Why Did You Wear That: Now and Later

By Kirsten|September 4th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

The weather at the end of summer and the beginning of spring is more flippant and unpredictable than a woman two days into Aunt Flo. One day you’re blotting sweat stains from a silk blouse and the next you’re wishing you’d stowed a cardigan in your tote. Most of my summer was spent sunning my stems in denim cutoff shorts. My jeans barely saw the light of day and probably now have perma-creases from staying stagnant in the depths of my closet. Most people see Labor Day as the end of summer and Fashion Week as the beginning of fall. This is when closet starved New Yorkers begin the purging of their closets. Tiny tanks and strappy sandals are stowed and soft cashmere and slouchy boots take their place. But before you pack away your denim cutoffs for good, let’s examine how some of your favorite summer pieces can have an extended shelf life by working them into your wardrobe with winter wear.

sunglasses: Ray-Ban, top: custom vintage (similar here), shorts: c/o Cult of Individuality, bracelets: Alex and Ani, bag: Malini Murjani (similar here), shoes: L.A.M.B. (similar here)

Stay tuned to see how to take your summer shorts to a winter staple.
xx,

WhyDid

Photo credit: Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Don’t Sweat the Technique

By Kirsten|August 27th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

The quote above from Karl Lagerfeld has been passed around the internet faster than an Anthony Weiner dick pic. And while I first snickered when I saw it, I couldn’t help but wonder what Karl might think about one of this fall’s must have items: the sweatshirt.

I can just picture him fanning himself with leather glove clad hand whilst flipping through September’s issues. But put down the paper bag, big K. These aren’t the Champion sweatshirts of gym class past. Nor are they the Juicy Couture velour tracksuits that I was certain were the fashion apocalypse. This season’s reincarnations feature more structured silhouettes, lace insets, and little details that will have you sweating them, not sweating in them.

When worn with the skinniest of skinny jeans, leather leggings, or a pleated skirt rather than their fleeced counterparts, the sweatshirt is more fabulous than frumpy.

1. T by Alexander Wang Crew Neck Sweatshirt, 2. Helmut Lang Leather and Wool Sweatshirt, 3. By Chance Jenna Oversized Sweatshirt, 4. A.P.C. Atelier de Production et Création, 5. Chaser Nat Geo Logo Sweatshirt, 6. Kenzo Striped Lining Cotton Sweatshirt, 7. Wildfox Basic Baggy Beach Sweatshirt, 8.Theory Janelo Long Sweatshirt, 9. Funktional Discovery Sweatshirt

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: MTV VMA’s (Very Much a Mess)

By Kirsten|August 26th, 2013|Celebrity Style, Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

Katy Perry in Emanual Ungaro, Ellie Goulding, Becky G, Holland Roden in Naeem Khan

So, pretty much the VMA’s were the equivalent to the hangover I had from this weekend. And as a matter of fact, they actually made me want to drink more (Don’t worry, mom, I didn’t). For starters, when MTV hosts the Video Music Awards in Brooklyn, you know Brooklyn has lost all its “edge”- kind of like teen pregnancy and Lady Gaga. Guess it’s time to move back to the East Village, kids.

Speaking of Lady Gaga, who is apparently still making music, she started things off by impersonating her favorite internet meme: cat breading.

Don’t worry, she didn’t stay clothed for long. And not to be outdone, Miley Cyrus followed suit by also wearing some type of prosthetic panties for her performance with Robin Thicke, so I watched the rest of the show naked. We get it, Miley. You’re a bad girl. Side note: if Paula Patton knocked Miley upside her head for nuzzling her husband’s neck and teenage twerking, would that be considered child abuse?

No Pants, No Problem:

Lady Gaga in Prabal Gurung and in her panties

Miley Cyrus in Dolce & Gabbana and in her birthday suit

Things didn’t get much better from there or on the red carpet. I really have nothing good to report regarding the fashion from the evening… I mean, Rihanna skipped the red carpet altogether. There were, however, lots of leather clad children running amok. Perhaps this is where I show my age, because I had no idea who half of the individuals interviewed by Sway were (I don’t think he did either). I was actually shamed by two tweens the other night for not knowing who One Direction is. Noted, ladies. I wonder which 1D member stands to be the Justin Timberlake of ‘NSYNC. You see what happens to the others, guys… Dance harder.

From feathers and sequins, lots of leather, and more crop tops, stars left very little to the imagination. Even good girl, Selena Gomez, had an intentional wardrobe malfunction in her Atelier Versace. And what’s worse? Showing up for your big night wearing the same thing as someone else much like 2Chainz and Grimes did. I honestly, don’t know what could be more awkward than that …. oh, right… Taylor Swift’s dance moves.

Besties in Blue:

Taylor Swift in Herve Leger, Selena Gomez in Atelier Versace

Still Cropping Up:

Shailene Woodley in Pucci, Jordin Sparks, Alicia Quarles

Songbirds…literally:

Ciara in Givenchy, Rita Ora in Alexandre Vauthier Couture

2Twinz:

2 Chainz in Versace, Grimes in Versace

Wonder What?

Sarah Hyland, Wonder Woman

Still More Modest than Miley:

Iggy Azalea in Emilio Pucci, Erin Wasson

If I decide not to reproduce, you can thank this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Take Two, Part Two

By Kirsten|August 14th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I was once quoted as saying my ideal outfit is “feminine but tough. (Like a pretty girl on a Harley)…” For me, it’s awfully difficult to look anything but all American. Long blonde hair and fairly classic features make it pretty easy for me to be lumped in with your average white chick. There are times when I don’t feel as if my insides match my outsides. I remember the first time I sat down in my hairstylist’s chair. She’s a super cool girl from Brooklyn and I could just tell by the barely noticeable eye roll that she had pegged me as just another girl from the West Side by merely taking in my fresh face, designer bag, and simple tank dress. After speaking with her for fifteen minutes, her initial impression of me was completely forgotten and I won’t let anyone else touch my hair with his or her scissors.

I like to take something classic and turn it into something unexpected by giving it some edge or “dumbing it down.” Anything too obvious makes me uncomfortable. Predictable scares me and boring is the end of my existence. If it’s too pretty, I add something ugly. I used to always wear my glasses with anything bodycon… until that became an ironic trend. Now I just deal with my less than perfect vision by forgoing my spectacles. Even the prettiest of cocktail dresses can morph like a chameleon by swapping out strappy sandals for rugged boots, fussy hair for wild strands, tasteful jewels for “in your face” bling. A little black dress that I thought would only come in handy for last minute cocktail party invites has fast become a closet staple.

dress: Nightcap Clothing (long sleeve version), necklace: vintage (similar), bracelet: vintage necklace (similar), boots: Frye, bag: Expressions NYC (similar)

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Take Two, Part One

By Kirsten|August 13th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Buying a dress for your own birthday party is a pretty big deal. At least it was for me this year. For my first birthday back in New York, I wanted to celebrate with my favorite friends who I had missed so much and look damn good while doing so. However, having a birthday in the icy wintry month of January proves to be a bit more difficult when perusing the racks. I had been eying a particular lacy black dress online for quite some time and finally concluded the day of my birth would be the perfect time to debut it.

The good thing about this dress is that it’s neither seasonal, nor too trendy. It makes a statement without being something that can only be worn once. So, one evening, when I couldn’t quite figure out what to wear for another friend’s birthday party, I pulled this pretty little thing out of my closet for another spin around the dancefloor. This time sans tights. On my way out, I decided I should also probably take out the trash. Well, wouldn’t you know, it was a good thing I hadn’t worn my usual post workout sweat stained garb to handle the task. As I approached the compactor room, a very dashing gentleman was on his way in to toss his own trash. Being an actual gentleman, he held the door open for me and continued to hold it so that I wouldn’t be shut in the creepy, stinky room solo. As I leaned over the shoot, the fellow commented, “That’s quite an outfit for garbage duty.” To which I replied, “Oh, this old thing?”

dress: Nightcap Clothing (long sleeve version), shoes: Steve Madden (similar), clutch: Helena de Natalio (similar), bracelet: vintage necklace (similar), nails: Marie Nails