Man Repeller: Seeking Love. Finding Overalls.

by Leandra Medine

Shearling boots. Draped ponchos. Shoulder pads. Turbans. Jumpsuits. These items are all glamorous, fashionable, and desirable - to women. But do they literally send men running in the opposite direction? Maybe, but Leandra Medine doesn't care.

A born and bred Upper East Sider, Medine's fashion epiphany occurred while mourning multiple broken relationships in the dressing room of uber-trendy Topshop in Soho. As she slipped into drop-crotch shorts and a boxed sequin blazer, it hit her: she didn't have a boyfriend because of the way she dressed. The more she thought about it, she realized that such outfits, such items of clothing, could measure her whole life. These essays, written with the author's signature sass and blunt honesty, explore the deep connection between our memories and the sartorial choices associated with them. From The Bermuda Shorts to The Magical Harem Pants, Medine relates with wit how she navigated her way into the most unusual item of all: The Inconsequential Big White Dress (And Organza Jacket). That's right, even the MAN REPELLER found love. This book is a collection of awkwardly funny experiences, a sweet love story and, above all, a reminder to celebrate and embrace a world made for women, by women.

• ISBN10: 1455521396
• ISBN13: 9781455521395
• Publish Date: 31 October 2013 (first published 1 January 2013)
• Publish Status: Out of Print
• Out of Print: 13 June 2023
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Grand Central Publishing
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 288
• Language: English

Reviews

[Hillary]

I have, to be honest here. I was terrified of reading this book. Ever since the disaster of that Cupcake and Cashmere book the thought of fashion people penning whole books sent chills down my spine. I mean they can BLOG, and they have garnered widespread attention through that but the books? Then I read Nasty Galaxy, and I felt better. I loved that book so much I ordered my own copy. Then my turn at the library came up for Man Repeller. I LOVE the blog. I mean dressing how you want to and not giving a fuck? Sign me up. Still, this was a blogger and would she be able to pen a whole book without sounding cheesy or whatever? Luckily the book was readable.

It was readable, but everything rubbed me the wrong way. I loved how she has an I will wear what I want attuned but part of me was like she has all of this money and she picks that shit to wear. Also, I am not that well versed in fashion language, so I had no idea what she was talking about unless there was a picture showing the object she was discussing.

While I took offense to her fashion choices, I had to admit she is a damn good writer. I loved how she structured the book. She picked pieces of clothes and made whole chapters out of it. I also loved her frank and openness concerning topics such as her first time having sex.  I will never forget how when she was climaxing she screamed I FORGOT TO TAKE OFF MY SOCKS! That is going as one of my best memories of 2017 fo sure.

This book is entertaining yes but is it is not groundbreaking in any way. It is more a memoir than anything. I was shocked that it was mostly text as she IS a fashion blogger but who am I to Judge how she decides to pen her memoir. The one thing that I had to pick about this book is that she briefly had a  weight problem then choose to get thin and has stayed that way. I dunno why it rubbed me the wrong way until I realized that I am doing the same thing. I put my mind to it that I was going to lose 150 pounds and so far I have lost 50 through sheer grit and hard work. SO maybe it is me that has some psychological issues to work through and not the book that is at fault.

All in All, I enjoyed this book. If you like alternative fashion, then I would recommend this book to you.This review was originally posted on Adventures in Never Never Land