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So far Kirsten has created 1387 blog entries.

Why Did You Wear That: Let’s Keep This Private

By |December 24th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

plaid fashion girlAs mad for plaid as I am?  So are Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent, Rossella Jardini of Moschino, and Mr. Lagerfeld himself. But if you tossed that old school uniform or it doesn’t quite fit the way it did as a teen, do not fret.  Perhaps it’s time to be the teacher rather than the pupil and there are some very grown up ways to add plaid that are more collegiate than kindergarten.  Let me school you for a moment.  Pop a varsity jacket on with distressed denim and pumps, add a plaid jumper over a turtleneck, or polish off those penny loafers- but never forget your over the knee socks.  (Pro-tip: for cooler climates, layer over the knee socks atop sheer stockings in the same shade or patterned color family).  Pick a piece or two to achieve the look, but don’t go for extra credit by overdoing it.  You should look subtly nostalgic, not like you just stepped out of a time machine.

plaid fashion clothing1. Rag & Bone Raquel Boiled Wood Varsity Jacket, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Maya Plaid Wool Skirt, 3. Rag & Bone Beeman Velvet Tassel Loafers, 4. Theory Nikay Catalogue Cotton Blend Dress, 5. Saint Laurent Two Tone Leather Penny Loafers, 6. Missoni Shimmer Stripe Thigh Highs, 7. J. Crew New Schoolboy Brushed Stretch-wool Twill Blazer, 8. Vivienne Westwood Rocket Tartan Mini Skirt, 9. Robert Clergerie Serana Leather Wedge Pumps, 10. Elkin Basset Dress, 11. Gucci Beverly Patent Leather Pumps, 12. Plush Fleece Lined Thigh Highs, 13. J. Crew Wool Varsity Jacket, 14. Free People Lady Macbeth Skirt, 15. Bop Basics V-Neck Cardigan

You’re dismissed. xx, WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Private Parts

By |December 23rd, 2013|Setting the Mood|

plaid uniform editorialThis time of year, especially around the holidays, plaid plays a very important role in winter wardrobing.   Personally?  I have a penchant for plaid.  I went to plenty of private schools, St. Michael’s, St. Edward’s, and Linsly and maybe that’s where my love of plaid began.  Many may beg to differ, but there’s nothing better than slamming the snooze button knowing that your outfit for school that day is predetermined, so you can afford a few more moments of shut eye.   Honestly, there’s not a lot better than a good school uniform.  For years, I was living out my very own Britney Spears Baby One More Time music video.  Not really sure how the boys (or teachers) concentrated with pretty young things clad in pleated plaid skirts, knee socks, button downs, and blazers.  The worst three years of my life were those spent in public school during my middle school years- not solely for the lack of uniform, because my closet actually quadrupled in size during that time.  I may be the only adolescent on record who begged to go back.  I’m pretty sure it appeared on my Christmas list two years running.  While I did finally get my way, I still wax poetic about inappropriately short plaid skirts (I found myself in the office on more than one occasion for figuring out new and inventive ways to chop off a few inches from mine) and all the iterations of legwear and platform penny loafers.  Fortunately, there are many ways that we can all relive our prep school pasts with grown up plaid pieces.

plaid clothing accessories

Karl Lagerfeld MacPherson Tartan Wool and Faux Leather Pants, Cambridge Satchel Tartan Satchel Backpack,Christian Louboutin Anita 85 Buckled Tartan Pumps, Hanky Panky Highland Tartan Lace Bralette and Cheeky Hipster

Hit me, baby, one more time.

xx,

WhyDid

Weekend Playlist: I’m Festive, Ok?

By |December 21st, 2013|Weekend Playlist|

dr seuss the grinchIt should not be news to you by now that I do not enjoy Christmas music.  I just don’t, alright?  You think that makes me a Scrooge?  Well, I also despise ugly Christmas sweater parties, Secret Santas, and candy canes.  I’m a horrible human being, I know.  Shock of all shocks, I have a hard time stomaching any and all things that have been universally commercialized.  I’m not completely heartless though.  I do like some of the things that surround Christmas, like spending time with your family and loved ones, festive cocktails, and mistltoe.  Big fan of mistletoe.

But because I know that many (okay, most) of you do love all things Christmas and are more likely than not in the midst of sucking down a candy cane embellished cup of eggnog wearing hideous holiday knitwear just itching to deck the halls to some Christmas carols, I’ve put together a mix of the poppiest Christmas songs on the planet.  Because if we’re going down this route, let’s go big, loud, and cheesy.  While some of you prefer the classics, nothing says holiday cheer like Silent Night sung by Boyz II Men.

 

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: 2013- Fun While It Lasted

By |December 20th, 2013|Friday Frocks|

nye partyThe hardest decision you will be forced to make in 2013 is probably what to wear while bidding it adieu.  Oh?  You spent 2013 choosing a graduate school, getting engaged, and curing cancer?  Well, the last eleven months have been slightly less impressive for me.  I still have two halfway written novels collecting dust, a never ending to-do list, and a closet that’s needed to be cleaned out since 2011.  We’ll chock this one up to reacclimating to the East Coast.  Writing this post has actually just sent me into a miniature shame spiral much like when Facebook keeps asking if I’d like to see my year in review.  No.  Absolutely not.  I lived it.  No need to do it again.

But back to what really matters in the grand scheme of life and what will be posted all over your Facebook timeline come January 1st… your party dress!  While some still feel that the last night of the year is the best and most appropriate time to wear a dress strictly constructed of sequins, others feel the onslaught of nausea and would prefer the “anti-sparkle dress.”   I straddle the middle, but am more likely to wear sequins to Duane Reade on a random Tuesday to buy toilet paper than for a specific occasion that calls for them.  That said, there is a happy ending in all of this and its name is metallics.  I think a metallic frock is a much more modern take on shine than the oh so standard sequins.  So, look for something laced with lurex or punched up with patent to get the look sans gagging.

Hm… now that I’ve taken all the trouble out of finding something to wear, now you’ve got an even harder decision?  Who will you plant those luscious lips on at the stroke of midnight?

metallic gatsby dresses nye

1. Jonathan Simkhai Colorblock Boucle Dress, 2. Capitol Couture by Trish Summerville Laser Cut Patent Leather Dress, 3. Oh My Love Metallic Surplice Dress, 4. Opening Ceremony Hope Deep V Dress, 5. Roland Mouret Malha Lamé TTD, 6. KNT by Kova & T Backless Metallic Halter Dress, 7.Milly Laminated Flare Dress, 8. Sass & Bide Here & Now Beaded Silk Minidress, 9. Free People Golden Chalice Maxi Dress, 10. Motel Cherry Pie Metallic Mesh Top Dress

On to the next.

xx,

WhyDid

Beauty Buzz: Find the Light

By |December 18th, 2013|Beauty Buzz|

metallic eye makeupDuring the holidays and especially with New Year’s Eve quickly creeping ’round the corner, some of us look for ways to amp up our standard makeup routines for swanky evenings out on the town and special seasonal celebrations.  Some may opt for the classic statement making bold lip (good choice) and others go for the more “Golden Girl” approach (also a great choice).  But beauty beware: there is a big difference between glowing like the lights of Paris (the city, not the socialite) and glaring like the neon signs of Las Vegas.  Let’s keep glitter where it belongs: on art projects, Halloween costumes and strippers.  Strippers can wear glitter.

Come to think of it, a guy I was dating once showed up late one night after work, which should have been reason enough to dump him, but he was covered in glitter.  Seeing as he doesn’t work at a Michael’s craft store, he must have procured his shimmering accents somewhere.  Hanging out with another lady is bad enough but, hanging out with another lady who dons glitter is grounds for permanent exile.  But I digress…

To achieve a glowing holiday look, invest in a few beauty products with flecks not flakes of shimmer in them.  You could go for a dramatic foil for your lids, a metallic manicure or something as simple as adding some extra shine to your tresses.  Be sure not to go overboard with your gilded look though.  A gorgeous glow is one thing, but looking like a greased up walrus won’t get your dance card filled up any faster… if at all.

nye makeup1. Caudalie Divine Legs, 2. ELLIS FAAS Light, 3. Ulta Metallic Automatic Eyeliner, 4. Kevyn Aucoin Set of Four Loose Shimmer Shadows, 5. Philip B Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo, 6. Ilia Gold Box Illuminator and Lip Gloss, 7. Formula X for Sephora Sparklers in Light My Fire, 8. Illamasqua Liquid Metal Cream, 9. RMS Beauty Living Luminzer, 10. Stila Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eyeshadow, 11.Leighton Denny Hynotic Nail Polish

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

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