'Tis the Season to Be Man Repelling, or Is It?

Fellow Repellows, below you will find a post that I wrote for the Harper's Bazaar blog.

To read the article I wrote for their December issue, click here. 

...I wonder if Katy Perry and Russell Brand are reading it as we speak. 

To disregard the above plugs, you can just stay here and read on.

Getting in the holiday spirit should be no difficult feat what with the enormous turkey dinner awaiting us later this week, an influx of bright holiday lights adorning city streets, and the prospect of fun holiday parties to come. For man repellers though, getting in the holiday spirit means something else, something a little more stylish: a trip to Valentino for elegant bows and ruffles to emulate Christmas gifts, bright green and red accents (Chanel nail art, anyone?) to get the colors right, and excessive sequins—head to toe, if you will—so to be the shiniest star on New Years Eve.

That said though, the holiday season also often calls for many a man repeller to lose her marbles. All of a sudden, her harem pants are looking less sophisticated. Her shoulder pads are feeling a bit wide, and her wedges are too chunky. Yes, it’s time for the holidays and even the proudest man repeller may find herself singing along as Mariah Carey preaches “all I want for Christmas is you.” I for one, will certainly be singing along but to a pair of Proenza Schouler wedges. Who will you sing to? If you’re still unsure about how you intend to get in the spirit, fear not because below you’ll find renditions to get in to each character.

First things first, whether you want to man-get or man-repel, Christmas is always a great excuse to dress the part.

Top: Vanitas, Skirt: Kimberly Taylor, Belt: Chanel, Shoes: Marni

And you thought dressing up as a Christmas tree was out of question. You see how many birds I’m hitting with this stone? There’s even a hint of Peter Pan in the ensemble. Here’s to that.

In the event you find yourself trying to look a little less contraceptive-chic, try something that bares a bit more skin and shows off the sexy curves you’ve nearly forgotten you have.

image via Chuck Grant

Bustier: Topshop, Skirt: Max Azria, Shoes: Marni

While this outfit may be too sultry, (I'll blame the velvet couch and my positioning on said couch,) combining even just one element of the overall look will work in your favor. A tight short skirt will add sex appeal to even your thickest shoulder pads and  the cropped bustier will diverge attention from your usual outrageously high waisted trousers. Try it for yourself. Who knows, you may end up with a date this New Years Eve.

If however, even the holidays won’t stop you from engaging in your usual man-repelling behavior. I’m right there with you.

Sweater: Dolce & Gabbana, Skirt: M Missoni, Shoes: Marni

Who needs a date when you can just meet me under the mistletoe? We’ll talk Lanvin and make a toast to turbans. 
 Look for the well-dressed ostrich; I’ll be waiting for you.

(...but not in a Lesbianish way, I'm straight. Call me!)

Can You Be in Fashion and Still Get a Man? via Harper's Bazaar Magazine
'Tis the Season to Be Man Repelling, or Is It? via Harper's Bazaar Blog