Style

In the current political climate, it’s more important than ever to participate in politics. But what if making protest signs and calling your congressman isn’t your thing? First of all, shame on you. But have no fear, you can still make your voice heard and contribute to causes that benefit the LGBTQ community. By shopping! It’s like the easiest thing to do and you get all new stuff!

Pink Triangle Project enamel pin – Matthew Dean Stewart

Aside from a rainbow flag, no symbol is more iconic of queerness than the pink triangle. And if you’re as obsessed with enamel pins as me, you’ll definitely want to adorn your favorite jacket/coat/bag/tank-top with one of these. Not only will you look very chic but $3.00 of every pin sold is donated to “The Trevor Project.” (Seen in photo above.)

Otherwild x Herstory Collection

A statement tee is perfect for putting queerness front and center. Inspired by a homemade t-shirt seen in a Larry Butler photo from a 1979 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, the image is still muy escandaloso today. As part of an Otherwild and Herstory collaboration, 10% of the sale proceeds go to the Lesbian Herstory Archives in Park Slope, Brooklyn. (Seen in photo above.)

Make America Gay Again hat – Human Rights Campaign

Take red caps (and America) back from the MAGA crowd with the HRC’s slogan hat. You’ll also become a member with your purchase.

100% Human tank – Everlane

Sometimes the best messages are the most obvious. Maybe Trump’s America just needs a reminder that yes, queer people are 100% human…at least the tank is cute AF. On top of that, Everlane will donate $5 to the HRC for every tank sold.

You’ve Got This enamel pin – Gay Pin Guys

Just accept your new obsession with enamel pins. It’s a thing. Remind yourself daily that you’re going to be a success, you’ve got this. Proceeds from this pin support the True Colors Fund, which works to end LGBTQ youth homelessness.

Food 4 Thot + GreenBoxShop T-shirts

Are you listening to the Food 4 Thot podcast as much as I am? You’re probably just as excited that they’ve released a line of t-shirts with GreenBoxShop that supports the Trans Law Center. The entire collection is full of wit and difficult to choose. Just remind our fellow Americans that this revolution with be cute as hell.

Rudy’s 1-2-3 Bundle

One cannot live on threads alone. Stay stylishly clean with Rudy’s 1-2-3 Bundle of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Every purchase supports homeless LGBTQ youth.

Shop for the cause, my friends.

It’s been an extremely busy week, but I’m finally taking a breather to say THANK YOU! I made it into CultureMap Austin’s Top 6 for the city’s first ever Stylemaker Award.

I could never have done it without your support. Like literally, I couldn’t have been voting for me alone. The competition continues and I’m up against some pretty fashionable women. So don’t forget to vote for me some more!

In the meantime, let’s celebrate! CultureMap is hosting a Style Social at the Belmont on Monday, September 28. If you’re in Austin, I would love for you to come and say hello!

Here’s what you can expect for a night with Austin’s most stylish:

• Sip cocktails by Cat Tequila and beer by Odell Brewing Company
• Browse a mini pop up shop featuring some of our favorite local retailers including The Distillery, Noah Marion Quality Goods, and SUAVS
• Enjoy bites by The Belmont and Bullfight
• Check out tunes by DJ Nabiya de Grace and The Sour Notes
• Learn how to make a flower crown just in time for ACL, courtesy of Sweet Magnolia Floral
• Get your hands on our famous Must Have Swag by The Bearded Bastard, Cat Tequila, Tiff’s Treats, SUAVS and more

Don’t forget to vote for me!

xoxo

Cheers to the freakin’ weekend!

For most of the country, it’s solidly fall. Which means you’re probably layering up. But if you’re in Austin the dropping temperatures make it perfect for picnicking and maybe even hanging out by a body of water. Coincidentally, these are some of my favorite things to do! And luckily, Austin has plenty of places to do that.

While the summer’s heat doesn’t necessarily keep me from those activities, it does mean I struggle to stay alive by wearing short shorts and oversized tank tops. Cooler temps mean I can wear something that transitions from blanket to bistro with ease.

Like my picnic outfit? Vote for me to win CultureMap Austin’s Stylemaker Award!

One of the my favorite things to do during the summer is picnic at Cinema East screenings. There’s nothing better than laying out with a bottle of wine, some friends, and a giant outdoor movie screen. I’m so happy to hear the film series won Austin Chronicle’s 2015 award for Best Non-Theatre Film Venue. They definitely deserve it.

If you’re unfamiliar with the program, every sumer Cinema East plays independent films fresh off the festival circuit at the French Legation. Usually a Q&A session with the filmmakers follows the screening.

I really appreciate how they take films that people outside of film festivals are rarely exposed to and make them available to the masses for half the price of a normal movie ticket.

This past summer, one of my favorite screenings was Naz & Maalik, which followed two gay black muslim teens around New York City. It was refreshing to see a queer film about a community that’s typically overlooked.

Not only has Cinema East given me some great summer evenings, they’ve also enriched my wardrobe with this amazing graphic tee. It’s quickly become one of my favorites – which says a lot considering there are only a handful of graphic tees I even wear. I really believe your personal style should not only be a reflection of who you are, but a reflection of the things you love. Aside from being super cute, when people ask about the shirt I get to talk to about some of my favorite things: art films, summer nights, and style.

So again, congratulations to Cinema East and I can’t wait to see the film line-up they put out next year.

P.S.

I’m up for an award of my own! Please check out Austin CultureMap and vote for me to win the 2015 Stylemaker Award!

As some of you may know, I have a real day job. Like many Austinites, I work at a tech company. I’m sure that conjures up images of a playground-like workplace and casual dress codes involving shorts and flip flops. And you’re kind of right.

Years ago my life was much different and I worked at a Gap store. Retail can be a nightmare but I got to hang out with people I loved and talk fashion and style with customers every day. One day I came into work wearing something like this outfit: A short sleeved plaid shirt, slim khakis, and loafers. One of my Gap friends laughed and said I looked like an IT guy.

Which brings me back to modern day. I often find myself wearing that exact outfit and wondering if looking like an IT guy is such a bad thing. These days short sleeved button downs are a staple of hipster style and not just Office Space cubicle farms.

In any case, here’s my take on Silicon Hills Style where hipster Austin meets the technology boom. Want to give my style a thumbs up? There’s still time to vote for me to win CultureMap Austin’s Stylemaker Award!