Leandra Medine's Blog, page 646

Lessons We Learned from ‘Empire Records’

Amid the fashion industry’s uproarious dedication to 1970-something, it seems that the hype of the ’90s redux has quieted and settled into the cracks. The decade of high, square necks and wide, baggy jeans, minimalism, grunge, The Supermodel and Kate Moss is in no way forgotten; rather, the critical microscope has been momentarily lifted along with the fanfare and pressing trends. The 90s is free to claim as yours again.

And what better time than the present? Specifically, today: April 8, 2015. Susan Miller predicted it may inspire creativity and excitement from within, and though her hypothesis is based off the stars, surely she must also know that it’s Rex Manning Day.

For every baby of the 80s who was raised in the 90s, Rex Manning Day marks a moment of reflection — not to honor some washed-up man who Fran Lebowitz would likely call, “audibly tan,” but on behalf of Empire Records, a movie that shaped who we’ve become today.

If that’s a little hyperbolic, then at the very least we can agree it inspired our violent and unrelenting search for a cropped, baby blue mohair knit at least once in our lives. And whether you realize it or not, Empire Records taught us some important lessons:

1. The smarter you get, the shorter your skirt gets. This is why the flannel shirt was invented: to cover exposed butts should you bend down to pick up glued-to-the-floor pennies.

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2. If your boss hasn’t fired anyone yet today, why would she start with you?

3. If your short skirt still feels too precious, or you need to stand up to your bullies Gina and Debra, add combat boots.

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4. We probably all belong in a loony bin, every one of us…but that’s been established already, right?

5. However, there’s a remedy for sartorial overload-induced craziness: mom jeans and knit tops.

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6. Besides, like Mark said, “We mustn’t dwell.”

7. Never feel the need to explain your art to anyone. Especially if your art is dressing like Ethan Embry.

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8. It’s absolutely possible for a person to be in love with someone else and not even know it. Per the young sage Lucas, “In this life there are nothing but possibilities.”

You can, however, ask our Ask-a-Guy-Isaac about it.

And as for the perfect, cropped, baby blue mohair sweater?

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I’m close, but still looking.

Damn the man.

Spring Break in Berlin: a Photo Diary

For all of my expectations about spring break in Berlin, I never imagined I would fall in love with the city as much as I did.

I stayed in Mitte, the SoHo of Berlin (if SoHo wasn’t packed with tourists and still felt like a neighborhood). I spent a lot of time meandering down Augustraße and Mulackstraße, selecting stationary from RSVP and devouring every international magazine I could ever want from Do You Read Me?! (That’s the store’s punctuation, not mine.) By the end of the first week I’d gotten my bearings and could lead myself through most (ok, some) of Mitte and Kreuzberg without panicking about WiFi to access Google maps.

I became obsessed with the cinnamon rolls at Zeit för Brot (translation: Time For Bread). The massive buns come in a range of flavors — my favorite was marzipan — and the shop became my nut milk oasis.

The streets were oddly empty, leaving the big city to feel instead like an intimate, graffiti-filled village. Old Soviet warehouses, abandoned buildings and hidden, indoor pools were our midnight playgrounds — this place was Neverland. I’m usually not one for clubbing, but Berlin, where everyone wears shoes for dancing rather than hobbling, is a whole other pie.

This wasn’t the purpose of my trip, I swear. I was there with my senior thesis class to meet artists and see Berlin artwork and get inspired by a new environment. And the art in Berlin is amazing. It felt like a breath of fresh air after seeing the same visual aids in New York for the past four years, but the best parts of the trip were hands down exploring on my own and making new friends.

Now that I’m back I can’t shut up about it. I want to tell everyone about this magical fairyland where the people are pretty and the food is good and the subways are lined in shades of pastel.

But it wouldn’t be right if I did all the talking. So, tell me about your spring break — even if you just stayed on your couch. Anything’s better than working, right? Especially anything involving cinnamon rolls.

Photos by Krista Anna Lewis.

Feature Image: Porto Maggiano Horizontal, Massimo Vitali, 2011

The New 3 Piece Suit

Don a suit for your regular old rodeo and suddenly everyone’s asking you where the fax machine is. It’s a sharp look, that matching jacket and pant situation, but there’s something un-casual about the blazer/trouser combo — it’s too literal in the millennial workplace if the dress code doesn’t call for it, and too far out of context at a party or bar. Not that it’s anyone’s business, but if you wear a suit to a dinner on Saturday you’re asking for some fish-nostril to quip, “Hey Wolf of Wall Street, late night at the bank?”

To which you honestly should just respond with, “Yea, Gringotts — ever heard of it?” Because who the hell went and assigned them deputy career cop?

The allure of the suit is strong, though. It’s tempting when you’re feeling bold but don’t know what to wear. It appears smart, but it’s mercifully mindless: once you’ve picked out the suit, the core of your outfit is done. There’s no figuring out if A goes with B because the two main components already match. Suit pieces are the twins you wish your eyebrows would be.

There is a way, however, to up the ante of your suit while making the whole ensemble feel more relaxed. It’s a sartorial paradox — always a good sign — and chances are, you already own the key: take a cardigan (or a sweater vest) and turn your twinning tweeds into fraternal triplets. Then wear a tee underneath or flip a button down the wrong way.

Boom. It’s a three-piece-suit for the modern day human.

(Leandra modeled, since I gave that up years ago after the accident.)

Now, I’m well aware that vest-like objects can be intimidating and you may have some concerns:

1) Will it make me look like Pinocchio?

2) Will it make me look like Aladdin?

3) Will Regina George not let me sit with her?

4) Will I look like one of those guys who also wears fedoras and bad square toe “dress shoes” to “clubs”?

If your cardigan is sleeveless, then yes, but only if you take your jacket off.

So keep it on.

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BUT BEHOLD! There’s another way to do the tres leches of clothes-wear. It looks a little something like this:

You more or less find a robe suitable for public consumption, put your blazer over it and then chill the fuck out like an elegant queen who, quite honestly, could care less about whether or not there’s a fax machine in sight.

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Because, what even is a fax machine?

You just came here for the rodeo.

You Asked a Guy, He Answered

Hi Isaac!

I’m in a long-distance relationship with a guy who seems to no longer want to be in it. We’ve been going strong for a year and a half — well, as strong as you can be, given the circumstances — but over time he’s been worse and worse at replying to my messages. Even though I’m due to come visit him in the summer, he’s still blowing me off, telling me his work is just too much and I’m being too demanding. My girlfriends tell me men are like this and they just get a “one-track mind.” Am I crazy for thinking he’s blowing me off? Or are all dudes like this?

Sincerely,

Skyping in Seattle

Hey SiS,

No, you’re not crazy for thinking he’s blowing you off. No, not all dudes are like that. And unless you’re messaging him nonstop all day long and then getting upset with him when he doesn’t reply within 10 seconds, then no, you’re probably not being too demanding either.

I’ve been in situations where I’ve been away from a girl for a decent stretch and in an attempt to overcompensate we’d talk all day long from the moment we woke up to the moment we went to sleep, and that is a ridiculous way to live your life. I wouldn’t recommend it to anybody. But I think it is acceptable to expect a few text messages and a phone call every day, and maybe a video Skype session once or twice a week, not to mention a little enthusiasm about the fact that you’re going to visit him soon.

But let’s be honest: Long distance relationships are really really hard. It’s frustrating to be away from your person, it’s easy for resentments to creep in, and sometimes it just seems smarter to not put in the energy when it feels like you’re not reaping any rewards.

I would imagine he’s either frustrated with the relationship or he’s lost faith in it entirely. Neither scenario is particularly healthy for either of you.

I think you need to have a frank conversation with him about where you both stand. Ask the hard questions: Is the relationship working for the two of you? Can it be salvaged? Does he want you to visit in the summertime? Has he met somebody else? Should you call it off?

As far as I can tell, it’s the only way to move forward.

Best of luck.

***

Hi Isaac,

I’ll make this short: should I be worried if my boyfriend who spoils me with beautiful surprises and lovely messages all the time keeps on liking other people’s selfies on Instagram non-stop?

Thank you,

It Happened One Like

Hello Clark Gable,

Instagram has offered an entirely new and semi-legitimate way for boys to perv on (and attempt to flirt with) attractive strangers in various states of undress, and it can make some people feel very uncomfortable. All of a sudden you’re thinking, “Why does he keep liking pictures of people who look the opposite of me?” or, “Does he think s/he is hotter than me?” or, “Is he trying to cheat on me?”

Suddenly you’ve fallen down a deep hole of Internet sleuthing and you’re investigating every single person he’s followed within the past three months and checking those strangers’ geotags against the bank statement that you found lying around his apartment and you’re about ready to hire a private detective.

But I digress. To answer your question, it’s a matter of trust. It’s wonderful that he spoils you with beautiful surprises and lovely messages, but does he behave in ways that make you question his fidelity? Is double clicking selfies really the only thing he’s doing that gives you pause for thought? Or is this a symptom of a larger problem?

If you trust him implicitly, let this one slide. If you can’t, you could tell him that it makes you uncomfortable when he likes other people’s selfies. Honest communication is important in any relationship, but be aware that in this case, it might make him uncomfortable that you’re checking up on his Instagram activity.

However: If the trust isn’t there, then listen to your gut. Alarm bells are probably ringing for a reason. Life is too short for relationships that make us feel insecure.

***

Hi Isaac,

Please explain this to me from a male POV: I ended it with a guy I really connected with after a few dates because he was sending me major mixed signals and I didn’t want to get hurt — but he keeps popping back in my life with random texts and lots of Insta likes (it’s been 6+ months)… I still have a thing for him, but I don’t want to waste my time. What’s his deal?

Best,

When Harry Kept Liking Sally’s Instagrams

Hi Instagram Sally,

I would imagine his deal is either that he didn’t get what he wanted on his first attempt and would like to give it another try, or that he did get what he wanted and now wants round two.

If he was sending you mixed signals, you did the right thing in backing the truck up and ending it before you got hurt. Kudos to you for recognizing a game player and not pursuing it further than you did.

But let’s not wreck all that intelligent thinking and self preservation by succumbing to his charms six months down the track. Once a game player, always a game player. Trust me. And if game playing is his bag, nothing will be more attractive to him than the one that got away.

So let’s say he sweet talks you into coffee, then dinner, then drinks, then making out, then coming back to his apartment, then sex — even if this process is slow and drawn out — I would bet you anything that once he gets what he came for, the results will be exactly the same as they were before.

The crazy thing is that he might not even be doing it consciously. He might genuinely believe that he likes you and would like to try a relationship. But I literally guarantee that once he’s in it, he’ll be trying to figure out ways to get out, just like before. Because unless you’ve changed an enormous amount in the last six months, or he’s changed an enormous amount in the last six months, everything will be the same.

Like Einstein once said, “The definition of insanity is repeating the same action and expecting a different result.” No truer words have ever been spoken about relationships. Don’t waste your time!

*All names have been changed. 

Have a question for Isaac? Post your questions below. If you prefer to ask it in private, email write@manrepeller.com with ASK ISAAC in the subject line.  Follow him on Instagram here, Twitter here, and check out his website here.

How to Wear the Cropped Flare When You’re Short

I am intimidated by cats. I used to mistake my attitude toward Taylor Swift’s feline friends for fear, but now I’m certain that what I feel is intimidation. There’s a fine line between the two emotions; fear suggests an element of irrationality while the latter is often justified. And cats? I know it may be sacrilegious to say, but those lithe creatures are well aware of their intent to frighten.

I say this not to offend my office mates whose owner/cat relationships put T-Swift’s to shame, but to draw a potentially irrelevant comparison between mousers and spring’s most irrefutable trend, the cropped flare pant.

Both are as intimidating as caviar on a sour-creamed blini. Especially if you, like me, are short, and the people carrying said trays of blinis tower above you like NYC skyscrapers hell-bent on not using their knees. To those people I say, “I don’t like caviar anyway!” But I do liked cropped pants. It’s just, how does one adopt a trend that exaggerates a short frame?

My mother, who comes in at a proud 4’11”, taught me the lengthening power of the flare pant. The wide-leg silhouette elongates the leg and when worn over platforms can deceive even the most scrupulous Six Flags employee. Heaven knows I was never tall enough to ride. The thing about this 70s cropped style in question, though, is that’s all flare — no length. The pant’s mouth hits right at the ankle, cutting the leg in awkward eighths of roped salami.

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The most obvious solution is still the most effective: wear a platform.

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The cool thing about the cropped flare, however, is its versatility. Dress it down with a pair of neutral flatform sneakers…

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…Or if you’re feeling like that trend has been milked dry, wear the pants with a pair of mules or clogs.

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Both shoes give height without being overwhelming, and the clunkiness of the two options detracts from the awkward length. I’m not averse to pairing them with a kitty heel, but like I said, cats. Baby steps, though — literally, because you are walking too fast for me.

Actual (April!) Horoscopes

We experienced a full moon lunar eclipse on Saturday. According to my Astrological Sign or Die chick Susan Miller, full moons bring things to a close. They also make us a little emotional (so far this just sounds like a Sunday), encourage change, promote new beginnings, and cause a bit of rocky, sometimes uncomfortable growing pains in between. All of that is exasperated by the lunar eclipse factor.

So here’s how we’re going to do it this month: I’m gonna give you the Suz Mil main points, the celestial silver lining, and then, the shoppable remedy. Now let’s roll up our collective sleeves and do the damn thing; not to sound like a motivational Instagram or anything, but, we got this.

Aries

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET CAROLINE.

Uranus, “the planet of surprise,” will be very active this month. If that doesn’t sound like the beginning of a Pepto commercial, then Don Draper should just fire me now.

What this means: be ready for whatever may come, similar to the way you know what you’re getting into once you strap your ass into a roller coaster. Hang on, don’t pee your pants (or do, whatev), and we’ll all get through this month alive. Suz predicts that thanks to stupid Pluto, you may “lock horns” with a boss or client. If you do, shove a fist full of peanut butter in your mouth in an effort to keep quiet until you’ve thought everything through before you decide to say anything you might regret.

Happy thoughts: The second half of the month will be easier than the first — especially when it comes to your house of love, baby. Jupiter’s sending a “shimmering beam” to the Sun and Uranus which, while that sounds like a rash in the making, will actually positively affect all things dating, creativity, pregnancy (if you’re into that kind of thing) and romance.

Eclipse Armor:

A phone case to remind you to thinkb4uspeak, shades to shield you from haters, an extra pair of shorts in case you pee on that ‘coaster of life and a shirt just in case the one you were wearing doesn’t go with those new red shorts.

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Taurus

Susan is worried about the health of the Taurii. Or at least she’s concerned about this stupid eclipse that will affect the house that rules the steps we take to protect our health. This probably means we should be sleeping more, or get Fitbits.

She also predicts someone at work is going to start actin’ a fool. My bet probably should be on Leandra because fool is her second-to-middle name, but rather than begin a pre-emptive round of Colonel Mustard in the library with the dubstep, we’re cautioned to simply stay on our toes.

The sweet spot: Mars is chillin in our sign, giving us “exceptional drive, courage, and a fierce will to succeed.” Apparently Mars brings passion and energy, too. It’s like an oyster/matcha/coffee smoothie from above ready to light a much needed fire under our derrieres.

Eclipse Armor:

Pajamas to catch up on our zzs, heels to keep us on our toes (cute joke, huh?), a shirt that I just want and this is my sign, after all, plus a bracelet with a positive affirmation that won’t make anyone in wrist-view gag.

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Gemini

Your creativity is scheduled to be lit up today, Gemini. (Although, if you’re feeling brain-blah, Suzy sometimes says that the dates she predicts should be taken with a general 3-day before/after window, in which case it’s like, why predict a date? Whatever.)

Tomorrow, April 7, our girl “predicts” you might be tempted to put your dang foot in your mouth and chew on it like a baby with a dog’s paw. (Bet you’re missing Tom Selleck’s biography about now, aren’t ya, Gems?). Like Aries and door-Taurs, take deep breaths and pick your battle. Now is not the time to enter a rap battle.

The next day, however? The 8th. You’ll be a regular linguist. Thanks to Mercury tickling ye old planet of butts, your negotiation and communication skills are gonna be ~*OuTta ThiS WoRld*~ You’ll get some weird news today too but ain’t nothin’ you can’t handle.

Eclipse Armor:

A flask in case my ‘scope recaps are causing you to drink, a bandana to cover your mouth before you open it on the 7th, sandals just in case you do put your foot in your mouth, and a little somethin’ to satiate that creative side.

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Cancer

Hey crab waffles! Like Gemini, you’ll be busting out of the creative seams on April 8th. If your brain is feeling like soggy cereal today, just be patient. And use less milk next time. You should also be aware that a surprise is coming today. Suz was naturally extremely vague and unhelpful in that it could be good…or bad! Cool.

Where the first moon (and therefore first half) of April was annoying as fuq, however, the second one on April 18 will pump up your career and you’ll be running around like “Gahhhh I’m so successful omg I rule!!!” But keep your voice at an indoor decibel and remember that just because your boss is happy with you doesn’t mean you can stop wearing pants: in the next two weeks or so, it looks like a promotion or raise or a new client is a-comin. Stay focused.

Eclipse Armor:

A dress for success not the snooze button outfit comprised of everything I need someone else to buy so that I can live vicariously through you.

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Leo

“The project you are working on now appears to be capable of being a jewel in your crown when you finish it,” Susan croons because she’s obsessed with Leos, “forever having you cruise on a new level.” While this sounds fine and dandy, I have to be honest: my biggest takeaway was that you’re going on a cruise. One track mind, ya’ll.

Like everyone else, you may get some shocking news today. You may also suddenly be whisked away on a trip (see: Susan’s Leo favoritism and hint at a cruise.)

Not that you don’t ever have the planets on your side, but Jupiter in particular is favoriting you this month. However, you only have until mid-August to use its planet-y power, so take advantage of this now. Start setting things into action that you know you eventually want to come to fruition and maybe Train will sing a song about you, too.

Eclipse Armor:

For your floating hotel room…

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Virgo

Today is one of those anything-can-happen days, I’m just not sure if it’s going to be of the Ellie Goulding variety or the more ominous kind. You tell me in the comments but here’s hoping for a blonde English singer.

Keeping in line with this month’s sort of vague ‘scope, April 8 has the celestial potential to be a high intensity, nerve-packed day. Like you’re on a Real Housewives reunion episode or something. However, your mind will be on fire (drink a green juice, work out in the AM, buy a mini pomeranian), so that if you come across some sort of roadblock ($uz seems to think it might be financial) you’ll come up with a creative solution.

When it comes to money, show your home a little love. There’s nothing like coming home after a shitty eclipse day and crashing on a couch with pillows that aren’t made out of used tissues and burlap.

Eclipse Armor:

Shoes to keep you grounded, a necklace in case you’ve got a case-o-the-mehs, plus two things to make your home feel like a giant hug. 

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Libra

Let’s talk about a different day for once up in these April bore-o-scopes. On April 22, “Venus, the guardian planet to Libra, will work closely with Jupiter to make your evening a standout.” The whole day is supposed be awesome, actually, so make the most of it. I know it’s tempting to call out sick and roll around in a vat of olive oil, but seriously — take this day by horns because they’re less sensitive than balls and milk it like a cow because we needed one more bovied-related pun.

Before that, on April 11, Venus is going to be all up in your sign doing what Venus does best: spraying the kind of celestial love potion that makes you more alluring and charming than you already are. Wink, and the world will collapse at your baby toes in a swooning manner.

That said, now’s a good time to alter your appearance if you were thinking of getting a little somethin’ somethin’ done to your hair or to your Botox spots because in a few weeks we’ll have a retrograde messing shit up. Go shopping now, get the dye done now, and then relish in it. You babe.

Eclipse Armor:

Random whynots to up the flirt factor, right this way…

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Scorpio

Who even knows what normal means at this point, but on April 18 we’re gonna get a “normal” moon that gives you a booster seat in business, etc. (Cool projects, free t-shirts, the usual.) Like I said in the intro which you probably didn’t read because you were like, shut up and tell me when I’m gonna fall in love, eclipses are about the end of something. This new moon is about the start.

While April 21 will be all about the Benjamins, the next day will be sparkly as shit for your reputation. Maybe a project you’ve been working on will finally be recognized, maybe you’ll post an excellent Instagram. You just never know, Samantha Jones, but your career is on that upward rise.

If you haven’t felt the promise of a raise or promotion or accolades or something yet, get pushing. Put your nose to the grind, block out the haters like that Vine star with the spoons and have faith that your good efforts will pay off. And by pay off, I mean, cha-ching.

Eclipse Armor:

Dress for success without looking too snorporate while adding a pair of blinkers to block the dinkers.

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Sagittarius

Perhaps a bit more politely than Rihanna did, you may have to make like Bad Gal and ask someone for your money. Pluto’s about to retrograde on April 16 which means financial buttcramps, so take measures now to get the dolla billz you deserve.

Now here’s some nice news! The new moon in Aries on April 18 is not a shitty eclipse, and it will instead light your house of romance, fun, leisure, creativity, and children, per Suz. You’ve got a steady flow of banging energy for the next two weeks, and if you’re single (and don’t want to be), it will help you not be. In fact, it’s the best moon of 2015 for love, so get out of the house and use it or lose it.

The weekend of April 25-26 will be super romantic too. “You might want to kidnap your partner for a night away,” writes Susan who has suddenly become a psychopath. Totally your call though.

Eclipse Armor:

Vacation/staycation/kidnapping staples and inspiration

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Capricorn

The first few days post-eclipse sucks, but if you can grin and bear it you’ll get through it (watch out for any annoying Uranus-related surprises, though).

“I want you to take any opportunity to rest in April and to be good to yourself,” Susan says. She seems to think you’re some sort of celebrity who’s been quarreling with her manager for quite some time by the way she worded the former sentence that I did not include. “For you,” she continued, “a spa massage or facial would not be a luxury but a necessity.” Susan Miller, you just became a friend of the Capricorns!

If you’ve been worrying about your career, don’t. All will be fine. And on April 18, when the new moon arrives, take that time of new beginnings to address anything related to your home or family or taco stand. Take your time to sort things out, collect information, and collect call Susan if you barely own a lamp.

Oh, and as for love, if you didn’t meet someone last week, it’s looking really, really good until the 10th.

Eclipse Armor:

For that DIY spa session

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Aquarius

Susan Cupid Bean Spiller Miller wants you to “put a circle around April 22” because it is your most romantic day of the month. Venus in Gemini will receive a shower of golden beams from Jupiter, the good fortune planet and also, apparently, pee fetishes.

One has to wonder what Susan means by “circle,” but one also has to assume it’s G-rated at best. It’s a good day for you to get a blowout or nails or buy a new outfit, but Susan wants you to know that this isn’t just limited to the ladies: “If you are a male reader, you are included! Guys want to look handsome, cool, and intriguing too!” Amen they do.

On the weekend of April 25-26, Venus will receive “a shimmering vibration from Uranus,” which is a visual joke that for me, personally, just does not get old. She wants you to take a romantic getaway of some sort, or at least a staycation with a lot of food. She used the word “foodie,” but I ignored that. Still, re: chillin’ the most, don’t have to yank your legs twice, amiright, Aquarius?

Eclipse Armor:

A sweatshirt because she said shop, a ring to circle the 22nd, socks to help you feel cozy during the crap part of the month and camp shorts for your vacation or staycation with the heater on high at home.

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Pisces

“A new moon will always give you a portal of two weeks in which to work within, and the actions you take in that window of time will have the power to affect you positively for an entire year,” Susan taught us today. Since I’ve basically decided to ignore the eclipse completely now that we’re at the bottom of the horoscope boat, let’s focus on the new moon of the 18th, which is hanging in your house of earned income and therefore the best time to ask for a raise.

If you have any presentations to give or client meetings or appointments to beg at the mercy of your advisor, do so on the 21st when Mars and Pluto will be slappin’ each other five and making you look good.

As for the last weekend of April, where she’s hinting that a lot of us get out of town, she wants you to throw a party. “It would be a big hit,” she subtly hints while walking through your door uninvited with a plate of cheese and a bottle of wine. “Friends will be talking about your party for a long time afterward,” she finishes. Looks like I’m coming to your place at the end of April.

Eclipse Armor:

A dress to make you feel bold while asking for that raise, floral under-pinings for the same reason, shoes for your hostess duties, and a pretty top to top these horoscopes off.

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Illustration by Cynthia Merhej

New York Closets: Jennifer Fisher

Good style makes you think, I want to be that girl. Great style makes you believe that you can be that girl and somewhere between good and great, Jennifer Fisher, creative director and founder of Jennifer Fisher Jewelry, convinces you, by simple virtue of an optimal example-lead, that you probably already are that girl. You just need to get comfortable pulling her out of you. Do it with confidence, propelled by a pair of firm navy culottes or with skirt-cum-pants, to demonstrate an open-minded approach to style-as-punctuated-by-you. Wear as much jewelry as your wrists can manage and smile, dammit! It’s fun.

Monday:

It was gross out today and Tito was ready to come to work with me but I left him at home. I ended up having to change my shoes too, and wore my Givenchy snow wellies. I can’t wear socks with these Balenciaga boots.

Coat is Sacai, sweater is Barrie, culottes are JW Anderson, boots are Balenciaga, bag is Balenciaga. Dog: Tito Fisher (not for sale).

Tuesday:

Today I thought spring was coming. It felt okay to wear this white Ellery skirt and gray Balenciaga jacket. It wound up raining so I changed my shoes again. I scratched my red Chanel bag against a brick wall — it was like stepping on a white sneaker.

Sweater is Proenza Schouler, boots are Céline and sunglasses are Ray Ban.

Wednesday:

This is a lot of color for me but I felt brave because of the martians on this Stella McCartney top. And it was night time.

Pants are Chloé, clutch is Anndra Neen, shoes are Gianvito Rossi, cuff is Jennifer Fisher XL Crinkle Cuff and ring is Jennifer Fisher Rock Ring.

Thursday:

This is probably one of my favorite outfits to date in terms of comfort. The pants are by my friends the Baja East boys, who are the kings of making loungewear chic and wearable outdoors. Since I hate skirts, this is a good way for me to deal with it — an elongated skort of sorts.

Sweater is Marni, shirt is Baja East, sneakers are Alexander McQueen.

Friday:

I had meetings all day today and couldn’t deal with wearing regular pants (which is the norm) so I dressed up my Point Sur Denim/J.Crew ripped jeans.

Bag is Céline, coat is J.Crew, sweater is Equipment, shirt is J.Crew, tights are American Apparel and shoes are Fendi.

Saturday:

This is the day I spoke at Harvard. I needed to be comfortable for my trip to Boston because it was freezing. My good friend Victor Alfaro hooked it up. It was all blue but I didn’t look like a blueberry.

Coat, shorts and sweater are Victor Alfaro, boots are Chloé.

Sunday:

This is about as fancy as I get.

Dress is SEA, clutch is Céline, shoes are Gianvito Rossi.

Follow Jennifer Fisher on Twitter here, Instagram here, and visit her website here.  Can’t stop won’t stop looking at closets? You don’t have to! See them all here. 

Pacific Northwest, a Love Story

Home is a deep green. It is wet and foggy and cool. Home is a hood pulled up over hair, wiper blades in motion, a steady drumming against windows and roofs, a soundtrack to fall asleep to. It’s an excuse to run into buildings, to stay in and read, a puddle to jump over (and inevitably land in, soaking your leather boots). It’s a conversation to have at the doctor’s office, something to complain about. It’s romantic. It’s dreary. It’s melancholy. It’s rain that you only miss when you’re away.

At night you dream about stepping in mushy piles of leaves, the smell of the salty Sound mixing with the fresh water from the sky, days spent walking over slippery stones at the beach and a childhood of damp Christmases. You dream about soggy pant hems slapping against ankle bones, laying on a picnic blanket and having the green grass soak elbows, knees, and butts.

Home is old men joking about “liquid sunshine,” wet handles on shopping carts, hairstyles that turn to frizzy curls with your first steps outside, air that hydrates each breath, precipitation that sits on skin. It’s a perfect backdrop to watch a scary movie, drink a cup of tea, take a nap, cuddle your limbs into someone else’s, bake a seedy loaf of bread, reflect, ruminate, whistle, wonder, wait…

But really, it’s the smell. It’s the freshness. It’s the way it makes everything look like an enchanted jungle. It’s the way it makes you think of your dad hunched over the newspaper eating Triscuits, a library book on your mom’s small lap, a sister eating cheese and drinking wine that a parent has paid for while a free load of laundry spins in their machine, your nephew questioning everyone about the life cycle of a dinosaur. Maybe I’m curled up in a quilt. And outside it’s raining.

Want to submit something to the Man Repeller Writers Club? Check out this week’s prompt here, and all past stories here. 

Image Shot by Ryan McGinley for Edun S/S 2013 Campaign

Pacific North West, A Love Story

Home is a deep green. It is wet and foggy and cool. Home is a hood pulled up over hair, wiper blades in motion, a steady drumming against windows and roofs, a soundtrack to fall asleep to. It’s an excuse to run into buildings, to stay in and read, a puddle to jump over (and inevitably land in, soaking your leather boots). It’s a conversation to have at the doctor’s office, something to complain about. It’s romantic. It’s dreary. It’s melancholy. It’s rain that you only miss when you’re away.

At night you dream about stepping in mushy piles of leaves, the smell of the salty Sound mixing with the fresh water from the sky, days spent walking over slippery stones at the beach and a childhood of damp Christmases. You dream about soggy pant hems slapping against ankle bones, laying on a picnic blanket and having the green grass soak elbows, knees, and butts.

Home is old men joking about “liquid sunshine,” wet handles on shopping carts, hairstyles that turn to frizzy curls with your first steps outside, air that hydrates each breath, precipitation that sits on skin. It’s a perfect backdrop to watch a scary movie, drink a cup of tea, take a nap, cuddle your limbs into someone else’s, bake a seedy loaf of bread, reflect, ruminate, whistle, wonder, wait…

But really, it’s the smell. It’s the freshness. It’s the way it makes everything look like an enchanted jungle. It’s the way it makes you think of your dad hunched over the newspaper eating Triscuits, a library book on your mom’s small lap, a sister eating cheese and drinking wine that a parent has paid for while a free load of laundry spins in their machine, your nephew questioning everyone about the life cycle of a dinosaur. Maybe I’m curled up in a quilt. And outside it’s raining.

Want to submit something to the Man Repeller Writers Club? Check out this week’s prompt here, and all past stories here. 

Image Shot by Ryan McGinley for Edun S/S 2013 Campaign

Men Leaning In Throughout History

Happy Friday, weirdos.

Love and Lean Cuisines,

Team Man Repeller