Amrita Singh | WhyDid.com

Why Did You WearThat: The Best pLaid Plans

By Kirsten|December 29th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Mixing patterns is tough enough, but would one dare to mix plaid on plaid on plaid? I would. Especially since I’ve begun to run out of options in my suitcase and I’ve either gotten incredibly creative or undeniably delusional. Perhaps both.

I can’t count the number of times in the last month when my father has asked, “That’s what you’re wearing?” Well, yes, dad, it is. It’s more evident than ever that my father raised two wild wolves as sons and I had the pleasure of being pampered by my very feminine mother. He thought I was kidding when I told him a pedicure was a near emergency yesterday and pretty much laughed in my face when I told him I was going to need to go shopping for an evening specific outfit for New Year’s Eve. He’s a dude’s dude and I’m slowly breaking him back into what it means to have a woman around. Poor guy.

Needless to say, he gets a kick out of being my personal paparazzi and has been nothing less than accommodating. I had originally scouted a location to shoot close to his house where the leaves had just begun to fall in the most magnificent display of ombre glory. The deepest shades of red to the warmest yellow, it was a Pantone wet dream. However, I waited a day or two before scheduling the shoot and by the time we headed out, someone with a leafblower and disdain for mother nature had ruined my set. A true lesson that there is no time like the present. Being a good sport, Dick, Smitty, and I hopped in the car to look for new location inspiration. Just as we were about to call it a day- and a loss- we passed the Spreckels Post Office which is nestled next to the Spreckels Emporium emblazoned with an old fashioned Coca Cola ad. It’s like stepping back in time. I asked Dick to stop and we proceeded to shoot and see what we came up with…

hat: H&M, scarf: PerryEllis (similar here), flannel shirt: Wrangler (similar here), t-shirt: American Apparel, slip: (similar here), tights: who knows? (similar here), boots: Dolce Vita, bag: Amrita Singh, jacket: Andrew Marc (similar here)

And yes, dad, my tights are shredded, but that’s life. You’ve gotta embrace the snags.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Metallica and the Monterey Musical Melee

By Kirsten|December 16th, 2013|Personal Style|

In case you haven’t heard (or read WhyDid in the the last 6+ moths), the 90’s are having a renaissance. And with the revival of 90’s trends like babydoll dresses and brands like Birkenstock, 90’s musicians are also feeling a lift in their royalties. I understand that stores like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 shill out shirts with graphics of “vintage” bands emblazoned on them and some of you have only heard of these bands during drunken stories told by your nostalgic “older” friends or when a song comes on in a dive bar and all the “middle aged” patrons go wild. Well, here’s a pro-tip (talking to you children of the 90’s): be sure you know something about the vintage band t-shirt you are wearing because people will ask you about it- much like the friendly man who checked me out at Nob Hill. Fortunately for me, I was schooled, partially by osmosis- partially against my will by my older brothers who wore weird clothes, had long hair, and played their instruments at ungodly hours at decibel levels usually reserved for freight trains in the guesthouse above our garage.

I don’t think any of us will soon forget the roadtrip from Monterey to Los Angeles that nearly came to bloody blows when I demanded in my pouty teenage cheerleader way that we listen to Backstreet Boys and my metal loving brothers were more inclined to jump out the windows of the moving vehicle before allowing their eardrums to be tainted by such pop hypocrisy. I don’t actually recall who won, but I do love my poor damn dad for dealing with all of us without wrecking into a guardrail in the midst of the melee. I believe we ended up taking turns, but I have to take a moment and thank my brothers for their efforts in a musical intervention. You saved me from myself… and the Backstreet Boys.

In my tradition of nomadic travel (meaning I am incapable of booking roundtrip plane tickets and prefer to take things as they come), I didn’t pack enough clothing for my extended stay. However, I enjoy raiding the closets of those that I’m visiting and incorporating their wares into my gypsy wardrobe. This is when I stumbled upon my father’s 1971 military fatigues (which he has informed me as I write this were referred to as OD, olive drab). What a perfect way to top off my Metallica tee and maxi skirt while watching the sun set on a sunny day in Monterey.

earrings: Soho street find (similar here), jacket: Dad’s (similar here), t-shirt: Bravado, skirt: Brandy Melville (similar here), bag: Amrita Singh, boots: All Saints (similar here)

Sleep with one eye open.

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Richard (Dick) Smith

Why Did You Wear That: Hot Child in the City

By Kirsten|July 9th, 2013|Personal Style|

When I opted not to hop a flight to New Hampshire, I found that the city was essentially empty this past weekend. It was like my own little Manhattan. And while it sure is nice to have the sidewalks all to myself, it can also feel a little like the apocalypse. Fortunately, a few friends also chose to stick around, so we made the best of our sticky and abandoned city. Roaming the streets with to-go cups (yes, we acted as if Manhattan was Cancun on spring break) and my own personal paparazzi, we kept ourselves more than a little entertained.

The only way to keep cool during hot July nights is with your hair as far off your back as possible, t-shirts with plenty of ventilation, and short shorts. The boots may appear to be an odd choice, but with the unpredictability of downpours this past week, I’d had my sandals drenched and trekked through enough puddles posing as ponds to have learned my lesson.

t-shirt: UNIF Clothing (similar), shorts: American Apparel, boots: Frye, bag: Amrita Singh, bracelet: Chan Luu

The heat is on.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Holiday Red-y

By Kirsten|December 12th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

And the hits just keep on coming thanks to my ahead of her time mother. This is yet another adorable dress straight from the closet of Georgia Lynn. I’m so thankful my mom had the good sense to hold onto some of her favorite pieces. While I won’t be inheriting any Chanel tweed jackets (wasn’t her bohemian style), I’m happy to give several stunners of the sweater dress variety a new home. True, you won’t be able to go out and grab this exact one but, I think it’s a great example of a dress that’s more than appropriate for a couple of upcoming holiday party occasions.

The office holiday party.
Semi-formal family functions (whether yours or his).

A form fitting sweater dress (or knit) in a festive color (we all know emerald green would be a fantastic choice as well) at a moderate length says, “Cheers!” not “cheap.” No one wants to be the girl in a mini dancing on the desk/table with a lampshade on her head. And should you have one too many egg nogs and find yourself perched upon said table, this dress will be long enough to keep Victoria’s secret.

dress: vintage, boots: Steve Madden, bag: Amrita Singh, hair: Sultra Bombshell

Thanks, I’ll have another.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid)

By Kirsten|October 4th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

We spend a lot of time gussying ourselves up for dates and “man hunting”, but what we forget is that all the bells and whistles are lost on the average straight man. Instead of dressing for the opposite sex, we pour into the latest trends and pile on the accessories, which all just confuse the male species. In case you’ve been living under a rock and have yet to check out the Man Repeller, she’s cornered the market on what makes men gag and she’s owning it. But my point is that men and women have very different ideas about fashion. Most men prefer simple, sexy, sleek – as was demonstrated a couple of summers ago. And while you may be perfectly on trend, you are no closer to making a male makeout friend.

Now, let’s be clear. I am not proposing looking up the closest bebe and purchasing the shortest, tightest item with the highest spandex content. The key is not to look like your local go-go dancer. The perfect date outfit is probably something you already own (and is far less trashtastic). Whether you’re planning a casual day date or something a bit more jazzy, the outfit remains the same (plus or minus a few key accessories). It’s so simple, you’re probably just going to smack your forehead when I tell you and say, “Doh!”

Get ready… Find your best fitting jeans and a simple clean white tank top. Ta-da!

I know. Who’da thunk it? Now another clarification, I know the whole black bra sticking out shtick was cool circa 2002– but we’ve moved past that and they make undergarments for that now.

1. MICHAEL Michael Kors Bel Air Watch, $295, 2. Converse Marimekko Jack Purcell Helen Sneakers, $75, 3. Skull Doggery Step In Harness, $65

For a fun and flirty daytime look, accessorize your jeans and tank with cute sneakers, an oversized watch, your favorite furry friend, and a fishtail braid if you’re feeling fancy. This look exudes “I’m fun! And pretty! Love me!”

1. Amrita Singh Apiya Multi-Strand Necklace, $78, 2. Christian Louboutin Rolando Patent Leather Platform Pump, $695, 3. Maybelline ColorSensational Lipcolor in Are You Red-dy, $6.63

Because you were so darn adorable all day long, your date is probably going to ask if you’d like to continue on with your romantic adventure. Wow him with your skills as a magician by swapping out your sneaks for heels, letting your hair loose, and adding some jewels and rep lips taking you from daytime cutie to evening beauty.

Now you’re speaking the style language of love.

xx,

WhyDid

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