Lots of smaller footed folks have asked for masculine shoe recommendations in the non-sneaker shoes arena that won’t break the bank. I’ve picked up a few more ideas since my last post in May. 

My biggest recommendation is to do the thrifty thrift! Men’s feet used to be smaller, so there are some gorgeous vintage finds out there for next to nothing. Blake got these bad boys for $4. Bobby from Boston had an incredible selection of smaller men’s shoes that ranged from 30 - 60$. If you make visiting your neighborhood thrift store a regular activity, something fantastic will pop up.

Onward! I chose pretty spring colors, because I can:

Bass Women’s Ely Shoes 

I’ve had these Bass bucks from Bass for 2 years now, and they are still one of my favorites and one of my most vesatile pairs of shoes. They fill an in-between space from casual to fancy. They come in several colors and contrast soles. Retail is $69, but you can usually snag them on sale or on Ebay for $40 or so. (See me wearing mine here!)

Loafers are never a bad addition to your wardrobe. Equally at home at the office or with some shorts on a summer stroll. Women’s Hayden Loafer, $85 at Sperry Top-sider.

Every fashionisto needs at least one pair of fashion boots! Clarks Women’s Desert Boots, $94.95 at Infinity Shoes

I always dislike how boy’s shoes have a rounder toe and chunkier heels than men’s. As if they still need help walking past toddler-hood. However, J.Crew has some of the less obnoxiously shaped boys’ shoes in the most fabulous of colors! These are the Kids’ Suede Bucks with Contrast Sole, $98. They’ve also got pretty nice wingtips for $118, though I’m less convinced of the chunky design in the dressier shoe.

These are so pretty! Can’t speak to their quality. But… WANT! Halogen® ’Lindy’ Oxford, $99.95 at Nordstrom

Cole Haan has some fabulous choices this season. I tried a pair of their Skylar Oxfords and found them very comfortable! They would make for a great dress shoe. The leather sole feels like it would last for ever. The black ones are currently on sale for $179.95. They also have the Alissa Oxford (pictured above) — the same thing with a rubber sole a different kind of leather (nubuck) in brighter colors. Those are now running as low as $88 on Amazon.

In other news I crossed these Steve Madden oxfords off the list when I tried them on IRL. They feel like a flimsy piece of felt glued together by a child. There’s women’s clothing for ya. 

Am I missing anything? Add it in the comments!

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Anonymous asked: I am a bigger girl, who normally dresses more femme with hints of masculine. I really want to wear boots but I don’t know where to look for ones that aren’t too butch but not horribly girly. I have found a few but they don’t fit. Side note, I have huge feet. If you have any suggestions I would be so happy.

Blake says: Howdy there! I have two pairs of Clark desert boots and a pair of Duck boots from L.L. Bean. I wear about a 9 in men’s and a 10/11 in women’s — so my feet are far from small. Combat boots don’t fit me well — my feet are too wide for most varieties. If you really want to wear combat boots and have wide feet like me, men’s are your best bet. While they are more expensive, they will fit you better. However, be careful with men’s combat boots — they get big and clunky reallll quick. Below are my picks for boots. Hope this helps!

Oakwood Suede Clarks desert boots-$109.99, available in a slew of colors and materials

L.L. Bean duck boots, 6 inch, $119 available in various heights (6in, 8in, etc) and colors

Also check out Dr. Martens! Mens Dr. Martens 1460 Classic 8 Eye Boot, At Journeys for $129.99

Related posts: Dr. Martens: The Legacy Comes With A Price

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Courtney, a 5’2” menswear enthusiast, will be helping us out with petite menswear related Qwearies. So if ya got any more, send them along! She’s mostly inspired by color, pattern, and texture coordination. She also digs colored laces, and has an unruly collection of bow ties and pocket squares. I’m looking forward to hearing more tricks of the trade soon.

(Photo credit: Caroline Wood)

Shirt: H&M boys
Sweater: H&M men
Jeans: American Eagle
Shoes: Clarks Desert Boots
Laces: Benjos (Sonia says: woah… this store is sweet!)

Courtney’s Tumblr: adventuresoftinydyke.tumblr.com

Ashley is seriously stepping it up with J.Crew fixings and brogues. She’s keeping some of her old urban appeal with the Hershel backpack, and the color coordination is still a key part of her look. But Ashley is growing up… and giving us more work clothes gayspiration. I’m ready to see this queer in a tie. Like if you agree.

Shirt: J.Crew men’s
Sweater: J.Crew men’s
Pants: American Eagle Skinny Trousers, women’s
Shoes: Clarks
Backpack: Herschel

See more of Ashley’s dapper outfits: Ashley’s Easter Outfit, Ashley’s Evolving Style

Anonymous asked: I recently just bought a dark blue jumper with brown elbow patches from topman, but I have no idea what to wear it with! Any chance you have any ideas for a cute but suave outfit for the jumper to impress my lady with?

This is SUCH A NICE SWEATER:

Navy Elbow Patch Jumper, available at Topman for $72

Navy goes with many things. Here is an easy outfit you can do that will most certainly impress your lady:

Polo Ralph Lauren Boys Oxford Shirt, available at Macy’s for $45. Also available in men’s.

Brown slim belt, available at Red Herring for $28

Broken-in Chino in Urban Slim Fit, available at J.Crew for $75

This watch brand is dope. You can customize the strap and face color. Available at beoptimisticandthankful.com for $85

Clark Desert Boots, available at Orvis for $100

I’ve been doing this thing lately where my friends ask me to keep an eye out for boots for them. And then I’ve been doing this thing where I get obsessed with all the boots and need to make another boot post. If you missed part 1 or care for a refresher, clickster. (I know we can’t all afford some of these, ever. But I’m going to show you anyway because I’m a jerk.)

Kenneth Cole First Song Lace-Up Ankle Boot, Black, available at Lastcall.com for $149.00

Dunderon x Timberland collaboration - boot black suede, available at streetcasuals.com for $240

Carter Formal Lace Up Boots, available at Mr. Shoes for $87.70

English Brogue Boot, available at Orvis for $375

Frye Veronica Combat boots, available at Amazon.com for $167.99

Hunter Brixen Rain Boos, available at Piperlime for $109.50. I just got these and I never want it to not rain again.

These are so slick. To say that I want them on my feet now is an understatement. Cavalière Mat by Be Only, available at Sarenza for $96.49

Thinking of getting these for winter. Men’s Earthkeepers® Rugged 6-Inch WP Plain Toe Boot, available at Timberland for $242

1000 Mile Boots, available at Wolverine for $375. Red laces added. (source: coolifornication.tumblr.com)

For Missy. Bandolino Clotida Riding Boot, available at DSW for $99.95

Related posts: Boots Boots Boots

Annie is back to show us her latest number, complete with some brown boots. Boots are an excellent casual and classy alternative to sneakers. Blake is really into Clarks desert boots, and I don’t think those will ever go out of style. A.D.’s latest thing are Chukkas. I would pretty much go crazy for any of J. Crew’s selection.

Shirt: Nordstrom
Pants: H&M
Boots: Urban Outfitters*

Related Posts: Skater Inspired Queer Style
Follow Annie: kupumua.tumblr.com

Shopping for well-priced work clothes in plus sizes can be hard. No fear! I have some staple pieces that will keep your budget in check while also giving you a professional look. Here are some items to give your wardrobe a professional boost with inspiration for people of all shapes.

1. Can I say cardigans more than once????
Cardigans are a wonderful way to class up any outfit while providing comfort and an element of androgyny (men’s and women’s cardigans are virtually identical.) In addition, they cross over well from day/work wear to nightlife wear. I suggest buying a cardigan in gray, blue, black, and a statement color. I bought most of my cardigans from a Tommy Hilfiger outlet mall in Williamsburg, VA. However, if you don’t live near an out mall, I also like the cardigans over at Old Navy for the price point. 


(source: gentleman-forever.tumblr.com)

2. Vests!
I currently have two vests that I go to whenever I am trying to look more put together and professional. Vests are a great multi-purpose form of clothing. You can pretty much wear then with anything! Goodwill or a comparable thrift store usually has some great options in all sizes.

(source: covermenmag.com)

3. Collared Shirts
Just like cardigans and vests, collared shirts have crossover appeal. If you have trouble finding one that fits you, keep looking! They come in all cuts, sizes, colors, and patterns! You can survive off of owning 5 to 7 shirts — one white, another light blue, and 3 to 5 of your choice. Get some with button-down collars, and some without so that you have a range of of casual and fancy (button-down = casual.) The combinations of cardigans, vests, and collared shirts are endlesssssssss. I recommend Saddlebred collared shirts and Ralph Lauren for plus sizes; they fit me well. Just shop around for what fits you best. 

(source: maxxanch.tumblr.com)

4. Blazers
I have had GREAT luck at Goodwill. However, thrift shops are a mixed bag. Lane Bryant has some really nice blazers. The arms fit well enough that I can bend them and the body of the blazer fits perfectly to my curves. I suggest that you look out for a sale; Lane Bryant can be pricey (I went during a sale and got two blazers for $90, not bad). A blazer should fall below the waistline but not go past your bum. The sleeves should be in between the knuckle and the wrist. 

Herringbone jacket, available at Lane Bryant for $89.95

5. Pants 
Buy pants cheap and get them tailored. I would shoot for khakis and a light weight dress material. Try to stay away from the Poly and Ester twins. I find that slim leg pants are the most flattering look for any size. Have your tailor adjust your pants leg to about 9.5 inches to create the look (trust the tailor with the number of inches). I buy pants from all over, mainly Tommy Hilfiger on extremeeeee markdown and Old Navy during the holiday deal season. See my post about tailoring pants for more info.

Look for pants with these cuts:


(source: panizsehatniaki.blogspot.com) Pants from Zara


Pants from Tommy Hilfiger (source: he99.blogspot.com)

6. Shoes!
Shoes can make or break an outfit. No holes, no tears, not too broken in for the office. Out of all of the above basics, I recommend that you spend the most money on good quality shoes. I like Clarks desert boots and Bass Weejuns for the office.

Desert Boots. Pick yours up at Topman, FarFetch, The Tannery, Infinity Shoes, or basically anywhere. (source: four-thirdsgentleman.tumblr.com)


Bass Weejuns (womens) available at Bass

Related Posts: Androgenizing With Ralph Lauren, Diminishing Curves With Menswear

Anonymous asked: I really like boots, but there are so many styles to choose from. I just can’t find the right ones. Can you help me please?

If by help you mean show you lots of pretty pictures of boots, yes, yes I can. I recommend you freeze your bank account before continuing. 

1. Nina Brown Distressed Boots, available at Boohoo for £15.00
2. Black Original Tall Classic Boot by Hunter, available at My Wardrobe for $130
3. “Peter 2” Brown Boots, available at Topman for $170
4. J. Crew Men’s Boots (source: chadsdrygoods.blogspot.com)
5. Clarks Originals Nubuck Desert Boots, on sale at ASOS for $77.88
6. Womens Bean Boots, available at L.L. bean for $89
7. Lady Rad Boot in Salmon, available at Modcloth for $39.99
8. Timberland 6 Inch Premium Womens Boots, available at Infinity Shoes for $124.95
9. Merrell Wilderness Collection, one of which is on sale at David Z. for $99 (source: www.ronniefieg.com)

Georgie never fails to keep me updated on British fashion trends (Previous post). She’s back with a new jacket inspired by the British mod revival in the 1980’s and the film This Is England, which she says showcases the fashion quite authentically. She found a petite size of the coat from ASOS. I didn’t know anything about the mod revival until now, but it’s a music genre and subculture that seems to be into motorcycles. (And by motorcycles, I mean scooters. *Thanks Georgie)

Shirt: Wrangler (vintage) 
Jeans: Topshop 
Boots: Clarks chelsea boots 
Watch: Casio Classic F-91W

Related Posts: Topman: A New Dyke Discovery!