Queer-eye for the straight woman

[Trek420]

When I lived in Fort Lauderdale I had a gay guy friend who loved to take me shopping. It may be a stereotype but he did have a great fashion sense.

Thank you Zen. Finally, someone recognizing this is a huge stereotype.

I'm speechless, which whether you only cyber-know me or know me IRL is rare for me but I'm surprisingly bothered by this. I realize it's all good but to wake up and before even my first cup of coffee see the Q word splashed in the title .... I dunno.

Maybe I'm over-reacting because after all it is TE and it's all good but ....

I'm glad you had a fabulous shopping experience and I'm thrilled that they guy is open and out. Also QEFTSG is an actual show, so it's not like you're calling anybody the Q word. It's a good pun. I like puns and plays on words

We all have stuff to teach each other. Their should be SGFTQG & QGFTSG & SGFTSG and.... I could sure need fashion tips.

This is a very personal thing. If you ask 1,000,000 gay folk you will get 1,000,001 responses (the extra one is me changing my mind. It's also generational and I love it that our younger generation often think nothing of the Q word and other terms. It's a breath of fresh air.

Personally I like the Q word vs. the alphabet soup of LGBTQ, and the general term Gay usually is taken to mean our awesome Gay men-folk and leaves us out. So I like the Q term. And I use it ... a lot .... around others who bat for my team. Because it's our word, and it's us, and in the tribe so to speak.

It's a completely different thing to hear from a straight person before my 3rd cup of coffee.

And slightly OT as these things tend to go, Mr. Silver (and any other men-folk on the board and/or women with opinions on this isue): what's with all the dark blue, gray, black? Why no bright colors?

I was just reflecting on this because where I work and live there are a lot of urban cyclists. Now the punks and goths and fixie riders all dressed in black because it's a style thang I can understand. And the folks with "no blood for oil" stickers on the bikes (a sentiment I agree with but not their fashion sense) We would not want to look cheerful or happy or like cycling's fun or anything, it's serious not fun no colors.

But your average working Joe, construction guys, working class. Whether he's on a bike due to the cost of gas or just trying fit a little work-out in. Why are they all to a man in black, gray or dark blue? OK, so you're in the East Bay and you're a Raider fan, you have the jacket. It comes in Silver too. It's reflective

So maybe we can't get folks to wear helmets but how about a nationwide movement to have men accept that colorful clothing can be manly!

I'm glad TE is here to provide a forum and an open place to discuss this. Long live TE

[Brandy]

So maybe we can't get folks to wear helmets but how about a nationwide movement to have men accept that colorful clothing can be manly!

There are three or four guys in my office that have embraced the pink shirts and purple shirts. I love it! My favorite was when our CEO had on a bright multi-colored striped shirt with several buttons not buttoned, one casual Friday. I told him he looked great and he seemed unsure, asking me if it was "too much"...lol.

Bring on the colors!

[Trek420]

There's an ad on TV, think it's Home Depot for a line of paint color choices that match your favorite college or pro football team. It shows the happy smiling guy gesturing at newly repainted room "Look! My living room matches the Green Bay Packers" My own personal idea of design he)).

My LBS guy, Chris at Robinson Wheelworks has faaaaabulous taste and a great eye. And he's as straight as they make 'em. When he repainted my commuter-mobile he put a tiny Mavic logo just so on the back top tube. It's just the right place and size.

Then he and his wrench debated the Lizard skins, he said it was juuuust the right touch of black, his wrench said no - it would not look right. A fight ensued, it rolled out into the parking lot, Chris is 6' somethin' and he won.

They put it on and the bike just pops.

His redesign of the shop was fabulous too, the tiny shop looks much bigger. I thought he'd somehow expanded and it was just a matter of moving things and bouncing light off color .... even little things like the parts display counter the parts are nestled in coffee beans! Which bounces the light and the shiny Campy bits just sing against dark espresso beans. Who'da thunk it?

His lucky wife and kid get the aesthetics of a designer with all the advantages of a big ol' great straight guy

I've long ago learned that if I bring the bike in for work and he says "It will look better with this, and work just as well as that" .... he's right.

So it's not as if straight guys can't have taste even in a Blue Park Tool work shirt.

But again, why all the black, blue and gray?

[Duck on Wheels]

Well sis, if it's any help, and if you've had another cuppa by now ... When I'm out shopping, which I usually don't enjoy, I'm thrilled to find anybody who knows what's in their shop, who it fits, what colors are likely to look good on them etc. and gives me good advice if I happen to stumble in there as a customer. In my experience so far, it's usually been a woman a few years older than me (which IS saying something!), but if it were a guy, straight or gay, I'd be good with that too. What I'm hoping here is that LoriO was impressed with this particular salesperson's professionalism and helpfulness. That he had a sense of humor was a welcome extra, and that his humor happened to be spoofing about his own sexual orientation, well ... that was his own choice, not hers to make, but fun enough when he made it. Maybe it's my insensitivity (I can be pretty dense) but while I thought she was treading close, I think she stayed on the right side of the stereotype issue. (Yep, they're wrong as often as right, which means they don't hold up statistically.) And the rest of the discussion went off in a very helpful direction: I need to go through my closet, pack up things that are still in good shape but that I'm not likely to use, and donate them somewhere they can find good homes. It'll help make room for what I bought on sale today (went out shopping for a new tea kettle, but came home instead with a knit suit at 75% off, charcoal gray, knee-length skirt with twirly pleats, long jacket with very long sleeves (YAY!) and a hood (?) but no pockets (). Actually, UK might want to borrow it for job interviews, but only if she gives it back.
BTW, remember warning your nephew about not wearing the rainbow beanie he'd had since he was 5 to his new HS? Well, he is one straight guy I would take along as a shopping advisor any day, if he were willing. Excellent fashion sense. Also good sense of design in other departments, such as which direction to lay the boards on the deck stairs. Not very patient with women shoppers, tho. His gf and I plan to leave him at REI while we hit the mall, come June.

[Trek420]

remember warning your nephew about not wearing the rainbow beanie he'd had since he was 5 to his new HS? Well, he is one straight guy I would take along as a shopping advisor any day, if he were willing. Excellent fashion sense. Also good sense of design in other departments, such as which direction to lay the boards on the deck stairs.

Yes, and if anyone were to say "well you cook, have good fashion and design sense ... you sure you're straight? "

He just stands up and up and up and says "Yeah, and you gotta problem with that?" then does a fingertip chin up.

Remember when I came out (to my sibs first) oh about '75 or so, I remember either you or BrotheroftheDuckonwheels saying that our mutual parents had asked if mutual brother might be batting for the other team. Brotheronwheels is very much on the Het side of the Kinsey scale but a slave to fashion. When pegging jeans was the thing he pegged his own, he dresses very well to this day, likes Native American massive jewelry and almost always dresses in black. Dayuhm he cleans up nice. I could learn a thing or two from him

So they thought he might be .... but he's not. BTW I also know G@y guys who I just love bunches but they don't have the fashion/design sense G*d gave lettuce.

So here he is with his grandson in a rare moment of color. Note for comparison purposes the Dad to the right; black tennis shoes with shorts? I think it's a fashion don't. Ladies (and Gent) whadya think? Can a guy wear colorful clothes or are we doomed to blue, gray and black?

Of course I'm not one to talk, the electricians are here, my power is off and I'm STILL in sweats.

So I'll keep de-cluttering. What I learned on QEFTSG is that if you haven't worn it in a year or more .... donate it. You probably will not wear it again. Bell bottoms have already been in style....twice. So another load of donations to the thrift store.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Most of the people I know wear all kinds of interesting colors and styles...both men and women, straight or gay/queer.
I'm not sure what the question is- *Is* there a question?
Maybe it's because I don't work in an office?

I tend to have quite a lot of black items...most biking tights, capris, etc are black. I then pair them with bold colored socks, neck gaiters, bright hats, etc. The black base color shows off the bright accessories' colors better.

[Duck on Wheels]

Yes, and if anyone were to say "well you cook, have good fashion and design sense ... you sure you're straight? "

He just stands up and up and up and says "Yeah, and you gotta problem with that?" then does a fingertip chin up.

Remember when I came out (to my sibs first) oh about '75 or so, I remember either you or BrotheroftheDuckonwheels saying that our mutual parents had asked if mutual brother might be batting for the other team. Brotheronwheels is very much on the Het side of the Kinsey scale but a slave to fashion. When pegging jeans was the thing he pegged his own, he dresses very well to this day, likes Native American massive jewelry and almost always dresses in black. Dayuhm he cleans up nice. I could learn a thing or two from him

So they thought he might be .... but he's not. BTW I also know G@y guys who I just love bunches but they don't have the fashion/design sense G*d gave lettuce.

So here he is with his grandson in a rare moment of color. Note for comparison purposes the Dad to the right; black tennis shoes with shorts? I think it's a fashion don't. Ladies (and Gent) whadya think? Can a guy wear colorful clothes or are we doomed to blue, gray and black?

Of course I'm not one to talk, the electricians are here, my power is off and I'm STILL in sweats.

So I might as well continue the de-cluttering. What I learned on QEFTSG is that if you haven't worn it in a year or more .... donate it. You probably will not wear it. So another load of donations to the thrift store.

Musta been mutual brother who told you that one, cuz this is the first I've heard of it. Thought never even struck me. The guy likes Hawaiian shirts and fashionable shoes. So? When mutual mom doesn't have time to peg pants, or won't peg them as tight as fashion demands, he learns to sew. So? When wife nr. 1 keeps postponing sewing that sports jacket she bought yardage and pattern for, he learns to tailor. So? So I decided I could sew a jacket too and did a 3-piece suit for the dh over here. Th'thought never occured to me that any of this meant anything else. I do recall your coming-out-letter tho'. I'd written to you that I was preggers, and that tho' this would work out fine, was no crisis, and would not keep me from finishing school, you should probably not follow my example. You wrote back that you and your lover had no intention of getting pregnant, either of you.

As for ds rising up and up and up and then pulling himself up on a rafter edge by his finger tips ...? Prob'ly right. He won a bouldering contest today. Jess wait til June. He's not only taller than last time you saw him, he's also built a lot of upper body muscle.

[Trek420]

He's taller? That's not humanly possible

They'll want to go here

http://www.greenbelt.org/getinvolved...nders/sthelena

Most of the people I know wear all kinds of interesting colors and styles..

Yes, you're an artist, the artist formerly known as .... so it's natch that you're flock towards people with an aesthetic sense and interesting ideas about color, texture.

I'm not sure what the question is- *Is* there a question?

My question, if i have one, and this is because I tend to overthink things IS there a "Queer eye"? Or a straight one for that matter?

[carpaltunnel]

Bring on the colors!

I just got home from shopping, where I saw a young - 17-ish - "Dude" sporting a pink T-shirt with the words (In black) All My Black Shirts Are Dirty".He was with his Mom & sister, and they looked like they were having fun!

[Mr. Bloom]

And slightly OT as these things tend to go, Mr. Silver (and any other men-folk on the board and/or women with opinions on this isue): what's with all the dark blue, gray, black? Why no bright colors?

Trek, are you talking about cycling attire or business attire?

If it's cycling attire, I agree. There are ....hmmmm....anatomical....hmmmm....reasons that a man should choose black cycling shorts (there's been a post about this one before with pictures...and I really felt sorry for one of the guys), but I'm all for bright jerseys. I got a collection of Royal Blue that I never wear...favoring bright yellow instead. In addition, my riding jacket is florescent lime green.

If it's business attire, colors don't work. Suits are expensive. A man can wear two different dark suits all week and no one would know. If I had a two week rotation of suits of different colors, I'd have nearly $8,000 wrapped up in suits @ $800/each. I'm going to stick with dark and bland. Besides, bright suits are so 80's...and generally require polyester double-knit I wear dark suits, starched white shirts, striped ties, grey socks, and black shoes. Every work day

If it's casual, I have a collection of LaCoste shirts ...including pink, lavender, sunflower...looking at their website, it seems their colors are a bit muted this season...

...but I'll post a picture of my casual socks collection...you'll like!

But 'oy...this will get us off on a utilikilt tangent again

[Trek420]

'oy...this will get us off on a utilikilt tangent again

Well a girl can always hope.

Hey, didn't you promise to wear one to work? Or was that bike shorts and a suit?

[Mr. Bloom]

Well a girl can always hope.

Hey, didn't you promise to wear one to work? Or was that bike shorts and a suit?

It was shorts and a suit...but alas, I've taken the pictures off the 'net didn't want them to come back and haunt me when I run for president

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It was shorts and a suit...but alas, I've taken the pictures off the 'net didn't want them to come back and haunt me when I run for president

Hah!- there's always the Wayback Machine.....
http://www.archive.org/web/web.php

Trek- I tend to think of it more as an artistic eye vs. a non-artistic eye, rather than a queer eye vs. a straight eye. There are plentiful people around with absolutely no sense of style, both straight and gay!

And you're right, I do tend to hang out with some interesting people (of all walks of life though, not just artists) I purposely seek out the company of unique or creative people. ...and perhaps their unique clothing styles alert me and help me recognize them as interesting people to want to get to know.
It's all so interesting.

[boy in a kilt]

I've always been taught that in the business world, dark suits are basically your uniform. These rules of thumb may be a little dated, but brown suits are considered "weak". Also, double-breasted suits are generally only appropriate for men of higher status.

Fortunately, I've never had a job wear I had to wear a suit and am not likely to do so because I don't have the qualifications to get such a job.

I'm kinda weird about jerseys. I'm fat enough that I look like a sausage in most jerseys. I'm also cheap enough that if I drop more than about $40 on a jersey, it had best be wool. Those two things alone rule out most of the colorful ones.

[mimitabby]

where I work sometimes I am revolted by the fact that all the guys are wearing shades of beige and tan. (there are some exceptions at my office, but they are VERY noticeable)
sometimes i will see 3 in a row wearing their tan khaki pants and their excruciatingly boring matching shirts, and I say Don't you guys have anything more colorful??? WHO PICKS THESE CLOTHES OUT????
and to a man; the response is: MY WIFE.
there are 3 guys in my office who dress themselves in COLORS; two are bachelors, one is 25 years old (and married).

My gay brother didn't have great taste in clothes... I guess he didn't fit the stereotype either.