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Friday Frocks: Block Party

By |April 15th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

A couple of months ago, I pointed out the oh so colorful, oh so fun colorblocking trend that we had seen all over the runways and on our favorite stars.  I even showed you how to recreate the look.  But alas, it can be tricky not to mention treacherous trying to pull this look off for the untrained fashionista.

And why wouldn’t we have a little history lesson on this fine Friday?

While this trend feels fresh for spring, it’s not actually new.  Much like all fashion, it’s been recycled and given a new spin.  The original colorblocked dress above is from Yves Saint Laurent circa 1965.  Piet Mondrian’s Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow (1930)  was used for the inspiration and this simple shift became iconic.

Below are some modern takes on the colorblock trend for you to try out yourself:

1. Forever 21 Colorblock Bodycon Dress, $15.80, 2. Diane von Furstenberg Reara Two Tone Dress, $365, 3. BCBG Colorblocked Dress with Tulle, $258, 4. Herve Leger Two Tone Strapless Bandage Dress, $1,150, 5. Arden B. Ombre Colorblock Bandage Dress, $79, 6. Amanda Uprichard Dynasty Colorblocked Dress, $194, 7. Roxy Double Dress, $39.50, 8. Ali Ro Colorblock Beaded Dress, $365

Block on!

xx,

Why Did

Photo via Up My Ali

Why Did You Wear That: Sheer Genius

By |April 12th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This spring it’s okay to let it all hang out.  What I mean is that the amount of sheer fabrics on the runway was enough to make Madonna blush.  Couple that with the whole “underwear as outerwear” trend and you’re in for a serious game of peek-a-boo –and I’m not talking the version you play with your niece.

While this trend may seem a bit risque and a little overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.  Adding a little sheer fabric to your outfit is a great way to show skin in an unexpected manner.  It’s sexy without being totally obvious.  Just make sure to apply this trend in small doses.  And NEVER wear a sheer bottom unless, of course, you’re frolicking on the beaches of St. Tropez.  (I know that seems self explanatory, but one can never be too careful).

I’ve recreated one of my favorite outfits almost to a T (the shirt is a different color, multiply my A&A bangles by about 5 and add 1) for an easy and appropriate option – and so you can look just like me:

1. Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow Long Sleeve Blouse, $98, 2. Free People Lace Trim Bandeau, $28, 3. 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Super Skinny in Double Knit, $169, 4. Alex and Ani Love Charm Bracelet Set, $78.50, 5. Jimmy Choo Madame Metallic Leather Sandals, $725

This outfit is also great for a “day to night” transition.  Layer a scarf and either a waterfall cardigan or boyfriend blazer for day and then remove scarf and outerwear to party all night.  Don’t forget to revisit my sheer “Do’s and Don’ts.”

Peek-a-boo!

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Stop and Smell the Roses

By |April 8th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

This spring, fashionistas have been going crazy for floral printed frocks.  I know what you’re thinking, the last time floral prints were in was when Kelly and Donna were graduating from West Beverly High.  What could possibly be chic about decking yourself out in fussy flowers?  Well, actually a lot.  Floral patterns have come a long way from the mid nineties.  My love of florals is unwavering and as you may remember, my favorite dress… er, dresses… are floral printed.  Check out these fierce florals and tell me you’re not a believer:

1. D & G Floral Ruffle Dress, $745, 2. Forever 21 Peek A Boo Dress, $15.80, 3. MINKPINK Darling Buds of May Sundress, $103, 4. Diane von Furstenberg Graca Dress, $325, 5. Anna Sui Watercolor Floral Garden Mixed Print Dress, $425, 6. Nanette Lepore Candy Girl Dress, $298, 7. JOIE Painterly FLoral Balinda Dress $288, 8. Free People Parisian Bouquets Halter Dress, $128, 9. Carin Wester Nakato Shirtdress, $295, 10. Free People Everything Nice Lace Dress, $98

Toughen up your floral frock with chunky platforms and edgy accessories so that you look more like a primrose than a wallflower.

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photo via Chakra.org

Why Did You Wear That: Put Some Spring in Your Step

By |April 5th, 2011|Why Did You Wear That?|

Speaking of putting your foot in your mouth… what’s better than salivating over strappy spring footwear?  While the warm weather is great… blah, blah, blah… the best part of spring is investing in fabulous new shoes and heading in for an intensive pedicure (two of my greatest pleasures in life).  I always buy a couple pairs of shoes that I wear the crap out of all spring/summer long.  Why not take a gander at these beauties and start thinking about what shoes you will fill your closet with:

1. Emilio Pucci Suede Multi-Strap Platform Sandals, $890, 2. Alexandre Birman Ankle-Wrap Canvas Sandals, $475, 3. Theodora and Callum Biarritz Printed Linen Wedge Sandals, $395,  4. Miu Miu Canvas Platform Mules, $445, 5. Christopher Kane Two Tone Leather Platform Sandals, $650, 6. Jimmy Choo Vivienne Mixed Media Platform Sandals, $1,695, 7. Yves Saint Laurent Venice Leather Sculpted Wedge Sandals, $1,195, 8. Miu Miu Wooden Block Heel Sandals, $450, 9. Miu Miu Suede Multi-Strap Sandals, $595, 10. Brian Atwood Claudette Studded Suede Sandals, $775

Toodles, toots.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Brookside Wine

Friday Frocks: Amazing Lace

By |April 1st, 2011|Friday Frocks|

With the temperature reaching an impressive ninety degrees here in LA yesterday, I got excited thinking about shedding all of those winter layers and slipping into something much more summery.  One of my very favorite dresses that I can not bear to part with (no matter the stains or pulls in the fabric) is a simple white lace crochet dress.  The shape is simple and season after season it always looks just right for hot summer afternoons paired with espadrilles and a cool beverage.  There is something so romantic yet so fresh about a dainty white lace dress.  It is a piece that every girl, southern belle or not, should have in her wardrobe.

1. Kite & Butterfly Ivory French Lace Dress, $390, 2. Patterson J. Kincaid Torino Belted Lace Dress, $248, 3. XOXO Sleeveless Scoopneck Lace Ruffle Pocket Dress, $59, 4. Haute Hippie Lace Overlay Slip Dress, $495, 5. Dolce & Gabbana Lace Cocktail Dress, $475, 6. ABS by Allen Schwartz Tiered Lace Dress, $297, 7. Forever 21 Lace Back Asymmetrical Dress, $19.80, 8. Willow & Clay Lace Maxi Dress, $118, 9. Topshop White Prairie Lace Panel Sundress, $75, 10. Free People Ruffle Lace Slip, $78, 11. American Eagle Lace Dress, $49.50, 12. Free People Vintage Lace Dress, $298

Bring on the sun.

xx,

WhyDid

 

 

Photo via The Sweetest Occasion