Why Did You Wear That? | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Little Black What?

By Kirsten|June 14th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Every girl owns (or at least she should own) the perfect little black dress. But wearing the same hot little number cocktail party after cocktail party can leave a girl feeling bored with what once was a no brainer. Not even swapping accessories can change things. Like a rubik’s cube, there are only so many combinations. This is when you must channel your inner Macgyver and start rigging up new and inventive cocktail combinations.

Besides the LBD (little black dress for the slow pokes), another staple piece is a black pencil skirt. You may be thinking to yourself, “That’s a little too Betty Draper for me.” Well, let me tell you, the pencil skirt has stuck around for a reason. Fitted properly, a pencil skirt can make even the most waifish gal look more Beyonce and less Olive Oil. To offset the conservative pencil skirt, I paired it with a cropped bandeau top (this little guy happened to be a DVF sample and would benefit greatly from some time spent at a seamstress). Classic black pumps, top notch top knot, and a sequined jacket completed this unconventional, but totally cocktail appropriate attire.

Before creating this look yourself, remember to use some common sense: 1. Will this look good on you? If you could benefit from a few more sit ups, hold off until you’re bare belly brazen. 2. Where are you planning to wear it? A funeral or wedding is probably not the right time for this. Save it for a more appropriate occasion.

1. Cosabella Marni Strapless Plunge Bra, $132.50, 2. Diane von Furstenberg Panel Marta Techno Jersey High Waist Pencil Skirt, $210, 3. Tuleste Market Layered Ball & Chain Necklace, $150, 4. Harrison Morgan Black Sequin Bolero, $220, 5. Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 Patent Pumps, $595

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Pretty in Pink

By Kirsten|June 10th, 2011|Friday Frocks|

This week’s Friday Frocks is brought to you by the color “pink.” While perusing the world wide web… taking one of my mini mental vacations, I stumbled upon what may, in fact, be the greatest place on earth. No, I’m not talking about Disney World, kiddos. I’m talking about the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the Royal Hawaiian. I know what you’re thinking. This can’t be true! How can a place so magical possibly exist? Does this mean unicorns are real too?

Well, I’m not sure about unicorns, but this beautiful rosy resort is no myth. Gazing upon this shrine to every girly girl’s favorite color got me to thinking about what one would wear while lounging poolside at the Pink Palace. Couldn’t be anything but pink, right?

1. Alice + Olivia Gitana Button Front Dress, $330, 2. Amanda Uprichard Ruffle Front Tank Dress, $194, 3. Free People Vintage Hand Dyed 1940’s Slip, $268, 4. Halston Heritage Shirred Spaghetti Strap Dress, $295, 5. Charlie Jade Birch Dress, $124, 6. Marc and Jame Ruffled One Shoulder Dress, $265, 7. Tibi Ikat Wrap Dress, $330, 8. Roxy Big Break Dress, $39.50, 9. Betsey Johnson Stripe Thermo Bustle Dress, $148, 10. Amanda Uprichard Joan Dress, $194

Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to my vacation.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: How Does Your Garden Grow?

By Kirsten|June 8th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how much I loved my new hobby– gardening. While at first, I hit a little rough patch (no pun intended), with a little help from my FMIL (future mother in law) I got my gorgeous little garden in check. Now that my buds have blossomed it’s all a matter of maintenance. Our wonderful gardener, Antonio (Yes, we have a gardener. No, he doesn’t look like he belongs on the cover of a Jaclyn Smith novel), comes twice a month to do the heavy lifting, but the rest of the time it’s up to me. So, every night (except for Tuesdays- that’s sprinkler day) I head outside after work with my trusty watering can and sprinkle my petals with water and lots of love. While my mother would argue that these are not “play clothes,” I am a grown woman and I can do what I want… Okay, actually, I change when I’m digging in the dirt. For a simple, spring sprinkle, however, this is just fine.

1. American Apparel Sheer Jersey Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck, $24, 2. CeCe Black Cashmere Boyfriend V-Neck, $124.99, 3. CC Skye Zoe Necklace, $145, 4. Forever 21 Breezy Floral Skirt, $10.50, 5. We Who See Fringe Boot, $78, 6. Free People Ruffle Slouch Socks, $16

With silver bells and cockle shells…

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: LWD

By Kirsten|June 3rd, 2011|Friday Frocks|

Despite the fact that the whole “don’t wear white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day” stigma is really no longer relevant, many people still follow these strict guidelines. Seeing as we are now in the “safe zone” of wearing white, I think it’s high time to trade in that trusty black cocktail dress for something a little lighter. May I suggest white? Nothing says summertime like golden skin against stark white hemlines.

By the way, how about a little history lesson on the rules of white between Memorial Day and Labor Day?:

Most of the folk-lore about wearing white seems to be rooted in the South (in other words, the part of the United States that is below the Mason Dixon Line). For GRITS (girls raised in the south), wearing white before Easter or after Labor Day is simply a clear sign of bad manners and poor class. Still today, many Southern ladies would never be seen wearing white in the winter or fall months, that is unless they were getting married.

There you have it, ladies. Time to move into this century. Ever heard of winter white? Anyway, why not slip into one of this white hot frocks this weekend?

1. BB Dakota Jessica Dress, $66, 2. Forever 21 Crochet Yoke Surplice Dress, $19.80, 3. Kimberly Ovitz Buren Dress, $585, 4. INC International Concepts Lace Sheath Dress, $99.50, 5. Style Stalker Trust Fund Dress, $119, 6. Mark & Badgley by Badgley Mischka Crepe Caftan, $295, 7. Isabel Marant Danel Zip Trimmed Crocheted Lace Mini, $825, 8. Torn by Ronny Kobo Sari Ruched Dress, $315, 9. Free People Off the Shoulder Dress, $168, 10. Marciano Mindi Pencil Dress, $188

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Opposite Day

By Kirsten|May 31st, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

A few weeks ago, we took my fiance’s mom to the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay for dinner. To be honest, it kind of comes out of nowhere. Like all hidden gems, if you didn’t know what you were looking for, you’d never know it existed. The contrast of the crashing waves and the the rocky hillsides are truly breathtaking. What the beaches of northern California lack in heat, they more than make up for with beautiful topography.

Remember opposite day? There are days when I wish we still practiced that silly playground game. There’s something so great and unexpected about the mish mash of opposites. Since no one cares to play along with me, I like to play solo games of opposite day with my wardrobe. I often mix things that don’t traditionally go together. For example, I never like to wear something that’s overtly sexy, like a bodycon dress and five inch heels. Instead, I throw in a curve ball; maybe top my slinky dress with a grandpa cardigan or swap out my heels for biker boots- many times I even put on my glasses.

When I put on these cargo pants, I wanted to soften them up a bit since they can skew a bit masculine. By topping them with a sheer lace top and slipping into strappy heels, my man pants went from warfare to my fair lady. Next time you wear something really girly like a chiffon dress, try pairing it with a leather motorcycle jacket. You’ll be your very own walking opposite day.