Fat femme. Fat fashion bargain hunting. Living in Chicago.
The hair…
I’ve had so many requests and asks about my hair lately that I though I’d just do a quick write-up about it.
My hair is currently cut in a short pixie-ish style and dyed platinum. I do a few shades of platinum depending on the season, but right now it’s a pretty basic shade (since I’m doing a few interviews and such). My hair is naturally blonde, but not nearly this light.
I absolutely love having a short cut. It feels stylish and it’s fun to play with. I have noticed that I have to pay more attention to it when it’s short though - it requires more maintenance to keep it looking not shaggy and you can’t just throw it in a ponytail (to be honest i’m not a fan of that look anyway). I use headbands when i need to keep my hair out of my face, but that’s usually just a in-the-house look for me anyway.
My hair is styled by Patrick at Fringe Salon in Chicago. He’s an amazing friend and a great stylist. He’s one of those folks that will walk you through every step of what he’s doing. I love it. Plus he’s obsessed with fashion and music and art like I am, so he’s also great to chat with on that level.
You really should make an appointment with him if you’re in the Chicago area. Mention my name (Amanda or InTheThickofIt) so he knows I sent you!
Patrick
Fringe Salon Chicago
1437 N Milwaukee Ave
773-862-1000
Cloak and Parks
I’m not a religious person by any means, but if I was going to do any worshipping on Easter sunday, it was going to be at the Art Institute and Millenium Park. Nothing better than a little modern wing at the AIC. Seeing as how it was pretty much perfect weather, I was able to venture out in my new cloak and not have to worry about a giant puffy jacket.
I love that this cloak can be worn open or closed - giving it a fully different look each way. It was a great piece for going to the museum, because it could easily be slipped on and off as needed.
Outfit Details
Cloak - Charles Gray London, XL (via nordstrom rack)
Black shirt - Forever 21, 1X
Jeggings - Target, 16
Wedge boots - Topshop (last year)
Necklace - Forever 21 (new)
Wallet clutch - Kenneth Cole Reaction (via nordstrom rack)
Sun glasses - SEE
215# 5’9”
Graphic Print Skirt in the Neo Alley
A day away from the office and I wanted to go out around the city. I had just gone dancing at neo the night before and decided I had to do a photo-shoot in the weird painted alley. Thursday nights at neo remind me of friday night at #’s (“numbers” - it was named in an era when hashtags did not exist) in Houston, which is where I learned to dance in the late 90s/early 00’s. I adore 80s dark synth, so a new wave night just takes me to the best places mentally.
I needed an outfit perfect for a cool, sunny day in Chicago - This elastic-waist skirt is heavy enough to not fly up at the slightest wind. I love the slight touch of neon - just enough to break up the all-black.
Outfit Details
Print Skirt - Target, sz L (new/ mossimo/ runs big!) - available here
Sheer Neon Shirt - Forever 21+, sz 1X - available here
Faux Black Leather Jacket - Forever 21+, Sz XL
Black Tights - Target
Shoes - John Fluevog Selby
Triangle Necklace - Forever 21
Ring - H&M
Bag - Vince Camuto (via Nordstrom Rack)
Glasses - SEE
215# 5’9”
Autumn walks and trench coats
This weekend I went for a walk through Lincoln Park and just fell in love with some of the streets surrounding the area. The leaves are just so pretty right now in the midwest. Thankfully it’s been pretty mild weather-wise, so I topped my favorite striped dress with a target trench I bought earlier this season. Perfect for an autumn day!
The Outfit Details:
Black/white trench - Target XXL
Black/white dress - Old Navy XL
Black Tights - Target
Winkle-picker Boots - Dolce Vita for Target via Buffalo Exchange
Fringe detail Purse - Dorothy Perkins
Horse Scarf - Society for scarves
Glasses - SEE
I’m 5’9” and approx 220#
If y’all haven’t yet - please take TWO seconds (literally that’s all it takes) to vote for me in the Curvy Blog Awards. Just click the box next to #82 and you’re done!
Keeping warm this winter…
For those of us that live in cold climates, it can be a struggle to stay warm and fashionable! Chicago is a bitter city in the winter and I am always on the look-out for fun jackets and accessories for the cold days. Additionally, it’s also so important to me to stay nice and warm in my house as well.
So here are a few indoor and outdoor items for you to enjoy this winter.
White 4’ Pre-lit Christmas tree - A chic and easy way to dress up your home for christmas
Patricia Green Slippers - Don’t let your toes go cold at home - instead of socks, try these CUTE lined ballet house slippers
Topshop Chunky Chain Scarf - I hate it when i lose the look of wearing a necklace when i’m wearing a scarf - here’s a cute way to accessorize with some added details
Oxblood Dotty Gloves - these sweet oxblood leather gloves will add a femme touch to any winter outfit
Cut Out Heart Gloves - another precious pair of gloves that just add a sweet detail on your hands
Short Puff Jacket - for those cold days when a puffy jacket is just necessary, this little coat is a stylish version to reach for
Mix Texture Jacket - this pretty coat is so on-trend with faux-leather sleeves and a wool-blend torso. Great for a chilly day!
Red Fit-and-Flare - This style of coat just screams SWEET! The color is perfect for a cold gray day.
Art Institute Membership - Is there any better way to spend a freezing winter day than by browsing the beautiful art at The Art Institute Chicago? I didn’t think so.
Chunky Sweater Throw - for those nights when you’re curled up on the couch watching television or reading a book, this pretty chunky throw will keep you warm and will look good in your house too!
Coffee at Wormhole and a Vintage Floral Skirt
Saturday morning and a trip to wicker park meant a stop into the lovely coffeeshop Wormhole. Their honey bear latte makes me the happiest. After coffee, it was record shopping at reckless. I got the newest John maus record and haven’t stopped listening to it all weekend.
This vintage skirt is something I’ve had in my closet for several months and I just haven’t had the opportunity to wear it. You may notice I’m wearing the sheer shirt I had in my photos from last week - I love getting lots of looks from a new piece!
Oh and look - I got my hair cut! I needed a little change and decided to even things out a bit so i can grow it out this winter.
What I’m Wearing:
Sheer White shirt - Forever 21 - XL
Vintage floral skirt - no size listed
Tights - Target - XL
Shoes - Chinese Laundry from Akira Chicago
Earrings - etsy
Crystal necklace - etsy
Rings - Stone and Honey
Purse - Valhalla Brooklyn
Glasses - SEE

I’m 5’9” approx 220# queer fat femme!
Dykesicles Promo shoot - tropical queer summer look
Y’all - I’ve been BUSY lately. I’m prepping for travel to Toronto and helping out with folks in Chicago prepping for our local Pride festivities*
Some of those bits of prepping involved creating a logo for Dykesicles, my friend’s popsicle bike cart and also being in the promo video!

The video was shot and edited by the lovely Jacqueline Mary. It features a lovely crew of chicago queers - including myself and my boyfriend S. Obviously my look was VERY summery. I wanted a lot of color - but aren’t these leggings amazing? I think they might be the only thing in the H&M+ line that I like.
My outfit:
Tropical print Leggings - H&M+ Sz XL
Pink tank - H&M - Sz M
Shoes - Crown Vintage
Jean Vest - thrifted - Size 16
Necklace - H&M
Glasses - SEE
*Chicago folks don’t miss out on:
Dykemarch on 6/23
Dykemarch afterparty on 6/23
“Don’t Act Like a Queer” dance party on 6/24
OMG you guys, check out my latest piece on Queer Fashion on The Qu! Featuring the amazing Rosy and Dee!
The leopard jacket and the satin pencil skirt.
If should probably write a love-letter to this skirt made by local seamstress Amanda of Redskew It makes my ass look amazing!
All items from Vive La Femme in Chicago.
Skirt - 1X, Redskew
Camisole - my own (From Nordstrom)
Shoes — from Violette - size 11
Jacket — BalaBala $100, size 2x
Jewelry — Geranium, all pieces $24
Chicago folks, I’m looking for LGBTQ-run/owned boutiques and vintage stores - can you tell me who you know? This is for a fashion project I’m working on for The Qu blog :) Also if you’re LGBTQ… and want to model for upcoming shoots, let me know!