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Why Did You Wear That: The Way to Go Grey

By |November 7th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

over the knee boots leatherIt now gets dark before five o’clock and I’m beginning to come to terms with the fact that winter is on its way and there’s nothing I can do to change that.  But until the snow congregates on the concrete, I will continue to cling to the last bits of light and the fleeting moments of warmth.  There is a period of time about as long as fall lasts in New York when you can wear tall boots with a slice of skin still showing.  After this, you’ll be relegated to warmer legwear or… shudder… pants.  There are, however, perks to cooler weather (there’s always a silver lining, after all) and those perks come in the form of leather shorts, over the knee boots, beanies, and cozy sweaters.  This Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s dolman sweater is the perfect way to wear a pair of leather shorts without looking like a fly girl.  The key to sproting over the knee boots without eliciting  Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, vibes is to dress them down with a casual sweater and knit beanie.  Both leather shorts and OTK boots are items that could go terribly wrong, so wear with caution.  This sweater, however, can do no wrong because once the leg baring weather has come to an end, it’s just the right length to be legally worn with leggings.

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knit winter beaniesweater: c/o Diasy Fuentes for Kohl’s, shorts: Blank Denim, boots: Kelsi Dagger, similar by Joie here, socks: Commando, hat: Leith, bag: Kooba,

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Reflecting Your Style with Modani

By |November 6th, 2014|Sponsored Post, Why Did You Wear That?|

exposed brick studio apartment nyc

When I moved back to New York from California, my second cross country move, I was looking for somewhere that felt like home.  Somewhere that felt safe.  I had loved the apartment I’d been living in pre city exodus so much, that I tried to stalk the building for any availabilities, but to no avail.  Instead, I was sort of bamboozled into taking an apartment in the building directly across the street and it ended up being a wonderful mishap.  Originally, I was shown an apartment up six floors with a much better view, but a dog stained parquet floor and a random load bearing column that completely disrupted the studio apartment’s tiny “flow.”  Before I could chock this showing up to another loss, the building manager let me know that there was actually a similar apartment downstairs that would be available soon, but was undergoing renovations.  When we walked into the construction site, there wasn’t much to see, but the light was nice and the space was plenty for myself and Smitty.  Without knowing what it would look like upon completion, I headed downstairs to sign a lease.

Nearly two years later, the longest I’ve lived in a single place in the past 12 years, I still love my apartment, though I’ve not actually finished decorating it. I am even looking at the audio interfaces for garageband to get the right fit for my apartment. I think because I’ve grown accustomed to picking up and moving on year after year, it felt strange to fully commit to one place.  There’s an antique mirror propped up in one corner that hasn’t been hung, partially because my mother threatened my life should it be hung impetuously and come crashing down.  There’s no chandelier or signature wallpapered wall.  I have no desk or dining table.  My friends complain there are no counter barstools, but it’s rare that anyone is let into my inner sanctum.  Recently, I realized that productivity would probably increase exponentially if I had a place to work other than in my bed or sitting Indian style in front of my lucite coffee table.

When I stumbled upon Modani Modern Furniture‘s website one afternoon, it seemed all but serendipitous.  This was the perfect time to figure out what to do with my space and because I prefer a sleek, clean, line to bulky and comfy (as can be attested to by any of the uncomfortable guests of my couch), Modani Modern Furniture was a wonderful fit.  Though many people never see our homes, especially in New York, they are very clear reflections of our personal style– at times, even more so than our outfits.  If you’re looking to do a little home makeover yourself, be sure to checkout Modani’s Modern furniture stores.

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smitty in the city maltipooIdeally, I would have some strapping young man come (carefully) hang the mirror behind my couch.  In the space that the mirror was previously occupying, I would like to place the best leather office chair and some type of table where I could work.  This would also provide some extra seating for the guests I never invite over and another place Smitty could claim as his own.  Below are some Modani pieces I feel would fit in my space to complete the “look” of my home.

modani modern furniture Olga PillowIlda Side TableSavina Lounge ChairBlack Moon Medusa Chandelier

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Wear That: TenGems

By |November 5th, 2014|Sponsored Post, Why Did You Wear That?|

tengems jewelry kirsten smith whydidIf diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then rose gold, smokey quartz, and morganite are her inner circle.  When TenGems, a luxury jewelry e-tailer, asked if I’d like to curate a collection for them, I was more than happy to oblige.  Offering designer jewels from brands including Ippolita, Roberto Coin, and Baume & Mercier at 30-75% off of retail prices on a daily basis, you don’t have to wait around for the holidays to treat yourself (though now might be a good time to start your shopping).  Easy returns and free shipping are all the more reason to stock up on sparkling accessories to wear during gala season.  Below are a few of my favorites:

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Roberto Coin Ipanema Smokey Quartz Earrings, Paige Novick Natalie Stingray CuffEddie Borgo Pave Wing Open Work Hinged Ring

And you can shop the rest of of my picks (it was honestly very hard to choose) right here.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Nesting Season

By |November 3rd, 2014|Setting the Mood|

style home interiorOn November 1st, the official hangover of Halloween, I peered out my window to see that the weather was just as miserable as my headache.  Grey skies, drizzling rain, cold, gusty wind, and an adorable dog who needed to empty his bladder standing on my chest and blinking down at me with his big brown eyes.  You haven’t experienced selfless love until you’ve had to take your dog for a walk on a cold Saturday morning.  I warned him that he was going to be sorely disappointed when his paws were wet upon hitting the pavement, but he insisted.  Afterall, he’s a dog and though it’s debatable, he doesn’t speak English.  Having nearly been blown away by the blustery wind and cursing my flimsy umbrella, we made it safely back inside where I decided to stay… for the rest of the weekend.

Though some tempting offers were thrown out, none were alluring enough to coax me from my cozy apartment.  That’s when it hit me.  Nesting season has begun and the brief magic of fall has come crashing down as fast as the fallen leaves.  Plans will begin to dwindle until we all become hibernating animals slumbering until spring, so you may as well feather your nest and get comfortable.

home-decor-accent-black-white

LAFCO House & Home Champagne Scented CandleC. Wonder Buffalo Check Tea for OneBarefoot Dreams In the Wild ThrowJonathan Adler Marseilles Coasters

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Wear That: The Odd Couple (Costume)

By |October 31st, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

tortoise and hare halloween costumeAs I mentioned, Halloween can be a bit like New Year’s Eve.  Many people get very into their costumery and a lot of those people happen to be couples.  Being someone who normally loves a theme, I can’t explicitly identify why I’m less than enthusiastic about this year’s Hallow’s Eve, but I am.  Rather than race around gathering the ingredients for the world’s most clever costume, I’ve, instead, assembled items I already own and have let them begin to take on a lives of their own.  I’m calling it, “interpretive dressing.”  When people ask me what I’m going to “be” (and they ask a lot), I simply shrug and let them know that remains to be seen.

But, back to those poor fellows being forced into theme in order to appease their lady beloveds.  A guy friend of mine, was informed that not only would he be hosting a Halloween soiree, he’d need a costume.  I suggested he go as a wrecking ball and his girlfriend could be Miley Cyrus.  When he vetoed that, my next suggestion was to go rogue and dress up as a bumper car so as to take out his aggression as party proprietor.

The best $8 dollars I ever spent was during a recent trip to Home Goods with a friend of mine.  We were on the search for a throw pillow or a tissue holder or some other household item that you never knew you needed (and probably don’t), but when I stumbled upon a Smitty sized turtle costume, mission was temporarily aborted and costume was acquired.  Not long after at a French themed dinner party with my girlfriends, I told them of my purchase and one exclaimed, “Please tell me you’re going as a rabbit!”  I hadn’t thought about it, but once she said it, I thought it was a pretty solid suggestion.  Oh… except for one thing… Smitty is a dog.  Sure, it would make for cute photos (who the hell is going to take them?), but upon exiting my home, I’d just be some chick in a bunny costume.  Truth be told, I’ve brought out stranger “props” than a living animal and if I would ever get around to registering Smit as a service dog this would be a non-issue.  But alas, my little turtle must stay in his shell.  It’s entirely possible that dressing your dog is the new “cat lady,” but offering him a peanut butter chewbone in return for his services seems like a bargain compared to dealing with a human beau. (Several reasons why here).  And honestly, is dressing your dog any worse than dressing your boyfriend in a coordinating denim ensemble?

Oh, and if you’re looking to make your own ears, check out my DIY here.

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xx,

WhyDid

 

Photos by Michael Stiegler