, and he's got a boy's name... he's not trans, but you've also just insulted me. You've just told me that you don't respect me, and not only do you not respect me, you've insulted a large number of my friends many of whom are transgendered, and would stop speaking to you immediately upon hearing the word, and to add just one more layer of annoyance... THE TERM DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!

Ok, let's look at the word shemale. If male means well... a man, a guy with XY chromosomes, and female means a woman, a chick with two X chromosomes, then how the fuck does shemale mean a chick with a penis? Female includes the word male, and doesn't mean chick with a penis... therefore shemale has no particular reason for meaning anything but woman.

Alright, now that I've gotten my loathing for that word cleared up, let's move on to the next. Ladyboy, now this one isn't so bad, it's from a Thai word for a set of Transgendered, and feminine males, but I don't like this one for several reasons. It's too often identified with porn, and too often associated with being passive, having breasts, and generally being pretty much female. I don't want to be over sexualized. I don't want to be your fetish. I am not here to be the object of your lust, not that I mind being sometimes the object of your lust, but get to fucking know me first, and most importantly I AM NOT FEMALE! I love women, they're great, but I really don't want to be the close enough replacement for one, I don't want to be the one a guy bangs because he wants to keep pretending to be straight even though he only wants my cock, I AM NOBODY'S SUBSTITUTE WOMAN! Oh, also I don't like the idea that I am eternally a boy, I'm ok with the term Nancy Boy because of the way it's been used, and the people who've used it (Brian Molko is a self described Nancy Boy, and one of the men I respect most), however Ladyboy leaves me with the uncomfortable feeling that my masculinity is being called diminutive, that the male part of my self if immature, and less than the feminine.

Which brings me to the last one, the one I loathe most of all, Sissy. I cannot explain to you how much I hate this word, not only that, but I cannot express my distaste for the men who label themselves as such. I hate this word for many reasons, for one, it implies that it is weak for a male to be feminine, and by this logic it implies that femininity is in and of itself: Weak, and at root sexual in nature. I don't like it when people put cross-dressing in exclusively sexual terms. I don't wear dresses cause it gets me off, I only wear lingerie when it's going to be seen (In other words, if I'm going out wearing a dress, there's usually either boxers or nothing under it)

My SL avatar is a pretty accurate representation of my IRL self, and the way I look is about what I find aesthetically pleasing/interesting rather than getting myself off. Sometimes my IRL self is about getting my boyfriend off, but that's a different thing. I don't like to be lumped in with guys who wear panties to masturbate, I don't like guys who wear panties to masturbate, they're creepy, and crossdressing fetishism seems rather narcissistic to me, it's a very auto-erotic thing, which makes me feel that it's a selfish thing to want to do with a partner. I'm happy to play out a kink with my partner, but these guys want to be totally immersed in a world where they're nothing but objects of sexual desire, where everybody chases them, and they get to luxuriate in the attention, and be babied by their doms. I find that level of self-absorbtion creepy because it's crazy, not only that, but it implies that to be reduced to femininity is to be reduced to a sexual object, and as a feminist, and as a feminine male, I hate the idea of people seeing femininity that way, it's degrading, and even if they're happy with it, it's to my mind, ugly.

I'm happy to let them do what they like, get off how they like, but please don't associate me with it. Be a dom, be a sub, be a whatever, but this blog is not about fetishes, this blog is not about "I'm a sissy, won't a real man come and rape me", I AM A FUCKING REAL MAN, and no, I don't want to rape your selfish little ass. BDSM is fine and dandy in my book, but I don't associate my effeminacy with it, if I'm wearing a dress to have sex, it's cause I look hot in that dress, it doesn't mean I'm going to top, or I'm going to bottom. It doesn't help me get off anymore than any other article of clothing.

Anyway, enough ranting, I intend to include fashion articles, lifestyle articles, and general news about music/culture/anything else that interests me.