Not too long ago I was shopping and decided to buy a pair of harem pants. I realized that although I loved them and they were extremely comfortable, they were not at all flattering.
And then I discovered www.manrepeller.com . For those of you that have never heard of it, it was a website started by Leandra Medine. Though Leandra is still in school (a senior at The New School) her career has already taken off with her blog and being featured in Harper’s Bazaar.
The Man Repeller further explained the thoughts I was already having about current fashion trends. Medine’s blog is fashionable, but also real and honest. She says she is aware that her style doesn’t necessarily attract men.
man·re·pell·er1 [mahn-ree-peller]
–noun
outfitting oneself in a sartorially offensive way that will result in repelling members of the opposite sex. This includes but is not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls (see:human repelling), shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.
She once referred to a pair of acid-washed, harem styled jeans in an interview as something she would wear if she would never want to have sex again. She explains that she believes men like clothing “tight and simple”. Shoulder pads make women look like football players and harem pants do nothing for our shapes, detracting from what attracts a man.
The entire blog is based on an inside joke. She does not discourage following these trends. Leandra’s advice to her readers is to “exploit” a trend that you love and make it your trademark.
Remember, Carrie Bradshaw was constantly in “man repelling” outfits and she did just fine. The truth is, most men just don’t understand fashion. So don’t be offended if your boyfriend isn’t thrilled about your turban, harem pants or weapon-like jewellery. You wear your clothes, they don’t wear you. You are more fabulous than any outfit you buy.
Nour
July 27, 2012 at 1:34 pmGreat work, Roselin!