In The Thick Of It
Queer fat femme. Fat fashion bargain hunting. Living in Chicago.
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
All flannel all the time.
I know, I know y’all. This blog has become the flannel and boot zone lately. But what can I say? It’s still winterish in Chicago and I’m just feeling a little bit Daddy lately.
Leather Jacket - INC sz 1X
Jean Jacket - GAP sz XL
Flannel - thrifted, XL
Chain necklace - topshop
Scarf - Macys (last year)
Jeans - Target - 18
Sweater - H&M - XL
Boots - jeffrey campbell Gene (via soulstruck)
Bag - R&J couture
I’m a 5’9” queer fat femme and approx size 18
Flannel and Chains
It’s still cold cold winter and I’m experimenting a lot with flannel these days. I like that flannel has this very gay history - but I’m enjoying mixing it with different pieces like blazers and skirts and fancy necklaces. Here’s my look today.
Also this outfit has made it clear that I need to get a really great belt that fits my lower waist.
Purple/Blue Flannel - thrifted, size XL
Blazer - thrifted, size 14
Jeggings - H&M+ size 20
Chain necklace - topshop
Boots - topshop
Glasses - SEE
I’m a 5’9” queer fat femme and approx size 18
Faux lashes, Floral tattoos and stick on pearls
I think valentines day is a bunch of heteronormative silliness, but at least there are pretty fake tattoos and stick-on pearls for sale at the store!
Here’s to queering february!
Lashes - sephora
Faux pearls - michaels
Faux tattoos - vending machine at the grocery store
Dress - Forever 21
Earrings - Target
I’m a 5’9” queer fat femme and approx size 18
Winter Rose Garden H&M outfit
I stopped by the Chicago Michigan Ave H&M to check out the new H&M+ line.
Overall, I wasn’t completely impressed. They mostly had pants and sweaters - only two dresses and both were just blah (another black jersey knit wrap dress? NO THANKS!). However, I was excited by their jeans - they had jeggings, skinny jeans, straight leg and bootcut. The skinny jeans came in several colors, which is always nice. Price point between $30-$50. I also really liked the blazers which had some pretty details (like a bow on the back and cute lining!)
Pink Blazer - H&M size 20, $50
Flannel - Target Plus size 2
Undershirt - fruit of the loom size M
Jeans - H&M size 20, $50
Boots - Topshop, size 41
Scarf - thrifted
Glasses - SEE
I’m hopeful that H&M will increase the items available for the plus line. We shall see!
Oh and also, I usually wear the size 18 jeans at Target and Forever 21, but the 18s at H&M+ were running smaller.
I’m a 5’9” queer fat femme and approx size 18
Black satin corset
It’s been a while since I’ve had a corset in my collection. This pretty one came to me via a femme pal from Facebook. I’m excited to pair it with some really juxtaposed things - you know like over a flannel or something. I’m sure you’ll see it in come upcoming outfit posts!
I’m a 5’9” queer fat femme and approx size 18
The 1990s Inspired Night
I found this sweater at the thrift store the other day and my shopping pal was like - WHAT will you do with that? Well…THIS!
So here’s my mildly clueless-era 90s inspired look.
Sheer black shirt - thrifted size 2X
Yellow spotted sweater vest - thrifted size L
Black jeans - Target size 18
Wedges - topshop
Earring - thrifted
Clutch - thrifted
OMG you guys, check out my latest piece on Queer Fashion on The Qu! Featuring the amazing Rosy and Dee!
Wild Horses Outfit of 2-6-12
I know I almost never get outfit photos outside, but my sweet pal at work offered to take a few for me today. It’s chilly, but this is the perfect wintery femme outfit.
Click to enlarge!
Leather Jacket - INC Plus (Macys) - 2X
Gray Hoodie - Target (Mossimo) - XXL
Hearts Dress - Forever 21 (3X)
Horse Scarf - Society for Scarves (via nordstrom last year)
Tights - Target 1X
Wedge boots - Topshop
Bag - R&J
Earrings - Target
Lipstick - NARS “Schiap”
I’m a 5’9” queer fat femme and approx size 18
Hi Readers!
Sorry for the lack of updates this week! I had my lovely friend Kat in town and I’ve managed to catch a cold.
I promise to have a new outfit post up soon, but in the meantime - here’s a photo of the ever-dapper (just look at those gorgeous buttons on their vest!) Kat and me last week and one below of Kat hanging out on my couch drinking an Old Fashioned!
