An outfit for driving.

• Hoodie: Maurices (buy)
• T-shirt: Old Navy
• Jeans: Maurices (previously)
• Boots: Clarks via Craigslist
• Socks: Hanes

Since the beginning of the year one of our ongoing projects has been to get rid of some excess stuff, either by taking it to consignment and thrift stores, or by selling it on Craigslist. This plan has a flaw I have recently discovered: other people on Craigslist have things I want, and so I end up "window shopping" the other listings. And that is the genesis of this outfit. I found a listing for a formal dress on the cheap, and while I have no "reason" to own one, I found myself realizing that it would be really nice to try one on, and own one "just in case", and the seller was offering an excellent deal, and really, this is all just rationalization for the fact that I want to make up for wearing a tux to my HS prom. So I sent an email, and scheduled a time and place to try on the dresses to make sure they fit. I realized that since I would mostly be driving and trying on dresses, I might as well dress how I wanted. And so after a pleasant and chilly afternoon drive, I am now the proud owner of a formal dress, and pleased with my outfit for the day. Even though this outfit spent more time in the vehicle than it did outside.

And of course today's pictures were taken by my wonderful wife. And I am slowly getting back into the swing of things with blogging and commenting, it only took the first two months of 2011 to do that. Thanks everyone for your comments and reading my blog!

Too many patterns.

• Dress: Maurices
• Belt: Maurices (came with dress)
• Button down: Old Navy (previously)
• Pumps: Payless
• Pantyhose: Just My Size

This is another outfit from the backlog that was trapped on my old computer. When I put this outfit together I decided to have fun with pattern mixing. The shoes are plaid, and both the dress and the button down have vertical stripes in them. And in writing this post, I realized this outfit has a certain resemblance to the previous one in which I wore this button down. I guess that means I just need to get more button downs. And the temperature around here has been up and down lately, so it's just been too chilly for bare legs, but I've had this dress for a few months, and I really wanted to wear it, so I opted for the pantyhose.

And I am slowly getting caught up(and I'm still borrowing my wife's computer that she is graciously sharing with me until my new one gets here). And of course, my awesome wife took the pictures for this post.

Shopping.

• Cardigan: Old Navy (previously)
• Cami: Maurices (previously)
• Belt: Maurices (from a dress)
• Skirt: Old Navy (previously)
• Pumps: Nine West (previously)
• Pantyhose: Just My Size via Walmart

I previously wrote about finding some shoes for sale in my size on Craigslist. During the visit, the lady selling the shoes mentioned that she was also doing some end of year cleaning out of clothes that no longer fit her, and many of them were in sizes near my own. I told her to let me know if she ended up with some clothes in my size. Luckily for me, she did, and sent me an email this past weekend, so we scheduled a meeting time on Sunday for me to visit and "shop".

This was my shopping outfit for the day. My wonderful wife did my hair and makeup, but she ended up having pre-existing plans for the afternoon and didn't accompany me on the visit. I ended up getting a lot of wonderful pieces for a great price, and I will be incorporating them in future posts. It was a fun day, and this was an interesting first for me: making a solo visit to a stranger, and I enjoyed the opportunity to get out and about. Of course, I was careful. This trip was also a good confidence builder for this weekend, but that will have to wait for another post.

I also want to take a second to thank Melanie, of Dressed to IL for mentioning me in her post on authenticity.

I also need to thank LaToya of A Chameleon's Closet for giving me the Versatile Blogger Award in her post Leopard and Purple. So here are seven more things about me as part of the award.

1. Since I mentioned music in my previous post, I figured I would share some more. I like a lot of music, so this is just another sample of the randomness that is my playlist. Here are some bands that showed up on my playlist in the past few minutes: Cage the Elephant, Gogol Bordello, Beck, Muse, Hybrid, Rage Against the Machine, The White Stripes, The Killers, and Movits!.
2. Last time, I also mentioned that I liked bad movies. Well, I also frequently like cult classic movies, and as an example I have to mention one of my all time favorites. Krull. Which has an epic soundtrack by James Horner, and a young Liam Neeson and Robbie Coltrane in early minor roles. Its not a movie for everyone, but its one of my favorites.
3. I have no siblings.
4. I am scared of have serious reservations about flying. Every movie I've watched where things go wrong with airplanes makes it worse. My wife finds it seriously unpleasant to fly with me.
5. I don't drink, this makes the previous fact even more difficult to cope with. I once had a fellow passenger (whom I did not know) offer me some of her drink, in fact, I was so visibly nervous.
6. I also don't smoke.
7. I dislike raw tomatoes, but I enjoy Ketchup and nearly every other tomato based product you can imagine.

Things have been incredibly busy lately, and I look forward to being to get caught up soon, I haven't forgotten about everyone, but this month hit the ground running, and hasn't let up at all. Thanks so much for bearing with me. And of course, my amazing wife took the pictures for this post.

A blue kinda day.

• Top: Maurices
• Cardigan: Old Navy
• Skinny Jeans: Z. Cavaricci via Torrid (buy)
• Pumps: ? via Craigslist

The blue, in this case, is for the cold as well as my outfit. Yesterday barely got above freezing, and we had the additional fun of a fresh layer of snow on top or more ice and snow that had not yet melted. But that's okay, on Saturday, my wife and I followed a Craigslist post to a wonderful lady selling a large lot of shoes, and I ended up with several new-to-me pairs of shoes on the cheap. And since it was way too icy, snowy, and cold to be outside much today, I decided to wear one of my new pairs of heels. I just love the blue color of the shoes, and so I decided to keep piling on more blue and neutrals.

Today's post is my first outfit of 2011, and it feels like I'm starting to get back on track. I just want to thank every one for bearing with me while I've been so busy lately. I feel so disconnected, and I just can't wait to go read everyone's blogs and see what been going on. I also wanted to introduce a friend of mine who has just started blogging: Just A Small Town Girl.... Oh, and if you're interested, don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $25 gift certificate to CSN Stores.

I hope everyone is having a great start to their year, and as usual, my fantastic wife took the pictures for today's post.

Short skirt and a long jacket.

• Button down: Old Navy
• Vest: Maurices (previously)
• Skirt: Old Navy
• Pantyhose: Just My Size
• Pumps: Nine West (buy (Cognac color))
• Jacket: Kohl's

This is another outfit from last week. When I put on this skirt, I realized it was a little shorter than I remembered when I bought it. But I figured it was okay, especially since I was staying indoors. And this is the blog debut for this pair of heels. I mention them because they are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. They're really comfortable for the height, and I love the color. I decided that if I'm going to be crazy enough to wear a short skirt in December I might as well pair it with a great pair of shoes. And I'll be honest... I just put the jacket on so I could use this title.

I know a lot of bloggers talk about how awesome the style blogging community is, but it really is. Its definitely made this holiday season more fun for me in a lot of ways both big and small! And there are amazing style bloggers like Bombshell Beauty who do wonderful things like this. And there are so many other wonderful bloggers out there too(like Megan, Pamela, and Melissa just to name a few. and I really can't link to everyone, the list is too long!) Anyway, thanks everyone! And of course, my fabulous and awesome wife took the pictures!

Snow bunny.

• Sweater: Old Navy
• Belt: Torrid (previously)
• Skinny Jeans: Z. Cavaricci via Torrid (previously)
• Boots: Torrid (previously)
• Gloves: Isotoner via JC Penney
• Scarf: Maurices

First, I know I got a little carried away with the pictures today, but I had some trouble narrowing down my favorites! :) The title is due to my wife who said I looked a little bit like a snow bunny in this outfit. I don't have many cowl neck tops or cable knit sweaters, but last winter I decided I really wanted a long off white cable knit cowl neck sweater, and a short trip to Old Navy later this sweater was mine. Rarely does my vision of a fashion need want pan out so perfectly and so quickly. I knew it was almost cold enough to post an outfit involving this sweater when I saw this post by Jamie of Thrifty Threads. And then a few days ago, I saw a post that reminded me that I should probably try a belt with this sweater the next time I wore it.

Today's question is from Pamela who has the awesome blog Call Me Ishmael, and she asks: Is there anything you want to (and/or wish to) wear that you feel you either can't (just doesn't fit your body or xyz) or just haven't been able to (for whatever reasons) yet?

This is a great question, and part of it is because my understanding and answer to it has changed over time. A few years ago, I would have said yes, partially because of my body type, and given a long list of things I wanted that I thought I would never have. Even worse, this affected my shopping habits, because I would buy things that didn't exactly fit and "settle" for "cheap" looking, ill fitting clothes and shoes, which only reinforced some of these negative feelings. Shoes, ironically, were and still are my biggest problem.

I have come to realize though, that a lot of my sizing problems are because I'm a plus size and that I was shopping in places that didn't have a great selection in plus sizes. Now, I suppose I will always be frustrated that a lot of shoe brands stop one size short of my size (or possibly worse: come in my size, but run small...). I have also found some places that sell some great plus size clothes and I know some brands and places that sell great shoes that usually fit. Also, the feeling that I can eventually find something great has really helped curb some of my excessive shopping, although it does make it hard to hold back when I find that "perfect" vision of something I've been looking for.

Its interesting, because although I am a male, and have a male body, I've really come to understand that this isn't my biggest obstacle. The human body, whether its male or female, comes in a lot more shapes and sizes than ready-to-wear clothes are designed to fit. In fact, having read blogs by plus sizes, "core" sizes, petites, really tall people, people who have decided to make their own clothes, and others, I have really come to learn that it seems like everyone has at least some of the same problems with fit that I do. And while that's no fun for anyone, its been helpful to learn that I'm not alone in these frustrations. If something doesn't fit, its not the human body's fault, but the clothes that are at fault. Thankfully, it seems like some retailers are doing better about providing more options for the wide variety of shapes and sizes out there. Of course, that doesn't change the fact that if the shoe fits... I'm probably going to buy it immediately.

Okay, so some specific things that I've been wanting. Shoes are pretty high on the list (like I need another pair! :) ), specifically pair of black patent leather pumps with an almost round toe with a hidden platform and no seam in the front. I've also been wanting a pair of tall, plain, cognac/light brown boots with a round toe, a bit of a platform, and a chunky heel. And while I won't list specific the specific costume, an adult plus size version of the halloween costume I wanted to wear as a child that my parents denied me. (This perhaps might be a final bit of passive aggressive childhood rebellion. :) ) The perfect knee length party dress with a skirt that's not too full, basically a "little black dress", but it doesn't have to be black to make me happy. I am actually on a bit of a mission to find some slips lately as well. And in a somewhat related vein, I occasionally want to find some... sexy stuff. This could have gone in a previous post, but I have a swimsuit that's too nice to swim in, so I wouldn't mind a more practical swimsuit, and the opportunity to wear it.

But after listing all that, I am reminded again how incredibly lucky I am. Many of those items are as much about budgetary planning as fit. I feel richly blessed for the life I have. I am lucky enough to be able to afford owning a wardrobe that I can't use. It was a strange day when I woke up and realized I had a "complete" wardrobe. There will always be one more pair of perfect shoes, or one more style or trend that I want to try, but is that really any different from anyone else?

And of course, I have to thank my gorgeous wife for doing my hair and taking the pictures in a snow storm. (And for the record, these pictures were taken walking distance from our home, so its not like we risked life and limb to get them!)

Its too cold for this outfit.

• Cami: Cato (previously)
• Cardigan: Old Navy (previously)
• Skirt: Maurices (previously)
• Shoes: Gabriella Rocha via Zappos (buy)
• Pantyhose: Just My Size via Walmart

A while back, I saw Ashley of Ashley Getting Dressed post a really cute outfit. It didn't take me long to realize that one of my favorite skirts was really similar to hers, and that I could recreate a very similar outfit for myself. As an added bonus, I realized it would make a great outfit for the blog debut of these camel colored T-strap pumps. And those white blurs in the last two pictures are not a camera malfunction, they're snow! I hope everyone had a great weekend, and of course today's pictures were taken by my beautiful wife.

Black and khaki.

• Sweater: Target (previously)
• Skirt: Old Navy
• Scarf: Maurices (previously)
• Tights: Lane Bryant
• Boots: Payless (previously)

Black with a khaki skirt has always been a classic combination in my mind, and when I saw eek's post the other day, I realized I hadn't posted a combo like that on here before. Edit: I also realized I was inspired by this outfit Hope posted a while back! And although I was keeping it simple with this outfit, I did want to add this scarf to add a little extra pop to the outfit. (And I tied it like this in case anyone is curious) And I realize I have yet again gone with a heavy neutral palette. I definitely need to remember to bring some more color into my winter wardrobe. I guess there's always tomorrow.

I also thought I would remind everyone that I love answering questions. I also realized that since I have attracted some new readers recently (Welcome everyone!), and also just for anyone who hasn't noticed this, that I always try to tag posts where I answer questions with "q and a". I also received a question from Thrifty Momma on my last post: Not sure if you addressed this but I wanted to say at least you are being honest with your wife!! and I was wondering if you two share clothing and give each other tips?

My wife takes the pictures, reads the blog, and reads the comments. So not only is she aware, she is also a (mostly!) willing participant in my interest in fashion, and that is hopefully clear to anyone reading as well. And for all of her help and acceptance, I'm profoundly grateful. But I do want to address the honesty aspect, since I'm pretty sure I haven't discussed it before. My wife is my best friend, and I always try to be honest with her about everything. The only secrets I try to keep are presents and surprises.

My wife was made aware of my interest while we were just dating, and it was not an easy discussion. To make matters more complicated, at the time I did not think my interest was morally acceptable, so I certainly didn't ask her to think it was okay. It wasn't the easiest thing for her to deal with then as well. It has not been an easy road reaching acceptance for either of us. It wasn't until shortly after our marriage that we both reached a productive level of acceptance, and even still, I have times that I struggle with it. The thing is, I do think its mostly a positive part of our lives now, and fashion is a fun creative outlet for me, and we both accept this. Starting this blog has opened up a safe avenue for me to find other people that share my interest in fashion who also find what I'm doing acceptable. My wife has been thrilled at the response this blog has received, and its definitely helped both of us out a lot.

I have discussed before that we do not share clothes. Our clothing and shoe sizes are just too different for that to work. We do occasionally share accessories though, and my wife has borrowed one of my purses before. Of the two of us, I think I enjoy fashion and shopping more, but we do help each other put together outfits and shop for clothes, and I have picked out entire outfits for my wife on a few occasions at her request. :)

And of course today's pictures were taken by my awesome wife.

Seven little secrets.

• Top: Torrid (previously)
• Cardigan: Old Navy (previously)
• Skinny Jeans: Z. Cavaricci via Torrid (previously)
• Belt: Torrid (previously)
• Boots: Payless

Our weekend went a little off the rails, and so pictures didn't quite happen like they were supposed to, among other things. This outfit also turned out better than I thought it would, although I realized in writing up what I wore, that I wore this cardigan with these skinny jeans last time too. I need to fix that next time! I'm not sure the belt ended up quite right either, but the big question I have is about the boots. I ordered these boots last year in the wide calf version so I could hopefully wear them with skirts and with jeans tucked into them. Unfortunately, the calf is REALLY wide, so wide that I don't really like how they look with a skirt at all, and I think they're too big even with jeans tucked into them. The toe also ended up be a little more pointed that I usually prefer as well, but its mostly the calf size that I dislike. As everyone who read the previous post is aware, when it comes to shoes I have a serious addiction, and so I am trying to occasionally post pairs I'm thinking about putting in the thrift pile. So definitely feel free to tell me what you think!

Also, several people have asked if I really do welcome questions. I always enjoy questions and trying to answer them, so please feel free to ask away in the comments (or by email!). I will try to do my best to figure out some way to answer your questions if possible. In that vein, Megan Mae from the wonderful blog Daily Waifu Snapshot tagged me to post Seven Little Secrets. This actually turned out to be harder than I thought it would be. The biggest "secret" I have is that I'm a crossdresser, but I assume everyone reading this post already knew that, so that's no fun to list. On the other hand, I'm trying to remain pseudonymous as well, and so it was a little tricky coming up with interesting things that people who know me in real life wouldn't know as well.

1. I've never been to a drag show. I figured I would mention this one because this really seems to surprise people. I also don't know any other crossdressers in real life either.
2. I have a love/hate relationship with TV. I like some TV shows, and do occasionally enjoy watching TV, but if it was up to me, the TV would almost never be on. In addition, when a TV is on, it will almost constantly distract me from anything else in the room, even if I hate what's on. I also have a serious dislike of watching reruns.
3. Someday, I would like to have the opportunity to go to a formal event in a cocktail dress/formal-wear. I'm pretty open minded about this and what sort of event would work, but I want this to be a legitimate "normal" event for formal wear, so I would definitely not count a Halloween costume party. I would even consider, if I was asked, being a bridesmaid... er man... er... is there even a term for that?
4. I have visited 39 US states.
5. I could probably list several style related quirks like this, but I used to have a seriously irrational dislike of open toed shoes. I don't even remember why to be honest. Now I love them of course, and have ... too many pairs. Maybe this quirk should actually be "unhealthy obsession with shoes in general". Although, I will add that attractive shoes in my size tend to not make it to clearance, and can be tricky to find in the first place, so that added a bit of a compulsion to buying pairs without thinking things through. I'm doing better now though!
6. I usually enjoy anime. I'm not at the obsession level though, but there are some series I follow and movies that I enjoy a lot.
7. I tend to live my life as an open book. I don't actually have that many secrets, and most people who know me, know the sort of quirky things that end up in a list like this. This isn't really a cop out, because as I was thinking of things I could list, I kept realizing that a lot of people who I wouldn't want to know about this know these things, and while some of stuff I could have listed would be quite interesting, it would also make it pretty easy for people I know in real life to figure out. So I'll go with "slightly neurotic about being honest and open" as the seventh secret.

I know I'm supposed to tag seven other bloggers now, but it seems like a lot of people have already been tagged, and I'm a little pressed for time, so I really want to avoid tagging someone twice.

And of course my wonderful wife took the pictures today.