Personal Style | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Oh Lola!

By Kirsten|February 7th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul.

“Lolita” is a term that is often thrown around without much thought. It’s used in songs, slang, and even runway collections. I hesitated on this post due to the sensitivity of the literal interpretation. In case you haven’t read the book (didn’t I tell you to read the book?), it would be prudent to tread lightly seeing as the original usage would lean towards what some would consider pedophilia. But let’s not go down that road… Who needs to be that literal anyway?

Instead let’s go with the more watered down, more Hollywood, more commonly accepted and completely legal understanding of Lolita… the girlish flirt. Le petite coquette. That undeniable, unintentional, irresistible charm. We all have a little Lolita in us, afterall.

girl playground

lolita playground I’m many years past my prime as a nymphet, but I still embrace the feminine wile. This modern day translation of little Lola is flirtatious and feminine, but far from a schoolgirl. It should evoke a feeling of simultaneous innocence and omnipotence. If all else fails, throw on a pair of heart shaped sunglasses.

1. Cathy Daniels Floral Sweater, $20, 2. Halston Heritage Accordion Pleated Chiffon Mini Skirt, $265, 3. Sam Edelman Scarlett T-Strap Sandal, $199.95, 4. Urban Outfitters Sweetheart Sunglasses, $14, 5. Tarte emphasEYES Inner Rim Eyeliner, $18, 6. Free People Mesh Dot Ankle Socks, $14, 7. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Are You Red-dy, $7.49

Oh my, Lolita, I have only words to play with!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Mad for Plaid

By Kirsten|February 1st, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

They say what goes around comes around and just like the 80’s, the 90’s are now making a comeback. Whether you’re a product of the 90’s or you just remember the decade fondly, you are probably relieved to be able to revel in a little bit of nostalgia not involving sweatbands and permed hair. A time when grunge music took center stage, so did many of the fashion trends that went along with it. Flannel shirts and shaggy hair were par for the course and while I do not condone actual “grunge,” I love the undone edgy look. I snatched this particular shirt from my mom’s house, so it very well may be from the 90’s, but it probably won’t be too hard to find one of your own.

To create your own modern take on the flannel shirt try putting together some pieces that mix both grunge and glam.

1. Zoo York Charleston Flannel Shirt, $49.50, 2. Emily D Vegan Leather Leggings, $68, 3. Giles and Brother Multi Graduated Chain Bracelet, $175, 4. T by Alexander Wang Jersey T-Shirt Dress, $85, 5. Sally Hansen Salon Effects in Plaid About You, $8.54, 6. Wyatt Black Wool Cashmere Knit Hat, $85, 7. MICHAEL Michael Kors Rock N Roll Bootie, $325

Smells like teen spirit.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Ray of Light

By Kirsten|January 24th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Though winter here hasn’t been much more than grey and rainy, I was able to catch a little bit of sun a couple of weekends ago.

I know coming hot off the heels of my Stylelist Q + A, this may seem like a “risky” outfit choice. Here’s the thing: I don’t hate leggings as a whole. I hate when girls wear leggings like they’re Levi’s. I’ve got a whole stack of leggings, but you better believe that unless I’m in the midst of a pilates class, my “assets” are covered when wearing them.

I love the sheer peach mixed with grey knits and grounded with a luggage brown boot. It’s a nice alternative to the standard black and brings a little bit of light (ness) to your most grey winter days.

Rule of thumb when deciding whether or not a shirt is long enough to be worn with leggings: Put your hands down to your sides. If the shirt reaches your fingertips, it should be okay. It’s kind of like the skirt/shorts rule in highschool. Use your head (and your eyes), your front pieces and bum should not be showing. Leggings, afterall, are not pants.

1. Equipment Major Blouse, $208, 2. Top Shop Ribbed Marl Leggings, $36, 3. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner (Peacock), $20, 4. Bare Escentuals Pretty Amazing Lip Color (Confidence), $16, 5. Kain Modal Silk Blend Tank, $85, 6. Alex & Ani 12 Assorted Expandable Bangles, $138, 7. Steve Madden Intyce Cognac Boots, $149.95

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: NY State of Mind

By Kirsten|January 3rd, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Nothing is stranger than returning to the city that you love as a tourist. This past weekend, I was back in the Big Apple, but no longer as a resident of the best city in the world. Though I did stay at The Standard only a stone’s throw away from my last apartment, it was so peculiar to be just another person visiting New York City. I haven’t even been gone an entire year (I gave up my apartment last January), but things have already changed (there’s now a Sephora on the corner of 13th and 9th. Do you KNOW how much better this would have made my life?).

As bittersweet as my visit was, I still love New York City unlike another other city. There is something so magical, so indescribable, that one must experience it to truly understand it. While it’s not for everyone, the people who it affects, will be affected forever. There is just something that gets under your skin and you’ll never ever be able to shake it. As much as you may tire of the hustle, bustle, and constant struggle, you’d miss it if you were to be transplanted elsewhere. I can certainly attest to that.

So when spending the afternoon at a ballet in the city, what else should one don but basic black? Now, we all know that black is the New York uniform, but how do you do it without being boring? Try mixing different textures to add depth and definition. Mix leather or coated denim with something sheer, shiny accessories and a fishtail braid for a truly city chic look.

1. Theyskens’ Theory Black Button Down Sheer Blouse, $385, 2. 7 For All Mankind The Skinny in Black Shiny Featherweight, $169, 3. J Weber Etched Starburst Locket, $475, 4. Alex & Ani Nile Expandable Wire Bangles, $158, 5. Steve Madden Outrrage Black Leather Bootie, $189.95

It’s up to you New York…

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Unseasonably Short

By Kirsten|December 6th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Who says shorts are for summertime only? There’s a reason they make shorts in winter fabrics like tweed, velvet, and leather. They are meant to be worn out in the arctic blast. Why should denim and cotton have all the fun? They shouldn’t. You’ve worked long and hard on those lanky legs. Might as well show them off… all year long. Wear your winter weight shorts with opaque or patterned tights, a cozy cashmere turtleneck, and tall boots to take this look from beachside to fireside. Don’t forget to Follow WhyDid’s winter shorts guidelines though. There’s a very fine line between sensibly chic and dirty little freak.

Yeah, somehow everything turns into a Smitty and me dance party. Yes, I am one of those assholes who dresses her dog. In my defense, he just got a haircut and it’s reached an unbearably cold 45 degrees here in sunny California. He was shivering today. What kind of mother would I be if I didn’t put him in a sweater? Smitty says if you like my outfit and wanna have a dance party with him, try out this similar look below.