Why Did You Wear That? | WhyDid.com

Why Did You WearThat: The Best pLaid Plans

By Kirsten|December 29th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Mixing patterns is tough enough, but would one dare to mix plaid on plaid on plaid? I would. Especially since I’ve begun to run out of options in my suitcase and I’ve either gotten incredibly creative or undeniably delusional. Perhaps both.

I can’t count the number of times in the last month when my father has asked, “That’s what you’re wearing?” Well, yes, dad, it is. It’s more evident than ever that my father raised two wild wolves as sons and I had the pleasure of being pampered by my very feminine mother. He thought I was kidding when I told him a pedicure was a near emergency yesterday and pretty much laughed in my face when I told him I was going to need to go shopping for an evening specific outfit for New Year’s Eve. He’s a dude’s dude and I’m slowly breaking him back into what it means to have a woman around. Poor guy.

Needless to say, he gets a kick out of being my personal paparazzi and has been nothing less than accommodating. I had originally scouted a location to shoot close to his house where the leaves had just begun to fall in the most magnificent display of ombre glory. The deepest shades of red to the warmest yellow, it was a Pantone wet dream. However, I waited a day or two before scheduling the shoot and by the time we headed out, someone with a leafblower and disdain for mother nature had ruined my set. A true lesson that there is no time like the present. Being a good sport, Dick, Smitty, and I hopped in the car to look for new location inspiration. Just as we were about to call it a day- and a loss- we passed the Spreckels Post Office which is nestled next to the Spreckels Emporium emblazoned with an old fashioned Coca Cola ad. It’s like stepping back in time. I asked Dick to stop and we proceeded to shoot and see what we came up with…

hat: H&M, scarf: PerryEllis (similar here), flannel shirt: Wrangler (similar here), t-shirt: American Apparel, slip: (similar here), tights: who knows? (similar here), boots: Dolce Vita, bag: Amrita Singh, jacket: Andrew Marc (similar here)

And yes, dad, my tights are shredded, but that’s life. You’ve gotta embrace the snags.

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Hot Under the Collar

By Kirsten|December 27th, 2013|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

One of the most noteworthy numbers sent down this Fall ’13’s runways was the plaid Peter Pan collared frock from Saint Laurent. Encapsulating just enough of the 90’s grunge while maintaining the sweetness of a babydoll silhouette, this dress becomes a classic contradiction. Valentino and Louis Vuitton also sent very similar styles down the catwalk. A perfect day to night dress that will transition effortlessly from cubicle to club by trading in flat boots for spiky Mary-Janes or strappy pumps, letting your hair loose and cranking up the smokey eye. A perfect perfect mixture of sugar and spice- ain’t that nice?

1. Alice + Olivia Courtnee Combo Cuff Dress, 2. RED Valentino Polka Dot Peter Pan Collar Dress, 3. Sea Combo Silk Dress, 4. Victoria Beckham Peter Pan Collar Ottoman Mini Dress, 5. Cooperative Contrast Collar Babydoll Dress, 6.Motel Narla Cross-Back Dress, 7. Maje Eponyme Chiffon Paneled Stretch Jersey Mini Dress, 8. Charles Henry Collared Colorblock Dress, 9. One & Only x Urban Renewal Collared Babydoll Dress, 10. Elkin Noon Dress

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Let’s Keep This Private

By Kirsten|December 24th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

As mad for plaid as I am? So are Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent, Rossella Jardini of Moschino, and Mr. Lagerfeld himself. But if you tossed that old school uniform or it doesn’t quite fit the way it did as a teen, do not fret. Perhaps it’s time to be the teacher rather than the pupil and there are some very grown up ways to add plaid that are more collegiate than kindergarten. Let me school you for a moment. Pop a varsity jacket on with distressed denim and pumps, add a plaid jumper over a turtleneck, or polish off those penny loafers- but never forget your over the knee socks. (Pro-tip: for cooler climates, layer over the knee socks atop sheer stockings in the same shade or patterned color family). Pick a piece or two to achieve the look, but don’t go for extra credit by overdoing it. You should look subtly nostalgic, not like you just stepped out of a time machine.

1. Rag & Bone Raquel Boiled Wood Varsity Jacket, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Maya Plaid Wool Skirt, 3. Rag & Bone Beeman Velvet Tassel Loafers, 4. Theory Nikay Catalogue Cotton Blend Dress, 5. Saint Laurent Two Tone Leather Penny Loafers, 6. Missoni Shimmer Stripe Thigh Highs, 7. J. Crew New Schoolboy Brushed Stretch-wool Twill Blazer, 8. Vivienne Westwood Rocket Tartan Mini Skirt, 9. Robert Clergerie Serana Leather Wedge Pumps, 10. Elkin Basset Dress, 11. Gucci Beverly Patent Leather Pumps, 12. Plush Fleece Lined Thigh Highs, 13. J. Crew Wool Varsity Jacket, 14. Free People Lady Macbeth Skirt, 15. Bop Basics V-Neck Cardigan

You’re dismissed. xx, WhyDid

Friday Frocks: 2013- Fun While It Lasted

By Kirsten|December 20th, 2013|Friday Frocks|

The hardest decision you will be forced to make in 2013 is probably what to wear while bidding it adieu. Oh? You spent 2013 choosing a graduate school, getting engaged, and curing cancer? Well, the last eleven months have been slightly less impressive for me. I still have two halfway written novels collecting dust, a never ending to-do list, and a closet that’s needed to be cleaned out since 2011. We’ll chock this one up to reacclimating to the East Coast. Writing this post has actually just sent me into a miniature shame spiral much like when Facebook keeps asking if I’d like to see my year in review. No. Absolutely not. I lived it. No need to do it again.

But back to what really matters in the grand scheme of life and what will be posted all over your Facebook timeline come January 1st… your party dress! While some still feel that the last night of the year is the best and most appropriate time to wear a dress strictly constructed of sequins, others feel the onslaught of nausea and would prefer the “anti-sparkle dress.” I straddle the middle, but am more likely to wear sequins to Duane Reade on a random Tuesday to buy toilet paper than for a specific occasion that calls for them. That said, there is a happy ending in all of this and its name is metallics. I think a metallic frock is a much more modern take on shine than the oh so standard sequins. So, look for something laced with lurex or punched up with patent to get the look sans gagging.

Hm… now that I’ve taken all the trouble out of finding something to wear, now you’ve got an even harder decision? Who will you plant those luscious lips on at the stroke of midnight?

1. Jonathan Simkhai Colorblock Boucle Dress, 2. Capitol Couture by Trish Summerville Laser Cut Patent Leather Dress, 3. Oh My Love Metallic Surplice Dress, 4. Opening Ceremony Hope Deep V Dress, 5. Roland Mouret Malha Lamé TTD, 6. KNT by Kova & T Backless Metallic Halter Dress, 7.Milly Laminated Flare Dress, 8. Sass & Bide Here & Now Beaded Silk Minidress, 9. Free People Golden Chalice Maxi Dress, 10. Motel Cherry Pie Metallic Mesh Top Dress

On to the next.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Clutch Call

By Kirsten|December 17th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

I normally carry a bag so large it’s a wonder I haven’t exacerbated my adolescent scoliosis. I mean, one never knows when one may need a notebook, business card, energy bar, or rape whistle (one must always carry a rape whistle). On evenings out, especially in the northeast when the weather turns to slippery slush and we are relegated to bundling ourselves in massive coats of wool, fur, leather, and cashmere to merely tolerate the bone chilling cold in hopes of drowning our sorrows with overpriced cocktails, space which is already at a premium in a city like New York becomes exiguous. Sure there are coat checks and clever cubbies cut into the backs of banquettes, but do you really wanna cram your Céline into a dark cavern alongside some chick’s Canal Street knockoff in the off chance that yours will mysteriously go “missing”? Just like when the meathead at the bar asks if he can buy you a lemon drop, the answer is, “No.” Instead of carrying your everyday bag that could double as a carry-on (and on occasion has), opt for the handheld version commonly called a clutch. Just be sure to hold onto it rather than leaving it in a puddle of condensation on the table credit cards et al.