Friday Frocks: Bright Lights Big City

Sigh… summer is about to come to an end. Goodbye teeny bikinis. See ya later summer Fridays. Sayonara afternoon mojitos (wait, maybe not).  Might as well go out with a bang. Celebrate the last week of summer in something bright and eye catching:

Bebe Lace Print Neon Dress

Michael Kors Neon Wool Blend Shift Dress, $404

Amanda Uprichard Double Mini Dress, $167

Black Halo Ariel Dress, $244

Boulee Natalie Pleated V Back Dress, $264

Josh Brody One Shoulder Dress, $112

Jen’s Pirate Booty Stevie V-neck, $129

Mara Hoffman SweetHeart Mini Dress, $374

Alice and Olivia Sydney Wrap Dress, $368

You glow, girl.

xx,

WhyDid

No Second Chance at a First Impression

Seeing as my posts have gotten a little sparse in the past week, I bet you’re wondering what’s going on. Well, there comes a time in a young lady’s life where she has to suck it up and collect a grown up paycheck (and pay for her own Louboutins- sigh). So, that’s what WhyDid has gone and done. I will now be working normal hours like the majority of society. It was a super fun year long “vacation” but certainly time to reconvene with my working world women.

That being said, getting a job in this skank economy is no small feat. That’s why it is very important to be the best you can be when it comes to interview time. If you are lucky enough to actually score the interview (the hardest part of actually getting a job), then you’re going to have to make a serious first impression. There used to be wardrobe “guidelines” when it came to what was and was not appropriate interview attire, but I find them to be a bit dated.

Not all careers require the same look. If you were to walk into an interview at a major fashion house wearing a “suit” they would laugh you right out the front door. You have to keep in mind the type of office and industry you are entering. Don’t look too corporate for jobs that require creativity. Don’t show up to an accounting firm wearing a super short pencil skirt. Use common sense when it comes to preparing for your meeting. If you are unsure, it’s always best to skew to a little more conservative. After surveying the office, you will soon learn what the dress code is.

I remember what I wore to my interview at Henri Bendel three years ago. When I look back at that and compare it to the way I dressed for work there two and a half years later, it’s a complete 180.

A few things that you should ALWAYS do:

• Have your fingers manicured. You don’t need to go crazy and have some obnoxious color/design, but be sure that your fingers are polished and pretty. Dirty or chipped nails never look good.
• Do not load on the makeup. You want the interviewer to see you not eighteen pounds of makeup.
• Try to keep your hair pulled back or at least out of your face. Not only will this make you appear well groomed, it will also prevent you from fidgeting with it during your interview.
• In most instances, avoid sandals or super open toed footwear. This gives the impression of being casual and is typically not work appropriate. I like to always wear heels because it gives the impression that you are strong and powerful.
• Be sure you are comfortable in what you are wearing. If you are uncomfortable in your outfit, it will come across during your interview. Simple is always best.

Below are some ideas for creative ways to still look professional. I’ve put them in order of most conservative to least (use your noggin when choosing a look for yourself).

Ugh. I forgot how tiring it is to work a 50+ hour workweek. They tell you it’s going to be a 9-6, but that’s never the case. Once I re-adjust to adulthood, the regularly scheduled WhyDid program will be back on track.

xx,

WhyDid

Let’s Just Be Friends

Oh dating. Aren’t you fun? I mean, as bad as you suck for us ladies… you must really suck for guys. Hey fellas, how many times have you heard, “I really like you… as a friend“? What the *#%#?

After countless dinners, flowers, opening doors, and sweet nothings… you get just that: Nothing. So, what is it that takes a guy from “just a friend” to “my future baby’s daddy”?

• Sad as it is, we love bad boys. I discussed this with our fantastic interns today. They are seniors at USC and still lovin’ those boys you wouldn’t take home to mama. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be a gentleman, but there’s a fine line between gentile and doormat. Tread lightly.
• Just like girls can be overzealous and clingy, guys can be too. You know how much you like that cat and mouse game of playing hard to get? We like it too. Don’t blow up my inbox and don’t keep calling til I answer.
• “Going Dutch.” (Also know as being a cheap @**hole). If you split the bill, she’s gonna split. Period. Done. Goodbye.
• If you share a bed and there is no type of contact, she now thinks of you like her gay bff. As far as she’s concerned… you’re gay (and there’s NO coming back from that). We get you’re trying to be polite, but at least attempt to cop a feel.
• Talking about “your feelings.” That’s our job. Stop trying to steal the show. Shut up and crush a beer can on your head.
• Wearing more makeup or hair products than we do. Um,  yeah… We don’t like to share our mascara (it’s unsanitary).
• Do not under any circumstances, high five me, chest bump me, or “pound fists” with me.

By avoiding all of the above, you may actually have a shot in hell with the lady of your dreams. Check, please!

xx,

WhyDid

When I Dip, You Dip, We Dip

One of the only things I hate as much as leggings worn as pants is moving and apartment hunting. Luckily for me, I spent the entire weekend searching for a new home for me and the pooch. It was a daunting task for sure and I would have much rather spent my time poolside (cocktail in hand. obv), but I suppose this is one of life’s necessary evils.

But alas, it was not a complete and utter loss. One amazing thing that came out of this weekend’s hunt was stumbling upon Cole’s French Dip. After receiving a history lesson from one of the building’s leasing agents, I headed over to check out this so called “originator of the French Dip.”  Apparently, Cole’s is Los Angeles’s oldest public houses (dating back to 1908). It was recently renovated to reflect its heritage including the original bar.

The menu is pretty straightforward as you can imagine. You obviously should go ahead and order the French dip. You can get beef, turkey, or pastrami and can add several different cheeses to jazz it up. This is all well and good, but you better save room for dessert. The chocolate pie is hands down the BEST thing I have ever put in my mouth. I would have eaten an entire pie MYSELF.

This is a definite must try if you are in downtown LA. I know this is short, but there are really only two things on the menu worth eating.

Happy dipping.

xx,

WhyDid

The List Volume XV

Another week, another list. Let’s go.

1. People who put “haha” after their own jokes. If you have to laugh at your own joke, you already know it’s not funny.
2. White people using “holla.” The only type of “holla” we know about should be “challah French toast.”
3. Boys over the age of 22 with roommates.
4. Ex’s.
5. Day old sushi.
6. Search helicopters in my backyard. I’m trying to sleep, thanks. Wasn’t looking to be on an episode of COPS tonight.
7. Jennifer Anniston. How is it possible that she’s still making headlines? Hasn’t been in a good movie in ages and last time I checked, she and Brad were no longer together.
8. Buffets.
9. The Teen Choice Awards. I mean, there’s a reason you have to be 18 to vote. You guys clearly have no taste in movies… ahem, Valentine’s Day.
10. Sunglasses clipped to your shirt at night. It’s dark out. I thought we talked about this. Sigh.

Have a great weekend.

xx,

WhyDid

Check Those Bags, Girl

Ugh. It’s a rough world out there, ladies. Between all of our hard work and hard partying, at times we start to look a little “tired.” When we miss out on sleep and relaxation, one of the first places it starts to show is our eyes.

So, here’s the bad news… eye bags are hereditary and come along with the aging process. There is a certain amount of fat stored under the eye area and as we age, the ligaments and skin get looser around the eye and that pushes the fat forward creating a “bag.” Lack of sleep, poor diet (high in sodium), and lack of exercise can speed up the occurrence of bags. Allergy and sinus problems can also exacerbate eye baggage.

The good news? There are some things you can do to make bags appear smaller.

• Placing cold tea bags, cucumbers, or a cold spoon on the area all work. It has to do mostly with the cold rather than the object. Green tea bags seem to work the best because they contain EGCG which is a natural anti inflammatory.
• Using Preparation H around the eye area will also provide a temporary fix. Just be very careful not to get it into your eyes!
• Injectables like Restylane and Juvederm are also used to treat bags. This is for a much longer lasting result.
• Last resort with the most lasting results is an eye lift.
• In the meantime, a great under eye concealer and highlighter will help hide those pesky bags.

Lorac Double Feature Concealer, $24

xx,

WhyDid

School Spirit

Oh, it’s that time of year again. Kids are school shopping and it’s time to head back to class. Whether you’ll be hitting the books or just hitting the pavement, here are a few ideas to be worn together or separately to make yourself feel like your very own version of Blair (or Serena).

J. Crew Stripe Confetti Ruffle Shirt, $89.50

Equipment Sisley Chiffon Signature Blouse, $188

J.Crew Cascading Ribbon Cardigan, $88

Torn by Ronny Kobo Coco Chains Cardigan, $275

Madewell Sweater Blazer, $168

Rag & Bone Ledbury Glen Plaid Wrap Skirt, $255

Tibi Draped Bow Miniskirt, $278

Mod Cloth Once in a Blue Skirt, $57.99

Bebe Pleated Leather Panel Skirt, $139

Free People Miller Cutout Oxford, $98

Tory Burch Victor Perforated Wedge Oxfords, $325

Accessorize these looks with the socks from last week and go straight to head of the class.

xx,

WhyDid

Is Nothing Real?

The other day a Clean and Clear commercial came on and the girls on there looked so fresh and pretty. I remember looking at their bouncy, beautiful locks and thinking, “Dang, I wish my hair was that thick!” Then I caught and reminded myself that there was no need to be jeal. Their hair was not even real!! Hair extensions can make all the difference in the world and ANYONE’s hair could look like that with the right stylist.

When I see these beautiful girls on TV with perfect hair, skin, faces, bodies, I worry about girls in this country. That’s a lot of pressure to try and live up to. I don’t think that most girls realize that half (okay more than half) of what they are seeing on TV isn’t real! There are so many things going on behind the scenes that you would never even know (and these go far beyond the old Vaseline on your teeth trick).

• Hair extensions- Basically every single girl on television or in the movies has some form of hair enhancement. Whether it be Great Lengths or good ol’ clip ins, there are secrets in her hair.
• Makeup- You would not BELIEVE what can be done with the use of clever makeup tricks. Blemishes are banished, cheekbones created, eyes widened. You may sit down in the makeup chair as one person and leave as another.
• Photoshop- Just in case they didn’t quite catch something in makeup, the fine folks over in editing will fix you right up. I once saw a photoshpped picture of myself and wanted to cry. I was now aware of all my flaws and wanted to fix them ASAP so I could look like the girl in that photo.
• Surgery- Some may go under the knife while others just opt for injectables, but you can be pretty sure that most of Hollywood has had some type of work done. They deny, deny, deny and that bums me out because it’s giving girls a false sense of reality.
• Crazy diets and workouts- Celebs don’t just look that great by eating cheeseburgers. They have the BEST trainers and nutritionists on the planet. If that doesn’t work, don’t forget about body sculpting makeup tricks and photoshop!

So next time you turn on the TV or pass the rack of glossy magazine covers on your way to the checkout line, don’t feel bad about yourself. You too could look like these lovely ladies with the right beauty and fitness arsenal. I have been lucky enough to live in places where I can see the behind the scenes shenanigans and it breaks my heart to think that girls across the country (and world) hold themselves to such high (unrealistic) standards. None of it’s real! Next thing you know they’re gonna tell me The Hills is fake. Wait… what?

xx,

WhyDid

xxxo, WhyDid

I love, love, love M.I.A.’s new video for xxxo. I mean, the entire thing is aesthetically pleasing, but I can’t decide if it’s how amazing she looks. the swans, leopards, or the UNICORNS. Whatever the fact may be, I like that director Hype Williams took a different approach on a music video. It’s kind of poking fun at itself… and who doesn’t like that?

Wanna recreate M.I.A.’s look?

Member’s Only Gold Bomber Jacket, $247.50

Michael Angel Printed Leggings, $166

Forever21 Gold Hoop Earrings, $2.80

Chamak by Priya Kakkar, $27

Fevi Reyes Sparkling Lotus Ring, $213

Repetto Legende Flat, $150

Urban Decay Lip Junkie in Red Light, $19

xxxo,

WhyDid

How To Tuesday Episode 2