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Why Did You Wear That: Ray of Light

By |January 24th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Though winter here hasn’t been much more than grey and rainy, I was able to catch a little bit of sun a couple of weekends ago.

I know coming hot off the heels of my Stylelist Q + A, this may seem like a “risky” outfit choice.  Here’s the thing: I don’t hate leggings as a whole.  I hate when girls wear leggings like they’re Levi’s.  I’ve got a whole stack of leggings, but you better believe that unless I’m in the midst of a pilates class, my “assets” are covered when wearing them.

I love the sheer peach mixed with grey knits and grounded with a luggage brown boot.  It’s a nice alternative to the standard black and brings a little bit of light (ness) to your most grey winter days.

Rule of thumb when deciding whether or not a shirt is long enough to be worn with leggings:  Put your hands down to your sides.  If the shirt reaches your fingertips, it should be okay.  It’s kind of like the skirt/shorts rule in highschool.  Use your head (and your eyes), your front pieces and bum should not be showing.  Leggings, afterall, are not pants. 

1. Equipment Major Blouse, $208, 2. Top Shop Ribbed Marl Leggings, $36, 3. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner (Peacock), $20, 4. Bare Escentuals Pretty Amazing Lip Color (Confidence), $16, 5. Kain Modal Silk Blend Tank, $85, 6. Alex & Ani 12 Assorted  Expandable Bangles, $138, 7. Steve Madden Intyce Cognac Boots, $149.95

 

xx,

WhyDid

Gift Guide: Little Ones

By |December 6th, 2011|Gift Guide|

I love buying gifts for the little people in my life.  I have three adorable nieces, my best friends have welcomed beautiful baby boys and girls and lets not forget that kiddos aren’t the only babies of the family.  While I have yet to birth no baby, I do have a couple little men in my life who are very, very important… and depending on who you ask, were very well behaved this year.  That’s right, I’m talking about the family pets.  They deserve some holiday cheer too.  So, when you’re playing Santa Claus this year, don’t forget that some family members would also appreciate a visit from Santa Paws.

1. Vtech ABC Text and Go, $13.99, 2. Shooting Stars in My Room Projector, $40, 3. Melissa & Doug 100 Wood Block Set, $16.99, 4. Books to Bed Paddington Bear Pajama and Book Set, $47, 5. Jellycat Truffle Puppy, $55, 6. Alex Toys Sew Fun, $85, 7. KidKraft Pink Vintage Kitchen, $134.99, 8. Larry Gets Lost in Los Angeles, $16.95, Larry Gets Lost in New York City, $16.95,

 

1. Heart U Back Dog Bone Friendship Bracelet, $29.99, 2. Alex and Ani Paw Prints Expandable Wire Bangle, $28, 3. RuffLuv Woof Faux Furr Trimmed Hoodie, $30, 4. Brian Atwoof Dogiac Shoes Toy, $11.99, 5. Jonathan Adler Puppy Uppers Jar, $138, 6. iPawd and iBone Plush Toys, $15, 7. Pawdicure Polish Pens, $10, 8. Fab Furcedes Dog Bed, $249, 9. Henri Bendel Crystal Fabuleash, $298, 10. Ralph Lauren Reindeer Dog Turtleneck, $85, 11. Petco Premium Pewter Retractable Cord Leash, $21.24-25.49

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Soak It In

By |August 25th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

A month or so ago, I had the pleasure of staying at the Napa River Inn and while the entire place was quite magical, one of my favorite parts was the beautiful claw foot bathtub. To be honest, the only thing better than soaking all your troubles away in a beautiful big tub with fizzy bath salts is doing so with a big fizzy glass of sparkling wine. While I couldn’t document said activities on WhyDid without getting a stern email from my father, I couldn’t pass up the chance to snap some photos of this beautiful (and my dream) bathroom.

Lace pants and a silky top were perfectly sexy and sophisticated for a romantic Saturday night dinner in Napa (not so much for a bath). Accessorized with shiny metallic sandals and my go to bangles for just the right amount of sparkle.

1. Leyendecker Chopper Blouse, $231, 2. Love Moschino Black Cropped Lace Trousers, $376.20, 3. MAC Lipstick in Russian Red, $14.50, 4. Alex & Ani Set of 7 Gold Dimpled Bangles, $74.99, 5. Jimmy Choo Buzz Platform Sandals, $628

That’s the only time Smitty has been anxious to hop in the tub, FYI.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Sheer Genius

By |April 12th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This spring it’s okay to let it all hang out.  What I mean is that the amount of sheer fabrics on the runway was enough to make Madonna blush.  Couple that with the whole “underwear as outerwear” trend and you’re in for a serious game of peek-a-boo –and I’m not talking the version you play with your niece.

While this trend may seem a bit risque and a little overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.  Adding a little sheer fabric to your outfit is a great way to show skin in an unexpected manner.  It’s sexy without being totally obvious.  Just make sure to apply this trend in small doses.  And NEVER wear a sheer bottom unless, of course, you’re frolicking on the beaches of St. Tropez.  (I know that seems self explanatory, but one can never be too careful).

I’ve recreated one of my favorite outfits almost to a T (the shirt is a different color, multiply my A&A bangles by about 5 and add 1) for an easy and appropriate option – and so you can look just like me:

1. Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow Long Sleeve Blouse, $98, 2. Free People Lace Trim Bandeau, $28, 3. 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Super Skinny in Double Knit, $169, 4. Alex and Ani Love Charm Bracelet Set, $78.50, 5. Jimmy Choo Madame Metallic Leather Sandals, $725

This outfit is also great for a “day to night” transition.  Layer a scarf and either a waterfall cardigan or boyfriend blazer for day and then remove scarf and outerwear to party all night.  Don’t forget to revisit my sheer “Do’s and Don’ts.”

Peek-a-boo!

xx,

WhyDid

Guest Post: Why Did You Wear That to the Airport?

By |December 30th, 2010|Guest Blogger|

This is travel season, and while I probably should have asked our guest blogger to write this sooner… better late than never.  This week we are being blessed with the wise words and comedic social commentary of Stephie Rojas the National Director of Digital Publishing for wheretraveler.com and all around fashionista.  To say she knows a thing or two about traveling in style would be an understatement.  Please read on to avoid being “that girl” at the airport.

I’ve seen and not cared about various sundry accidentally left behind in the bins at the end of the airport security line – a Saudi Arabian passport, Kardashian-style bedazzled earbuds, colorful guidebooks to fascinating places. But when I saw a bracelet abandoned in the bin, I did a big ole airport line no-no: I stopped. There were installation of multiple types of security system like Security Info does.

It was nothing special; it was a scratched sterling silver cuff in a patently uncool shape. It had some Native American etching and I wondered whether it was someone’s souvenir from a meaningful trip to a real Reservation, a thrift store find, or a fugly gift (pretend smile, “thanks Nana”, etc.). I considered tapping the TSA grouch on the shoulder, puzzled by what kind of woman owned this heavy metal, let alone brought it to the airport. Did she actually want the forgotten beast on her trip enough to intend putting it through the scanner rigmarole or did she put it on today in a cloud of brain fart?

It’s the only time I’ve ever taken pause in the horrible line; I usually try to get the heck out of dodge as fast as humanly possible. This time, however, if I hadn’t had a no-nonsense husband in tow urging me along, I might have held it for a few minutes to wait for her to jet on back. I thought, this must be special to her – and these TSA jerks are kleptos.

It got me thinking about what sort of turkey wears silver through the scanner? And what smarter choices are for airport attire.

What not to wear to the airport:

  1. Any low-rise pant: You will be bending over to get your shoes back on, fetch your luggage off the conveyor belt, or grab your carry-on from the seat in front of you. (Said no-nonsense husband is fond of saying “ping” and pretending to put a quarter in my crack when he sees such rare cleavage).
  2. Difficult shoes. Don’t be the dork unlacing your hightops, or, like my mom, the lady asking the guy behind her to help remove the darn cowboy boot she’s breaking in. (Apparently, when it came off, the guy predictably and hilariously flew back onto his butt and was then obliged to help her with the other).
  3. Your four- or five-inchers. You might have to break a sweat and actually run to your gate. If you really love your daily height (I can’t blame a girl), three inches are plenty of fabulousness for the airport. See: any 3-inch heeled Louboutin.
  4. Any bottom than needs a belt. Don’t make the security officer unnecessarily witness to your very cute, but very private navel.
  5. A buttoned suit jacket with a spicy little cami peeking out. The TSA grump will ask you to take your jacket off. This happened to me once on a work trip, and all I had underneath my Theory blazer was a lacy little Leigh Bantivoglio slip that shed too much airport fluorescence upon my brassiere.
  6. Metal accessories. Put that junk on when you get there.
  7. Sweats of any kind on Earth. Grody.
  8. A Gulpie. You knew you had to toss it right?

What will make your trip easier:

  1. Something breezy and elegant with no metal hardware. For you schlubs out there, remember the airport is a public effing place. Think good jeans with an easy, wrappy cashmere cardigan, or a tee by The Row with a good scarf. Look for good basics from Vince or Autumn Cashmere.
  2. If you must, zhuzh it up with one light, durable key accessory without a giant clasp to betray you in the metal detector, like a wooden beaded necklace from Lee Angel. Do you want the TSA’s new extra special nudie body scan? Don’t volunteer yourself with too much Alex & Ani on your wrists.
  3. Flats. London Sole offers bi-tonal colored-toe numbers that look totally Chanel.
  4. Extra clean pits. I know your 5:55AM flight is early. You will be in a crowded space. Make WhyDid proud and smell like soap.
  5. A convenient wallet. Don’t pick that fantastic but complicated bag with a million hidden compartments, or hold up the line because you had to put all your other stuff on the floor for a two-handed license-finding solution. This makes you look like a dope, and more specifically, invites “ping” situations. Class it up and have your ID handy.
  6. A looky-loo at Wheretraveler.com, this guest blogger’s home base, with local listings written by pros, not random complainers who heart nasty reviews. Plus in 2011 Wheretraveler.com is giving away trips for 4 to Orlando, Miami, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, and Oahu!
  7. Pants that fit. You will be sitting for hours and nothing says, “Hello, Fat Day Right Over Here In My Pants!” more than unbuttoning that top jean button.

So now you’re all set to travel like a pro. Please don’t be “that girl” in front of me in airport security.

xx,

Stephie