Top 10 Essential Items For Getting Cozy This Cozy Season
After five years in Northern California, I am embracing this midwest winter with great enthusiasm, eager to have an excuse besides “my personality” and “my various psychological problems” to not leave my house for three consecutive months.
Furthermore: I am so ready to get cozy, and it turns out I’m living with a real cozy enthusiast. Her name is Abby, and not a day goes by without the word “cozy” being spoken in our home.
When I mentioned in passing that I might be constructing a top ten about cozy necessities, within mere minutes my helpful and loving gal pal Abby had texted me an outline for “top 10 cozy things” (we were sitting in the same room). Working from that outline, I will present to you everything you need for a cozy lifestyle.
1. Two Sizes Too Big Fleece Zip-Ups
Merely three months ago, Abby and I were perusing the aisles of our favorite boutique, Goodwill, when she extracted two items from a rack and asked for my opinion on whether she should buy one of these items or both of them. I was surprised because both of the garments she had selected were truly godawful: large, bulky, tragically patterned fleece jackets I wouldn’t expect anybody to willfully wear before their 87th birthday or after 1987. Perhaps these patterns would’ve worked on a wool sweater, but on a fleece zip-up it seemed like a no-go. I gave her my opinion — “neither” — but, undeterred, she selected her personal favorite and brought it home.
Since that fateful November afternoon, Abby has not gone a day without wearing what she refers to as “her cozy.” Every evening within an hour or two of coming home from work, she exclaims in a sing-songy voice, “time to put on my cozyyy!!!” and retreats to the bedroom, discarding her hipster apparel and emerging minutes later with a smile and a shimmy and that grand ol’ cozy. It’s a few sizes too big and therefore rests upon her body much like a poncho. The other day she was feeling grumpy, realized she’d not yet changed into her cozy, then changed into her cozy, and felt immediately better. It’s definitely the sexiest thing I’ve seen a butch woman wear since the ’90s when my Mom had a friend who only wore “Big Dog” t-shirts.
She spends so much time in her cozy (she even sleeps in it sometimes) that when I summon her image in my mind’s eye, I cannot help but also summon the green, blue, red and yellow pattern of that Alfred Dunner cozy. That’s right. Alfred Dunner. Remember the name. He makes enchanted cozies.
2. Sweatpants
It’s not a secret that I don’t need a reason to wear sweatpants all season, but sweatpants season is upon us and the reason is “it’s time to get cozy.” Abby’s notes: “sweet sweet sweatpants.”
3. Cozy Slippers
Abby’s notes for this section read, “Slips to slip your frozen toes into and remember that frostbite doesn’t often happen inside one’s house. Slips to keep you safe from frostbite.”
4. Electric Blankets
Personally, I imagined electric blankets existed solely to light human bodies on fire but it turns out that lots of people still use electric blankets without worrying that they will turn into a heap of blood and ash. I got a plaid faux “micro-mink / sherpa” electric blanket for Christmas from Abby’s mom, which was very exciting because the blanket is so soft and wonderful that I immediately wrapped myself in it like a burrito and never wanted to part from it. However, I did part from it because Abby is not afraid to plug in an electric blanket and therefore sleeps underneath it every night with the window wide open, which is cool for her, I think.
5. Memory Foam Pillows
According to my bank account, Memory Foam Mattresses will not become a part of my life any time soon. But when you can’t afford the real thing and there’s a sale at Big Lots, you can always spring for the travel-sized edition, am I right? Ladies? On this topic, Abby writes, “ohmylordyes.”
6. Another Really Soft Blanket
Abby living her best life
Ideally a down blanket (“a giant down ass blanket for your down ass self”) or a blanket that when you touch it, you feel like a queen. Like most items on this list, if you’re in the US, it’s best to seek these out at your local TJ Maxx or HomeGoods.
7. Warm Socks
This one wasn’t on Abby’s outline but are my current winter obsession. Putting on intensely thermal high-tech socks or especially soft winter socks when you get dressed in the morning is the best way to kick off the day with a little bit of cozy. You’d really have to intend to spend a few weeks in the frozen tundra or compete in the Winter Olympics to justify spending $25 on three pairs of socks… OR WOULD YOU?
8. A Netflix Subscription
“There needs to be an endgame in mind for all this coziness. Ladies, let 2016 be the year we #netflixandcozy.”
– Abby
9. “A Cozy Chair or Section Of The Couch”
“For when you absolutely if need be need to get out of the bed — but don’t forget the electric blanket!”
– Abby
10. Hoodies
As I remind you most winters, there is nothing quite as cozy as the hoodies in the Autostraddle Merch store. Even the sweatshirts that aren’t hoodies are cozy, they are softer than any other sweatshirts I have ever owned and I have owned a lot of sweatshirts. Plus the gal pal hoodies have THUMB-HOLES.
11. A Gal Pal and/or a Dog
Regarding gal pals, Abby writes, “For when the electric blanket just doesn’t cut the lady-lovin lyric She Keeps Me Warm.” Regarding dogs, she has indicated, “A dog… no need to say more. Not a cat. A dog.”
If your landlord won’t let you have a pet and you don’t have a girlfriend or a close female friend who enjoys platonic cuddling, you can still be cozy, because the only thing on this list that truly matters is Item #1. If you have that, you’re all set.
Relevant To Your Interests: Outfit Your Dungeon Master
It’s no secret: I play D&D once weekly (gnomish rogue!) and I think you should too. If you’re my brand of geek, if you think drinking beer with your fellow queerbos and slinging spells and making shit up sounds really appealing, you should get a group together and do the thing. If you already have a gaming group together and a Dungeon Master to shower love upon, huzzah! I think you’ll find this list pretty awesome. But I also think you’re not the norm — I don’t generally catch wind of Dungeons and Dragons games with a high percentage of queer-lady-type-beings. I feel like there are a million reasons why I don’t hear about more queer lady groups. Probably everyone thinks this is teenage boys stuff — it’s not! In the immortal words of Ari, one of our resident Grease Bats illustrated by Anna, “I’m not about to let a bunch of fourteen-year-olds take up all my space.” The more us queer dames and non-binary geek-stars represent in the nerd community, the more we can dilute the toxic masculinity perpetuated by the violent few. Which is another reason I think I don’t hear about more homo-normal D&D groups — we feel like it’ll always have to be a crusade, or “mean something” (interfacing with the nerd community so often is like that, alas) when in fact sometimes it’s just playing pretend for funsies and there’s no greater point to be made. Most of the time, actually. My group is perfect — half queer, and all awesome. I wish the same thing for you. And the last reason I feel like we, as a community, don’t necessarily do the D&D often is because it’s got a learning curve and someone has to jump in to be in charge of the whole experience — that person is called a Dungeon Master, and you don’t have to be perfect to give it a go. Whether you’re gifting someone the tools to DM your game or you’re jumping in yourself or you know a lot of fabulous geek monsters who would get a kick out of it, here’s a list of cool kitting for your resident cloaked mystery human. Happy dungeoneering.
Getting Started
There’s one book every player needs access to, and that’s the Player’s Handbook ($27). This tells you all the rules of D&D, how to make a character, what each dice roll means, etc. A DM should also have two other books, The Dungeon Master’s Guide ($28) and The Monster Manual, ($31). To minimize expenses, our group members are kind enough to share, like, two or three Player’s Handbooks with those of us who don’t have them whenever we need to look something up. Some people like the D&D Starter Set ($13), but I think one of the most fun aspects of D&D is creating characters and these come with pre-fab characters, so I feel pretty meh about it. I’d personally recommend getting those three books and then choosing a beginner campaign — we’re playing Hoard of the Dragon Queen ($22, only the Dungeon Master should read this book!). The DM can also “homebrew” a campaign, and for an example of this I recommend watching Geeky & Sundry’s Critical Role.
Dice are pretty important. Dice are also pretty. You should check out the website with the simplest name, D&D Dice. They have loads of pretty sets and the ability to customize your own set (for example, I play a rogue, so I need a lot of d6s, but rarely a d12).
I’d put down some fun minis, but to be perfectly honest, our group plays with a set of cardboard squares with our names written on them and that’s been working out fine for us. When you’re just getting started, best to have a Gaming Mat ($22.50) that the Dungeon Master can draw on and erase with some wet-erase markers ($7).
Advanced D&D
No, not the game set. Just a couple things to take it one step further, if you’re discovering you’re into it.
DM Screen
This is because the Dungeon Master often rolls a dice or counts down the hit points of an enemy or has a bunch of miniatures lined up for monsters you haven’t encountered yet and doesn’t want their players to know any of this information. You could just make rolls behind your hand, you could get the default screen for twelve bucks, or you could give yourself a nice set up with this solid oak DM screen (complete with a place for the DM’s pencil, $80). By the way, they’ll carve guild names and thank you messages and all sorts of things in it, so definitely check them out.
Dice Accoutrements
I found a cute little dragon dice holder, for when you’ve got a bit of an escapey die ($42). And if you, like me, are an enthusiastic roller, Wyrmwood Gaming makes a handy dice tray ($60) to contain your excitement and your wood-be errant d20s. And as an add-on, they also make a collapsable dice tower for rolling large handfuls of dice at once. So pretty.
Literally Outfitting Your Dungeon Master
Did you know there were so many accessories? I sure didn’t. Here’s a collage of all the cool stuff I found!
Elven D10 Dice Earrings, $10.61 // Dungeons and Dragons Manual Earrings, $16.85 // D20 Scarf, $44 // D20 Cufflinks, $35 // Dragon Tie Clip, $25
What’s Up, Doc?: Dr. Martens Are Your Forever BFF
Winter’s knell is a knockin’ and it’s time to get you something to keep your toes warm. There are a multitude of options out there, but I’m going to zero in on a style that has been kickin’ around since the 1950s. Dr. Martens are a surefire way to feel properly bad ass against the big, bad chilllllll of winter.
The first prototype of the now infamous 1460 boot came after Klaus Märtens, a German doctor suffered a skiing accident and needed a comfortable shoe. He fashioned a leather boot both sturdy and comfortable, with an air cushioned tyre sole. A few adjustments in fit (and an Anglicized name), the “AirWair” boots were on the market. First gaining popularity with working class postmen and factory workers, the boots soon took on an alternative bent. Punks, skinheads, some new wavers and other subcultures took the boots as their own. Dr Martens have always had an association with those who are rebellious, representing individuality and freedom. With popularity in the 1990s due to the widespread influence of grunge culture, it’s no surprise that current 90s nostalgia has sparked a resurgence of the combat boot.
Styling Your Docs
The most common and popular styles of Martens are the 1460 boot and the 1461 oxford.
The possibilities are damn near endless. Vegan leather, patent, cloth, patterned, neon there is a Doc for every taste and style. The beauty of this utilitarian boot is you can pair it with almost anything. Styled with a mini-dress and tights looks just as sweet as a heavy flannel coat and sleek black jeans. Bundle up with a big scarf and wool coat, or layer a midi skirt and a bomber jacket, the choice is yours.
Purchasing Some Docs
If you purchase these baddies new, they’ll run anywhere between $90-$200. If you are looking for a more inexpensive route, checking Etsy or Ebay could cut the price in half. Ebay often has new pairs, were as you can score broken in vintage pairs on Etsy. Local online marketplaces like Craigslist, Kijiji or Facebook are also a viable option for a discounted pair.
If you are curious about more boots, see Aja’s guide for femme styles in 2015, Lizz’s Boots 101 or our Boot guide from last winter. How do you do your Docs?
Style Thief: How To Do Cool Casual Sexy Style Like Jenny Shimizu
Which former supermodel can boast being both a mechanic and Angelina’s ex? None other than Jenny Shimizu. Although she was outside of industry beauty “norms,” Jenny first rose to fame as a prolific Japanese-American queer mainstream model. Active in the fashion industry as a model booker, Jenny’s style has always been original, both relaxed and striking. Growing up under the influence of a laid-back West Coast upbringing combined with a lengthy career in fashion means that Jenny possesses a unique and enviable style. The good news? I’m going to show you how to get it!
Denim Days
Jenny Shimizu is no stranger to the wonders of denim. Whether it’s a well-layered jean jacket with a moto jacket and a tee or a loose Canadian tuxedo, denim takes on another life. Relying on simplicity for impact, the effect is decidedly relaxed. A masterful take on a typically casual realm of dressing.
Vans Leather Classic Slip-On
Dashing and Dapper
Whether it’s hitting up a event or a night out with her devastatingly fashionable wife Michelle Harper, Shimizu slides into dashing suiting when the occasion calls for something more formal. Jenny is not one to shy away from tailoring. Crisp white shirts are a staple, adding a boyish uniformity to these looks. Wearing a streamlined three-piece look or a loose Pepto-Bismol look, the dapperness knows no bounds.
Jagger Pant, Hepburn Blazer, Amina Leather Oxford
Casual Cool
In her “off-duty” looks, Jenny’s looks offer up part mechanic, part painfully cool human. Shirts with the sleeves cut off, white t-shirts, leather jackets and beat-up brogues. She is an avid collector of vintage tees, and often wears perfectly aged, slightly threadbare shirts with loose-ish leather leggings or jeans. Is there anything better than feelin’ hella comfortable and lookin’ super fly? I think not.
Big Primpin’: Faux Fur Toppers To Keep You Warm and Fabulous
Big, dramatic and hella fun, faux fur jackets are undeniably the party topper of 2015. The politics of being a fur-wearer are murky at best, so why not cozy up to something equally warm but 100% cruelty free? Some might say that faux fur gets a little… flamboyant but I say f**k the haters. Faux fuzzies always feel opulent, fun and ready for whatever comes your way. Wearing a tee and jeans? Throw on a shaggy overcoat and feel fresh to death. Headed out in a party dress? A bright and textured fur coat elevates the outfit to another level. A plethora of fabulously dressed folks know the merits of a great faux fur; with a shaggy coat, you’ll be in excellent company.
Get You Some
It’s only right that you get some furry teddy coats for yourself, and there is a smorgasbord of lovely ones. Whether you are looking for a classic leopard print or something a little more avant guard, we’ve got you!
Faux Fur Zip Up Jacket, Curve Faux Fur Coat, Colour Block Faux Fur Coat, Striped Faux Fur Coat, J. Crew Collection Faux Fur Jacket
I’m thinkin’ of snapping up a bright and color blocked faux fur jacket; how would you do a big, fluffy coat?
Drawn to Comics: 28 Queer Women and Non-Binary Comics Creators You Can Support This Holigay Season
by rory midhani
The holiday season is the perfect time to support your favorite queer lady and non-binary artists, whether it’s by signing up to give them monthly support through their Patreon pages or buying gifts from their online stores for all your friends and loved ones. Now, I love Patreon. It’s hard to make a living making comics, and that’s especially true for webcomics. So now that there’s a way that I can support my favorite creators, you know that I’m going to be all over that. Besides just supporting your favorite creators’ Patreons, many artists also sell prints, shirts, stickers, comics and other merchandise that make for great gifts.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, and I mean no offense to any queer women or NB comic creators who aren’t listed here; there are several more listed here on the list I made last year.
Ariel Ries
From Ries’ webcomic Witchy.
Ries is one of my absolute favorite artists on the entire internet. Her webcomic Witchy, about a girl named Nyneve who lives in an Asian-based fantasy world where people have magic based on how much hair they have. Ries’ comic has stunning art, amazing world building, terrific fantasy rules and a cast full of queer characters and people of color. You can support her on Patreon, buy prints and other goods at her online store or buy her very terrific zines off of Gumroad.
Mildred Louis
From Agents of the Realm.
Another one of my favorite comic people on the internet, Louis creates the super terrific, absolutely gorgeous and ridiculously fun college-age Magical Girl comic Agents of the Realm, which, like Witchy, is full of poc and queer characters. You can support her on Patreon or buy prints or other things, like books or charms from her online stores.
Autostraddle’s Saturday Morning Cartoonists
Cameron Glavin
Glavin is one of our very excellent Saturday Morning Cartoon artists. You can follow Cameron on tumblr.
Anna Archie Bongiovanni
With their great Grease Bats comics, Bongiovanni brings us the adventures of Scout, Andy and now Ari every month. You can support them on Patreon or through their online store.
Yao Xiao
Her Baopu comics are always terrific, but her recent “If you Want to Say Thank You, Don’t Say Sorry” comic went wildly viral all across the internet. She also does beautiful illustrations, like in these essays. You can buy prints, including her Thank You/Sorry piece in her Etsy shop.
Megan Praz
The last, but not least, Saturday Morning Cartoonist, Praz can be contacted on her website for professional inquiries.
Kylie Wu
Kylie is the person behind the hilarious and super relatable Trans Girl Next Door comics. You can support her on Patreon or buy shirts and prints from her online store.
The Lumberjanes Team
First of all, you can buy Volume 1, Volume 2 or the special Friendship to the Max edition that collects both volumes and bonus content. You can also support individual members of the team by buying Noelle Stevenson’s other books like Nimona or Runaways. She also has several online stores. Artist Brooke Allen has a tumblr where she sometimes offers commission work. You can also support Kat Leyh, who recently joined as a writer through her online stores.
Kate Leth
Who wouldn’t love to have this Rihanna, Beyonce, Carly Rae, Nicki, T-Swift and Satan illustration on a shirt or pillow?
Kate Leth is a super awesome writer and artist who’s worked on comics like Edward Scissorhands, Adventure Time and Bravest Warriors. She also has a Patreon and a couple of online stores where you can buy prints and other products.
Sophie Campbell
Campbell is the unique and influential artist on Jem and the Holograms as well as having her own comics like Wet Moon and Shadoweyes, both of which have new versions coming out that have her correct name on them.
Tamra Bonvillain
And just sharing the original bw against the finished coloring!@TessFowler pic.twitter.com/boEwMiKQRn
— Tamra Bonvillain (@TBonvillain) December 8, 2015
Bonbillain is the colorist for books like Rat Queens (she’s done Issues #11, #12 and #13 so far), Wayward (which has three books), Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur and the upcoming Magaret Atwood-penned Angel Catbird, her colors make some of the most exciting comics out there come to life.
Aatmaja Pandya
Pandya makes the stunningly gorgeous fantasy webcomic Travelogue, as well as other comics like Baker’s Dozen that feature her wonderful fantasy world building. You can support her at Patreon or buy her comics from her online shop or Gumroad.
Cathy G. Johnson
From Dear Amanda.
Cathy G. Johnson is a brilliant writer and illustrator who makes some of the most fascinating and interesting comics out there. Jeremiah and Dear Amanda are two of my favorites. You can buy her comics, art and other things in her online store, which has a special Holiday sale going on right now!
Blue Delliquanti
Her webcomic O Human Star, about a transgender robot and her inventors, one of whom is the man she’s a robot clone of, is something I look forward to each time it comes out. You can buy the comic, or a poster of its characters, online and support Delliquanti through Patreon.
Molly Ostertag
Molly is the artist for my other Top 3 Favorite webcomic (along with Witchy and Agents of the Realm), Strong Female Protagonist, which is written by Brennan Lee Mulligan. You can buy SFP books, shirts and buttons online or check out Molly’s online store.
Suzanne Walker
Walker is the co-creator of one of my favorite new webcomics, Mooncakes, a paranormal tale about two Asian twenty-somethings, one a witch the other a werewolf, and the adventures they get into. The comic is on a short holiday hiatus, but you can support it through Patreon.
Christina Poag
Poag is an artist who uses bright colors to make her digital artwork stand out. You can support her on Patreon or commission her to do a unique piece of art for you or a loved one.
Taneka Stotts
Aside from being the writer for the webcomic Full Circle (which you can support on Patreon), Stotts is also an editor on collections like Beyond Anthology and the upcoming Elements Anthology.
Ens Current
Ens Current is a “self-identified tenderqueer, queer, mixed + white, femme PoC” who makes zines, illustrations and other crafts and has special discounts for queer women of color and queer femmes of color.
Joamette Gil
Gil is the person behind the brilliant #BlackLedWebcomics list, one of the artists for Everyday Feminism, and has her own Gumroad and Society6 shops.
Cathi Chavers
Chavers is an illustrator, cartoonist and self proclaimed GIF Wizard, you can buy comics, prints and stickers from her online store.
Veronica Agarwal
Agarwal is an artist sells a bunch of really cute prints, stickers and jewelry in her online shop.
Annie Mok
Annie Mok is one of my favorite artists. She does really terrific stuff for Rookie, and does a bunch of other amazing comics. You can check out her Gumroad shop to buy PDFs and her online store to buy physical copies. I’d suggest you pick up some of her stuff right away.
Mira Ongchua
Miss Bird + Miss Cat
Ongchua is an artist who works as a storyboard artist for Cartoon Network and does the adorable webcomic Miss Bird+ Miss Cat. You can buy a bunch of her comics online.
Hazel Newlevant
Another one of my favorites! Newlevant was one of the very first people I covered here at Drawn to Comics, and since then I’ve just become a bigger and bigger fan. She was the editor of the terrific Girl Gamer Anthology Chain Mail Bikini and sells her own comics online. You can also check out her auto-bio comic No Ivy League, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Melanie Gilman
From As the Crow Flies.
We might as well end on a high note. Gilman’s comics are some of the most beautiful out there, and no one can match them when it comes to working with colored pencils. I’ve been in love with their webcomic As the Crow Flies for years. You can support them on Patreon or download their lesbian swing dancing vampire comic from Gumroad.
New Releases (December 16)
Adventure Time With Fionna and Cake: Card Wars #6 (Boom!)
Boom Box 2015 Mix Tape #1 (Boom!)
Lumberjanes #21 (Boom!)
Power Up #6 (Boom!)
Spire #5 (Boom!)
Avatar: The Last Airbender Vol.11 Smoke and Shadow Pt. Two TPB (Dark Horse)
Batgirl #46 (DC)
Catwoman Vol. 4: The One You Love TPB (DC)
Clean Room #3 (DC)
Harley Quinn #23 (DC)
Secret Six #9 (DC)
We Are Robin #7 (DC)
Jem and the Holograms Holiday Special 2015 (IDW)
Phonogram the Immaterial Girl #5 (Image)
Wayward #12 (Image)
The Wicked + The Divine #17 (Image)
Mighty Thor #2 (Marvel)
Ms. Marvel #2 (Marvel)
Silk #2 (Marvel)
Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #3 (Marvel)
Web Warriors #2 (Marvel)
Welcome to Drawn to Comics! From diary comics to superheroes, from webcomics to graphic novels – this is where we’ll be taking a look at comics by, featuring and for queer ladies. So whether you love to look at detailed personal accounts of other people’s lives, explore new and creative worlds, or you just love to see hot ladies in spandex, we’ve got something for you.
If you have a comic that you’d like to see me review, you can email me at mey [at] autostraddle [dot] com.
Dapper Days: How to Take on the World in A Sharp Suit of Your Own
Call it the Janelle Monae effect, or just an increase in dapper: suits for all people of all genders have gone majorly mainstream. This increase in suit popularity means you (yes you) can pick up a two-piece looker for yourself, just in time to look suave for the holidays. The good news? Many people having been wearing a blazer and pants in less than formal ways. Crisp white shirts are always classic, but why not be a little daring? Try your blazer with a casual tee, a henley, even something sheer. Looking for suit inspiration? These folks have it in spades!
Get You Some
Many “womenswear” retailers are getting in on the suit game. High street favourites like ASOS, Zara and TopShop have been producing seperates that coordinate. Wildfang even created an in-house line of suit jackets and pants so you can get your tomboy on. Luckily, this makes suits more accessible to those of us who are less financially inclined to pick up a custom kit. And, as always, thrifting/vintage is a smart and inexpensive way to try out this look! It’s as easy as picking up a spiffy blazer and finding a pair of trousers in a similar fabric and/or print.
If you have the funds, bespoke is the best way to get a suit. Made to measure and to your specifications, you’ll get a suit that is one of a kind. Check out Bindle and Keep, Kipper Clothiers and Saint Harridan for excellent personalized services.
ASOS Curve Crepe Blazer, ASOS Curve Cigarette Trousers, Faux Leather Trim Blazer, Jetsetter Straight Trouser
Premium Fitted Suit Blazer, Premium Tailored Suit Trousers, Herringbone Blazer, Herringbone Shorts, Premium Boyfriend Blazer, Slim Midi Pant
If you are looking for fit tips for suits, check DapperQ’s suit guides 101 and 201, as well as Gabrielle’s guide to the suit-not-suit and Gabby’s guide to buying a suit on a budget.
Holigay Gift Guide 2015: Super Cute Stuff Made by Female Indie Artists
Gifting can be difficult, especially when it’s for for someone really special or unique. One of my great fears during gift-giving is to give someone something that they already have, or worse — something they find boring. My best tactic for protecting myself from this kind of embarrassing situation is to find one-of-a-kind, handmade stuff from independent artists — the weirder, the better. To my delight, many of the best of these are also made by some badass women.
I’m super lucky to have grown up in a “weird” city full of independent artists, makers, freelancers, creatives, designers, and every manner of craftsperson. As I’ve grown up, I’ve become more and more interested in using my queer dollars to support the thriving creative economy that is the backbone of my community — aaand you can too! By supporting an artist, you can buy your friends — and your chosen fam, gal pals, jealous frienemies, haters, whoever — something they’re guaranteed not to have seen before. When they ask you where you got it, just wink and say “I know a gal.” Just kidding, you should rep the artist! Then you can bask in how cool you look for knowing about so many amazing indie woman/womyn artists.
Also, I have a major Etsy problem and I needed an excuse to put it to good use by introducing you all to some of my favorites!
Stuff For Your House
Spinning Top Dreidel Vase from Studio Armadillo – Anat Stein and Hadas Kruk are two amazing product designers living in Tel Aviv making beautiful design objects for the Jewish holy days! I love all their items so much, I want to buy them for Jewish and nonreligious friends alike.
Pale Lilac Blossom Salt Spoon by Amano – The shop describes this as “pretty much the cutest thing ever,” and honestly, after Ellen Page, I agree! Gorgeous, speckled, and with tiny gold flecks, these are the perfect spoons for some bomb-ass breakfast.
Beads On My Mind art screenprint by Eve Neve – Such a cool screenprint! Split-fountain ink on translucent paper by the artist, I can see this looking really interesting framed in glass and hung in front of a window.
Organic Forged Brass Mobile by Fail Jewelry – Beautiful, mesmerizing, and fun for cats (if you trust them near such a lovely thing)!
Stuff For Your Appendages
Picasso Cats Silk Scarf by Leah Goren – A beautifully printed, classy, and subtle way to wear more cats.
Amazonite and Brass Necklace by Curious Creatures – I love the subtle, kooky interplay of the geometric shapes in this!
Opal and Gold Moon ring by Supreme Elixir – Witchy vibezzzz
Teen Witch hat by Penelope Gazin – And speaking of witchy vibes: tomboy witchy vibezzz.
POP abstract ceramic art necklace by Eve Neve – A ceramic necklace! This is so bright, colorful, and unique, and it reminds me of Italian postmodern designers Ettore Sottsass and Memphis Group.
Roman Wreath Jacket by Gem Blue – I’ve never thought of having jewelry that curled around the bottom of my ear and I love it.
Shade Fan by Bombe Surprise – I don’t even need to tell you how amazing this is.
Stuff For Your Femme Fatales
Madame Moss Velvet Longline and High Waisted Panty Set – I believe there’s something radical about women making lingerie for other women, for the celebration of your own body, the pure beauty of your particular shapes and curves. And this one is olive! And high-waisted! And velvet — which is an inspired touch for a set of clothing I would wear if I felt like encouraging someone to touch me (wink).
BZR Ombré Tights! – Tiffany Ju hand-dyes these brightly colored tights into perfect ombré gradients. I love the idea, and for the record, I’m dying to see someone in matching ombré hair and tights.
The Bitterroot Dress from Bow and Arrow Apparel – For the more pioneer-minded beauty, this dress is made with organic cotton chambray and hemp with a beautiful, small detail in the antiqued silver buttons.
Cactus Twirling Dress from Thief and Bandit – Such a happy, pretty print, I would love to see how this looks when you twirl in it.
‘Cosmos’ Peter Pan Collar by İrem Yazıcı – I can’t get over how cool these are! A hand-embroidered peter pan collar with a space theme, it’s like Carrie Brownstein got cast in Battlestar Galactica.
Stuff To Put On a Denim Vest
Wild Flowers and Juneberries Bottle cap brooch also by İrem Yazıcı – So sweet and cute! If it were up to me, everything I ever did would involve plants.
Strand Pin by Kathleen Whitaker – Super-minimalist and just a little scary-looking, this is a great way to add a super-subtle sparkle to any outfit.
Love Patch by Coucou Suzette – One for you, one for your BFF, and you’re pretty much halfway there to having a denim-babe squad.
All of the pins and patches! by Penelope Gazin – Penelope Gazin is an artist and animator who puts her drawings on patches and pins and they’re all sassy and great. Her work makes me consider covering an entire wall with denim so I can buy every button, pin, and patch and put ’em up.
Weirdo Sew-on Patch by Creepy Gals – Because people need to know.
Stuff To Put Stuff In
Ceramic Fox bowl by Barruntado – Can’t get over how cute this is, can’t wait to put all my earrings in it.
Boob Planter by Jessica Woolard – Obviously.
“All I Care About is Pizza” tote by Dinosaur Toes – Announce your superior priorities.
Catmoflage Handmade Silkscreen Pouch by Curious Creatures – A cat pouch! Or, if you want to (bamboo)branch out—pandas!
Made-to-Order Holographic Backpack by Cuties Club – I can’t believe this “cutie” makes these herself! Lisa Frank-tastic.
Ahead Of The Game: A Guide To Amping Up Your Hats This Winter
Hats are a wondrous double hitter in winter. Wanna look great and stay warm? Thanks hats! But there are so many chapeaus to have; how will you decide which ones are for you? Regardless of your personal style and/or gender presentation, there are certainly several hats for you. There are levels to daring headwear, and you’re about to get in the game!
Beginner
Warm, small and very portable, knits caps or beanies (toques for us up North) are a popular and accessible choice of headwear. Whether it’s a little topper from a high street store like H&M or Forever21, a homemade gem or from an Etsy shop, this is the easiest winter hat to wear. Everyone, yes everyone looks great in a beanie. Like all hats, it’s about finding the shape that suits your head/style. Some like a slouched fit, whereas others (myself included) love a little perched hat. Some prefer a tight knit, while others spring for thick, chunky yarns. You just have to find the right one! My indispensable winter toque was a lucky find at a local vintage shop, coming in at a smooth $5. Readily available and affordable, a beanie will look cute with every damn outfit! Whether it’s something super casual (like jeans and a lil’ sweater) or a full skirt with a jacket, I love the versatility of a simple and cute knit hat.
Intermediate
So you’ve mastered a lil’ knit hat or two, and you are looking to advance your hat wearing with finesse. In comes fedoras, poor boys, berets, woolen caps and other short brimmed felt and knit hats. Hats like these were once commonplace, assumed to be a part of your daily uniform in the early 20th century. In modern times, they are often viewed as a more formal choice, but it’s not always true. As exemplified by Alex, you can throw on a short brimmed hat with a bright coat, dark jeans and oxfords, looking both relaxed and put together. Although hats never really go out of style, they’ve fallen back in favour for several winters now.
Many of the hats of the market are made of wool, which is excellent for keeping your head warm. If wool makes you itchy, there are plenty of synthetic/non-wool hats to be had. Be sure to check the fiber content if you know that you have sensitivities to certain textiles. Whether you like your hats sweetly femme or delectably handsome, there are plenty of short-brims for the taking.
Expert
Once you’ve elevated your hat game, time to widen your horizons. An expert hat wearer is unafraid of big brims and tall peaks. Boldly stylish and a theatrical choice, a larger hat looks perfect with an equally dramatic outfit for extra oomph. A cape or statement coat look stunning with an over-the-top topper. If that’s not your style, I love the look of large brimmed hats with a something simpler. A sweater, jeans with tall boots and a cozy scarf are a great match for a richly hued bold hat! Regardless of if you dress it up or down, you’re sure to get compliments aplenty for bravely wearing a standout hat.
(from top to bottom) Westward Hat // Fire Walker Fedora // Pippin Hat
Which hat style is your favourite? What styles have you been peeping this winter?
Bluestockings Boutique’s Queer Lingerie Photo Shoot Is Already The Highlight of My Day
This past week, Bluestockings Boutique released their first ever queer lingerie photo shoot. All models were LGBTQIA+ identified, along with the photographer, makeup artist, and boutique owner. It was an intersectional affair from start to finish, and the results are most excellent — proof positive that queer feminists should be in charge of everything.
Observe:
Founder Jeanna Kadlec’s partner in the TSV 102 Half Binder by Danae and Wired Boxer Briefs by Play Out.
Yvonne in the Anais Bralette and Edith Knickers by BlackBird Underpinnings. Note the tarot cards.
Bluestockings is a queer owned, queer-inclusive, eco-friendly lingerie and underthings retailer with a mission to empower “people who have been marginalized by the mainstream lingerie industry and to offer them an experience that reflects their identities, their bodies, and their values.” As boutique owner Jeanna Kadlec has explained on the Bluestockings blog, the lingerie industry has a long history of exploiting homoeroticism between women while simultaneously ignoring its LGBTQIA+ customers. For her own company, she felt strongly about producing original imagery for the store that would represent queer and trans bodies and identities in a realistic, respectful, body positive way — in spite of the severe financial limitations she faces as an independent, queer businesswoman.
“Launching Bluestockings was an entirely uphill battle. I had no business background, no industry connections. Most powerfully: I had no money,” she wrote frankly. “The most salient example of how financial limitations as a new business owner affects the photo shoot? I can afford one day of shooting. That’s it. This means that I can’t afford to reshoot every product with multiple models from multiple angles … There are 140+ products here. Shooting all of them on multiple people? We are talking days and days of shooting, which, bluntly, would wipe the business out financially. This photo shoot is not going to be representative of all queer people for all time. It’s one photo shoot.” Still, after saving Bluestockings’ business profits for four months in order to be able to afford the photo shoot, she was determined to make it count.
Prior to the shoot, Jeanna, the models, and photographer Michelle Davidson-Schapiro met at a queer-owned coffeeshop to talk about what they wanted out of the shoot. They collaborated to establish hard limits (for example: no lace, no pink) and discuss special requests (for example: nerdy board games as props). Looks were created that took into consideration what the models said they wore in their everyday lives. And following the shoot, per the agreed upon retouching policy, none of the models’ bodies were altered or edited (with the exception of removing one tiny bruise from one of the models’ legs).
Oh wow. Is that Survive: Escape from Atlantis! that I spy?
“Getting to wear pretty underwear was definitely a plus, but the photo shoot provided an opportunity to embrace and show off my body in an affirming setting, which isn’t something that (at least in my experience) the world offers trans women terribly often,” model Alexis Edwards told Autostraddle. “Also, I got a couple of my very favorite bras from Bluestockings, which is a pretty big deal given how much of my transition I’ve spent despairing of ever finding comfy, cute bras for those of us with smaller breasts and wider chests.”
Left: Alexis in the Fox Dress by Knickerocker and Erica in the Ruched Chemise by Tia Lyn. Right: Alexis in the Consecutive Crop Top by Sophie Hines and Better Than Bare Boyshort by Commando.
“Now that the photos are out, it’s been fucking incredible to see the positive feedback from other transfeminine folks who are grateful to see a trans woman modeling,” Alexis continued. “I work for a Boston-based transgender advocacy organization, and finding positive ways to represent trans bodies is something that I think about a lot. Most clothing isn’t designed with trans people in mind, and we’re never taken into account in photos or product descriptions. It’s incredibly difficult to imagine yourself wearing a piece of clothing comfortably when everything signals that it’s not for you, even more so for something as gendered and emotionally-charged as underwear. I really hope that more queer-friendly retailers take Jeanna’s cue, because it’s a huge deal to see other queer and trans folks wearing high-quality lingerie, which is usually coded as the exclusive purview of middle-class cis-hets.”
Left: Simone in the Essential T-Shirt Bra in Cinnamon by Nubian Skin. Right: Simone in the Foxers Racerback Tank and Boxer Briefs.
Lore in the Superstar Boxer Briefs by Play Out.
On their personal blog, another model Lore Graham characterized the photo shoot as “one of the most body-positive and gender-affirming experiences I’ve had in my life.” They elaborated, “Getting my breasts and internal reproductive organs removed was a vital step towards being happier with my body and confirming my nonbinary gender. However, we still live in a society with a lot of narrow beauty standards that glorify and sexualize breasts, while scars are viewed as unappealing, if not downright ugly. I still struggle with some of these messages, since I internalized many societal beauty standards while being raised as a girl. As such, being part of the photoshoot was a little bit scary for me, but I wanted my nonbinary self to be visible through this photo shoot, scars and all.”
For the full photo set, check out Bluestockings Blog’s three post series as well as the boutique itself. New customers can get 10% off by signing up for Bluestockings Boutique’s newsletter.
She Keeps Me Warm (and So Does This Sweater): Ribbed Sweaters To Keep You Toasty
As a child of the 90’s, ribbed sweaters were a dime a dozen on the playground. Striped or solids, turtleneck or crew, there was no escaping the ubiquitous knit. As it often happens, the cyclical nature of fashion means that we have entered another age of ribbed goods. Luckily, the 2015 incarnation is both refined and comfortable. Bonus: A big, soft sweater is the closest thing to wearing a hug all day; the perfect remedy to wintery chills. Whether it’s paired with work slacks and oxfords or jeans and a long duster coat, relaxed knits will keep you comfy cozy (and just as cute as Drake is in his).
In the realm of street style, these chunky knits show their versatility. Worn with everything from a ripped pair jeans to flowing trousers and little booties, it’s a sweater which will go the extra mile, all season long.
Looking to fetch a big ol’ sweater for yourself? We’ve got you covered!
Stick It To Ya: Lapel Pins For Every Occasion
Oft deemed a relic of the realm of collectors and fanatics, lapel pins are making a huge resurgence. The medium has been used as a means to announce your sports affiliations, memberships or just that you love your grandma. But you don’t have to be a diehard to anything to wear the latest lapel treats. Enamel pins are the perfect teensy canvas for independent artists and cheeky retailers alike. Luckily, an infinite amount of meme-worthy catch phrases and images are readily available for your pinning pleasure. And for those of you who want something with a bit more backstory, secondhand pins are easily acquired. I’ve been known to scour a thrift store tray or garage sale grab bag for the perfect lil’ flash to add to a jacket or tee. Freshly spotted on the Spring ‘16 shows, pin flair is back with a vengeance.
This enamel pin starter kit has me wanting to cover all my outerwear in lil’ clever pins! I’m quite enthused by affixing a little trio of pins to the collars of my jackets! I’m curious; how do you like to stick it to ya?
Style Thief: Achieve Hannah Hart’s Hartosexual Style for Yourself
At the forefront of Youtube’s elite, Hannah Hart is arguably one of the most recognizable queers of the digital age. Rising to fame with My Drunk Kitchen, her infectious enthusiasm has gained her a massive following. Whether it’s hanging with some freakin’ kittens or just a vlog makin’ cake with her adorable boo, Ingrid Nilsen, Hannah looks great. Subtle dapperness finds itself in vests layered over tees or a moto jacket thrown over an oxford. For a more relaxed look, a patterned collared shirt open with a tee is a delectably Harto zone. Who could resist a cutie in sweater and a beanie? Not I, certainly. You’d look wonderful in it too, so here’s how to cop Hannah’s “Hartosexual” style!
Hannah’s Hartastic Style
Get You Some!
How do you get your Hart on?
Not Just A Canadian Tuxedo: Denim Shirts Show You What They’re Made Of
I’m a proponent of the Canadian Tux — I’m rarely seen these days in anything other than all denim, often several pieces at once. Although this look is discouraged by some, it’s no bother to me. It has occurred to me that not all folks can commit to denim on Britney & Justin-at-the-VMAs levels. Sometimes, you want to wear a jean shirt and you don’t want to do that all-blue-everything dance. Luckily, the best thing about denim is versatility. Comfortable, durable and better with age, a denim shirt can be just as indispensable as your favourite pair of jeans.
Street Style
Real folks incorporatin’ denim shirts like it ain’t nothing at all… Whether with a loose trouser or a sweet skirt, chambray, engage!
Get You Some
If you require a denim shirt, we’ve got some hot tips on where to get them!
As the days get even colder, I’ll be snuggled with a jean look under a cozy sweater. How have you be sporting a denim shirt?
Here’s Which Pieces to Mix for Binx Walton’s Tomboy-Off-Duty Style
With fashion month still abuzz, model-off-duty style is in fine form. Binx Walton, a current catwalk star, is a reoccurring figure in the street style circles. When blending insouciant cool with fresh-off-the-runway finds, athletic elements are key. High top sneaks and hooded sweatshirts look delectably laissez faire with slim denim and opulent coats. A chic tomboy’s dream!
Street Style
No matter which fashion week she’s in, Binx mixes “high” and “low” with aplomb, creating an elusive elixir that spurns admiration and imitation.
Get You Some
Athletics meet trend-conscious if you’re gettin’ done up like Binx!
Truly stylish, I’m looking forward to Binx looks at the next round of Fashion Weeks!
Trick or (Pet) Treat: A Halloween Costume Shopping Guide for Furry Friends
It’s almost Halloween, y’all! And as much as I do not enjoy this very day, despite an affinity for candy corn and also pumpkins, I do wait all year for it to come around so I can put Eli into costumes and thus fill him with contempt toward me over and over and over again. It never gets old! Like, it just never gets old. Have you ever dressed up your cat or dog for Halloween? I guarantee it will improve your quality of life.
To guide you and your pet through the upcoming spooky season, I’ve compiled this very post with some help from the fuzzy friends of Team Autostraddle, and also Stef, who loves putting her cat in costumes the way I love putting my dog in costumes. First, I’m gonna show you how cute all of the Team Autostraddle pets look when they’re dolled up as tiny characters, and then I’m gonna recommend some timely and also timeless costume ideas for you very own much-loved critters. Enter at your own risk! Things are about to get adorable.
Family Scrapbook: Team Autostraddle’s Pets Do Halloween
(Click to look through the gallery!)
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- Stef’s cat Scully as a Triceratops
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- KaeLyn’s cat Jeter as a dinosaur dinosaur
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- Carmen’s dog Eli as a Pupkin
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- Stef’s cat Scully as a shark
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- Carmen’s dog Eli as a squirrel
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- Carmen’s dog Eli as a sherruff
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- Yvonne’s dog Tungi as a witch
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- Chelsey’s cat Olive as a triceratops
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- Laneia’s dog Penny as a pirate
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- Mey’s cat Sawyer as a queen
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- Stef’s cat Scully as a… bat?
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- Chelsey’s cat Olive as the angriest shark
Stef and Carmen’s Halloween Costume Picks for Pets
A note before we begin: Stef informed me in the process of putting this post together that she does not shop in the cat section for her cat’s costumes, because, and I quote, “these suck.” I have to agree. Most costumes that fit small dogs will fit a cat, so most of these are for dogs but really also for cats because honestly nobody is checking. As Stef so eloquently said, “the market’s fucked up but get your cat a good dog costume.”
ROW 1: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle; Sailor Hat; The Hulk // ROW 2: Orca Costume; Octo-Hound; Cowboy Rider // ROW 3: Sushi Costume; Unicorn Costume; Zebra Costume // ROW 4: Raptor Costume; Ewok Costume; Lion Mane
Step Up Your Sock Drawer This Fall with a Fashion Field Guide to Socks
Now that it’s a touch cooler, it’s a perfect time to utilize my favourite underrated accessories: the sock. Somehow they’ve been relegated the status of a wince-inducing birthday package from your well-meaning great aunt, or something that you buy six pairs of in black and don’t think about otherwise. Seemingly mundane, socks are actually really frickin’ awesome! They keep your feet warm and less sweaty, and the pattern/color/print options are endless. I would even go so far as to say they can be an outfit maker.
What if you hate socks/love your ankles? What kind of socks even are there, you ask? Consider what lies ahead a field guide. Whether in sandals, heels, sneaks or boots, these socks will up your game.
No-Show Socks
These are essential if you’re an ankle barer. Puritanical chastity ideals aside, you can get away with looking like you’re not wearing socks without getting chafed. Sneakers, oxfords, even little booties can benefit from wearing these. Pro tip: get pairs with the lil’ silcone bits at the heel, it helps avoid that awkward midday slipdown.
photo from Madewell
Crew/Trouser Socks
These are a standard length sock, ranging from just above the ankle to mid calf. With several length options, it can be fun to play with proportions via sock length and hem length. Often I’ll cuff my jeans to a certain length, paying mind to what parts of the sock I’d like exposed.
Many people opt to purchase super neutral editions of crew/trouser socks, but I dare you to go for a riveting pattern or intriguing color the next time you’re sock shoppin’. Even if you just opt for navy instead of black, you’ll have more pep to your kicks.
Knee Socks
Not for the faint of closet, knee socks are fun and delightfully warm. In a myriad of colors, prints and styles, knee socks can be everything from vintage-cute to boldly badass. My recommendation? Extend your summer wardrobe by layering up with high socks and tights! Shorts, jorts, lil’ dresses and skirts are a lovely match for knee highs.
Whether it’s a novelty kitten, a simple stripe, or just a bright hue, choosing a few new socks might be more fun than you think. What hoisery will you be poppin’ on your feet this fall?
Jean Jackets Will Save You From The Shivers This Fall
As the leaves start to fall in the Northern Hemisphere, and the days get inevitably shorter, it’s time for a touch of a wardrobe shift. My first thoughts when the weather gets cooler are “I need a jacket?!? What do you mean I need a jacket?” After the initial shock of realizing that the months to come might be a little chilly, I just remember that denim jackets are perfect in times like these. With origins in workwear of the Wild West, a jean jacket will keep you warm enough while adding panache. The long and short of it: you’ll look fancy free and fresh to death in a denim jacket, regardless of your style.
Street Style
Get You Some
With all the new iterations and variations of jean jackets, it’s easy to find something that feels right for you. I’m on that denim tux/all denim everything vibe of late, how do you wear your denim?
The Best Mirrorless Cameras Ever
Welcome to The Best Ever series, where Autostraddle team members recommend their favorite things. Today, Aja, Fikri and Audrey are talking about mirrorless cameras.
Doesn’t your hair look great today? Maybe you should take a picture. (Okay definitely take a picture. Maybe share it!) Here at Autostraddle dot com we’d love to see more fancy cameras dedicated to documenting even fancier queer lives and faces, so let’s talk about compact system cameras (CSCs).
CSCs — or mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs), or digital single lens mirrorless cameras (DSLCs) (yeah no one really thought this through) — are a growing part of the camera market, usually sold as a middle ground between point-and-shoots and DSLRs. The main difference between CSCs and DSLRs is that mirrorless cameras do away with well, mirrors. In DSLRs, mirrors and prisms inside the camera body flip up/down to alternate light between the viewfinder (which you look into) and image sensor (which captures the image). Without these finicky moving parts, CSCs tend to be smaller, lighter and more durable, especially since manufacturers sometimes also strip away other features that we expect on DSLRs, such as viewfinders, built-in flash, hotshoes (for attachments), hand grips, and dedicated button controls.
via B&H Photo Video (click through for a more comprehensive comparison among camera types)
On the other end of the spectrum, CSCs are a step up from point-and-shoot or smartphone cameras because they usually have larger image sensors (meaning better quality, less grainy photos) and come with the option of interchangeable lenses for vastly different end results.
Possibly one of the most alluring — and confusing! — things about CSCs is the wide and continuously expanding range of cameras that fall within this category: from the compact, lightweight Panasonic LUMIX GM1, which fits into your pocket as easily as a point-and-shoot, to the full-frame Sony Alpha A7 Mark II, which rivals some of the most high-end DSLRs in the market today. To help you along, we’ve rounded up Autostraddle team members to tell you about their favourite cameras and lenses and why they love them.
Aja, Beauty Editor
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1
For eight years I’ve photographed my outfits (and increasingly, my life) for the style blog I started in 2008. Fit for a Femme was launched using a Sony Cybershot that was quickly replaced with a then brand-new Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. Hesitant to take on the bulk of even an entry-level DSLR, I took the plunge in the hopes that I could bring more beautiful, quality images to the site with the G1.
My G1 and I got on beautifully for an impressive five years. The change was like night and day! My photography steadily improved, and so did my style. Acquiring a new lens every other year or so kept me happy and growing as an amateur; I went from the kit lens to a fairly silly (for my purposes) Panasonic Lumix G X Vario PZ 45-175mm f/4.0-5.6 zoom, and settled on a do-it-all Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 prime. Tiny, bright, quick and ultra-sharp, the 20mm (and its ability to generate a pleasing enough bokeh) allowed me to hang on to the G1 a while longer, even though I’d outgrown it.
Panasonic DMC-G1 with 14-45 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS Lens
In late 2013, I started to become restless. My home base had changed from California to Boston, both my standards and the photography landscape had shifted dramatically and I knew I’d hit a wall with the G1. Having so much more control over the photos I took was liberating and challenging; every time you pick up a new body or a new lens, there’s a learning curve or exploratory period while you get familiar with stuff; muscle memory in getting used to the physical controls and EVF of the camera’s body, how your own body moves to shoot with primes especially, and going through the motions of experimenting with light sources and shooting conditions.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 with Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 Lens
Going from a point-and-shoot to the G1 was a great big eye-opening step up, but only that. I couldn’t push the G1 any harder, and the time had come to take the next step up to a semi-professional DSLR.
Sony a7
My priorities were still shooting lifestyle, close-up, and travel photography, and size-wise, I wanted something inconspicuous enough for special occasions or day trips around New England. A gentle learning curve was important, too. FFAF hasn’t got a professional photographer behind it, so the new camera needed to be something that both my wife and I could handle — neither of us are pros — and she’s often the one pressing the shutter button.
I researched the Canon EOS 70D and Nikon D7100, pestered my exceptionally talented photographer friends for advice and dutifully spun my wheels at sites like Snapsort (for specs) and CNET (for reviews). In person, though, I found them to be all clunky and alien, even ones well outside my price range (which I tried just in case leveling up might help — it didn’t). So I fell back on more advanced mirrorless ILCs thinking they’d be a bit more familiar, giving the G1’s very grown-up older sibling, the handsome Panasonic Lumix GX7, a shot. Awesome, but not “the one.” Same with Sony’s respectable NEX range (specifically the NEX-6 and NEX-7).
It was not going well, superfriends.
In the middle of all this research and test-driving, there was a huge fuss over Sony’s a7 and a7R cameras but the price tag on the bodies alone shoved them off my list (and never mind tacking on the added cost of a really great lens). On a bitterly cold but blindingly sunny February day at Hunt’s in Cambridge, my wife blithely suggested I try one out, “You might as well while we’re here.” Y’all, that is the camera equivalent of taking me to a big old farm, leading me to the best horses in the barn and saying, “You might as well hop on and take him out for a trot.” Be prepared to drive off with a horse, okay?
Sony a7R with FE 35mm F2.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* Lens
What do you think happened? I was an absolute goner the second I laid hands on the Sony a7R. Paired with the FE 35mm F2.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* lens, I got actual butterflies. I melted, I swooned, I went on and on about how it felt like an organic extension of myself.
Here’s the thing, though: It was the most sophisticated camera I’d ever held, but I still felt capable and competent using it right away. That was a big deal! There were minor drawbacks — shorter battery life, a less limber flip-out screen, overall heft — but its specs blew the G1 out of the water, set it proudly alongside the DSLRs I was considering, and might as well have clucked a “bless your hearts” at everything else on my list. I ended up saving hundreds by choosing the Sony a7, which is a bit lighter than the a7R, with superior autofocus, and when choosing a prime (I’d learned enough to know not to bother with a kit lens), I opted for the stunning FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* lens.
Sony a7 with FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* Lens
Why that lens, instead of the 35mm I tested? Excellent question! Try double the focal length, snappy autofocus, greater depth of field control, and bokeh so buttery it’d make a Berkshires jersey cow cry. The Phoblographer described shooting with this lens best:
Step 1: Mount.
Step 2: Aim.
Step 3: Focus.
Step 4: Photograph.
Step 5 is “Ogle” because this lens produces truly beautiful results.
Sony utterly changed the MILC game by releasing two (two!) full-frame cameras under $2K to compete with hotshot DSLRs at similar price points, especially when competing Leica models start at $6K. Two years later, there are now five full-frame cameras from Sony that allow use of pretty much every make of 35mm lens using adapters, and one of them — the pricey a7RII Fikri mentioned — has killer autofocus that plays nice with any Canon lens built after 1995. That is potentially groundbreaking.
Sony a7 with FE 55mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* Lens
Eighteen months later, and I’m still head over heels excited about the images I’m creating. Plus, something unexpected has happened — instead of trying to push my camera to do more, it actually pushes me to do more; to be better, to learn everything I can, to handle its power and sophistication with real proficiency. I’m constantly aware that I need to make more time to explore it and do it justice. There’s a whole world of adapters and lenses, vintage and new, to discover! It’s a lot of camera, the kind that takes awhile to master, and it makes me want to work harder.
If you’ve graduated from point-and-shoots, have outgrown your MILC or want to switch teams (more and more DSLR users are jumping ship, it’s a thing), something from Sony’s a7 range might be a brilliant choice for you, too!
Note on lenses: I bought a very well-reviewed, more compact Sigma 30mm f/2.8 lens for a recent trip abroad. They’re known for making fantastic, affordable lenses, and I wanted to love it. We took it out on our first day in Lisbon, but that was it. I couldn’t wait to throw the 55mm back on.
Fikri, Writer
Olympus OM-D E-M10
Last summer, my DSLR was stolen during my one and only trip to a Nando’s while I was tending to an exasperatingly fussy 8-year-old. I considered giving up photography altogether — my enthusiasm for the hobby had long been fading, anyway — but then after just two days with only my mother’s point-and-shoot to document my last few days in London I just couldn’t. I couldn’t! So after researching my options obsessively I settled on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 because it cost less than what I would have spent on a mid-range DSLR (the Nikon D7100, to be exact), and… I liked how it felt in my hand. Yup. I spent ages reading and comparing reviews only to be suckered by good looks.
Lugging around a DSLR with bulky lenses gets old fast, especially when travelling, and I really like that the E-M10 fits all the features I’m used to on a small, solidly built body. I especially like the two customisable command dials, which make it significantly easier to simultaneously adjust aperture and shutter speed, as well as secondary settings like ISO and white balance. The only button that’s kind of in a weird place is the power switch at the bottom right of the back panel, which sometimes gives me pause when I want to switch the camera on quickly to catch something.
I’ve also become surprisingly partial to its built-in wifi, which allows me to transfer photos directly to my iPhone and also use said phone as a remote shutter (with live preview!). I’m notoriously slow when it comes to processing and uploading photos — mostly I just hoard them in Aperture, and I will continue to do so even as the app heads to its slow, inevitable death — so this feature allows me to more quickly appease Instagram-conditioned family and friends who need to see results right there and then.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 with Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens
The final sell for me was that compared to other brands’ more restrictive systems, Olympus bodies are compatible with both Olympus and Panasonic lenses as well as a few others under the Micro Four Thirds system. (Though do note that Olympus builds image stabilisation into its camera bodies while Panasonic builds it into its lenses; this means a non-image stabilised Olympus lens might fare more poorly when paired with a non-IS Panasonic body.)
My camera kit came with an Olympus M. Zuiko 14–42mm f/3.5–5.6 EZ lens, which is a nifty, super slim lens that makes the E-M10 even more portable. Unfortunately, I can’t comment much on using it because I retired it quickly in favour of faster prime lenses, which work better in low light conditions and give shallower depth-of-field. I initially bought the Olympus M. Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 lens because it was cheaper in-store but later got the Olympus M. Zuiko 25mm f/1.8 lens. The performance of both these lenses is comparable, so in the end it’s down to which focal length you’re more comfortable with: the 45mm (35mm equivalent focal length: 90mm, with a 2.0 crop factor) is great for subject isolation (portraits) and outdoor photography with faraway subjects (concerts, parades), while the 25mm is a standard “normal” lens that most closely mimics what humans naturally see. I chose the latter.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 with Olympus 25mm f/1.8 lens
The camera’s only drawback is that its autofocus is noticeably slower than that of my old DSLR, which is important to me because I take a lot of photos of squirmy, hyperactive small humans and animals. This is mainly because the E-M10 uses contrast instead of phase detection. I’m considering upgrading to the Olympus OM-D E-M1, however, and overall the gap between the focusing speeds of CSCs and DSLRs is generally closing anyway.
Audrey, Contributing Editor
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2
This is the slightly updated version of Panasonic’s G1, which Aja reviewed above. The next model in the line is not so different. (The latest one is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7.) We even mostly use the same lens, the Panasonic Lumix 20mm f/1.7 prime lens. It’s not a great camera, but it’s a good one. I don’t love it, but I really like it. For more than two years, it has done everything I needed it to, and done it wonderfully. I got the G1 right before I moved to Nicaragua on a trade-in for my Olympus PEN E-P1. I’m not a photographer, and I don’t really aspire to be one. I take pictures for my work as a non-profit communications manager, and I take a lot of pictures during my travels in Central America. The camera is compact, has a great grip and doesn’t scratch easy, which have made it ideal for hauling around on chicken buses and hanging off of rickety wooden barriers with. After two years of rough-and-tumble use, it still looks and operates like it did when I bought it.
My favorite thing about the f/1.7 lens is its easy and beautiful manual focus option. The 14-42 mm kit lens that comes with the camera does a nice job too, but if you want to get really up close and personal with a subject or add rich texture to photos without too much fuss, a prime lens will be your baby.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 with Panasonic Lumix 20 mm f/1.7 lens
The camera has pretty intuitive manual settings, but I leave it on auto as often as not. I mostly take photos in outdoor settings with great natural light, but this camera and lens combo also thrives in low and weird light situations.
I’ve never used a camera that made me feel confident taking pictures at dusk, but this one captures layers of light and shadow like a champ.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 with Panasonic Lumix 20 mm f/1.7 lens
If you need or want higher quality images than a point and shoot can offer but don’t feel confident as a photographer or want a camera that makes it feel easy to learn, I highly recommend Panasonic’s Lumix series. As Aja said, a passionate photographer will outgrow this camera quickly. But for day to day and even low-level professional use, it’s a great option.
Here are a few more cameras you might want to consider:
- Casual: Samsung NX3000 / Olympus PEN E-PL7
- Prosumer: Fujifilm X-E2 / Sony a6000
- Enthusiast: Fujifilm X-T1 / Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4
Do you have other recommendations? Share them in the comments!
Ari Fitz Just Wore Your Perfect First Day Of School Outfit; Here’s How to Get It
It’s 8 AM on the first day back to class and you’re hit with a conundrum: what to wear. Summertime dressing is easy; tanks with shorts, snapback and sundresses, it’s all laid back. But the days are a little cooler now, and so are you. So how does one get ready in the five minutes before the snooze with the perfect school outfit? Look no further than stylish person extraordinaire Ari Fitz.
Leather jackets have been synonymous with “kickass” for eons, and it’s nice to get back to basics when headed back to class. A black and white patterned shirt is easily incorporated into a wardrobe, while still looking super stylish. I’m willing to bet you might have a pair of black pants and ankle boots lurking in your closet… This outfit is simply stylish (and you’ll make it to class just in time with this no-fuss look).
Get You Some
What do you like to wear to class?