Beauty & Trends | WhyDid.com

Setting the Mood: Private Parts

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

This 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.

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

Beauty Buzz: Find the Light

By Kirsten|December 18th, 2013|Beauty Buzz|

During 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.

1. 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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Gift Guide: The Beauty of Giving

By Kirsten|December 12th, 2013|Beauty Buzz, Gift Guide|

Okay, fine. She doesn’t quite seem to fit into any of the five gift giving categories from yesterday. Deep breaths, drama queen. I have a fairly easy fix, my friend. There are very few (although, astonishingly, there are some) women who would turn their perfectly powdered little noses up at the gift of beauty. Since the time we are old enough to sneak into mama’s rouge, we are mesmerized by makeup. The beauty industry caught onto this and made your life a whole heck of a lot easier because many of them have crafted up kits especially for the holiday season. But aside from the limited edition palettes, there are plenty of fun ways to gift your buddy with beauty.

1. Bobbi Brown Basic Brush Collection, 2. The New Black Foiled Again 5pc Nail Set, 3. Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint Germain Soap, 4. Oribe Purse Size Collection, 5. Elizabeth Arden Holiday Lip Gloss Set, 6. Kitsch Bow Ponytail Holders, 7. Le Metier de Beaute Ultra Hydration Mask Duo, 8.Library of Flowers Arboretum Bubble Bath, 9. Forever 21 I Need Lipstick Cosmetic Bag, 10. Jouer Sparkle & Shine Holiday Party Favors, 11. Deborah Lippmann R&B Mini Nail Lacquer Duet

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Setting the Mood: Happy Holla-Daze

By Kirsten|December 9th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

While some of you were busy posing both literally and figuratively at Art Basel in Miami, I was busy dealing with personal crises and preparing this week’s posts chocked full of gift guides that will make your holiday shopping less painful than some of those exhibitions at Basel. Now that we’ve actually made it past Thanksgiving, it’s time to start thinking December 25th- not post Halloween like some of you overanxious overachievers thought. It’s no secret that Christmas music is like nails on the chalkboard to me, but I will appease my holly loving, twinkle light enthusiast, overly festive friends. So, get ready to stuff your stockings, kids.

Tibi Reindeer Intarsia Cotton Blend Sweater, Charlotte Olympia Jinble Bell Dolly Velvet Platform Pumps, Eugenia Kim Lolita Floral Embellished Headpiece, Charlotte Olympia Ginger Metallic Patent Clutch

Merry flippin’ Christmas.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: The Days of Our Lives

By Kirsten|December 2nd, 2013|Setting the Mood|

This week’s theme is going to be a little something called evolution. And, no, not evolution in the Darwinian way because my father would disown me and besides, it’s much more romantic to believe we were specifically created rather than spawned from algae turned angiosperms. What I’m talking about is the day to day changes that shape, create, and formulate the special little creatures who have become and who we will be. I couldn’t have imagined what my day would be like one year ago, and I certainly couldn’t imagine what I would be doing right this moment five years ago when I started WhyDid.com (formerly WhyDidYouWearThat.com). The way I dress today, let alone, the woman I am, is not something I could have predicted, but for better or worse it is exactly who I am- and for that I’m thankful.