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Friday Frocks: Wine and Dine

By |September 14th, 2012|Friday Frocks|

wine and dineSeeing as weekends in the fall are meant for meeting a man to keep you warm all winter, you’re going to need a fresh frock to welcome in the “cuffing” season.  Sure, we all have the classic LBD, but what about something a little warmer?  Something in this season’s most coveted color, perhaps?  That’s right, I’m talking about switching your shade like you’re switching from rose to pinot noir.  The great thing about fall’s oxblood/burgundy/whatever you’ve decided to call it color is that it’s so very flattering on skin tones from porcelain to caramel to mocha- just like this particular Helmut Lang frock I’ve been lusting after every single time I pass the Intermix on my corner.  So, embrace it ladies, these wine hued frocks are sure to get you wined, dined, and warm all winter.

fall 2012 wine dresses burgundy1. Vince V Neck Dress, $285, 2. Diane von Furstenberg Maeryn Dress, $445, 3. Charlie Jade Long Sleeve Tie Neck Dress, $185, 4. Joie Pollini Wrap Dress, $348, 5. Lucca Studded Bodycon Dress, $69, 6. T by Alexander Wang Pleated Neoprene Dress, $325, 7. Sparkle & Fade Mandarin Collar Front Cutout Dress, $69, 8. Forever21 Ruched Wrap Dress, $22.80, 9. Norma Kamali Super High Low Dress, $275, 10. Forever21 Sleeveless Peplum Dress, $22.80

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: The In Crowd at Cotte D’Armes

By |September 6th, 2012|Why Did You Wear That?|

cotte d'armesIn the off chance you didn’t get the memo… or didn’t care to, Fashion Week is well under way.  Yesterday I hiked on down to the Thompson LES in order to catch the Cotte D’Armes presentation.  I don’t know why exactly I stressed myself and stilettos out in order to get there promptly at call time, because like all good fashion shows, they were running a solid fifteen minutes behind.  And while the heat and humidity was enough to stir some fashion folks into a straight up tizzy, my top knot and I waited patiently until we were allowed to enter the seventh floor terrace via the overstuffed elevators.

Fortunately, what I walked into was a sight for sore eyes.  I know models are attractive and all, but these particular models were the stuff dreams are made of (you may even recognize one of them).  Decked out in destroyed denim and slouchy T’s and tanks, these were the girls you wanted to be friends with and the guys you wanted to date… Not to mention the clothes you want in your closet.  Casually cool, yet cutting edge is what gave this designer denim its appeal.  I was particularly drawn to the knit dress, studded vest, and pants with leather inserts for the ladies.

Judging by what the gentlemen were wearing, it would appear denim with details is back with a vengeance.  I thought we had just taught our boyfriends that dark denim was the only way to go?  I had such a hard time weaning the fellas off of True Religions and Ed Hardy that the sandblasted and bleached effects on these jeans made me a bit nervous.  Sure it looks modern and downtown chic on the toned and attractive models, but will it translate to the average Wall Street banker who is more likely to pair them with a button down than washboard abs or mineral washed tee?  Here’s to hoping.

The Cotte D’Armes presentation left me feeling exactly the way I presume the designer, Clarence Ruth, had intended: longing to belong as a part of the “in crowd.”

xx,

WhyDid

FYI:  Leggings- still not pants.  Not even when worn under jorts.

Why Did You Wear That: Transitional Period

By |September 4th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

how to transition a summer dressAnd welcome back.  I hope your Labor Day was just that… laborless.  Seeing as Labor Day is often considered the end of summer, you may be wondering what the heck you are going to do with all of your fabulous summer frocks.  Unless you live in some type of glorious tropical climate, you are aware that for the next couple of months, the weather will be like a mature woman going through menopause.  One minute it’s pleasant, next it’s hot, next all hell breaks loose.  That is precisely why it is imperative to understand the importance of layering and how to transition your lighter pieces straight into fall.  Not sure how to do that?  Don’t you worry, I’ve gone ahead and taken the liberty of showing you just how to do so with a lovely striped maxi dress courtesy of Sugar Lips.striped maxi dress blimp

necklaces t strap sandalsIt’s all fun and games during the sweltering summer.  The sun is shining.  Blimps are flying overhead.  Add some sexy t-straps and sunglasses and you’re good to go. You may even layer on a pile of bangles and several necklaces (which I must warn you turned into a tangle and call to a plumber for me) to complete your carefree fitted frock.

But alas, not all good things last forever and before you know it, there’s a nip in the air and the only things up in the sky are falling leaves.  Swap out your sandals for wedge boots, layer on a jacket and don’t forget to keep your dome warm with a knit hat.  Perhaps instead of necklaces you substitute a scarf.

fall maxi dress

So don’t let the nip in the air take the pep out of your step.  Look on the bright side: you’ve still got a couple more months before we need to discuss snowboots.

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Skin in the Game

By |August 31st, 2012|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

leather dressIn case you didn’t get the memo last fall, you’re going to need a leather dress come this autumn.  The ultimate update to your standard LBD, leather will not only keep you warm thermostatically speaking, but will also have you looking hot literally speaking.  Should you opt to go all in, a leather shift is a fantastic transitional piece that can eventually be layered over a turtleneck and tights.  Feeling more modest?  Opt for a frock with leather details or panels to achieve the same leather look.

I’m a huge fan of basically leather anything and have been pushing the trend since I was sixteen.  I wore a leather dress to my sophomore year homecoming… and while that went over like a lead balloon with teachers and students alike, this season’s must have frock is sure to be a bigger hit with your classmates.

leather dresses 1. Theyskens’ Theory Noel Dhidas Leather Dress, $537, 2. David Lerner Strapless Leather Dress, $264, 3. Raquel Allegra Heavy Rib Dress, $596, 4. Faith Connexion Leather Paneled Ruched Jersey Dress, $445, 5. Valentino Lace Paneled Leather Dress, $5,380, 6. Theory Solara Stretch Cotton and Leather Dress, $495, 7. Rag & Bone Adeline Paneled Satin and Leather Dress, $505, 8. Shakuhachi Leathergoods Shift Dress, $504, 9. DKNY Leather Sleeved Jersey-Twill Dress, $495, 10. MICHAEL Michael Kors Leather Dress, $495

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Hats Off To You

By |August 27th, 2012|Celebrity Style, Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

hatsSummer may very well be on its way out, but that hasn’t stopped a few stylish celebrities from shielding themselves from the last bits of sun with their favorite headwear.  Whether they’re trying to be inconspicuous (yeah, right) or hide a bad hair day (dirty hairy), they all look quite chic from morning til midnight in everything from fedoras to a standard straw hat.

sophia bush style1. Mod Cloth Fedora-ble Hat, $17.99, 2. Rachel Zoe Devon Pintuck Dress, $450, 3. Alexander Wang Textured Leather Fold Over Clutch, $545, 4. Splendid Sanford Oxfords, $98

rumer willis style1. Juicy Couture Two Toned Cropped Fedora, $68, 2. Splendid Florence Striped Cotton Blend Top, $68, 3. Current/Elliot The Gam Shorts, $117.60, 4. Alexander Wang Distressed Leather Ankle Boots, $625

michelle williams style1. Brixton Louella Hat, $40, 2.  Cosabella Peacock Camisole, $121, 3. Velvet Bambi Native Pants, $108, 4. Matt Bernson Jack Strappy Flat Sandals, $72.50

Hats off to you, ladies!

xx,

WhyDid

 

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