Friday Frocks: Run For Cover

By Kirsten|May 28th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

The only thing more important at the beach than your swimsuit (and choice of juicy beach read) is your coverup. Long gone are the days of hokey sarongs. No need to channel Aunt Gertrude in a silly muumuu. A coverup should be light, sexy, and able to transform from beachside to barside. There are so many options now that I had a hard time narrowing them down to a few of my favorites.

1. Nightcap Clothing Jungle Lace Caftan Coverup, $320, 2. Anna Kosturova Magnolia Dress, $266, 3. Vitamin A Shantung Coverup, $88, 4. Beach Bunny I Want You To Want Me, $289, 5. Vix Solid Ana Short Dress, $124, 6. Letarte Popcorn Sleeveless Tunic, $198, 7. Mara Hoffman Chiffon Coverup, $308, 8. Zimmerman Copy Cat Silk Swing Dress, $345

Don’t forget some strappy sandals and my beach bag essentials to complete the look.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Kristie Colon

Why Did You Wear That: Summer Suit

By Kirsten|May 27th, 2011|Why Did You Wear That?|

I love bikinis. I’d spend my life in a bikini if I could. Can I? It was a real blessing to buy swimwear at Bendel’s… well, not so much a blessing for my wallet, but I enjoyed doing it so much that at one point started to consider designing my own line… til I realized I’d really just rather wear them and write about how much I love them. So, here I am. Loving bikinis and writing about how much so.

I write about them whenever I can… like here… and here… and here… you get the point. I wish I could take a picture of my extensive swimwear collection, but alas, it is somewhere in a box in Pennsylvania or West Virginia… hard to tell.

Moving right along. Memorial Day is what most people consider the “official” summer kick off although the first day of summer is really June 21- aka summer solstice- aka my favorite woman on earth’s birthday- mom. Whether you live somewhere warm and sunny or your weekends will now be spent in the Hamptons or Malibu, you’re going to need some sexy suits to keep you looking lovely pool/beachside. From simple and classic to preferring all eyes on YOU (and why wouldn’t you?), I’ve found and assortment of babe worthy bikinis that will keep you on trend all summer long.

Light Bright

1. Trina Turk French Riviera Bikini: top, $91, bottom: $75, 2. Acacia Charlee Bikini, $187, 3. Bantu String Bikini, $143, 4. Luli FamaDelirio Bikini, $152

Wild Woman

1. Peonie Orange Candy Bikini, $159, 2. Eberjey Phoebe Jungle Love Bikini: top, $74, bottom, $61, 3. L*Space Lompopo Reversible Bikini, $149, 4. Lady Lux Love Game Bikini, $228

Fringe Benefits

1. Indah Fringe Bikini, $99, 2. L*Space Fringe Bikini, $145, 3. Acacia Quinn Bikini, $176, 4. Beach Bunny Cradle of Love Bikini: top, $180, bottom, $89

LBS (Little Black Suit)

1. Poko Pano Rock Candy Push Up Bikini, $136, 2. Red Carter Jefferson Airplane Bikini: top, $70, bottom, $52.50, 3. Beach Bunny Everything That Glitters Bikini, $329, 4. Sass & Bide Fast Forward Bikini, $126

One for the Money

1. Mikoh Santorini One Piece, $190, 2. Vitamin A Runway Wrap Maillot, $199, 3. Beauty & the Beach Monokini, $104, 4. SABZ Eclectico Triangle Monokini, $144

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Shiver Me Timbers

By Kirsten|May 24th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This past weekend I had the pleasure of going to see the fourth installment of a movie that I’d never seen the first three installments of- The Pirates of the Caribbean. (This is what love does to you – you’ve been warned). Anyway, while I sat in the theater trying not to vomit from my 3-D induced headache, I decided to try and make rum punch out of rotten coconuts. While the plot could have (and very well may have) been written by a fifth grader and mermaids were ruined for me forever, I couldn’t help but be inspired by the costumes, accessories, and hair. There’s a reason pirates are seen as sexy afterall. Head scarves, Flowing blouses, intricate embroidery, and enough accessories to sink a ship complete a scoundrel’s wardrobe.

By the way: five things pirates do better than you:

Accessorize
Get booty
Smokey eye
Sword fight
Hide libations in their wooden limbs.

Since I told you I would show you my favorite pirate outfit, I figured there was no better time than now. Behold, thar she blows:

Ready to walk the plank? While my “pirate” outfit is an oversized cashmere sample sweater cinched with a belt, here’s another way to achieve true buccaneer beauty:

1. Jen’s Pirate Booty Bowie Blouse, $139, 2. Susan Daniels Brick Mosaic Print Silk Head Wrap, $40, 3. UTZON Black Zipper Side Mini, $765, 4. Amrita Singh Malaika Bangle Set, $150, 5. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Devi Tall Suede Boot, $297.50, 6. Forever21 Tiered Crescent Earrings, $3.80

It’s a pirate’s life for me!

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via

Friday Frocks: Maxed Out

By Kirsten|May 20th, 2011|Friday Frocks|

I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!!! How many times have you shouted that at your closet whilst standing there staring at its contents in just your skivvies? For me, the number of times is countless. No need to take it out on your poor wardrobe though. Instead invest in the never fail fashion trend: the maxi dress. The easiest way to look chic this summer is by slipping into a maxi dress. Don’t believe me? Here’s my top five reasons for maxing out:

It’s basically one step dressing. A maxi dress has the ability to make you look feminine and romantic without trying.
Maxis are incredibly figure forgiving. Eat as much potato salad as you please.
You don’t need to shave your legs. (Sorry, fellas).
Perfect for pairing with flats. Give those tootsies a rest!
You can hide small children, pets, and thunder thighs under them.

Whether you choose a breezy bohemian style or a simple slinky column, you’re bound to turn a few heads in one of these:

1. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, $366, 2. Diane von Furstenberg Ethyl Long Wrap Maxi Dress, $545, 3. Winter Kate Silk Maxi Dress, $260, 4. Free People Hippie Trip Maxi Dress, $198, 5. French Connection Leah Linen Maxi Dress, $108, 6. All Saint Pious Maxi Dress, $90, 7. Vintage Havana Tie Dye Maxi Dress, $64, 8. Gypsy 05 Long Organi Alligator Maxi Dress, $149, 9. Free People Polynesian Princess Maxi Dress, $198, 10. Style Stalker Venom Maxi Dress, $169, 11. Alice + Olivia Printed Halter Maxi Dress, $440, 12. Shoshanna Twist Front Printed Maxi Dress, $485

Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via The Chic Fashionista

Why Did You Wear That: Come On Ride The Train

By Kirsten|May 17th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Never would I have imagined that I’d be a “commuter” at any given point in my life. I remember scoffing at the folks who took the LIRR (Long Island Railroad) into work everyday in New York. The only thing I’d ever used the LIRR for was to attend a baseball game (I think?) or to escape an especially creepy Hamptons House. So, to be one of the “commuters” now is a bit of an adjustment for me, but as I’ve mentioned… my life is a whole lot different than it was a year ago. I chose a backyard and awesome house over the glitz and convenience of a city. Besides… there is only one real city in the U.S.

While working from home does have its perks (Golden Girls marathons, dog on lap, wine for lunch), it had the following effects on me:

My brain was starting to atrophy from lack of stimulation.
I had nothing to complain about on “the list.”
I had not bothered to straighten my hair or apply makeup for over a month.
My nickname became “Rapunzel.”
I was like an anxious puppy when my fiance returned home and our sleep schedules were no longer in sync.

That is why I took an incredible job opportunity when it presented itself to me. That and mama likes nice things. So, yes, this is what has been taking my precious time away from you. I spend my mornings and evenings on the Caltrain. While this does give me lots of time to write and just be quiet, it also gives me lots of people watching. People are weird. I’ve seen people straighten their hair, clip their fingernails, and take their dogs into the restrooms on the train. Why don’t I just drive you ask? Because I lived in New York for the last five years. I don’t like to drive.

In Northern California, it feels like it is perpetually spring. Not the sunny warm bird chirping can’t wait to put on these sandals spring. I’m talking about the phew the snow just melted but there’s still always a chill in the air spring. Therefore, even when it’s sunny, it’s still always a little bit cold. Layering is a necessary skill for survival here and a transitional wardrobe is a must. Quite honestly, all of this seems unfair to me. My mom has better weather in West Virginia right now… I want my money back.

1. Rick Owens Lilies Asymmetric Jacket, $705, 2. T by Alexander Wang Jersey Pocket Tee, $76, 3. Etoile Isabel Marant Hight Waisted Denim Mini Skirt, $255, 4. Love Quotes Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf, $88, 5. Banana Republic Colorblock Market Tote, $120, 6. Loeffler Randall Matilde Flat Boots, $695