Friday Frocks | WhyDid.com

Friday Frocks: Block Party

By Kirsten|April 15th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

A couple of months ago, I pointed out the oh so colorful, oh so fun colorblocking trend that we had seen all over the runways and on our favorite stars. I even showed you how to recreate the look. But alas, it can be tricky not to mention treacherous trying to pull this look off for the untrained fashionista.

And why wouldn’t we have a little history lesson on this fine Friday?

While this trend feels fresh for spring, it’s not actually new. Much like all fashion, it’s been recycled and given a new spin. The original colorblocked dress above is from Yves Saint Laurent circa 1965. Piet Mondrian’s Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow (1930) was used for the inspiration and this simple shift became iconic.

Below are some modern takes on the colorblock trend for you to try out yourself:

1. Forever 21 Colorblock Bodycon Dress, $15.80, 2. Diane von Furstenberg Reara Two Tone Dress, $365, 3. BCBG Colorblocked Dress with Tulle, $258, 4. Herve Leger Two Tone Strapless Bandage Dress, $1,150, 5. Arden B. Ombre Colorblock Bandage Dress, $79, 6. Amanda Uprichard Dynasty Colorblocked Dress, $194, 7. Roxy Double Dress, $39.50, 8. Ali Ro Colorblock Beaded Dress, $365

Block on!

xx,

Why Did

Photo via Up My Ali

Friday Frocks: Stop and Smell the Roses

By Kirsten|April 8th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

This spring, fashionistas have been going crazy for floral printed frocks. I know what you’re thinking, the last time floral prints were in was when Kelly and Donna were graduating from West Beverly High. What could possibly be chic about decking yourself out in fussy flowers? Well, actually a lot. Floral patterns have come a long way from the mid nineties. My love of florals is unwavering and as you may remember, my favorite dress… er, dresses… are floral printed. Check out these fierce florals and tell me you’re not a believer:

1. D & G Floral Ruffle Dress, $745, 2. Forever 21 Peek A Boo Dress, $15.80, 3. MINKPINK Darling Buds of May Sundress, $103, 4. Diane von Furstenberg Graca Dress, $325, 5. Anna Sui Watercolor Floral Garden Mixed Print Dress, $425, 6. Nanette Lepore Candy Girl Dress, $298, 7. JOIE Painterly FLoral Balinda Dress $288, 8. Free People Parisian Bouquets Halter Dress, $128, 9. Carin Wester Nakato Shirtdress, $295, 10. Free People Everything Nice Lace Dress, $98

Toughen up your floral frock with chunky platforms and edgy accessories so that you look more like a primrose than a wallflower.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Chakra.org

Friday Frocks: Amazing Lace

By Kirsten|April 1st, 2011|Friday Frocks|

With the temperature reaching an impressive ninety degrees here in LA yesterday, I got excited thinking about shedding all of those winter layers and slipping into something much more summery. One of my very favorite dresses that I can not bear to part with (no matter the stains or pulls in the fabric) is a simple white lace crochet dress. The shape is simple and season after season it always looks just right for hot summer afternoons paired with espadrilles and a cool beverage. There is something so romantic yet so fresh about a dainty white lace dress. It is a piece that every girl, southern belle or not, should have in her wardrobe.

1. Kite & Butterfly Ivory French Lace Dress, $390, 2. Patterson J. Kincaid Torino Belted Lace Dress, $248, 3. XOXO Sleeveless Scoopneck Lace Ruffle Pocket Dress, $59, 4. Haute Hippie Lace Overlay Slip Dress, $495, 5. Dolce & Gabbana Lace Cocktail Dress, $475, 6. ABS by Allen Schwartz Tiered Lace Dress, $297, 7. Forever 21 Lace Back Asymmetrical Dress, $19.80, 8. Willow & Clay Lace Maxi Dress, $118, 9. Topshop White Prairie Lace Panel Sundress, $75, 10. Free People Ruffle Lace Slip, $78, 11. American Eagle Lace Dress, $49.50, 12. Free People Vintage Lace Dress, $298

Bring on the sun.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via The Sweetest Occasion

Friday Frocks: Shifty Little Lady

By Kirsten|March 25th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

A “mini” history lesson today. A shift dress is a simple, short silhouette accented by darts on the front bust and a straight or slightly A-line hem. The neckline is typically either a high boatneck or crewneck and there is no definition at the waist. This very simple shift was first credited to Hubert de Givenchy as he designed most of Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe- including that oh so iconic black shift she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The dress was later made popular by Lilly Pullitzer when she wore the dress while selling fresh squeezed fruit juice (I’m not kidding) roadside in Palm Beach, Florida. The image that comes to my mind, however, is Twiggy in a shift dress. She was hired at 16 to model the shape for Mary Quant who had shortened the hemline to about six inches above the knee.

Despite the simplicity of this shape, it doesn’t work for every body. Bigger busted ladies may have a harder time slipping into this shift. It works best on boyish figures and is a fantastic choice for you ladies with great gams.

1. Rogan for Target Leopard Print Shift Dress, $39.99, 2. Missoni Paneled Zig Zag Knit Shift Dress, $1,600, 3. Ali Ro Stripe Knit Shift Dress, $206, 4. J. Crew Cotton Blend Shift Dress, $120, 5. Thakoon for Target Colorblock Shift Dress, $39.99, 6. Tibi Zip Back Ponte Shift Dress, $293, 7. Free People Colorblock Shift Dress, $138, 8. Milly Maggie Shift Dress, $370, 9. Jenni Kayne Zip Front Shift Dress, $595, 10. Michael Kors Leather Trim A-Line Canvas Shift Dress, $1,495

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Cemetarian

Friday Frocks: Yeah Baby!

By Kirsten|March 11th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

It’s no secret that the runways have been channeling the swinging seventies and we’ve seen that flares are making a re-emergence. With spring just around the corner, what better way to get into the spirit than with a flowy patterned frock? I’m not talking about fembots and shooting bullets out of your brassiere. I’m talking about flowing fabrics in psychedelic prints.

Top (L to R): Topshop Dandelion Print One Bell Sleeve Dress, $100, Betsey Johnson Winter Bouquet Burnout Chiffon Tunic, $278, Parker Double Flared Sleeve Dress, $220, Halston Heritage Tunic Mini Dress, $219 Bottom (L to R): Halston Heritage Metallic Pleated Deep V Dress, $395, Nightcap Clothing Priscilla Dress, $264, Winter Kate Devi Dress, $215, Voom by Joy Han Faire Bell Sleeve Off the Shoulder Dress, $195

These breezy dresses would look great paired with flat over the knee boots and a leather jacket until it’s warm enough to lose the boots and strap on some platform sandals.