Alexander Wang | WhyDid.com

Why Did or Why Don’t: Back(pack) for More

By Kirsten|December 26th, 2013|Why Did or Why Don't?|

Every girl needs a bag within which she can lug around all kinds of things that a man would never fathom being necessary on a day to day basis. We stow little items that may very well come in handy when handling an unaccounted for crisis. You call them frivolous, we say functional. It is the Girl Scout motto afterall, “Always be prepared.”

And with this 90’s resurgence it’s no wonder we are revisiting the backpack bonanza from last year. This time, however, it seems just about every designer that’s ever played in the handbag arena has thrown his/her pack in the ring. From Mr. Wang to MK and Ashley, there are backpacks crafted from studded leather to luxe leopard. Take your pack—er, pick. But will you be partaking in this trend? Or is it something we should leave back in social studies class?

On the upside: they do look pretty cute and who doesn’t want yet another chance to channel Cher Horowitz? It’s also great to just fling that baby on your shoulders and continue making overly dramatic hand gestures in conversation without that pesky handbag getting in the way. However, have you ever tried retrieving something from your stylish sack while it’s still in place on your back? Awkward. Trust me, you won’t be going for your iPhone nearly as often(which, could be another one to add to the upside). And along with looking like the teenage freak that you once were while trying to fetch a stick of Big Red from your satchel, backpacks pose as open invitations to pickpocketers, especially in a city like New York.

1. Elizabeth and James Abstract Animal Print Calf Hair Sling Backpack, 2. Alexander McQueen Studded Leather Backpack, 3.Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Mariska Backpack, 4. Stella McCartney Shaggy Deer Falbella Backpack, 5. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Stamped Leather Backpack, 6. Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Backpack, 7. Rebecca Minkoff Selena Backpack, 8. MCM Stark Allover Stud Med Backpack, 9. Christopher Kane Crackle Leather and Macramé Backpack, 10. Alexander Wang Prisma Cracked Skeletal Backpack

So, you be the judge… are backpacks back?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Hip (Hop) to the Game

By Kirsten|November 21st, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I’ve always felt a connection to street style, but I’ve certainly come a long way from khaki pants and Tommy Hilfiger polo shirts. Though the style of 90’s hip hop and R&B stars has made a comeback, this time around it’s a bit more modern and just as luxurious as its original incarnation. The pants are more fitted (for both men and women) and there’s a bit more polish than there is posh. Rap stars are taking styling cues from Vogue more than Vibe and many have become covergirls and trendsetters for all genres of music and social scenes. Not only are they making hits on the airwaves, many have taken to the runways. Never has fashion and music been so intertwined.

hat: custom, top: Truly Madly Deeply, coat: vintage, jeans: 7 for All Mankind, shoes: Nike, bag: Alexander Wang, rings: Erica Anenberg, watch: Michael Kors

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Catherine Sampietro

Why Did You Wear That: Til the Bitter End

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

So, I guess the nineties are back. And I guess you know I’m going to be wearing a crop top until the bitter end. And by bitter end, I mean a February snowstorm. I plan on riding that trend like the Lone Ranger rode Silver. I work very hard for those toned abs, just ask Jenn. This outfit combines many of my very favorite items. A flannel shirt that was my mother’s and you may recognize, a crop top, a bralette, acid washed jeans (that contain -2% spandex), and the little black bootie. It’s as if I threw all my favorite things into a crock pot, let them simmer, and came out with the world’s most delicious outfit– kind of like mulled wine.

shirt: vintage (similar here), top: Brandy Melville, bralette: Cosabella, jeans: 7 for All Mankind (similar here), booties: Brian Atwood, bag: Alexander Wang, dog: Smitty

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: For the Fashion Weak

By Kirsten|September 10th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

To quote Gary Janetti:

It’s Fashion Week in New York in case you were looking for a place to be cunty and anorexic the next couple of days.

— Gary Janetti (@GaryJanetti) September 7, 2013

While some rejoice in what is New York Fashion Week, others hide out and wait for the terror to dissipate. This is the week wherein you will experience the greatest case of FOMO ever. You’re going to get shamed for not having been at the best shows, best parties, and the best after parties, let alone the after after parties. If you are not a celebrity or a rapper, you are no longer relevant in New York City. Take a seat, sister. Long gone are the days when Fashion Week was meant solely for buyers, editors, and actual fashion elite. Now it’s a peacock showing of who’s who… or not anyone at all.

So, brace yourselves, New Yorkers, we’ve almost made it through. Cover your eyes and I’ll see you at the next non fashion related event and will most certainly show you some of the moves we learned at our Vixen Workout.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Now and Later (Later)

By Kirsten|September 5th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I love winter shorts, but this is yet another style gamble that you can lose the house on. When executed properly, the look is young, playful, and a great way to get more wear out of your favorite shorts. However, when you roll the dice and lose, the stares you’re going to get on the street won’t be those of admiration. They’ll be looks of horror, possibly pity, and most likely secondhand embarrassment. You know, the same look you had when you informed the girl seated at the table next to you that she had a toilet paper tail. Oh, that was just us? Anyway, many moons ago, I put together some winter shorts guidelines that still hold true to this day. So, go ahead and hold off on stashing your short shorts for just a little while longer.