Beauty & Trends | WhyDid.com

Setting the Mood: Sweater Weather

By Kirsten|October 1st, 2012|Setting the Mood|

I may have spent my childhood growing up in Florida, but I always had an attraction to too all things knitwear. I remember wishing the thermometer would dip below sixty so I could find good reason for wearing sweaters so carefully selected by my doting grandma (Mee Maw), who lived up north and must’ve thought that even her granddaughter in the Sunshine State might catch cold without the proper attire. I recall one sweater specifically. It was a kelly green number embellished with some type of gold coin like discs that I wore as a tunic over a pair of black and white houndstooth stirrup (yes, stirrup) leggings. See, even as an adolescent I knew the difference between leggings and pants.

As an adult, I had the privilege of taking my sweater obsession even further when I worked in knitwear product development for Henri Bendel’s famously fabulous cashmere. I now know more about weaves, wefts, and fibers than I’d like to admit. So, while there is a small window where we, northerners, will enjoy all that is fall before we trade in our cardigans for sleeping bag coats, I can’t deny my delight in draping myself in cozy cashmere and lofty knits.

Augden Trellis Beret, $154, Bop Basics Thick Knit Gloves, $45, Michael Michael Kors Hooded Knitted Poncho, $175, Levi’s Made & Crafted Chunky Aran Knit Scarf, $175

Bundle up.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Check, Please!

By Kirsten|September 17th, 2012|Setting the Mood|

When you think of flannel, there are a few things that might come to mind: 90’s garage bands, Al Borland, lumberjacks, thick framed glasses sans lenses, Old Spice… Anyone else getting turned on? No?

And while I don’t need a man who borrows my beauty products, one thing I don’t mind sharing with my boyfriend is his shirts. Thankfully, when it comes to flannel, bigger can be better. The trend could possibly come across as a bit hipster ’cause as our new friend we picked up at Mas (you need to go eat there, by the by) said, “It’s always fall in Brooklyn.” (He lives there- he’s allowed to say that), but when styled a la glamorous grunge, it is anything but Brooklyn (as seen here)– not that there is anything wrong with that.

LNA Cropped Flannel Shirt, $150, Siwy Abbeylee Zip Cropped Pants, $196, Marni Plaid Flannel Covered Leather Loafers, $610, Sauce Puffer Coat, $194

So, put that PBR in a paper bag, lumberjack. Flannel is back and not just for the Berenstain Bears.

xx,

WhyDid

Beauty Buzz: Straight Shooter

By Kirsten|September 13th, 2012|Beauty Buzz|

As you may recall (seeing as it’s only now just begun to cool down), this summer was one for the record books in regards to heat and humidity. That made it nearly impossible for me to keep my tresses even the slightest bit tame. I’d walk out the door feeling all fair maiden and fifteen minutes later looked like a crazy pirate. I’d tried just about every sample I’d ever amassed but to no avail. It was clear I was going to need some reinforcements.

When I walked into Sephora, I hadn’t planned on asking for help. I am more of an adventurer. I like to weather the storm solo for the most part. However, after looking at labels and comparing ingredients, it became clear that I had to get some assistance. Mayday! Mayday! The woman whose attention I caught was every bit delightful, but when I evaluated her closely cropped haircut, I figured I’d enlisted the wrong first mate for this voyage.

She giggled at the fact that we both knew she didn’t suffer from the same hair woes, but she did lead me over to Bumble and bumble Straight Blow Dry and assured me that it was a store favorite. I took her word (and a sample sized version) and made my way to the checkout counter before docking back at home.

I was most certainly skeptical as I stared at my freshly washed locks in the mirror. I squeezed out a bit of the creme and worked it through my hair. First thing I noticed was the very pleasant smell, followed by how easily it combed through my hair after application. My tresses blew quite straight without the help of a flat iron (which I did use after my hair was completely dry). Raising my left eyebrow at my now stick straight hair, I knew it was time to put this product to the real test.

Off I went into the muggy August evening, expecting my hair to soon make me two inches taller in frizz. To my delight, not only was my ‘do still in tact after reaching my destination, it stayed straight all evening without feeling sticky or stiff. The real testament to this miracle potion was the fact that I arose in the morning with hair just as (okay, nearly) lovely as when I’d gone to bed. Ahoy!

Bumble and bumble Straight Blow Dry, $28

xx,

WhyDid

Would You Wednesday: Like Fine Wine

By Kirsten|September 12th, 2012|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|

Red lips have reigned supreme for the last few seasons, but this fall, crimson goes a bit goth. Fire engine red gets a bit deeper and takes on the tone of dark berries and plum wine. Not only are apparel and accessories in the shade of fermented grapes going to be all the rage for fall, but makeup trends follow suit. From lips to fingertips, it seems we’ll be opting for shades of deep red and burgundy.

Ellis Faas Creamy Lips in Deep Plum Wine, $35, Too Faced La Creme in Divine Wine, $21, NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga, $25, Sue Devitt Balanced Matte Lipstick in Australian Bight, $20, Sunday Riley Modern Lip Color in Wine Stain, $32

It would appear celebrities and fashion addicts alike have already taken to this trend, but will you be swapping out cherry for grape?

And yes, as a matter of fact, I am drinking a glass of red while I write. For inspiration purposes, of course.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Wine Time

By Kirsten|September 11th, 2012|Setting the Mood|

If yesterday’s cold spell didn’t confirm that it’s officially fall, then I’m not sure what does. Oh, right, the return of pumpkin spiced lattes at Starbucks. The impending frost bite is most certainly on its merry little way and it’s high time you update your autumn wardrobe with this fall’s favored color. Some call it burgundy. Some call it oxblood. I’d like to keep things simple and just stick to calling it wine. Why shouldn’t my closet reflect my favorite beverage? (I drink it for the antioxidants, people). The look can be achieved from head to toe tonal or simply incorporated with a well placed resveratrol rich accessory.