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Why Did You Wear That: Up on the Roof

By |July 24th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithWhen I walked out of my grey carpeted, grey walled, grey everything office on my last day of work, I knew I never wanted to be stuck in a corporate cubicle ever again.  Ever.  I started WhyDid while working that 9-5 (more like 8-8) job and made it my priority a year later.  Sure, I wrote my first book at age ten, but I hadn’t even realized how much I enjoyed writing until over ten years later.  I’ve now been fortunate enough to turn something I love to do, into what I do for a living.

While not having to report to an office sure has its perks (like wine at lunch), working from home can become pretty isolating.  I don’t have to get dressed or even shower before making it from my bed to my computer.  I don’t need to come in contact with humans on a daily basis if I don’t want to.  And it’s fairly easy to get totally sidetracked.  I have a beautiful apartment, but staring at the same four walls day in and day out can be less than inspiring.  Luckily, I have a very special creative oasis just an elevator ride away.  Arguably, I have one of the best rooftops in Manhattan.  I can see in all directions, and being by the water allows for a little breeze, which is crucial during these oppressively hot summer days.  I mean, there’s even WiFi.  My only complaint?  No electrical outlets, which only allows me to work for as long as my batteries will last.  So, management, if you’re reading this…

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smitty

kirsten smithtop: Brandy Melville (similar), shorts: Brandy Melville (similar), sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bracelets: Alex and Ani, necklace: Nina Nguyen, shoes: Charles David, bag: Diane von Furstenberg (similar), dog: Smitty

Rough day at the office.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo credit: Michael Stiegler

Why Did or Why Don’t: Overall Overhaul

By |July 17th, 2013|Celebrity Style, Why Did or Why Don't?|

As you may recall, I wasn’t particularly pleased when the whole “overalls” trend popped up this past fall.  It just seemed like such an unflattering and unladylike look for about, oh… 98.9% of the population.  But then something funny happened.

Trendsetting celebrities and stylish city girls put a positive spin on the formerly dowdy denim dungarees.  For some reason, I find the short version far less offensive than its full leg counterpart.   Dare I even call it cute?  So, I guess you could say my cold heart has melted… or it could just be this miserable mid-July heatwave, but you be the judge.

Blank Roll in the Hay Overalls, Haute Hippie Chambray Overalls, BDG Denim Overall Shorts, Current/Elliot The Short Overalls

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: The Witching Hour

By |July 16th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithWhile one can essentially never go wrong in a little black dress, the same ol’ cocktail attire can become a bit tired.  For a more modern take on basic black, try mixing separates in the same color- most notably in noir.  Make the look your own by adding accessories like a hat for a more dressed down take, or twisting your hair into a top knot for a more polished presence.  I once suggested another alternative to the LBD, which garnered a love/hate reaction.  And to be honest, this is a look I’ve been perfecting since senior prom.

Yes, my parents let me out of the house (and actually escorted me) to my prom wearing these very same fly-away shorts and a beaded butterfly top (dare I mention my very first weave?).  I never thought I’d see the day where these shorts would become a part of my wardrobe again, but during one of my 18,000 moves, I returned to my mom’s house in West Virginia and scoured the archives.  Jackpot.

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smithhat: borrowed (similar here), top: American Apparel (similar here), shorts: Caché, shoes: L.A.M.B. (similar), bag: Erickson Beamon

kirsten smith fence

lamb

kirsten smith

xx,

WhyDid

Photo Credit: Michael Stiegler

Friday Frocks: Red, White, and Breezy

By |July 5th, 2013|Friday Frocks|

You survived the fireworks (I did too- barely).  You’re surviving the hangover (hair of the dog).  And now summer is in full swing.  Continue your holiday weekend party sporting something in the flag color scheme.  Let it swang, let it hang.

1. Free People Cutout Bodycon Slip Dress, 2. Splendid Ruched Cotton and Modal Blend Jersey Minidress, 3. Dolce Vita Hanni Sleeveless Dress, 4. Joie Dawna Tank Dress, 5. Forever 21 Off the Shoulder Fit & Flare Dress, 6. BB Dakota Royer Cross Back Dress, 7. Nightcap Clothing Parlor Lace Dress, 8. For Love & Lemons Lulu Americana Dress, 9. The Furies Manchu Tank Dress, 10. Forever 21 Chambray Shirt Dress

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks (Except Not): One for the Money

By |June 14th, 2013|Friday Frocks|

Speaking of one pieces… this week let’s ditch the frocks for something less formal.  While a onesie can still be dressed up for a night out on the town, sometimes a gal needs a little coverage of the crotchal region.  Maybe you’ll be tackling the new Citi Bikes, or perhaps there are high kicks in your future, in any case, a little bit of modesty goes a long way.  What better way than in a jumpsuit or romper?  (Answer: there is no better way).

1.Splendid Cotton and Modal Jersey Jumpsuit, 2. findersKEEPERS By the Way Romper, 3. Lucca Couture Zipper Front Romper, 4. Emerson Thorpe Juliette Wrap Front Halter Jumper, 5. T by Alexander Wang Paneled Silk Crepe de Chine Playsuit, 6. Kimchi Blue Tie-Front Romper, 7. Dolce Vita Makayla Romper, 8. Young Fabulous & Broke Gracie Jumpsuit, 9. OAK Hooded Cotton Fleece Playsuit, 10. ONE by Novella Novella Jumpsuit

xx,
WhyDid