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Why Did You Wear That: Up on the Roof

By |July 24th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithWhen I walked out of my grey carpeted, grey walled, grey everything office on my last day of work, I knew I never wanted to be stuck in a corporate cubicle ever again.  Ever.  I started WhyDid while working that 9-5 (more like 8-8) job and made it my priority a year later.  Sure, I wrote my first book at age ten, but I hadn’t even realized how much I enjoyed writing until over ten years later.  I’ve now been fortunate enough to turn something I love to do, into what I do for a living.

While not having to report to an office sure has its perks (like wine at lunch), working from home can become pretty isolating.  I don’t have to get dressed or even shower before making it from my bed to my computer.  I don’t need to come in contact with humans on a daily basis if I don’t want to.  And it’s fairly easy to get totally sidetracked.  I have a beautiful apartment, but staring at the same four walls day in and day out can be less than inspiring.  Luckily, I have a very special creative oasis just an elevator ride away.  Arguably, I have one of the best rooftops in Manhattan.  I can see in all directions, and being by the water allows for a little breeze, which is crucial during these oppressively hot summer days.  I mean, there’s even WiFi.  My only complaint?  No electrical outlets, which only allows me to work for as long as my batteries will last.  So, management, if you’re reading this…

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smitty

kirsten smithtop: Brandy Melville (similar), shorts: Brandy Melville (similar), sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bracelets: Alex and Ani, necklace: Nina Nguyen, shoes: Charles David, bag: Diane von Furstenberg (similar), dog: Smitty

Rough day at the office.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo credit: Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Initial Thoughts?

By |May 29th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

alphabet soupSure, Carrie Bradshaw may have started the name craze with her nameplate necklace, but I think the single initial may be the new nameplate.  I can be seen on most days wearing a “K” pendant and a signet ring that belonged to my mom which she had re-engraved with my own initials.  On a very sunny day, you may even find me sporting a baseball cap embroidered with my first initial.  One might conclude that I’m quite fond of my name and honestly, why shouldn’t I be? My parents thought I was going to be a boy.

Love your name too?  (duh.)  Then it’s time to rep your own crew by donning your signature spelling in one of many fashions available.  I mean, I guess it will make it that much easier for strangers to guess your name (yet you geotag yourself on Instagram)… and I suppose joke’s on you if I tell you my name is Genevieve while wearing a necklace emblazoned with a “K.”

alphabet jewelry

1. Markus Lupfer Sequined Initial T-shirt, 2. Markus Lupfer Sequined Initial Brooch, 3. Maya Brenner Mini Letter Necklace, 4. Alex and Ani Initial Bangle, 5. Jacquie Aiche Alphabet Single Earring, 6. Jennifer Zeuner Small Swirly Initial Necklace, 7. Jennifer Zeuner Initial Signet Ring, 8. Gorjana Alphabet Stackable Ring

Spell ya later.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Darn It, That’s a Garnet.

By |January 8th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

garnet stone

Whether you’re into astrology or gemology, Capricorns and Aquarians have been bestowed with the garnet as their birthstone, such as this post on numerology at Your Higher Journey, numerology is the mystical study of you guessed it numbers.  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.

january birthstone garnet

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

The List Volume Blackout

By |November 24th, 2012|The List|

black friday rushNo, 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

Why Did You Wear That: Transitional Period

By |September 4th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

how to transition a summer dressAnd 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.striped maxi dress blimp

necklaces t strap sandalsIt’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.

fall maxi dress

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