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So far Kirsten has created 1387 blog entries.

Beauty Buzz: Don’t Quit Your Day Job

By |January 10th, 2013|Beauty Buzz|

sally hansen insta gel

Manicures played a HUGE role in beauty  last couple of years and I get the feeling thist trend isn’t going to lose momentum anytime soon.  I do, however, think they’ll get toned down a bit (buh-bye pointed talons).  That said, keeping your phalanges fully decked out can start to add up, so beauty brands started to wise up with clever ways to DIY your digits.  One of the first on the scene was Sally Hansen Salon Effects.  These fun designs were great, but still didn’t quite have the lifespan of the popular and ever shiny gel manicure.  Well, that Sally sure did use her noggin when coming up with the latest installment of at home manicures.  Combine the ease of applying Salon Effects strips and the staying power of a gel manicure and you’ve got Sally Hansen Insta Gel.  I strolled passed a display of these one afternoon at CVS and figured, “Wine Not?” (That was the color I chose- complete coincidence).

gel manicure

insta-gel-DIY-manicure-2

Honestly, I think it’s a brilliant idea and I was really hoping for the best since I love all of the fun patterns that can’t be recreated in your standard nail salon, but I think for me… I will stick to letting the professionals go to work.  I just really am not good at at home “manual labor.”  However, if you’re someone who’s a bit more meticulous or you don’t have access to a salon offering gel manicures.  The starter kit was $29.99 and the refill kits (love this one) are only $14.99 (half the price of a salon manicure).  In the meantime, I won’t be quitting my day job.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Bottoms Up!

By |January 9th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith whydid comI bought a pair of questionably patterned pants about a month ago, which Serena apparently wore on an episode of Gossip Girl.  This is basically the closest I’ll ever get to looking like Blake Lively.  These were a post holiday sale impulse purchase and while it took me a while to actually wear them (in public), I do kind of love them.  Something I try to do during the colder winter months is stock up on pants of interest.  I realize this is the opposite of what most stylists might suggest, but I love the idea of bringing drama to an outfit from the bottom  up.  Rather than slipping on a sparkly top, I slide into patterned pants, velvet leggings, or leather embellished trousers and “top” them off with a simple tee or neutral blouse and leave the rest up to accessories.  If you’re looking to switch things up, I suggest starting from the bottom up.

kirsten smith whydid printed denim

kirsten smith

how to wear printed denim

kirsten smith colored denimtop: Elizabeth and James (similar here), pants: Rag & Bone, shoes: B Brian Atwood, bag: DIY original (How To coming soon!), hair: top knot with a fishtail twist

Bottoms up!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Darn It, That’s a Garnet.

By |January 8th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

garnet stone

Whether you’re into astrology or gemology, Capricorns and Aquarians have been bestowed with the garnet as their birthstone, such as this post on numerology at Your Higher Journey, numerology is the mystical study of you guessed it numbers.  I used to think I got the short end of the stick when it came to birthstones, but over the years, this deep red stone has grown on me.  Sure, it’s not a diamond, but this year especially, the color has gained some momentum with the influx of oxblood.

january birthstone garnet

1. Satya Strength Bracelet in Red Garnet, $78, 2. 14k Rose Gold Necklace, $600, 3. 14k Yellow Gold Garnet Gemstone Earrings, $298, 4. Kelly Wearstler Cabochon Hoop Earrings, $275, 5. Dezso by Sara Beltran Garnet and Emerald Shark Fin Bracelet, $2,400, 6. Heather Hawkins Hammered Coin Necklace, $202, 7. Chan Luu The Mystic Red Garnet Beaded Bracelet, $70, 8. Alex and Ani January Garnet Birthstone Bangle, $28

Wear it with pride, my fellow January babies.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Jonesing for January

By |January 7th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

january snowFor some of you, the party is over.  For others (ahem, yours truly) the party is just beginning… and you’re obviously invited.  But in case you can’t make it, I understand that January can be a bit bleak, what with the blizzards and below freezing temperatures.  It might be quite tempting to barricade yourself inside until the nightmare that is Valentine’s Day passes.  In the off chance that you’re looking to be a functioning part of society and perhaps secure a date for V-day, it might be necessary to self medicate in the form of shiny accessories, a heavenly scent, and the perfect shade of red lipstick.  Hey, just because I have plans to drown in a pint of Haagen Dazs with How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days’ credits rolling doesn’t mean you have to.

hot items for january 2013

1. Brian Atwood Hamper Leather and Velvet Platform Pumps, $1,795, 2. Alexander McQueen Embroidered Unicorn Skull Bag, $2,455, 3. Blue Life Twisted Sleeveless Jumpsuit, $115, 4. Byredo Gypsy Water, $220,  5. CC Skye The F-U Ring, $52, 6. B Brian Atwood Cassiane High Sandal, $425, 7. House of Exposure Helmut Red Lipstick, $25, 8. Paige Paloma Leather Leggings, $299, 9. Boulee Suri Blouse, $187, 10. Fleur du Mal Leather Silk Lined Triangle Bra, $350

Cookies and Cream or Mint Chocolate Chip?

xx,

WhyDid

 

 

Friday Frocks: Go Long

By |January 4th, 2013|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

girl superbowl

I had to double check that the Super Bowl had not, in fact, already happened.  (It will happen on February 3rd- I Googled it).  That said, my pun stands.  Anyway, in the cold winter months, dressing can become a bit of a bore.  How many different ways can we wear jeans?  And since some of you can’t get it through your pretty little skulls that leggings are not pants, I have come up with yet another option for comfort without sacrificing style.  The maxi dress is often associated with balmy summer nights and backyard barbecues, but I have found the knit long sleeve, slinky maxi dress to be one of my new favorite winter time staples.  There are endless ways to style this look be it a fur (faux) vest over top, layered in gauzy scarves, with flat motorcycle boots or sky high ankle booties.  The maxi dress is as versatile as it is comfortable.

maxi dresses winter

1. Holy Tee Abbey Lee Mesh and Jersey Maxi Dress, $108, 2. Mason by Michelle Mason Long Sleeve Cutout Maxi, $177.10, 3. Thakoon Addition Carbon Copy Long Dress, $170, 4. Silence & Noise Stella Knit Maxi Dress, $69, 5. Sparkle & Fade Cowl Back Maxi Dress, $59, 6. James Perse Wrap Shoulder Dress, $245, 7. Maison Martin Margiela Knitted Silk Maxi Dress, $398, 8. Pencey Standard Long Layer Dress, $84, 9. Blue Life Pucci Maxi Dress, $165, 10. Sparkle & Fade Scoopback Long Sleeved Maxi Dress, $49

Now play ball, or whatever.

xx,

WhyDid

 

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