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Why Did You Wear That: Cover Your Bases

By |August 5th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

national underwear day peep showThere are times in life when one must practice a bit of discretion- like the times where my friends have to remind me that what I classify as “shirts” aren’t in reality and in “polite society” considered shirts.  They’re more like long line bralettes.  And honestly, if my bust wasn’t as robust, I might actually be able to get away with a bit more skin.  But alas, that is not the case, so I’ve had to take a quick course in Modesty 101.  This past weekend when I was informed that I would be attending a cocktail party with one of my best gal pals, her boo, and a guy I’d formerly hidden from, I packed one of my favorite T by Alexander Wang backless dresses and heels that I get stopped on the street about.  “Backless” more often than not is synonymous with “bra-less.”  As to not offend my friend, I also stashed one of my secret weapons that I acquired as a lingerie buyer, silicone nipple covers.  Sure, they aren’t exactly sexy (ever wanna look like a department store mannequin?), but they prevent corneal damage and idle cocktail party gossip.  That reminded me of all the little tricks of the trade that I was privy to and wanted to share with my fellow crop top loving cohorts.  Collect these Macgyver approved undergarments below and never let your nipples be the only lasting impression at the party… because it’s just not that kind of party.

calvin klein underwear1. Calvin Klein Underwear Naked Glamour Strapless Push Up Bra, 2. Fashion Forms Silicone Gel Petals, 3. The Natural Fashion Tape and Dispenser, 4. Joie Layering Slip Dress, 5. Commando Classic Thong, 6. Cosabella Never Say Never Flirty Bandeau Bra, 7. Free People Seamless Romper, 8. Les Coquines Anastasia Halter Bralette, 9. Only Hearts Second Skins One Ply Tube

xx,

WhyDid

 

 

Why Did You Wear That: Washington Park After Dark

By |August 3rd, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

washington park nycOne of the best things about New York, and there are many, is the street traffic.  Not long ago, I loathed being photographed and what made it even more troublesome for me was having to call attention to myself as I strutted and struck poses in plain view of all pedestrians, taxi cabs, and public transportation.  But alas, I eventually came to terms with this necessary form of showboating and started to embrace the glances, glares, cheers, and jeers of passersby.  As we shot this, a woman stopped to offer her own editorial commentary.  She wanted to let me know that I looked like a witch.  Michael laughed and asked if it was the hat, which he had let me know from moment one he hated.  (Which is ironic since this hat is his and had earned him the very same nickname).  She said it was the whole look, but perhaps if I changed my attitude I could be a good witch like Samantha.  She was then on her way and I checked to see if she, herself, had not been riding a broomstick.  I love this city.

kirsten smith whydid blog

nyc bowler hat

metallic dress hat bolwer nyc

kirsten smith whydid blog nyc copy

whydid blog kirsten smith nychat: similar by Topshop here, dress: similar by One Teaspoon here, shoes: similar by Alice + Olivia here, bag: Helena de Natalio, similar by Alexander Wang here, bracelet: c/o Style Queen, similar by Berry here, necklaces: vintage, similar by Alainn here, nail/toe polish: Deborah Lippmann “Maniac”, lipstick: Clinique Almost Lipstick in “Black Honey”

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Mad Hatter

By |July 29th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

different hats fedora sun bowler clocheRemember when every bro from every bridge or tunnel borough was seen sporting a fedora and clear sunglasses on any given Saturday or Sunday stumbling from a long fist pumping brunch at Bagatelle or Lavo?  If you don’t, God bless you.  You were spared.  Needless to say, for a while, “fedora” had a bit of a negative connotation in my social circle, but fortunately for milliners in Manhattan and beyond, the fedora has been revived along with a few other favored head huggers.  If you’re confused as to what to wear on your dome piece, here is a little guide to headwear.  I haven’t included the beanie on this particular list as I don’t approve of ski gear midsummer.  We’ll get there.

fedora panama bucket hatsI adore a fedora: Eugenia Kim Bianca Grosgrain Trimmed Wool Felt Fedora, Topshop Floral Print Fedora, David & Young Felt Fedora, Ace of baseball caps: Collection XIIX Metallic Baseball Hat, Betsey Johnson Wild Blooms Baseball Hat, House of Holland New Era Velvet Baseball Hat, In the bucket: Nixon Bob Bucket Hat, Eric Javits Rain Bucket Hat, Brixton Tracker II Bucket Hat, Panama Jack: J. Crew Panama Hat, BP. Wool Panama Hat, Michael Stars Well Weathered Straw Panama Hat, Shady lady: Helen Kaminski Provence 12 Raffia Straw Hat, BCBGMAXAZRIA Wide Brim Hat, Eric Javits Squishee Shade Sun Hat, Flop to it: Topshop Floppy Wool Felt Hat, Nordstrom Straw Floppy Hat, Hat Attack Leather Trim Wide Brim Floppy Hat

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Wear That: C’est La Vie (Active)

By |July 27th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

vie activewearI can’t deny that I have a hard time stomaching dropping hundreds of dollars on pricey activewear, especially when it seems as of late, my entire clothing budget has gone basically to sports bras, compression pants, and sneakers.  You should smell my hamper.  However, fitness has become such a thing (um, been on Instagram lately?) that department stores such as Saks and online retailers like Net-A-Porter have dedicated entire categories to designer activewear.  Long gone are the days of just tossing on your boyfriend’s boxers and a ratty t-shirt to rally at the gym.  When I look around my Pilates class, it’s a full fledged fashion show with one toned body looked more chic than the next.  Fitness is having a serious fashion moment.

There is little else that’s worse than catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror behind you mid burpee to see that your pants are startlingly sheer (recall lululemon-gate?).  There have been times when I could have told half the women in my classes what color their knickers were because they shone through during downward facing fanny.  Really, the only thing I can think of that’s worse is finding out how many calories I’ve consumed in a day.  Along with tracking my runs with Runkeeper, I downloaded a little iPhone app called My Fitness Pal.  Spoiler alert, ladies: there are a lot of calories in wine.

So, perhaps there is something to spending a little extra when it comes to your workout wear.  When Australian activewear brand, Vie Active, contacted me about testing out their wares, I jumped, literally, at the chance.  In an industry without a ton of room for interpretation, Vie Active has kept things fun and functional combining bold prints with high tech fabrics that will ensure you look nothing remotely close to a gym rat.

vie active wear nyc nike flyknitnyc vie activewear nike flyknitwhydid vie activewear nyc

heel stretch vie active

nike flyknit luna vie activewear

dancer pose yog vie activewearvie activewear nike flyknit workoutpants and sports bra c/o Vie Active, shoes: Nike, hair: combination fishtail braid and milkmaid braids

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Friday Frocks: Don’t Play No Games

By |July 25th, 2014|Friday Frocks|

workout fashionYou know what can ruin a perfectly good Eggs Benedict?  Watching a girl wearing sweaty yoga pants join the table next to you post [insert latest/trendiest workout] class for mimosas and toast, gluten free, of course.  I understand the stress of squeezing in a workout pre-weekend gluttony.  Getting from point A to point B without upsetting all parties and attempting to look like you didn’t just emerge from Tulum’s sweat lodge.  The struggle is real.  Whether you’re looking to find love on the tennis court or love in the club, these sporty little dresses are perfect for slipping on post calorie torching.

workout dresses1. L’Etoile Sport Medea Striped Ribbed Stretch Jersey Dress, 2. ADDISON Terry Drop Waist Tank Dress, 3. byCORPUS Stripe T-shirt Dress, 4. Orlebar Brown Sanremo Cotton Terry Dress, 5. Athleta Dip Dye Middy Maxi, 6. Clu Pleated Sweatshirt Dress, 7. Sparkle and Fade Side Slit Maxi Slip Dress, 8. Athleta Bob and Weave Active Dress, 9. SUNDRY Stripes Sweatshirt Dress, 10. Monreal London Stretch Jersey Mini Dress

xx,

WhyDid