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Why Did You Wear That: Budget Bride

By |February 23rd, 2011|Why Did You Wear That?|

Going right along with my post from yesterday and my love for all things lovely, I was inspired to find some beautiful wedding dresses for the brides to be out there.  I was amazed how many gorgeous dresses are available for under $1000 (Hopefully, my mother isn’t reading cause she’ll punch me for picking one for about ten times as much- sorry, mom!).  If you aren’t aware, weddings are freaking expensive!  The dress alone can exhaust your financial resources, so finding so many amazing options (seriously something for everyone) is a total relief.  These dresses are all of the rack, so you have plenty of time to save up and then get alterations done.  When you order designer dresses they take about six months to be made and then add time for alterations – not a whole lot of time to pinch pennies.  I’m not gonna be shy, I’ve really outdone myself this time, behold 24 to die for dresses.  You’re welcome!

Top (L to R): White House Black Market Katharine Gown, $348, Antik Batik Clea Silk Satin Gown, $720, Aidan Mattox Chiffon Evening Gown, $440 Bottom (L to R): BCBG MAXAZRIA Drape Bodice Knit Gown, $328, White House Black Market Grace Gown, $498,  BCBG MAXAZRIA Mesh and Satin Gown, $548

Top (L to R): Tadashi Shoji Organza Bottom Silk Ball Gown, $840, ABS by Allen Schwartz Silk Strapless Rosette Gown, $550, Nika Tiered Strapless Evening Gown, $598, White House Black Market Audrey Gown, $698, Bottom (L to R): Aidan Mattox Strapless Metallic Print Ball Gown, $550, BCBG MAXAZRIA Tiered Strapless Gown, $798, White House Black Market Victoria Bridal Gown, $598, Tadashi Shoji Chiffon Applique One Shoulder Gown, $798

(L to R): Nicole Miller Double Face Satin V-neck Gown, $730, Betsy and Adam Pleated Halter Gown, $160, Notte by Marchesa One Shoulder Flower Gown, $935, BCBG MAX AZRIA Silk Halter Gown, $348

Top (L to R): Love, Yu Tulle Gown, $850, Badgley Mischka Strapless Tiered Flowy Gown, $750, Ann Taylor Fringe Gown, $550 Bottom (L to R): ABS by Allen Schwartz Silk Strapless Rosette Gown, $410, Ann Taylor Rose Petal Gown, $750, Love, Yu Tiered Strapless Gown, $750

I do!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Denim on Denim Crime

By |February 23rd, 2011|Why Did or Why Don't?|

Another trend that was once a fashion faux pas is double denim.  While you are probably rolling your eyes and ready to click that cute little “x,” hear me out.  Kate Bosworth can clearly do no wrong and here she is as a shining example of how denim on denim can look totally chic.  Britney and JT, on the other hand, are exemplifying that it is possible to have too much of a good thing.

The trick when wearing “denim times two” is to make certain that the pieces are distinctly different shades.  Also, the silhouettes should also be contrasting proportions.  Don’t wear boyfriend jeans with a blousey shirt or vice versa (jeggings and a denim tube top). If you’re going to attempt this somewhat controversial trend, try a dark skinny pant with a loose chambray button down just like Kate.

don’t break my  heart…

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Feel the Love

By |February 22nd, 2011|Why Did You Wear That?|

I am a true hopeless romantic.  I always root for love and happily ever after.  Lately, my heart has been filled with so much joy because of all the love around me.  My best friends are all getting married with Micro Weddings ceremoney at beach and many other awesome destinations, engaged, and having beautiful little babies.  It’s an overwhelmingly happy time and I’m so happy to be a part of their bliss.  That said… I’ve got a lot of weddings coming up!  What’s a girl to wear?

Wedding invitation dress codes can often be tricky.  What’s the difference between black tie and black tie optional?  What colors are okay to wear?  And is this hem too high?  Here are three of the most common types of wedding dress codes and what to wear to each.

Black Tie: This is the most formal of dress codes.  Typically, this would require a long formal gown.  Most of us probably have a black gown tucked away in our closets in case of such events, but I love adding some color to the mix.  Besides, you will be one of fifty wearing black if you just go with old faithful.  Don’t go overboard and cover yourself in sequins and sparkles (this is not your senior prom or the Grammy’s).

Top (L to R): Aidan Mattox Chiffon Halter Gown with Beaded Waist, $440, Badgley Mischka Chiffon Tiered Halter Gown, $990, BCBG MAXAZRIA Strapless Silk Chiffon Gown, $348 Bottom (L to R): Issa Silk Jersey Gown, $885, Lanvin Asymmetric Washed Satin Gown, $3,480, Nicole Miller Water Washed Reverse Charmeuse Gown, $620

Cocktail/Black Tie Optional: Black tie optional is more often than not in reference to the men’s attire.  If your invitation reads “black tie optional” you are welcome to wear a dress much like the ones above in “black tie” or you could wear a formal cocktail dress.  Be sure that your cocktail attire isn’t too low cut or shorter than a tube top.  Have some respect for the bride.  There’s nothing wrong with looking fantastic, but you don’t want to draw eyes away from the bride for all the wrong reasons.  When in doubt, ask yourself, “Would I want some bitch at my wedding wearing this?” *Note: if this wedding is being held at the Playboy Mansion, all of these rules go out the window. Game on.

Top (L to R): Catherine Malandrino Silk Chiffon Dress, $495, Rachel Gilbert Sasha Embellished Silk Chiffon Dress, $1,160, Calvin Klein Ruffle Trim Chiffon Dress, $158 Bottom (L to R): Mark and James Tulle Ruffle Sequin Dress, $355, Kurt Thomas Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress, $400, Top Shop Chiffon A Line Dress by Rare, $78

Afternoon/Destination: The world’s love of “brunch” has spilled over into the wedding arena.  Many couples are opting for brunch or afternoon weddings.  For such occasions the dress code is much more relaxed.  A flowy maxi dress, or flirty chiffon frock paired with wedges is a perfect choice for such an event.  This is also a great option for destination weddings.  Be sure to wear a fabric that breaths if you’re heading to a steamy climate.  You may also want to factor in having to remove your heels for flats or bare feet on the beach, so make sure your hemline won’t trip you up.

Top (L to R): Gryphon Chain Link Maxi Dress, $390, Nanette Lepore Rain or Shine Floral Maxi Dress, $648, The Furies Hex Maxi Dress, $165 Bottom (L to R): Rozae R.N. Chiffon Colorblock Dress, $334, Tibi Racerback Maxi Paisley Dress, $583, Heritage 1981 Tribal One Shoulder Maxi Dress, $24.90

Can you hand me a hanky?

xx,

WhyDid

Monday Mashup: XOXO

By |February 22nd, 2011|Monday Mashup|

Hey Upper East Siders, this just in.  S may very well have her own doppelganger.  Seems a certain Aussie actress looks awfully similar to our sweet Serena especially when they strike this “over the shoulder” pose in slinky LBD’s.  With the same golden locks, perfectly peachy skin, and ould Teresa Palmer be voted next year’s sexiest woman alive? You be the judge.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Mac Daddy

By |February 22nd, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

I really don’t know anyone who doesn’t like macaroni and cheese.  And if you don’t, then you’re no friend of mine.  It’s an American staple food and it can snap even the most PMS’ing diva out of her funk.

We were elated to find out about a place in downtown Los Angeles that’s sole purpose is to serve macaroni and cheese. Mac and Cheeza has four sizes of mac and cheese: Baby Mac, Momma Mac, Daddy Mac, and Mac Daddy. Once you’ve decided how hungry you are, it’s time to choose between regular noodles and rice and between their special “secret” cheese sauce and soy.  The big decisions are out of the way… let’s add some vegetables and/or meats (black olives, mushrooms, spinach, bacon, ham, chorizo) and top it off with either a cheese blend topper or spicy toasted walnuts.  Now, you can either eat in, take out, have it delivered, OR you can bake it at home!  I really see no downside to this place… except that you may not fit into your skinny jeans after falling in love with their perfect blend of cheesy delight.

If you can’t make it to downtown LA here is my very favorite mac and cheese recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb dried cavatappi or elbow macaroni pasta (cooked according to instructions on box)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups shredded swiss cheese
  • 1 cup of sharp cheddar
  • 2 tsp white truffle oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan

Preparation:

Add butter to a saucepan over medium heat, and cook until the butter begins to foam and bubble. Add the flour and stir for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until all the milk has been incorporated and the sauce begins to thicken. Make sure that there are no lumps in the sauce. Pass the sauce through a fine sieve if needed. This process should take 5 to 7 minutes. 

Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheese, mixing until it has completely melted. Add the truffle oil and season to taste, with salt and pepper. Add the cooked and still warm pasta to the cheese sauce. Divide evenly among 4 bowls and sprinkle bread crumbs and parmesan cheese on top, if desired. Serve immediately.

So cheesy.

xx,

WhyDid