WhyDid.com

The List Volume Summer Vacation

By Kirsten|August 9th, 2013|The List|

In case you’re just tuning in (or don’t follow me on Instagram), I have been away for the week. I was becoming a creature of habit and starting to meld into the concrete jungle I call home. After two failed attempts at heading north with a man friend, I finally relented and spent five days meandering from Boston to Ogunquit to Gloucester and back to Newport. Leaving the city with your love interest can be a bit scary and incredibly enlightening. They say you really get to know someone, for better or worse, while on vacation. Well, not only did I learn a few things about my travel buddy, I learned a few things about myself and better travel practices while taking in some truly breathtaking scenery. (more…)

Why Did You Wear That: Work in Progress

By Kirsten|August 2nd, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

When I first came to New York, it was a very different place. I spent the summer as an intern at Escada, living in a sublet studio apartment on West 49th Street. Other than sleeping and going to work, I didn’t spend much time in that neighborhood known as Hell’s Kitchen. The majority of my first Manhattan adventures happened right where I live today. Back when the Meatpacking District lived up to its illustrious moniker, we stepped over pools of blood and hunks of meat in our stilettos before making it to our final destination. During that time, before Buddha Bar moved in and skyrocketed the rent, our friends and designers had their studios on Little West 12th Street, which is where more than many of our New York City nights began. We’d drink and dance and swap out our Midwestern garb for the stylings of our fashionable friends. When the clock struck midnight, we didn’t head home like Cinderella. That’s when our evening began. This was the era when rubbing elbows with an Olsen and sitting down to rest your feet only to find Roberto Cavalli seated beside you was commonplace. Unlike LA, no one here bothered to bat an eyelash. (more…)

WhyDid or WhyDon’t: Get Waisted

By Kirsten|July 31st, 2013|Celebrity Style, Why Did or Why Don't?, Why Did You Wear That?|

This summer, many celebrities have been seen wearing a retro style bathing suit in the form of a high waisted bikini. On one hand, it’s nice to see Hollywood covering up its hoo-ha’s, but on the other, some styles were not meant to be resuscitated. Everyone from Drew Barrymore to Uma Thurman has worn one of these torso-centric suits. You know Taylor Swift loves herself a high waisted bikini.

I understand the ideology behind it. You’re thinking, “This bad boy is going to hide my FUPA and minimize my muffin top.” Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news (no, I don’t), but the only thing a high waisted bikini is going to do is emphasize all the flaws you seek to hide. Not to mention, most retro suits have much lower cut legs, which will only make your stems appear stumpier. Basically, you’re like one big walking pelvis. The only thing worse than this beach look from the front, is how it looks from behind. Talk about long ass.

But should you care to partake in the trend, here are a few suits that will keep you on par with your favorite stars.

Lisa Marie Fernandez Poppy High Waisted Bandeau Bikini, Kushcush Maddie Bandeau Top and Bikini Bottoms, Norma Kamali Bill Halterneck Bikini Top and Ruched High Rise Bikini Briefs, SKYE & staghorn Benson Bikini

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: A Walk in the Park

By Kirsten|July 30th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

It’s a rare occasion that I make it above 14th Street. Leaving downtown at times feels like leaving the country. Well, my country. I’m not actually a neighborhood snob (okay, maybe), but for me, there’s not much reason for me to head uptown. I used to go for the sole purpose of re-blonding, but then my hairstylist left the country… and I stopped coloring my hair. Some even say your ears may pop when you cross 42nd Street. Whatever the case may be, I don’t make it up to the Upper West Side or the park very often.

I can’t decide if I gave up on Central Park after I realized there were about 3cm of park where Smitty was actually allowed to be or that time we got pelted by a football courtesy of a group of guys trying to catch our attention. Speaking of which, a guy once asked me on a date to Central Park. I never called him back. Even my best friends have a tough time coercing me to the Upper West Side. Given enough wine, I’ve found myself sleeping on their couch in the morning, pleased with myself for having passed out before the pizza arrived. So, when my newly Americanized pal, suggested we head uptown and check out the park, I felt I had to oblige. I suffered through a steamy subway ride and was soon reminded what a wonderful oasis we have in our otherwise concrete desert.

shorts: Torn by Ronny Kobo, top: American Apparel, shoes: Jimmy Choo (similar), bracelets: Kenneth Jay Lane (ring version), bag: Asos (similar)

xx,

WhyDid

Photo Credit: Michael Stiegler

Setting the Mood: Blue Jeans, White Shirt

By Kirsten|July 29th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

There are times when I gaze into my closet like it’s the great abyss. Just like there are times when I stare blankly at my computer screen with my fingers poised on the keyboard, but not a thing to type. The fact of the matter is, I tend to over complicate things. Overthink them. And so when I start to feel the sweat prickling on my skin as the stress sets in, I take a deep breath, and murmur to myself, “Keep it simple, stupid.” You see, when a women has a few staple pieces in her wardrobe, she can count on them like she can count on the rain after a blowout and her monthly visit from auntie Flo. By having a perfectly fitting pair of jeans, a fresh white t-shirt, crisp white blouse, and a gently destroyed pair of denim shorts, there is no occasion (except for black tie) that she cannot concur. Depending on the woman, event, and accessories, the most simple pieces, American classics, can take you from daytime down time to dinner, drinks, and possibly dancing.