Lez Be Fashionable

Lez Be Fashionable: What's your flare?

2008-12-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

So I've always been an advocate of a personal style, and I love seeing someone's personal flare. The little something extra they put into their outfits that make them one of a kind. I'm not sure if its noticeable, but all most outfits have a little pop to make it personal. So, what's you flare?

For this look, the flare I chose were the green shoes. They are a loafer style that is both comfortable and slick. It is the pop for this outfit, but the cassette tape graphic tee adds another bit to this outfit to show off your individuality. Now with the brown slacks, grey blazer and the 80's raybans you are ready for a day out. Placing a funky t-shirt under a blazer gives you a polished look without being a stuffy suit.

Featured pieces from:

Onto to look two. I think this outfit's flare is the almost neon blue shirt. I know the color is quite bright, but by completing the outfit with darker and neutral colors you can keep the overwhelming neon to a minimum. (hehe) I am keeping in mind that is is winter so the black long sleeve tee under the shirt to keep you warm. A dark wash jean and a black belt, with the grey canvas shoe keep this outfit classic.

Featured products from:

Now our femme flare outfit. I've had these shoes on my list for a little while now. I fell in love with their color and shape, both unique. To make the shoes pop I took a shirt with a ruffle down the middle. Those sorts of embellishments on a top go really well under a blazer. The white piping on the black blazer give it a shape. A dark wash jean and black accessories wrap up the look.

Featured pieces from:

Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace

Office Party Outfits

2008-12-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year! The holiday's are fast approaching and the office parties are brewing. This week I wanted to give you some examples of appropriate looks to wear to that office holiday party. Some a little more fun than what you can wear everyday, but something that still works for your boss and co-workers.

This first outfit is a simple and comfortable look. The brown cords are a casual yet put together choice. Pair is with the festive green sweater, the button up white shirt and the brown loafers and you got a nice look for that office party! Things like sweaters can compliment any nice occasion. Choosing a color and style to accentuate the reason for the party will help you feel and look festive.

This next look is a variations on the first outfit. This one is a little more sleek. The jeans are a dark wash, but not black, with the black button up could work all by itself. However, adding the red/grey/black argyle sweater adds that pop of holiday spirit. Lastly, the men's ankle boots bring that last bit of sleekness to the entire outfit.

Now onto the femme outfit! I went, again, with a red accent for the holiday touch. The blouse has the frill for a party but without being over board. I paired it with the pencil skirt. (They are oh so versatile!) Next the ribbed tights are the coverage you need for an office get together, but still allow you to show off those legs. The boots are another way to get coverage but still looking sexy. Lastly, the jewelry! The multiple chain necklace stands out against the ruffles, the ring adds a touch of class without the gaudy sparkle, and the bow earrings are classic and make you look like a little gift ;)

So enjoy the holidays and enjoy your parties!

Look One

Look Two

Look Three

Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace

A Chance to Be Featured!

2008-12-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

Well here is your chance. As I'm sure some of you have come to realize, I use a website called Polyvore to create and shape my weekly outfits. I recently created a group with the polyvore website that makes it so you can "join" and then "submit" your own outfits and clothing sets. I urge you all to go out there and create looks that really catch your eye and if I think your job is something stellar I could feature it in an upcoming Lez Be Fashionable post! I want to see what you guys are taking away from my little lessons and what you can create from the deepest parts of your imagination. Also, if you keep close watch to the group you could get a glimpse of an upcoming look before it's even posted!

Click here to check out the group and sign up for Polyvore today!

Can't wait to see what you guys come up with!

Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace.

Looks for Rain

2008-12-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

The rainy season is here! (Well for most of the 50 states) I know rain wear can be a downer, but with a few tips from me you can look hot even while its all wet outside.

The first outfit is for those of use who want a funky flare. The first thing to grab attention are the green boots. They are a solid color which makes it easier to match up with other more busy pieces. The nostalgic Tale Spin shirt beings a pop of bright blue. I layered it on top of a grey polo to make it warmer. Next, a black water proof jacket, a green scarf, and the brown umbrella to keep you warm and dry! Lastly, a pair of blue jeans that act as a neutral to bring them all together.

This next look is a preppier way to keep warm and dry. A pair of grey corduroy pants to start off. The brown color of the boots pulls in the brown leather jacket. The argyle sweater with the great graphic is layerd on top of the grey polo shirt. The graphic on the sweater is a good way to get the pop and trend of a graphic without going overboard or making it look juvenile. Lastly, the wool cream scarf to match the sweater and the basic black umbrella that wraps up a classic look to keep you warm and dry.

The last outfit is for those femme lesbians out there. This look was actually inspired by the umbrella. The two fabrics, textures, and the bow give a regal yet Victorian feel. The floral rain boot gives a great piece of pattern to a solid colored look. A pair of skinny jeans fit easily into the boot and keep you from having the water creep up the denim all day long. The white ruffled shirt is perfectly framed by the low v-nceked, black and grey blazer. The cut of the blazer as well as the ruffle shirt really add to the Victorian look inspired by the umbrella. Then to finish it up the floral patterned earring and dusty rose scarf ties in with the boot.

So keep warm with layers and dry with a fun umbrella and rain boot. Enjoy the winter seasons ladies!

To learn where to find these looks check out these links:
Funky Butch Rain

Preppy Rainy Day

Femme Fashionable Rain

Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace

Looks for Thanksgiving

2008-12-13T13:45:00.002-08:00

Thanksgiving is almost here and I have decided to give you a few ideas on how to dress to the nines for your gathering with friends and family. Fall has always brought me towards more nature based colors, especially the color of the changing leaves. So enjoy these three looks inspired by the fall season and the Thanksgiving holiday.

This first outfit is a comfortable look when hanging with your family after the feast, lounging and socializing. I began with the sage green button up shirt, that went under a brown corduroy blazer. The outfit can work with or without the blazer, but it does make the look a little more put together and cleaned up. Next a medium wash jean with a unique military seaming for the pockets. The shoes are where the comfortable factor really comes in, they are a moccasin/slipper type in a sand brown color. Lastly, a leather corded, coin necklace with a cross detail. A belt can be added with this look, but stick with a shade of brown.

This next look is a more formal, but still very casual outfit. It began with the argyle sweater. I love the very "fall" coloring of the sweater, which makes it easy to pick a color for a shirt to go underneath. I chose the navy blue diamonds to match a navy blue (almost black) button up, collared shirt. Next a modern, medium wash, distressed jean. An old Europe family crest inspired medallion compliments the classic feeling of this look. Last, but not least, a brown dress shoe makes this outfit a very nice and appropriate look for a dinner out, or a formal get together.

Now on to our femme look! This began with the charcoal gray belted dress. That belted detail pulls attention to an hourglass shape and the looser top gives room for a fuller breast and shoulder. The leggings are an optional piece that can be worn or not depending on comfort/weather. The length is important, it should be about mid-calf. Leggings that stop at the ankle give an illusion of "cankles" and at the knee or above make the thigh look bigger. So when wearing leggings try to get ones made to fit mid-calf, if you plan to wear them with the bottom showing. (Leggings that fall to the ankle look fine under boots) Next I paid homage my fall palette with a dark orange, semi-pointed toe flat. Notice the totally cute bow detail! For a little extra warmth a brown sweater was added, I recommend it be worn open and unbuttoned so you can show off the dress. Brown chandelier earrings match the sweater, and the green/orange/tan pendant bring a few more fall colors into this Thanksgiving look.

So everyone enjoy a lovely Thanksgiving, eat lots, enjoy your family (as much as is tolerable haha) and show off your sexy selves!

Comfy Thanksgiving:

	Men's Clothes: Men's Corduroy Blazers: Outerwear & Vests \| Old Navy oldnavy.com
	Eagle Winter Solid Shirt ae.com
	Shoes & Accessories: Men's Suede Moccasin Slippers - Tan oldnavy.com
	Men's AE Double Leather Coins Necklace - American Eagle Outfitters ae.com
	Mens Tough Jeansmith Military Pocket Jeans republic.co.uk

Casual Thanksgiving:

	Buffalo Peli Jean : Men's Jeans \| Buckle.com buckle.com
	Eagle New Years Shirt ae.com
	Men: Men's Argyle V-Neck Sweaters - Oatmeal oldnavy.com
	Ron Dotson - Men's C124 Medallion Necklace 80spurple.com
	Amazon.com: Unlisted Men's Rest My Case Moc Toe Oxford: Shoes amazon.com

Femme Thanksgiving:

	Stella McCartney Tab belt top net-a-porter.com
	Forever21.com - Bottoms - 2045166651 forever21.com
	Costume Jewelry, Fashion Jewelry, Beaded Jewelry, Heart Necklace, Toe Ring,... lulus.com
	Charlotte Russe - Sale: See All: Knotted Flats charlotterusse.com
	Sweaters/Bolero giannascloset.com
	brown sequin chandelier earrings - $5.99 : ShopRuche.com, A Modern Boutique... shopruche.com

Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace.

Layers and Layering

2008-12-13T13:45:00.001-08:00

Layers and layering are not only to keep you warm, they can make a statement about you and your personal style. Layering is a great way to make an article of clothing that is normally plain into something new and fresh.

This first look starts with a blue striped, collared shirt. Layered on top of that is the gray sweater vest. Then on top of the vest and shirt a brown corduroy blazer. The jeans are a dark wash and boot cut fit that will work well with the dark gray scarf and black/silver macramé bracelet. Lastly, the plaid converse that has the dark gray, medium gray, and brown to pull in every article in this look.

Sweater vests are a great item for the fall and winter season, they are classic pieces and can be layered on top of a plethora of button up shirts. If you aren't too good at matching colors stick to buying sweater vests that are a neutral color (Black, brown, gray, cream), they match every color. But, if you want a funkier sweater vest stick to a neutral shirt color underneath.

This outfit is a more casual look, great for a weekend around town. The first piece is a hip Polaroid screen tee, layered on a white button up long sleeved shirt. For warmer days I recommend rolling the sleeves up for a cool look and to show off the awesome bracelet. Next is a slim fitted jean to show off some of your assets...hehe. Now, pair is it all with brown slip-ons, billed beanie, and woven bracelet, you have a cool, comfortable and casual look.

Lastly, our femme outfit. This is an outfit for the bolder femme fashionista. It all started with a rather plain, if not boring, black sweater. You can make that mundane sweater pop with the purple-tiger shirt dress, and a belt around your smallest area. (For bigger figures I recommend a wider belt, and for smaller ones stay in the skinny to medium range in width). Now because the shirt is a "shirt dress" I recommend balancing the weight and length of the dress with a skinny jean. I chose a dark wash, but not a black, to keep with the color palette without making it a head-to-toe black outfit. (Head to toe of ANY color is a no go in fashion terms) Next a flat boot for comfy walking and those who are less coordinated and heels aren't a preference. On to accessories! The vintage inspired bracelet gives a great myriad of colors. The necklace gives a layered effect without the tangle of chains and the earrings are a vintage pattern with the edgy skulls.

So there are a few example of simple layering techniques. Try a long tank under a t-shirt, a long sleeve under a t-shirt can work as well. For the femmes, if you got a shirt thats a bit too big try adding a belt around it to give it shape. So play with layers and figure out how to spice up your wardrobe this winter.

Preppy Layering:

Camera Layer:

	ronherman.com
	Men's Eagle Winter Solid Shirt ae.com
	Men's Canvas Slip-Ons - Brown Earth oldnavy.com
	Men's Instant Camera Tee fredflare.com
	Mens Cheap Monday Tightmens Jeans republic.co.uk
	Mens Bench Barlow Peak Hat republic.co.uk

Layered Funk:

Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace.

How to Wear Red

2008-12-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Red. Red is a color that we are recognize, the most visible color, our eyes are almost always immediately drawn to it. Yet, as a color for our clothes it is a little bit of an intimidating shade. One argument is that wearing red, on a larger frame, causes everyone to notice that it is a larger frame. Ok, this is partly true, but I guarantee it is because it is not being worn correctly. Red is meant to be a "pop" color. So on to the outfits!

This first one is a casual outfit. Laid back jeans and t-shirt sort of deal. I have two shirts on their because, honestly, I could not decide between the two. One is a Ed Hardy, something a little more butch and loose fitted. The other is a Wonder Woman shirt, or literally the same color palate, but is more fitted and femme. The belt has the same blue and yellow as the shirts, and with the funky pattern it shows off a funky and unique style. The black glasses are sleek and cool, and the white vans are a simple finish. Lastly, the dark, plaid, jacket gives a "home-grown" feel to a casual and stylin' outfit.

This outfit is the more dressy, but still casual way to wear red. Business casual I suppose. First off with the red. A button up long sleeve shirt. It is shown with the sleeves rolled up, but under the black blazer that wouldn't be necessary. A dark wash jean flows with the black leather belt and black sneakers. The sneaker is a sleeker style and can help pull off a more classic look. Lastly, a touch of jewelry with the leather strap medallion.

And now onto our femme outfit! I'm itching to wear this one! So this has two elements of red. The first, and foremost, is the red pencil skirt. With the correct fit, a pencil skirt can make a smaller hips look a little fuller, and bring out an hourglass shape. The next piece of red comes from the necklace, a red juicy apple. The gold chain and stem inspired the use of the gold bangles, hoops, and bag. By using minimal gold on the bracelets and earrings, the gold bag isn't an over-kill. The next piece of this look is the brown leather, lace-up heels. I absolutely LOVE these shoes, they have an 1800's New York feel to them. To pull the shoes into the outfit I paired them with a brown leather-lock belt. This will help make a separation between torso and legs, also cinching in at the waist. Lastly, the tree sketch shirt. This shirt is not only a beautiful piece of artwork, but its a totally cute match for the shoes and belt.

So I hope that we can all feel a little more comfortable wearing a good friend Ms. Red more often. Just no head-to-toe red outfits...PLEASE.

Look One

Look Two

Look Three

Boots, Boots, and Boots!

2008-12-13T13:40:00.002-08:00

Hey Brit....
A fashion question... it's getting on winter... so what is hot in boots... I have a pair of doc martins I have owned forever... but people are starting to make fun of them now... so where should I go?
~Paula

Hey Paula! Great question, who doesn't love a great boot?

This first look is the most "butch" of the 3 looks. The boots for this outfit are a toned down motorcycle boot. Black leather with brass buckles, these boots act as a great base for a hot outfit. The jeans are a medium wash, boot cut that will make your ass look good ;) The funky broken record shirt gives a flare of spunk to an otherwise neutral look. I added the gray/white striped, thermal, hoodie as an extra layer against the cold of winter. The sand brown and sherpa lined jacket will keep you nice and toasty. Lastly, a touch of leather in a braided bracelet and weathered pendant, pull it all together.

Ok Paula, here is a great substitute for your doc martins, a vintage combat boot. These boots have a nice detail of the cream studs. To pull the cream studs out I paired them with a gray khaki and a cream canvas belt. The orange "Be nice to Nerds" tee layered on top of the black long sleeve shirt adds a bit of something to show off your individual style. Finally, to keep you warm, a brown zip up jacket and a black and gray beanie.

Do not fret my femme ladies! This last outfit is for you. I was really motivated by the emerald boots. The color of the boots inspired me to follow the jewel tones and use a purple dress. The long sleeve and cowel neck of this dress give you class and the belt accentuates the smallest part of you (showing off an hourglass shape). The black opaque tights and the gray coat give you the extra coverage for the winter chill. Paired with the black treble clef earrings and a metallic clutch this outfit is classy, warm, and shows off the best of you.

So ladies, rock those boots! There are so many styles, colors, and shapes to choose from. Rock the ones that fit your personality best. Don't be afraid of jewel tones, bold shapes, and strong statements. Tuck the pants in, or wear them over, either way boots are a must have for fall and winter.

"Butch Boots for Winter"

	oldnavy.com
	ae.com
	ae.com
	ae.com
	lagarconne.com
	palmercash.com
	tropicari.com

"Butch Combat Boots for Winter"

	freepeople.com
	zuccionline.co.uk
	forever21.com
	karmaloop.com
	jamesperse.com
	republic.co.uk
	forever21.com

"Jeweltone Boots for Winter"

	net-a-porter.com
	jcrew.com
	wetseal.com
	lulus.com
	hue.com
	girlprops.com

Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace

3 Looks for the Halloween Season

2008-12-13T13:40:00.001-08:00

Season's greetings LGR readers!

Halloween or Samhain (as known to my fellow Pagans) is my absolute FAVORITE holiday. Since this post will be
the last before Halloween I figured it would be appropriate to post a few festive Halloween inspired outfits.

This first outfit was born through the candy stomach t-shirt. This kitsch shirt is corny (pun intended) and fun, the perfect pairing for Halloween! I matched it with a little more menacing skull sweatshirt, khaki straight leg pants and the black leather belt. Now just for Butch in Jeans I have included these rockin' gray, no lace, Ed Hardy sneakers. The skull on the shoe really fits nicely with the sweatshirt. Lastly, a little jewelry, do not fret my butch ladies the bracelet is a men's braided rope. The splash of orange in the outfit really wraps up the Halloween feel
.

Le Gasp! A femme/lipstick outfit?!

That's right ladies, our lovely femmes and lipstick lesbians need some Halloween fashion help too! (Plus being a femme myself I could not resist putting this together) This Halloween inspired outfit all began with the bat shirt. A female cut shape, a crayon purple shade and the lace detail at the bottom really make this top über cute. Next is a sateen pencil skirt, with the bit of flare at the bottom helping even out a larger hip and really creating the hourglass figure we all want. As this outfit is meant to be worn in fall, and fell tends to be a little chilly and windy (well in most parts of the country) I included an opaque black tight. Simple, warm, and you don't have to shave your legs! To make this outfit truly Halloween-y there needs to be some orange to go with that black, the perfect solution? A patent leather ORANGE pump! Funky, fresh, and completely a head turner. Ever heard that a red shoe really makes an outfit pop? Well here we go with orange. Now for our accessories, the black and lace clutch is made with neutral colors (black and white) and will go with any outfit, the bracelets pull the orange and purple together and the skeleton earrings give a bit of spook to this femme and funky look.

The last, but certainly not least, look for halloween is another butch/tomboi one.

This outfit began with the skeleton (almost x-ray) sweatshirt. I don't normally suggest the orange hamburger shirt helps break up the sea of black. A brown leather belt and brown moccasin slipper/shoe make this outfit comfortable and stylish without being stuffy or too femme.

"In the Spirit" outfit components can be found at:

goodie2u.com

converse.com

aeropostale.com

ae.com

forever21.com

edhardyshop.com

"Funky Yet Freaky" components can be found at:

	jcrew.com
	ebags.com
	newlook.co.uk
	bananarepublic.com
	momastore.org
	unknown (sorry!)
	gorydetails.com

"Hallow's Eve" components can be found at:

	palmercash.com
	jcrew.com
	swell.com
	dcma.com.au
	legitclothingve.com

Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace.

Butch Looks for Fall

2008-12-13T13:39:00.001-08:00

Alright LGR world!

This is a response to a comment left on my first Lez Be Fashionable post.

My first question.... what is a hot look for fall if you happen to be a bit of a tomboi? -Paula

Well Paula,
I have put together a few different looks for a tomboi/butch lady for the fall.

The first look is inspired by that bomber jacket. Warm yet stylish jacket thats not too fitted. My next favorite piece is the pair of vans with the peace signs. They are a tad more femme than some other shoes, but I think they are a great pop against the boi-ish outfit. Next, a fitted orange polo really pull the fall colors together. Pair with a neutral scarf and a great aviator sunglasses (totally rockin' with the bomber) and you got a hot look for the tomboi or butch!

This next is for those totally cute nerds. I know you butch's and tomboi's don't want anything too fitted (for several different reasons). So these cargo gray pants are a great option. Pair these with a funky comic book t-shirt layered on top of a white long sleeve shirt, for warmth on those chilly fall days. Next the high top, classic, white converse and the black rimmed glasses really work together for a hot nerd with fashion sense!

The last look I titled as a mix between rocker and surfer tomboi/butch girl. If I was a little less femme I would rock this in an instant! I wanted to keep the shirts really simple and neutral, that way you can rock some great accessories without going design overboard. Layering is always trendy so I layered the brown ribbed tank under the white long sleeve v-neck. On top of that a great gray/black argyle, zip-up, hooded sweatshirt. The brown and white shirt go together with the graphic vans (isn't that a hot girl on there??). The blue on the shoe pulls together the graphic on the hat, which also matches the darker gray diamond on the argyle sweater. Now for the last piece, the rocker messenger bag that matches with the brown and cream, and lastly with an amazing pop of green.

So as you can see although a lot of butch girls out there claim to not be interested or pay attention to fashion at all, you can still be stylish! These looks will get the ladies looking in your direction for sure. Each has its own personal flair and gives off an air of being put together (without too much effort). I'm sure you all have worn some version of the pieces I have shown, how about doing the extra little effort to make it awesome?
Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace.

Lez Be Fashionable: Kick off!

2008-12-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Hello LezGetReal Readers!

I am the resident Lez Fashion Expert (also the Lez Pic of the Week, with my rainbow hair). I figured my first post could be a little intro to what can be expected for my future posts. I was hoping to create something of a hybrid post. I would love to answer any questions people have on current fashion, trends, and how to make things work for you. So lets start off by saying that you can email me any questions you have to me here.

So my philosophy on fashion to start us off?

Be comfortable. I mean comfortable in all the ways.

Having to rearrange and pull on your clothes all day is a good indicator of 1) it does not fit and 2) it isn't worth it. Also I mean comfortable as in being comfortable with yourself. Does what you wear reflect the kind of person you are? Or are you hiding behind it? Clothes are the first thing the world sees when you walk out the door. Which brings me to the next part of my philosophy.

Wear clothes that emanate respect. Although in a perfect mindset and in a perfect world we should not let what others effect us, the way we dress does directly effect how we are treated and how we are perceived. Sometimes a person's perception of us does effect how we are treated.

Dress to flatter your body shape.

An hourglass shape will be fitted differently than a pear. And someone who is top heavy will fit differently than someone with a more boyish shape. Do not be afraid to have your clothes altered. Some of my cutest dresses come from cheap dresses I found and they just need a little push in the right direction! That is my graduation dress to the right. When I bought it was about 4 inches longer and was also a halter top. For my body type, anything that hits me below the knee makes my legs look really short, and halter tops are jsut painful due to my breast size. So with a simple hem and a new cross -back straps...Voila! Every body is different and we should never be square pegs shoved into round holes.

Style is open to interpretation.

Everyone's personal style is different and what works for one may not work for another. So be yourself, have fun, and rock your bod the best way you can, by being you!
Brittany Marie is a CSUN graduate with her degree in T.V. Production. To find out more about her visit her page on MySpace.

	All Saints Mens Rapture Scarf allsaintsshop.co.uk
	Men's Eagle New School Shirts - American Eagle Outfitters ae.com
	Men sweaters Fine lambswool button-down vest jcrew.com
	Blazer F.C. FORNITURE CIVILI yoox.com
	Mens Crafted Bootcut Folded Jean republic.co.uk
	Converse Men's Slip On Ox Shoe shoes.com
	BKE Macrame Bracelet buckle.com

	Moschino Cheap & Chic Tiger shift dress net-a-porter.com
	Four Row Bow Charm Necklace wetseal.com
	forever21.com
	Belts newlook.co.uk
	shopprettygirl.com
	Dorothy Perkins - Jewel Stretch Bracelet dorothyperkins.com
	Steve Madden Bonanza (Grey Suede) - Below-the-knee Boots zappos.com
	zappos.com