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Smart is the New Pretty: Ahead of the Game

By Kirsten|January 11th, 2012|Smart Is the New Pretty, WhyDid Wisdom|

It’s no secret that smart is the new pretty, so how about we start this year off with some more knowledge? Anyone can look good in designer duds, but it’s the girl with the knowing look that ends up the belle of the ball.

But perhaps you aren’t at any balls, yet are still searching for love. Dine with a stranger can help with that. [Mashable]
What search engine do you use anyway? Probably not Yahoo! According to these numbers: Bada-bing! [Tech Crunch]
Think you have nothing in common with dolphins and monkeys? Uh… think again. [Mashable]
Speaking of animals, who the hell is buying all of these Crocs? No, seriously. [NY Mag]
Probably the same people who eat Twinkies…. oh wait. [Gawker]
If you already love Shazam… you’re really going to love it now. Providing lyrics to all your heart’s desire, it wants to be your music player too. [Mashable]
Which may come in handy when trying to decipher the Tim Tebow inspired “St. Elmo’s Fire” remake. [People]
Oh wait… LL Cool J wants a piece of this music social networking too. Ladies do love cool James… [Mashable]
Welp, if you’re in NY, you should probably go head over to Apple’s education event next week so you can start your own social network (I mean, everybody else is). [TechCrunch]
Either that or book yourself a one way ticket to Mars. [Huffington Post]

xx,
WhyDid

Gift Guide: My Fair Maidens

By Kirsten|January 10th, 2012|Gift Guide|

Some day you may meet a handsome, kind gentleman who will ask for your hand in marriage. And while you may think that meeting the man of your dreams was the hardest part, buckle up baby- wedding planning is a whole new kind of stressful.

One of the easiest parts should be asking your best pals to stand by your side during your special day… but well, sometimes that part is difficult too. Anyway, once you’ve decided who, you should decide how? You can’t just text your friends to pop the question, afterall. I’ve had friends send scavenger hunts, and awful dresses to be photographed in. Brides to be are getting more and more creative in their “Will you?” presentations.

One of my favorite approaches is a gift bag chocked full of bridesmaid essentials. Be sure to show them how much they really mean to you by putting together a gift bag with special items that may come in handy either during or before your impending nuptials. Perhaps if your wedding is that of the destination type or even a “surprise” destination, use this as an opportunity to provide clues. While you may be thinking, “Gosh, this is pricey,” don’t forget how much money your best gal pals will have to dish out for showers, and bachelorette parties, and dresses, oh my! You’ve been a bridesmaid a time or two… remember?

All the essentials (similar to what is shown above):

Beach Friendly Tote: Jonathan Adler
Photo Album: Jonathan Adler
Bridesmaid Thong: Hanky Panky
Heart Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters
Lip Balm: EOS
Glow Stick Jewelry: WMU
Mini Sunblock: Hawaiian Tropic
DIY Notecard with Handwritten Message: Wedding Chicks

Going to the chapel…

xx,
WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Work It, Girl

By Kirsten|January 9th, 2012|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

While some ladies may be those of leisure, others work hard for their money. They’re smart, determined, dedicated, and want to look damn good while dominating a board room. And while mama does work hard to bring home the bacon, she doesn’t want to put all that money right back into her work wardrobe. So what’s a girl to do? Shop smart! There are plenty of work appropriate options that 1). won’t break the bank and, 2). won’t raise any eyebrows. The key to a fabulous work wardrobe is investing in smart separates that can be mixed, matched, and accessorized to provide a plethora of early morning options. Here are three outfits all under $200 that will have you looking like (and making) a million.

Let’s break down the numbers:

BB Dakota Audry Twill Dress, $79.99 + Mossimo Palma Pumps, $29.99 + Marc by Marc Jacobs Metallics Packables Shopper, $58 = $167.98

Jack by BB Dakota Nadine Top, $52 + My Favorite Things Pencil Skirt, $79.90 + Nine West Escher Pumps, $59.99 = $191.98

BB Dakota Hadley Pants, $59.99 + Staring at Stars Chiffon Button Down Shirt, $24.99 + DV by Dolce Vita Boston Pumps, $72.99 = $157.97

Now that’s what I call retail math.

xx,

WhyDid

Weekend Playlist: An Ode to the Big Apple

By Kirsten|January 7th, 2012|Weekend Playlist|

Have I mentioned how much I love New York? No? Well, I do. And while my adoration of the Big Apple may seem a bit “obsessive” to some, I’m not alone in my love affair. More musicians than I can count have written love songs and odes to the city that never sleeps. Now, my compilation doesn’t even begin to encompass all the ditties that reference New York, but it’s a start.

New York, New York.

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Fade to Black

By Kirsten|January 6th, 2012|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Well, January is in full swing and after the holidays and festivities have wound down, it may just feel like one big ‘ol hangover. You’ve sequined and accessorized and now you probably just want to lay low. Bling feels so blah and glitter makes you want to gag. That’s where the good ol’ LBD comes into play. Consider it your lime sorbet between appetizer and entree. The LBD is a great palate cleanser to hold you over between holiday and spring. Its uses are endless and it doesn’t have to be boring. Cutouts, texture, and unexpected details are what make an LBD a totally stylish staple. Dress it up, dress it down. Take it from day to night. You really never can go wrong when you’re back in black.

1. A.L.C. Sienna Stretch Leather Dress, $1,195, 2. Valentino R.E.D. Black Crystal Embellished Dress, $682, 3. Black Halo Jackie O Off the Shoulder Dress, $375 , 4. Marni Asymmetric Crepe Dress, $346, 5. Lamixx Cold Shoulder Dress, $46, 6. DKNY Black Dress with Round Collar, $315 , 7. Elizabeth and James Rebecca Silk Chiffon Dress, $116.80, 8. Miss Selfridge Black Elastic Back Dress, $55, 9. bebe Leatherette Paillette Dress, $129, 10. Alice + Olivia Leather and Tulle Dress, $595