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Setting the Mood: September Issues

By |August 19th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

september issuesPride cometh before a fall… and so does summer.  About a week ago, the weather started to change.  There was a slight shift in the air and in that moment, I knew:  fall was fast approaching. Sure, I’ve worked hard so as to be able to wear the least amount of clothing possible without offending anyone’s eyeballs, but I do love nothing more than a cozy cashmere scarf, slouchy suede boots, and slipping into a warm wool coat.  The fall brings with it thoughts of coupling up, nights by the fireplace, and the return of everyone back to the city after a summer in the Hamptons.  Tans start to fade, rooftops close, and pedicures become less necessary, but there is something magical in the autumn air.

Burberry Brit Leather Sleeved Jersey Sweatshirt, Christopher Kane Floral Print Modal and Cashmere Blend Scarf, Karl Donoghue Chunky Knit Wool and Shearling Beanie Hat, Fiorentini & Baker Eternity Suede Biker Boots

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Take Two, Part Two

By |August 14th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithI was once quoted as saying my ideal outfit is “feminine but tough. (Like a pretty girl on a Harley)…”  For me, it’s awfully difficult to look anything but all American.  Long blonde hair and fairly classic features make it pretty easy for me to be lumped in with your average white chick.  There are times when I don’t feel as if my insides match my outsides.  I remember the first time I sat down in my hairstylist’s chair.  She’s a super cool girl from Brooklyn and I could just tell by the barely noticeable eye roll that she had pegged me as just another girl from the West Side by merely taking in my fresh face, designer bag, and simple tank dress.  After speaking with her for fifteen minutes, her initial impression of me was completely forgotten and I won’t let anyone else touch my hair with his or her scissors.

I like to take something classic and turn it into something unexpected by giving it some edge or “dumbing it down.”  Anything too obvious makes me uncomfortable.  Predictable scares me and boring is the end of my existence.  If it’s too pretty, I add something ugly.  I used to always wear my glasses with anything bodycon… until that became an ironic trend.  Now I just deal with my less than perfect vision by forgoing my spectacles.  Even the prettiest of cocktail dresses can morph like a chameleon by swapping out strappy sandals for rugged boots, fussy hair for wild strands, tasteful jewels for “in your face” bling.  A little black dress that I thought would only come in handy for last minute cocktail party invites has fast become a closet staple.

kirsten smith

cross necklace bracelet

kirsten smith

motorcycle boots

kirsten smith

kirsten smithdress: Nightcap Clothing (long sleeve version), necklace: vintage (similar), bracelet: vintage necklace (similar), boots: Frye, bag: Expressions NYC (similar)

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Take Two, Part One

By |August 13th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithBuying a dress for your own birthday party is a pretty big deal.  At least it was for me this year.  For my first birthday back in New York, I wanted to celebrate with my favorite friends who I had missed so much and look damn good while doing so.  However, having a birthday in the icy wintry month of January proves to be a bit more difficult when perusing the racks.  I had been eying a particular lacy black dress online for quite some time and finally concluded the day of my birth would be the perfect time to debut it.

The good thing about this dress is that it’s neither seasonal, nor too trendy.  It makes a statement without being something that can only be worn once.  So, one evening, when I couldn’t quite figure out what to wear for another friend’s birthday party, I pulled this pretty little thing out of my closet for another spin around the dancefloor.  This time sans tights.  On my way out, I decided I should also probably take out the trash.  Well, wouldn’t you know, it was a good thing I hadn’t worn my usual post workout sweat stained garb to handle the task.  As I approached the compactor room, a very dashing gentleman was on his way in to toss his own trash.  Being an actual gentleman, he held the door open for me and continued to hold it so that I wouldn’t be shut in the creepy, stinky room solo.  As I leaned over the shoot, the fellow commented, “That’s quite an outfit for garbage duty.”  To which I replied, “Oh, this old thing?”

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

studded sandals

kirsten smithdress: Nightcap Clothing (long sleeve version), shoes: Steve Madden (similar), clutch: Helena de Natalio (similar), bracelet: vintage necklace (similar), nails: Marie Nails

Stay tuned for this little black dress, take two.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Lean, Mean, Teen Machines

By |August 12th, 2013|Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

Anna Camp in Emilio Pucci, Nelly, JWow

If you weren’t wearing leather or a crop top last night, you weren’t at the Teen Choice Awards.  Yes, apparently award season has begun, yet again (did it ever end?), starting off with this year’s Teen Choice Awards.  I didn’t actually watch it because, A). I didn’t even know it was happening and B). I was busy holding court on my rooftop with my newlywed best friend and her happy husband.  However, I do love a red carpet recap, so I have taken the liberty of sorting through some of last night’s looks for your viewing pleasure (or displeasure).

Don’t worry, I don’t know who half of these people are either.  I’d most likely have more luck identifying rare South American rainforest fauna.  Yet, I don’t struggle in the least when it comes to spotting the good, the green, and the obscenely ridiculous looks of the red carpet.  Whether you love or loathe crop tops- they’re happening and though it may still be mid-summer, you’d be better off looking for a pair of leather pants (and potentially bra top) for fall.  Green in all hues was the color of the carpet though it didn’t necessarily result in envy.  Nelly, Sandra, and Kerry may have been the only attendees over the age of 30, but these teen queens are all but bursting at the seams to show off their fashion chops pushing all boundaries. (more…)

Why Did You Wear That: Hat Trick

By |August 10th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

black fedoraWhen my fave friend and photog and I do a photoshoot, there are about a billion pictures wherein I look like an asshole.  However, when we get one, we really get one.  After prancing through the streets a few weeks ago, we decided to just play around with the look and my oh so rustic exposed brick wall.  It’s amazing what a little red lip can do.  This particular shade is my tried and true.  A bit of hair tossing, creative direction, and fun created these outtakes… which sometimes turn out to be the best ones.

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

xx,

WhyDid