The Insider: Leandra Medine

Leandra Medine, a.k.a. The Man Repeller, probably doesn’t need an introduction at this point. There’s the crazy-popular blog she created while still an undergrad at The New School (Prabal Gurung reads daily), the fantastic collaborations she did with Gryphon and Dannijo, and the model status she achieved after walking the Rebecca Minkoff runway this past NYFW. Here, she tells us a book is coming soon, too. —jiayi

Q: So, did you think you’d be doing this for a living?

A: I never thought I would be doing this as a career, but I’m really excited things worked out this way! I studied journalism in college and figured I would probably be working as a fashion assistant at a magazine.

Q: The Man Repeller just turned one. Has your style change since you started it?

A: I wouldn’t say it has changed, but it has evolved—just as the world of fashion does! The Man Repeller was never really about just dressing to repel men, but rather to wear what you want despite what others may think. Rock what yo momma gave ya and wear what you love!

Q: Where do you get your sartorial savvy from?

A: I come from a very fashionable family. Mis padres are quite the chic pair, so they made sure my brothers and I were always dressed to the nines. I have always been obsessed with clothes and have always gone all-out. 

Q: Tons of people read your site every day. What’s part of your regular internet diet?

A: It includes browsing the Shopbop website. Barneys also has many a page views a la moi. I have an online shopping habit—addiction is not even the word. 

Q: Have you made any exciting recent purchases?

A: Well, I just bought a kick-ass Dries Van Noten turtleneck sweater vest that I can’t wait to rock, even though it is still too warm outside. Buuut, I have no self-control—I’ll wear a sweater in 100 degree weather if I want.

Q: What are some other talents you’d like to share with the world?

A: How about lack of talent? I can’t touchmy knees. Like, really. But I love to write and will be releasing a book soon! And, I can make a mean challah—I’m very talented at kneading Jew bread.

Listen, we do this every week. This way for more awesome people.