Personal Style | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Hip (Hop) to the Game

By Kirsten|November 21st, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I’ve always felt a connection to street style, but I’ve certainly come a long way from khaki pants and Tommy Hilfiger polo shirts. Though the style of 90’s hip hop and R&B stars has made a comeback, this time around it’s a bit more modern and just as luxurious as its original incarnation. The pants are more fitted (for both men and women) and there’s a bit more polish than there is posh. Rap stars are taking styling cues from Vogue more than Vibe and many have become covergirls and trendsetters for all genres of music and social scenes. Not only are they making hits on the airwaves, many have taken to the runways. Never has fashion and music been so intertwined.

hat: custom, top: Truly Madly Deeply, coat: vintage, jeans: 7 for All Mankind, shoes: Nike, bag: Alexander Wang, rings: Erica Anenberg, watch: Michael Kors

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Catherine Sampietro

Why Did You Wear That: Spot On

By Kirsten|November 16th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I’ve always felt a little conflicted about wearing leather and fur. When I was ten, I begged and pleaded (to no avail) with my parents for a cute little spotted potbelly pig. One morning over breakfast, it was revealed to me that bacon, in fact, comes from pigs. For the next year, I refused to eat meat thinking about that poor little pig in the pet shop. (I also begged and pleaded for a chinchilla around that same time). After finding it far too difficult to gain sustenance without any meat in my diet, I gave up vegetarianism the next year, but the feelings of guilt about fur, stuck with me. While home visiting my mom in Wheeling between semesters in college, we ventured into an antique store in Centre Market. Amongst the delicate tea sets and tiny trinkets, there was a rack of vintage clothing and hanging in the midst of these dated duds, was the most amazing leopard coat. I am my mother’s daughter and she insisted that I would be thankful that I’d bought this coat one day. While it was first worn to a “pimp n’ hoe” party in college, I’ve held onto it throughout the years and am happy to bring it back into rotation this fall. When worn with a simple tee, vegan leather pants, pumps, and topped off with a knit beanie, the look is definitely not outdated and to me, it says more “hollaback girl” than call girl.

beanie: H&M, coat: vintage (similar here), top: Express, pants: Black Orchid (similar here), shoes: Yves Saint Laurent, bag: Celine, sunglasses: RayBan

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Catherine Sampietro

Why Did You Wear That: The Perfect Paradox

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

In sticking with this week’s theme of leather and lace, sugar and spice, sultry and sweet this outfit should provide some weekend outfit inspiration. And wouldn’t you know, I’ve found yet another way to incorporate a crop top. Sure it’s gotten quite a bit colder here in New York, but wearing a coat in transit makes showing a little skin entirely achievable. Pairing a high waisted pencil skirt with a lacy top is a great way to show off your curves without having to pile yourself into some type of bandage contraption. It’s classic, yet modern and most all body types can wear the look, crop top optional.

As I’ve mentioned, contradictions are my specialty. Mixing something more tough with something seen as soft is the way to create drama (the only kind I’m into) without looking like you’re trying too hard or doing too much. The skirt is actually something I’ve had for years- since I was a sophomore in highschool as a matter of fact. Because a custom made leather dress seems totally normal for a 16 year old’s homecoming (photographic evidence here). I held onto it knowing that while it may have been a bit ahead of my time as a teen, it would be a piece that would stand the test of time. Worn with a cropped lace tee, black booties, and subtle accessories, it is the perfect paradox.

top: American Apparel (thanks, Mer), skirt: custom (similar here), bra: Cosabella, bag: Malini Murjani, bracelet: vintage necklace (similar here), booties: Steven, ring: Grandma’s (similar here), earrings: vintage (similar here)

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Til the Bitter End

By Kirsten|October 30th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

So, I guess the nineties are back. And I guess you know I’m going to be wearing a crop top until the bitter end. And by bitter end, I mean a February snowstorm. I plan on riding that trend like the Lone Ranger rode Silver. I work very hard for those toned abs, just ask Jenn. This outfit combines many of my very favorite items. A flannel shirt that was my mother’s and you may recognize, a crop top, a bralette, acid washed jeans (that contain -2% spandex), and the little black bootie. It’s as if I threw all my favorite things into a crock pot, let them simmer, and came out with the world’s most delicious outfit– kind of like mulled wine.

shirt: vintage (similar here), top: Brandy Melville, bralette: Cosabella, jeans: 7 for All Mankind (similar here), booties: Brian Atwood, bag: Alexander Wang, dog: Smitty

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Back to Basics

By Kirsten|October 23rd, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I like to keep things simple. (K.I.S.S.). I find that many women spend (or waste) a lot of time overcomplicating their outfits. The fact of the matter is, most women dress for other women. We think we’re dressing for ourselves, but let’s be honest- we’re really just trying to look badder than the babe next to us. The thing is, all the hours spent fussing over the latest and greatest trends can’t be taken back. Sometimes, it’s best to just stick to the basics.

When a friend of mine, who I never get to see– especially when he snags a girlfriend– told me he was nearby and inquired if I was around to grab a drink (when am I not?), I plucked myself from my seat on the couch and promptly closed my computer. I had to get ready quickly and rather than stand in front of my closet scratching my head and cursing my entire wardrobe, I picked out two items that go together better than Snooki and JWow. Jeans and a white tank. There really is no way to go wrong with a perfectly fitting pair of jeans and a basic white top. Spice up a seemingly boring outfit with a detailed denim and add interest with your shoes and handbag. There’s a reason some things are called classics.