The Man Repeller

On What I Wore

2012-02-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

Cut 25 jacket, T by Alexander Wang sweater, DANNIJO necklaces, Tibi skirt, Hue tights, Proenza Schouler purse, Burberry wedges. Photos via The Cut, Patrick McMullan. You asked, here it is: a look at the conquests of my fashion week outfit(s.) While this only from the of chronicles day one, I'll post whatever becomes readily available whenever it does. Evidently, I am massively off trend as not one single show yet this season has previewed a skirt any shorter than knee length. The rest of this composition is pretty simple: turn my shoe laces into ankle cuffs, pin a water bug brooch compliments of the Tony Duquette x Coach collection to my purse, adorn my arms with parties to weigh them down until biceps start materializing et voila: fashion week. To my right in photo one, notice pervert in crime, Rachel Strugatz's Jennifer Fisher arm party hiding under a mountain of mongolian fur. Okay now, that's all I got. More show updates soon. Follow my ass on twitter or tumblr for real time updates from a real time mobile device.

NYFW: Friday's Recap

2012-02-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

As it happens, I was right on day one. If only I had more than two hands to properly gesticulate how many times I've heard ~~(er, or said,)~~ "we have to get together after fashion week!" It's a crime, really. But this isn't about the mere mortals seated next to the runways, this is about the copious goodness that has thus far walked on them. And while this is called a Friday recap, let me begin by taking you back to Thursday night, where a star studded front row at Cynthia Rowley's unveiling of fall enjoyed mini bottles of prosecco equipped with obligatory straw. It's the little things.

And here you have it: a military green monochrome look topped with a boyfriend fit overcoat and fancy jeweled choker compliments of our own: DANNIJO. To the right, while not the work of Danielle and Jodie, strategic spurts of embellished sequins and crystals adorned several of these looks. Not photographed here: a satin jumpsuit. Also not photographed here: leather overalls. Impressive indeed.

And following in no particular order: Jason Wu. This collection was wildly interesting to watch: the usual ladylike silhouettes and bold but elegant structured dresses of Wu took a turn for the bad ass in perhaps his darkest collection yet. The color palette included another homage to that military green, burgundy, and bright red. The collection as whole rendered military inspired but not in the hey, cool anorak sense of that word. I'm talking lieutenant general at ranking ceremony. Do also note, gorilla arms are still relevant.

This brings me to Rag & Bone, not necessarily in conjunction with gorilla arms but because both collections previewed a vintage looking brocade floral print designed unlike the curtains your grandmother turned into a bolero. It's rough, it's edgy, it rags, no boning. This collection was about layering, a flood of copper adorned the opening looks while more plays on prints and textures in muted color schemes that ran from oranges and reds to browns, blacks, greys strung through the rest of the collection.

And while we're talking layering: here's to Rebecca Taylor. This collection too was a nice departure from the flimsy and girly nature of Taylor's usual design aesthetic. The overall vibe felt nineties grunge, a look I haven't been ready to see let go. Details to note: ear pieces that extended from the lobe to the cartilage, harem-esque tights, and the important question: "are those chihuahua on my feet or am I walking?" posed and answered some twenty times.

From one Rebecca to another: while you may remember last night's short homage to the Theophilus London performance at Rebecca Minkoff, there's something to be said about the clothes too. To the left, a brocade pant suit fit for a repeller, where every eve is New Years Eve and to the right: I'm not sure if you've picked up on this trend just yet perusing these images, but alas: a peplum. I'd speculated last month while looking back at Kenzo that peplums over pants may be moving up the anatomical ladder et voila. Present at Wu, Doo.Ri, Rebecca Taylor, Minkoff and finally, from my favorite collection shown thus far:

Peter Som. Let's see how many more shows we can throw into the genre with the progression of this week. Som was like walking in a winter wonderland. Think thick, lush and bright multi-colored furs, leather harem pants. The brilliant use of fabric and silhouette was complimented well by the sprinkling of organza, tweed, silk and wool. Ultimately though, the a-ha moment of yestermorning was a tribute to the mullet dress, a silhouette I'd thought may be nearing its end.

Alas, I am elated I was wrong. Day three in tow, see you soon.

Today's Highlight

2012-02-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

Runway soundtracks are typically a show's best trip, the music sets a mood and gets on lookers in gear. Today at Rebecca Minkoff though, the runway soundtrack standard saw a new level set. Sitting in our seats, waiting for the to start, none other than New York's own, Theophilus London emerges from behind the white walls singing Stand Alone--RIP How to Make it in America. Guitar pals et al.

photos taken with handheld

Hubba, hubba, so much leather. He proceeded to dance around with the models through the course of his first song until he went back into the white walls and let the girls do their thaaaangalang. More on today's show, tomorrow. Right now: sleep.

NYFW: Past Decades Back Again

2012-02-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

New York Fashion Week is such a good time: the city becomes a place where the Shit Girls Say caliber of comments is maximized ten fold, "Honestly, I can't even" is a full sentence, circus wear is rendered most trendy wear by style setters west side wide and perhaps most fun: the new season's trend-casting begins. Here below find a small bit from day 0 and the beginning of day 1.

At 10 Crosby by Derek Lam, Hanne Gaby Odiele reigns in an over-sized checkered print pant where that familiar palazzo silhouette enjoys another season in the spotlight. A textured light fur cropped jacket, sheer maxi dresses and a certain champagne colored slim fit blazer pay tribute to 1970s nostalgia.

A trend recognized well at BCBG Max Azria too. Lush fur accents offer new character to the outerwear while loose fit straight midi length sheath dresses compose most of what goes on underneath. In one instance, a long skort on steroids of sorts made fancy way too. That was fun. And the color palette stays consistent: loads of beige, burnt yellows and oranges sprinkled over a dose of navy and burgundy.

Richard Chai gives the sheer palazzo pant another go too and exhibits some interesting bulge pockets complimented by half a sleeping bag. Naturally fit for a freak like us. One entity people, uno. What's been interesting is that not very many, or dare I say, any of the designers I've thus far seen have experimented much with any more print blocking. There are sprouts here and there, but ultimately, I think we may be returning to a place of solid.

So let's conclude this with Rachel Comey and her small homage to Audrey Hepburn. I can get behind any pant exhibiting a slit through the front leg, and any look that's clean, polished and strung together by a pair of sneaker/brogue hybrids.

Stay tuned for a review on the Mulan inspired collection of Kimberly Ovitz, including a serious play on that black texture we looked at earlier this month. Alas, just in:

At left, the interesting black texture I'd previously referenced. At right, an opportune look at the Mulan influence. I've really enjoyed watching the Kimberly Ovitz evolution during the last few seasons. Dresses have gone from simple sheaths, to more complex pieces and finally to full fledged outfits. This is what I'd argue her best collection yet. Images from Style.com

The Pointy Toe

2012-02-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

Alexander Wang Liya high heel pumps, $485

Behold: the pointy toe, back with a bang. Only less about a bang, more about Wang. It was only a matter of time before this trend saw its resurgence. And while I'll almost always endorse the weird shit Alexander Wang produces--give me a cape and I will wear it. Heck, give me a fur ball and I will own that too--I'm conflicted on this particular shoe. Something isn't resonating: maybe the covers too much foot. Maybe the implementation of a shorter heel is alluding too close to kitten heel paraphernalia, or maybe, just maybe, I'm too weird a Repeller for a shoe this...sophisticated? There's probably something to be said about the revert to a more simple silhouette, I'm just not going to say it. I will however commend the use of stingray, you can't see it, but it's there, and offer a hearty salute to the ankle cuff, so properly on trend. That said, are you on team point? Do tell.

That said too now, it's officially fashion week so here is my shameless summoning to request that you either follow me on Twitter or Tumblr or both as I'll be live social networking like a real human with a mobile keyboard! Human! Keyboard! Samsung has offered me their new Galaxy Note phone/tablet hybrid to test drive over the week before its official launch at the end of February so the photo resolution is pretty fancy. Sharp and what have you--that's my hook. Bye.

Getting Fashion Week Ready, Part III

2012-02-08T06:11:00.000-08:00

Fuck yeah summer camp with heels, part two. In what is now the third installment of Getting Fashion Week Ready, we try to penetrate our creative beans while placing a stronger emphasis on that which occurs while layering rather than after. Call it a salute to texture, maybe even a departure from embracing the cushioned comfort zone of copious layer. Ultimately though, what this is...is...a five step program that works. Name that commercial, follow me.

blouse: Topshop, shorts: Only Hearts

Holy crotch, happy birthday. Step one includes very important biker shorts. I tried to turn you onto these dudes using Karl Lagerfeld's creative direction as a drug mule of sorts but not very many of you took well to that suggestion. Maybe you'll prefer this one.

tights: Hue, try these

So far, so similar. But I have an idea, keep scrolling. Bare in mind the first inclusion of print in form of tights--once you're there, it's hard to revert back to a place of plain old black.

white blouse: Pencey

Bird arms, eureka. Do also pay attention to the progression of facial expression. Confused and dumb founded became a half smile, became super smiley thumbs up with just the simple insertion of feathered sleeves. You may remember this shirt: a long time ago, I hosted a who wore it best contest against the Twitter bird. ~~There were eight votes.~~ I won.

dress: Thakoon

But let's stay focused. Here let me circle back to the aforementioned biker shorts and ask if you prefer this inclusion. Note that there is seemingly no inclusion. The eighties were alright. And on to the dress: print number two. I hadn't thought to wear it as a jumper until recently and when that happened, all I could think was layers of sleeve protruding from my shoulders.

vest: H&M, purse: Proenza Schouler, snap booties: Chanel

And so, protrude them sleeves did. I added a leather vest to give the look more texture--tie it together if you will--introduced the prospect of a third print to the equation, paired my favorite comfortable shoe for a feasible fashion week do--shit gets painful by the ankle--and gave myself a pet, not pat, on the shoulder for utilizing only four layers.

images by Naomi Shon

Alas, friends, that's it. That's the whole thing. Sometimes, simple is better...provided of course that your compass of simplicity includes feathers. Tomorrow, we take to the tents.

In Top Rotation

2012-02-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

Fuck yeah summer camp with heels! With fashion week looming eerily close over our shoulders I thought today an opportune time to plant a story that includes some ten of my favorite garments and accessories. My mantra remains: if it's good, wear it til you have to clean it so figure this a building block to uphold that sentiment. And while yes, I may not own all--even any--of the things photographed below, this is the internet: where dreams are born, made, come true. Suspend disbelief and let's tackle:

Starting with the foundation to virtually any good outfit: the perfect white tee. This one is Acne, with a three quarter length sleeve to save the area between your elbow and shoulder from the wrath of a cold front. Layer a denim shirt over your white shirt and figure if you can't find a proper plaid scarf so a short sleeved hybrid thing will do. The utility sweater jacket cape at right hails from United Bamboo--here's a similar one--and will likely present the kiss of cool to virtually any outfit. Virtually literally, moo ha ha. Diesel sateen jeans: no one does sateen anymore. It's a good alternative to leather and gives the legs a complimentary jolt of illusion-skinny. Matthew Williamson's blanket wrap skirt over your pants to a. give your legs more length, b. counter the Thakoon red and grey print, c. embrace general flyness. I'd opted to include a vintage satin Chanel purse because in its past life, it was probably worn so formally, it's begging for a pair of metallic short heel boots. A DANNIJO necklace that doesn't commit to a collar but still alludes to one and Aurelie Bidermann wrap bracelets to adorn both your arms. Re: Yves Saint Laurent's wrap ankle platform pumps vs. Givenchy's purple pony hair booties, this decision against Zanotti's silver boots is ultimately up to you. Top it all with cat eye sunglasses because when we're not in cat's pajamas, we are just plain old cats shielding our eyes from sun, running around like headless freaks only we have heads.

On Taking Initiative

2012-02-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

From Givenchy's Couture 2012 collection. Never mind the basketball at left or even the massively large earrings that will inevitably render cruel to any earlobe they cross, this is about nasal happenings of the couture variety. I have a theory about piercings making a quiet comeback but I hadn't speculated much about septum stabbing. Now that its staring at us though, shall I take the initiative here and spearhead the resurgence of angry bull chic nose-wear or can we take one big fat collective step in this direction while we consider another possible source of inspiration and reflect on the subtle references to rich Spanish culture that started appearing at spring shows last September a la Moschino, Pucci. You can deliberate, either way, what we have here is commitment, and commitment deserves a high five, so I'm going to give Givenchy what it wants and walk around with bracelets clipped into my nose today.

Excuse the poor quality of this photo, I took it myself and shit. Now with that, a happy Monday.

Unsung Hero

2012-02-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Grace Coddington by Mr. Newton. File this one under things that stimulate a subconscious strive toward red hair, everywhere. Re: post title, see here.

The Obligatory Post about Bloglovin and Their Awards

2012-02-04T09:20:00.000-08:00

DANNIJO, MR DANNIJO, Pamela Love bracelets, Rebecca Minkoff leather jacket.

Indeed, I've been nominated, and while you freaks helped me win Most Original Blog last February, this year the folks at Bloglovin' saw my blog drive toward a different direction, enter the new nomination: Best Personal Style. In a Sea of...Shoes, where shits neither Atlantic nor Pacific, candidates are Glam(ourai) and Fashion Toast took home the best blog of the year and best personal style awards last year, I reckon I don't stand much a chance. Though I am certain if there were an award for cheesiest sentence composed in under one minute the previous would have won. Either way, do cast your vote here, the candidates from other categories rock. And finally, thank you for even deeming me worthy an award again. I love you, I want to take you to a nice seafood dinner only less seafood more vegetarian Thai dishes. [photo via]

Cats Pajama Pajamas

2012-02-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

Following a brief but important look at the sort of mind boggling success stories of the U.S market, you can file Forever Lazy under weird voids we didn't know existed--here's an obligatory note about taking the innerwear as outerwear trend far away from your neighborhood tailgate and giving it a real try. Yes, it's been done, several times, but what's once more in the grand scheme of socially acceptable comfort? Now, while the title at hand may read anti-climactic--there are no actual pajamas printed with cats wearing pajamas, there are stripes and polka dots.

And...that's the cats pajamas! Behold, silk blue and white stripes, black and gold polka dots. These are special pants. I found them at a vintage shop in Venice Beach last month. They're Christian Dior a la 1970 and embody the perfect length of high waist, leg slit, palazzo, and sheerness. I guess that's the thing about vintage: in a world where ultimately nothing is new, taking a trend to its source will likely always render satisfying.

I call this one: happy as a clam. Do also note the two tone metallic flamingo loafer s on foot. No detail went spared in an effort to role play. And with all the research manifesting about the side effects of spending too much time seated--here's a photo to encapsulate what mankind may look like should we find ourselves in a world where standing desks become the norm:

Equipment blouse, vintage Christian Dior pants, Del Toro x Man Repeller loafers, DANNIJO necklace.

Sleeping, not just for bedtime. Sleepwear, not just for sleep. See: The Row, Karen Walker, Thakoon, Proenza Schouler, Stubbs & Woottons's entire business plan. It's an organic chain reaction.

All photos by Naomi Shon.

Label to Watch: Ellery

2012-02-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight on TMR, a bittersweet notion. Sweet because some of the best talent in fashion hails from the trenches of Australia. Bitter because, well, import taxes are an impatient bitch that bend rules for no one. In what used to be an installment called Man Repelling Designer Awareness, currently just a label to watch, I give you: Ellery. The ethereal nature of the pale palettes and feminine but quirky silhouettes of this brand have been on my radar for quite some time but I only just recently came across a vendor called Ausmode that sells this collection among other favorite freaks, e.g. Sass & Bide, Zimmermann directly from Australia and will ship to the U.S. in an arguably timely manner.

Sure, yes, it's attainable domestically but isn't there something slightly magical about obtaining your treasures directly from the source? No? Okay. I do believe they're cheaper though. In any case, note the important details: long over-sized jackets styled over tent pants, a salute to layering in a manner that will leave the leg exposed and yet still result in endearment open exclusively to women.

images via Ellery

Blouses clad in unconventional peplums that may pay homage to a certain F/W 2011 Margiela collection and embellished vests that take important curve erasing initiatives...But why the sudden look at this designer you may wonder. Well, I've just dabbled upon an interesting short sleeved ombre dress and styled it to match my aesthetic--make no mistake, this is in fact a euphemism for weird and shit--and before asking you the inevitable: Repeller or Propeller, I wanted to deliver a short history. Now that it's out of the way though, do speculate:

Ellery dress, Phillip Lim jacket, Chanel shoes, Tibi hat, Warby Parker sunglasses. Photo by Naomi Shon. Like it? Hate it? Too kitschy? Neither? I'm leaning toward a return to the drawing board. Either way though, vive le knee cap, pliet, etc.

Forever Lazy

2012-02-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

Dinner with Emily Weiss always proves entertaining and interesting. Educational, even. But one night last week took the pun-flavored cake for best new snippet of information she's shared, I've consumed...ever. Behold, Forever Lazy. As they say, true success is measured by not only the value one can create but also the ability to meaningfully exert that new force onto the world. A prime example of perfecting both facets right below.

A full length snuggie, with obligatory butt flap to make bowel hardships a woe of the past. Eureka! Thank you, Forever Lazy. We were a lost people before you. This now brings me to another, most important point: while I can appreciate Stella McCartney's pre-fall reintroduction of the onesie as formal wear, it all started ~~when the first baby in the history of babies was born~~ at J. Crew in 2009. So, Jenna Lyons, if you're reading this, please do us and by us, I mean women worldwide, the good deed of resurrecting that monumental-to-manrepellerkind garment. Thanx.

When in Doubt

2012-02-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

Cut 25 anorak, American Apparel blouse, Calypso scarf, J Brand pants, Proenza Schouler purse

Put a utility jacket over it. Photo taken with iPhone to exude the inevitable element of realness. Today's earlier post chronicled the harsh realities of falling victim to inspiration's antonym. But a collection of excessively man repelling Kenzo may not function as the proper remedy for everyone, enter this guy snapped in real time. You can't see it now, but these particular pants are a decent hue of darker red that successfully stands the test of green x red: a Christmas carol, hold the carol, Carol. While this fashion week's outfitting mantra will remain "if it feels wrong, it looks right," sprinkled over a little tip that reads, add some denim, add some leather, the combination of denim and utility can function as a predecess-ing easy and uncontrived pick me up to the collective fashion rut. Do note the common denominator here: denim. That means something, people. Something magical.

Lest I Forget

2012-02-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

A most important accessory that pays homage to a most important man, hold the repeller, to top the strategic placement of seven separate plaid layers onto me'body previewed a few hours ago. Behold: Lennon shades. They're charming in that they exhibit a subtle two tone plaid x tortoise shell separated by blocks of brushed metal that you likely wouldn't notice if it weren't spelled out and also differs from that infamous houndstooth pair because you can at very least see the dichotomy if you want to--the other guys are tortoise shell on the inside. These guys are Ralph Lauren too but should you find yourself intrigued and unable to locate the particular pair in question, both Ray Ban and the folks at Nasty Gal do a decent take on the Lennon shade too. Well, that's it, that's the whole thing again, bye.

Exploiting Plaid

2012-02-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

You asked, here it is: another installment of Lesson in Layering. During the last round, copious different prints were a focal point. Today, we look to only one print and in the true spirit of our values, aim to exploit the shit out of it. First there was a small cheers to suede, then there was leather, an important post to recall as the use of skirt over pant was evidently being implemented before--and some may argue after--its time, then came a look at layers of denim and that was weird but I made the executive decision to let it go live nonetheless. And now, we have plaid. Loads of it.

Isabel Marant blouse, Camilla and Marc skirt, Superga sneakers

You're offended, I get it, this is an unusual photos to look at for me too. Important though, figure this: the starting point features Man Repeller clenched against the corner of two walls. Sure, it's a plaid skirt, it's a plaid blouse, but ultimately, it's...nothing. The opposite of fashion's everything indeed.

Opening Ceremony skirt

And so the layering process begins. Alas, you guessed it, another look at layering skirts. Last time I used this guy to emulate a certain Liv Tyler, an onlooker asked what prep school I went to. The Brittany Spears sentiment attached halted my wearing of the skirt. But then I layered it, so, morale is high.

Uniqlo blouse

Two plaid shirts in the same color scheme: not a happy accident. Pretty strategic, actually. Now, leg pops up against wall a la Danny Zuko and copious plaid strategically placed a la Kurt Cobain. Intense facial expression does not yet relieve the mouth nor does it explain whatever my eyebrows and lids are doing. Let's move forward.

Thakoon jacket

Behold, layer five. That's three plaid uptop, two plaid down below. But now, where most people stop, we ask the inevitable question: what can we do to make this more offensive? --This is a question you should ask yourself with but every layer you pile on. It ultimately ain't over 'til your Joey Tribiani moment.

Ralph Lauren socks, Miu Miu booties

Eureka! Socks and sandals, of course. Here's to a pair of Miu Miu shoes that unintentionally stand the test of plaid blocking paired with a pair of Synagogue socks--yes, I went there--taken from an undergarment drawer in my sixteen-year-old brother's room. And that's it, that's the whole thing.

Your turn. All photos by Naomi Shon, duh.

Your Tuesday Pick me Up

2012-01-31T06:23:00.000-08:00

Not that you need one, it's a hundred degrees outside. In any case, January and February always prove massively uncreative months. Temperatures render inappropriate for the style advances manifesting in our heads, and current clothes feel so...lame. I don't mean that in a gold tube scarf capacity. Ener this jolt of inspiration. Behold, the bountiful layering capabilities and tent like silhouettes of our collective dreams. While yes, in a digital world where pre fall collections have already deemed old, these are stills from (gasp) an age old Kenzo Spring 2012 show. A conversation on set with the Laquan Smith team yesterday while I co-styled an intergalactic Fall lookbook of sorts re-spurred a fundamental appreciation for the Opening Ceremony effect present in most every garment shown.

This puts the -andma in grandma and charges the proverbial brain battery with a cap/bandana hybrid hat most representative of one certain elongated cap of the baseball variety a la Sandlot. Are you with me? It's okay if you're not but IMDb that shit.

images via Style.com

Alas, the palazzo parachute pant is not dead, and if you redirect eyesight toward the northern region of this photo, embrace an inkling at what you may see on TMR in forthcoming weeks: peplums as layering devices over pants and skirts were "everything" through fall, but it's about the torso this time around. More on this soon. Tootles.

Accidental Social Experiment

2012-01-30T12:20:00.000-08:00

blouse: Isabel Marant, sweater: J Crew, jeans: Seven, booties: Giuseppe Zanotti, necklaces: Jennifer Fisher, purse: Proenza Schouler, sunglasses: Ralph Lauren. Photo by Naomi Shon

Behold: a story with a moral. A nonfiction fable, if you will. When I'd initially put this outfit on, though the hints are there: a discreet Canadian tuxedo, Lennon shades, calf length wedge boots ~~deemed fit for a witch~~, I didn't think man repelling as much as I did simple, cool beans. But then one Sunday, I wore it and alas, speculations were put to rest. ~~My brothers~~ two men unbeknownst to me cackled while indirectly suggesting I may have gotten dressed in the dark. This was followed by ~~my dad~~ another y-chromofreak asking if I'd taken up delivering mail in lieu of blogging. I didn't understand at first but then noted the purse worn messenger style and laughed a fake laugh. It then got me thinking, maybe man repelling is less about the actual clothes and more about the attitude that inadvertently reflects the conquests of the sartorial desires in question. Or maybe I've lost my handle on that which is vs. that which is not unappealing to the male eye. As it happens, I may have collected the only one with a penchant for a good dropped crotch. This could conversely make no sense at all. What say you?

A Dose of Inspiration

2012-01-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

...Brought to you by black, the color. First a salute to white footwear, now this: I've recently found myself pretty driven by the color, most particularly because it's hard to recognize the power of texture--a prevailing play on pre-fall runways which may explain the monochromatic nature of Alexander Wang's collection--and black lends itself pretty well to doing just that.
The stigma attached to it may represent an apprehension to test color in favor of taking an easier route but ultimately, there's nothing specifically easy about a silk satin peplum blouse, wool pants and big ass fur draped across the arm. Taylor's got a leg up on mankind as her hair adds the obligatory jolt of color that most mortals can't perfect. But let's suspend that small detail, acknowledge a blue clutch, and move forward.

images via Tommy Ton, Style Tao

To the inclusion of denim and silver hardware on gold hardware. Now that we're here though, I don't have much else to say except for holy yum, Celine, Dries, Dries, Celine. You're so good, everything, having a moment. Fashion, et al.

Life o'the Party

2012-01-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Second time viewers: behold more text, I clicked publish too soon. And now on to regular programming: I'm not even sure music was actually playing when this photo was taken, but it's important for multiple reasons. Number one: it's the weekend, this is spoken in vain of smart phone commercials nationwide. Number two: This is in fact what I look like in most social settings, when Naomi's camera shuts off and digital platforms are irrelevant. Raw footage, if you will. Number three: even despite a plunging neckline--though should you remember, there are harem pants manifesting somewhere along my waist-line too--it's important to note that sometimes, you see, all it takes to achieve the unanimous goal are a couple flailing arms. Call me, I do bar mitzvahs too.

On Giving White Shoes a Chance

2012-01-26T09:39:00.000-08:00

Alexander Wang S/S 2012

Boat loads of color exploded everywhere during the last runway season so it was refreshing to see some designers take a different approach south of the ankle. Rather than integrate the footwear into what could have been an easy package of human rainbow, folks like Alexander Wang and Celine's Phoebe Philo experimented with wearable shoe silhouettes in hues of white. There's a stigma attached to embracing the white shoe: labor day woes, the wedding day pigeon hole, general discomfort about the notion of looking down and recognizing either a. an 80s flick prom scene, b. your uncanny ability to dirty something in just a few strides and c. the white shoe on your foot. Just take a moment though to examine the trickling from runway to real life.

images via Stockholm Streetstyle

Maybe not real life per se, but most certainly off a runway. To the left, enjoy Caroline Sieber in Hocus Pocus inspired Chanel snap booties and to the right, knee high flat white boots that don't suffer the plague of the aforementioned 80s prom flick kickback or too deep a reflection on when mod style ruled. Though it did you know, rule. Below now, find a few outfits built on the incorporation of white footwear into yo'wardrobe. Love it, live it, learn it, be it. Extra repeller points should the shoes match your skin tone.

Left: Pair a plaid blouse with a striped peplum jacket and high waist denim cut offs to contrast your white open sandals. These are Chloe from The Outnet. Remember the note about pretentious headwear and engage in acting a fool. The Asos scallops are a darling old touch. A tribal necklace a la DANNIJO to add a small hint of new theme. Center: Behold, Margiela ankle boots. Give them a metallic pencil skirt with cool graphic tee, in this case, Batman overcomes all. Two bold gold cuffs, via Charm and Chain and Pamela Love to make partying arms an easy process. And finally, vive le 90s. A floral print playsuit from Topshop to compliment some sneaker flatform hybrids. Add a colored leather jacket in Spring's favorite orange, earrings and sunglasses if you want to. So, will you be giving the trend a try or what?

Man Getter to Repeller: The Revival

2012-01-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

And we're back. Today in ways to recycle old clothes, namely the bodycon mini skirt you accidentally purchased in 2008 during an unusual lapse of good judgement: meaningfully layering loads of better judgement over the bodycon mini skirt you accidentally purchased in 2008 during an uncomfortable lapse of good judgement. It's a quick six step process that requires fewer layers more evenly distributed than typically...distributed. Today it seems, I can't compose one single proper English sentence. I'd suggest you simply skim the below content, it's for your own good.

T by Alexander Wang shirt, Max Azria skirt, Christian Louboutin pumps.

I know what you're thinking, I'm right there with you and yes, it's true: BCBG. I figure if there's any way to successfully host a round of Getter to Repeller, it's proper to start where things are tight, simple, leggy. On an unrelated note too, now that I think of it, the shoes, found in the trenches of a sample sale room last season, are probably an interesting homage to yesterday's look at Balenciaga pre-fall ~~1981~~ 2012.

sweater: Club Monaco

In an easy effort to start the layering process, here's one thick sweater that stays in true spirit of what conventional New York dressing is about: forgetting that real color exists. You can't see it now but there are some fly suede patches residing on my elbows like cool little elbow dwellers that enjoy a good flex every now and then.

tights: Hue

I'm not sure if I meant to wink, but I'm happy this photo turned out as it did. Step three starts the distribution-of-layering process. Black tights have this magical way about them where even the tightest of skirts lose their leggy factor with just a small kiss of the inevitable opaque hovering.

second skirt: Miu Miu

In this step, I reverse the initial skirt so that the upside-down V coyly pointing to the nether regions are now behind me, alluding to Uranus, and include another skirt-as-peplum. It's an easy and relevant winter fix that gives new dimension to clothes you may have dubbed unwearable. I'll take this a step further and say man repelling kind of preaches that with the right layering tactics and facial expressions, nothing is ever unwearable--not even nipple tassels.

headpiece: Young & Ng, shoes: Alexander Wang

And now, the accessory change. Generally speaking, headgear is ambiguous, most often pretentious and so always perfect for a game of Weener: The Shrinking Meter. Pumps on the other hand, fine sometimes but you never know when life may take you on a spontanteous trip to the moon. Be prepared with the right footwear.

Detail shot, bla bla bla. So many bracelets, so little arm space. Hardware and knit threads can't seem to get along and thus perfecting the art of partying with your limbs has proven uncomfortable in a colder climate. Should you find yourself in this predicament, steer clear of crystals, revive your old friendship bracelets. And to put speculations to rest about the frizzy freak growing everywhere, behold the final step:

Jungle wear, not just for jungles. Photos by Naomi Shon.

Balenciaga Pre Fall 2012

2012-01-24T06:59:00.000-08:00

Looks a lot more like Balenciaga Pre Fall 1981. Fashion is great because it can be whatever you want it to be. For Nicolas Ghesquiere, this collection was as Hamish Bowles noted, a salute to the eclecticism of postmodernism. So many prints, so many layers, so much color, eureka. Every bit unappealing to the male-eye. I don't think I've seen an homage this dedicated to reliving the past since the actual past. And I wasn't even there, which does theoretically rid me an authoritative license but then again, doesn't photographic proof that hails from the trenches of my mother's twenties count for anything?

No detail went spared. Note the ambiance: florescent lights. Note the threads: colored tights, zebra prints, metallic parachute pants. The footwear: pointed toes and short heels. The jewels: chandelier ear adornments. The beauty grind: slicked back and banging, heavy eyeshadow. It will be interesting to see the high street interpretation of this collection.

photos via Style.com

And finally, another season of undermining the importance of vision with headgear that doubles as face-gear. I can get behind the notion of shielding ones eyes, great for infants or manfriends struck with the plague of man-repellers-for-lady-friends, but what happens when you just...want to see? Oh, you take it off? Interesting. Overall, I commend the overwhelming theme commitment and attention to detail, most notably, a certain pair of lampshade gloves. But what do you think? Do share.

Fancy Feet Revisited

2012-01-23T12:44:00.000-08:00

They're swanky, they're steel, they're capped at the toe; a vignette of sorts from Yves Saint Laurent.

Thug in a Cocktail Dress

2012-01-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

You may remember this tweet, you may not. Regardless, today is a day reserved to appreciate the finer threads in thematic dressing. As a pioneering Man Repeller, it's an absolute duty that I take my tendencies beyond the confines of body hovering and parlay the talent into other scopes of entertainment; enter Bravo, the channel. While New York's Real Housewives are ridding their show of a big fat chunk of its entertainment, it ain't over til Simon van Kempen pronounces the truth about his sexuality which, you know, means they're not going anywhere. In light of this, today we pay homage to what is perhaps one of the most important things counterpart Alex McCord has said. Add a little oomph, picture Sonja Morgan in a cocktail dress and repeat: she is a thug in a cocktail dress. Thug in a cocktail dress? Eureka. I've given serious thought to this sentiment and resolved that in order to properly identify oneself as a thug in, you know, a cocktail dress, you must in fact be a thug, wearing a cocktail dress.

And so alas, I'm hip, I'm with it, I can boogie, I can curse, I can give you seductive eyes that suggest slight craziness and may also graze upon some serious mental disorder. I can steal things and break car windows, leave notes that promise to reimburse the victims.

Or I can give you fish lips and flash my pale ass legs at you all the while maintaining a visual air of, you know, thug in a cocktail dress-ness.

And ultimately, you see, if worse comes to it and my sentiment is not properly expressed, I can and will always just forget it and break out in a macarena-lambada hybrid dance. If you're still reading, I apologize for taking ten minutes from your life that you can never regain.

dress: Elie Tahari, sneakers: Isabel Marant. Photos by Naomi Shon
That's a peek at my behind, this is my sorry face. I'm practically a sour patch kid: sour, sweet, gone. Bye!

Drink a Man Repeller

2012-01-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Fisher, Mark Henry bracelets, DANNIJO necklace.

I'm in the sky, I'm in the sky. While traveling back to a colder climate, I had a thought: for a day that rhymes with Funday, Sundays suck. Remedy that with a cocktail brewed last week in cahoots with Kanon Vodka a la Man Repeller. It's neon, its pink, it's served straight from a martini glass. Look at how fancily things come full circle: sartorial bartender by day, regular bartender by night. I'm not cheap about the volume of liquor either. You should at the very least make one to simply say you're drinking me. More fun facets like photos and ingredients here, tootles.

What I Wore: TD x C Rodeo

2012-01-20T10:04:00.000-08:00

blouse: Christina Lehr, pants: Citizens of Humanity, shoes: Alaia, necklaces: Tony Duquette x Coach, Jennifer Fisher, bracelets: DANNIJO, Tony Duquette x Coach, Mark Henry, clutch: Tony Duquette x Coach

Well, at least I'm not a liar: I packed what I told you I'd pack, wore what I told you I'd wear, and went where I told you I'd go. Last night in the spearheading reason I came to LA: The Coach x Tony Duquette launch party. I'd tweeted earlier in the day reminding you freaks to come by and say hello and begged that someone please bring some patent leather so we could have a Pretty Woman moment. Much to my dismay, virtually no one complied. It was fine though, the excess number of turbans, neon accents and atypical fur details compensated for the aforementioned. I was fairly impressed by the outcome of this design collaboration: gold spiky shit, crystallized fish heads and evening clutches with daywear will always get a check in my book. I was particularly partial toward the beetle and ladybug inspired pins. View the collection in entirety here should you feel so inclined, or consume a bit more of my alien face with the below.

jacket: Acne, dress: 3.1. Phillip Lim, booties: Loeffler Randall, clutch: Coach Men.

This ones from the night before. That clutch is actually a mens portfolio that I've been trotting around like a little puppy rescued from an abusive shelter that only feeds its creatures bark once a week, or something. The general reaction is always a very excited ode to Shit Girls Say a la, oh my goodness, you did not buy the Celine, tell me you did buy the Celine, how the shit did you find it? To which I respond while flashing the label, "nope, Coach Mens." And then the excitement turns to confusion and I laugh, wallet thicker than it would have been should the initial speculation have been correct, and that's always the end of that correspondence. Now this is the end of this one. Bye!

Packing For: LA

2012-01-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

Upon arrival in LA yesterday, I was met by none other than sister separated by umbilical cord or as she prefers to call herself: Dannijo, at the luggage collection carousel. She and I compared suitcase sizes and as it happened, hers nearly doubled mine. Call it ironic, it's my job to get dressed and what have you, bla bla bla, but she brought useless things like exercise clothes, three pair of coated black pants, and butt tons of leather in form of skirt, jacket, underwear etc. After we'd arrived at destination and unpacked, the truth unveiled itself: the contents of our suitcases were nearly parallel in volume. So this got me thinking: if she has a packing disorder, plenty of you may too, enter a small list of suggested packing silhouettes. Because I'm in LA, this post is dedicated to packing for, you know, just that but ultimately, the lessons to be learned or thrown away right here will render the same across the spectrum o'travel, give or take a leotard or two.

jackets: McQ, H&M, Acne. Dresses: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Chloe Sevigny x Opening Ceremony, pants: Citizens of Humanity, Acne, Balmain. Shorts: Sass & Bide. Sweater: T by Alexander Wang, t shirts: Stylemint, Faith Connexion. Shoes: Isabel Marant, Acne, Alexander Wang, Vionnet. Jewelry: DANNIJO, Shashi, Asos, Jennifer Fisher.

...Now, holy clusterfuck, let me explain. Say you've gone off on a week long trip, me thinks the key to packing well is placing emphasis on the accessories and outerwear. Clothing is easily recyclable and should be treated in that vein. LA is cold as shit, I'm not complaining or anything, but it is cold as shit--so three jackets seemed viable. A utility jacket to compliment a silk mini dress, or sequined Beetlejuice pants, a leather jacket to wear over floral print denim with a graphic tee, and a denim jacket for embroidered shorts and that same little silk dress. Outfit repetition woes are dumb woes implemented by dumb people. One sweater--preferably grey--another plain t shirt, and booties tall enough to give your leg the hubba-hubba-do-me effect but short enough to walk in. Isabel Marant sneakers are practically common place here--and will rock ass with floral print denim. Bring cape heels because New York is quickly ridding the prospect of even looking toward them and ultimately, they're fun for flying. Finally, for night you're ready to re-wear your mini dress, some booties, no tights or Beetlejuice pants, some cape heels, no blouse. Just kidding. Arm party at top, trippy necklaces and another cuff at center. I'm dizzy, are you? Don't forget your toothbrush.

Lessons in Layering: Prints 'n' Shit

2012-01-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

Ladies, germs, it's back. Live from John F Kennedy, it's another round of mixing prints and others things, too. I'd gotten several concerned emails in the course of the last month that I may have lost my, you know, man repelling joie de vivre but to that I say: come on, cycling shorts. Cycling shorts in public. Cycling shorts in public, no bicycle. In any case though, let me debunk rumors that suggest I may be going soft. In today's installment of Lesson in Layering, we recognize the true spirit of a sartorial bartender and aim to pay but another homage to 90s grunge infused by contempo-casual vintage. I'm just kidding, what even is contempo-casual vintage? See below.

pants: Topshop, tank: Club Monaco

Step 1: Le foundation. This story starts where most good ones do: in polka dots, but combining the green-hued and black polka dots with say, a burgundy heather tank renders simple, comprehensible, by the rules of our lifestyle: toterly unacceptable.

blouse: Equipment

Step 2: And so, on the journey to victory: another layer, where seagulls will flock and polka dots will leave proverbial holes all over your legs.

long sleeve tee: Christina Lehr

Step 3: Here, things get slightly more interesting. Rid the prospect of maintaining a look that matches well and add some briton stripes. I was apprehensive about combining a long sleeve tee with chiffon blouse but ultimately the fabric's dimensions were kind of nice. Saucy, if you will.

counter blouse: A.P.C Men

Step 4: It ain't a print party without some plaid. I call this one: the blouse sandwich. And here's where things start to pay their homage to the 90s. In what I call a Kurt Cobain inspired look, those sleeves messily rolled into one another are actually quite intentional. Maybe even a little contrived?

vest: Balenciaga

In Step 5, I unveil the vest that keeps on giving. Let's back track and note the layers: polka dot, check. Seagulls, check. Stripes, check. Plaid, check. Super-sized houndstooth: double check. And so finally, in Step 6, I give you:

shoes: Thakoon, clutch: Antik Batik, arm party: Jennifer Fisher

The shoes, the bag the excess exposure to dental endeavors. With this, I vow to keep you posted on the status of my personal life, he who penetrates it and whether or not that sentiment will still ring true in approximately two hours. Stay tuned. And if you're in LA, come hang out tomorrow. That's a demand. All photos by Naomi Shon.

The Wait is Over

2012-01-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

Del Toro x Man Repeller Fancy Flamingo loafers, $325

But that doesn't imply Rihanna's next album coming to fruition. This is more about Hefner kicks and metallic birds. Its been a long time coming, even since before the days of two tone booties that resemble violent weaponry and little cuban men dancing on green velvet grounds, so today in tear-jerking collaborations that rock: Del Toro and myself combine mental beans to create a loafer that so eloquently states another MR mantra: vive le fancy flamingo. The design concept was born last April while still on a burgundy suede Celine trip, unable to refer to humans as humans, in favor of dubbing them tropical vertebrae. Had it been any later, these likely would have been houndstooth-clad, flamingo still on foot. After all, they're a salute to spring's tropical prints and an easy insert on the man repeller front. Note the striking comparisons: awkward necks, beaks for mouths, unusual bodies, mile-long legs and, you know, just general fanciness. In the name of asymmetry, I gave the embroidered little dudes some counterparts of another color hue and there you have it: you're silver, you're gold, you're badass, you're old. Or young, whatever, annihilate my rhyme if you feel like you have to, but buy thee flamingos here.

The Chronicles of this Weekend's Webster Event

2012-01-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

Call it a "What I Wore" of sorts. This past weekend found me in South Beach where temperatures were far more favorable than the harsh reality of New York's fifteen and while I did make some time to obtain what locals called the "Miami visitor face," enter the lobster tendencies of my current state, I was there for work. Work, I tell ya. Hard hitting business. The Webster asked me to swing over by way of trapeze for a series of events over the weekend that ultimately functioned as a celebration of their website redesign and launch. I'd been familiar with The Webster but hadn't had a chance to see the store just yet and though I hate my own overused term: holy lady boner. It's the most divine amalgamation of luxe pieces that bring a bit of the Paris Colette and New York's Opening Ceremony flair to Miami. A retreat for those uninterested in participating in the stereotypical sexy-mama-Miami aesthetic, if you will. Here now, a photo diary of outfits and mundane things of that sort. Friday called for one on one styling sessions and a small cocktail party which in turn called for my best debunking of the aforementioned Miami stereotype.

tank: A.L.C, skirt: Opening Ceremony, jacket and shoes: Proenza Schouler, belt: Forever 21, jewelz: DANNIJO. I done good and bought those shoes on clearance for $250 last month. Evidently, I was still very much in a New York state o'mind and so implemented my favorite of the upcoming spring trends a la yellow skirt, pastel, tweed to perfect the art of Granny-dressing. Never mind Danielle's leather mini skirt and exposed leg, call it a lapse of judgement or take into account that she is not in fact, the Man Repeller. By Saturday, I'd begun embracing the notion of thematic dressing, Miami edition and enjoyed the second round of styling and drinks on Kanon in the below.

jacket: Ermanno Scervino, t shirt, bag, shoes: Proenza Schouler, skirt: Laquan Smith, rainbow arm party: DANNIJO. Indeed, fellow repellows, that skirt is, a la Barbie, plastic. I will note though that it packs quite well. And here's the thing about a plastic skirt: it never gets dirty. I'm particularly excited about this garment as the designer may perhaps be one of New York's best untapped gems--even more so standing at a contemporary price point that puts this silly Miu Miu skirt to shame. Here's to liquid repelling and chastity dressing at its finest. Finally, we look forward to Sunday.

shirt as vest: Isabel Marant, though this one rocks too, dress: Richard Chai Love, sandals: Givenchy ...Where I stand with surf board, thumbs up as I get to meet all the Miami dwelling Repellers manifesting in the city. These sort of events are always such fun for me, there's nothing quite as magical or rewarding as meeting girls more stylish than myself, who for one reason or another, still like me. It's the flailing ass, isn't it? Thanks for coming, I'm in love with you. Now on an unrelated note: follow my girl band--it consists of half of DANNIJO and me--on tour to LA this week where we celebrate the Tony Duquette x Coach collaboration. You can't catch a live performance though because we don't perform. Our hit single is called Labiaplasty--look it up. And shop The Webster here.

Repeller or Propeller, the Sequel

2012-01-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Bonjour mankind, I'm back in New York even if but for 48 hours and ready to continue tackling existential concerns and great debates. Today in just that: another riveting round of Repeller or Propeller. I'm often asked if continuing to abide by the rules of man-repelling can still apply in a more formal capacity and to that I repeat my mantra, folks: if it's look like a vagina, it's probably couture. And when I say couture, I mean fancy business. Sorry, bizznass. So, yes. The answer is yes. But that's not all: here we have something less about labial dressing, more about perhaps embracing the prospect of semi-repelling in a look that eloquently abominates the lower half of your body and leaves nothing to the imagination up above.

Ultimately, I'd dubbed this look a Repeller not necessarily based on the excess lace fabric that creates a high waist harem effect down below but more on the prospect that as aforementioned, nothing is left to the imagination: not an inkling of how you say, cleavage. My tatas really are that small. Unfortunately, I wasn't offered the good graces to wear this jumpsuit sans lining and so no bare-ass celebrating a la Leighton was had. I did, however, have a massively hard time using the bathroom and while you may not see it here, the camel-toe sequel song opportunities brought forth by my nether regions were great, huge even. What do you say though: repeller? Propeller? Neither? Tell me, I have to know...and should you feel so inclined, send in a photo of yourself fighting a similar debacle. The psycos that repel together, stay together.

Finally, I know what you're thinking and yes: those are the Alaia conquest. Choker by Jennifer Fisher.

You're Invited

2012-01-16T06:44:00.000-08:00

Well, isn't this just the week that keeps on giving. If you were upset you couldn't stop by The Webster last week and throw tomatoes at my plastic-clad behind because of pesky little mundane details like geographic location, fear not. West coast dwellers, I'm coming. And wearing a fish head to celebrate. In what I call part two of the domestic tour, I'll be in LA come tomorrow and then sitting on your lap singing more sweet lullabies come Thursday after-eve. Maybe I'll wear drop crotch palazzos, maybe I won't. And all in honor of an accessory collaboration between the folk at Coach and none other than art and stage world favorite, Tony Duquette. That said, I do hope you'll join me on Rodeo Drive at the launch event for the aforementioned. It's sparkly, it's chunky, it's fishy, it's us. See you there?

The Alpha Giveaway

2012-01-13T03:05:00.000-08:00

photo by Naomi Shon

I know what you're thinking: I always say that, I'm diluting the meaning of alpha...ya di ya da, ya da. But this time, I really mean it. Try to steer your eyeballs away from the glorious amalgamation of Jennifer Fisher pulse, skull, and geometric ligament adorners and Mr. Kate bark at left and instead for right now just focus your attention toward the super fly finger fiesta at right. Diamond bands? Really? Yes. It's a January pick-me-up of ~~epic~~ proportion. Consider this a formal marriage proposal of sorts. There is ultimately no relationship more valuable than one of the digital variety and I'd say we, you and me, have a fairly special connection: you tell me your secrets, I show you photos of my ass in mid air. In honor of that, today I offer you a cool diamond band to wear on your index finger or middle finger or pinky or really anywhere you want. Weave it into your underarm hair should you feel so inclined. It's the thought that counts and this thought is pretty deep. [Cut to rules.]

I designed, or rather not designed--they're diamond bands--but included these rings in a collection from the Mark Henry family, a family that happens to be mine. So, in order to enter this giveaway, all you'll really have to do is "like" Mark Henry on Facebook and leave your name and e-mail address in the comments on this blog post. Share an interesting fact if you want to, and promise me you will wear coconut bras exclusively from this day forward...'til death do your tatas part. Contest ends next Friday at noon. Happy weekend, kids. Contest closed, congratulations Rachel!

Pre Fall Penetration

2012-01-12T16:19:00.000-08:00

Fashion is a vicious cycle that stops for no one. No one, I tell ya, null. Amid the heart of New York's winter, it's an out of body experience to find yourself looking forward to the next series of what seem like perpetual cold fronts. I'm being dramatic: it's not even that cold. Today, in fact, I wore a bikini. In any case, this has been a stupid method of madness to tell you that Pre Fall 2012 is evidently the shit that dreams are made of. Or, as a twitter pal so eloquently put it last night: tangible slices of heaven. Starting with Prabal Gurung, I give you:

Not just sunglasses that look like goggles that look like sunglasses that are in fact, an FDA approved method of birth control a la Linda Farrow, but divine varsity jackets to take the afore-appreciated trend further and plays on kaleidoscopic prints, complimented perfectly by some o'that good old thick satin and alas, another salute to tweed this time infused but some metallica in the fashion sense of that word. I humbly predict Prabal Gurung will one day soon be the absolute most relevant designer in fashion.

Rochas produces a really well hued green anorak alongside a cape coat whose silhouette is the perfect combination of sack and box, box and sack, to overall prove for but one more season that Clueless and Cher Horowitz are still muy importante. Cue the shin high socks. It's also just fun to get into character and say things like "Dee, I'm buggin."

Nina Ricci, oh Nina. I know what you're thinking: so feminine--so true but think of this mathematically: Nina equals ruffles, ruffles equal vaginas, vaginas equal couture, couture equals man repelling. And so by the transitive property of fashematics: Nina equals man repelling. Note the details: goat-hair rimmed cape alongside printed pants, bow adorned shoes, flimsy fabrics that still render rich and a chunky turtleneck that will put this old post to shame.

Givenchy, venchy, venchy. You done me good. Aside from the boots that perfectly rid the prospect of sexy ankle and instead turn the leg into one unit of log, what a magical play on prints and fabrics and trends and animals. Leather on sweatshirt on silk on rottweiler versus feminine midi skirt on print on leather on...Jesus? Cheers.

And finally: Stella McCartney. In the look at left, I appreciate the combination of blazer, blouse and pant all collectively throwing up crests. It's like the primary school logo you wish never existed all the sudden back to fulfill dreams you didn't know you had. And at right, note the continuation of sweatpants as formal wear manifesting. Another look from this collection suggests that the onesie as formal wear will continue to manifest too.

All in all, repellers, looks like we have a season o'fun afront. It's probably not smart to end a post with a fake word so here's a real one.

Packing for Sunshine

2012-01-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

Good day, sunshine, good day, sunshine. I've intended to implement a small installment called "Packing For" since the beginning of days. I'd never come around to it though because I'm never really packing for anything, I'm New York's most reliable piece of furniture. This changes right here though, I'm going to the sun this weekend and while my migration is of the work variety, I figured some of you may be escaping colder climates in favor of warmer ones just for the shits of it, so here you have it: a small collage clad in mid-winter summer threads that detail not neccesarily the outfits you will wear, but the layers you may want to pack. The trick of this little dude is that short of that blue leather jacket and a pair of flat sandals, I kept the suggested list of party contents to pack from a place of sale, sale, sale. because even though most of the interweb harvested sales seem to be coming to their sad closes, alas, My-Wardrobe's is in full throttle. It just feels too soon to blow loads on new spring wears.

I's pretty rad how many garments are slashed and yet still so on trend, see: citrus tree growing at right. But starting at left: an Acne leather jacket that's not on sale but you know, an investment for the ages. Layer that dude over Paul and Joe's floral print navy blouse to give your upper half interesting dimension and then include a little white mini dress so you're summer climate friendly. You will sweat, yes, but so what? Adds to the man repeller mystique. Next up: your beach outfit. Bikinis are for hot chicks and we are cold hens, don't underestimate the power of menswear. According to Proenza Schouler S/S12, tropical prints are a unanimous everything, according to every other spring collection so is the color orange. A Ralph Lauren mens bathing suit to fulfill this trend. Give it a Phillip Lim henley because beaches get cold and Malene Birger's checkered sunhat because sun rays can kill and print blocking is fun. The Zimmermann romper is an additional suggestion just thrown in for good measure because, well, I can't believe it's on sale. And finally: your night outfit. It's a warm climate so there's virtually nothing wrong with yellow pants, especially of the Easter Bunny variety. Emulate your favorite aforementioned citrus fruit with a similarly-hued Equipment blouse and splash o'lime a la Lim sandal. Arm party optional, just kidding, it's never optional.

Come One, Come All

2012-01-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

Tibi dress, Madewell blouse, Balenciaga vest, Reece Hudson clutch, Alexander Wang shoes

Just in time for dropping temperatures here, oh Miami, it's time; I'm coming. Cover your bathing suit in anything sack or harem shaped and stop by The Webster this Sunday from 12 to 3PM while we celebrate the official launch of The Webster's fancy new online boutique. For the uninitiated, think highly curated Opening Ceremony that lives on Collins Ave. And for a strip and general city so well versed in liquid latex and patent leather, it's pretty stinking magical to see the disconnect. We'll drink morning champagne and stand around hanging flamingos from bolo-necklaces named after Kristin Wiig while we ponder life's debacles and talk politics. Or, you know, just back and forth one-liners like "that neon is everything," and "your mullet shirt is so good, it literally hurts." I know the flyer says I'll offer style advice but ultimately, I just really want to meet you freaks and embrace you like children and freaks. So please, come say hi. I'll wear something weird and sing you sweet melodies. Maybe give you a bit o'my arm party? That's not a bribe. See you soon?

Note: this a free event. No silly fee here, pal.

Runway to Real life

2012-01-10T17:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's story about trends becoming more muted versions of themselves sprawled an investigation that left me surfing through Spring 2009 shows. Retrospectively, it doesn't seem all that long ago but once you starting fishing through the collections that have showed since that particular period, you start recognizing the evolution of designers, where they were, where they've gone, even where they intended to go. My fascination with obtaining fashion from that season has become slightly unusual but maybe it's because that may have been the last time fashion was still deep rooted by style and less by a game of who can turn the runway models into walking installations best. This new inclination to embrace style rather than just "a moment" has, as yesterday noted, left me slightly uncomfortable in terms of manning this here blog. I don't think I'll ever stop layering, though. I also clicked forward to Resort 2010, and in a series of photos implementing Chanel cycling shorts, feathered shrugs and sunglasses that double as masks, I rest assured that good style doesn't mean: come and do me, baby.

And so, today on TMR, the resurgence of an old installment, learn to emulate that very Chanel runway. Photographed here, Alexa Chung at the following season Chanel show in Paris. This last series of photos well represents the evolution of style that trickles from model in wears on a runway to style icon--and personal Man Repeller favorite--on proverbial step and repeat. Ultimately, it would have been a disservice to mankind had I opted to leave the next degree of separation un-penetrated.

So here you have it: the official balcony of man repelling and other cool things, too. I call this one: my hair is so luscious, I can't stop flipping it through the wind, look at my cycling shorts, and commas, I'm not going bike riding, but actually, if you want to, I might.

In a mens blouse from Uniqlo, cycling shorts by Only Hearts and polka dotted tights by Hue, the initial look was given a more casual spin while maintaining a firm handle on the emulation intent. Emulation intent? Sometimes even I don't understand the shit that comes out of my mouth. Should you find yourself ready to try it too, I'd suggest you pair it with your most interesting shoes: I'd opted for this pair by Chanel to, you know, stay on brand. Photos via Style.com, Naomi Shon.

Okay now, your degree of separation is up: send photos and tell of your tales.

Sketchy Business Revisited

2012-01-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

photo by Carmo via Fashiolista

I been sketched! Again! And I just used up all plus one of the exclamation points my career is supposed to allow me. I guess this is what my Wanted mug would look like. It's also perhaps take five in a game called Man Repeller the sketched version shits on Man Repeller the human version. You can see another here. This particular illustration is likely the most realistic portrayal of my face: perpetual mustache held up, smartphone in hand, and most notably, under-eyeball bags in tact. Ultimately, I'm pretty content that a very talented Carmo didn't neglect them, they're genetic and therefore practically heirlooms. The best bags my mother ever gave me, if you will. The original version of this photo hails from the MR. DANNIJO launch party that took place last summer, cue the 'stache, the Sinatra, the tan. The tan? The tan.

Embracing the Grey Area

2012-01-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

photo by Style Tao

If recent pre-fall reports and photos serve as an indication of anything, it's that trends are seemingly reverting to more tamed versions of themselves. That is to mean a departure from the decadent and frivolous nature of the last chunk of collections to a more functional and wearable place of cool. Phillip Lim's silent salute to Lichtenstein, Lanvin's apprehension to layer and Rag & Bone's sleek silhouettes suggest a more concrete salute to style and less to fast fashion. I'm not sure what that will mean for Man Repeller, but I don't hate it. Which, I suppose inadvertently means everything. Functional doesn't necessarily mean the forfeiting of one's license to self-fulfillment and may in fact mean just the opposite. As in, forfeiting your license to, you know, bone, etc. Most recently, Alexander Wang showed mainline and T. The finished product of both collections rendered an interesting play black and white, white and black. Grey and grey.

T by Alexander Wang, Pre Fall 2012

While muted tones of red, yellow and some orange still strung through both collections, the departure from an emphasis on color to enter a place of simplicity without sacrificing the details and dimensions that make a collection luxurious is evident.

Alexander Wang, Pre Fall 2012

Leather and wool, puffer and tailored. It's noncommittal style at best. And here's the thing about trends becoming more muted versions of themselves: in the grand scheme of fashion and style and assessing one's style, it probably makes more fiscal sense to indulge in fashion that will carry you far through seasons without inducing that discomfort of feeling capital-T-Trendy.

It's also just nice to see the fusion of tailored menswear, feminine women's wear and the signature kiss of Alexander Wang cool so seamlessly sewn in to virtually every garment. I can most certainly get behind a salutation to the original meaning of monochrome, that shit matches my insides anyway.

And on an unrelated note: are some of you still having trouble with the comment box?

Repeller or Propeller

2012-01-08T18:10:00.001-08:00

World of twenty, I think my sartorial compass is being manipulated. I thought I had a fairly good handle on that which we deliberately wear to repel our male counterparts and that which we you may wear to do just the opposite. But over the weekend, I had butt loads of errands that included heavy lifting, bow hunting and a small hint of computer hacking to run, so did what anyone would do given parallel circumstances and slipped into a neon pink Michael Kors resort gown. I was sure the saucily slit number would function as an alpha man getter. This threw me into a state of hesitation but as it happens, me was delightfully wrong. Maybe it was the kiss of black swan manifesting south of the ankle or maybe it was the lady behind the dress, air humping and somersaulting like the eighties never ended. Ultimately, it seems that in matters of the weener, deflection and deflection of said weener, slits are a go, neon is not dead. My opinion means nothing without yours though so I ask you: neon pink maxi gown: repeller? Propeller? Neither? Sassy scuba diver? Partying labia? All? None? Discuss.

Keyboard Conquests

2012-01-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

photo by Mark Iantosca, Refinery 29

I call this one, typing and typing and typing and typing and never getting anywhere. It's a keyboard that will inevitably leave any writer in a perpetual state of writer's block. Taken during the last flight o'fun at Bloomingdale's in cahoots with Refinery 29 last month. ~~Arm and finger~~ Limb party contents from left: Pamela Love, Aurelie Bidermann, Mark Henry, Dannijo, Hermes, E Marans (skull head), Dannijo again. You can't see it now but that dangling white ball is actually the aforementioned skull head. Talk about accessorizing accessories, hubba, hubba. Happy weekend, flamingos and freaks.

Holey DIY, It's 1985

2012-01-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

Acne jacket, $620

Recent evidence will suggest that denim served light-wash will garner more attention than it did during the John Stamos as Jesse Katsopolis era fairly soon. And as it happens, this round is less about abominating your legs, more about doing just that over the upper half of, you know, you. I'm looking forward to the denim migration from hip to shoulder: J Brand, Elizabeth and James and J Brand in cahoots with Christopher Kane have already jumped on le jacket train. Alas it was only a matter of time before Acne added to the roster of rad. It ain't neon, but it's cool. Pre-Spring offers a nice departure from the usual cropped silhouette in a long, loose fit take, equipped with copious rip that make perfecting the art of an arm party somewhat difficult. If there's a will though, there's a way. What's important here is that the DIY potential brought forward is huge. Old denim jackets are essentially the bread and butter of thrift shops, the salvation army and unkempt boxes of old clothes in your father's name. Maybe you'll get lucky and score a patch that says fireball too. In any case, (I believe this is the first time I mean that literally,) keep a razor on hand at all times. You may find yourself ready to tear in the most interesting of circumstances.

...Or don't, the decision is ultimately yours. But should you conversely find yourself in swoon, having recently won the lottery, at a loss for creative mannerism or all of the above, you can also just buy the photographed, here.

The Ambiguous Investment Piece

2012-01-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

Miu Miu mini skirt, $565

...But that was retail, I scored this little hooker on sale, so make that $320. In any case, my purchasing this skirt spurred an idea that evolved into a blog post and here you have it, The Ambiguous Investment Piece. Ambiguous because, is a piece of clothing that ultimately doesn't function as black outerwear ever really an investment? By the rules of this site, absolutely. While in store I thought: bright yellow taffeta mini skirt, tough. Weird, even. But when I remembered Spring runways and the resurgence of taxi cab paraphernalia, the notion of pairing yellow with, say, burnt orange or grey or a muted hue of any sort rendered a sense of longevity. After all, from a school of take risks, we're still playing it fairly safe. And on that note, it's important to remember another note: Miu Miu pouf is a recurring collection theme. It's a buy now, wear forever tale as old as time, so below find a couple outfitting alternatives.

sweater: Alexander Wang, t shirt: The Kooples, tights: Hue, heel: Burberry, flat: Chanel.

Salute the skirt in a casual environment: paired with a thick knit, t-shirt, opaque tights and lace up booties of the amazon or refined variety, you're sold on a day time look that likely deserves four to five days of outfit repetition.

Deciding whether to wear one shoe of each or pairing up the old fashioned way is ultimately up to you. I will say this though: why wear one shoe style when you can wear two? The best thing I ever did with a gift card was buy these steel toe freaks. They're really steel, it's self defense at its finest. That aside, limping is very right now, people. Onto look number two, only it isn't photo'ed. Remember that peewee sized birthday party ~~bullshit~~ recap? Skirt city. You can opt to click here to see Miu Miu engaged in sartorial formalities. Never mind if you don't though, it may disturb the flow of our proverbial run of show. I wasn't kidding about the burnt orange, though. Holy rhyme. And on to your third alternative:

I call this one: eighties prom queen meets well endowed biker boy, good at sports and also defying the lines of heterosexuality, fornicates, adds Alaia. And on that note, I'll just say the southern ankle happenings were but another fantastic sale squandering compliments of The Outnet. I'm really running with this peplum thing, eh? I'll spin this one to function not as a casual or formal look and instead just let it suffice as premium fashion conquest. Without even a mouth, the black and orange on the tulip skirt practically ask for a sunny pick me up.

skirt: Zara, sweatshirt: Sandro, leather jacket: Rebecca Minkoff (and on sale too), booties: Alaia.

Then the hidden gold sleeves induce a terrible wink and shot gun at all of you. Call me? Maybe? Calculate cost per wear based on this post and figure you'll have worn it at least twice formally, thrice casually, and once a peplum. All photos by Naomi Shon.

Pastello, Goodbye Neon

2012-01-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I really question the functionality of my judgement, enter a title that starts Pastello, ~~hello~~. It should have just been "On Embracing the Easter Bunny as a Style Icon" or something of that variety. Re: the former half, just kidding, you don't have to say goodbye to neon; that was written for dramatic effect and so that "pastello" would be given some context. Ultimately, it was a sad attempt to manipulate and combine the words pastel and hello. So anyway, don't say bye to neon. Do however, make room for a few new hues reminiscent of those pesky colored eggs, as we collectively salute a minute migration from brighter colors--most notably known to blind our counterparts--to muted one.

photo via Fashion Squad, 3.1 Philip Lim's S/S 12 runway

One collection's forecast isn't typically reason enough to jump on a trend but if you can think as far back as my S/S 2012 round-ups, you will remember I'd paid tribute to the introductory Easter wear at Acne, Louis Vuitton, Christopher Kane and personal favorite Mulberry. The above image is the only photographic portrayal here because the photoshop work is fly and when I try to crop models they end up losing limbs. I know, it doesn't sound so bad, but it's ugly. I may be projecting, who knows. Hey look, on the same runway, just a few struts later, the most divine unapologetically 1985-chic super light wash denim vest made its debut.

This vest had me thinking: I've likely taken interest in pastel coloring because of personal adoration for almost white blue jeans. How better to compliment your baby blue denim than with a few pastellos? Groundbreaking, really. Let me try to remedy that with a jolt of real(ish) life. Today on "if the internets were my closets," a selection of pastel offerings to kick start the trend right now. Because thirty degree temperatures don't have to mean black and grey, grey and black. Unless you're going for a monochrome-with-my-soul winter vibe. Can't stand in the way of that.

From left: A J Brand light wash denim jacket will work perfectly layered over a mint green knit, this one's by Acne, which will replicate that sentiment over a sweet touch of pale pink Equipment. Try a pair of ivory skinny-loose pants. I know that sounds unusual but I also know you get me. Skinny legs, loose crotch, collective win. The ones shown are by The Row and while on heavy sale on Net-a-Porter still cost a whopping $500. Try your luck at Zara. Tuck your ivory pants into white Chucks, add a tote that says mellow yellow but means crazy bitch and adorn your wrist in DANNIJO's signature sting ray cuffs. No pastel arm party is complete with pastel nail polish so inhale some toxins and paint, paint, paint. Days like yesterday and collages like this make me wish ~~I lived in LA~~. What? I end with this: so, how does thee like my new site-look? I was going for full face-life but settled on a few botox injections. For now.

The Thakoon Tail

2012-01-03T07:14:00.000-08:00

Well, hello. It's nice to be back. Even though I was publishing abbreviated posts most of last week, this felt longer than a finals sabbatical ca. 2011. Ah, finals. Such, such were the joys. Hold the joys, heavy on the terrors. In any case, today in things that may or may not need a jolt of life injected into them: Tuesdays that feel like Mondays. I'd hoped my fancy new interface would be well in effect by now but it ain't, which theoretically shouldn't affect you because you didn't even know it was coming. So you just keep being you. Scratch your head, stare at your screen, wonder what these sentences mean and why or how they may pertain to a tail by Thakoon. A tail by Thakoon?

Indeed. And a fat one at that. I've been a long time sartorial mullet endorser and in true spirit of exploitation, here you'll find the alpha. Ball gown party in the back. Mini business peplum in the front. No ambiguously uneven hem bullshit here, pal. Peter Pan defies gravity and proves we can in fact fly, center. Skirt also functions well as camping trip accessory.

People often ask where and how I get my exercise done and when I say while blogging the aforementioned "people" laugh. Here you can see, I do in fact do just that. I must have run up and down this avenue five or six times on the course of this day. Only to later be prompted to buy tomatoes from the supermarket. In my experience, when you say you'll do something though you don't necessarily plan to (e.g. wear ball gown anything to the supermarket,) karma rears its maternal head and doesn't let you go to sleep a liar.

...Still running. But now a little bit more about the outfit: November is a stealthily happy month. Holiday cheer becomes contagious, temperatures are reminiscent of the cold but not quite there yet and sample sale season starts hard. Last time November rung around, I fell upon Thakoon's sample sale and then upon a fashion myth that once lived on Shopbop, but only for a few moments, enter the ~~vagina~~ pink mullet skirt. It was a treasure chase well caught. You can't see it now, but the sweat-t-shirt clad in golden arm was the result of a Black Friday treasure chase too. The shoes are seasons old but perhaps still the most important and wearable dudes I own, I believe you can still find them on Zappos or Endless. And with that I give you this:

jacket: Ermanno Scervino, sweater: Sandro, skirt: Thakoon, booties: Proenza Schouler, necklace: DANNIJO

Man Repeller looks a man, hold the repeller, and lives to tell about it. In third person. Next time you see me and by me I mean this template we will look different. Cool and different, the end. All photos by Naomi Shon

To a Bright New Year...

2011-12-31T09:30:00.000-08:00

Ring it in with Chistopher Kane and a most large and in charge tribute to Pucci, they're practically a mask. (photo via Style Tao)

Very Important and Urgent Matters

2011-12-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

But not urgent like I have to have my appendix removed, it's bursting everywhere, more urgent in the sense that my feet really don't need another pair of shoes, but I am still going to make a big deal out of finding this one pair and let it escalate into the alpha white-girl-problem. Where in the good name of Azzedine am I to find these fuckers from, gasp, 2008? 2009? They're in that unusual limbo whereby they're not recent enough to be found sitting up right on the usual discount heaven interweb suspects: Yoox, The Outnet and what have you and yet not old enough either to be rendered vintage. I tried eBay too and failed. This is important, people. Like, white dress important if you know what I'm saying, catch my drift, flirt with my lingo? I'll take any color, and squeeze my foot into a six, stretch it out to a 7.5, if need be. Reward if found. You can choose the reward so long as it doesn't include my sacrificing any of the children that will exit my womb--first alien through menopause. Shoes count as children too. No sexual favors either. That's unbecoming of a man repeller, more so of one engaged...in a relationship. Wow, pun parties shit on arm parties, who knew? This pathetic desperate plea to help me find these Alaia shoes aside, I'll have you know that my 2012 resolution is to spend less money on shoes, more on helping people without any. It's still 2011 though, so we have only approximately 45 hours under our belts. Run, run, go, go. Please? Happy new year.

Update: Like some sort of angel from a Parisian leather factory, reader Jada A. located the shoes at a Barneys outlet in Oahu, Hawaii. They were 70% off the sale price which ultimately left the initially very expensive $1800 shoes at $173. One hundred and seventy three. She went on to share a tale about a pair of $90 Balenciagas she'd scored days earlier. So, what do you say, collective migration to Hawaii or what? Thanks for all your help, you're like the sisters I never had. Especially you, reader Jacob. And happy new year again. Here's to moving forward with our resolutions.

Such, Such Were the Joys

2011-12-29T08:21:00.000-08:00

jacket and skirt: Rebecca Minkoff, shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti. Photo by Naomi Shon

Oh July, you were a good time. Someone somewhere is rolling over in their grave vomiting at the mere notion that I've named an outfit post after a George Orwell essay. Sorry. But this is less about boarding school and adolescent wet pants, more about departed joys like oh, I don't know, warm weather. I suppose we (George and me, duh) do have nostalgia in common. Ultimately though, I'm down and out. We have weeks and weeks and weeks of frigidness ahead. My toes are cold, layers thick, I can't even cuff my jeans with full intent. It's time to skip town. Glad to report a work trip to South Beach is on the horizon. Can you hear me, Miami? Bodycon nothing, potato sack everything. Man Repeller x The Webster, coming to a browser near you. And what with the mutual adoration for flamingos, it's going to be fly.

Thematic Repelling: New Years Eve

2011-12-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

Out with the reindeer, in with the sequins. Sure, we live our lives like every eve is New Years Eve, but this week(end) in eves that are factually New Years Eve: well, what do you know, New Years Eve! As you can guess, getting back into the swing of writing still renders a little rough. Close your browser should you feel so inclined, I will take no offense. In any case, this particular year I had planned to throw off the masses, disregard sequins and instead dress up as, you know, the apocalypse or something of that more simple capacity. If not because it is a celebration--and I use this term loosely--of 2012 then most certainly because everyone else will be in sequins and we reject societal fash-norms. The plans changed last month when these pants fell into my lap, then in a seamless chain reaction, on to my legs.

They're sequined, they're harem, they know how to party. This works because: paired with the proper armor on top, won't feel too contrived in the look-at-me-it's-new-years sense of that word. A sweater and blazer seem the decent solution here. It's New Years, so you want to get frisky, cue the silk blazer. It's January, so you're cold, cue the sweater. And if it gets too caliente, an over-sized and super loose tank under sweater will remedy the sweat marks. This repels because: 80 percent of the women in your radius will translate New Years to mean the sister of Halloween. Skirts will be short, shirts will be tights, heels will be high. And in that environment, you'll do yourself proud in your leg engulfing sequin-suit and the very same sweater you wore on Christmas at grandma's. It's a win-win, really. And your shoes rock. But ultimately, you know, it's all about expression, so do the inevitable and emote.

And when I say emote, I mean really feel 2012 creeping up.

necklace: DANNIJO, blazer: Alexander Wang, sweater: T by Alexander Wang, pants: thanks Calypso, shoes: Valentino

Really, really feel it. This was fun. Okay, bye! All photos by Naomi Shon.

Oh, Herman

2011-12-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

When in doubt, put a bow on it. Shoe clips by MR DANNIJO, photo by AB.

Vive le Neon, Vive le Tweed

2011-12-26T14:31:00.000-08:00

At the risk of projecting self-inadequacy, does anyone know who makes this holy grail of tweed jackets? My hunch says Matthew Williamson but my hunch also once confused a Van Gogh for Chagall, so. Update: Marc Jacobs Pre-Spring 2009. In other news: honey, I'm home, and by home I mean back, because, you know, I didn't really go anywhere much further than Stanton Street over the course of the holiday weekend. I will however say that it was a nice mental vacation and even though I feel like a baby learning to walk writing this post because it's been a solid five days since I've last written anything, I did have some time to exercise my brain and start rereading old Gay Talese essays, surf Yoox to find some drastically and magically slashed shoe prices and perhaps most importantly: sift through the hilariously rad entries listed on site to win the YSL cyclops bracelet that I posted last week. I'm conflicted among three participants: one who insists her vagina has three lips, another who wants to bang Hannibal Lecter and one smart broad whose story involves a naive roommate, sick pigeon and parasites. These contests are a really fantastic way to gauge your strangeness: one participant confesses she used to eat play dough. Hey, me too! All the sudden, I don't feel so singled out--and I don't mean that in the Jenny McCarthy circa MTV 1999 sense of the phrase. I mean it more in the it-takes-someone-special-to-bring-the-funk sense. Finally, to divert attention back to the pinacle of this post: vive le neon, vive le tweed. Let's look up and salute Tommy Ton's Jak and Jil come back. Man I missed your photos.

Really Last Minute Holiday Gifts, Right This Way

2011-12-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

We're really burning the proverbial midnight oil here but it's likely fair to assume that some people may still need last minute ideas. Hey, Hanukkah still has another five nights under its Menorah, so here's a collage of gifts, priced under $100, you know, short of that frivolously fantastic clutch, front row center, clad in charms. $1500 for a change clutch will likely leave you with just that: change, so call it wishful thinking and take a look around. Starting at top left I give you a polka dot piggy butter plate a la Jonathan Adler for the kitchen dwellers you know. A mustache shaped cork screw to ensure that every bottle of wine opened from this day forward is done with a hairy upper lip in mind. A Lanvin pen (at left) and an orange Smythson notebook (at right) for the writers who like fashion in your life. After all, orange is big for spring and it's the genuine thought that counts. A Mimosa scented Diptyque candle or conversely Hermes perfume to softly suggest the gift receiver in question stop drinking and take a shower, or a Pop Phone (top left) for the sweet hypochondriac, trying to eliminate any and all radioactive interaction. It will, at the very least double as the perfect fashion week accessory. Warby Parker sunglasses are the gift that gives back, and motorcycle gloves on sale at Intermix will make texting and keeping hand palms warm pretty stinking easy. On the jewelry front: Pamela Love's skull necklace (top right) because ironic as it is, every girl these days wants to jump on the Dias Muertas train, most particularly if it's bronzed. Some Derek Forreal pinky rings from the MR DANNIJO collaboration and finally to its left: a bone ring by Jennifer Fisher.

Now, one final and very stealthy happy holidays to all: happy stealthy holidays.

Party Sequins, Not Just for Parties

2011-12-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

sunglasses: Christian Dior, accurate adventure in copyright here.

And in that same vein, sunglasses, not just for sun. Holidays, shmolidays, today let's look ahead to the week after Christmas: eggnog-ed out, distant relatives visited, mistletoes unused. The pornaments, reindeer ears and in some cases ugly sweaters may get shelved while the mindset shifts to one of the sequined variety, but let's stop there for a minute. Some of us live every eve like New Years Eve, 200-TK sunglasses et al, but for those of us a little more refined and less enthused by thematic dressing, there's no reason to stack your sequins in that same sweater pile and stow them away post-new calendar.

bracelets: DANNIJO

Just make like a repeller andlayer. Without doing so, the dress falls in a slight body-con manner. Ultimately this yields no problem of the man repelling kind: the form fitting silhouette is masked by shoulder pads and, well, multi-colored stripes of sequins....everywhere. The perfect party dress, if you will. But say you need to go to the supermarket and just can't pry your body away from the shiny shit. Common problem, easy fix: plaid blouse. Not enough? That's nothing a wool-leather combo tailored vest can't fix.

dress: via Manish Arora, blouse: Etoile Isabel Marant, vest: Kimberly Taylor, boots: Proenza Schouler, bracelet: Jennifer Fisher.

See, like a tuxedo, but not at all. And if you're still feeling fickle about the overall result, construction style boots should throw you right back on track. An exposed white thigh does not come included, apologies should you find yourself temporarily without vision. Can I make it up by offering the gift of cyclops bracelet? All photos by Aram Bedrossian.

Holiday Giveaway Volume IV

2011-12-21T06:57:00.000-08:00

Yves Saint Laurent arty oval bracelet, $340.

I'd accidentally set this live yesterday a la "Jig is Up" and for those of you who saw it, expressed excitement and then in the same breath felt robbed, I'm putting a stop to that roller coaster of emotion. Today in giveaways that make holidays rock even harder: Yves Saint Laurent's arty oval bracelet, from the folks at SSENSE. Because you deserve a gift. Just consider it a thank you for validating my existence. I thought about offering the better known ring version, but ultimately concluded that we come from a place of wrist-wonderment, so the bracelet it was. Even that aside though, using your Greek mythology-apt eye, it should be noted that the bracelet flipped may resemble a Cyclops. And that my friends, is reason alone to lust. But lust no more and instead just have it. Contest rules as follows: 1. Like SSENSE on Facebook but this is not to be confused with goatee clad DJ SSENSE. 1a. Like me too, should you feel so inclined. 2. Comment on this post once you've done so with your e-mail address attached and share your deepest, darkest secret (this could range anywhere from: one time I stole bubblegum from a mini mart to I have a perpetual yeast infection.) By next Monday at 5PM, a winner will be drawn and one arm will party like it's 1999. Here's to it being yours. Contest closed, congratulations lucky clover.

Trendsporting his Letterman Jacket

2011-12-19T07:58:00.000-08:00

You could probably argue that this site was created on the premise that during inception time in 2010, women started taking an unprecedented liking toward menswear. It was ultimately nothing new in terms of fashion, but the capacity in which it was being done felt slightly more extreme: instead of just the typical boyfriend jean or oversized white blouse, ladies went crazies for wingtipped brogues, box shaped blazers, heck, I even bought mens underwear a few times. Call it investigative commitment. ~~Or don't, they're just most comfortable.~~ And while the trend continued to manifest itself in editorals and on runways, it found a small setback when ta da: 1950s lady gear--think full skirts and slim fit blouses--took it's "moment." Now though, we're starting to see a resurgence of the aforementioned menswear in an even sportier capacity. Baseball caps like chronicled last week, designers sneakers like it's 1995 again, and the letterman jacket finally means something outside the confines of holy man friend, my boyfriend rocks at sporting events.

Alexander Wang Fall/Winter 2010, Proenza Schouler F/W 2010.

It's taken two and half fall seasons for the trend to finally resonate but if former runways, Junya Watanabe, ~~Justin Bieber~~ Prabal Gurung in Junya Watanabe, and the ultimate trickling of the trend into a mass-market retail system mean anything, the letterman jacket's moment will start right here. On an unrelated note, this past Saturday NY1 told me that "whatever" had been dubbed the most annoying word of 2011. Too bad they didn't poll phrases, "having a moment" would certainly have won.

Glad that's aside, now redirect your focus. Rag and Bone deserves air time too: this look is from a Fall 2011 show, just a season later, but still perfectly on time to win forecasting credit. But enough about runways, here's to real life. Blow find a small unprofessional collage of some of the better Letterman jackets, from Thom Browne to Target, I found while scouring the world wide web.

From left: Thom Browne, East West, Target, Aritzia, Jane Norman.

Forever 21 and Nasty Gal do make pretty decent versions too. But should you find yourself among the felines linked to men that rock at sporting events, go ahead and steal what he's got. Who am I to direct you otherwise? But regardless of the circumstance, do give it a try.

What I Wore: A December Eve to Remember

2011-12-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

...Steve. Get it? This week in situations that make me go, "shit I meant to press Preview, why did I press Publish Post," I prematurely set live a giveaway that will reconvene tomorrow. It will be awkward because I'd spun it to coincide with the annual initiation of Hanukkah and also conveniently, my very own emergence from an enunciated womb. Those were a good nine months. In any case, sorry you have to wait, the payoff will be worth it. Here instead find a couple irrelevant photos where you will learn that even though I mandated I would wear a red dress with white t shirt underneath in this situation, good judgement swayed me in the direction of orange suede vest and bright yellow skirt. Really loud, really full, really cool.

Alexander Wang cropped suede trench vest, T by Alexander Wang muscle tee and yellow Miu Miu skirt magically won 50% off in store last week. Mike Biel for GofG.

The setting: Viktor and Spoils at the Hotel on Rivington. The crowd: twitter handles in real life, I see @whitegrlproblem. The flaling arms: mine. I call this one, perfecting-the-girls-that-shake-it-with-their-hands-in-the-air-dance-move-but-failing. It feels too early to be emulating a stuff Jewish grandmother so I've concluded that my scoliosis does not permit swift recital of dance moves that involve heavy shoulder participation. And that's it, that's the whole thing. Ultimately, the lesson learned here is that holiday parties rock. How go yours and what the shit are you wearing? Tell me, I have to know.

And here are the shoes, should you wonder what my ankles were doing. (via)

An Event Recap

2011-12-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

blouse: Sandro, blazer: Alexander Wang, pants: Rebecca Minkoff, shoes: Miu Miu

Yes, those are python patches on my knees. This gives me a great roller blade gear idea but let me flesh it out. Last week Vogue and Coach held an event at the 57th Street store whereby I sandwiched myself among the two brands and formally dubbed myself co-host. Shopping events like this one always equal big fat ball of fun, if only because of the two girls that stand alongside my alias and self in the photo above. Glad someone took that turband tutorial seriously. And in other news that rocks: Zara takes one for the team, ignores the fact that it will indubitably get sued for sartorial plagiarism and voila, produces Celine's most coveted pre-Spring blazer. See bowler hat lady at left. And Emily down south. But back to the event, while I can appreciate and enjoy Coach's effort to re-brand its ladies department and bring the simplicity of seventies chic back in a resurgence of the Coach Classics, the real wins here hail from the mens side. Leather bound notebooks make great gifts for the writers in your lives, green structured briefcases are the new totes and leather portfolios double as the most sensible run for Celine's version. And when I say that, I see in my head the notorious street style savvy clutches that were alongside every important wrist last fashion week. You with me? Maybe it's just not Phoebe's day. Maybe I'm jumping the gun.

bracelets: Coach, Pamela Love, Leivankash

Here I call this one: alpha vs beta, iPhone wins. All in all, a party well partied. And also, hey Emily.

Rain(bows) Squared

2011-12-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Neon Bow Set, $75, Yestadt Millinery for Of a Kind

So, rainbow-bows. I tried to create an exponent sized-two in that title but failed. Today in last minute gifts from or for the ladies you lurve: neon clips. They're like a revolutionized, more new-millennium friendly version of the butterfly clip, or more aptly: the essence of 1998, an early foray into man repelling. The general reaction to the departed clips, typically worn holding back hair from the front of ones head, was "what are you, an alien?" Very antenna-chic. That won't be the case with these though, which flee from Of a Kind. Maybe you remember the last time one of their bows tugged at my heart strings.This time, they come in a set of four, only forty sets were produced, and they are the shit a good hair party is made of. Wear them under a topknot, in some half up and half down confection or just, you know, strategically placed in different spots around the head. The next time someone asks what sorts of secrets your hair holds, take refuge in turning around and saying, "neon bowners, baby."

Or clip them to your shoes, why not?

Untitled

2011-12-15T16:27:00.000-08:00

Well! Look what Dropbox just, you know, dropped. It's premature sartorial ejaculation part two, I just couldn't wait. More on this soon, stay tuned. (via Naomi Shon)

Thematic (Repelling): The Birthday that Keeps on Giving

2011-12-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

booties: Man Repeller x Six London. All photos by Naomi Shon

Yes, I'm consummating my relationship. But it's not like you stopped celebrating Christmas when your parents told you they were Santa Claus or like I refused to continue taking science classes at my Jewish day school when evolution tried to disprove everything I'd previously learned, so the Man Repeller finding a man that says shit like "I love that skirt over pant thing you do," and "if you wear those shoes I won't hang out with you, just kidding, I will, but please don't wear them," shouldn't really change all that much. Despite a gimmicky title, this is in fact a fashion blog. New finger party addition or not, I will never stop subscribing to a school of self. All the underlying Oprah shit you think I project: confidence, independence, loving oneself; really is there just not, you know, explicitly projected. This is a successful case of bad seeds out, floral prints in. So let's bury the hatchet, wear our drop crotches proud and continue forward with regular programming. My birthday falls into the former half of next week so for blog post sake, here's my intended part-ay outfit. Take this opportunity to draw your own conclusive inspo, wear it on your own birthday, to a holiday party, the supermarket, whatever.

dress: BB Dakota, t shirt: Etoile Isabel Marant, necklace: DANNIJO, booties: Man Repeller x Six London

But let me tell you something about these booties: caution when squatting. I don't know about you, but I'm a big advocate of the public lunge, so every now and then, I'll drop what I'm doing and give a little attention to my hamstrings. During a regular recital last week while wearing the boots, my ass was plagued with the kiss of Man Repeller, the shoe. So, should you find yourself in the same predicament, I suggest you keep your feet far away from any sensitive body part while wearing. Cut to dress.

I saw this guy on Shopbop shortly after admiring--and when I say admiring, I mean somersaulting in glee--the Carven pre and proper spring collections so figured I'd be a fool not to embrace the art of the cut out in a capacity that mandated I spend $100 instead of a billion and took the plunge. Pun intended on the plunge (-plie hybrid) as I seem to be doing just that in what is perhaps Naomi's most accurate and artful betrayal of me in ma'element. I know, I know, "and someone wants to get jiggy with that?"

Naturally my bizarro Carven score induced a victory dance seen far and wide down a New York City avenue and even across a river. But I couldn't let it go worn exposed cut out, so I did what I could given the short period I had between receipt and birthday to makeshift a sewn in something and added an under-shirt. The neckline was a debacle too, but no debacle an enormous necklace couldn't fix. All in all, an easy job well done in the comfort of my own balcony.

The most important lesson here though is: it ain't an outfit, it ain't thematic, it ain't repelling without some studs, the end.

On Baseball Caps and Their Moment

2011-12-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

photos by Naomi Shon

Yesterday was perhaps the first time since high school, when I was forced to write about compelling subjects best left just re-read not written, that an uncomfortable and unstoppable wave of writer's block overcame my pee-wee brain. To combat it, I collaged a selection of Isabel Marant sneakers and asked the inevitable question: can I really say no to velcro? I hate to bring up Sex and the City again, ~~this will mark the third time in four days,~~ but I think the plague of writer's block was my stupid men as socks moment. And with that I'll confirm that I've most certainly become a parody of myself. Since then, I've had time to sleep and can perhaps deliver a slightly more meaningful post that, oh I don't know, may not deliver the gift of content to @whitegirlproblem.

...I should take that back, actually. As evidenced by the photos above, this is a story about baseball caps. And what happens when they make it out of stadiums and onto runways. I will comment and ultimately tell you to get one for yourself. So, let's get started where evidently, I just ended. You see, New Yorkers could have guessed that the Mets would perchance become good for something one day. Maybe we just didn't realize it would be marking fashion ground. Above you'll find two images from the Miu Miu and Givenchy F/W 2011 shows. I know, I know, what a faux-pas, I'm bringing in, gasp, F/W 2011 as evidence! These collections are marked down at department stores for heavens' sake! Still I trust that the manifestation of any Miu Miu (left) or Givenchy (right) trend can happily remain on...you know, trend, years, fine months, beyond it's time. And also, just to redeem myself: Timo Weiland did show baseball caps for Spring. Furthermore to redeem myself, I've built this platform based on the notion that every trend has a place and time wherever you decide to put it, (e.g. up your boyfriend's ass.)

I for one, am putting it on my head, on my balcony, in the present. The particular hat style in question is actually a double from the Miu Miu show. It is so pilgrim chic and because bows decorate the back end, fit so well alongside my aesthetic. I'd been waiting for markdown time on Net-a-Porter to obtain it and then like an angel from the sky, or a representative from UPS, it was sent to my doorstop from the folks at Shop it To Me. It's like they read my mind. It rained for three days so thus was the ideal head-ccessory.

sweatshirt: Sandro, pants: 3.1 Phillip Lim, necklace: DANNIJO, shoes: Jimmy Choo, hat: Miu Miu

Paired with thick satin striped purple pants that evoked fond memories of a. The Barney era and b. the days Adidas track pants were considered suitable--and chic--Saturday night attire, thematic dressing was in full swing. And, what do you know, above the track pants sits tucked, a fancy sweatshirt clad in gold sleeve. Now let's get back to the focal point of this story and think real hard on this closing question: Are you going to give the baseball cap a try? Tell me. I have to know.

The Holiday Giveaway For Your Feet

2011-12-13T05:22:00.000-08:00

Loeffler Randall booties, $395. Photo by Naomi Shon.

I shouldn't play favorites but then again if I lived my life by shouldn'ts I likely wouldn't be wearing a bird on my head right now either so, today in what is perhaps my favorite giveaway yet--emphasis on the yet, next week is going to blow yo'mind-- iPhone app Pose, myself, and none other than Loeffler Randall are giving you the most rad raffia espadrille hybrid booties known to mankind. And I didn't even attempt to tackle the black piping. I speculate you're shaking in your space boots but before your heart falls into your vagina, there is a small hunch of bad news: this giveaway is only open to iPhone and android users who must download the Pose app in order to win. I'm no evil hooker though, and I'd never let the rest of you leave this browser empty armed, pun intended, so I've worked out an alternative giveaway on my Facebook page where you can win a sweet ass swatch to add to your arm party. In the last couple of months I've really started to subscribe to the school of Swatch. There's something playful and pretentious in no capacity about trading in a steel face for one of the plastic variety. I am particularly keen on the multi-color heart adorned ones. More on that another time, let's talk booties. Enter to win by doing the following: 1. take out your iPhone, open Pose. 1a. If you don't already use the app, download that shit! 2. Pose your hash-tag Outfit of the Day. Include #manrepeller and #loefflerrandall in the message. That's it! Voila! Confused? ~~That's dumb.~~ There are more explicit rules--sorry, rulez--here. May the best freak win.

The Great Isadebate

2011-12-12T14:30:00.000-08:00

Among my few talents: creating hybrid words. And even so, the knack is being fine tuned. Now if the title makes little sense, don't beat yourself up. Your brain is not bird sized, my creative juice box is. What it's trying to says in simpler terms is this: the great Isabel Marant sneaker debate. Maybe you can at least commend me for knocking three words off of there. And on to the important debate...Yes? No? Maybe so? Remember Prada sneakers? How about those of the Gucci variety? And here I thought I'd never advocate the wearing of designer sneakers. Hey, things change, people change. Doesn't this tie back to that small point Charles Darwin one time made in passing about evolution? You know, obviously on a far less superficial level. I am particularly keen on the black version, dead center. Things I am also particularly keen on: allowing my wallet the chance, just the chance, to get a little meaty in the green depo. Do you read where I'm going? See the debacle? Understand the debate? Do the deed for me, flamingo freaks. Shall I sit this one out and take them to the court. Ultimately, I think the real selling point will be this: can I really and I mean really ever say no to Velcro and mean it? I think I just gave White Girl Problem a month's worth of material. Forget this ever happened.

Shoe Maketh the Repeller

2011-12-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

And now, back to usual programming: Friday's premature sartorial ejaculation will now exist in real time and full. [Cut to post.]

sweater: T by Alexander Wang, jeans: Levi's, shoes: Alexander Wang

Sometimes (actually, I'd argue virtually most the time,) all it takes to really repel are the right set of shoes. I just read that aloud in a British accent and it was beautiful. I'll take this a step further (the initial sentiment, not the accent, though that wouldn't hurt either) and have you know I am currently clad in but nothing lest a white t-shirt, black exercise shorts and the ambiguous Miu Miu bootie s I still haven't decided to keep or return. I'm fickle, sue me. But never mind that, let's bring our attention back to the photos and literal walking dustbuster at hand. As you can see, in just a plain black sweater and jeans, I've been able to successfully halt traffic. Disregard the black town car, ~~it defies the rules of the previous sentence,~~ no New York license plate was present.

See what I mean otherwise? That is some grade A traffic-halting.

arm parties: DANNIJO and MR DANNIJO, duh. Photos by Naomi Shon

But let's delve into detail. The rules of this post may be slightly manipulated: while the jeans in question are fairly high waist and I am yet again emulating a urinating dog, there is something to be said about shoes making the repeller. It's not so much literal as it is a state of mind. Something feels inherently liberating about rejecting the inevitable discomfort almost immediately induced into a male onlooker and just running free, fur on foot. To again circle back to Friday's post and beat the dead Sex and The City horse. Through the six seasons fur shoes were introduced twice, seemingly as a tool to catalyst to fornication process. Carrie Bradshaw uses the aforementioned in season three to garner the affection of one very attractive European man and while the morning petals were deflowered, money was exchanged, that was less about the shoes more about the actual sex. Now let's fast forward to season five, when the shoes rear their hairy heads again while Carrie tries to alleviate the pain of poor bedroom circumstances, good relationship with none other than everyone's favorite: witty banter Berger. But try to remember that episode again, really try. When Carrie put the sex shop shoes on just after getting massively intoxicated with Berger on that night, he looks at her dumbfounded and falls asleep. Asleep! They don't do the dirty until the next morning, looking au-naturale, feeling pure, no shoe on any foot. The end.

Alas, with that very informative, hard hitting analysis on HBO subplots and character development, I now wish you a very happy Monday.

You're Invited

2011-12-11T16:51:00.000-08:00

jacket: Carven, skirt: Isabel Marant, shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti, purse: Coach. Photo by Naomi Shon.

Partners, partners, partners-hip! This week in holiday events that will not give you FOMO (for the uninitiated or rather, un-New York eccentric folk: fear of missing out,) Vogue, Coach and Man Repeller convene at the Fifth Avenue store to indulge in champagne and leather wares. No, really, there's a green leather mens briefcase with our collective name stamped across it. Not literally stamped but pun absolutely intended. There will after all be complimentary monogramming happening on site. Here's also an obligatory note to mention that Vogue is also hosting a sweepstakes alongside Coach, you may find this interesting should you simultaneously find yourself unable to attend our slammin' n' jammin' event. click me. If you can, however, attend and that still won't lure you by, perhaps taking mental note that I may or may not host a macarena session will? May not most likely but again, it could happen. It's the holidays, let's do silly stuff. Like meet ourselves at crossroads and call ourselves 'the general' or whatever...photo to follow. See you Wednesday!

Weekend Preview

2011-12-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

shoes: Alexander Wang, photo by Naomi Shon

Even though the supplementing images and commentary from this story won't go live until Monday morning, photos from the same school of sartorial freak have been laying dormant in my Dropbox folder for all of two weeks, waiting to unleash their crazy. And so alas, here you have it. What's a weekend preview without the kiss of red fur ball metallic caped shoe, anyway? Should you find yourself struggling to answer: nothing, a weekend preview is nothing without that aforementioned kiss. 'Tis the season, after all. It is at the very least a healthy dose of inspiration too. Nothing says happy place like a fur shoe that is most immediately reminiscent of a certain Sex and The City episode when we are introduced to a more diverse, multi-dimensional Carrie. One that is friends with international women of the night. High class hookers, if you will. (See: "darrrrling, it's Van Cleeeeeef and Arpels!") Are you still with me?

via Refinery29

2011-12-09T05:27:00.000-08:00

In what is perhaps the best thing to happen to New York City since the Statue of Liberty, Sandro and Maje have finally set up shop on this side of the globe. See what I just did there? France! The Statue of Liberty was, durrrrr, a gift from just there and has arguably become the single most recognized representation of our city. Alas, it's time now we adopt another gift from the French and embrace the effortless and utterly chic nature of their innate style. Yes sure, we've seen a taste of it engulf our inhabitants via Isabel Marant, who has been carving a path since but two summers ago when the unanimous street style photographer's wet dream come true set up shop in Soho. Obtaining the I-don't-even-care-what-I-look-like-I'm-just-so-damn-chic though, has come with quite the hefty price tag, enter Bleecker Street and more popularly Bloomingdale's most prized new conquests. Still not cheap per se, but at least slightly more attainable. Now, earlier this fall, I worked with Refinery 29 to help celebrate the newly renovated Bloomingdale's which meant one thing and one thing only: vive le French labels. It's dangerous, really. See below.

The installment we composed came in three flights. Number one included a styling session by me, for me: several moto-silhouettes, combinations of bold color, and spiked details were involved.

The second flight included myself styling none other than M-M-M-Molly, the superstar intern who can tap dance, juggle and trend forecast in one. She got the kiss of brocade pant, snake print blouse first, and then an awesome velvet figure skating dress worn over a dark denim blouse. And then finally:

Refinery 29's own Gina obtained her crash course in repelling which included the most rad pair of Rebecca Taylor leopard print wood heel booties on planet earth. I was particularly keen on layering a plaid blouse and leopard print sweater under a sequin embellished jacket (right). All in all, fun was had and that's always the ultimate goal. Should you want to, you can peep the full stories on Refinery here, here and here. All photos by Mark Iantosca.

From Vanessa Jackman

2011-12-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

jacket: Cut 25, dress: Ermanno Scervino, shoes: Dries van Noten, purse: Proenza Schouler, sunglasses: Lookmatic

And on that note (that note being today's earlier post), find here a couple old photos from Fashion Week that just surfaced on Vanessa Jackman's street style blog. She's got a way with that lens, I'm glad I fell upon it. I know, I know, you've seen this outfit already. Get with it, Man Repeller! Is spending all that time infront of a computer screen killing your braincells? Maybe so, but that's not why I've posted these images. No, no. This post is more though just another ode to summer style. My fingers are frozen and man I miss a warmer climate. Even more than unknowingly wearing too-small-for-my-face-sunglasses. I speculate this is a problem Marcel the Shell will never know. And if you ask me...that should be it's one regret in life. That said, here's another chunk of proverbial food for...literal thought: there's something unusually un-douchey about posting an "oh-my-God-are-you-taking-my-photo-I'd-have-never-guessed-wave-and-walk-wave-and-walk" photo when it's taken by a photographer not your own. And I'm pretty sure this is a prime example of exercising just that: you know, the wave and walk. Go ahead, unfollow me. I get it.

A Lesson in Layering that Ends with a Gift

2011-12-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

And I'm not just talking about the metaphysical gift of inspiration, that's lame ass and I don't mess around. This is a real hard (literally, it's pretty structured) gift. Let's just call it, Holiday Giveaway Volume II. But you can indulge in those details later. Right now is about layering, again. I speculate these posts no longer require much an introduction, so I'll just jump in and share the theme: embracing darker colors and a more monochromatic mode of living while still unleashing the evident repeller now not even manifesting within you all, just plain old and out there and running, running and out there. Freak flags, they are a'flying. Here are the steps.

tank: The Reformation, pants: J Brand, booties: Alexander Wang

I guess this may also serve as an installment of: Man Getter to Repeller. Because utilmately, (unanimous) man likes nothing more than tank and jeans on woman. Reasoning is simple: the male psyche isn't all that different than that which he consumes (I'm still trying to make out whether this makes sense outside the confines of my head.) He's simple, so he likes things delivered to him simply. We as women, are complex and so we relish the prospect of multiple layers, prints, intricate details...you know how it goes. In any case, so much revealed thigh and shoulder makes me massively uncomfortable.

blouse: The Kooples

So a mens style button up cleverly equipped with obligatory Peter Pan collar renders the only plausible solution. Cover that thigh and shoulder, it's a two for one deal. But it ain't over.

sweater: The Reformation

No, no, that would be too easy. So here find the most comfortable sweater I own. I'm pretty sure it's menswear, which, you know, makes it all the better. Naomi said I looked like Alexa Chung in this shot and for that reason alone, I almost--keyword almost--stopped layering here.

skirt: Miu Miu

But I'm an overachiever now, and overachievers don't stop at any cost, enter my new favorite trend the skant. Reactions to this trend are still ambiguous, but I'll just come out and say it: I fucking love it. I've reached a point in my life when I whole-heartedly ask myself on the daily while dressing: what good are pants without a peplum? No good at all, folks. No good at all. And now, in a final step:

shoes: Sergio Rossi, necklace: DANNIJO, clutch: Wanderlust + Co

Accessories conquer all. Nothing says reluctance to-commit-to-trend like a sweater, jeans, and structured clutch. It's my most favorite form of underrated thematic dressing. Please also find stapled to my feet my most notable Black Friday conquest. Sergio Rossi shoes most remniscent of a certain Black Swan who had evidently, lost it out to the proverbial white swan because, you know, they were sixty-five percent off, plus an additional twenty for Black Friday. That loss was my gain. And again, you can't out a price tag on an epic gain.

I just can't stop looking at them! Feathered ankle cuffs are the future.

all photos by Naomi Shon

And now for the fun stuff: Holiday Giveaway volume two in cahoots with everyone's favorite: Wanderlust. While they may be the official enablers of allowing oneself to host an arm party on the cheap, they do run a fancier operation too; cue the cocktail clutch. There are very many variations but ultimately, I selected the most fun and colorful one to match our souls. This little dude retails for $349 and adds an interesting quirk to oh, I don't know, everything. But enough about that, win it! The rules are typical: 1. Follow Wanderlust on Twitter, 2. Like Wanderlust on Facebook, 3. Do the Macarena, 4. Comment on this post with your twitter handle, Facebook name and let me know at which point your back went out during the requisite Macarena recital and finally, 5. Follow me on twitter, too. Because we will announce the winner, winner, chicken dinner right over there come Monday at 12PM. Contest closed, congratulations Kelly Boaz!

An Obligatory Post about Practicality

2011-12-08T07:23:00.000-08:00

Look, I may not be the type to stand behind functional dressing but I can likely guess that a couple...dozen of you are. And so when Sorel hired me to style their boots in my most man repelling of ways, I said: yes sure, I'll do the dirty and alas here we are, you on one side, me on the other, offering tips that will help you embrace and style the necessary footwear to resists water and snow and things of that sort. Today seemed the perfect time to unveil this post what with the recent climate conditions halting satin shoes from prevailing. Yes sure, the suns out now, but then again, this weather is more fickle than the economy, and the economy, more fickle than a menstruating woman thus suggesting weather is female. What? That doesn't even make sense. See below.

blouse: Etoile Isabel Marant, jeans: J Brand, boots: Sorel

Ra, ra, ra, look at me, look at me, wearing stereotypical Lake Placid wear in the form of boot and a plaid shirt. This was really thematic in that I had also been holding a mug of...nothing that was going to trick into thinking I was drinking hot cocoa. That would in turn convey a subconscious point and that point would ooze with utter coziness. But I'm no trickster, so I lost the mug and then creativity got the best of me when I directed my attention to the double sink (milk and meat...anyone? Anyone?) and...

Made damn sure to show you just how water-resistant these chunky dudes really are. "Oh my god, this is so funny I'm running my shoes under a sink! Ha! Ha!" And really now, if they can stand the test of kitchen water, they can likely stand the test of...anything. Anything, I tell ya. Todos. Now, I won't lie, when I'd signed on to do this with Sorel, I was a little nervous. I'd never really written about something practical before. In fact, I'm known to sport underwear in public, tank tops in twenty degree weather and sequined pants to sleep, if runways tell me to. It was because of that, I'd had doubts and then I saw the boots came and said oh my shit, what good is a Man Repeller post without what looks like the very shoes that instigated the entire blog. See below.

Remember my banner circa last Fall? Probably not, but I can bet you most definitely do remember the infamous Chanel Yeti. It was one of the great tests of Karl's time: if this look can get rave reviews, why, anything I do will. These particular boots are also wedged, so, you know, if the fur exterior doesn't scream femininity, a big fat wedge most certainly will.

jacket: Sandro, t shirt: Etoile Isabel Marant, jeans: J Brand, yetis: Sorel. All photos by Naomi Shon

I call this look: "Hey Aspen, how's your ass been?" It's the white pant effect. Which leads me to my next point, or rather, question. If you had to pick, absolutely had to, who do you think wears the yeti foot better? Is it me or, you know, a cross country supermodel that may or may not double as a muse to the most important influencers worldwide? Nevermind. Forget I asked that. I'm just going to qite while I'm ahead. But before I sign off, I offer this: should I have won your heart, and you find yourself in the market for practical (or impractical) footwear to battle inclement wear, mosey on over to their site.

I'll be here, just walking on ledge and what have you.

Trendsporting Lucite Heels

2011-12-06T06:37:00.000-08:00

From left: Nicholas Kirkwood for Peter Pilotto, Proenza Schouler (and while we're on the topic I'm still pondering these,) Armani, Versace, Armani, Sergio Rossi, Dries van ~~Awesome~~ Noten, Christian Louboutin

Last night I had a dream that Joan Didion knew who I was, read my blog and judging from the scenario--she in cocktail dress, me in big white, was a guest at my wedding. Yes, wedding. I told her I'd read a story from The White Album in high school and it was then that I decided I'd be a writer, to which she replied, "the Didion influence is evident." I also apologized for not yet having read Blue Nights but she just quipped, "what's that?" Waking up this morning rendered a massive wave of confusion, depression, all the good stuff. It had felt so real. I contemplated suicide for a moment but then thought to myself, hey Repeller, you're making all your other dreams come true, this one can't be too far off, right? And that was that, so here I am, alive to tell you of my dreams and more importantly...that summer of the lucite heel, it is a'coming.

Last Saturday, I was sitting right here, in this very spot, perusing the interwebs for material while simultaneously setting up payment plans to cover the cost of the copious resort shoes that will inevitably find their ways onto me'feet. It was during that moment that I took a step forward and, gasp, looked to spring. There I found not one, not two, not three, not even four but like...ten different variations of the lucite heel. I'd remembered that when I was an intern at Valentino, the shoe had a moment paired with a muddy patent leather sandal style. But that was 2007 and this is now. I'm obviously not one to let a shoe trend go unchronicled and so today in things that make global warming okay--just kidding it's never okay--lucite heels, details, and trinkets for the foot, no longer reserved solely for strippers. You know, unless you're going with that Versace mint-green ombre'd wedge in which case I strongly suggest a harem pant to counteract the hubba, hubba, do me effect. And really now, what's more enjoyable than exposing an entire foot, granting plastic the power to let it sweat and sweat and overheat and sweat, or, looking like, from a distance you're walking on air. Not for anything, I always reckoned fashion may defy science one day. Here's to spring and that. But before I send you off, here's also an obligatory reminder that: you have until late tonight to win this sweater. Tomorrow we go back to the giveaway board.

Neon, Revisited

2011-12-05T07:09:00.000-08:00

Collaborate, curate, cocktail: the three big C's of 2011. And while cocktail is actually a perpetual big C, collaborations and that which "taste-makers" curate seem to have become particularly massive in the recent. Noun. Holy buzz word. I like to think the phenomenon started in Suburbia, years and years ago when one smart mother made the decision to mix some jam with peanut-butter, smear it on some bread and call it lunch for her child. Since then though, Target and H&M have followed suit and offered attainability to brands previously dubbed untouchable. That one mother should really run after the retailers for royalties, I'm just saying. Remember Stella McCartney for H&M? Or Karl Lagerfeld? Serious business. And then there was Jil Sander for Uniqlo. But that was then, this is now, when vendors far less mass than Target or H&M are under collabo-fever too. Giuseppe Zanotti for Thakoon, Lady Gaga for Barney's, Nicholas Kirkwood for Rodarte, Prabal Gurung, Peter Pilotto...Man Repeller for X, Y, Z, you get the point.

arm party contents: DANNIJO, MR DANNIJO, Jacquie Aiche, Pamela Love, Mark Henry

But today, we look to what is perhaps the best collaboration since that pesky peanut-butter and jelly, when we salute Christopher Kane for J Brand. The two found themselves bound together to create a collection of limited edition neon denim that would inevitably find it's way onto my body in some capacity.

I'd been in the market for a new denim jacket, even though the reason I wanted one--'tis the perfect bad-ass alternative to leather--is no longer plausible as the temperatures drop. Sue me, at the time I thought I was going to Basel. It wasn't until last Tuesday when I learned flights were more expensive than kidney transplants that I rearranged my plans, came into this neon jacket and said hey, I'm not one to bitch and moan, moan and bitch, so why not build an outfit post.

The Kane influence is evident. Without much design leeway, prints and colors are likely all a designer has when collaborating with a denim make. These particular garments (the neon comes in a frayed flare leg style and denim cut off, too) are not stretch denim; a nice departure from the usual craft. And as for the fabric: perfectly worn in, soft, and bright enough to blind...without, you know, trying too hard. This isn't the first time I've lent a hearty handshake to neon, I spent the former half of June 2011 saying not much more than "vive le neon." Some uneducated folks are now preaching the fashion "resurgence" of neon but this resurgence is long in effect. Use your bean, read my blog. I know you haven't forgotten the infamous Proenza Schouler slip dress. If we were to calculate cost per wear on that dud, I'm certain it will have had cost just about $0.63 by now. Whose counting though? Less about that, more about this:

denim jacket: Christopher Kane x J Brand (and between you and me, Elizabeth and James offer a very similar version too) t shirt: Chaser, skirt: Lublu, purse: Proenza Schouler, and on sale! Booties: Chanel.

I look like an angry hooker seemingly trying to hide the oral braces that I don't have in the above photo, and that's pretty special. A perfect ending, if you will. All photos by Naomi Shon.

I Need New Birth Control

2011-12-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

...Glasses, that is.

As it happens, poor vision has reared its ugly head in my direction and my eyes no longer function in their 20/20 alpha style. I'll blame it on time spent in front of this computer screen trying to crack funny jokes, make weird faces and please you. See? Never say I don't love you. I've given up vision for you...vision! In any case, I'm not one to sulk in misery so I'll turn my new handicap into a reason to shop, shop, shop (U.S. economy, never say I don't love you, either) and ask you freaks to help me pick out some rad new frames. I've been an advocate of the birth control spec since I first laid eyes on Steve Urkel and while I won't lie, I have a few pairs that have been allotted extra repeller points simply because they are non-prescription, it's time to get serious. The above photo is from the Warby Parker Holiday Bazaar launch party that took place earlier this past week. Those dudes are doing great things, partnering with Suno and what have you. But back to what's important, do you like these for my eyeballs? They're called the Tenley. And, you know every time you buy a pair of Warby Parker specs a pair is donated to someone in need. They're also only $95. Love a guilt free deal. So, what do you say?

For The Arm on a Budget, Take Two

2011-12-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

Last week someone asked me to share my "great fashion find" of that week. I had no idea what she was talking about and so she explained that she likes to chronicle her fashion discoveries and share them with people, she was thus interested to learn if I'd had any. I said no but then I thought about it and this blog and that which I put on this blog and realized that I guess everyday is a "great fashion find" in some capacity, right? Right. To take this to a more literal, less existential level though, the last really good one I could remember (you know, short of the danger zone that was Cyber Monday,) came last month when I'd discovered Wanderlust. A super rad Australian e-tailer that puts the party in arm party. Just kidding, I put the party in arm party, but Wanderlust does help. And even though I've iterated this once before, I'll say it again: spending excess money on accessories really isn't all that necessary everyday, so should you wish to, give your wallet a break and peep my favorite bits of the newest offerings from Wanderlust.

So predictable...I'm a sucker for anything with a rhinestone or a skull or a rhinestone and a skull on it. Disclaimer: the ID bracelet in the front does not hail from Wanderlust. Quite the contrary, it was given to my older brother, Haim, at birth from some idiot in Turkey who can't spell Haim. Idiot for two reasons: 1. It's Haim, not Hayim. And 2. Straight boys don't know how to penetrate the arm party, get a hold of yourself. In any case though, no piece of jewelry I wear renders more sentimental than this one. Insert awww, three W's, here. Shop Wanderlust here. Win a date with Haim here. Just kidding, no link. Bye!

A Holiday Wishlist

2011-12-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

Loads of you, and I mean loads, have asked if I'm going to do a holiday wish-list. In light of such, I paired myself with Revolve Clothing to create a list of awesome gifts come the actual holidays and not just the pre-hype manufactured and exhausted by retailers worldwide. You can just call me Cedric the collaborator. A cozy winter hat, metallic jacket that screams Dries van Awesome without also screaming oh shit how am I going to eat this month. No, really, awesome holiday gifts. Makeup brushes are the most underrated over-appreciated gift on the planet. How often are you going out and spending $50 on makeup brushes? Not often at all, I'd bet. How often do you need them? Oh, everyday, that's right. Ask for them as a stocking stuffer, at the very least. If not for yourself then please, do me the favor. Jews don't do stuffers. Just menorahs. Fancy, fancy menorahs. At the top of my list, rests a red cropped leather jacket called "The Thriller Jacket." Frivolous and rad in every which capacity. Invaluably sentimental, and alas, my birthday is right around the corner. Should you wish to, you can shop the rest of my picks here and finally, enjoy your weekend. Do something stupid. It's the holidays!

Lessons in Layering: Turn Your Party Dress into...Something Else

2011-12-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

It's been some stealthy time since the last layering story and while my most typical tendency is to abominate the little black dress, this entire month is more about different hued little dress, enter the LRD. The holidays officially around the corner--oh honey, it's December!--so I figured you may be able to use a few tips that would turn the dress you wore to your friend's (my) birthday party, bosses holiday party or fancy family gathering, less about arms and more about actual human life, into less formal affair attire and more of the good stuff. You know, like supermarket shopping or bow hunting or even just something practical, fun and easy to wear while sitting home computer hacking and what have you. So without ado, I give you the quintessential holiday dress.

all photos by Naomi Shon

dress: Charles Henry

Mini, red, chiffon, winter friendly with sleeves, henley friendly with buttons, Man Repeller friendly with exposed vagina. I'd likely advise against roaming around town barefoot and tights. It's cold and dirty out there. I just did it for dramatic effect. It's my balcony anyway and that shit is cloroxed, I kid you not. So, let's get layering.

plaid shirt: Fremont Mens (Thanks, Haim)

It's likely no surprise at this point that the most immediate and effective remedy to a little dress of any variety is an oversized plaid. I'd even argue you may be tired of enduring this step but remember, boys and girls, clothes are purchased (or in this case, stolen) to be worn. And nothing is more gratifying than watching your garment transmute into oh, I don't know, ten other ones? The plaid stays.

vest: Lublu

And here the party starts! It's a shame you can't feel or truly see the brilliance of these three fabrics rubbing up against each other like teenagers at a nightclub but I will redirect your attention to the fancy pockets on layer three! Texture, texture, texture. And nothing says "abominate me" like petaled pockets. I'd have been happy to stop right here, but stopping isn't in my nature. I'm like a Red Hot Chili Pepper, you know, addicted to the shin-dig. So I didn't.

bomber jacket: Cut 25

...And instead added a cropped bomber jacket to include but another dimension of texture. The trick about a vest so unique is to make sure you exploit that which makes it unique. This look would have been shot to shit if I'd used a longer jacket over the vest. Unless I'd placed the vest over the jacket which could have perhaps worked with a utility style, but then again, the silk is quite thin. We have to pick and choose that which we layer with what. See, whoever said man repelling was easy lied to you. I digress. Ultimately, we used a cropped style and gave the look some more overall edge. It's a shame you can't tell, but from the side, I truly did look like a fancy multi-dimensional tent.

purse: Antik Batik, bracelet: Pamela Love

And now, we accessorize.

booties: Opening Ceremony, necklace: DANNIJO

I haven't whipped these babies out in a while. They were my most favorite find of 2009. I'd seen them in the "coming soon" tab on Opening Ceremony's website that summer and at the time, had already devised a payment plan, only to learn OC didn't ship overseas. I was abroad in France. A couple months after I'd returned, I stumbled into the Wooster Street Barney's and they were, size six and everything. 70% off. Don't little anecdotes like this that make you want to cry? No? Weird. Okay now, did you learn anything constructive today? Less about my general jackass-ness and more about diversifying the holiday dress? No? Weird squared. Go win a sweater.

Holiday Giveaway: Vive le Sequined Chest

2011-11-30T06:15:00.000-08:00

We all want one thing: ~~clear skin~~ good holiday gifts. I mean, really good. Like, hold the patterned pornament for me and my Hanukah bush this year, I'd prefer a Celine Phantom. Often though, this sequence of events doesn't quite pan out as dreamed. Awkward family members with missing teeth and curly red hair we didn't even know existed all of a sudden pop out of cracks baring socks. And the only thing worse than socks as a birthday/Hanukkah/Christmas/Kwanzaa-hybrid present is pretending to enjoy receiving said socks. Unless, you know, they're Happy Socks. In which case, give your sandals a proverbial high five and rock out with your frock out, literally. I digress. Now, this is where I come in and save the day. In light of bad holiday presents nationwide, every Wednesday from now through New Years I will be giving something awesome away alongside a generous vendor who sympathizes with your urge to rock. Up this week: Beso.com and myself would love the offer you the gift of sequined chest.

Markus Lupfer sweaters, $465 each.

If you followed me on twitter, you'd know I've taken a massive liking toward these sweaters. They're a perfect combination of quirky and chic, functional and frivolous, Man and Repeller. In the photo above, you'll see five versions of the sweater but I've taken the liberty of ensuring that the big fat fun one with a planet--we'll call it Planet Repeller--on the chest will become yours. The instructions to obtain it are simple, really: 1. Redirect your browser to Beso’s facebook wall and like them. 2. Comment on this here post with your full name 3. Like me on Facebook too. Because, you know, why not? ~~I am, after all, the drug mule.~~ And finally, say thank you to Beso. ~~Just because Thanksgiving has gone doesn't mean you should lose your manners. Next Wednesday~~ (December 7th,) ~~we'll draw the winner and one of your hookers with have a shiny chest come~~ triple x-mas! ~~This is only open to U.S. residents, one entry per person!~~ ~~Sorry international flamingos, I'll get you next week.~~ Contest closed, congratulations Megan Bryant!

What I Wore: Quiet Sunday, Busy Monday

2011-11-29T06:08:00.000-08:00

t shirt: Sandro, sweater: Alexander Wang, green jeans: J Brand, booties: Chanel, purse: Antik Batik

Taken with my iPhone by Amelia "no brain" Diamond to bring an element of realness to the proverbial equation. Barn doors rock. But back to the title of this post. What I wore: quiet Sunday, Busy Monday...and...just a regular Tuesday! Do you know where I'm going with this? It's pretty straight forward. Today will mark the third straight day I've worn this outfit. But as I say, when you feel an outfits right, you know, really really right, bask in the glory of sartorial victory and the personal satisfaction of celebrating your capability and knowledge to style yourself properly and then wear said outfit into the ground. Not literally, though. That may tamper with the prospect of continuing the marathon into, oh I don't know, day five, six, seven? Ultimately, you see, clothes are purchased to be worn. This is an important lesson to re-instill just after what I will call a cyber-Monday of epic proportion. Now let it be known, freaks and geeks, chronic outfit repeating is the new black. That said, did you score anything yesterday? Tell me. I have to know. Bye!

Carven Resort 2012

2011-11-25T13:41:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, it's Black Friday but ask me if I care. When my heart beats fast, it beats fast. It's also typically a tell-tale sign that I should share that which is inducing the palpitative state with you. Because we're a team, right? And what I love, you love, right again? When a collection celebrates the notion of woman dressing like the little girl she once was, it's deserves some air time. So lo and behold, a letter to Carven's resort collection, where the new bow shoes are even bowier than the former bow-shoes.

Dear Carven Resort Collection: if you had genitals, I am most certain I would try to get you drunk and take advantage of you. This would ring true whether the genitals in question resembled those of my own, or those of my counterparts. If the circumstances sympathized with the former option, rest assured, I'd most certainly go gay for you. Yours, Marcel the Shell's Protege. Happy thanksgiving! Yeah!

A Monday Shopping Note

2011-11-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

Because, you know, Cyber Monday shits on Black Friday. Yes, yes, sure sure. Black Friday is cool: waiting on lines to get into stores, stampedes that may or may not result in casualties, embracing the fresh air, making friends with sale-fiends, and aside from the social aspect of embracing a slashed price, it's also a good time to get in that necessary post-Thanksgiving cardio. People run, really fast. It may even at the very least get your mind off the mere notion that just the day before you were noshing on dead animal insides. In any case though, as an internet enthusiast, it's my duty to debunk myths that note Black Friday as the best sale day of the year and instead encourage your ass to hold yourself b(l)ack, stay put and let your fingers do the work that will inevitably leave your wallet a whole lot lighter. Cyber Monday is here! In light of such, I've put together a little collage of sweet finds the interwebs have uncovered for me over the course of the last weekend.

In case you were interested in obtaining a pair of my Burberry creepers, they're 50% off on Net-a-Porter. Carven's fall version of the bow shoe is now $288. Chaser and Wildfox t-shirts are rocking on Shop Nasty Gal and Shopbop, offering a "bigevent" (check out code, pun city,) so to speak of the spend money save money variety. The Outnet is offering an additional 20% off using code "thanksgiving20" where you can perfect holiday party dresses not unlike the above gray one, Bloomingdale's is offering 40-50% off nearly all Sandro--I know, I almost went into cardiac arrest too--that Dolce & Gabbana clutch is now 50% off and those Phillip Lim shorts are just so...call me!

...I'll admit that price points are still fairly high but that's just because all the equally delectable offerings from Anarchy Street, ASOS and Mikkat Market just weren't collaging properly. And I'm no photoshop expert, which will become massively more evident in just a few sentences. So, peep those finds here, here and here. And now, for those of you already tired of winter threads and looking to find a deal on some brand spanking new awesome ass resort digs, look no further than Man Repeller favorite: Thakoon! Yes! It's true! Just for my hotchick readers will Thakoon be offering a 20% discount code on Resort finds this week using the code MANREPELLER. Peep my five favorite resort looks just below. Tell me you love me after the jump.

Kidding, there is no jump, but there are headless models! Just tell me you love me now. Happy shopping, tootles.

Details that Rock

2011-11-23T12:00:00.000-08:00

jacket: 3.1 Phillip Lim, blouse: D&G, dress: rag+bone, necklace: TOMTOM, bracelets: Mr. Kate. Photo by Naomi Shon

Ultimately, it's almost always the details that perfectly string together the sartorial fiber of a well-groomed look. Here's an old shot from a layering post I ran months ago. This is likely something of an unusual re-visit but I guess a good rule of thumb to control or identify narcissism is to look back at old photos and decide whether or not you feel inspired...by yourself. At this point, it seems I'm making like N and drowning in reflections. How tacky. Dimensions of different fabrics, prints, and silhouettes will always tug at my heart strings, but it's really the copious bracelets and architecturally inspired neckwear that give whatever else is going on that small dose of character you probably wouldn't have even known would make such a difference until you tried it. With this, I wish you a happy thanksgiving, consider it some turkey-day food for thought that spares the lives of any fancy winged creatures just trying to gobble, gobble and enjoy life on the farm. ...Vive l'arm party.

What I Wore: The Calypso Arm Party Squared

2011-11-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

The aforementioned arm party-party happened and it rocked. Rocked, I tell ya. Stone cold, rock. As I'd mentioned might happen last Sunday when Calypso teamed up with me--yes, me--to help launch the new Mott Street store dedicated solely to accessories: arms did in fact party...

And sequins did, you know, shine. (Pants and t-shirt both by Calypso, utility blouse by Charlotte Ronson and booties by Chanel.) I feel like a broken record re-emphasizing this on an almost daily basis but due to the nature of my non-committal sartorial persona, this day left me channeling Boogie Nights-rides-a-custom-Chanel-motorcycle down below and plain lieutenant Jane up above. I'd say the contrast was a hit, after I'd sent this photo to Instagram one commenter generously pointed out that I was doing a fine job living up to my name. This was an exciting breakthrough but not as memorable as even the alleged man friend, fine, not alleged, he exists, noting that he lurved the pants. "They look comfy," were the exact words. Hours later my cool parents showed up and when that happened my dad left. "Take them off before dinner," were virtually his only words before hopping back on to his Vespa. Kidding, no Vespa this time, but it does illuminate the story. It was a roller-coasting whirlwind of emotion brought to you exclusively by the sequined harem pants. By night fall, wrists were loaded and the rainbow fish was asking for his scales back.

So I made off with these three pieces and called it a jour. Looking back in hindsight, I suppose an arm wax pre-party wouldn't have hurt. But then again, my parents are from other countries, where hair grows faster than...I don't know, whatever else grows really fast. Those particles serve as Turkish nostalgia, familial heirlooms, if you will. But enough about me, indulge in a serpent! Visit the new store if you know what's good for you, there are gilded pigs and marabou pillows everywhere.

The Shoes Undergoing Acupuncture are Here

2011-11-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I like to take the subway. In a city choc full o'stress inducing traffic, obnoxious honking, and buttloads of morally ambiguous drivers that you know, may or may not drive you into an outer-borough alley and have their way, it just seems the underground route is massively more efficient. And while shit gets shady down there too and you may find yourself in a predicament of some sort, look no further than the funky footwear I designed alongside five other bloggers with company, SIX London (they do shoes for Opening Ceremony, too.) You can peep their designs here. But now, a little bit about mine: when I was approached last summer about partnering with SIX, I did what I always do in light of these generous collaborations and tried to design something that exists in my head, not yet in real life. I'd wanted a navy blue suede bootie for a while, just couldn't find the proper fit. At the time, I was still gung-ho on Celine's brilliant use of burgundy so I threw in some of that too. Initially, I'd wanted a classic shoe, one I could wear through thick and thin, date and girls night, fire and ice. But ultimately, what's the point of designing a shoe without including some signature man-repelling kook? And so, that I did. You should know, however, that I have issues with committing to trends, so I did what I could to keep it business in the front, party in the back. The end result was what I will call: a taste of timeless Chanel, colored by Celine, combined with the kiss of Stevie Nicks. I'm all about a shoe that talks for the outfit, and I'm going to go ahead and say this one yells. Only twenty pair exist, so consider us bound by a spike. Should you wish to, you can buy yours here. You will, at the very least, remain safe...and you can't put a price tag on safety.

Red and Fuschia, Fuschia and Red

2011-11-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

Winter just got a whole lot mo'colorful. Hat by Tibi, scarf by White & Warren, sweater by Thakoon, sunglasses by Christian Dior.

It's a stupid silent rule that brights are colors only reserved for warmer days. Without wearing something to blind the people around you, what good is a season, or life, anyway? And look, I'm not trying to suggest that I pioneered any sort of trend that would celebrate an uncharted merge betwixt red and pink, pink and red, a color combination most previously dubbed unwearable, ridiculous, off beat--you know, like brown and black before Prada gave it the big fat go-ahead. But I will say that the notorious bright pink fringed shoes...yes, yes, the ones that look like baby ponies birthing drag queens, may or may not have been combined with anything red my closet retained circa last spring. That said, here's to wearing colors and winter and wearing colors during winter. Also, I know we've been taught by most every authority that things that are good are only good in moderation but that's not true about layering clothes or mixing loads of color. So go big or go home. Alone.

...Speaking of going home alone, I guess right now, underneath this image of me in my most attractive-to-the-male-eye pose, is as good a time as any to tell you something important. Honesty is the best policy and since you are virtually my best friends ev-or (see what I did just there? I love a good pun,) it's time to spill the white beans about a certain friend, who is a man. Yes, it's true. He is a man, he is a friend, he's a man friend. He contributes to my arm parties, thinks sequins rock and drinks a certain drop crotch kool-aid I may or may not have single-handedly concocted. To put that sentiment into perspective, I offer an anecdote: [scene: girl walks into room draped in white t shirt and mauve colored silk harem pants. Black satin open-toed lace up booties on foot. Suited man notices girl, walks over to her.] "Great pants. Can I buy you a drink?" He says. "That depends, do they serve apple juice here?" She says. And from his pocket, a can of Mott's emerged. Kidding about that apple juice bit, but you get the point. Look, I'm a fashion writer, not a comedian--stop rolling your eyes, busting my chops. This is the end of the anecdote. I'd tell you more but that's what books are for! I'll just note this though: I haven't had to tuck back no crazy, compromise one single leopard print, foul word, or ounce of glitter. So you see, there's hope: have your yeti, wear it too. And stay tuned, sucka mothas. All photos by Aram Bedrossian.

The Blazer, The Launch Party, The Recap

2011-11-18T15:04:00.000-08:00

I know it may seem like I am trying to wipe you clean of your cash money with these abundant design collaborations but that is not in fact the case. I'm just in it to have blazers inscribed with neon letters that read, "Love, the Man Repeller" on the inside (see below,) or dresses with dropped waists that make me look like a log (I stole this log sentiment from a commenter yesterday, it was a good one.) Or...you know, shoes that look like they are in a perpetual state of peace a la acupuncture. Still, I can see why you may think I am doing the former. It's been a full week of pretending I'm a designer and gleefully living to tell about it. Last night marked an event that would celebrate the aforementioned neon letters.

See, neon! In cahoots with Alex & Eli to help them celebrate their Tailor Shop, I designed a dark green wool-crepe blazer with navy suede sleeves and neon inscriptions on the interior. I fought with myself back and forth about having the inside say "Love, The Man Repeller" or "Lady Boner" but then I realized that if I ever hear the term lady boner again I will probably slit my own wrists so I did what would prevent the slitting of my wrists and went with Love, TMR. The silhouette (butt length) was inspired by Stella McCartney and the body's material, (wool crepe,) inspired by an old Carven jacket I have and lurve and nurture like a newborn baby. Aside from the obvious fun detail: suede sleeves that make wearing vests fun again, there's one that's more fun, and that is: hairy balls for zippers!

photos by Naomi Shon

See what I mean? See what I mean? These will make for great conversation and while to the naked eye this jackets seem an opportunity to repel, it may in fact induce adverse effects. See: "Man I love these hairy balls." On to the fun now: last night the Alex & Eli girls and myself hosted a party at Soho House's library to celebrate the launch.

We pre-produced a whole bunch of blazers and sold them at the event. Drunk shopping is an interesting experience, I learned this last night and now salute Apple for planting a store smack a mid meatpacking district wanderers. Nothing says "shit, this night was awesome!" like a brand new iPad, iPhone or iMac. They don't call it the genius bar for nothing, eh?

Me with the Alex & Eli girls. Blazer in the flesh, blazer in the flesh.

Sorry, I just can't stop flashing my signature. It's a weird thing to have your own name be sewn into your jacket...even weirder to recognize your own name as "The Man Repeller." DANNIJO comes to support the other end of another birth canal separated from her mother's.

Party comers shmooze and try on jackets. That's pretty much all they do, shmooze n' try, try n' shmooze. One antisocial unicorn--and when I say unicorn--I mean horse with cob of corn on center of head acts anti-social on her telephone toward the right hand side of this screen. We're looking at you, Amelia.

jeans: Levi's, t shirt: A.L.C., blazer: Alex & Eli x Man Repeller, clutch: Rebecca Minkoff. Photos via Guest of a Guest

And alas...it ain't a Man Repeller post without an outfit photo. Right? Here, please find me leaning against the Timberland knockin' Burberry jacket wearing photo freak, Aram Bedrossian, to show him my sweet Christian Louboutin sample sale find. Never produced shiny turquoise pumps with back chain. $200. Aram asking me if they're Alaia? Priceless. Mainly because he's so straight, it's weird. Finally, I offer this, should you find yourself interested in obtaining one of the jackets, have a click here. It retails for $535 but regardless of whether you take the plunge or not, I love you. Happy weekend! See you Sunday?

Raise Cache: The Dress that Gives Back

2011-11-17T06:45:00.000-08:00

In this day and age fashion and tech have created such an organic bond with one another based on the mere fact that, you know, fashion start-ups, blogs and social media networks are dominating our scene. No really, we're kind of like the Justin Bieber of fashion journalism: popping out as amateurs, out of nowhere, making little-to-no sense and then, before you know it, we're ~~baby mamas~~ pissing everyone off, everywhere. But back to fashion and tech being bonded like sister and brother., it shouldn't be such a surprise that tonight would mark a first Fashion Show organized to raise money for tech start-ups based in New York to benefit HackNY. Fancy New Yorkers not unlike one of my favorites, Carol Han, will take part as models in the fashion show in question while others, not unlike myself, will have designed the very garments these models will wear.

bracelets: MR DANNIJO, DANNIJO, Pamela Love, necklace: DANNIJO

And let me just say today is a big day in terms of MR design collaborations. I will be at the Soho House tonight celebrating a blazer I've designed for Alex & Eli just before the Raise Cache event. I can practically wear head-to-toe Man Repeller these days. I don't have a purse though. Who wants to collaborate on a purse? Jack, Laz, is that a yes? ...And I just know you want to see what's up my ruched sleeve, roight, roight? Good. Look no further than just one small scroll!

dress: By me, literally. Jacket: Rebecca Minkoff, shoes: Valentino

And, voila! Part inspired by Dries van Noten's spring collection, part by the mere fact that holidays they are a'coming and ladies, we need dresses, I give you: the dropped peplum.

I've partnered with Lineby, a company that manufactures clothing designed by "New York City tastemakers"--their words, not mine--to create this here garment. 100% of proceeds of $220 dress will be donated to HackNY and in my opinion, it--as in, the dress--is just the perfect combination of chic and Repeller and should answer any and all questions you may have had about holiday dressing. As a plus, it will wear really well with antlers.

Worn alone, it will produce the same wow-effect though I would suggest sprucing up the red taffeta with a leather (or utility, or denim, this decision is ultimately yours) jacket and shoes that cover half the foot. Heavy accessories are not optional. Now, in light of the momentous occasion at hand, the folks at Lineby would like to offer a 20% discount code (enter LB20 at check-out) valid only through tomorrow should you decide to purchase the dress. Clicky, clicky, for that.

all photos by Naomi Shon
And come on, people. It is just screaming buy me, buy me! I love red! And Dries! And start-ups! No pressure though.

We're Having an Arm Party Party and You're Invited!

2011-11-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

This week in even more collaborations and things to celebrate: Calypso sets up shop on Mott Street with a store designated solely for accessories. To celebrate this momentous occasion, perhaps the most of which since my very own Bat Mitzvah, I, along with my arms, will be hosting an arm party party at the new boutique this Sunday, November 20 (and well, would you look at that, just one mere month sooner than my birthday) at 280 Mott Street, (between Houston and Prince, we are so downtown chic.) It's going to be the bomb dot com and you're all invited, so come one, come all!

Bring empty wrists. We've got some decorating tricks up our sleeves--note the pun. I will be wearing really shiny pants a la Rainbow fish so that should be enough reason to get you there in and of itself. Alas though, I've already said too much. So, see you there, freaks!

Winter Wears

2011-11-16T08:15:00.000-08:00

Looks like the weather is doing what it usually does and instead of surprising us with a resurgence of summer in November, making the gradual turn for a colder climate. In terms of better hued skin color and general happiness and comfort, I won't lie, summer shits on every other reason. But then again, in terms of that which constitutes the easiest and most inevitable way to manrepel--one word--in blades of glory, world, the temperatures are looking up. You know, while going down. So today, we salute winter wearing and let it begin.

jacket: Kelly Wearstler, mullet tank: A.L.C, jeans: Levi's, booties: Thakoon

I for one, like to skip the awkward transition clothes like sweaters that aren't warm but aren't too thin either or cropped pants that show too much shin and don't roll down and just head straight for important memorabilia, you know, from Mongolia. Enter this tiered cropped jacket. It's like a puffer coat, but not. At all.

Also not quite long enough to suffice for actual winter wears, and that's what's so magical here. It's the perfect "transition" piece, without stinking too hard of "transition." Does that make sense? You could say no. I hate referring to clothes as transitional pieces. All it ultimately means is that you're not committing to said piece and while I have an opinion or two about committing to trends, this is something else. The other inevitable magic to point out here is obviously the me in mid-air and as you can see, even while flying, I am still so delightfully perplexed by the harnesses on me'shoes.

headpiece: L'Hiver

Another good rule of thumb for pre-winter wearing--I guess this has become a pre-winter wearing post--: it's never too early to cover your eyes with a knit headband that you may or may not opt to convert into a knit turband.

I call this one two things. For funnies, it is: "where's the bathroom?" And for serious it is, "I need to squat because these pants are so high waist they are drilling a permanent line through my you know what." The perils of high-waist pants, you see, extend far beyond a fupa and unusually shaped behind.

all photos by Aram Bedrossian

Finally, here's a salutation to life in it's most pure and raw form: the thumbs up. And here's the last important thing to note. I am wearing but two layers...two! I don't even wear that few during summer months. If there's something important to learn from this, it is simply the power of Mongolia. And that's that. Fine, one last thing before I say goodbye forever and by forever I mean for a few hours:

Sometimes all I want to do is be friends with myself. No one else would me the bright thumbs up for squatting in public. No one.

"Sexy, Shocking and Seductive"

2011-11-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

via B by Brian Atwood

Got to love the dichotomous nature of a thirty second video or rather web-mmercial about shoes so high, chunky and colorful, they're grade-A man repellers at best, and yet quite literally marketed across the perfectly constructed curves of an alpha-female's body. I suppose this just comes to show, shoes maketh the outfit. And evidently, birthday suit. Even a dripping naked body--breast lines and everything--couldn't hide the fate these shoes will inevitably render: the ladies will die and not in the literal sense, I'm talking more like Rachel Zoe grazing her hand upon vintage Oscar de la Renta. And the boys will cry...as in, "don't call me, I'll call you." Just kidding about that one! But in case I'm not...consider yourself lucky, twice! You dodged a human bullet and once again, Brian Atwood fans, rejoice! They're from the diffusion line. Which, you know, is heavily based of the main line. I'd really wanted these but instead just helped myself to these. Life is about compromise, you see. And now I conclude with the best joke in the history of jokes: what did one boob say to another? You better perk up or people will think we're nuts!

...Just seemed so relevant, we were talking anatomy anyway.

Art of The Slit Pant

2011-11-14T06:32:00.000-08:00

This week in ways to rule Monday and not let Monday rule you: slit pants. And while I wish this was more a story about the hazards of non-stretch-too-small denim, it's not. No, this is more about giving your shoes another reason to celebrate themselves. Which brings me back to my point about ruling your Monday. Because, you know, exposed well-crafted footwear rule every day of the week.

image via 5inchandup
I'd seen these interesting sweatpant-esque grey pants on bloggers like Sandra from 5 inch and up (photographed above) and Elin from Style by Kling. After doing some hefty--and by hefty I mean clicking the multiple links-to-buy--research I learned they were the same pants, by Nowhere, sold virtually...nowhere. In the United States, at least. It was disheartening but I figured I'd move on. And then I didn't. I couldn't disregard the notion of long pants that acted to flatter and elongate the leg in the very same way that say, flared pants do, while simultaneously allowing a rad shoe to show itself off, correcting one of the biggest downfalls of bell bottoms. So I put my thinking cap on and did a little closet investigating. After ~~ruining~~ snipping up a couple pair of too-short-to-work jeans, I found a fairly new pair of McQ bumster jeans. I hadn't been able to wear them too often as they were too long, and yet to skinny. Eureka, snip et voila:

jeans: McQueen, pumps: Chanel

See that! Like a peep show, for the foot. And this does after all qualify for some good grade A shoe porn. Roight, roight? Yes sure, I'll admit that it's a fairly amateur cutting job but I figured, if I could properly chop my own hair, jeans shouldn't be too hard either. Doesn't the raw innocence of a couple uneven ripped hem lines just add to the overall allure? ...No? Come on, see the vision. One more photo for good measure.

Really, a peep show. ~~And veiny feet chic.~~ What do you think now? In case you intend to try it yourself here are a couple things I learned while doing the deed: 1. The jeans must be long. If they're too short you'll end up looking like an overgrown elf in proper elf small attire, think 3.1. 2. The leg should be fairly skinny. If it's not, it sort of defeats the purpose of the entire project. Flare legs are flared already...duh. 3. When snipping, literally snip. A small incision at dead center of the front of the jean will do. After that's done start tearing at the rip with your hands. Makes everything look more organic. And we are all about Whole Foods.

Check me out checking my slits out. Gosh, this feels to meta. Now...say for the heck of it, you were me and I were domestic dog of some sort with a opposable thumbs, how would I we caption to following photo?

Yup, you guessed it: Humans! They're just like us! They pee on trees!

jacket: Carven, t shirt: Chaser, necklace: DANNIJO, jeans: McQ, pumps: Chanel. Photos by Aram Bedrossian.

Finally, a normal shot to show you how perfectly the full outfit comes together. I'd argue it's most likely due to the newly snipped jeans. My legs aren't really that long, you see. It's an awesome illusion, and repeller or not, let's be real: we all want miles for legs. Roight, roight? Okay now, your turn. I think. Are you going to host a peep show for your feet? Should you choose to, do share. Before I send you off though...

Figured you may have been interested in an accessory zoom so here you have it. Proenza Schouler PS11, DANNIJO arm party to the left, Jennifer Fisher to the right. Okay for real now, chop, chop, get snipping! Man, I slay myself. Pun intent squared.

What I Wore: Holt Renfrew Blog Launch

2011-11-12T07:14:00.000-08:00

You may or may not know that I spent the early portion of this week in Toronto--sorry--I mean soooory--I mean Toronno--helping the loverly ladies at Holt Renfrew launch their new blog Holts Muse. It was a pleasure to venture out of the U.S. in only one hours time. Also a pleasure: making a personal appearance (I laugh) and hosting a cocktail party at the Bloor Street location of Holt Renfrew in T-town. There, constructed upon five big bubble letters that spelled out Holts were five key trends to perfect your try at man repelling clad in photos from this here blog. This obviously includes: the arm party, colored pants, leopard print, chunky booties and oversized clutches. They just get me. It's sweet. But onto what's important, peep the photos below of my two carefully constructed outfits for the day. And when I say carefully constructed, I most certainly mean: shit thrown into my bag at 4:15AM just before leaving to catch a 6AM flight.

blouse: The Kooples, jacket: Thakoon, pants: Topshop, purse: Proenza Schouler, necklace: DANNIJO

shoes: Burberry Prorsum

Hubba, hubba. Its just dawned on me that my shoes look like monster trucks. Chic. And then night fell.

blouse: The Kooples, sweater: T by Alexander Wang, skirt: Mikkat Market, booties: Chanel.

photos via Backseat Stylers, Holts Muse.

And of course, it ain't an outfit without some double fisted arm parties. Contents from my dad, DANNIJO and Pamela Love. Check out Holt Renfrew's new blog here...there's some video content! Because you'd asked, nail color is Chanel Peridot and may I add, very US passport chic. Thanks again for making me feel important, Canada. That was out of body, and you know, straight up capital F Fun.

Sinatra's Collar

2011-11-11T09:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in news that rocks: an anonymous commenter commented on this post that she had spotted none other than Man Repeller favorite, Alexa Chung clad in MR DANNIJO Sinatra collar. I figured Anonymous hadn't really perused attentively, maybe just wanted to redirect some attention elsewhere, and then I opened the link left and yes, yes, it was true.

I'm pretty stinking psyched. I think one of the most telling indications that I really was a Man Repeller back when this blog was a small little fetus was this one time after the Met Gala 2010 when I along with some lady friends rated favorite looks from the night. I wouldn't say too many people leaned toward Gisele's latex cross-hatch, but the votes spoke pretty well to this blog's aesthetic. Surprise struck though when I'd ranked Alexa number one in her Phillip Lim penguin suit and Chanel gladi-pumps. And said rating ladies disagreed. Think about it, people. Thin penguin in Chanel. Where else would one draw inspiration, really? Shortly thereafter I'd stumbled upon a video interview whereby she pronounced her style "quite tomboy." This was followed by a sentiment that expressed her liking toward fairly girlish clothing as well. But girly in the little girl sense. Like pouf-y dresses and peter pan collars and high necklines. I'm so right there with you. Finally, one time recently, I even had a dream we were having drinks at the Surf Lodge in Montauk and then played baseball. This is getting pretty creepy though. So let's get on to what's important because the real question here still remains...

Did she wear it best? We've extended sales through December, so shop your own shit here.