And this queer says the hype matches the delivery! If you are already on their mailing list, you will be granted access immediately when you enter your email. Otherwise, you can get on the waiting list here: www.wildfang.com

They are curating a very artsy look; loosely fitting clothes, wild patterns, lots of black and white, some western influences. There are a wide range of prices, and some of their vintage pieces are one-of-a-kind and disappearing fast! Here are some of my favs:

Get Loose Jean, $148 

The Velvet Shane Vest, $38

Salute the Suit Bow Tie, $68

Pound The Pavement Boots, $240

Craftsman Flannel, $78

They also have some sweet articles on tomboy style! I’m so stoked, friends. I’ll keep you updated as the brand grows. Don’t know what Wildfang is? Catch up here. - Sonia

Join the Wildfang Family: Website | Facebook | Twitter 

#wearewildfang

Follow Qwear: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | PINTEREST

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

Follow Qwear: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | PINTEREST

On Tuesday I covered my pre-thrift guidelines that will help prepare you for a successful thrift outing. As I actually thrift the majority of my wardrobe, I’ve discovered which items are reliable finds. It can be easy to feel frustrated about fit in a thrift store, because there is no universal sizing! (I know, you’re thinking… “Is there ever?!”) Sizing in thrift stores is perhaps more complicated because the clothes come from different decades, and sizes have changed over time. But don’t fear! The items I’ve listed below tend to be better stocked (in a variety of sizes/colors/patterns), more withstanding to previous long-term wear, and most likely to look good on a variety of body types.

Pencil Skirts

Usually stocked in tons of colors/sizes. They’ve been a thing throughout the decades so they’re always well stocked (and often have POCKETS). Look for 100% wool. 

My friend S, rocking out on my back stairs. Complete with recycling and pumpkins.

Velvet Pencil Skirt: $2.00 at Village Discount Outlet (Chicago, IL) 
White button down: $1.00 at a yard sale (Oberlin, OH)
Floral/Paisley Scarf: my mother’s 1970s stock of wonder.
Boots: airstreamapparel Etsy shop
Peacoat: Gap (her own; “on sale!” she says)

Short-sleeved Button Downs
Long sleeved shirts are so great, but they’re maybe my least favorite articles of clothing to shop for. If you don’t have the right shoulder/sleeve fit… they can look sloppy. Also they lose their primness after a few years. Most of the thrifty long-sleeved button-ups you’ll find are fairly worn. However! Most thrift stores have short-sleeved button-ups a-plenty. Fewer folks wear them. They’re better stocked. And more likely to fit you. 

My friend Sara

Multi-Colored Button-Up: $4.50 at Goodwill (Cambridge, MA) 

Oversized Sweaters
Need I say more? They’re meant to be cozy, baggy, and just a little goofy. Keep an eye out for cashmere, chunky knits, and handmade products. A particularly good present for a cuddler. 

Sara again, doped out on Starbursts.

Hunter Green Sweater: $3.80 at Village Discount Outlet (Chicago, IL)
Short-Sleeved Button Down: $2.00 Village Discount Outlet (Chicago, IL)
Collar Buttons (actually decorated bobby pins): Modcloth, Gift.

Overalls

Most commercial stores don’t sell overalls anymore. So if you want a pair, thrift stores are your friend. Also. If you’re somewhat small in stature (like me) try looking in the teens/kid’s section (even if you have a donk)… it’s cheaper and often carries cool patterns.

(from bluecollarcatwalk.com, modebaroque.blogspot.com, and urbanbushbabies.com)

Can overalls get any more chic? …I didn’t buy these! But! Unique Thrift in Cleveland has an entire section devoted to overalls… all under $6.00!

Vests

These buddies will last forever and ever. And they generally look better with age. Tip: if it has a clasp in the back, make sure the clasp actually works! Great for layering.

My friend S looking like a hot, queer, female Marlon Brando.

White Shirt: My 16-year-old brother’s closet.
Knit Vest: $1.50 at Unique (Chicago, IL)
Green Flannel: $0.50 at a yard sale (Oberlin, OH)
Jeans: $10.00 at Goodwill (New York, NY) (her own; woaaahhh good find!)
Boots: $12.00 at Goodwill (New York, NY)

Boots

Smaller consignment shops might have a limited selection, but large thrift stores will usually have a variety of lace-ups, rainproof, knee-high, and hiking boots. Make sure the heels are sturdy and in tact/that there are no holes in the bottom of the shoe. Don’t be deterred by ugly or scraggly laces. That’s such an easy fix.

mmmm. I love boots!

 
Dark Brown Boots: $12.00 at Goodwill (New York, NY)
Black Boots: $2.50 at Junior League Thrift House (Evanston, IL)
Tan Boots: $5.00 at Village Discount Outlet (Chicago IL)

Belts, Scarves, & Ties

Just do it. Get those silky smooth pocket squares, kerchiefs, and wrap-arounds. These make fantastic presents. Some stores have grab-bags/boxes full of scarves.

(from: dressresponsiblysj.wordpress.com)

Again, didn’t buy these beauties. I realized that I only had green scarves/ties/belts and was too embarrassed to put a collection of 12 various green shades in one picture. But they usually range from $1.00- $3.00 for scarves and $0.50- $6.00 for ties/belts where I shop.

Hope this helps. Look good, stay cozy, give gifts, and pay your rent on time! Happy snappy thrifting!

Follow Qwear: FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | PINTEREST 

Anonymous asked: I brought some expensive black military boots which i love the look of, but i have no idea how to wear them! I normally wear skinny jeans but can't decide whether the jeans should go inside or over the top of the boot. I know alot of men wear their jeans over the top whilst women normally wear them tucked in, but i can't decide which gives the best look, apart from the fact my skinny jeans normally come up long so when i tuck them in, the boot looks mishapen. I'm starting to regret buying them:(

A.D. says: Jeans can go in or out or bunched on top of. DON’T REGRET THE MILITARY BOOTS, because military boots are sexy and handsome and awesome. I would suggest bunching the jeans on the top; you sidestep the more feminine (?) tucked-in thing, and the masculine covering-up thing (and you should totes show the world your awesome boots).

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

Anonymous asked: I have been drooling over Doc Marten’s for a while now but have realized they are very expensive! Do you know which Doc’s are the best ones to get? And do you know of any sites or stores where they may be sold at sale prices? I want to save up for a pair but not really sure which place would be best to buy them from.

I know, right?? I was feeling some up the other day and then compared them to some H&M knock-offs, and just reminded me of how well these things are constructed. Their classic air-cushioned rubber soles will probably last a decade. And the sole is welted, meaning it has a strip of leather that is stitched between the sole and the upper part of the shoe:

Welting (source: dmusastore.com)

As opposed to other shoe constructions, which just glue them together. (Urban Outfitters, I will never forgive you for the time your sole FELL OFF MY SHOE WHILE I WAS WALKING.)

My current favorites are the classic smooth leather mid-height ones:

Navy Smooth Boots, available at dmusastore.com for $120. 

And I’m also crushing on these felt ones:

Navy Felt 8 Tie Beckett Boots, available at ssense.com for $175.00

Past Qwearlings have recommended their Tobias boots and boys’ shoes, which I also thought looked fabulous on them. So in terms of which ones to get, that’s really up to your personal style.

I would probably try them on to get your size and then buy them on Ebay. To get them new, you’ll still be paying around $90. Used, I saw some on there for $40. I’d also see if you’re into any of the ones currently on sale on the Dr. Martens site. DSW has a few in good prices too. If you’re near a DSW, it never hurts to go in and see what shoes they have for sale in your size.

Queers and everyone: What are your favorite Doc Martens?

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

From insisting on wearing them every day as a kid to refusing to wear them as a budding queer, skirts and I have a complicated relationship. These days, I wear a skirt or dress about once a month, either for a special occasion, on laundry day, or because it gives me an excuse to wear my knee-high Frye boots. Sometimes I feel great—I think the boots have a lot to do with it—but most of the time it’s just awkward; like I’m at a costume party and no one else bothered to dress up.

For some reason, this doesn’t stop me from continuing to buy skirts when I go thrifting. They’re just so gosh darn cute. But then I get home and put them on and realize, um, no. Usually these skirts are brightly colored and way too short. Case in point: neon pink skirt from H&M (via Crossroads) that I bought to bring on a queer writing retreat this summer, thinking to myself “I can totally wear a skirt around queers without compromising my not-so-femme queer identity.” I was about two feet out of my bedroom before I turned around and put my shorts back on. Second case in point: a tiered, shades of green, semi-stretchy mini-skirt that I think is supposed to make the wearer feel like a mermaid. WHY DO I BUY THESE THINGS? I think it’s because I DO like girlie things. I like to look at them and admire them and crush on them, and in the heat of the shopping moment, I forget that I don’t actually like them ON ME.

My best skirt, my favorite, most reliable skirt, is a brown tweed A-line skirt with two rows of buttons that I thrifted sometime in the distant past. I wear it with the aforementioned boots, dark-colored tights, and a plain t-shirt and cardigan. I feel as much myself in this outfit as I do in plaid pants and high tops. Better, even, because BOOTS! So I’d like to figure out how to wear skirts more often, while still hanging on to my sense of self.

Even since I saw the fabulous Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit this summer, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of skirts as menswear. One of the very first pieces in the exhibit is this simple but striking men’s skirt:

(source: rosalindcummingsyeates.blogspot.com)

This got me thinking: as a tomboyish person who takes many of her fashion cues from traditional menswear, could examining the skirts-as-menswear phenomenon give me some ideas about what sorts of skirts to buy, and how to style them? Though he was certainly groundbreaking, Gaultier is hardly the only designer to feature skirts in his men’s lines. In the last couple years alone, they’ve shown up in Vivienne Westwood, Comme de Garcon, Givenchy and more. I LOVE this look from the Fall 2009 Rick Owens show:

(source: fashiongrunge.com/)

and this, from Raf Simons Fall 2010, is pretty classy:

(source: nymag.com)

Gaultier has continued to do amazing work throughout the decades. But overall, I was surprised to find myself coming out of this research largely uninspired. I think it has a lot to do with the already huge disconnect between high fashion and what we regular human beings actually wear. Combine that with an attempt to draw conclusions about cross-cross-gender style, and circuitry overload is nearly inevitable. A lot of these pieces are fun to look at, but I’m not sure how they apply to me. Would I ever wear a shiny purple skirted suit?

from Vivienne Westwood, Fall 2010 (source: nymag.com)

Sad to say, but I probably would not. Plus, to be honest, this particular skirt feels like an afterthought. The jacket is tailored so beautifully, and then the skirt is just sort of… there, like the only reason it’s a skirt and not trousers is to make you go “Oooh, a men’s skirt. How transgressive.” Then again, that color palette is pretty great. Purple jacket, black-and-red button down, red and purple tie? There’s someone reading this who could totally rock that.

Believe it or not, one of my favorite men’s skirt looks came to me courtesy of Vin Diesel at the 2003 MTV Europe Music Awards. Did you ever think you’d be inspired by the fashion stylings of Vin Diesel? I sure didn’t, but check this out:

(source: elle.com)

Apparently this landed him on plenty of worst-dressed lists, but I think he looks RAD. And I think I would look rad in that outfit, and if you’re someone who wants to rock a skirt while still looking tough in a masculine way, you would look rad in it, too. Obviously, leather skirts, and even their faux alternatives, aren’t cheap. But a simple black skirt paired with black boots and a black long-sleeve tee should be pretty easy to put together. Throw on a military-style jacket and you’ll be ready for anything:

(source: chictopia.com)

(Okay, if you’re like me you’ll probably want to swap out those heels for flats. Now you’re ready!) 

Clare is a student of Fashion Design at City College of San Francisco. Modcloth totally produced one of her dresses. Follow her blog: silkandsqualor.wordpress.com

As the rainy days in Boston increase, I have more reason seek comfy and cute rain gear. The new rain boots I just acquired (to be modeled shortly) made my rainy day trip to Providence yesterday all the more lovely and dapper. I am still seeking a rain coat and some solution to biking in the rain — a canopy being my best solution so far. Hear is some inspiration to keep you happy and dry on rainy days.

(source: xgen.xtyle.vn)

LR Rain Bootie, available at Randall for $132

(source: flickr.com)

(source: ofstrangersensibilities.blogspot.com)

We love toggle buttons. (source: porhomme.com)

(source: blog.naver.com)

source: asafemooring.blogspot.com

Similar transparent raincoat available at www.aliexpress.com for $23.37. Similar transparent umbrella available at Overstock.com (source: taryncoxthewife.com)

(source: robxhelm.tumblr.com)