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Weekend (Except Not Really) Playlist: Independent Woman

By Kirsten|July 4th, 2012|Weekend Playlist|

So, if you were smart you took today as a holiday and decided that the rest of the week would just continue on as your respective weekend. That said, you are going to need a playlist to get you through those five tedious days off. Thank goodness I’m here to supply you with a musical “snack” for that time period after your barbecue and beers. So, sit back, relax, and celebrate your independence with this special fourth of July mid-week Weekend Playlist.

Setting the Mood: There Will Be Fireworks

By Kirsten|July 2nd, 2012|Setting the Mood|

Ever pick up the newspaper…. who am I kidding, who reads newspapers. Ever look at your Twitter newsfeed and after scanning the headlines think to yourself, “Dang it, I’m pretty psyched to be an American.”? Yeah, I think that sometimes too. Other times, I’m ready to flee the country, but today isn’t going to be one of those days. Today we are going to celebrate and channel all that is fabulous about the good ol’ U S of A… and find ways to wear it. That’s right, we are doing all things stars, stripes, blue, red, and white.

Back around Memorial Day, the trend of sporting patriotic style made its debut and seems that since then, being proud to be an American only became that much more on trend. Well, as it turns out, this week we commemorate our great country’s independence and I really can’t think of a better time to get your patriotism on.

Haute Hippie American Flag Shorts, $195, Blue Life Boardwalk Pocket Tee, $75, Converse All Star American Flag Hi-Top, $55, Forever 21 American Flag Cropped Top, $12.80

There will be fireworks.

xx,

WhyDid

The List Volume LXXVIII

By Kirsten|June 29th, 2012|The List|

And we’re back. I love New York, that’s no secret… however, it seems that there is a whole lot more to compile to the list when I’m here. I’m going to just blame that on the sheer volume of people… not to mention, you’ve got to have a little bit of crazy in you to survive here…

Have we ever talked about how I feel about fedoras?
Looking for an apartment in New York. No wonder people hate brokers so much (full disclosure: I have a NY Real Estate License).
The girl standing still on the treadmill talking on her phone.
Related: the girl using the elliptical in just her socks.
Seeing cute boys on the street only to realize that he’s walking a dog smaller than yours meaning one of two things…

Hot days with heavy breezes.
My favorite building in Manhattan. (Though I preferred it pink).
Sunsets on the Hudson.
Putting in headphones with no music just to be left alone.
Buying a bottle of prosecco for $15 rather than paying $15 for a glass.

xx,

WhyDid

images via Murray Mitchell and Grub Street

Why Did You Wear That: Laundry Day

By Kirsten|June 27th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith doing laundry

There are so many things I love about living in Manhattan: grocery delivery, all night diners, cabs on every corner. Things that make life so much more convenient that at times you begin to wonder how you ever lived without them. However, there is one small thing that isn’t always such a cinch. That dreaded thing happens to be laundry. Granted, no one enjoys doing laundry, but in New York, if you aren’t fortunate enough to have an in apartment washer and dryer, you are left with one of two choices. Send your laundry out and allow a stranger to manhandle your unmentionables (not to mention allowing said stranger to discern what does and does not belong in the dryer) or do your laundry yourself. The latter would require you to sit and sweat while your socks hit the spin cycle. It’s not like you could leave your beloved laundry in fear of someone stealing it… or dumping it out to access the dryer for themselves. So, this past weekend, I chose the somewhat lesser of two evils (I needed my underwear STAT and Little J’s couldn’t launder me til Monday). Making the best of things and not having anything left to wear, I played a little game of dress up and sported my very last pair of striped socks with a floral frock and floral sandals. Hey, you never know what kind of cutie might be sudsing up his stuff in the next machine…

washing machines

dress: Forever21 (similar here), shoes: Nordstrom Rack (similar here), socks: your guess is as good as mine (try these)

Fluff n’ fold.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Dream a Little Dream

By Kirsten|June 25th, 2012|Setting the Mood|

Well, it is officially summer. June 20th (typically the 21st , damn you, leap year) marked summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. This may bring visions of starry lit soirees, dining al fresco, and soft cascading fabrics. What better time to channel Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. No, I don’t mean that of the pasties and panties of the Playboy Mansion. I mean ethereal makeup and hair full of flowers. Sheer chiffons and strappy sandals.

If you happen to be a fan of HBO’s Girls (um, of course you are), you watched the wild Jessa tie the knot wearing a dress so simple and Bohemian, she could have been a character straight from the play. It was the perfect casual summer frock to wear when saying “I do.” Heck, it would have been a lot cheaper than an $8,500 Vera Wang (anyone need a dress?). So whether you are looking to tie the knot in something simple or just sport a fresh and summery frock, let Jessa’s look and Shakespeare’s intoxicating tale lead your wardrobe inspiration.

dress: Morning Story Dress, $188, headband: Deepa Gurnani Floral Crystal Headband, $195, shoes: Miu Miu Strappy Peep Toe Platform, $790