Oh hay queers. Remember how Fourteen sells 8 danderific vests with a variety of fits and styles just for the homie homos? They’re offering 14% off through May 24. Just enter the code 539567 at checkout, and you could have the perfect dandy addition to your next formal event this summer.

You can see me wearing their Silk Vest with Charmeuse Lapel here. Sign up for their mailing list for more deals!

I work for Fourteen. It’s like, a thing.

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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?

Show us your stufffs

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

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Anonymous asked: recently, i’ve been on the lookout for a vest and today i tried a couple on at h&m. they didn’t look great buttoned (because of the whole i have boobs issue) and for them to work for me i would have to get them tailored. they looked alright unbuttoned though, and i was just wondering if you had any tips for the unbuttoned vest look. thanks!

(LK Weiss on dapperQ)

A.D. says:

PROTIP: Make sure everything else you’re wearing is well-fitted for you. Make sure your shirt isn’t too big or your pants aren’t too tight.

(Fourteen photoshoot with Patty Nash Photography)

PROTIP: Look super dapper everywhere else. You want people to know you’re purposefully not buttoning your vest.

(from lorrannyeerodrigo.com)

PROTIP: You’re great! ROCK IT.

More inspiration at Vests with A.D: The Suit Vest (Part 3 of 4)

“Is it me, or is ‘Veto’ starting to sound really good?” - Pheobe Buffay

(photo credit: Boogie)

By Guest Blogger, I Dream Of Dapper

For some people it’s the sound of the coffee pot brewing that gets them out of bed in the morning, but for me it’s the endless combinations of colors and patterns that wait for me. I lie in bed and compose my outfit in my head before my feet even hit the floor. It’s no secret that I love a good bow tie and vest pairing; you don’t name your blog over something you feel partial about.

Usually I’m feeling a bit sassy and playful, which for me means fun with colors and patterns. Mind you, I picture myself as Mark from Ugly Betty on these days. I usually start out by choosing my shirt, sweater, and vest/blazer combinations before adding neckwear. I really like using similar patterns that vary in size; but pairing different patterns can also be rewarding. Subtle patterns are great for jazzing things up without looking like a complete clown.

Here are some of my favorite pattern mixtures put together from my wardrobe:

Stripes and Plaid

I find the clean straight lines of a striped shirt accompanied with the complexity of
the plaid pleasing to the eye. Try and match colors with this combination to avoid a
clownish appearance. This button-up has very thin navy stripes, which pair well the navy bow tie.

Gingham and Paisley

Gingham and paisley are great together. The curves and shapes of the paisley add a level of fun to the clean lines of the gingham. When starting out, choose a paisley tie that contains the same colors of the gingham to help bring everything together.

Stripes and Polka-dots

Lines and polka dots are a crowd pleaser. Just keep the patterns small and subtle; otherwise you’ve crossed the line from dapper into clownville.

Gingham and Plaid

Gingham and plaid is a more complex and tricky combination. It risks appearing too busy. But when done with thin lines and subtle colors, it can be really dapper! It also helps with the busy factor to mix bigger patterns with smaller ones. Those who know me know that I like taking risks and being a bit more daring. Taking risks can result in big pay-offs and many compliments. 

Floral and Paisley

One of my signature mixtures is floral & paisley. The features of these traditionally feminine patterns compliment each other and create a fun and playful look. I find that it works really well to mix dark shades with light ones.

Check back soon for more of my outfits IRL!

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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!

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I stumbled upon this dapper queer over the interwebs named Maddie and then discovered that she lives in my town! Woohoo! Like most of us, she has trouble finding men’s clothes that fit really well. But with some patient thrifting, she came across these items. Also, if for no other reason than that redheads are adorable, vote for Maddie’s Saint Harridan Entry! 

Shirt: “Dependable Cleaners” employee shirt. She says, “I do not know how it came into my possession. Rolling up the light blue sleeves adds a nice casual yet sophisticated touch; especially with the brown tie.”
Bow Tie: Goodwill
Vest: Garment District

Anonymous asked: I’m a masculine-of-center genderqueer person, and I have a formal event coming up in a week. I’ve recently gained weight and 1. don’t fit into my old dress pants and 2. feel really self conscious about my hips/ass (I’m definitely pear shaped). I can’t afford a suit but I want to look classy and stylish — help?

Blake says: Try buying suit separates and then getting them altered to fit you body. Buying pants and a blazer/vest independently of each other will be cheaper and won’t take you as long to find.

For formal events, I like to wear either khakis or dress pants. Admittedly, my perception of fancy is skewed. Here are some combinations that I like for formal attire. You could do a vest or a blazer, or neither depending on how formal the event is. As far as neckwear is concerned…go crazy.

Some separates inspiration:


I wore this to a kinda fancy occasion. (It’s all relative I suppose)

(source unknown)

(source: blog.debbybridal.com)


I wore this a few days ago with khakis (*jaw drops* … this outfit is so perfect - Sonia)


(source: socialbliss.com)

Full on smance:

(source: artofwore.com)

Recent Qwear fashion timez with Blake: Blake’s Thrifting Success, Blake’s Dapper School Queer Look, Avoiding the Buddha Belly 12-Inch-Zipper Problem

Anonymous asked: is there anyway to make an oversized (on me) men's shirt work? (my father is dumping his too small clothing on me, except that they're too big on me)

A.D. says: YES, just own the fact that the shirts are big. I pair oversized shirts with skinny jeans and chunky boots. And, of course, I rock top-button swag on these. Try adding a vest or a jacket to round out the outfit. If you want them to be smaller, you could get them tailored, but why not just rock an oversized shirt sometimes?