Monthly Archives: November 2010

Fedoras, Fur Jumpsuits and Feminism? A Closer Look at The Message of New Tongue and Cheek “Man Repeller” Blog


Tonight, as I began my daily post-work ritual of reading fashion blogs in bed while listening to Taylor Swift (yes, I really am that cool), I came across a blog curiously titled, The Man Repeller. The insatiable journalist living inside me was instantly intrigued. A blog dedicated to repelling men? Was this a joke? I had to know more.

The tongue and cheek site created last April defines a man repeller as a woman who dresses herself in a sartorially offensive way that will result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include, but are not limited to, harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls (see: human repelling), shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs.

The Man Repeller celebrates fashion choices in the vein of Lady Gaga and Carrie Bradshaw (in early Sex and the City episodes). From giant hair bows to fur jumpsuits, “fashion” items that blatantly flout traditional notions of sex appeal and notoriously mystify the heterosexual male species are featured. Additionally, the blog provides readers with advice on how to take conventionally “sexy” items (like snug leather pants) and “de-sexify” them (throw on an oversized knee-length plaid poncho, of course!)

While the tone is light and humorous, the underlying message really got me thinking about fashion, what it means to me and my friends, and how it influences and is influenced by our perceptions of ourselves as women. How much of the clothing heterosexual women wear is an attempt (whether conscious or unconscious) to attract the male gaze, and how much is a statement of individuality and art?

I would argue that the site’s celebration of ways a woman can remove herself from her societally enforced role as a sexualized object through the very medium that subjects her to that role in the first place (the fashion industry and popular media) is actually pretty powerful. What do you think? Would any of you feel bold enough to leave the house in some of these accessories? How about go on a first date?

My new favorite way to workout!

Quick Quiz:

Question:

What do you get when you combine a roomful of women in spandex, loud speakers blasting Far East Movement’s “Like a G6”, and an extremely toned woman dressed as Lady Gaga ordering you to clench and unclench as you perform sun salutations?

Answer:

A hip-hop yoga class on Halloween, duh!

A few weeks ago, while visiting Boston to attend my cousin’s wedding (congrats Joanna and David, you are adorable!), a close girlfriend and I experienced this playful and expressive form of yoga together for the first time, and loved it!

So if you’ve ever found yourself getting bored in a traditional yoga class, or your two left feet leave you in fear of enrolling in a traditional dance class, give Hip Hop yoga a go, and be prepared to sweat!

I love fall…


I’ve fallen in love with this charming fall-themed pic of my beautiful friend, Kristen Boyd 🙂

Photo By Odessa Cozzolino

Style Envy: Catherine on The Vampire Diaries

I have been a bit obsessed with The Vampire Diaries lately. I know, I know. It’s a teeny bopper version of True Blood that continues to feed Hollywood’s teen-vamp obsession, but what can I say, I’m hooked! I am particularly intrigued by the wardrobe of the stunning centuries-old vampire villain, Catherine (played by Nina Dobrev). Though her character is certifiably psychopathic, her clothes are to die for (no pun intended). Whether she’s dressed as an adorable southern belle living in the 1800s or an edgy 21st century bad girl, she always looks amazing. Check out some of her best looks above.

Pretty things…

Here are a few things that have caught my eye lately…

-Just discovered “Pitter-Pat” by Erin McCarley and am in love…
-Looking for a lovely holiday gift for a special girl? Check out Girls Can Tell for adorable custom screen printed crafts.
-Wondering how to get started in a career in fashion, writing, blogging, or internet marketing? Little Miss Careerist has some great tips and resources!
Le Love is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite blogs out there.
Have a great week and keep smiling!!
xoxo