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So far Kirsten has created 1387 blog entries.

Why Did You Wear That: Game, Set, Match.

By |June 25th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

TennisBall.Net_As much as I like contradictions and mixing things that have absolutely no business swinging from the same monkey bars on the playground, I also love a good pair.  Separates aren’t reserved only for suiting anymore and with the surge in popularity of crop tops (thank you, fashion gods), designers have capitalized on one of this season’s biggest trends: tops with shorter silhouettes worn with long line skirts and shorts.

Not all separates may be office appropriate, but these sets sure do add an unexpected take on cocktail attire (little black what?).  And when you mix and match these separates with some closet essentials, you’ve tripled your look.  That’s my kind of retail math.  A crop top can easily be converted to casual by pairing it with your favorite jeans and heels or give a full skirt a Saturday brunch vibe while wearing it with a white t-shirt and sneakers.  (Remember my experiment in dressing down a sequin crop top?).

two piece outfits1.Endless Rose Cropped Sleeveless ShellEndless Rose A Line Skirt, 2. For Love & Lemons Sporty Knit Crop TopFor Love & Lemons Sporty Knit Skirt, 3. Nicholas Bonded Silk Crop TopNicholas Bonded Silk Zip Pencil Skirt, 4. Tibi Cropped TopTibi Pleat Skirt, 5. Robert Rodriguez Chambray Crop TopRobert Rodriguez Chambray Track Shorts, 6. BB Dakota Seraphina Crop TopBB Dakota Jaz High Waisted Skirt, 7. T by Alexander Wang Classic Jersey T-Shirt, 8. Frame Denim Le Skinny de Jeanne Mid Rise Jeans, 9. Superga Lace Sneakers, 10.Carvela Kurt Geiger Girl Strappy Sandals

 xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Separate but Equal

By |June 24th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

fashion-separatesIf one is good, two’s gotta be better, right?  While I’m starting to think that’s most men in Manhattan’s motto for dating, I’m really talking about the return of separates.  You may hear that word and automatically conjure up an image of your 9th grade algebra teacher wearing elastic waistband polyester pants with matching vest, but separates circa now have come a long way since hiding those formulas in your TI-83 calculator case.  Worn together in bold prints or separately with basics, separates are perfect for a day at the office or a night out on the town.

separates-moschino-suno Moschino Cheap and Chic Embellished Wool Crepe JacketMoschino Cheap and Chic Embellished Wool Crepe Shorts,  Suno Pleated Printed Washed Silk TopSuno Cropped Printed Washed Silk Wide Leg Pants

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Wear That: Happily Overall

By |June 20th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith overalls whydidWith the return of 90’s trends, it’s felt like a reliving of my youth- not that it was that long ago or anything.  Much like mementos from first loves or pictures from the past, I have a hard time letting go of some of my clothing- in part because I know it’s going to become relevant again and also because it reminds me of particular periods of my life.  Seriously, you should see the closets at my mom’s house.  Hello, 90210.  One article of clothing I wish I’d hung onto were my overalls.  However, I was so happy at the time the trend was over that they were sent straight to Goodwill much like my Kriss Kross cassette was shuttled down the garbage shoot.

So, when these denim onesies made a surprising return (okay, not surprising since I predicted it), I was left looking for an adult pair.  Unlike other fillers (cantaloupe, carnations, baby’s breath, Juvederm, etc.), closet fillers are for trends that you like, but recognize for exactly what they are: trends.  There’s no use dropping two hundred dollars on a pair of destroyed dungarees when you know very well you won’t be wearing them next summer.  We all know summer is meant for flings anyway.  Therefore, I headed to everyone’s favorite “fast fashion” establishment, Forever 21 and scored a pair that I have no buyer’s remorse about.  (And paired them with a crop top, of course). overalls kirsten smith whydid

dog in the park nyc

kirsten smith overalls nyc

overalls nyc

kirsten smith why did overallsTop: similar by Alice & Olivia, Overalls: Forever 21, Shoes: similar by Steve Madden, Bag: French Connection, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Lips: , Dog: Smitty

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did or Why Don’t: Choke Hold

By |June 19th, 2014|Why Did or Why Don't?|

choker necklacesAlong with BirkenstocksTevas, and scrunchies, another 90’s accessory making its way back to the buffet for seconds is the choker.  Unlike failures in footwear, this was actually one trend I participated in the first go round.  However, the ones I was wearing looked a little different than the iterations most recently seen on celebrities, runways, and department stores.  No, no, mine weren’t the now sophisticated types made from shiny metals with beautiful embellishments.  Mine were a bit more basic, probably crafted out of hemp with the crown jewel being a- wait for it…  Fimo bead.

But these neckwringers, aren’t really to be credited specifically to the 90’s.  It just so happens that was the first time I (and most of you) were alive to wear them.  As a matter of fact, chokers were big all the way back in 1940 and in the 1860’s, prostitutes actually wore black ribbons around their necks to let the gents know they were open for business.  Now, wearing a choker will probably only insinuate that you’re under the age of forty and know all the lyrics to Ace of Bass’s “I Saw the Sign.”

choker necklace1. Victorian Lace Choker Necklace, 2. Pamela Love Sunset Gold Plated Labradorite Choker, 3. Eddie Borgo Safety Chain Choker, 4. Jules Smith Americana Choker, 5. Linda Farrow + Mawi Gold Tone and Watersnake Choker, 6. 90s Heart Invisible Choker Necklace, 7. Joomi Lim Lost Innocence Choker, 8. Arme De L’Amour Gold Plated Necklace, 9.Paula Mendoza Hera Gold Plated Choker

So, will you be giving this trend a second look?

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: But I’m a 90’s Bitch.

By |June 16th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

90s-fashionAs fashion is cyclical and nothing new is truly original, it’s no surprise that the 90’s are having a major moment (something we’ve discussed before).  With the return of trends like Birkenstocks, babydoll dresses, and scrunchies, we are in the midst of the second coming of Donna Martin and Cher Horowitz.  The funny thing about the 90’s trend is that it seems the consumption is made up mostly by the generation born during that decade.  Which probably explains why we seem to have forgotten all of the cringeworthy trends like, oh, say butterfly clips and plastic outerwear.  I suppose that’s what we do to romanticize most memories though.  And so, let’s hold onto the good and forget about the bad by revisiting a decade responsible for Spice Girls and beanie babies though some would encourage us , “DNR- Do not resuscitate.”

90s-fashonsCurrent/Elliot The Perfect Plaid Cotton ShirtZAC Zac Posen Eartha BackpackSophia Webster Katy Leather and Vinyl Ankle BootsBand of Outsiders Floral Print Cotton Mini Dress

xx,

WhyDid