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A.D.

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05

Dec

The Eleventh Doctor’s Professorial Stylings

By Guest Blogger, Sophie Lee

Bow Ties are Cool.

That is the mantra of the Eleventh Doctor, the titular character of the BBC show “Doctor Who,” and is probably enough to convince you to dress more like this man. The abundance of warm earth tones and the professorial vibe of the doctor’s look lends itself well to autumn. You can mix and match different aspects of the doctor’s ensemble for your own seasonal look. 

The Eleventh Doctors Professorial Stylings

eleventh doctor bow ties

The Bow Tie: I’m pretty sure the intro said it all. Whenever he can help it, the doctor is wearing a bow tie. His go-to is a narrow red bow tie, although he also wears a blue one on occasion. And for really special occasions he’ll break out the white silk bow tie.

How to incorporate this into your look:  For your everyday wear, chose wool or linen bow ties rather than silk ones; in a dark shade, with a narrow bow (batwing or a thinner semi-butterfly). Narrow cloth bow ties are more casual but equally dapper. Or for double the doctor fashion points, opt for a tweed bow tie. For formal affairs, go white silk.

cotton high bow tie

High quality bow ties are hard to find sometimes. Vintage clothing stores are a good place to start, and I love the selections at High Cotton. Pictured above is the Darden Woolie Bow Tie.

The Eleventh Doctors Professorial Stylings

elbow patches
(sources: J.CrewA.P.C. - Elbow Patch Sweatbintheknow.wordpress.com)

The Jacket: The eleventh doctor wears a well-fitted tweed jacket with elbow patches. Elbow patches are one of those delightful details, effervescent of your old college professor.

How to incorporate this into your look: Tweed jackets are an excellent addition to any fall wardrobe. See the tweed jacket selections of TopmanHouse of Fraser (men’s), The Outnet, and Modcloth (women’s). Or just go with the elbow patches! Many brands like H&M, Zara, and ASOS, to name a few; sell sweaters, cardigans, and blazers with elbow patches. Or if you like sewing, add patches an old sweater or blazer for a personality revamp! Here’s a DIY elbow patches tutorial

eleventh doctor suspenders

eleventh doctor suspenders

The Details: The doctor tends to wear slim-fit shirts with button-down collars. But the beauty lies in the details. His shirt is often a muted shade of his bow tie color. And for another nice touch, his suspenders always match his bow tie. 

eleventh doctor suspenderseleventh doctor contrast cuffs

A second really great element of his shirts are the contrasting cuffs. Although the only time they are fully visible is when he gets dressed, you can seeing them peaking out though his sleeves throughout the series. The doctor’s cuffs are a darker shade and ringed, similar to the cuffs on a letterman jacket. It’s a nice little burst of color and a fun detail. 

How to incorporate this into your look: The exact shirt the doctor wears was made and sold by UK designer Paul Smith. It was part of a limited edition collection in 2010 and is no longer available. But for a similar style, look for the colors of your accessories in a muted tone. Also for slim fit shirts with cuff or collar contrast details. Try Claudio Lugli, Hugo Boss, Dockers, Brooks Brothers. Finally, don’t underestimate the value of a good pair of suspenders! His are a simple clip on; easily picked up at Topman or American Apparel.

25

Nov

Lose the Tassels, Baby

Anonymous asked: Hi! I have a huge bag problem, and I believe there are many out there who do too! Its so hard to find a multifunctional bag that can looks great when I wanna look more femme, but not too caught-under-the-armpit in that overly girly way. Something for someone who lies somewhere in the middle :)

I totally know some people in the same place. Here are some ideas for mid-femme bags:

Camp Director Tote, Modcloth, functional mid-femme bag

Camp Director Tote, available at Modcloth for $54.99

functional mid-femme bag
Anna in Teal, available on Etsy for $45

functional mid-femme bag
Square Shape Leather Backpack - Tan Brown, available on Etsy for $150

functional mid-femme bag
Louche Denk Handbag, available at joythestore.com for $46.50

functional mid-femme bag
Farm Rucksack, available at Makr for $160

functional mid-femme bag
The weekender, available at Everlane for $95

functional mid-femme bag
Warehouse Color Block Satchel, available at ASOS for $63.32


functional mid-femme bag
Two tone canvas bag, available on Etsy for $39.00

Happy carrying!

- Sonia

Related posts: Holdalls, Gym Bags, and Cute DufflesBoi Bags; Not-in-School Backpacks

01

Nov

Femme Overall Outfit

Anonymous asked: I’ve seen overalls coming back more and more as a trend, but I’m not sure how to wear them stylishly. I’m also wondering how I could make them look more girly. Any suggestions?

Rae says: Forget those super baggy Old Navy overalls of your childhood; look for styles of overalls that are slimmer cut. To femme it up try wearing them with a flowy chiffon top, some fun flats, and an armload of gold bracelets.


Miss Sixty Denim Overall, available at Yoox for $98


Minkpink ‘Double Take’ Polka Dot Chiffon Shirt, available at ASOS for $78.95


Walking on Air Flat, available at Modcloth for $34.99


Spike Glee Bracelet, available at Modcloth for $21.99

Mystique the Truth Bracelet, available at Modcloth for $19.99

Couldn’t Filigree More Bracelet in Ivory available at Modcloth for $24.99

(Gosh, y’all. Rae is visionary. - Sonia)

Related Posts: Overall Awesome

19

Oct

The Full-On Budget Shopping Post

kieranthehuman asked: I’m sure you get this a lot, but what about for those of us who can’t afford to spend a lot of money clothes. I have the worst time passing as androgynous because I have a very curvy body. I am always looking for different clothes or men’s shirts that actually fit me. Any sites that advertise queer clothes are usually so expensive. Where can I find other options besides scrounging and hoping at the thrift store?

Well kieranthehuman, there’s no easy answer. There’s no one stop solution. Il y a non pas de problème. 

But here are some ideas and tips:

1. Shop the right kind of cheap. Gap, Old Navy, ASOS, outlet stores, H&M’s clothes (but NOT accessories), department store sale racks, all good. But don’t shop at places that are too cheap, because then you’ll just end up spending more money to replace crappy items. I generally avoid Forever 21 and Merona at Target for that reason. If the full retail price seems too good to be true, it’s probably going to fall apart. I bought some galoshes from Target a few years ago for $20 and they didn’t last 3 months. So go cheap, but not too cheap.

2. Thrift Thrift Thrift! Check out the thrift stores tag for inspiration on how many amazing things you can thrift. For more tips, Putthison has a great article on successful menswear thrifting. The most important thing I took away from it was to not look for anything specific.

image

(source: locallily.com)

3. Take things from you friends and grandparents. You never know what amazing vintage ties your grandfather has that he doesn’t wear anymore, or what delicious lacy tights your ex boyfriend needs to give away. If you go to school, check out whatever your school has for free boxes. Oberlin had a big “free store” at the end of the year where some of my friends used to get their entire wardrobe. Also look at the www.freecycle.org list for your town. (If you are under 18, talk to your parents or guardians about how to make a freecycle exchange safely.)

4. TAILOR! For curvier people looking at menswear, tailoring is key. Find a shirt that fits in the shoulders, arm length, chest, and hips, and then adjust the torso length, torso width, or arm width as necessary. I’ve gotten amazing button-ups at Goodwill for $5 and then tailored them for $10. $15 for a really nice fitted shirt to me is a good deal. Some people with wide hips who want a more fitted look will prefer bringing the sides of the shirt in at the waist and back out at the hips. A lot of the queer clothing designers do this. See this post for more info on that particular type of tailoring.

More tailoring help:

Equally Wed’s Dress Shirt Guide: Measurements (by Yours Truly)
Pants: Creating a Slim Look in a Plus Size
Tailoring Men’s Button-ups for Larger Chests

5. Become friends with the people who work at Gap, and then use their employee discount.

image

(source: massgames.tumblr.com)

6. Make a shopping list. Write down what you need, and then strategize when you will be able to afford each thing. I don’t do this, and look what happened to me. Every time I walk down Boylston street, I leave with a new pair of shoes.

7. Splurging can be a good thing. Sometimes you may fall in love with something that you weren’t intending on getting. If it goes with your wardrobe, GET IT. I can’t even tell you how many impulse buys of mine turned out to be my favorite things to wear. The key is to have LESS CLOTHES but ones that you love. So don’t be afraid to go with your gut instinct. On the other end, don’t buy things you don’t love just because they are cheap. You think you’re saving money, but you’re really just throwing it away on something you aren’t really going to wear.

8. Browse. Especially if you enjoy shopping anyway, browsing can be great for finding unexpected amazing things on sale, getting to know the market better, and brainstorming about what you want to add to your wardrobe in the future. I spend about 90% of my shopping time browsing without anything particular in mind. But then again, I’m a shopaholic:

image

(source: hellogiggles.com)

9. Know when the sales happen. If you try something in stores, check the online site to see deals. Sign up for your favorite stores’ mailing lists for insider coupon info. Shop on the off season if you’re confident you’ll still love that item in a few months. Kinowear recommends googling “name of online store” + coupon code before buying anything online. They say that a great promo / coupon code site is: www.retailmenot.com

10. Clear out your closet/ Sell things you don’t wear anymore. Ebay, Craigslist, Buffalo Exchange, Second Time Around. Or even just posting things on your blog for sale. Clearing out your closet is also a good way to remind yourself of what you have that you DO wear, and you’ll have an easier time filling in the gaps.

image

Thomas’ closet floor, Indiana, 2010

Related Posts: Shopping on a Budget: Plus-Sized Masculine Work Clothes

18

Oct

Coats, Parkas, Jackets, Queers

Lots of people have been asking about winter coats, and after much browsing, I’m ready to deliver my top picks. My favorite thing about winter coats is it that they will so easily sculpt your body into the shape you’re looking for; like if you want a more androgynous shape, or wider shoulders. Or in my case, big guns.


Vila Sky Parka Jacket, available at littlewoods.com for $137


Element Ballard Jacket, available at PacSun for $99.50



Guess Asymmetrical Collar Bouclé Coat, available at Nordstrom for $149.90



Puffa Jacket With Front Pockets, available at ASOS for $140.70


Navy Toggle Duffle Coat, available at Burton Menswear for $137. See the same coat for women here.


Topshop ‘Tex’ Bouclé Coat, available at Nordstrom for $178.00


Jacket, available at H&M for $49.95

Single Breast Coat available at Tule for $49.00


Womens Puffer Jacket w/faux fur hood, available at True Religion for$398. I just love this picture. Similar styles at ASOS for $73.88



Guess Jeans Jacket, Hooded Chromatic Puffer Jacket, available at Macy’s for $148.00

14

Oct

Anonymous asked: Hey, I love your blog!! I have just started to shop online and I've checked out ASOS but I don't really have a very big budget at the moment. Are there other sites you would recommend that aren't too overly priced? I generally feel more comfortable in masculine/ androgynous clothing :)

There are successful ways of shopping on a budget online, and there are ways that will end up costing you more money. Sites with cheap full retail prices have items that fall apart really easily and end up costing you more as you replace things. I’m generally not the biggest fan of Forever 21 for that reason, but I know some people have a lot of good luck with them too. I really like ASOS because of all their sales, and they have free shipping both ways so that you can try things on and then return them. Gap is one of my favorite places for affordable clothes. They are also very well made for the price, and when things go on sale it can be quite the steal. Old Navy’s clothes are cheaper and not as good quality, but are still worth it. Their shorts have lasted me a couple summers. I love Bass shoes for the quality and price and often order them on Ebay. They have many women’s oxfords that are androgynous or menswear inspired.

10

Oct

Working Your Shape in Menswear

Anonymous asked: hey Qwear! My girlfriend is definitely masculine-of-center/ generqueer, 37 (though doesn’t “look it,” whatever that means), and is definitely NOT skinny (she’s working with a gorgeous big ass for one thing). She’s a total babe and wants to look more stylie, but a lot of the looks on here involve stuff like skinny jeans and a “straight up and down” aesthetic that simply isn’t possible w/ her body. Can you please advise? Accessories and basics? Pref on the cute casual tip vs. dressy/ dandy.


Blake says: I say embrace your curves (I mean you tell your girlfriend). When I wear clothes that are straight up and down on another person, they are obviously not straight up and down on me. However, regardless of shape, I feel as if I still look put together and stylish. See me in my latest number. I say all this just to make a point that you (not you, but your girlfriend, or also you I guess) can wear whatever the hell you want regardless of size or shape. But moving on, here is some inspiration:


1. Pants

These straight leg jeans “with Right Fit Technology” are a great alternative to skinny jeans. (available at Lane Bryant for $29.97) They’re not too hip hugging but they also provide a figure flattering shape. In addition, they can be dressed up or down. These Old Navy jeans are also good. 


2. Hoodies and Sweatshirts
For casual wear I like to throw on a “non-sweatshirt hoodie.” Hoodies are a great way to vary your look from the usual collared shirt. Below is an example.



I also love a good varsity jacket. You can pick them up at H&MForever 21Dr. Jays, and ASOS

(source: blog.markafoni.com)

3. Tops

Try a baseball tee or a Henley for casual tops.



Men’s Classic Baseball Tee, available at Old Navy for $14.94

3. Accessories
I generally don’t wear accessories outside of ties and bracelets, so I’ll give you some inspiration on that front.



Bracelet Set, available at American Eagle Outfitters for $9.50

The trick to ties is knowing how to dress them up or down. To reduce the formality of ties, wear them with just a cardigan or sweater, or on their own. Also, swap out a silk/shiny tie for a cloth tie for a more casual look. 


(source: theflyingfeathers.tumblr.com)


(source: i-dream-of-dapper.tumblr.com)

I get my ties from goodwill now. Any thrift store will probably be more cost efficient than a department store. 

04

Oct

Holdalls, Gym Bags, and Cute Duffles

I was at a party the other day and a gay boy walked in with the most fabulous kelly green holdall and I thought, omg I love it. I’m going to do a holdall/duffle post. These are great if you want to impress that cute queer at the gym or are going on a weekend trip and have a medium amount of things to bring.

Bryson Gym Bag, available at J. Crew for $98



(source: formelle.tumblr.com)

Adidas Originals Holdall Bag, available at ASOS for $86.23


(source: meninthistown.com)

Bill Gym Bag Black, available at Bonobos for $119



Recycled-Sail seabags! Made from 100% recycled sail cloth, and customizable! Available at Resails for $159.



Kelly Green Duffle bag, available at Knockaround for $16. OR LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN JUST LIKE IT HERE.


(Source: sfaar.ee)

Weekender bag, available at Banana Republic for $225. Plus 25% off and free shipping.


Sexy. (source: gossip-dance.blogspot.com)

Ernest Alexander Red Duffle, available at Bonobos for $225

03

Oct

Anonymous asked: Okay, so, here goes: I am a "femme" lesbian, always have been, but I'm so tired of being misread as straight. I do want to look "more gay," but when I try, I kind of just end up looking...ridiculous - probably because I am very petite but with a relatively large chest and butt. Ugh. What are some women's stores where I can find edgy/"gay" clothes? Anything besides Urban Outfitters?

A.D. says: Sometimes, people with penises misread me as ‘straight’ (? this is weird…) because I have long hair, so I understand your frustration that you feel not-visible/not being read as a gay-mo. One sure-fire way to make sure others know you’re a big ‘mo (aka homo) is the rainbow. Wear a rainbow pin or bracelet. Other ways are “gay” shirts. 

As far as stores, I buy everything at thrift stores/free stores/clothing swaps because I can afford the clothes AND I’m not actively participating in the traditional clothing economy, which relies on the exploitation of children and women internationally. I would suggest starting at those stores… Other than that, “gay” fashion is so geographically-specific. I like H&MJ.Crew, ASOS, TopShop, ModCloth, Etsy, etc. Good luck!

30

Sep

Tights, Leggings, and Warm Things

All my followers in cold climates are freezing because I haven’t posted about leggings and tights yet. Sorry guysss!!! Leggings and tights are traditionally thought of as feminine, but I really love making them into a masculine or androgynous thing too. Some people call men’s leggings “meggings,” which is dumb and gendered. But whatever works to help stores get them on the racks. 

Leggings and tights can be worn under shorts, skirts, or ripped jeans. Leggings, because they are thicker, can also be worn with over-sized shirts/sweaters. Then when you get to “jeggings;” a cross between jeans and leggings, you can wear them on their own. Flaunt it, queers.

More AMAZING photos of this outfit on her blog: anouskaproettabrandon.com

(source: lookbook.nu) Leggings from Zara, but these functionally count as jeggings.

(source: flickr.com)

(source: socialbliss.com)

(source: mirjami.myshowroom.se)

Places to pick up tights and leggings: American ApparelH&MTopshopASOSModcloth, Zara, www.nylonjournal.com

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