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Why Did or Why Don’t: Choke Hold

By |June 19th, 2014|Why Did or Why Don't?|

choker necklacesAlong with BirkenstocksTevas, and scrunchies, another 90’s accessory making its way back to the buffet for seconds is the choker.  Unlike failures in footwear, this was actually one trend I participated in the first go round.  However, the ones I was wearing looked a little different than the iterations most recently seen on celebrities, runways, and department stores.  No, no, mine weren’t the now sophisticated types made from shiny metals with beautiful embellishments.  Mine were a bit more basic, probably crafted out of hemp with the crown jewel being a- wait for it…  Fimo bead.

But these neckwringers, aren’t really to be credited specifically to the 90’s.  It just so happens that was the first time I (and most of you) were alive to wear them.  As a matter of fact, chokers were big all the way back in 1940 and in the 1860’s, prostitutes actually wore black ribbons around their necks to let the gents know they were open for business.  Now, wearing a choker will probably only insinuate that you’re under the age of forty and know all the lyrics to Ace of Bass’s “I Saw the Sign.”

choker necklace1. Victorian Lace Choker Necklace, 2. Pamela Love Sunset Gold Plated Labradorite Choker, 3. Eddie Borgo Safety Chain Choker, 4. Jules Smith Americana Choker, 5. Linda Farrow + Mawi Gold Tone and Watersnake Choker, 6. 90s Heart Invisible Choker Necklace, 7. Joomi Lim Lost Innocence Choker, 8. Arme De L’Amour Gold Plated Necklace, 9.Paula Mendoza Hera Gold Plated Choker

So, will you be giving this trend a second look?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: A Walk in the Park

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

It’s a rare occasion that I make it above 14th Street.  Leaving downtown at times feels like leaving the country.  Well, my country.  I’m not actually a neighborhood snob (okay, maybe), but for me, there’s not much reason for me to head uptown.  I used to go for the sole purpose of re-blonding, but then my hairstylist left the country… and I stopped coloring my hair.  Some even say your ears may pop when you cross 42nd Street. Whatever the case may be, I don’t make it up to the Upper West Side or the park very often.

I can’t decide if I gave up on Central Park after I realized there were about 3cm of park where Smitty was actually allowed to be or that time we got pelted by a football courtesy of a group of guys trying to catch our attention.  Speaking of which, a guy once asked me on a date to Central Park.  I never called him back.  Even my best friends have a tough time coercing me to the Upper West Side.  Given enough wine, I’ve found myself sleeping on their couch in the morning, pleased with myself for having passed out before the pizza arrived.  So, when my newly Americanized pal, suggested we head uptown and check out the park, I felt I had to oblige.  I suffered through a steamy subway ride and was soon reminded what a wonderful oasis we have in our otherwise concrete desert.kirsten smith nyc

kirsten smith

silk shorts

jimmy choo sandals

central park

shorts: Torn by Ronny Kobo, top: American Apparel, shoes: Jimmy Choo (similar), bracelets: Kenneth Jay Lane (ring version), bag: Asos (similar)

xx,

WhyDid

Photo Credit: Michael Stiegler

Friday Frocks: Going Green

By |March 16th, 2012|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

st patricks dayI’m not typically someone who gets all decked out in green for St. Patrick’s Day.  It seems a bit trite and if you try pinching me because I don’t abide, I may very well punch you.  However, green has been having quite a moment.  So, perhaps it would be a bit easier to find something attractive, not tacky, to sport during the beer fueled festivities.  In order to still look like a lady rather than leprechaun, try these frocks that’ll have you going green whether it be mossy, minty, or military.

st patricks day dresses1. Old Navy Belted Pocket Jersey Dress, $29.94, 2. ABS Allen Schwartz Kate Wrap Dress, $118, 3. T-Bags Green Jersey Ruffle Front Dress, $89.99, 4. BCBGMAXAZRIA Angelika Drape Dress, $178, 5. Four Square Dress, $44.99, 6. under.ligne Mesh Strap Drape Dress, $495, 7. Merona Ponte Ruffle Sheath Dress, $20.98, 8. Tibi Draped Shift Dress, $450, 9. byCORPUS Knit Hi Low Open Back Dress, $19.99, 10. ASOS Dress with Peplum, $39.39


Never iron a four-leaf clover, because you don’t want to press your luck.  -Author Unknown

xx,

WhyDid


Real People, Real Style: She’s the Manns

By |March 7th, 2012|Real People Real Style|

Whitney Manns WM Wardrobe ConsultingI’ve known Whitney longer than I’ve known some of my best friends.  She’s what got me through 8th period of  my senior year in highschool.  Always funny, always positive, she made even the most mundane reading more fun.  Little did I know that we had a lot more in common than our navy blue blazers and Mr. Fischer’s senior English class.

Name: Whitney Manns

Wearing: Fitted Red Shift Dress from Asos.com, Stella and Dot Pegasus Necklace, Nude Vince Camuto Pumps

Occupation: Owner and Stylist of WM Wardrobe Consultant

Hometown/Current Town: the small town of Lake Charles, Louisiana

1. I would describe my style as:  Sophisticated chic, on the safe side. I love classic lines of outfits and mixing random colors together but never step over the edge to be overly fashion forward because I never want to scare away any potential clients.

2.  I can’t leave the house without: Cardigan! Love my cardigans (could be because I’m always cold) even if its stuff in one of my ‘Mary Poppins’ size purses. Oooh- and either one of my silver or gold Michael Kors’ Watches, love the chunky boyfriend watch look.

3. Based on wardrobe alone, if I could live in any time period, it would be: The 50’s with all its body fitting outfits but still classy looks.

4. Best/biggest splurge (worth every penny): My first Milly dress, which I still own and wear. When I was first on my own and making my own money I couldn’t believe I was spending half my rent on a dress. However, I Love this designer with her adorable prints, she can make any simple structured dress look amazing.

5. Best fashion advice I’ve ever received: I don’t really know if I was ever told fashion advice more that i learned things gradually, but I guess the one thing i live by is to not be scared to think outside the box.

6. Biggest fashion pet peeve (a trend that just needs to go away): This isn’t so much a trend but a common mistake with ladies trying too hard to look fashionable but its when someone tries to wear too many trends in one outfit!

7. What I would tell my 13 year old self: To Stop wearing that turquoise track suit everyday because it really isn’t that cute.

8. Weirdest beauty trick that I swear by: I really don’t have any!

9. Don’t care if it ever goes out of style, I’m going to keep wearing: my Skinny jeans!

10. I would love to trade closets with: I admire Katie’s Holmes taste in clothes.

Fun fact:  My love for clothes started as a love/hate relationship.  When I was younger I was frustrated with not being stylish but wanted to just wear what I thought looked right. This relationship became stronger after all the art classes I took, evolving into the passion I have for clothes now.

Three years ago, I decided to help others with their struggle or desire to build their fashion relationship.  WM Wardrobe Consulting now has clients in many states and cities and has helped build the confidence level in many women and men through personal shopping and outfit coordinating.

 

So, if you’re in need of a little closet overhaul get in touch with Whitney STAT.  Not only will she work wonders for your closet, she can also recite E. E. Cummings.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Lindsey Janies 

Friday Frocks: Lady and the Vamp

By |October 29th, 2010|Friday Frocks|

Keeping in theme with Halloween weekend, why not channel your inner goth girl and try some of the sexy yet spooky frocks?  Get out your black eyeliner and dark lipstick, ladies:

Karen Zambos Vintage Couture Felicity Dres, $350

Daughters of the Revolution Lace Maxi Dress, $298

Alice and Olivia Velvet Lace Back Dress, $242
Odylyne Piculet Lace Dress, $168

bebe Addiction Velvet Drape Dress, $149

Free People Lace Puff Sleeve Dress, $118

Urban Renewal Curatorial Burnout Velvet Maxi Dress, $68

Asos Bodycon Dress with Chiffon Bell Sleeve, $65.51

Forever 21 Crushed Velveteen Babydoll Dress, $22.80

You’re bewitching, baby.

xx,

WhyDid