Formal Friday: Checks and Stripes

I am not a huge fan of brown suits generally.  Something about them just makes me think they look too rural or informal.  This suit, however, is an exception. 

I love the contrast of the stripes of the jacket and the checks of the vest.  This is a great example of how playing with complimentary patterns can really add an eye-catching element to your standard suit.  Here, the colors are the same but the variation in the pattern arrangement gives the outfit a sense of depth and vitality.

Also, check out the bowtie/ascot/scarf.  Little twists like this can really pull an outfit together.  Taking something like a scarf or handkerchief and tying it around your neck as you would a bowtie gives a brazen edge to an otherwise put-together look. 

Lastly, make sure to slick back your hair and look super serious and you will OWN that brown suit.

Look of the Day: LA Style

Lezsquire readers!  I am happy to report that I am back from my extended business trip to Ohio.  Although some excitingly gay events coincidentally happened while I was in town, I have to say... damn, it's good to be back. 

(And before you ask regarding my trip: No, I sadly did not see one fashionable outfit [besides those in the mirror] the entire month I was away.  Better luck next time.)

In honor of my triumphant return, here is a slice of quintessential LA lesbian style for you.

Note the artfully slicked back, sun-kissed hair, dark aviators, and double breasted black suit.  The perfect look for effortlessly doing justice on the idyllic palm-lined streets of LA. 

Formal Friday: Cufflinks with French Cuffs

As you might recall, I do not remember the first time I saw a woman wearing a suit.

I do, however, remember the first time I saw a woman wearing cufflinks. 

It was mind-blowing.  Intimidating, sexy, and sophisticated all at once.  The essence of masculine power worn as a token on a female body.  I was wrecked. 

(Source)

The essential companion to the cufflink is the french cuff shirt.  The french cuff/cufflink combination is dressy.  It's for select occasions.  Unless you've already made your first million, it's not your everyday wear.  It's for those select times when you need to be at the height of your power. 

And god... when that power is harnessed.  The things you can do with it. 

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!

Packing for Business Travel 101

I have been traveling on business lately.  So since it's been on my mind, today's post contains tips for what the lesbian professional should pack for business travel.  These recommendations will assume that 1) you will be away for more than a few days, and 2) that you will be needing to wear "business attire" during at least part of your trip.

1. Be aware of your destination.  This seems like a no-brainer, but there have been several times that I (as a Californian) have failed to realize how cold other parts of the world can get at varying times of year.  Does your destination have tropical rainstorms in the summer?  Tornadoes in the spring?  High liklihood of a blizzard?  Check the weather predictions for your destination and do a little research into it's quirks.  Then think of the key items you will need for this weather - coats, umbrellas, etc.  Keep in mind that cold weather clothes are bulkier and will require more packing room.
  
2. Build your wardrobe bottom-up.  And by bottom-up, I mean first determine what color of shoes you will be bringing.  Shoes take up a lot of space, so if you're traveling for a week or less you should consider bringing only one pair of business shoes.  Black and brown are the business traditionals (black is typically seen as more professional), so pick one of the two.  (And for god's sake, don't wear those horrible bulky slip-on "business travel shoes".  Having to take 2 additional seconds to untie your shoes at TSA won't kill you.)  Ok, picked your shoe color?  Then throw in a matching belt.  Now choose a classic suit that goes with it.  You get the idea.

Some classic black shoes like these wingtips from H by Hudson will serve you well on business travel.

3. Wear bulkier items on the plane.  Wearing bulkier items on the plane will both save you packing space and protect you from the extreme temperatures of air travel.  Consider wearing bigger sweaters and other items on the plane.  Wearing one of your suit jackets or blazers on the plan will better protect it from wrinkles than leaving it in the bag. 


4. Versatility is key.  Packing space is a pain and airline baggage charges are insane nowadays.  So it's important to think of outfits that will be versatile. You'll have to come to terms with the fact that due to limited space for accessories and different wardrobe pieces in your luggage, you will probably not be the height of fashion during the duration of your business travel.  Nonetheless, you can still build a basic, sharp and professional wardrobe for your trip. While I am not crazy about the exact outfits, think of the below picture as a guide. As you can see, the outfits all build off of the same scheme of a dark suit, black shoes/belt, and a couple of button-down shirts and sweaters worn in different combinations.  You could technically only have one or two basic suits or blazers for a week or longer, but by mixing and matching smaller pieces you can create vastly different looks.  Bring a couple of different colored button-downs, then try  layering a vest or sweater in different combinations on different days.  On more casual days, you can ditch the suit jacket and go with some slacks and a sweater or one of your more casual button-downs.

(Source)

UPDATE: Also check out this awesome infographic from Style Girlfriend for inspiration.

5. Bring some key accessories.   There are several smaller accessories that are small and easy to pick that can spice up your basic business wardrobe and be mixed and matched with the pieces discussed above.  Think about bringing a few small accessories like pocket squares, ties and tie clips, patterned socks, sunglasses, scarfs, or gloves.

Cool accessories can bring a spark to an otherwise plain business travel wardrobe.

6. Consider your clothing's comfort, too.  Suits should be kept in a garment bag and packed properly while traveling.  Shirts should be wrinkle-resistant, or (if you enjoy ironing like me), make sure there is an iron available at your hotel.  As much of a pain as it is to unpack everything, hanging up your suits and shirts when you arrive will keep them looking nice until you need to wear them. 

7. Take advantage of your employer's business travel allowances.  Most employers will cover checked luggage fees.  They also might reimburse you dry cleaning expenses while on business travel.  Look into your employer's policy and take advantage of this!  If will help ease many of the stresses of deciding what to pack and whether you have too much or not enough.  

With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to a successful business trip, Lezsquire-style.

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.)

Pick of the Day: Harness Belt by Sole Survivor Leather

I'm about to run off to suffer through a boring yet potentially comically ironic straight-people-oriented event (more on that later, perhaps) but before I go I wanted to share this find from Sole Survivor Leather. 

The description calls this a "harness" belt with a "long tongue".  Ladies!  Need I say more?

1 1/4 inch Harness Belt Style No. 915 by Sole Survivor Leather.

Well how about this: every Lezsquire should own at least two belts: one brown and one black.  Lezsquire warns against those two-sided "flip belts" due to the shoddy construction of most of them (they are usually fused leather and the sides separate after regular usage), but they are permissible if you absolutely must and are on a tight budget. 

Also, belts are somewhere that a young professional can have some fun.  It's hard to tell because I haven't seen this in person, but I would probably try to pull this off at the office.  The belt looks professional but with a twist because of the "tongue" (heh, heh) on the buckle.  So while I probably wouldn't wear this to a court appearance, it has the potential to get some compliments on weekends, parties, or even less formal days at work.  Plus it's made in the USA.  Can't beat that for the price.

So when that hottie litigator from your local LGBT bar association asks about it, don't be afraid to explain how the tongue and harness work on this thing.  ;-)

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.

Pic of the Day: Studious Lesbian

Today's Pic of the Day reminds me of my days spent in the carrels of the law library.

(Source)

This look just may be the pinnacle of masculine fashion for the lesbian law or graduate student.  It is simultaneously professional and casual.  Jeans are totally acceptable for day-to-day wear if you're still a student.  Pro tip: if you are going to wear a tie, tuck in your damn shirt and wear a belt.  Anything otherwise looks sloppy and haphazard.

I like the gingham shirt with the plaid tie.  There is some old rule of fashion that states you are not supposed to mix and match patterns.  This rule has been superseded.  You should feel free to experiment with mixing and matching different kinds of patterns and textures, and as you can see here, great results are achievable.  The trick is to go for complimentary colors and differing scale of patterns.

I'm also a fan of the layering of the vest and sweater.  Libraries, classrooms, and offices can get cold.  It is totally acceptable (and advisable) to keep a tasteful sweater handy if you find yourself in such a situation.

Nail a look like this at your next study group with the cutie from Civ Pro and you will give new meaning to the term "hornbook".

Asked & Answered: Shopping in the Men's Section

Welcome to Asked & Answered, a new feature where the questions you ask are answered by Lezsquire.  Reader Mallory recently wrote in asking:

“I am so glad to have stumbled across this blog; it's been so helpful already. I'm a 2L and am having trouble figuring out professional dress. I love those Levi's you have on here. I would like to buy some, but the thought of shopping in the men's sections intimidates me. Have you ever thought about writing a "how to" post on shopping in the men's section?”

Mallory, I am happy to help in any way I can.  Believe it or not, I also did not start shopping in the men’s section until late 1L/ early 2L year.  Don't get me wrong, I have always loved men's fashion.  But until that point I had allotted all of my shopping time in a desperate and more often than not futile attempt at finding "masculine" clothing in the women's section.  Why?  Growing up I had few if any queer friends for guidance, and coming from the highly conservative environment I grew up in, it just wasn't something that was done.  When it finally clicked with me that shopping in the men's section was an option, I experienced a personal style Renaissance.  A whole new world of fashion opportunity had opened up to me. 

With that in mind, I present Lezsquire's guide for to shopping in the men's section for lesbian women (& co).

1. Bring a friend.  There are some lesbians out there who have always shopped in the men's department and have no problem marching in there with all the dudes and picking out what they like.  For the rest of us, shopping in the men's section really means overcoming a social taboo.  A friend will vastly lessen your anxiety about venturing into this uncharted territory.  Particularly useful here are LGBTQ friends or a significant other.  They will be sensitive to your needs and, more likely than not, render fabulous style advice.

Turn to your LGBTQ friends for shopping support. (Source)

2. Know your size, roughly.  You shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it, but it’s better to go in knowing what you are looking for.  Knowing your measurements beforehand will give you a good place to start.  If you're only used to shopping in the women's section, men's sizing can be confusing at first.  You can find shoe, pant, shirt, and other conversion charts online.  You might even want to make a "cheat sheet" and bring it with you, so you can jump right into the sizes that are likely to fit and adjust up or down accordingly. 

4. Don't settle for the "wrong" fit.  One common mistake of women buying men's clothing is that they will settle for clothing that they are virtually swimming in either because they think it is the closest approximation to their "women's" size, or it is the smallest size available in the men's section.  My rule is to keep going a size down until I can no longer get the clothes to fit.  Then I go one size up from that.  This results in clothing that is well-fitted and tailored looking.  If the smallest men's size is still too big, my advice is to pass on it.  You may need to look in the boy's department if that is the case, and there is no shame in that.  Also keep in mind that stores targeted at younger men tend to have slim/ tailored fit clothing, which is more likely to flatter and fit your body than the alternatives. 

3. Pick the right stores.  Let's face it.  Some stores will be more lesbian-friendly than others.  This will be a judgment call on your part.  If you're new to shopping for men's clothing and anxious about it, stores that have collections of both men's and women's clothing in the same general area are a good place to start (and will be less like walking into a cave of leering men).  Places like H&M, American Apparel, J.Crew, and some department stores come to mind.  As you gain experience and familiarity with men's clothing shopping, you will be more comfortable with the prospect of venturing into "men's only" clothing stores if you so choose.  Also, keep your objective in mind.  Are you looking for shoes, a suit, or casual clothes?  Thinking about these things beforehand will help direct your plan of attack for where to shop.

4. Shop online.  Once you gain some familiarity with men's clothing sizing, how items of different sizes fit you, and the styles that look good on you, you can take your knowledge to the online marketplace.  Often I will find something I like in a store but they just won't have the right size or color that I am looking for.  Rather than giving up, make a note and see if the item you desire is available online.  The other great thing about the internet is that you will have a vast variety of men's styles that you couldn't find at your average trip to the mall at your fingertips.

5. Shop thrift and bargain stores.  The majority of my most prized pieces of attire are vintage or thrifted.  Thrift stores generally feature both men's and women's clothing, often times mixed in together.  At its best, this breaks down perceived gender barriers and allows you to assess a piece for it's intrinsic worth rather than its socially constructed gender value.  Ok, maybe I am getting a little too philosophical here.  Anyway, keep in mind that thrifting is more of a hobby or "process" than a shopping trip.  You can't go in looking for any particular item because you are unlikely to find it.  But when you least expect it, you might just find that perfect vest or vintage leather jacket that you never knew you needed, and it's all worth it.

6. Find a good tailor.  I am reluctant to recommend this because I have not yet in my life found a "good" tailor and I thus question whether this is a worthy investment.  Your first ditch effort should be to get clothes that fit you well from the get-go.  But, this can be difficult with men's clothes that were not made with lesbian bodies in mind.  So if you have the fortune of knowing a good tailor, take note that a nip and tuck in the right places can take your look from passable to outstanding.

Communication helps your tailor achieve the look you want, so be articulate.

So, Mallory, I hope that his article will be of use to you in your future Lezsquire shopping endeavors.  If something comes up that wasn't addressed here, you know where to find me.  My style advice is free and plentiful. 

Do you have a question you would like Lezsquire to answer?  Contact me to have your question Asked & Answered!

Pic of the Day: Suit, Bowtie, and Glasses

Lezsquire doesn't really do bowties (except with a formal tux).  Don't get me wrong, it's just a personal preference.  If you are a Lezsqurire with a thing for bowties, more power to you.  However, if I were to look into a mirror whilst wearing a bowtie, this Pic of the Day is about what I would see.

 Ok... I am more handsome (better ears).  Still, this is pretty close without revealing my secret identity.

Things to note about this pic:

•  Check out "my" sexy hairstyle.  Roguish yet professional (still too short to approximate MJ's luxurious locks). 
• Glasses!  I wear contacts most of the time, but glasses are good once a week or so to give the eyes a break.  Plus, sometimes an outfit just looks better in glasses.  This look in particular is especially litagator-ish.  My glasses are virtually identical to those featured above.  Note: fashion-forward yet still professional. 
• That silk pocket square.  Sigh.  One can never have enough of these beautiful things.  

Now off to find and seduce my bowtie-wearing doppelganger.

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?

Formal Friday

Lezsquire does not believe in casual Fridays.  If you’re at work, then you should look like you are at work. 

My philosophy is that Monday and Friday are the days of the week when you should get most dressed up.  Why?  First and last impressions count.  Monday, while co-workers are lethargic, disheveled, and stumbling into work, you should be crisp and clean and ready for business.  Friday, when everyone is already mentally and stylishly checked-out, you come in just as prepared to conquer the world as you were on Monday.  The higher-ups will take note, and so will your clients.

(**The one caveat here is you should avoid doing more than “one-upping” your co-workers.  This is a judgment call and will depend on your work environment.  So, for example, if the culture in your office is that everyone at your level wears t-shirts and jeans on Friday, you could go with a button down and slacks but should avoid a 3-piece suit.  The idea is that anything more than “one-up” looks too snobby.)

This Formal Friday’s lesbian style inspiration is this vintage Dolce &Gabbana ad for Harvey Nichols:

Dolce and Gabbana for Harvey Nichols, London

You can still have some fashion fun on Formal Fridays.  Here, for example, pairing some “go-to-hell” plaid pants with your suit, tie, and vest.

Suits Me: The Three Suits Every Lezsquire Should Own (Part I: The Black Suit)

This post is number one in a three-part "Suits Me" series detailing the three suits every Lezsquire should own.

Yes, number one (and probably the most controversial) on this list is the black suit.  Some may scoff at a black suit being labeled a working wardrobe staple.  But there are several reasons why the black suit is killer, and why if you’re a Lezsquire you should have one in your arsenal.

The black suit is bold and dignified.  In a spectrum of neutrals, the black suit stands out as an absolute.  “But Lezsquire,” I can hear you saying, “isn’t a black suit evening wear?  You don’t expect me to rock the black suit at work, do you?”  That I do.  You know who wears black suits to work?  Special Agents.  Looking like a Special Agent is a big “yes”, if you have the brevity to pull it off.  Just ask Lezsquire style icon Special Agent Dale Cooper (or his less awesome British cousin, James Bond).  

Special Agent Cooper also recommends the diet staples of black coffee and pie.

The black suit is multi-purpose.  Want to butch it up at a black tie?  Pair it with a tuxedo shirt and bowtie for a “fauxedo”.  Yes, I just said fauxedo – pronounced “fucks-edo”.  Because that is what the ladies will want to do when they see how dashing you are in this getup.

You know you have successfully pulled off the fauxedo when you are escorting a drunk model home...

and/ or when said model rips your tux off and wears it herself.

Dressing down for a night on the town?  Try a contrasting v-neck or go all black for a bold monochromatic look.

Things to keep in mind about the black suit:

• Brown accessories are a "no-no" with the black suit.  I’m not the sneaker-with-suit type but if you are… more power to you (suggest googling some pictures of Ellen for inspiration).
• As with all suits, I am going to recommend getting the 3-piece if the option is available.  Even if you never wear the vest with the entire ensemble, vests are a versatile style piece of their own accord and one can never have too many vests. 
• Keep a lint brush handy (pet owners take special note). 

So if you haven't already, consider adding the versatile and striking black suit to your Lezsquire wardrobe.

Love or hate the black suit?  What's your favorite way to rock the look?  Submit your verdict below!

Pick of the Day: Black Chelsea Shoe by Alexander McQueen

See pics below.  Requires no further explanation.

Black Chelsea Shoe - £825.00 at alexandermcqueen.co.uk

Because a Lezsquire can dream.

Welcome to Lezsquire

Lezsquire is a style and culture blog about masculine-of-center fashion for women and those who love them.  A combination of the words "lesbian" and "esquire", The Lezsquire aims to provide her unbridled commentary about the latest and greatest in refined style along with musings on culture and life as a young professional.

Your involvement and feedback is encouraged and appreciated.  Agree with my posts?  Think I've had one too many gin and tonics?  Post a comment or email me.