Whether you’re into astrology or gemology, Capricorns and Aquarians have been bestowed with the garnet as their birthstone.  I used to think I got the short end of the stick when it came to birthstones, but over the years, this deep red stone has grown on me.  Sure, it’s not a diamond, but this year especially, the color has gained some momentum with the influx of oxblood.

1. Satya Strength Bracelet in Red Garnet, $78, 2. 14k Rose Gold Necklace, $600, 3. 14k Yellow Gold Garnet Gemstone Earrings, $298, 4. Kelly Wearstler Cabochon Hoop Earrings, $275, 5. Dezso by Sara Beltran Garnet and Emerald Shark Fin Bracelet, $2,400, 6. Heather Hawkins Hammered Coin Necklace, $202, 7. Chan Luu The Mystic Red Garnet Beaded Bracelet, $70, 8. Alex and Ani January Garnet Birthstone Bangle, $28

Wear it with pride, my fellow January babies.

xx,

WhyDid

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No, I wasn’t absent from the internet yesterday because I was busy bashing in skulls in hopes of acquiring a fifty inch plasma to watch “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”  I was busy digesting my Thanksgiving dinner… and that took a lot of hard work and concentration… or wine.  To be quite clear, I find Black Friday to be all my worst nightmares and biggest fears combined.  It’s kind of the same way I feel about fake handbags.  I find it hard enough to shop busy stores on your average Tuesday, let alone when all the animals have been let out of their cages and taunted with raw meat.  There are about a billion other things I’d rather do than fight over a cashmere scarf marked down 50%… ten of which are listed here.  The only type of bargain shopping I will submit myself to are the deals that can be found behind the safety of my computer screen.  That said, I didn’t figure it’d be in good taste to complain after my last post.  So I’ve decided to be a bit charitable today and have found you ten places better to throw your hard earned money: small businesses and charities.

1. Not sure where to start?  Check out American Express for a list of retailers participating in Small Business Saturday.
2. As obsessed with your dog/cat as I am with Smitty?  Help out all the other furry little creatures by donating or volunteering with the ASPCA.
3. Mikini Bikini is offering 10% off with code COLORFULFRIDAY at checkout.
4. Got kids?  Got siblings? Like kids?  Stop human trafficking by supporting Children of the Night.
5. Looking for something to do December 10th?  Look no further.  Buy your tickets for Charity Water’s Charity Ball right here.
6. Speaking of kids… this one won’t even cost you any money.  Become a Big Brother or Big Sister.
7. If you’re in New York, Darling is offering 25% off purchases (and trust me, it lives up to the name).
8. Another one for the kids: Petit Organics is offering 25% off all orders today!
9. Shop Alex and Ani today and get 10% off of your entire purchase.
10. Kill two birds with one click.  Shop and support a great cause with rad apparel from TWLOHA (To Write Love on Her Arms).

Now, if you’ll excuse me I have some pie to polish off.

xx,

WhyDid

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And welcome back.  I hope your Labor Day was just that… laborless.  Seeing as Labor Day is often considered the end of summer, you may be wondering what the heck you are going to do with all of your fabulous summer frocks.  Unless you live in some type of glorious tropical climate, you are aware that for the next couple of months, the weather will be like a mature woman going through menopause.  One minute it’s pleasant, next it’s hot, next all hell breaks loose.  That is precisely why it is imperative to understand the importance of layering and how to transition your lighter pieces straight into fall.  Not sure how to do that?  Don’t you worry, I’ve gone ahead and taken the liberty of showing you just how to do so with a lovely striped maxi dress courtesy of Sugar Lips.

It’s all fun and games during the sweltering summer.  The sun is shining.  Blimps are flying overhead.  Add some sexy t-straps and sunglasses and you’re good to go. You may even layer on a pile of bangles and several necklaces (which I must warn you turned into a tangle and call to a plumber for me) to complete your carefree fitted frock.

But alas, not all good things last forever and before you know it, there’s a nip in the air and the only things up in the sky are falling leaves.  Swap out your sandals for wedge boots, layer on a jacket and don’t forget to keep your dome warm with a knit hat.  Perhaps instead of necklaces you substitute a scarf.

So don’t let the nip in the air take the pep out of your step.  Look on the bright side: you’ve still got a couple more months before we need to discuss snowboots.

xx,

WhyDid

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The rampant use of Photoshop has stirred up quite a bit of controversy in the fashion and advertising worlds.  While it may come in handy in some instances, there is a huge difference between removing a blemish or brightening up a photo and giving a woman a total digital diet.  Seeing advertisements, magazine covers, and commercials showing already beautiful women Photoshopped to within an inch of their lives is disheartening to say the least.  Uh, that Adele Vogue cover?  At times, I can’t even tell who this month’s covergirl is.  Is that Kim K or Jessica Alba?  It frustrates me to hear friends talk about their children or nephews/nieces already dealing with body image issues due to the unrealistic pressures that society has put on them to be “perfect.”

That said, when Feel More Better asked me if I’d like to join 50 other influential bloggers to promote the Truth in Advertising message with their “Not Photoshopped” Story Tees, I was more than happy to be a part of it.

For a chance to win a black “Not Photoshopped” Story Tee (like the one I’m wearing), Tweet me using the hashtag #FeelMoreBetter and tell me what you think makes a woman most beautiful.  I will pick one winner next week.  P.S. If you don’t win, you should still head on over and buy one yourself.  For each purchase made, a book will be given to an underprivileged girl! 

shirt: c/o Feel More Better, skirt/tube top: Express, booties: Members Only, bracelets: Alex and Ani, clutch: Expressions

Now remember what makes you beautiful.

xx,

WhyDid

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West Virginia tends to get a bit of a bad rap.  Whenever I tell someone that I grew up/went to school there, I get the typical antiquated responses.  “Are your parents cousins?”  “You have nice teeth though.”  “I love Virginia!”  Come on, guys.  Haven’t we gone over this?  West Virginia isn’t all hillbillies and bare feet.  The Bachelorette whisked her date to the Greenbrier in this week’s episode and as a matter of fact, it may be more Sex and the City than one might think (Sarah Jessica Parker stayed in Wheeling during the birth of her twins via surrogate).

Even when I don’t have a literal home of my own and can’t figure out where I want to be, West Virginia always feels like home to me.  With its rolling hills, friendly faces, and unrivaled natural beauty (have you seen my sorority sisters), West Virginia hardly lives up to its reputation.  It defies it.   And I’m willing to bet if I didn’t tell you, you wouldn’t even know I was there…

glasses: Ray Ban, tank: American Apparel, skirt: Zara, bag: vintage Dooney & Bourke, bracelets: Alex and Ani, sandals: Enzo Angiolini

Take me home…

xx,

WhyDid

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