Friday Frocks: Hittin’ the Books

By admin|September 5th, 2014|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

What’s easier than having a plaid skirt and button down laid out for your every morning? A smart little dress that requires no mixing or matching because it is an entire outfit in and of itself. Geek out in something plaid or opt for a collar that needs no popping. The hardest thing about getting dressed in the morning will be deciding which shoes to wear.

1. KNITZ by For Love & Lemons Lumberjack Jumper Dress, 2. Joie Raley Plaid Fit & Flare Dress, 3. Jill Jill Stuart Collared Lace Dress, 4. Free People Teen Spirit Mini Dress, 5. Band of Outsiders Sleeveless Shirtdress, 6. Thakoon Addition Mixed Stripe Shirtdress, 7. Cooperative Wednesday Collared Romper, 8. Alexander Wang Paisley Shift Dress, 9. COPE Tie Neck Silky Shirtdress, 10. CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Rumer Lace Shift Dress

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Why Did You Wear That: Private (School) Party

By admin|September 4th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

Move over Blair Waldorf, this fall preppy plaid and tailored blazers are having a moment lasting longer than your reign as prom queen. But this isn’t a buttoned up and uptight renaissance. Think of the girls in school who skipped class, spent lunch smoking in the hidden back parking lot, and unabashedly flirted with the cute English teacher. Okay, I didn’t do any of those things in school, but I did manage to find each and every loophole in the dress code. I was reprimanded more than once for having rolled my skirt or wearing shoes that weren’t deemed appropriate. Many feel that a school uniform stunts a child’s ability to express him or herself, but I contest that belief as it takes a lot more creativity to own the look. Plus, basically already knowing what you’re going to wear every morning gives you much more time to spend straightening your hair. Iron on labels can help you keep your school cloth well organized. The only downside was that I didn’t wear thong underwear on a daily basis until I graduated as our ancient stairwells were a peeping Tom’s dream realized.

Can we take a moment and relish in the irony that my highschool had a “best dressed” superlative?

For fall, be at the head of the class by pairing an updated plaid or pleated skirt with an oversized blazer or varsity jacket and don’t forget to finish it off with a pair of absolutely inappropriate shoes. See you in detention.

(In case you are wondering about these illustrious photos, the one on the left is from either my sophomore or junior year of school- clearly when I discovered bleach and the one on the right is my first day of ninth grade. And yes, those are Doc Martens).

1. A.P.C. Burnou Zippe Coat, 2. SMYTHE Three Button Schoolboy Blazer, 3. Roseanna Tommy Sherpa Lined Jacket, 4. J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer, 5. Opening Ceremony Tristan Wool Classic OC Varsity Jacket, 6. Sea Two Pleat Skirt, 7. Marissa Webb Paige Gerrit Plaid Skirt, 8. GETTING BACK TO SQUARE ONE Plaid Miniskirt, 9. BB Dakota Corvin Pleated Skirt, 10. JOA Checked Pencil Skirt, 11. Manolo Blahnik Rorita Oxfords, 12. Walter Steiger Lug Sole Patent Leather Loafers, 13. Studio Pollini Loafers, 14. J. Crew Kiltie Monk Strap Loafers, 15. Zimmermann Tie Up Ballerina Flats

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Leader of the (Back) Pack

By admin|September 3rd, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

Backpacks aren’t anything new- we brought back the pack both last year (here) and the year before (here). Long gone are the days of bulky canvas Kipling and Jansport and the current iterations aren’t of Clueless microscopic proportions either. These bags are crafted of leathers, skins, and suede and embellished with shiny hardware in gold, silver, and in some instances even rose gold. While many equate backpacks to textbooks and pencil cases, the backpack has evolved well beyond the playground and has become fashion “it” girls’ new “it” bag. Trade in your slouchy tote for fall for a backpack slung over one shoulder or worn traditionally on two shoulders. Tag- you’re it.

1. Alexander Wang Dumbo Textured Leather Backpack, 2. Proenza Schouler Python PS Small Courier Backpack, 3. Opening Ceremony Izzy Backpack, 4. meli melo Mini Backpack, 5. See by Chloé Cherry Backpack, 6. Jerome Dreyfuss Haircalf Florent Backpack, 7. ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Backpack, 8. Deadly Ponies Mr. Chain Mail Backpack, 9. Balenciaga Arena Classic Traveler Backpack, 10. KARA Suede Backpack

xx,

WhyDid

Photo by Michael Stiegler, full outfit post here

Somethin’ for the Fellas: Copious Row

By admin|August 28th, 2014|Guest Blogger, Somethin for the fellas, Why Did You Wear That?|

Recently, I had the pleasure of virtually catching up (as he’s spent most of the summer traveling and sunning in the Hamptons) with my dear friend, David Chines, founder of Copious Row. Having always had impeccable taste and being my favorite friend to “spill tea” with, creating an online shopping destination only seems like a natural progression in his career having a major background in fashion, marketing, and digital media. Below, David answers some questions about the concept behind Copious Row and what makes a truly dapper gentleman.

What is Copious Row?

Copious Row is an e-commerce site dedicated to the discerning man who is looking for unique and interesting items for themselves, their homes, their offices and beyond. It is also the perfect place to find an amazing gift for any man in your life!

How was the concept conceived?

The concept came about because I, personally, couldn’t find a website where I could find different and outstanding products. I felt like the male population was under served in the realm of on-line shopping. I don’t want to buy things that everyone already has. I was also familiar with many international brands that weren’t available in the US and/or on-line. The site has an incredible international set of vendors that don’t have much US presence. I also kept hearing from my girlfriends that they have the hardest time finding gifts for men – another problem the site solves!

Who is the Copious Row man?

The Copious Row man isn’t necessarily just one person. The goal was to create a site that men of all ages, geographies, and interests would want to shop on. The only unifying factor I would say, is that the Copious Row man likes the unexpected and appreciates incredible quality and craftsmanship. Our man is looking to invest in beautiful items that are timeless and classic but are definitely conversation starters.

What makes it different than say, Mr. Porter or East Dane?

Unlike those sites, we don’t carry ready-to-wear or shoes. We focus on lifestyle items, our pieces are not seasonal or trendy and don’t have a shelf life. It’s also a very easy sight to shop. We very rarely have sizing in our items, so there is no need to worry about fit or size. We are also very selective about what we carry – we curate and edit very carefully. We choose the best of a product line making for a great, comfortable shopping experience that isn’t overwhelming.

What must every dapper gentleman have in his closet? In his bathroom vanity?

Every dapper man has to have a great wallet and a great pair of cufflinks. These items can really define a man and tell the world who he is. Although most men are very casual these days, cufflinks can be fun and full of personality. They’re a great conversation starter and can tell a great tale. Your wallet also tells a story – are you casual? formal? practical? It speaks volumes!

For the bathroom vanity – the right hair product! Knowing what works best for your hair type and knowing how to style your hair is essential, it’s one of the first things people see. Dapper starts from the head down!

What is the biggest style mistake that men make?

Not paying attention to details. When you walk out of your house you are sending the world a message. People appreciate a man who takes care of himself and takes pride in the things he owns. Carrying around a 12 year old wallet is not sexy. Using your grandfather’s torn up luggage is not cool. Women love a man who is sleek and put together.

What is the one item that can take you from looking a bit disheveled to totally dapper?

A great bag. Whether it’s a beach bag, gym bag, briefcase, etc. If you see a man on the street who may be a bit disheveled but he’s carrying a great bag, he will still turn heads and keep people wondering.

What must men throw out from their wardrobes immediately if not sooner?

Flip-flops!! If not on the beach, a man has no business wearing flip-flops. They’re way too casual and make you look young and sloppy.

Gentlemen, I hope you took notes and ladies, if you’re looking for something extra special for that special man in your life, whether it be your father or fiancé, be sure to head over to shop Copious Row.

xx,

WhyDid

Red Carpet Recap: The 66th Annual Emmy Awards

By admin|August 26th, 2014|Celebrity Style, Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

And the Emmy Goes To…:

January Jones in Prabal Gurung, Kiernan Shipka in Antonio Berardi, Halle Berry in Elie Saab

It’s a wonder I was even able to complete this post as I spent the majority of last night’s 66th Annual Emmy Awards in the waiting room at CityMD where I tried to convince them that it was imperative to change the channel from NY1 to the Emmy’s so that I could complete my work. No dice, but fortunately I’d planned ahead by recording the show before stepping out. Don’t worry guys, after being poked and prodded and nearly regurgitating on a tongue depressor, turns out it’s just a sore throat.

Instead of sipping on champagne, I gargled with salt water and settled in to catch up on what I’d missed. Clearly, what I’d missed was almost every single show that’s currently on television. I’ve been so busy watching re-runs of The Golden Girls, that I wasn’t even aware that shows like Masters of Sex or Treme existed. But let’s be serious, it’s an honor just to be nominated and sure it’s exciting to win (full list of winners here), I’m only here for the fashion.

Fairly early into the red carpet arrivals, there was a theme brewing. If you weren’t wearing red, you were wearing white. From Julia Louis Drefus’s simple and well tailored Carolina Herrera to Claire Danes’ intricately detailed Givenchy, there was no chance of blending into the carpet in these crimson creations. White may very well be one of the hardest colors to wear, let alone be photographed in. However, last night’s presenters and nominees were picture perfect in their picks, namely Laverne Cox in Marc Bouwer and Anna Chlumsky in Zac Posen.

The rest of the carpet was a veritable rainbow with Kerry Washington in an orange Prada, Samira Wiley in a curry colored Christian Siriano, Keke Palmer in cobalt Rubin Singer, and Zoey Deschanel in an Oscar de la Renta bright pop of pink. Hayden Panetierre proved that pregnant women most certainly can wear sequins in her Lorena Sarbu and others played with color and patterns as made apparent by Louise Roe’s Monique Lhuillier and Julie Bowen’s Peter Som.

My winners included January Jones in a beautifully constructed red Prabal Gurung gown (though her hair could have used some help), budding fashion favorite, Kiernan Shipka in a steely grey Antonio Berardi, and Halle Berry whose Elie Saab was a color that was clearly made for her- seriously, it’s like Jay-Z blue. Does it have a Pantone number? Those who didn’t fair so well? Katherine Heigl is no stranger to the worst dressed list and last night was no different as she showed up wearing something that actually looked like something I’ve seen on The Golden Girls. Lena Dunham, bless her, wore a cupcake confection that left her looking more silly than chic. I applaud her new hair, however. When Sarah Paulson arrived on the red carpet, I must admit at first I was intrigued, but I have the feeling her gown was the type that is beautiful in person, but does not translate to TV. Somebody’s stylist needs get a Polaroid camera.

While not everyone was fashion award worthy, if this red carpet is any indication of what’s to come this award season, I’m looking forward to tuning in. I may even start watching shows from this decade.

Orange Crush:

Sarah Hyland in Christian Siriano, Natalie Dormer in J. Mendel, Kerry Washington in Prada

Cloaked in Coral:

Mindy Kaling in Kenzo, Heidi Klum in Zac Posen, Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Well Red… and Red… and, well, Red:

Uzo Aduba, Giuliana Rancic, Christina Hendricks in Marchesa

Minnie Driver in Marchesa, Julia Louis Dreyfus in Carolina Herrera, Claire Danes in Givenchy

Shocking Pink:

Kaley Cuoco in Monique Lhuillier, Zoey Deschanel in Oscar de la Renta, Allison Janney in Nicholas Jebran

All White, All White, All White:

Kate Mara in J. Mendel, Anna Chlumsky in Zac Posen, Padma Laksmi in Ralph Rucci

Kristen Wiig in Vera Wang, Laverne Cox in Marc Bouwer, Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli

Joanne Froggatt in J. Mendel, Julianne Hough in DSquared, Michelle Monaghan in Giambattista Valli

Shine On:

Amy Poehler in Theia, Hayden Panetierre in Lorena Sarbu, Gwen Stefani in Versace

Alexandra Daddario in Reem Acra, Taylor Schilling in Zuhair Murad, Taryn Manning

Mauve-lous:

Louise Roe in Monique Lhuillier, Cat Deeley in Burberry, Amanda Peet in Giambattista Valli

Citrus Sirens:

Samira Wiley in Christian Siriano, Lucy Liu in Zac Posen, Kate Walsh in Stephane Rolland

Going Green:

Laura Prepon, Sarah Silverman in Marni, Allison Tolman in Romona Keveza

Shades of Blue:

Mayim Bialik in Oliver Tolentino, Keke Palmer in Rubin Singer, Edie Falco in Escada

Natasha Leone in custom Opening Ceremony, Julia Roberts in Elie Saab, Rose Leslie

The New Black:

Lena Headey, Lizzy Caplan in Donna Karan Atelier, Debra Messing in Angel Sanchez

Watercolor Wonders:

Taissa Farmiga in Honor, Betsy Brandt in Alice + Olivia Julie Bowen in Peter Som

Pattern Play:

Teyonah Parris in Christian Siriano, Michelle Dockering in Rosie Assoulin, Ariel Winter in Black Halo Eve

Two’s Better Than One:

Jon Hamm in Tom Ford and Jennifer Westfeldt in Marchesa, Camila Alves in Zuhair Murad and Matthew McConaughey in bespoke Dolce & Gabbana, Lauren Parsekian in Sarbu and Aaron Paul