[SAPPHIC SUNDAY] Happy Birthday Ellen! 53 And Still Stylish

I can't imagine turning 53; I can barely get over just turning 25. I hope to still be alive and kicking like Ellen, who celebrated her 53rd birthday this past Wednesday (Go Team Aquarius!). She's proof that you don't have to stick to norms to be successful.



While her style isn't fashion forward or even as outlandish as personality, there is still something to be said about woman who make suits look good at 53. Her style is very butch but in a classic way. One could even say she's become the poster child for androgyny.

Has anyone else noticed that she really likes stuff around her neck?



If you look at her style, there's an ease even when she dresses up. If you want to steal her style, think comfortable on the bottom and pair it with a clean cut vest or blazer on top. Depending on the situation, you can toggle between a t-shirt and a white button-up. Don't forget the scarf!

GUESS by Marciano Brenna Padded Shoulder Blouse, WHITE (L), $45
Joe Benbasset Striped Vest, $38
Old Navy Womens Jersey Blazers, $35
Nike Grand Slam Women's Polo, $50
Boyfriend Stretch Twill Pant, $20
Womens - Airwalk - Riviera Sneaker - Payless Shoes, $20
Metal Large Number Watch - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $20
Skinny stripe scarf Stone, 6 GBP
Troja Black Scarf, 14 GBP

[TOP 10 TUESDAY] Fashion Myths I've Learned to Ignore

1. Horizontal Stripes Are Not Your Friends
   I believe I was a pirate in a past life - how else would you explain my affinity for stripes? Being plus-sized, I've always heard that I should stay away from horizontal striped because they make me look shorter/thicker. I listened for a while like a good little girl until I realized that I didn't care. Horizontal stripes are so flexible, I think they can work for anyone.
2. Keep Up With the Latest Trends
   I think it goes without saying that trends are optional. However, it's hard to ignore the overall shift in style according to what's "in". It's great to see so many people interested in fashion and looking good but, at the same time, the looks get a bit repetitive. On the other hand, trends can also add a finishing touch to your outfit (like the tassel necklace I just bought).
3. {Leggings} Are Out of Style
   In case you don't know the fashion cycle, at some point a trend will fade away unless it becomes a classic. Fashion editors have been trying to get rid of the legging - they feel it's hit its peak and should be on it's wait out. A while back, I wanted to agree with them. I wanted to be cool and try something new like opaque tights. But the heat made them unbearable and the cold demands leggings under skirts and sometimes pants. The lesson is nothing ever really goes out of style. Sure the majority might be "so over it" but if it works in your outfit, then it's "in".
   
4. A Little Retail Therapy Won't Hurt
   Shopping is addictive - dangerously addictive. If you get into the mindset that buying a little make-up will soothe your nerves or a new shirt will make your date go better, soon it becomes the answer to everything and you don't even realize it. After that, you can't step into a store without "needing" something, no matter how trivial - and there goes the money for your oil change. Yes, I speak from experience. I've learned to window shop to soothe my nerves but that gets on the salespeople's nerves.
5. Dress Your Age
   This is another issue where I've had to swallow my words. A while back I called out an older lady for her dressing like she stepped out of Teen Vogue. I regret it now that my cousins and my mom's secretaries keep saying I dress "too young". People were surprised that I was turning 25. I thought maybe it was my face until my cousin pointed out my bangs and clothes are very teen. I tried changing my style for like two days and dressing "grown up" - I failed and I wasn't comfortable.
6. Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend
   If they were, Claire's wouldn't be in business. Diamonds are pretty and owning them carries a sense of pride and accomplishment, but don't place value over personal style. I went to school with a girl who opted for a pink tourmaline engagement ring rather than a diamond, and for the same price, it was huge. She wanted a stone that reflected her personality and diamonds weren't it.
7. High Heels are a Girl's Best Friend
   I didn't put on my first pair of high heels until high school - my best friend was on a mission to make me a pro by graduation lest I trip across the stage. I made it across just fine but I could not stand the heels. The post-grad dinner was spent in sandals. It's rare but I can occasionally find a pair of heels that I can wear for hours. I've come to terms with flats, kitty heels, and platforms, no longer envying the stiletto-clad Amazon. Shoes don't make you look good - you make the shoes look good.
8. Mexicans Don't Wear That
   As long as I can remember, I have been reproached by people of my own ethnicity (and family) for not seeming "Mexican". My features, skin color and accent fit the bill but my clothes don't. As long as I remember, I've never been into the urban styles that were predominant in my neighborhood. I didn't listen to the same music or watch the same TV growing up. My style icons were Cher from Clueless, the girls from the Craft, and The Crow. I understand that different cultures and races have their own styles and clothing preferences but I've never understood why dressing differently made me any less a Latina.
9. You Need a Pop of Color
   I have tried over and over again to add more color to my wardrobe but I've always loved black clothes, even before I found out they were slimming and chic. I'll admit: color can be a great picker-upper or attention-grabber. If I feel like being colorful, I will, but it's not an everyday thing for me.
10. Fashion Hurts
    When you really want something, there's normally a price to pay - that's how our socio-economy works. But when it comes to fashion and beauty, it seems that women pay hefty fines in the form of their health, well-being, financial stability, and sometimes sanity. We've moved beyond corsets but young girls are still taught that beauty is neither comfortable nor cheap. And blood is an acceptable payment. If the heels feels too high, don't wear them. If you're a size 8, don't try to squeeze into a size 6. If you're on a diet, do it smart - consult your doctor or, at the very least, a nutrition website.

Bottom line: If It Feels Good, Wear It

Pics via We Heart It, GamesGirl.ca & X-Chromosome.

[DAILY OUTFIT] Is This What a 25 Year Old Looks Like? Dresses Like?

I started school, a new job and turned 25 all in the same week. I'm feeling a small sense of achievement.

The outfit is what I wore on my first day of work. I was trying to be grown-up and wear a blazer but I can't help adding my own twist. My boss doesn't mind a little eccentric dressing in the office as he's the only one who meets with our clients. My co-worked can't imagine who I wear so many skirts. I might wear jeans tomorrow.

I've also started a small branding project with an old drawing I found on my hard drive. I think this logo girl (in my new header) encompasses more of the Style Geek persona than the old icon. And she symbolizes the jack-of-all-creative-trades I hope to be.

[SAPPHIC SUNDAY] Are Attitudes About Lesbians & Style CURVE-ing?

The first Curve issue of the year just came out and it featured two reality stars from the Real L Word in their wedding dresses. The overall content of issue seemed a bit more femme-slanted so it surprised me when I didn't see that Macy's renewed their ad.

I've been reading Curve for a while now and I never saw a mainstream fashion retailer advertise in it. But back around October/November, I did a mental-happy-dance when Macy's bought a one-page ad. It wasn't one of the usual fashion ads you see in glossies but it was an acknowledgment to lesbians as a consumer. I'm kicking myself for not scanning it right now.

When I look through magazines geared towards gay men like Out and Mate, there's ads for Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein. Not only that but their man-candy has a certain gay-vibe that accentuates the gay male lifestyle. Whether or not they mean to, it feels like advertisers are perpetuating the stereotype that gay men are fashionable while gay women aren't.


Going through Out magazine, I found 13 ads by fashion brands and retailers spanning 20 of the magazine's 166 pages. While it does tout itself as an all-inclusive style magazine, I've found Out to have more content for gay males. So where does that leave us lesbians?

Do we not also buy brand name clothing? Do we not also partake in stylish, luxury items? I know plenty of lesbians who love Diesel, not just the jeans but the brand. But where's our half naked girl telling us to "BE STUPID"?

I feel disappointed in Macy's. In my advertising class, they taught us that ad campaigns can take anywhere from 4-6 months to start seeing results. I don't think they gave Curve audience that long.

We lesbians come in all shapes and sizes, styles and genres, just like other women. While the Curve doesn't feature a lot of fashion, style is still prevalent, and the women who read it have style. Some might shop at Macy's, some may not - just like the women who read Marie Claire or Lucky. In a society driven by marketing and consumerism, it's just nice to be considered.

Ads via Mate Magazine & Pic The L Chat

[STYLE SCRAPBOOK] Modern Medieval Maiden

Near the end of last year, this Dafne Balatsos’ Stud Ball bag was making its rounds on fashion blogs and was even featured on Elle Accessories. As chic as it seemed, I couldn't shake the medieval morning star reference. Who needs a knight in shining armor to save the day when you're carrying this bag?

I've always felt the medieval era was a great juxtaposition of long, flowy drapes with hard, shiny chainmail.



Pics via Style.com Alexander McQueen, Style.com Lanvin, With Asian Stereotypes,
TopShop, Cartoon Styles and Buy.com.

[GEEK OUT] Quotes About Strange People and Possible Birthday Presents

I was wasting time on Tumblr for a bit today (because what else do you do?) and came upon this quote via Fuck Yeah Femmes.

"I used to think I was the strangest person in the world but then I thought, there are so many people in the world, there must be someone just like me who feels bizarre and flawed in the same ways I do. I would imagine her, and imagine that she must be out there thinking of me too. Well, I hope that if you are out there and read this and know that, yes, it’s true I’m here, and I’m just as strange as you." ~ Frida Kahlo

Fasshonaburu tickled my shopping bone at just the wrong time. I just started a new (underpaid) job and I'm almost through my last paycheck. My birthday is in 2 weeks so maybe I can talk my dad into one of these pieces.


After Spy Kids and Repo! The Genetic Opera, I miss seeing Alexa Vega in movies. I think she's got a great look and acting talent to back it up. So I'll be asking my sister and Alex to take me to her newest movie for my birthday.

These Boots Are Made for Walking the Red Carpet Runway

Yay for job interviews and new clients! A quick shout out to Nicole at Style Me B.A.D. for her good luck and positive energy because I am now a marketing assistant. It might sound a little hokey but I believe that encouraging little words like "Good Luck!" really do transmit positive energy that helps people. That's how prayer works...

I'm a little upset because my host LimeDomains.com has been down for three days now and I'm currently hosting four websites on it, including my web & graphic portfolio. I still managed, however, to get a new client for a digital flyer. She's hosting a sexy boot party in February. This is the concept I'm working with as she wanted something upscale, colorful and red carpet.

[DAILY OUTFIT] Lace Skirt Over Jeggings

I got an interview! It's part-time for a cosmetics shipping company but it's a start.

It's been a while since I've had an interview so I'm little bubbleheaded about what to wear. I've seen people dress up leggings but maybe I should go safe with a pair of slacks. The only problem with slacks is that they've never agreed with my body shape.

I'll be keeping this black cardi handy, though, it covers my arm and wrist tattoos. That's good for the interview, but has anybody else noticed that some business have gotten lax about body art? I feel that's mental progression. I understand if the tattoos are offensive but what's wrong with a few stars on the neck or a quote on the wrist?

BTW does anybody remember putting skirts over jeans? It was inspired by Japanese street fashion and short lived. But that's a trend I'd like to see again. Maybe we can start with jeggings.

[SAPPHIC SUNDAY] The Same-Sex Fashion Show Highlights Traditional Values vs. Eccentric Ideals

On Tuesday, The Fashion Show challenged contestants to design for engaged same sex couples. Two of the couples were lesbians with very different tastes. I personally preferred Johanna's mustard dress to Christina's classic white. The matching suit did seem a bit too much but I liked the velvet blazer and the bowtie. Alex, however, says she's not wearing a bowtie to our wedding. Damn.

This episode reminded me of the constant debate about having "heteronormative" style at lesbian weddings. On one hand, you tend to find "free spirits" in the lesbian community who want more than the white dress and tux.

How 8 Weeks of Shopping Celibacy Lead to Downsizing My Closet & New Shopping Rules

Since late October, I've been on an 8-week clothing & shoe shopping ban in exchange for Alex's 8-month book shopping ban. I know it doesn't seem fair but we agreed she has to read the books she has now and I have to update my closet for the Spring. After a quick splurge, I go back to 8 weeks until her 8 months are up. Yes, I know, she loves me.

Unable to enjoy my retail therapy to it's fullest has given me time to think about my shopping habits and my overflowing closet - and how my shopping habits have contributed to my overflowing closet.

I'm going to start by blaming my mother. My sisters and I realized last month that she has a hoarding problem with clothing.

[TOP TUESDAY List] 10 New Favorite Fashion Sketchers/Illustrators on DeviantArt

The internet on my block went out yesterday and it just came back on so I'll be double-posting today. I wanted to go to a cafe and finish blogging but I hate not having money to at least buy coffee.

I use to hang out on DeviantArt a lot when I was in high school. I posted mostly poetry and a fashion sketch have and there. I always enjoyed perusing other people's galleries though. There's a lot of talent to be found.

I wanted to share some of my recent favorite fashion sketches. They range from cute to detailed. Click the pictures to visit their galleries.

1. Tania-S
   I like how some of her croquis aren't so model-esque so you can imagine how the clothes would look on a fuller body.
   
   
   
   
2. Lily Lina
   
   *UPDATE: It seems her gallery is pretty much empty now.
   
   
3. Limyanhsiang
   I love the cuteness of her drawings, especially these that look like anime chibis.
   
   
   
   
4. Kiero
   
   
   
   
5. AOZ Couture
   The illustrations in this gallery are very technical and the details realistic.
   
   
   
   
6. Nellista
   The texture and pattern detail is amazing. The red mini-collection on the left is my favorite.
   
   
   
   
7. Vonni-Von
   Love the use of bold, saturated colors, and the gallery features more than fashion if you like anime-style art.
   
   
   
   
8. Buffy3434
   Her drawing style is very fun, and the chunky shoes a very reminiscent of Monster High. Check out her beautiful Alice in Wonderland inspired collection below.
   
   
   
   
9. Tess-san
   Anime-style fashion illustrations are my favorite. These remind me of a mix between a Japanese game called Vocaloid and Tron.
   
   
   
   
10. CubeyKyuubi
    The cheeks and round faces are so adorable, plus the hands are stylized in a way I hadn't seen before.
    
    

[OOTD] So Where Do I Go From Here? Hello 2011

This was my New Year's outfit. Break out the Bubbly! Or not because I lost my ID.

The shirt is from Hot Topic via Alex's mom. Alex told me that she enjoyed shopping for girly clothing.

Behind me is Alex's tree that she has yet to take down. The color scheme is gorgeous.

... So I lost my job last Thursday.

Although it was my mistake with a contest we were running, I seems like too stupid a detail for termination. The sales guy I worked with was also let go so maybe there was something more.

My new hair color and style aren't just for the new year but for the interview process. Although I loved my pink, red and blond hair, I doubt HR will.

Today I was scrambling to find want ads on Craigslist. So far I've applied for HTML coding. Tomorrow is about administrative and marketing assistant positions.

I'm considering doing my web design full time but it's such a big risk.