In The Thick Of It

I’m still without a good camera, but I just had to share...

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:31:19 -0500

I’m still without a good camera, but I just had to share this recent photo of my hair. It has faded to the perfect shade of pale pink. I love how pretty and bright it is - it looks especially great with all the black dresses I’ve been wearing lately.

Keep an eye out for an upcoming giveaway. I’ve got a slew of goodies for two of my readers! I cannot wait to share.

I promise some good photos from this weekend - Hope you all have a lovely one!

afterellen: JC Penney puts lesbian moms in their ad. Go there...

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:46:00 -0500

afterellen:

JC Penney puts lesbian moms in their ad. Go there and buy a belt or something!

I really like the a.n.a. brand skinny denim/jeggings (they had a TON more options in store). I have a pair in grey that are fantastic and they’re available in colors as well. Highly recommended and available in straight sizes up to 18 and plus sizes up to 24.

Does anyone actually buy your stuff??

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:18:51 -0500

Hi reader!

If you mean the clothes I post here - YES! I’ve sold everything I’ve ever posted here.

If you mean items on my etsy shop, I haven’t put a lot of effort into it lately, but I’ve sold all the My So Called Life stickers and plan on putting some more items up there soon.

truebluemeandyou: Fifty Ways to Tie a Scarf from Scarves Dot...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:08:57 -0500

truebluemeandyou:

Fifty Ways to Tie a Scarf from Scarves Dot Net here. It says forty but they are adding new ways to tie scarves every day and if you click on a scarf there are detailed instructions and sometimes even a video to show you how to tie it. This site also has fabric care for scarves, and how to tie the following scarves and more (and numerous sub categories):

bandanas

circle scarves

head scarves

rectangle long scarves

skinny scarves

square scarves

wrap scarves and tons more - you get the picture: everything you ever wanted to know about scarves.

Coordinating outfits without being matchy matchy While I never...

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:14:00 -0500

Coordinating outfits without being matchy matchy

While I never really want to MATCH my date, I think it is fun to go out while being arm candy for each other. I had an entire evening planned with S and we wanted to look amazing. His vintage floral shirt with skinny jeans and jewelry from topman paired well with my slightly 90s grown-up goth look.

Oh and I had fun changing my forever 21 necklace to be an upside down cross - the wonders of altering your own jewelry! :)

My outfit
Dress - H&M basics sz L
Tights - Target
Necklaces - Forever 21
Jacket - GAP
Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell Gene boots

Plus size swim ideas It’s summertime again and time to...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:04:00 -0500

Plus size swim ideas

It’s summertime again and time to think about poolside and beach ideas. Here are a few that are perfect for plus size folks

On the left is a more classic look - I love the polka-dot sunglasses with the gorgeous cut-out halter one-piece.

On the right is pulling from the neon trends of this summer. Paired with bright sandals but mixing it with natural elements in the bag and shoes.

And of course I don’t know about y’all, but I am LUSTING after that hilarious donut pool float. Perfect for the fabulous unashamed fat folks out there.

Black one piece bathing suit, $69
Plus size swimwear, $40
Steve madden sandals, $120
Corso Como black flat sandals, $95
Street Level canvas tote bag, $36
Woven tote, $40
ASOS vintage sunglasses, $22
Black White Zebra Striped Beach Towel 60” X 30”, $32
Plus Size Crystal Cove Halter Top | Plus Size Swim Separates | One…, $62

The sheerest of the sheer dress Another new piece for my...

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:18:00 -0500

The sheerest of the sheer dress

Another new piece for my summertime looks. Of course since it’s still quite cool in chicago, I’ve paired it with a lot of layers.

This dress is so great for layering - I’ve got it here with leggings, but could easily also go over another dress, a slip, or even jeans.

Sheer Dress - Forever 21+ 2X
Camisole - St. Eve (nordstrom rack), XL
Leggings - Forever 21+ 2X
Boots - Vince Camuto
Jacket - GAP
Cross Necklace - Forever 21
Crystal bullet necklace - etsy
Pyramid earrings - Wilson/Clark imports
Glasses (both) - SEE
Quartz Ring - Stone and Honey
Belt - Nordstrom Rack - 1X
Hair by Heather of Black Hearts Hair House, Chicago

Bounce with me Last night was the Big Freedia show and i needed...

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 18:32:00 -0500

Bounce with me

Last night was the Big Freedia show and i needed an outfit I could really dance in. I bought these amazing fringe-edge booty shorts (below) to wear to the show

However, I couldn’t get any great photos last night, so I basically wore the same outfit today with different shorts and fishnets.

Shirt - Chanel 666 shirt - Sz XL from killercondoapparel
Shorts - forever 21 - Sz 16
Fishnets - Target - Sz 1X
Necklaces - Forever 21
Boots - Vince Camuto (via nordstrom rack)
Denim Jacket - GAP - Sz XL

Reader RequestHi! So, I have two weddings to attend in June, and...

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:59:27 -0500

Reader Request
Hi! So, I have two weddings to attend in June, and zero dresses, and a small budget — maybe $150-200 max. I’ve been limiting myself to eShakti - my bottom half is a 22 and my top half is an 18, so I need the customization aspect. I’m still totally overwhelmed though. Ideally, I need to just find one dress that I can change up. Wedding #1: old bar friend, super drinking party wedding. Wedding #2: my dad is getting remarried (this is the intimidating one), reception at a local art gallery. HELP.

Ok. So there are some options on eshakti, but since you’ve already explored there, I thought I’d give you options elsewhere. If you have specific eShakti dresses you want me to style for you - send them my way!

I picked the dress on the left because it’s the style of dress that will fit your bottom half even if your bottom half is many sizes larger than your top half. It’s a very beautiful dress that I think can work a few ways. I’ve styled it here with classic accessories

The dress on the right is probably out of your comfort zone, however I think it can be styled a few different ways to make it more trendy or more classic. Here it is styled more trendy. It’s also a shape that can be tailored very easily to different measurements. You could also easily turn this into a dress you can wear on dates by pairing it with a cool jacket (like a structured leather jacket) and tights and boots!

Wedding look two ways

DKNYC plus size wrap dress, $139

Adrianna Papell wrap dress, $208
MICHAEL Michael Kors platform wedge sandals, $122
Vince Camuto black platform pumps, $90
Envelope clutch, $46
ASOS envelope clutch, $32
Blu Bijoux chain necklace, $48
BCBG Max Azria metal jewelry, $28
Zad jewelry, $24

findesiecle: As the weather warms up I’ve found myself coveting...

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:04:33 -0500

imitation of christ

Talula, at Aritzia

free people

ASOS

free people

chloe sevigny for oc

urban outfitters

allsaints

free people

allsaints

findesiecle:

As the weather warms up I’ve found myself coveting (I know, I know) a…. girly white or blush pink frilly lace or linen/crochet dress — to wear of course with a leather jacket or denim vest, a few pounds of chain necklaces/rosaries/what have you or an arm of studded bangles, and either my combat boots or serious ankle boots. Or under or over, like, a leather bustier thing. Or with a studded belt and a flannel shirt and a beanie hat. Or with green military accents like Amanda put together here. Or with tights, frilly socks, and super chunky black sandals. AAAAAHHHH

Check out the looks I put together for my pal morningmidnight! I think white lace is perfect for the summer (even for the summer goth)

A few weeks ago I wrote about queer fashion and I asked for...

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:04:00 -0500

A few weeks ago I wrote about queer fashion and I asked for Femme-identified folks to send me photos for a collage I wanted to make. I received some lovely emails, photos, comments from that post.

Here is the result of the collage process. Thanks to everyone who submitted. If you didn’t include your tumblr name in your email and you’d like me to add it, please send me an email or ask!!

tumblr.afrotitty.com

emchy.com/

beyondlipstick.ca

femmesandfamily.tumblr.com

holagordita.tumblr.com/

mmmajestic.tumblr.com/

garconniere.tumblr.com/

http://morningmidnight.com

http://kylathegreat.tumblr.com/

So this happened today. I went pink! My stylist really...

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:05:53 -0500

So this happened today. I went pink! My stylist really wanted to try something new and I’m always game for that.

I dig it. I think it will play well with my most black wardrobe. My pop of neon for the spring is MY HAIR. Who needs a Cambridge satchel? ;)

Jean Jacket - Gap, sz 14
Stripe shirt - Nordstrom Rack, sz XL
Suede Skirt - Forever 21, sz 16
Tights - Target sz 1X
Boots - Jeffery Campbell Gene

Played around with some looks tonight. 1) Hair up and big ass...

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:06:44 -0500

Played around with some looks tonight.

1) Hair up and big ass spiked hoops with my thrifted striped button up.

2) 1995 look - same lipstick and choker i used to wear in 10th grade. Black v-neck. Just because.

I had a request from verybusyandimportant for a plus size look...

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:15:34 -0500

I had a request from verybusyandimportant for a plus size look reminicient of Shannyn Sossamon from Rules of Attraction. This is what I came up with - delicate prints paired with good outerwear - very no-fuss but super cute.

Shannyn Sossamon - Rules of Attraction (Plus)

Dorothy Perkins print dress, $44
Dorothy Perkins knit top, $35
Feather top
Blouse
Dorothy Perkins short jacket, $59
Old Navy denim jean jacket, $40
Old Navy skinny fit jeans, $40
Lauren Ralph Lauren straight leg pants, $85
Woven flat, $90
Short heels, £40
Bright shoes, $80
Backpack bag, $80
Forever 21 layered chain necklace, $8.80
Wildfox Couture peacock necklace, $59

Dearest followers. My lovely camera is no longer with me. I’m not sure when I’ll have...

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:11:24 -0500

Dearest followers.

My lovely camera is no longer with me. I’m not sure when I’ll have new photos up, but I promise that when I get a new camera that it will be shortly thereafter.

This is so sad! I could cry. I need you all to see my new spring outfits - I’m really working the Bored Gothic Housewife look for the spring/summer.

If you have any interest in donating to the camera cause, feel free to donate a little to my paypal (inthethickofitfashion @ gmail.com) ? I can even craft you a personalized outfit in polyvore or put together a little accessories package for you.

Sometimes you need to pull out an old dress just because it...

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:01:13 -0500

Sometimes you need to pull out an old dress just because it coordinates with your new weird tattoo so well.

Alexander Calder inspired tattoo by my pal Madsen. Queer artists doing tattoos is the best. It’s childlike and perfect.

Dress - Forever 21+ (2x)
Sweater - Forever 21+ (2x)
Leggings - HUE (XL)
Shoes - Topshop

I spent the weekend making fancy collars to wear with...

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:45:00 -0500

I spent the weekend making fancy collars to wear with non-collared items. I had fun putting them together.

I’ll probably have a few for sale on my etsy page in a few days, but let me know if you’re interested in a custom one!

1) Gold praying hands

2) Bugging out

3) By the sea

Prototypes and apologies Hi folks. It’s been an intense...

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:28:01 -0500

Prototypes and apologies

Hi folks. It’s been an intense week here in Chicago - the death of friend calloutqueen and my best friend gave birth - just a rollercoaster of emotions personally and within the community. So I haven’t been around and I’m sorry, though I’m sure you understand.

I’ve been not super fashion focused, but I’ve had this idea in mind for a while. I love the button up look that’s happening right now, but wanted to find another way to execute it. I decided to try it with a spare shirt I had around (I have been chopping collars off of button-ups to make into elaborate jeweled collars). I plan on perfecting the cut and doing this with some long sleeve flannels and other button ups. It’s not quite perfect yet, but I thought you all would enjoy seeing my creative process.

Shirt - thrifted
Skirt - ana - sz 18
Bra - Wacoal
Shoes - Franco Sarto
Jewelry - Forever 21, thrifted

Fashion Queers

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:46:33 -0600

I want to pause for a minute and talk about queerness and clothing.

I want to talk about how often when folks talk about gender neutral clothing they’re talking about clothing that is traditionally seen as male clothing.

I want to talk about how despite best efforts, masculinity and trans masculinity are still given great honor in queer spaces and that many things feminine and femme are given the stink-eye.

Last night I was reminded of all of this when I was pointed to “Unbinding Binaries: A Panel Discussion on Clothing and Gender Identity” I was absolutely stoked by the topic and it’s being hosted by WORN journal, a favorite of mine. But then I started reading more about who was on the panel and reading the critiques of the panel and it made me realize that there really is still such an emphasis placed on trans masculine folks who dress in a style that skews male (there are a number of problematic things with the panel - see the fb wall for some good discussion on the matter).

To me, being Femme means a lot of things. But it is especially a big glittery fist to the internalized misogyny in the queer community. I explore Femme with the use of clothing and style but also by intentionally speaking about the role of femme and femininity within my community. I specifically seek out other femme identified people to grow the community so we can make our presence.

All this being said, I’m excited by the amount of style I’m seeing in the local community - it’s the reason I’m writing about queer style (in all its facets) for The Qu and it’s the reason why I absolutely love having a fashion blog.

Femme Identified folks!!! If you’d like to be a part of a photo collage I’m making for this blog - send me a photo of you in your favorite outfit by 3/15/12. inthethickofitfashion @ gmail . com

Johnny Knight for The Qu I am so excited for y’all to see...

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:24:00 -0600

Johnny Knight for The Qu

I am so excited for y’all to see this next shoot I did for The Qu. Here’s a little teaser!