Wednesday, November 9, 2011

On Committing to Trends

skirt: Tibi, blouse: The Kooples, jacket: Veda, shoes: Alexander McQueen. Photo by Naomi Shon

I call this one: loving life. The photo above combined with the title of this post make a really seamless connection to one another, but before I explain too deep why, or what I mean, can you figure it out? Yes, no, maybe so? Anything? Anything? …?  

Alas, you are correct! They’re connected in that this post is going to function as a short commentary on trends, and segue into my general inability to commit to them. This is what makes personal style so…you know, personal. Let me share an anecdote: while getting dressed one day last week, the borer of repeller or in lament layman (hehe) terms: my mother walked into my room. I was wearing nothing. Except for my labia. I told my mom to dress me because I’d just watched that Bluefly video in which I starred and it reminded me how well she used to be at doing just that. She pulled out from my accessories drawer a strand of pearls and paired them with a tweed jacket, skinny pants and ballet flats. I rolled my eyes and shot her in the face, just kidding about the rolling of my eyes, I would never do such a thing! She’s my mother, people.

In any case, it was then that it dawned on me: I can’t and won’t commit to trends. And that right there is what building dynamic personal style is about. Eureka! We all dress thematically, right? Right. But what’s the fun in only embracing one theme when you can indulge your body in so many? If you’re going fancy freak on top, you should likely go jazzy construction worker on bottom. Staying fancy freak all over would make you something of a mannequin. Enter the above photo. In pairing a pouffy Tibi skirt that is reminscent of a certain Oscar de la Renta anything with a lace blouse, adding sweet satin shoes, or a little cropped bolero would be rendered obvious, easy if you will. And we’re not easy, oh no. So I took the rugged route and tried a pair of chunky black open toe booties clad in a heel Daphne Guinness would most certainly salute and the infamous Veda utility jacket, because breakfast at Tiffany’s legs call for army general lady of the night shoulders.

 
Now, in true Man Repeller spirit, I’ve mocked up an “if the internets were my closet” outfit implementing the lessons you’ve learned today based around a good strand of pearls. Because nothing is girlier than a pair of pearls. And nothing more morbid than skulls. They’re perfect for each other. A PRPS Anorak takes the sexy out of Hansel from Basel thigh high socks. Patent leather Carven school-boy trousers shorts work as a blend of theme in themselves, and a color-blocked Joseph sweater, navy blue Kain t shirt, and Dries van Noten heels from heaven just…rock. Now, before I send you off, I urge you to try this for yourself. And why not use the very pearls photographed here. That’s right, my friends. Mikimoto is giving a strand away. Learn more here, thank me later.

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  • Anonymous

    ahh I love this post. So true .. personal style is not about following trends but making them yours. thanks MR!

  • http://bucketsandbunches.com Chelsea

    Love it! Perfect mantra. Also love "if the internets were my closet" xo

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03478806963221576991 Fashionista

    So true!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02532025846080696690 Xoxo ☺

    You look fabulous, love the outfit you are wearing xo

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12259904556759824131 Raya

    seriously how can you always make such cool combos! love it :)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11059775998363519154 Caitlin

    Love your perspective!! You rock.

    Caitlin
    http://www.my-grandmothers-gucci.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14102281015345540033 Lucia Petruchová

    If I was going to say something about you, it would be, commited to your personal style and amazing. I love you so much.

    whatluciadid.blogspot.com

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

    Funny ! the outfit your mom chose does sounds very pretty, but it's a fact that your style is more original

    http://www.tripsandtreasures.blogspot.com
    fashion & lifestyle in BElgium

  • http://www.villedela.blogspot.com Janice

    Sick outfit, Leandra. Those Dries heels are unreal. It's like Cinderella meets something even more freaking awesome. I'm wearing my man-repelling Sam Edelman Zoe's known affectionately as my "robot shoes" in your honor. Thanks for posting the PRPS jacket– looks amazing!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/09001997685893437632 Elena Martínez Bengoechea

    great photo!

    Check out my blog :

    http://www.likeabirkin.blogspot.com

    FUN&BASICS; GIVEAWAY!!
    FUN&BASICS; GIVEAWAY!!
    FUN&BASICS; GIVEAWAY!!
    FUN&BASICS; GIVEAWAY!!
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  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11550324924900344449 pushups with polish

    you are so great its just fantastic. XohX

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14983094460453715498 Reprilia

    That's so true!! Love what you wrote!

    And you look amazing in this photo! That skirt it's so cool!

    http://justreptilia.blogspot.com

    xx

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01490122284103911578 Miss Bentley

    I think you got off lightly, I dread to think what my mother would put me in! x

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/18126187081113239601 EmerJa

    Girl, your posts:
    – Always surprise me because you've got an amazing style
    - Always make be laugh because I love the way you write
    - Always gives me a new vision on fashion, because you love risky looks and you're always gorgeous with them.

    Congrats:)

    http://www.emerjadesign.blogspot.com

  • http://www.thefashionguitar.com thefashionguitar

    I want the look from your photo. So happy and stylish!!

    Thank you already ;)

    XO Charlotte
    http://www.thefashionguitar.com

  • http://www.megustaonomegusta.wordpress.com Nadia

    I totally agree with you. However, it's sometimes scary the way people can look at you. Specially in my case, as I work in some sort of "clasic" and "traditional" office.

    But, who cares, right? I'll take your advice. ;)

    Kisses.
    Nadia

    http://www.megustaonomegusta.wordpress.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01406688056052163694 Mary

    LOVE YOUR SHOESSSSS ♥

    KISSES FROM ITALY
    http://www.thelastillusion.blogspot.com

  • http://hauteeyes.com Caitlin

    Those shoes are over the top – love them!! Totally wanting the jacket in your internet closet post!! Perfect for fall into winter!

    xo
    Caitlin
    http://hauteeyes.com

  • Anonymous

    Love this skirt!

    XOXO,

    http://outfitidentifier.com/

  • http://itsmesassi.wordpress.com/ itsmesassi

    Your outfit is awesome! And I'm in love with this skirt :)
    xx

    http://itsmesassi.wordpress.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11286149288842617111 Lia

    your shoes are amazing!!!
    xx
    Glass of Fashion

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04083697955804380469 katie carlin

    I am loving that Tibi skirt!!! Great Blog!

    Katie Carlin-Daily Crush

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

    Love the print of the Tibi skirt. Very pretty. You can't really man repeller it even if you try =)
    Satisfy Your Cravings For Celebrity Style and All Things Stylish and Sweet

  • http://fashionableasians.blogspot.com FashionableAsians

    I think you would just die over my mini gold skulls necklace from ToFebruary, it's dainty and sweet yet slightly morbid cause they're skulls ;P

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17797477198030786678 Lynsey Michelle

    Ha! So true though. I definitely think that taking trends and making them your own (in this case, combining and or ignoring them) is what takes you from trendy to fashionable. It's a small difference, but a distinct one nonetheless.

    xx
    Lynsey Michelle
    http://www.law-of-fashion.com

  • http://thrillofthechaise.com/ thrillofthechaise.com

    Love the skulls and your outfit is so lovely! Best accessory is a smile, non? :)

    Kate

    http://www.thrillofthechaise.com

  • http://www.blondevivant.com Blonde Vivant

    I love this post! I always feel like my style is slightly schizo….but I'm ok with that.

    <3 Blonde Vivant
    http://www.blondevivant.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14889723920548910238 Krissy :: Miss B and Hustle

    Great post!

  • Anonymous

    i love ur blog. it has inspired me to try to do one myself in the near future. last night i tried my first man repeller outfit; however it didnt work as well as i had hoped because my hipster loving bf told me i looked hott.thanks for inspiring me to wear half of the things in my closet at once. just one question: how do u not get sweltering hot with all those layers?

  • http://vanillachic.wordpress.com/ sarah

    Love your cute/funny pictures. It's funny how fashion usually is taken so seriously when really were all just tryin' have a good time!

    http://vanillachic.wordpress.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11219240318835972906 Vibeke

    I'm really going to think more about the fabrics i mix together. Thank you for helping me on my way, love your blog!! And btw, we all wake up that one morning with 2 days old hair. I think you pulled it off great ;)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01158132032254436028 Golden Girl Olive

    Nice tips I love these ideas!

    Olive

    http://www.VisforOlive.blogspot.com

  • http://www.alexandrahansen.com Alexandra Hansen

    You look adorable! Love the tibi skirt!
    http://www.alexandrahansen.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00794922736247037318 Julie

    That jacket is so rad!!!

    Julie
    http://www.celebrityowned.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/17635319552787315251 ms.composure
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14740793284409948266 realelinkling

    All i can say is: HOT HOT HOT HOT.

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

    What ms.composure said…LOVING those shoes! Would look perfect teamed back on the knit!

    X

    http://www.elegantlywastedd.blogspot.com

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

    Agreed. Why would you commit to one look when there's so many awesome ones to sample? And you are hilarious. I love how far you take your humor and how unapologetic you are. In the words of junior high yearbooks, stay sweet!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/00377086967636525489 le monde de skadiida

    beautiful stuff! (:

    xx

    skadiida.blogspot.com

  • http://ees-a.tumblr.com isabelle

    preach.

  • http://mstwirlyskirts.com Molliee

    this is a fantastical combo you are wearing! fab skirt!

    xoxo
    molliee
    http://mstwirlyskirts.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04803014618441242363 everybodies fashion

    VOGUE ! ;) Like it 2 much ;)

  • Quash

    THANK YOU! This post sums up exactly what I love about style and this blog! I may have to tape this to the closet door.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/05473936446091366973 Erica

    I love the way you write. It is something we should all strive to have; a great voice.
    You have recruited a fellow army general lady of the night man repeller ;)

    Erica
    In the Light of Style

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13274138591141752873 AdamAlexMommy

    really pretty skirt. the shoes look dangerous! :D

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

    I love the fact that you march to the beat of your own drum. That's what makes you shine and so awesome compared to the rest. x

    http://www.TheFancyTeacup.com

  • http://jas-tidbits.blogspot.com/ jas

    i've been eyeing off that skirt for ages. looks so good

    http://jas-tidbits.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/16603701673468071750 LRB

    The only thing worse than committing to trends is a new long distance carrier.

    http://www.littleredbook-thatshaute.blogspot.com

  • Anonymous

    you look gorgeous with that outfit

  • Anonymous

    you rock!!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14808391618423679179 sarah smith

    Obsessed with the Veda jacket!! The tibi skirt adds that subtle girly flair all while remaining to do what you do best, love this look xx
    please check out my blog at http://www.littlemissbowpeep.blogspot.com !!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/14654691178100203023 Roxanna

    You are indeed the ready-to-wear version of Daphne Guiness. We just need to find you a headpiece that is man repelling enough–perhaps a realllllly big turban? :)

    http://www.dissectmystyle.com/

  • Anonymous

    The phrase is, "In layman's terms."

    Is that rude? Does it help if I say that I'm only commenting on this because I'm drunk on cheap wine? I love your blog and I should probably have one of my own called On Being Obnoxious.

    No one would read it.

    Anyway. As you were.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/15562639510556021515 Zweiteiler

    You look awesome! great skirt!
    Just found your blog and follow!

    crystal
    http://www.zweiteiler.blogspot.com

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

    Gorgeous skirt!!

    xx Olga
    La Petite Olga

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01915301502681425552 yvo

    totally agree. take time to enjoy your life

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/08802460803153602951 karina

    cool

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12347329353442093349 Michelle Lee

    Amazing styling :)

    pinklemonincrystal.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12803597155110452257 Kerrin

    so true! rock on xx

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/12918661464750203232 Doni Brown
  • Victoria Saulovich

    Amazzzzze. Oh so badass pretty. Way to keep it terminally interesting.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/02487038648063478350 Smallest Pepper

    That is why a person with style buys a few well made, special items instead of lighting your cash on fire with cheap trends.
    Special=style
    trends=fashion

    http://www.smallestpepper.blogspot.com

  • Maxi

    Oh hell, why do I love you and your style so much? You're so cool and so inspiring. You would be a cool sister! :D

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06011802536358506350 the Addicts Fashion

    Love it! :)

    Check out the new Documentary "Revenge of the Electric Car"!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/18237107923971488545 kira

    great trend report

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11619602287054788529 Amuna
  • http://www.stylemadesimple.com Kate

    She makes it look so easy, doesn’t she? Developing an amazing personal style doesn’t always come as naturally as it does for Leandra. Don’t despair! Contact a pro at http://www.stylemadesimple.com

  • Anonymous

    leandra you are just amazing, your style is impeccable
    I wanne be you!

  • Anonymous

    http://fuckyeahalexachung.tumblr.com/post/12598184166#notes

    did you see alexa chung wearing your MR DANNIJO necklace in this editorial? thought you would enjoy that

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07650486939448955178 lucia m
  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/06233784656719240179 Giveaway Scout

    Hi, I'd like to invite you to post your giveaways on our giveaway directory: Giveaway Scout (http://www.giveawayscout.com). Please submit your blog here: http://www.giveawayscout.com/join/ Once you receive our confirmation email you can post your giveaways on our site. Thanks.

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04927970531329936455 Neon Nights

    Haha, you are too cute! :D

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/11863329973732626014 Emanuel I.

    Beautie , you are day by day more…gorgeous!
    Congrats & thanks for inspiring me!
    :-)

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/01274789890420794389 Han

    THat Skirt makes my life!! JEL!

    http://insidethebelljar.blogspot.com/

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03820722639143986785 Ash Louise

    love the skirt you're wearing. The red flowers pop soooo sweetly!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07959668207590851683 India

    love this parka!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/07837674878577295793 stylista

    Great post! I love the skull necklaces!
    check out my blog at

    allthingsvogue.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/10671117629537234102 Viky

    great post!!

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/13540865440171331174 allisonk

    Great post! Love the way you put everything together. It just ROCKS this world!! Those shoes are KILLER on all levels.

    http://confessionsoftheglitterati.blogspot.com/

  • Anonymous

    love the look you are amazing

  • http://www.jeffreylylesalon.com/blog Being Blonde

    NOT to sound like a grandma, but just look how pretty you look with your hair all pulled back! We can see your gorgeous face! But back to the clothes…the jacket-skirt combo? Aces.

    http://www.jeffreylylesalon.com/blog

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/03652580342472050070 DelbaMé

    Gorgeous!!! I love this skirt. And you're right, more people need to take in account that personal style needs to stay personalized!

    Delaney
    xx

  • http://myfavoritecolourisshiny.blogspot.com bianca

    Amazing! looking forward to seeing more posts! :) xoxo
    Take a look at my blog please!
    http://myfavoritecolourisshiny.blogspot.com

  • http://www.blogger.com/profile/04957875704237753075 l’abito fa la monaca

    love this post! And love this skirt!

  • @mimimishkin

    you are the most beautiful person i know

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