Hello! I’m Dannie Levine, the style and lifestyle blogger behind Fashionably Femme . My blog aims to add the queer femme voice to the conversation while offering inspiration and guidance within the queer community. I do this three ways: storytelling, inspiration, and guidance/commentary. A series with the same name as my blog, Fashionably Femme Features, highlights the stories of queer femmes all over the world. I share style and beauty inspiration for member of the queer community. Finally, I offer general guidance and commentary on LGBTQIA+ issues, queer femme issues, and more.
1. When did you start blogging and what inspired you to start you blog?
I started blogging in October of 2014 as a way to highlight my style journey. When I launched my blog as Stile.Foto.Cibo, I intended to share exactly that: style, photography, and food. Since then, my blog has grown to highlight the LGBTQIA+ community and become a pillar for specifically the queer femme community. A queer femme is traditionally defined as someone who identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and also presents femme. This can include being traditionally feminine or can include any number of facets. For more information on being femme and what that means, check out my blog post Femme Style as Politics and Attitude.
2. What is your favorite blog post that you have written?
One of my favorite blog posts of all time is My Femme Isn’t Weak. Your Imability to Accept it is. I love this post because it really gave me the opportunity to talk about gender roles in a way that directly reflects my life. Often when I speak on gender roles, it’s in regards to children and my day job or speaking up for the trans community. This post really let me delve into why presenting feminine doesn’t mean that I’m weak or need help from someone more masculine. I love pretty shoes and I love using a drill and that’s okay.
3. What do you love about blogging?
I truly love being able to speak up for my community in a way many can’t or don’t. While my blog started as a way to kill time at an internship, it has become an essential part of who I am. I love being able to share my opinions and my values on a platform that is respected. I love inspiring other queer femmes to life themselves and others up. With my mission, I have the unique opportunity to help the Invisible Femme become visible and accepted as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
4. What are some brands that you have worked with, or some brands that you would love to work with?
My top brands that I’ve worked with include Toyota for their #LoveDrives campaign, Kent Stetson and Fab’rik Wicker Park over New York Fashion Week highlighting various pieces from their respective collections, Jambu showcasing their new shoes each season, and Grounds and Hounds to showcase their awesome dog-saving coffee.
Some of my dream collaborations include Stuzo Clothing, Out Chicago, and dapperQ. Essentially, I want to collaborate with brands who already collaborate with the LGBTQIA+ community.