Pic of the Day: Youthful Professional

Not every professional occasion calls for an all-out matching 3 piece suit.  As a young professional, you can still have some fun with mixing and matching your business wardrobe while avoiding the dreaded label "business casual".

(Source)

Khakis and a nontraditional belt can be paired with a subdued gray or navy blazer and button-down for a sophisticated yet youthful look for springtime.  Put on a nice watch and your favorite pocket square, and you're good to go!

Lezsquire in... Ohio?

You read that right.  This California lawyer will be heading to Ohio later this weekend for an extended business trip.  When I was first informed of this several weeks ago, my first instinct was to do anything possible to get out of it.  Don't get me wrong - though I live in LA, I wouldn't consider myself a big-city person.  I lived a small-town life for several years and was quite fond of it.  But although I am a worldly and well-traveled Lezsquire, I have no experience in what I will endearingly call "Middle America".  Further, outside of work-related matters, I know next to nothing about Ohio.  Google tells me Ohio a red state whose motto is "with God, all things are possible".  Christ.  Separation of church and state, much?

I had a series of conversations with confidants that went something like this:

Me: "I could do a few days or even a week, but a whole month is going to be horrible.  No one will like me and there will be nothing to do and when I'm not working I'll be sitting in my hotel room crying."
Friend: "Why would you think that?  You're friendly and likable and attractive.  I'm sure they will love you."
Me: "I'm from California, I'm liberal, I'm a professional woman, I'm a feminist, and I'm gay.  Dealing with prejudice and getting acceptance in California is hard enough sometimes!  I'm pretty sure people like me get hate crime-d or lynched out in Middle America!!"

In short, I was afraid that people would judge me negatively based on stereotypes before they got to know me.  Then I realized that was exactly what I was doing to Ohio.  Acting out of fear before I gave it a fair chance. 

I also learned that this was a non-negotiable assignment, and that I would get giant piles of travel pay.

So, Ohio, I am going to try to get to know you.  To begin, a positive impression.  Below is what I imagine to be an "Ohioan lesbian outfit". 

(Source)

Definitely not your typical big city business attire, but still dapper.  Still Lezsquire-friendly.  Is this what people actually look like in Ohio?  I don't know, but I'm going to find out.

So, if there are any Lezsquire readers out in Ohio or the surrounding areas, drop me a line.  Show me how great the rest of our country can be.  (Or at least, show me where the gays hang out.)

Formal Friday: Glasses and sweaters and suits, oh my!

I hope all my readers out there are having a wonderful Formal Friday!  Tonight I am the happiest little lawyer ever because I'm starting work on my first pro bono legal project since becoming a licensed attorney (lawyers out there should recall that we should all strive to do at least 50 hours of pro bono work annually).

As you can see, I am not afraid to loosen up a little after work.  Notice the unbuttoned shirt cuff.

Brooks Brothers double breasted navy wool blazer.  Silk shirt with oystershell buttons.  Gold watch.  Posh.

So while I won't be demurely perched above a pinball machine like today's Formal Friday pic, I will still be keeping it classy.

The herringbone blazer in this picture is awesome.  I love how it brings out the tie's complimentary pattern.  The slim lapels of the suit give this look a a stylish modern touch.  Also, note how a classic pair of glasses can really pull a professional look together.  Great for lending credibility during your after-hours legal work.

Because even when you're doing it for free, you should still look like a lawyer.

Suits Me: Milla Jovovich

Lesbian hair is a wonderful thing.  We look hella sexy doing all kinds of fun things that our straight counterparts just can't quite pull off.  Ok, well... Milla Jovovich might not technically be a lesbian, but... well, just look!

Swoon.

The hair, the suit, the penetrating gaze, the pouty lips.... you're sending off all the signals, MJ!

Right now my hair has been going through a succession of "Iceman from Top Gun -> James Dean -> Twilight vampire" phases (only partially joking here).  It's been shortish for a while, and I'm thinking I'll let it grow a little shaggier like Milla's in the picture above.  I only wish that my hair was able to curl/ wave like hers is here.  Lezsquire thinks curly hair is THE BEST.  While I am fortunate to have an incredibly thick, luxurious mane, it has a mind of its own and stubbornly resists all such attempts.  Or to stay styled in any way through a whole day, for that matter (while this gives me a roguish, handsome look, it's appropriateness is questionable for a late meeting with the boss or court appointment). 

How do you wear your lesbian hair?

Pic of the Day: Layered Suit, Silk Pocket Square

Here we have a different sort of twist on the same kind of look that was featured in my St. Patrick's Day outfit yesterday.  I like this look of a slightly non-traditional blazer (dark forest-y colors in plaid), layered with a button-down sweater and oxford shirt.  The style is masculine but has an approachable softness to it.  And as has been mentioned previously, layering is the way to go for the transition from winter to spring.  

(Via A Distinctive Taste)

A Lezsquire may or may not always be comfortable in a tie, given her situation and environment (a subject I will be touching on in later posts).  This looks sharp and appealing in a way that the tie-shy will appreciate. 

But I think my favorite part of this outfit is the silk pocket square.  I have more than a slight obsession with these things.  They are such little, soft, beautiful, works of art.  The blue and gold here really pop and put the outfit over-the-top as far as style.  And just like a knight in shining armor, you'll always have your colors ready to give to a lady in need.

Lezsquire Style: St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's day is great.  It's a holiday that combines two of my favorite things: whiskey and Guinness.

In honor of the holiday, Lezsquire is showing her true colors - and they are green!  For today, at least.

With this lucky golden four leaf clover lapel pin, I am sure to have a great St. Paddys day. 

Green wool blazer by Brooks Brothers.  Perfect shirt by J.Crew.  Watch by Emporio Armani.  British khaki trousers by Levi's.  (Belt, woven wool tie, and boots from the Lezsquire vintage collection.)

When trying to pick a great St. Patrick's day outfit, remember that you don't have to go over the top.  Maintaining your unique sense of style and adding a green clothing item here or a discreet clover there is the way to go to have the ladies lining up to kiss you (regardless of whether or not you're Irish).

What are you wearing for St. Patrick's Day? 

Pick of the Day: Brooks Brothers Classic Single-Breasted Blazer

I have been coveting this blazer for a LONG time.  Like since I first discovered fashion.  This was a classic in the 80s, it's classic now, and it will be a classic 20 years from now.  Don't believe me?  You'd better consult your trusted copy of The Official Preppy Handbook.

If you only ever have one blazer, let this be it. 

Brooks Brothers Classic Single-Breasted Blazer 

I have a double-breasted Brooks Brothers navy blazer... but it's just not the same.  While providing occasional amusement, the double breasted blazer is an object of fickle fit and tumultuous trending.  Not at all the ravishing and steadfast lifelong style companion that is the single-breasted navy blazer.  So I continue to await the day this lovely blazer will waltz into my life and wrap me in its silky embrace.  (Alas, delayed gratification is part of the art of being a Lezsquire.)