Personal Style | WhyDid.com

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

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.

1.American Apparel Sheer Rib Lace Raglan $42, 2. Kenneth Jay Lane Polished Stone Pendant Necklace, $132, 3. J Brand Houlihan Slim Cargo Pants, $231, 4. Dolce Vita Emery Leather High Heel Sandals, $205

I really love snakes and I dream of being a neurophysicist. NOT!

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

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

All aboard.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Two For the Price of One

By Kirsten|May 10th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

You know the sayings, “Two are better than one”, “The more the merrier”, “You can never have too much of a good thing.” Well, for a little while there, two for one’s or “twofers” in fashion were not such great things. You know what I’m talking about… the collared shirts with the vests already attached. Thank goodness! You can save yourself the trouble of thinking that one through! Phew!

It wasn’t until recently that twofers were allowed out from the time out corner and welcomed back into our closets. The maxi skirt is huge for spring and summer and luckily, the geniuses who thought up this trend (um, hello unshaven legs and skirt equivalent of leggings) also threw in a little bonus by making these maxi skirts convertible. Meaning that the skirt can also be pulled up to your chest, belted, and worn as a dress. Some of you little wizards were probably already doing this on your own, but the cat’s outta the bag and it’s going mainstream. Check out how to wear your new skirt/dress… shall we call it a “skress”?

I love a maxi skirt slung low on the hips with slightly wedged sandals and a cropped tee or tank. It gives an easy, breezy, summer look perfect for a farmer’s market or outdoor festival without making you look like a total skank. Remember, a little bit of skin is good. A whole lot of skin is how you end up sixteen and pregnant.

To dress up your skress, hike that baby up to cover your mammaries, add a belt to cinch your waist and throw on strappy sandals to complete the look. Another brilliant reason to own a skress? Packing purposes. You’ve got one piece of clothing that works as two separate outfits giving you extra room in your suitcase for those sky high espadrilles and another teeny bikini.