Grrrrrrrrrr

Seriously, the more "enlightened" I become by the existence of revoltingly-preppy (read: boring, conservative, and risk-averse) Plain-Janes who claim they are these earth-shattering fashionistas, the more I want to continue harshly scrutinizing their so-limited creativity, shred anything I own that remotely reminds me of going to school in the South, and then invite their pastel-piqué-cotton-sporting selves to do the entire fashionsphere a favor by kindly jumping off a cliff (and taking their painfully-awful Vineyard Vines totes with them, while they're at it). Aggressive, violent, geedy? Yes. But to call these sentiments unwavering would be an egregious understatement, especially as a seasoned fourth-year undergraduate whose summer was spent socialite-ing around the world's greatest city and being exposed day-in and day-out to what fashion truly means. Attention all die-hard Jack Rogers and Vera Bradley fans aka logo-obsessed fools: I dare you to spend an afternoon in Chelsea. Yup. Enjoy being ripped to shreds by people with aesthetic standards that aren't shallow as a shower.

Here's an inspirational outfit that if attempted in Winston-Salem would undeniably warrant snide comments from just-left-the-kitchen slampieces and confused stares from frat daddies (all hail the mighty and magnificent Man Repeller).

Lace Tee

Kimchi Blue, $32

Venice Denim Shorts

Friend of Mine, $165

Leather Double Keeper Tipped Waist or Hip Belt

ASOS, $34

RSASKTH1 Polyester Solid Thigh-High Sock

American Apparel, $16

Bowmer Suede Wedge Heel

Aldo, $100

The Bike Bag

Madewell, $98

Also, on a completely unrelated note, I really fucking want the Lita's. Now.

Lita, Pewter Glitter

Jeffrey Campbell, $160

LOLZ how would people react if they saw me doing finance problems while I was sporting these, along with my brand-new white Studio Beats? Social experiment time.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

The university sartorialist

Sam Edelman Zoe platform wedge ankle booties. Barely-there denim cutoffs… sheer floral tights… a black scoop-neck crop top… a suede fringe vest… and lastly, two thin pyramid-studded belts and a buttery-leather hobo bag essentially serving as the peripheral goods of the outfit. Welcome to my world. As skillful as I am at distracting myself from the true applications of Productions and Operations Management by dreaming up these whimsical sartorial concoctions, I will rightfully admit to being even more of a Style Rookie than Tavi Gevinson. So what does this have to do, you may ask, with the photo of the stunningly handsome guy in the picture below?

Ladies, meet my best friend (aww), eligible bachelor Angel Reyes. As NUE Agency’s blog editor and social media director, this city kid’s effortlessly put-together style always makes me feel much less harsh in pleading guilty to becoming somewhat of a snob in terms of my standards of dressing. Crediting sources like Kanye and Lupe as former style influences, Angel utilizes his personal style as a tool to maneuver through the music industry with artist and event promotion both in New York City as well as here at Wake.

The look shown here made a recent appearance at Mountain Weekend formal in the classiest of classy locales: Oak Hill, West Virginia. Viewing this outfit under a microscope, each piece pulls equal weight as Angel makes brilliant use of balance and layering, two concepts central to my own fashion philosophy. The Tommy Hilfiger fitted v-neck knit/Club Monaco button-down match is a combo familiar to many fraternity formals, but the slim-fit 7 For All Mankind jeans are what truly make the outfit noteworthy. Name one other guy at Wake who has the balls to pull off this look successfully. I rest my case.

Bringing the design aesthetic of Ralph Lauren (not only Polo, but also brand extensions Rugby and Club Monaco) to life, Angel personifies the classicism and luxury heritage of a supreme lifestyle brand. Also citing companies like Band of Outsiders, Generic Surplus and 7FAM as favorites, Angel reveres basic pieces because they “give you more opportunity to just put together a bunch of things and make a great-looking outfit—there’s no room for doubt or indecisiveness. You have to be confident about your choices.” Speaking of confidence, things to keep in mind girls? Angel declares, “The most attractive girls to me are the ones that know they’re wearing something different, don't really care, and look great doing it.”

On the subject of Wake’s “pretty generic” fashion scene, Señor Reyes states, “There’s a pretty standard look for everyone, but then again, it’s college. You see everyone at their best and you see everyone at their worst. Nothing really wows me here; everyone dresses safely. The culture of this school doesn’t promote individuality as far as style and fashion go.” Hearing this time and time again, I can’t help but wonder what it is then that prompts everyone to adhere so closely to these so-called rules of dressing. Any famous last words, Angel? Referring once again to on-campus style, he admits, “I wouldn't really change anything. I don't think people should really be worried about developing their individual style during college. It's really not that important when you stack it up against everything else that you’re doing. As most people develop, style fills the gap between how you see yourself and how you want other people to see you. It's in there somewhere—everyone has style. It's a matter of finding a way to express it without seeming like you’re trying.”

Cross-posted HERE.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

I die

Very rarely do I go through phases of shoe obsessions (scoff all you want, I promise you it's true), but fall transitioning into winter has messed with my head in more ways than one. While I have yet to pick out the perfect heeled combat boot that was meant for me and only me, a drastically different style has caught my attention and refuses to exit my daydreams. Meet Zoe by Sam Edelman.

Sam Edelman

Zoe, $199

Not to too-closely reference the stylist herself, but these shoes are just to-die-for. They are quintessentially esoteric footwear. In reminiscing back a few months, I wonder what truly drew me to these jaw-droppingly hot booties. Besides the indescribably cool geometric shape, I also really loved that quilted harness detail on the side, reminding me of my chocolate brown equestrian boots (quilted Aigner logos on the sides, smooth leather at front and buckles at the ankle. RIP) which were impressively versatile. Go shoes with hardware. I love the fact that Zoe is not a wedge nor heel, but rather a hybrid of both styles. Usually, juxtaposing leather with suede freaks me out unless I'm proven otherwise, but this style is just brilliant. The fact that you can remove the harness lowers the dimensions of the shoe a bit for more conservative occasions, while still leaving a good deal of interest in place. Anything less is just plain unacceptable.

sans the harness via Zappos

Now, I know this shoe is quite the throwback to Balenciaga's 2006 F/W appropriately titled Harness Boot which was brilliant far beyond its time, but Zoe stands her own ground. While the designer original certainly served as inspiration for this style's creation, they are worlds apart. Both are appealing (please, who could say no to Balenciaga?), but I truly do think Zoe better personifies my style. The blunter chunky heel adds a greater degree of wonder than does the more conspicuously acute-angled heel of the Harness Boot. Zoe fascinates me in that while it channels a classic quilted handbag mixed with nighttime city chic, it also seems to be a versatile design that I could live in day in and day out (the feasibility of walking in nearly six inch heels on the regular, however, is another story).

This post also served as the perfect opportunity to reference yet again my undying love for the late Alexander McQueen's genius Armadillo Heels. I don't know what it is about freakily-shaped boots that look beyond-impossible to walk in, but some kind of splendor permeates these heels, making them so damn interesting to look at. Again, Zoe's anything-but-usual geometry is comparable to that of McQueen's famed hoofs; both are drizzled with intrigue and have captivated me completely. So, maybe it wouldn't kill me to invest the first $200  here and the rest in stocks as planned. I've never deserved anything more appropriately in my life.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Statement pieces

There is nothing remotely average about sophomore Bentrice Jusu’s personal style. Flaunting an easy light-wash denim button down and versatile black skinny jeans (both coveted staple items in my own transitional summer-to-fall wardrobe), I was determined to introduce myself to and get to know this walking textbook definition of nonchalant urban chic. What first caught my eye about Bentrice’s entire getup were her utterly awesome boots, a hybrid of the hiking boot, combat boot and high-top flat oxford—an undeniable necessity for fall. Where the majority of Wake girls tend to constantly over-utilize their beloved chestnut UGG Classic Short/Tall’s, Bentrice instead opted for personality-packed lace-up boots that scream distinction and command attention. Her worn camel-toned leather boots take a new spin on the traditional black leather combat boot popularized recently by Megan Fox in the “Love the Way You Lie” music video which I recently wrote about.

My reverence for the rest of the outfit worked from the ground up. One of the first blog posts I ever wrote was about my favorite black denim J Brand skinny jeans. With the form-fitting cigarette leg and inconscpicuous yellow/orange stitching, my favorite dark skinny jeans are a familiar wardrobe staple for the most esoteric of fashionistas. Like Bentrice, I also love the stylistic effect that comes from tucking jeans into the chunkiest of boots—if you’ve seen me on campus at all, you’ll know that I really could not survive a day without my trusty Sam Edelman cowboy boots. 

On top, a denim button-up is one of the simplest outfit enhancers that exists today. Matching it with a pair of rain-wash leggings or even sporting it unbuttoned over a monochromatic silky floral babydoll dress like I suggested here (or even a pair of dark-wash denim skinny jeans—don’t let the jeans-on-jeans aspect deter you) instantly challenges an outfit to go one step further. Instead of opting for the typical cuffed-sleeve, pastel-pink-and-white-striped PRL oxford to wear with a pair of bootcut 7FAM’s and black patent Reva flats (perhaps the safest of safe Wake uniforms), I commend Bentrice for making a statement with her ultimately cohesive outfit appearing as if it were just thrown together without a thought more—which is probably my favorite statement made of all.

Cross-posted HERE.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Man Repeller

What Is A Man Repeller?

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. 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.

–verb (used without object),-pell·ing, -pell·ed.

Some of my introductions to the most legitimate resources in fashion can be attributed to the brilliant and gorgeous Kendall Thornton, whom when I first met was sporting Louboutin's as well as a bottle of Dom Perignon in the Pike lounge. Clearly, I had to meet this girl. Though she's busy being the shit working for Weber Shandwick in Boston, I would (almost) give my cream silk Marc Jacobs scoop-neck to have her back in Winston with me for a casual Friday afternoon wine and venture-planning session.

Now, with regards to the most curiously-titled site of all time, one could not ask for a set of more playful, cleverly-written entries where a certain Little Miss Style Blogger does not take herself too seriously. Just a single day of Leandra's posts kill me with intrigue. How is it possible to be so witty, composed and nonchalantly cool... ALL THE TIME? With the most recent entries highlighting Chloé wedges with wicked Missoni socks, fur hats à la Holly Golightly and fun capes inspired by my personal favorite of the American Girl dolls, Samantha Parkington (obviously because she was rich, had pretty hair, lived in New York and came with the best accessories-- who else could afford an ice-cream parlor?).

The UK Telegraph's Fashion section best sums up Man Repeller as "Sartorial advice for girls who love the clothes men hate." I've definitely heard the wise words time and time again that "Girls don't dress for guys-- girls dress for other girls", but Man Repeller takes this statement to an entirely new level and I could not be more pleased. With recent respect to utilizing two hardware-heavy belts, Leandra writes, "Step 2: Set a trend and then incorporate it into your outfit. I think more people should start layering belts. It's fun, looks cool, and will confuse the shit out of the male species, so I'm going to wear two belts." Hope that little snippet gives you a taste of how utterly awesome she she is.

Below are some of my favorite Man Repelling style concepts. Not necessarily all real-life-approved, but definitely aspirational to the max.

Get the Look for Less: Proenza Schouler F/W 2010

17 November 2010:

I'm a huge fan of this entire ensemble. I chose not to include the ghostly Proenza Schouler runway models, but this innovative outfit emulates the collection perfectly. I die looking at this brilliant skirt from Zara and am now totally inspired to try these red lips with matching T-strap dancing heels.

Trend Spotting: Stolen from the Superhero, The Cape

16 November 2010:

Who would have thought I really would have been swayed by an soft sky blue poncho-type contraption? I really love the contrast of the blue and the black-- very 1940's NYC socialite. I actually do love this look to extremes; maybe man repelling will come in handy if I anytime soon experience any more events like those which transpired this summer. So xoxo Gossip Girl.

From Man Getter to Man Repeller: Leather Pants

15 November 2010:

Leather pants and leopard print... what other combo could so easily make guys scratch their heads in confusion, then do a 180 and pursue the girl across the room wearing the much more familiar skimpy-ass dress and hooker heels reminiscent of the trashiest rap video in entertainment history? This one gets points. I'm curious to see what would happen should I actually execute it.

Guess the Blogger Pose: Trousers and Capes and Fur...Oh My!

8 November 2010:

This look breathes Holly Golightly! I'm such a fan and really do want to match a houndstooth or orange wool coat with a cozy fur hat and Warhol-esque shades, just to see guys' reactions. See ya, 10-year-old-brained Wall Street guys in suits. My girls Tina and Dani would be proud.

How to Get Style Snapped

2 November 2010

(This post also includes a beyond-brilliant segment on layering. Just genius.)

Notice: Blog Break Ahead

20 October 2010:

I LOVE THIS LOOK. Period. I can't get enough of sheer tights with denim cutoffs, and the Louboutin's and crisp white shirt make it all the much better. This exudes pure chic and is a quintessential man repelling outfit.

DIY  Your Own TurBAND

11 October 2010:

Now this look is something I could try in real life. Of course, I used to (read: two weekends ago) own a red chain-print scarf just like this, but it somehow blew away with the wind at most recent football game thanks to a bit too much Four Loko and Disco Pogo. Sigh. Regardless, I love the light-wash denim button-up tucked into the dark bottoms, and those sliced-front shoes are classy as hell. I'm a fan.

Paris Fashion Week: The Olympics of Man Repelling

5 October 2010:

Again, I really want to try this headwrap business. I don't know if I'd be too miniature for these American Apparel-style pants but I love the entire look together. So much interplay of color, texture and movement.

Guess the Blogger Pose: Snorkling Sex Monsters of the Sea

24 August 2010:

Why am I strangely attracted to these Cousin It-like boots? Leave it to Opening Ceremony to create the ultimate in man repelling footwear. I don't know why I am in such support of these fuzzy skunk-on-a-shoe things, but the more I look at them the more cool they get.

Rock My Ankle Sock

19 August 2010:

The same goes for these hairy booties. As much as I myself was repelled at first, and assumed this post was a sick joke, I actually really want a pair of these things. Going back to my usual drunken "I wish I were blonde!" rant, these boots would give me the chance to try out giving myself an excuse for blonde moments, even if the blonde were on my shoes instead. I know 99% of the reason I'm so drawn to this wonder is because it's basically a pair of blonde-haired cowboy boots. I'm so smart.

Hello from Cannes

6 August 2010:

Probably the least man repelling of them all, but I am in love with this look. Of course, it makes use of several of my favorite pieces: cuffed denim shorts, a pain white tee, a leather jacket (draped and inspired by a summer-minded Kara Fabella) and fratty plastic neon shades. Even though I'd probably get stares even with this mild look at a lounge party, I'd be willing to take one for the team and try it out. Only time will tell.

Now don't you feel so much more educated?

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

ASOSOS

I'll never forget when Jenn introduced me to ASOS freshman year. Sitting at a table in Benson (back when I studied somewhere else but Calloway-- vintage, I know), I was astonished at the sheer volume of inventory a single online retail establishment could hold. What's more was that they had this innovative "View Runway" tab where you could see the garments in a moving context... fantastic. Little did I know, I was in for a sweet surprise when I walked into the lobby of the Greater London House building that housed Rainey Kelley Campbell Roalfe Y&R. Originally attending a branding presentation at the creative firm for my marketing class, I soon found myself gazing starry-eyed at a frosted glass sign directing me to ASOS.com, second floor. Oh, word? Of course, I repeatedly asked my housemates in a daze, "Is the ASOS headquarters really here? Is this where the ASOS office is?" and naturally, no one knew/cared/had even heard of ASOS before. Textbook definition of esoteric lifestyle right there.

So yes, I enjoyed my little adventure and made a mental note to return as soon as possible. In whose else's life but my own would it be totally appropriate, not to mention expected, to accidentally stumble upon the headquarters of ASOS.com while causing trouble all over London? I recently rediscovered my love for the website when I received my daily Business of Fashion e-mail, notifying me that ASOS had just recently launched a US site, offering such luxuries as free shipping for American customers. Baller. Pounds to dollars conversions always depresses me anyway. Looking ahead, the company is launching its French and German sites later this year, driven by the fact that they now cater to 167 markets. So freaking inspiring. See, these are the things that get me so excited for real life.

Below are my very favorites of the over 2,000 dresses (60 pages, at that) that I perused accidentally-on-purpose after popping my dailies to start my multi-linear regression analysis problem set. Oopsies. The best part about these selections is that they're all on sale, hence ASOS-OS. I adore the frilly feminine details on the shoulders and the crinkle-paper-esque bodices. My favorite piece of all is undoubtedly the super-playful Wiggle Hem Dress, which would totally be deemed a "Carrie Bradshaw dress" according to the stylish Miss Theresa Breitton's judgment. We all need one, so why deny this personality-filled LBD, especially for a should-be-illegal $30. Love.

Wiggle Hem Dress, $30

Ruffle Organza Tipped Edge Bandeau Dress, $30

High Shine Structured Dress

Mango, $40

One Shoulder Ruffle Front Dress

Aqua, $76 

Wiggle Hem Bandeau Dress

Rare, $61

 Waterfall Sleeve Belted Dress, $19

Organza Flower Hem Tank Dress, $34

Blouson Fringe Dress

Warehouse, $67

One Shoulder Organza Dress, $27

Black Dress with Bows, $24

 Lazer Petal Dress

Rare Opulence, $78

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.