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Setting the Mood: Wine Time

By |September 11th, 2012|Setting the Mood|

fall 2012 color trendsIf yesterday’s cold spell didn’t confirm that it’s officially fall, then I’m not sure what does.  Oh, right, the return of pumpkin spiced lattes at Starbucks.  The impending frost bite is most certainly on its merry little way and it’s high time you update your autumn wardrobe with this fall’s favored color.  Some call it burgundy.  Some call it oxblood.  I’d like to keep things simple and just stick to calling it wine.  Why shouldn’t my closet reflect my favorite beverage?  (I drink it for the antioxidants, people).  The look can be achieved from head to toe tonal or simply incorporated with a well placed resveratrol rich accessory.

wine colored clothingSchutz Fiona Suede Pumps, $185HELMUT Quilted Coat, $550, Kain Stretch Twill Mini Skirt, $150, Rebecca Minkoff Line Quilted Flirty Bag, $275

Barolo and bordeaux and cabarnet, oh my!

xx,

WhyDid

Monday Mashup: Stating the Obvious

By |September 10th, 2012|Monday Mashup|

miley cyrus vmasAlright, let’s not beat around the bush.  I do realize the MTV Video Music Awards took place last Thursday, which coincidentally coincided with Fashion’s Night Out.  This left us all with the burden of choosing between one three ring circus and another.  I, myself, went ahead and took on Fashion’s Night Out in New York by visiting with Lauren Kaminsky and David Lerner at Beauty & Essex.  This, of course, means that I missed out on all the tomfoolery of VMA’s past.  But alas, I took a little bit of time perusing the red carpet photos and viewing some of the noteworthy performances via YouTube.  And while, there was the usual ridiculous attire of some, others –ahem, Rihanna– redeemed themselves.

And then I realized something.  We’ve all been wondering what exactly Miley was thinking when she lobbed off her locks a couple of weeks ago (or at least her bun and I have).  Well, I think we may have unearthed her inspiration.  Perhaps young Miley was channeling the queen of girls kicking ass, Pink and her platinum blonde bouffant.  The resemblance is kind of uncanny and it leaves me wondering what Pink thinks about her mini me.  More importantly, what do you think?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: The In Crowd at Cotte D’Armes

By |September 6th, 2012|Why Did You Wear That?|

cotte d'armesIn the off chance you didn’t get the memo… or didn’t care to, Fashion Week is well under way.  Yesterday I hiked on down to the Thompson LES in order to catch the Cotte D’Armes presentation.  I don’t know why exactly I stressed myself and stilettos out in order to get there promptly at call time, because like all good fashion shows, they were running a solid fifteen minutes behind.  And while the heat and humidity was enough to stir some fashion folks into a straight up tizzy, my top knot and I waited patiently until we were allowed to enter the seventh floor terrace via the overstuffed elevators.

Fortunately, what I walked into was a sight for sore eyes.  I know models are attractive and all, but these particular models were the stuff dreams are made of (you may even recognize one of them).  Decked out in destroyed denim and slouchy T’s and tanks, these were the girls you wanted to be friends with and the guys you wanted to date… Not to mention the clothes you want in your closet.  Casually cool, yet cutting edge is what gave this designer denim its appeal.  I was particularly drawn to the knit dress, studded vest, and pants with leather inserts for the ladies.

Judging by what the gentlemen were wearing, it would appear denim with details is back with a vengeance.  I thought we had just taught our boyfriends that dark denim was the only way to go?  I had such a hard time weaning the fellas off of True Religions and Ed Hardy that the sandblasted and bleached effects on these jeans made me a bit nervous.  Sure it looks modern and downtown chic on the toned and attractive models, but will it translate to the average Wall Street banker who is more likely to pair them with a button down than washboard abs or mineral washed tee?  Here’s to hoping.

The Cotte D’Armes presentation left me feeling exactly the way I presume the designer, Clarence Ruth, had intended: longing to belong as a part of the “in crowd.”

xx,

WhyDid

FYI:  Leggings- still not pants.  Not even when worn under jorts.

Would You Wednesday: Claws Are Out

By |September 5th, 2012|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|

pointed nail trend 2012Nail art has fast become a girl’s way of expressing herself on the cheap.  Well, cheaper than a closet full of Lanvin.  Long gone are the days of the mundane Ballet Slippers and neutral nail.  We’ve graduate from glitter to full blown graphic designs.  But what happens when things go a little too far… as in too far from your cuticle?

celebrities pointy nail trendCelebrities from Beyonce to Fergie have been seen with nails that resemble those of Lee Press On’s gone rogue.  I was just hoping this would be one of those trends that catches on like wildfire in a rainstorm.  Sadly, it’s only gotten more popular and I’ve seen more than a few fashionistas walking around with sharpened claws.  As a matter of fact, the other day I saw a young lady with nails so long she could have retired her utensils and just speared her steak with her fingernails.  Better yet, they probably could have used her assistance back in the kitchen.  Here’s to hoping she doesn’t wear contact lenses and has an iPhone with Siri to transcribe her text messages.

Listen, I’m all for funky phalanges, but I’m worried girls are catty enough without claws.  What do you think of this extended trend?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Transitional Period

By |September 4th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

how to transition a summer dressAnd welcome back.  I hope your Labor Day was just that… laborless.  Seeing as Labor Day is often considered the end of summer, you may be wondering what the heck you are going to do with all of your fabulous summer frocks.  Unless you live in some type of glorious tropical climate, you are aware that for the next couple of months, the weather will be like a mature woman going through menopause.  One minute it’s pleasant, next it’s hot, next all hell breaks loose.  That is precisely why it is imperative to understand the importance of layering and how to transition your lighter pieces straight into fall.  Not sure how to do that?  Don’t you worry, I’ve gone ahead and taken the liberty of showing you just how to do so with a lovely striped maxi dress courtesy of Sugar Lips.striped maxi dress blimp

necklaces t strap sandalsIt’s all fun and games during the sweltering summer.  The sun is shining.  Blimps are flying overhead.  Add some sexy t-straps and sunglasses and you’re good to go. You may even layer on a pile of bangles and several necklaces (which I must warn you turned into a tangle and call to a plumber for me) to complete your carefree fitted frock.

But alas, not all good things last forever and before you know it, there’s a nip in the air and the only things up in the sky are falling leaves.  Swap out your sandals for wedge boots, layer on a jacket and don’t forget to keep your dome warm with a knit hat.  Perhaps instead of necklaces you substitute a scarf.

fall maxi dress

So don’t let the nip in the air take the pep out of your step.  Look on the bright side: you’ve still got a couple more months before we need to discuss snowboots.

xx,

WhyDid