Personal Style | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Pick of the Patch

By Kirsten|October 18th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

As mentioned, this past weekend, we made the trek to Half Moon Bay for their annual pumpkin festival. We considered pulling a U-turn looking down the hill at the bumper to bumper traffic, but hung in there, because really… going to a pumpkin festival is the right thing to do, right? Maybe not. This promised pumpkin fest wasn’t quite the vision I’d conjured up in my head while sitting in two hours of traffic. But with all things in life, you must take the bad and learn from it. So, here are a few things I learned:

I’m not really a “festival” type of girl.
They’ll charge you four times as much for a pumpkin in the “country” as you’d pay for it at Safeway.
I do love a good petting zoo and still want that pony I yearned for as a little girl.
And I still remember all the words to Kenny Chesney’s She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy (you can take the girl out of West Virginia…).

Luckily, on the road to (and from) the festival, there were several roadside stands with their own pumpkin patches (and petting zoos), where we stopped. It probably would’ve been prudent to have just gone to the pumpkin patches in the first place and skipped the festival altogether. Again, we live and we learn. At least I was dressed for the occasion. Without fail, it is always 15+ degrees colder near the beach in Northern California… and always grey (way to go marine layer). Wearing a transitional chiffon dress with a cashmere grandfather cardigan was the perfect way to look pumpkin picking chic. Paired with flat lace up boots and tote, those pumpkins didn’t stand a chance. Had my tote been any bigger, you bet your ass I would have smuggled a potbelly pig home.

1. J. Crew Maisie Floral Print Silk Chiffon Dress, $395, 2. C by Bloomingdale’s Cashmere Grandfather Cardigan, $118.50, 3. Seychelles Jungle Lace-Up Short Boot, $165, 4. Rebecca Minkoff Dear Tote Bag, $330

In the end, we opted not to pay the $20 they were charging for a subpar pumpkin.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Go-To Getup

By Kirsten|October 11th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Do you have one of those outfits that you always gravitate to when you’re in a rush and need to look nice? Well, this is one of mine. As a matter of fact, when plans for shooting the original outfit fell through (thanks a lot temperamental weather), I decided, instead, to shoot this one. I love it because it’s so easy… not to mention comfortable. Let’s be serious, I’m essentially wearing a nightshirt. Not my grandpa’s nightshirt, but close enough. I also realize now that I’m taking a moment to look at it that it has a slight scallywag feel to it, but as mentioned- I love seamen.

A long loose feminine blouse, soft velvet leggings, and boots with a bow make for an easy, yet pulled together look. I obviously wouldn’t wear velvet leggings in say, July, but for fall, they are one of my favorites. And because I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t say it, “Leggings are not pants.”

1. Malene Birger Jace Ruffled Georgette Blouse, $325, 2. Top Shop Velvet Leggings, $45, 3. Z Spoke by Zac Posen Mini Crossbody, $295, 4. DKNYC Wynette Bootie, $179

Get to it.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid)

By Kirsten|October 4th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

We spend a lot of time gussying ourselves up for dates and “man hunting”, but what we forget is that all the bells and whistles are lost on the average straight man. Instead of dressing for the opposite sex, we pour into the latest trends and pile on the accessories, which all just confuse the male species. In case you’ve been living under a rock and have yet to check out the Man Repeller, she’s cornered the market on what makes men gag and she’s owning it. But my point is that men and women have very different ideas about fashion. Most men prefer simple, sexy, sleek – as was demonstrated a couple of summers ago. And while you may be perfectly on trend, you are no closer to making a male makeout friend.

Now, let’s be clear. I am not proposing looking up the closest bebe and purchasing the shortest, tightest item with the highest spandex content. The key is not to look like your local go-go dancer. The perfect date outfit is probably something you already own (and is far less trashtastic). Whether you’re planning a casual day date or something a bit more jazzy, the outfit remains the same (plus or minus a few key accessories). It’s so simple, you’re probably just going to smack your forehead when I tell you and say, “Doh!”

Get ready… Find your best fitting jeans and a simple clean white tank top. Ta-da!

I know. Who’da thunk it? Now another clarification, I know the whole black bra sticking out shtick was cool circa 2002– but we’ve moved past that and they make undergarments for that now.

1. MICHAEL Michael Kors Bel Air Watch, $295, 2. Converse Marimekko Jack Purcell Helen Sneakers, $75, 3. Skull Doggery Step In Harness, $65

For a fun and flirty daytime look, accessorize your jeans and tank with cute sneakers, an oversized watch, your favorite furry friend, and a fishtail braid if you’re feeling fancy. This look exudes “I’m fun! And pretty! Love me!”

1. Amrita Singh Apiya Multi-Strand Necklace, $78, 2. Christian Louboutin Rolando Patent Leather Platform Pump, $695, 3. Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor in Are You Red-dy, $6.63

Because you were so darn adorable all day long, your date is probably going to ask if you’d like to continue on with your romantic adventure. Wow him with your skills as a magician by swapping out your sneaks for heels, letting your hair loose, and adding some jewels and rep lips taking you from daytime cutie to evening beauty.

Now you’re speaking the style language of love.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Are You Red-dy?

By Kirsten|September 27th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

It seems that red is the color of the season. Whether it be Emmy gowns or accessories, everyone is trying out this hot hue. If you don’t have a gala to go to and merely painting your nails crimson isn’t doing the trick, why not incorporate red into your everyday wardrobe? Now, my friends often laugh at me cause I never get rid of any of my clothes… but the joke’s on you this time, ladies. When I went home to visit my mom, I found these lovely red trousers just hanging out (literally) in the closet. See, what goes around comes around… or perhaps I was just ahead of my time. Anyway, red pants are a wonderful way to bring fall’s hottest color to your world. Now, I’ve seen some stylists suggest the safe route of pairing your pants with a neutral of just grey or black, but I think that’s kind of boring. I prefer to have a little fun with it. I mean, you’re already wearing red pants. (Plus, this is a great way to try out that whole colorblocking thing).

If you’re ready to try this look be sure to keep tone in mind. If the red is more orange red, opt for a warm tone. Might I suggest pink? If the red is a more blue red, go for a cool shade- perhaps purple. Use your head… or a color wheel and ground your look with black accessories.

1. Signature Tank, $125, 2. Express Ultimate Double Weave Columnist Pant, $79.90, 3. Hello Kitty Silicone Watch, $45, 4. Balenciaga Arena Classic Velo, $1,445, 5. Lanvin Asymmetrical Round Toe Pump, $975

Are you red-dy?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: American Woman

By Kirsten|September 20th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

During this magical time of year called fall, it becomes incredibly awkward when trying to dress yourself. I know we are all beyond elated that Starbucks brought back the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but I’m not exactly psyched when I stare blankly into the depths of my closet trying to figure out what I can put on that will not look seasonally inappropriate (like a summer sundress hangover), but also doesn’t make me look like an overzealous fashion obsessed robot who can not wait to sport fall’s hottest trends. This is the perfect time of year to merge some of your summer favorites with your soon to be fall staples. Pairing a breezy chiffon dress with flat booties and a lightweight jacket is the perfect outfit that says, “Oh, what? This ol’ thing?”

Polka dots, while a huge trend for fall, can sometimes look a little too whimsical and girly for daytime. That’s why I like to mix things up by adding studded booties and this motorcycle jacket from American Living for jcpenney. This very same dress can be worn with platform heels in a pop of color with a bouncy high ponytail and cherry red lips to achieve a very girly get up for cocktails with the girls (or a handsome beau).