Esquire Theme by Matthew Buchanan
Customization Design by Sonia Oram
05
May
What can I say? Raimi and Lee cut hair for 4.5 hours straight. Queers flooded in to shave off their locks. So many people got transformed and cheered on today! R&L are officially stylists/magicians/artists.
Surprise! At the end, Lee gave me a pomp:
I had an amazing time, and look at my new did!!
Thanks to all who came.
- Sonny (My new nickname)
01
May
We had some Ahmazing outfits on Sunday at our Power Clashing Party at The Dalloway. Have I mentioned that I fucking love queers and watching them get dressed up?
Qwear looks gooood on stickers.
Roomie came all the way out to hang with me. Heyo!!
Guess who! Lexi Ritsch! Such a sweetie and great party co-host
NC (Genderqueer Fashionista) and N! Internet friends in real life: WHATUP!!
Only took a pic of this queer’s Bass Floral shoes. Which I need.
Me and GQF!
Don’t even know how this happened, but HQ be wearing my hat.
Gingham and stipes. Yeah yeah! I love these Gap blazers.
Thanks again to The Dalloway for hosting this event with me! Hope we can do another one sooon!
If you have any suggestions for meet-ups, either a city or activity, shoot me a message! - Sonia
———
Other upcoming events:
Qwear Salon with Raimi &Lee Sunday May 5th in Somerville, MA!
Jack Tar happy hour/cocktail party! Tuesday May 21, 5-7pm. Sonny’s in Portland. Save the date! I know I am! (Portland, ME)
26
Apr
I think we all secretly wish we could look as put together in a plain white tee as Kim Stolz, or as put-together in a soft pullover as we do in our bow ties and summer dresses. Everlane’s Men’s French Terry Sweatshirt in Slate (pictured above) is already becoming one of my staples. You can see and feel the quality when you put it on. A once frumpy style turned elegant and/or dapper. I can wear it around the house or dressed up.
Just as Fit For a Femme’s exclaimed “Everlane has turned me into a girl who loves wearing t-shirts!” I’ve been turned into a queer who loves wearing casual basics. My Tommy Hilfiger Boy’s tees have served me well, but are not nearly as nice quality as Everlane’s XS tees, which they were also generous enough to send along for this piece:
What makes this tee different from all other tees? Well, for one thing, you’ll never get a tee this nice for $15. For another, it’s incredibly soft, and they tested it on tons of people, ensuring the best fit for all. Every cycle, they make little adjustments based on reviews.
I showed off Everlane’s button-up and tote bag here. They recently came out with these switch-buckle belts with 4 interchangeable buckles. So basically it’s like 4 belts in one. Brills. Like many of you, I am sad that they discontinued their bow ties. But they told me during our chat that they want to master the basics before branching out too much. And I respect that.
As a gift from them to you, whoever signs up through this here link: EVERLANE/QWEAR GIVEAWAY will get entered into a drawing to win $50 store credit. Now that’s TRULY luxurious.
Follow Everlane: Website | Tumblr | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
25
Apr
Hey queers! Just giving a quick shout out that A. I’m super excited to see everyone in NYC this Sunday the 28th at our Power Clashing Party. B. If you are still pulling together your outfits, I highly recommend Forever 21. They have tons of patterned pieces for cheap in colors that look great together. Just went there today and had a raging success.
At the risk of giving away too much:
Some of these MAY make an appearance. See ya Sunday! Don’t forget to invite all your friends on the Facebook, and if you haven’t yet, RSVP to clashing@thedallowaynyc.com.
22
Apr
Queeeeerss! I was featured in the Spanish online magazine MagLes for their April issue! Same issue as Kate Moennig!
Understand what I’m saying? Neither do I! Here’s My interview in English:
What is Qwear?
Qwear is a fashion blog geared towards the lesbian, queer, and trans community; as well as folks who are gender nonconforming. Since its inception in June 2011, Qwear has emerged as a community for dandy queers and fashion enthusiasts to ask questions, share experiences, and submit photos of their sartorial triumphs. It’s a blog that celebrates gender nonconformity and body positivity. It’s pictures of pretty shoes. It’s the love of my life.
Who is Sonia Oram?
I’m that kid in the back of the classroom with the big glasses who can’t stop drawing all over the assignment. I love anything visual, artistic, musical, and creative. I’m not myself if unless I’m in the middle of a project. I’m white, Jewish, female assigned, queer, genderqueer, and among the tiny percentage of the world that is privileged enough to get the chance to answer this question.
How would you define the concept of “queer fashion?”
I suppose technically the concept of “queer fashion” expands into an alternate universe every time someone queer identified gets dressed in the morning. I hope not to dictate what is it via Qwear, but rather to explore it according to what people are putting out — as well as share my personal style aesthetics.
While queer fashion is limitless, I do believe that queers have our own unique experiences and identities that affect our clothing choices. Those of us who are feminists and environmentalists love a good thrift find and comfortable fit. We also like to break down gender norms through fashion, whether our presentations don’t fit the binary, or we choose to mess with the idea of what women/men are supposed to wear. In my circles, certain dandy menswear items — such as bow ties, suspenders, and vests — have become “markers” to express our queer identities.
We have read that you are a graphic designer. Would you at some point design fashion also?
I love the position I’m in now where I can promote all my favorite brands and help direct them on the community’s needs. I generally enjoy working from the marketing end and the blogger’s perspective, but I’m always open to new possibilities! I’ve been kicking around ideas with my friend over at Unbound Apparel about collaborating on a small line of casualwear that spreads a message about our values on freedom of expression, but nothing concrete yet.
How long do you take to pick your outfit in the morning?
Occasionally if I’m trying something new I end up with my entire wardrobe strewn over the room. Otherwise, not long at all. 10 minutes or less. But my wardrobe is still fairly small, so I don’t have that many options.
Do you think that lesbians have a different fashion style from straight girls?
I think that lesbians have unique experiences that affect their clothing choices (whether it’s conscious or not.) It’s not an either/or situation, but I think it’s nice for lesbians to have a fashion outlet outside of all the heteronormative blog spaces. The lesbian community has a history of feminism and other types of political activism that may affect their wardrobe and style choices, but this is not to say that many straight women don’t share a lot of the same values and styles.
Is it possible to achieve this look for an affordable price?
Absolutely. Some styles are more expensive than others, but many of my best-dressed queer buds are expert thrifters and their wardrobes look far more expensive than they are. I do recommend setting some money aside for nice shoes, if you have the capability. Shoes so often make or break an outfit, and the right pair can turn a budgeted ensemble into a fashion goldmine. I’ve had some of my best luck getting designer brand footwear marked down at TJMax or the Tannery.
What is the essential type of clothing to achieve the queer-look?
There isn’t one queer look, but there are plenty of essentials I could recommend for any wardrobe — like at least one pair of brown and black shoes, matching belts for each, and blazers.
Who is your favorite fashion designer?
I’m pretty much obsessed with all Jenna Lyons’ outfits and everything at J.Crew.
Can you give us some fashion advice?
Don’t be afraid to mix colors and patterns in your outfits. People can get bogged down thinking they need to match everything. Also, button that collar button, baby!
What are the essentials for this summer?
Patterns, jewel tones, boat shoes, shorts, seersucker… NOT Hawaiian shirts!! (Omg… seriously Tommy Hilfiger?)
14
Apr
I did a thing today! I went to a gay friendly wedding expo in Portland, ME representing Fourteen. I got to see our clothes for the first time, try them on, walk in a wedding fashion show, and talk to hotties. My only regret was the Holiday Inn Breakfast Buffet. OMG DON’T DO IT.
Sorry I don’t have pictures of the fashion show. I was busy waiting back stage in a closet full of the well-dressed queers.
Setting up our booth!
Surprise surprise! LK Weiss of Jack Tarr helped to put together the fashion show! So naturally within 5 minutes of meeting them we were in a photobooth together.
I totally have this on my fridge now.
This is serious stuff, you guys! Pay. Attention.
One mannequin I dug by our friends Joseph’s of Portland, ME
I’M GAY But ok seriously, I’m wearing Fourteen’s Silk Vest with Charmeuse Lapel and the Silk Duchess Satin Tie in Navy if you wanna go order them or anything.
Oh hay, wanna hang out tomorrow? Live in Boston? GREAT come to my shopping event at Indochino. There may be other special guests joining us as well. You’ll just have to come and find out for yourselves.
OK LOVE YAS BYE!
Sonia Fragiscle
28
Mar
Last Tuesday night, March 26th, at 8pm CST, dapperQ contributor Joelle Zigman and I did a special one-off edition of the KVRX (student-run radio from the University of Texas at Austin) advice talk show, Tell it to a Girl, called Tell it to a Butch. We answer questions about engagement rings, what to wear to prom, coming out to your mother, and how to do animal prints right. Conclusion? Butches make everrrrything better. Disclaimer: every time I pause it’s because I’m looking for an alternative word to “faggy.” Thanks so much for having me, Joelle!
Additionally, our Three Leaves Menswear videoshoot last Sunday in Brooklyn went really well! Here are some behind-the-scenes photo with me, our tailoring consultant The Handsome Butch, and Katrina Casiño (Autostraddle writer). Many thanks to dapperQ for setting it up! My favorite part of the day was tripping and falling into THB’s arms. (Wait, day? My favorite part of this whole week.)
This is my “I’m not completely dying of joy being next to you right now,” pose.
I have some more updates coming your way soon, so stay tuned!
Yours,
Sonia Pretend-Butch Oram
26
Mar
Shirt: George, thrifted at Goodwill
Tie: Brooks Brothers, from my dad
Sweater Vest: Pitlochry (vintage Scottish brand), My friend gave it to me
Blazer: H&M from 2008
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Part 3 of 3 of my Dandy Winter Photoshoot series with Sam Murray! (Here’s her Tumblr/Maddow fan page.)! See parts 1 and 2.
Also, go Marriage Equality! I don’t own red. #Queerissues?
19
Mar
Shirt: Everlane Men’s Oxford Smoke
Skinny Tie: Theory, bought at Loehmann’s
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Watch: 666 Barcelona
Belt: J.Crew Leather Roller-Buckle
Pants: Gap Broken-in Straight Khakis, women’s
Shoes: Bobby from Boston
Tote: Everlane
Part 2 of my Dandy Winter Photoshoot series with Sam Murray! (Here’s her Tumblr/Maddow fan page.) I’m showing off my recent purchases from Everlane. Their men’s XS oxfords fit me well, aside from the collar being too big. See part 1.
12
Mar
Shirt: George boys, tailored
Glasses: SEE Eyewear
Suspenders: Bobby from Boston (Buttons sewed on myself)
Pants: Gap Broken-in Straight Khakis, women’s
Shoes: Suede Walk-over Derbys (Bought on sale at the Tannery)
Bow Tie: Michael Kors (Bought on sale at Loehmann’s)
First of 3 in my dandy winter photoshoot series with the amazing Sam Murray! Here’s her Tumblr/Maddow fan page.
