Femme of the Month: Joheli "JoJo" Cruz - A Rose in the Desert

I know, I know...I haven't exactly kept the "Femme of the Month" posts up to date, but trust me, this one is worth the wait. Being that I'm currently deployed, I haven’t had very many run-ins with fashions or femmes worth photographing out here in the desert. I have, however, had the pleasure of meeting a beauty that I must admit initially made me blush a little.  Hypnotic smile and classic style makes this Puerto Rican/Dominican "GI Jane" just as jaw dropping as she is dangerous. Granted, she could wear a paper bag and still demand the attention of a room, her wardrobe is also pretty praise worthy. I would like to introduce my good friend, the stunning miss JoJo Cruz as my first "Femme of the Month" of 2013. 

Fresh

Name: 

Lauren Imgrund aka Fresh

Age:

26

City:

DC by way of Philly

Style:

"Let me start by saying that it's my life's dream to run around in a really great suit and makeout with my girlfriend in public, so that we can change people's perception of what a lesbian looks like. I want the world to know that gay boys aren't the only ones in the LGBT community with fashion sense. Aside from that, I've always said (and by "always" I mean I said it once like 4 weeks ago) that being well dressed and having style are not mutually exclusive; one requires a sense of creativity and daring that the other does not. Anyone can put on an $800 suit and look nice, but it takes a certain eye and willingness to stand out for someone to really make it look stylish. That said, I like to think that my style is, above all, refreshing. As a biracial lesbian I've had no shortage of being told that I'm different, and I hope to achieve that uniqueness in the way that I dress as well. What I'd like for people to discern from my outfits is that I am fun and bold yet refined and mature. Generally speaking, I act like I'm 4 years old on a very regular basis, so I have to let my clothing vouch for the fact that I'm actually old enough to rent a car. I say this because an important part of my personal style philosophy is that I want to be appropriately dressed at any time to capitalize on opportunities that the Universe tends to throw at us when we least expect it. In other words, I like to always be prepared; the way I project myself, i.e. how I dress, is an integral part of that preparation. Whether it's with a tailored suit and pocket square, a well-fitted blazer and waistcoat or a fantastic pair of wingtips, I make it my mission to be dressed in a manner that commands both attention AND respect, the latter being the most important."

Contact Info:

Twitter (@laurennotwarren) 

Instagram (laurennotwarren)

Help Me, I'm Deployed :(

*PLEASE READ*

It has been far too long since I've posted any new material, and for that I apologize. I actually should have mentioned this before now, but I'm in the Army National Guard, and have been for about 4 years. I'm currently deployed overseas, making this blogging thing quite difficult to keep up to date. So, to keep this ship sailing, I am asking for a little help. If you are a member of the LGBT community (or merely a supporter) and you are interested in showing the world your love for fashion or simply wanting to show off your own dapper wardrobe, send me an email including the info listed below:

• Name/Nickname
• Age
• City, State
• Describe your style
• 5+ Photos (of good quality)
• Contact info that you would like promoted on the blog (Twitter, Instagram, business/personal email, etc.)   

Send info to thedapperdom@gmail.com, and thanks in advance for your help! 

Fast-forward to Spring: Color Blocking

The weather has been nice lately, so I decided to break out one of my springtime looks. Among the top of the list of trends for Spring is the often complicated color-blocking. For those who do not know, color-blocking is pairing contrasting, vibrant colors together to create one complete complementary look. It can be difficult at times to put together an everyday look using color-blocking, but use this as an opportunity to come out of your shell. Be creative and have fun with your wardrobe...attract some attention!

This is a simple, everyday color-blocked outfit. The yellow blazer and navy blue knit, hooded cardigan are both thrifted. The canvas shoes are made by Levi's and the jeans are Bullhead Dillon Skinny from PacSun.



Keeping it Fly in the Cold

Model Name:
Sheek
(Follow on Twitter @SheekMONTANA)

Photos and Styling by Tiffany "The Dapper Dom" White, Assisted by Vonne J

I am a huge fan of the pocket square. Anything with a pocket is worthy of a pocket square, but try not to be too matchy-matchy with it. Be creative.

I can not live without a beanie or toboggan. Being that I have very little hair to keep me warm, unlike my model Sheek, I usually throw one in my back pocket on my way out the door, just in case the temperature drops. The weather in NC is very unpredictable so the beanie in the back pocket is both stylish and practical. Gotta love the south!

ALL scarves make me happy, especially chunky ones. The right scarf can kick up any outfit a notch or two, as long as the weather permits.

If you have not yet purchased a jean jacket, what are you waiting for? The jean jacket has become a must have item in the world of fashion and I am in love with its versatility. When it comes to layering for those chilly days, a jean jacket can always come in handy

Invest in a short trench coat. It is another one of my personal favorites that is great for layering.

The belt of this trench coat, in my opinion, just looked better tied opposed to buckled. The little details are what make a dope outfit.

Don't be afraid to pop your collar.

Anything with a shawl neckline, like the lapel on this waistcoat, catches my attention.

Not every style of eyeglasses/sunglasses will look great on every individuals bone structure. Shop around for the right pair just for you