Letter of Rec #098: Raw materials must be weld

Some thoughts on creativity, and many more pairs of genie pants

I was reminded on Tuesday that Man Repeller (the personal style blog I started in college, which turned into a media company that was alive for ten years) started because of a pair of harem pants. They were technically no different from the genie pants that were highlighted earlier this week, with the exception being what drew me to them then vs. now.

When I was drawn to them at 20, I was trying to find/claim power. Becoming “man repeller” was initially a way to feel like I had a handle on my dating life — like I was in control of it and not beholden to a gaze that was incompatible with my own ideals of beauty. And in so many ways, Man Repeller really did liberate me. It helped me access my own agency. But the thing about freedom is that it’s a raw material. After you discover it, you have to learn how to use it. Which ironically requires a good amount of discipline and regiment. But there’s an unlock of power implicit in recognizing that too.

Tory Burch bodysuit, Chan Luu balloon capris (do also enjoy this bag) and here are some patent slides

At 36, it feels much more like I’m wielding as opposed to searching. Even though I’m essentially doing the same thing now that I did then (i.e. getting dressed to understand broader psychic themes). It reminds me of something I touched on a few weeks ago, that seems worth reiteration:

There is a well of potent energy inside of us all. This energy is tied to our creativity, is tied to our sexuality. It might in fact actually be those things. It is the power source — and the better we get about pursuing the outlets that connect us to our creativity, the more refined our deepest discharges become.

Where I might get dressed now to maintain consistent connection to my power source, you might take up sculpture, design, cooking, whatever. Doesn’t matter what the outlet is — doesn’t have to be for anyone but you, but I am convinced that if we truly want to get to know our power, to work with it gently, to work with it voraciously, we’ve got to take the risk of trying to find it at all.

Of getting to know ourselves creatively over and over.

I’m not saying to get a pair of genie pants, but I am saying it will be worth getting out there to pursue whatever kind of poetry moves you.

If, however, you are still thinking about the genie pants (we sold out both pair!), which definitely feel so hot right now because of Alaia’s bombshell of a Spring 2025 show and Chemena Kamali’s Chloe (full stop) — I have 6 good alts for you from: Old Navy, Gimaguas, Zara, By Malene Birger, Mango and a place called The Buddha Stone Shop (thank you Kate Sonnick!) —