­

Why Did or Why Don’t: Blame the French

By |October 10th, 2012|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|

chanel hula hoop bagChanel’s Srping 2013 show was much buzzed about in many thanks to the biggest Chanel bag you’ll never own.  Yes, that hula hoop she’s carrying is actually a very expensive beach tote.  I mean, why not?  How else are you gonna get your towel to the sand?  It’s not going to carry itself.

Well, what was most shocking to me was not the circus like accessories, but rather the manicures on the models’ lengthy fingers.  Oh yes, that’s right, they were sporting a little something that we like to call a French manicure.  Now, tell me I’m not alone here when I can only associate this particular manicure with acrylic tips and tanning beds.  Basically the only thing worse than a French manicure… is a French pedicure.  But alas, Chanel took it there.  Sure, some may call it a “classic” but to me, there is nothing modern about this classic and I’m not thoroughly convinced that this particular trend ever needs to make it back into the rotation.

Chanel French Manicure

A bientot.

xx,

WhyDid

images via Style.com and Elle

Why Did You Wear That: Did I Do That?

By |October 9th, 2012|Why Did You Wear That?|

steve urkelYou know you’re getting old when you start saying things like, “They don’t make ’em like they used to.”  Well, from time to time I wax poetic about “classic” TV and some of the shows I grew up with.  Yes, I love The Nanny, Full House, and Who’s the Boss?, but let us not forget the great Family Matters starring the obnoxiously lovable, Steve Urkel.  Sure, sure he spent the majority of his time chasing around Laura Winslow and in hot pursuit of cheese, but perhaps we sold this geek a bit short.  No, I don’t mean his alter ego, Stefan.  I’m talking about his studious style that could very well be translated into something quite cool for modern day.

dress like steve urkel

1. Cutler and Gross D-Frame Acetate Optical Glasses, $470, 2. J. Crew Holden Plaid Cotton Blend Shirt, $78, 3. Steven Banx Two Tone Oxfords, $129, 4. Forever 21 Hooded Varsity Cardigan, $22.80, 5. Forever 21 Suspenders, $8.90, 6. Rag & Bone Dash Slouchy Skinny Jeans, $198,

See? suddenly Steve is looking a little less geek and a bit more chic.  And if I told you I hadn’t sung late night karaoke somewhere in Koreatown with Urkel himself, that’d be a lie.

If all else fails, Halloween is just around the corner.  Did I do that?

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Forevergreen

By |October 8th, 2012|Setting the Mood|

fall 2012 green color trend

We’ve already identified oxblood as one of this fall’s standout shades for apparel and accessories, but there’s another hue that’s sure to be a hit this fall and will most likely stay strong straight into the winter.  What  might that color be?  Hunter green, my friends.  For quite some time I was a bit disenchanted with this particular shade (with good reason, of course).  You see, my mom went through a bit of a “green” period during the 90’s and I would be willing to say about 78% or our home was decorated in dark green.  Some might have called it overkill.  We’ll just call it dedication.  I had the same problem with baby carrots and turkey sandwiches for many years after my dad packed them in our lunches every single day for the majority of grade school.

And just like I now enjoy a great turkey sandwich, my feelings towards forest green have also come around.  Fall’s deep shade of green is different than that of emerald green from seasons past.  This evergreen is so dark it could appear almost black and it gives a complete look of luxe.  Find a way to work it into your wardrobe with a knit maxi dress, chic bag, or soft velvet pants.

hunter green apparelT by Alexander Wang Fine Knit Jersey Maxi Dress, $235See by Chloe Cherry Leather Shoulder Bag, $525Tibi Chunky Knit Sweater, $285,  By Malene Birger Clesenzia Velvet Tapered Pants, $375

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: I Can Love You Sweater.

By |October 5th, 2012|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

oversize sweaterBy now, it should be clear how I feel about knitwear.  Cardigans, pullovers, hats, and gloves.  My favorite piece of knitwear, however, is the sweater dress.  By far one of the most versatile pieces of the autumnal season, it can be worn alone with a great pair of boots, with tights when the brisk breeze turns to a crisp chill, and over leggings when the snow plows start to rumble through the streets.  A slouchy, soft sweaterdress is the equivalent of an oversized boyfriend shirt.  It’s comfortable, easy, and altogether chic.  It also has the overwhelming effect of making you look completely cuddly and I cannot be held responsible if handsome strangers have the overwhelming urge to hug you when wearing one.

sweater dresses1. Club Monaco Kaylee Sweater Dress, $170, 2. Forever 21 Essential Cable Knit Sweater Dress, $27.80, 3. MINKPINK Queens Sweater Dress, $99, 4. Lovers & Friends Forever Sweater Dress, $190, 5. McQ Alexander McQueen Knitted and Lace Sweater Dress, $405, 6. ONE by YMC Sweater Dress, $199, 7. by Zoe Esky Tunic Sweater Dress, $238, 8. Rag & Bone Lisbeth Embroidered Sweater Dress, $595, 9. MHL by Margaret Howell Ribbed Knit Wool Sweater Dress, $295, 10. Rebecca Minkoff Essef V Back Cashmere Dress, $368

Ain’t nothin’ better than a dress that’s also a sweater.

xx,

WhyDid

 

image via

Beauty Buzz: Stay Put

By |October 4th, 2012|Beauty Buzz|

kiss on a napkinLast week I went ahead and decided to take some of my own advice (for once) by taking fall’s big beauty trend, wine lips, for a test drive.  I spent a solid twenty minutes perusing my local Sephora (complete with live DJ) looking for the perfect shade of wine lipstick for my pout.  I went from Buxom to YSL to NARS… There’s gotta be a better way than testing on the back of my hand, right?  Anyway, fifteen shades later and I decided on one from Makeup Forever

wine lipstickOh, whoops.  Shall we just say that shade #13 (Purple) was not exactly the look I had been going for?  I know I joke that my new darker locks are a bit goth, but it’s a bit early for Halloween.  There was no way in the world I was going to head out on the town looking like Marilyn Manson.  So, I attempted to wipe off my less than beautiful mistake.   Ruh roh.  This lip lacquer wasn’t budging.  It took a couple of makeup wipes and a pinch of patience before I was able to get this goop gone.

24 hour lip color

Makeup Forever  Aqua Rouge, $24

Had this shade been one that worked for me, I would have been ecstatic.  Finally a product that does what it says.  I’m telling you, this lipstick would have made it through a six course dinner, serious makeout sesh, or an entire evening of karaoke.  So, let’s just call it a happy accident.  I may have gotten the wrong shade, but I certainly will be swapping it out for a more flattering lipcolor sure to last me through the evening… and maybe even til morning.

xx,

WhyDid

P.S. manicure is OPI gel manicure in Malaga Wine