Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Repeller or Propeller: Neon

In this week’s installment of Repeller or Propeller, we look to bright blinders for inspiration. By now it should be no surprise to you that I have an unusual, some may say unhealthy, obsession with neon. Blame it on Jil Sander, Christopher Kane, Lisa Frank…whatever, the fact of the matter is, I want to be a human tennis ball. And while the U.S. Open is still but two months away, it’s never too soon to get one’s Roddick on, and so a human tennis ball I shall be. 
all photos by Naomi Shon
This short thought-process got me thinking, what better way to celebrate my strange tendencies than by dissecting the coveted trend in terms of my alias and asking the question: is neon a repeller or a propeller? There’s only one way to find out. Time for a riveting game o’dress-up!
1. Neon worn by itself
 
dress: Proenza Schouler, shoes: Valentino
Perhaps when worn alone it’s got the potential to act as a catalyst for date night. I’d say the keyword here is perhaps though.
2. With a couple new layers
 
vest: Balenciaga, shoes: Isabel Marant
As you can see, all it took was a printed vest and short heel booties to reverse the aforementioned. Granted, the vest in question features an extra-large sized hounds-tooth print that just so perfectly caught the stripes of black, white and chain detailed on the dress’ trim.
 
sunglasses: Ralph Lauren 
Yes, that’s right. Houndstooth jacket x houndstooth sunglasses.
3. Vive le neon…overload!
In this final look, I made an executive decision. It was time to remove the black slip adding a zest of elegance from underneath the dress and instead and include a neon skirt to act as that pesky slip…
 
skirt: Torn
…Two more layers of bright blinders a top the dress…
 
cropped blouse: Kimberly Taylor, longer blouse: Equipment , necklace: DANNIJO
 And, voila! A grand mission repelled.
In conclusion, ladies and penguins, I proclaim that if all it takes are but a few layers to turn take the dress from chic ad plain to clinically insane (ergo, awesome), it’s got to be a certified man repeller. And for the reason alone, deserves it’s own page in the look books of our lives. Vive le neon!
Originally published for Refinery 29, here.

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  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14194815440194123998 CupcakesOMG!

    i'm blinded…by the sheer GENIUS of this look!!

    http://www.cupcakesomg.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13031719691263785668 ana carina

    I thought I was going to like it more by itself, but actually the last look is pretty amazing.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04300027865751536866 Emilia Alonso

    incredibles looks!!!! awsome!! xoxo girl!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13827727105440012671 pixelhazard

    Oh i love that giant houndstooth shirt and all those gorgeous colours…oh and I just spotter those shoes

    Bright Green Laces

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00273240945488877081 Gorete Sousa

    Beautiful Looks!!!

    lovely

    xx

  • http://onedaywillow.blogspot.com Prudence

    I showed my boyfriend the finishing look and I'm afraid to say mission failed! You definitely still propelled and achieved awesomeness!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13341268299338557965 shu84

    amazing looks , love your dress so much:)

    http://shu84.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11663883740741231863 Elizabeth .: Have Your Cake Blog

    I too have an unhealthy obsession with neon! You wear it fabulously!

    I'm having a Deborah Lippmann nail polish giveaway if you'd like to enter, just click here

  • http://www.raesstylefile.blogspot.com Rae

    Awesome! Love the dress. Gorgeous!

    http://www.raesstylefile.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13671414242796970066 One Chic Dame

    Love the bohemian necklace!

    http://www.onechicdame.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05882333911932324281 blue roses

    nothing says repeller like a giant fitzgerald-era turban….. nice touch.

    dallianceswithsuitsandskirts

  • http://knockedupfabulous.wordpress.com/ knockedupfabulous

    Girl, you crack me up! Your writing and facial expressions always put a smile on my face. Repeller or not, you make your oufits look totally wearable!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01676293912277616239 Isi, Wake up & smell the azahar

    Well repelled. One question, do you like basketball?Will we seen you like a orange ball soon?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11958777928504770785 Elspeth

    I love the houndstooth vest!

    http://elspeth-tostayortogo.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00922493231790791173 La Petite Olga

    Love how you want to be the human tennis ball!! Great dress!

    xx Olga
    La Petite Olga

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10674130495449821496 Frannie Pantz

    A human tennis ball you are not. A genius of neon layering you are (insert Yoda voice). I love the last look and the second one as well.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05321946484572527056 marooka fashion

    Love, love, love the first look! Giant Tennis ball for me, please! With a pair of Valentino shoes on the side. Well done, maestro.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17315670147716759540 Apeshite

    The statement that necklace is making is unbelievable. Plus, I love your reference to Lisa Frank, haha.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10620899390908793244 LDM

    loving the houndstooth!! it's actually pretty cool with all the neon. i'm actually having my first ever GIVEAWAY and i'd love for you to join. it's simply 3 steps that will literally take 2 minutes to winning an amazing dress!

    xx from hong kong :)
    http://www.ldmldmldm.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10742697015152576035 B.Inspired

    I love the statement necklace and if I am thinking of the same Lisa Frank (sticker designer in the late 80s with jumbo stickers) that's an awesome reference. I've not yet tried neons…I just feel like it may be too bright up against my Asian skintone, but maybe a bright pair of shorts or a skirt? Thank you for the inspiration!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/18359692445710227141 Collections

    Hahha the last photograph is priceless. Love your ralph lauren sunglasses :)

    Fashionable Collections

  • http://www.maggierossdogs.com Ann K.

    Each successive photo shows the transition getting better and better! Love your creativity!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10955116532345730478 Raspberry Jam
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01347992813398135962 myAestheticStyle

    Oh my..thats a FANTASTIC neon dress…and i Love that colorful Torn skirt.

    Rebecca
    myaestheticstyle.blogspot.com

  • http://www.closetcravings.com Closet Cravings

    Surprisingly, I'm not blinded by all the neon colors(though I do love it) but by the serious footcandy. Valentino, Isabel Marant, Christian Lobuoutin – all so fabu. Makes me hate you a little bit. =)

    Need it? Want it? Crave it? Satisfy Your Cravings For Celebrity Style and All Things Stylish and Sweet

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07181089089351390664 Nina Morena

    I love it all! Especially your Valentino shoes. xo

  • http://treux.com/ treux.com

    Love, love the Torn skirt as a slip. gonna steal that fosho

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/18090883048976614929 Laura89

    Love all! I loved the neon skirt… beautiful looks! ;)

    http://justme-n-more.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11631217160366445409 Miss Crys

    I can't handle it. It's too much fabulousness. Especially that necklace. So cute!

    http://fashionablygeeked.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15208662102976765730 Meena Dhuga

    the second outfit is THE BOMB. love it.

    http://pinklemonsorbet.blogspot.com/

    Meena xxxx

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03429968469338580701 Cristiana Nunes

    Love the second look, crazy stylish!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01461624503951975673 Janna

    Neon….neonnnnnnnn ::john mayer song:: lolz

  • http://mstwirlyskirts.com Molliee

    these ensembles are fab!!! love the bright colors!

    http://mstwirlyskirts.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12759545260010101486 The PvdH Journal

    I share your current obsession with neon. There is something about neon bags that I am currently gaga for. Ga- ga.

    The Balenciaga vest is to-die-for!

    PvdH -designer and illustrator

    http://www.ThePvdHJournal.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17078738982847318098 Laura

    those valentino shoes are insania!! and as for the final look…lets just say you'll stop traffic xx

    http://i-want-doesnt-get.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06907554681315715379 Kimberly

    the Valentino shoes are making me nauseous. (in a good way)

    XO Kimmy
    http://www.strawberry-stiletto.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01514627554329642237 Vasilieva

    nothing beats a good neon dress this seasons, loving all the options you've created with it, awesome styling girl

    http://elenavasilieva.blogspot.com/
    x

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14520026484148268429 Kristin Mackercher

    So killer! I'm loving the vest and neon!

    http://kmmacker.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10778270621317038330 Angel

    I've not liked this whole neon trend since today. Thanks for the wonderful, inspiring post. love the vest!!! : )

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02814977122831120258 Heart on a Shoe String

    The end result turns out to be pretty awesome!!!

  • http://www.bellissimostyle.net Megan Abigail Chandler

    neon dress with the fuschia fringed shoes rocks my socks. But the Valentino shoes are tres cool … its a tough call! To Repel or Propel?

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05137238505542889682 ADJ

    I am in LOVE with this necklace. What an amazing piece.

    http://www.greeneggsandglam.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15980069159146092697 Fashionista*

    Love your blog more each time I visite..

    http://fashionistablogg.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03001490403699458982 ﻌFashionQamarﻌ

    ahahahah a
    seriously, you re just awesome!
    Love each outfit!:D

    http://fashionqamar.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16599904887688070005 Ms LadyCakes

    I adore your cray cray. :)

    Instylation

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17670725729024152412 katie lofblad
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11568706137492396568 Violet

    Hahah i think that i am in love with all of these looks lol. you are always so quirky and your post brighting me up all the time. i never thought to you another skirt as a slip lol

    XX
    Vi from Cali

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14227790770455857624 The Fancy Teacup

    Girl, you rock the neons. Nothing repels men more than exaggerated necklaces, turbans, and colossal fringe boots…all in brights!

    ♥, Jamie
    http://www.TheFancyTeacup.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05732932035047835542 JEAN-PIERRE

    well done… I must say that the printed skirt underneath the sheer neon as a very interesting and cool touch.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14947504247473455385 Claudia Lynn

    All of the colors remind me of the fashion in San Francisco. It's different, it's stylish and it definitely gets you noticed!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16565936410241294541 g

    once you go neon, you'll never go all black.

    that neonapalooza (torn/dannijo) is tops!

    thisdressthatgirl.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07696026522792239110 Kdotorg

    Definitely love that last outfit. My eyes have neon-burn (yeah it's a thing) yet I can't stop looking!
    km-iamyou.blogspot.com
    x.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17926676963361210046 Style Dilettante

    Three cheers for the insane!!! Hip hip hur – I'll take that necklace when you tire of it – ray!

    http://inherentstylela.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13782907312671658369 thisiswhati’dwear

    Love this dress so much. Your style always impresses me!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09113056625709563735 ♥Run With Fashion♥

    Like the shoulders of the neon yellow dress and the pockets. :)
    THOUGH I LOOOVE THE SHOES!! ♥
    Love the ralph lauren sunnies ♥
    I looove the colorful skirt you wore under the neon dress :D ♥
    -Eliza

  • http://toopoorforcouture.wordpress.com/ toopoorforcouture
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16975350066705943711 Chelsea Elizabeth.

    I am kind of in love with the houndstooth vest. Ha. LOVE the last look! I would've never thought to put together something so brilliant.

    <3Chelsea Elizabeth
    http://www.organizedxxmess.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17115423516641338460 The Foolish Aesthete

    As far as human tennis balls go, that was an Ace!

    http://thefoolishaesthete.blogspot.com

  • http://monsacbyme.com mon sac by me

    Omg…………..all're genius creators !!

    http://monsacbyme.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08896438765539848050 X for Xiu

    I love how you always look playful !!!! <3<3
    Btw, that Balenciaga dress and Proenza Schouler vest look awesome!!!!

    http://www.xforxiu.blogspot.com
    http://www.xiuboutique.com

  • http://vcommindia.com harinder

    very good site

    http://vcommindia.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01833953291419734182 KimChicSisters
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04723856494063232502 heatherheartsfashion

    my fav is with the balenciaga vest! that dress is just perfection you look amazinng as per usualll
    xox heatherheartsfashion.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05896943075888739935 The Eye Behind the Detail

    Love, love, love the neon! Neon, printed skirt underneath as a slip, brilliant idea.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02185668072578650182 Schokominza

    wow! the last picture looks amazing. color-flash!

  • Anonymous

    dear man repeller,
    can you please either clone yourself or track down your nearest and dearest dopleganger to begin their own man repeller-esque blog. i feel as though my blog reading material has become slim, as ever since you have started your blog, i have become disinterested with every other fashion blog in the whole wide deep black hole of the internet universe. you, man repeller, are the trifecta of fashion blogs, the reigning blog queen if you may. other fashion bloggers may be fashionable, but if my own reading comprehension skill(z) preceed me, are boooooring writers and take themselves way to seriously. i want to name names, but i have too much respect for you, oh man repeller, to defame inferior fashion blogs on your site. i love you, keep writing, clone youself, and get her to write too. somehow make man repeller babies and get them to write too. fashion your brothers in dresses and get them to write too. me want more.

    signed,
    sadly-seeking-more-manrepeller-like-blogs

    ps: i love you

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06841237588940938787 Lydia

    OMG look number three, killlllling me!!!!!!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12880385720195215219 Stephanie

    if you're a human tennis ball by way of Jack and Lazaro then I'm all for it.
    That dress: unbelievable. I must be totally pledging allegeance to the PS cult because I just so wish it were in my closet even if I dont know wherethehell i'd where it. the sheerness alone is hard to pull off, let alone the night-reflector shade. but it's so gorge. love how you layered it. love that you put that tribal like neon mini underneath. and those my little pony goes drag louboutins are the quintessential OD to any look. LURRRVEEE. what whaaattttt– you're awesome!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04392538306781168379 Elegantly Wasted

    This Proenza Schouler dress is perfect on you. I have adored it since the day I saw it on the catwalk. Such a delicious color for Summer!

    X

    http://www.elegantlywastedd.blogspot.com

  • Anonymous

    love all your colors
    you are my eye kandy!! with the K

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16066052473829974209 Layered Black

    thank you for the anne frank reference!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16066052473829974209 Layered Black

    LOL I mean Lisa Frank- same thing {almost} right?!

  • http://www.thefashionguitar.com thefashionguitar

    I love neon, so love both looks, but number two is my absolute fav!!

    XO Charlotte
    http://www.thefashionguitar.com

  • http://sunnysideofrizzi.blogspot.com Rizzi

    Aaaaw bold and beautiful! :D Rock on!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08239257183674950269 Starry-eyed Kisses

    Haha that's awesome! :)

    I love that dress! x

    http://starry-eyedkisses.blogspot.com/

  • Anonymous

    that dress is insane … where is it from ??? i am stuck in australia but needing that dress to be delivered from an online angel ???

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03401686887977484323 Man Repeller

    @ANON I got it at Kirna Zabete in NYC. It's Proenza Schouler!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08813269203887879585 Trips & Treasures

    hmm I actually prefer the "pure" tennisball look , hehe

    http://www.tripsandtreasures.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02756585515065845268 Aubrey and Melissa

    I love the colorful look, you are so talented at layering.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12208848421518113332 j. almodovar

    you are brilliant. love the color.

  • http://jemappelleshen.wordpress.com/ jemappelleshen

    <3 that houndstooth vest but I adore look NO.3! Haute!

    jemappelleshen.wordpress.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09325567619084951158 Mafalda

    this is just too cool… L-O-V-E your blog!

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  • AsjiaGarner

    love this! i love how your are so happy in your oddest and most vibrant outfit with tons of colors! definitely expresses your personality!

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