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Why Did You Wear That: Escape from New York City

By |August 15th, 2016|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith riot art walls coney island

Ah, summer in the city.  It wasn’t until just this past week that we were reminded exactly what it might feel like to wade through a crock pot of steamy, stewing, week old garbage.  This is that special time of year when we trade in bitching about blizzards for raising all hell over heatwaves.  Your weather app may say it’s a balmy 93 degrees but keep scrolling down to “real feel” and don’t forget to check the humidity while you’re at it.

The back of cabs transform into Slip N’ Slides of our own sweat.  Sidewalks double as hot plates.  The drips of overhead window air conditioners become welcome reprieves from the heat.  I’ve all but given up on a “good hair day” and relegated my wardrobe to basic black or any pattern that might disguise the sweat stains acquired merely walking the five blocks to the A train where I can’t decide whether the weather above or below ground is more oppressive.  Most of us look like human versions of Salvador Dali’s Persistence of Memory and for whatever reason- perhaps the overwhelming waft of “pheromones” or all around “wet” look- cat calling reaches its peak.  How E E Cummings couldn’t capture this in one single sonnet, I’ll never know.

The only way one might manage to survive a New York City summer is by getting out of town.  Having lived in Manhattan for a combined total of ten years and forgetting that West Coast blunder, I’ve sunned myself from Southampton to Montauk.  Slathered on sunscreen in the Rockaways and caught the Seastreak to Sandy Hook.  Yet, I had never made my way to one of the most exotic and the last stops on the F train.  You don’t need a passport, but may want to make sure your vaccinations are up to date.  A boardwalk by the beach complete with cotton candy, bumper cars, and locals who could be considered its carneys- there lies the coastal gem called Coney Island.

As it was my first time to this foreign land, I wasn’t sure what to wear.  Fortunately, TOBI was kind enough to send me some summer essentials perfect for those days when it’s so hot even your brain begins to fry and you need the guesswork taken out of dress work.  The Love Buzz Strappy Bodycon Set seemed like the obvious choice for perusing the Coney Art Walls.  While Coney Island, itself, is quite colorful, what better backdrop for a photoshoot than commissioned graffiti by prominent street artists?  This little two piece wonder looks good with just about anything from cartoon ice cream cones to causing a riot… something sure to happen had I spent one more sticky second in the city.

To be continued…

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kirsten smith ice cream coney art walls

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kirsten smith shop tobi

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Kirsten smith tobi coney island

kirsten smith whydid tobi coney island

kirsten smith why did blog nycLove Buzz Strappy Bodycon Set, c/o TOBI

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Take Me Home

By |May 23rd, 2012|Personal Style|

oglebay mansion wvWest Virginia tends to get a bit of a bad rap.  Whenever I tell someone that I grew up/went to school there, I get the typical antiquated responses.  “Are your parents cousins?”  “You have nice teeth though.”  “I love Virginia!”  Come on, guys.  Haven’t we gone over this?  West Virginia isn’t all hillbillies and bare feet.  The Bachelorette whisked her date to the Greenbrier in this week’s episode and as a matter of fact, it may be more Sex and the City than one might think (Sarah Jessica Parker stayed in Wheeling during the birth of her twins via surrogate).

Even when I don’t have a literal home of my own and can’t figure out where I want to be, West Virginia always feels like home to me.  With its rolling hills, friendly faces, and unrivaled natural beauty (have you seen my sorority sisters), West Virginia hardly lives up to its reputation.  It defies it.   And I’m willing to bet if I didn’t tell you, you wouldn’t even know I was there…

grecian columns

oglebay steps

maxi skirt

rayban aviators dooney bourke

pleated maxi skirtglasses: Ray Ban, tank: American Apparel, skirt: Zara, bag: vintage Dooney & Bourke, bracelets: Alex and Ani, sandals: Enzo Angiolini

Take me home…

xx,

WhyDid

Look for Less: Sweater Weather

By |November 20th, 2011|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

Have we come to terms with this weather yet?  Or are you one of those folks who wears a parka with flip flops?  C’mon.  Don’t do that to me.  Put away your cut off shorts, and let’s get those sweaters out of their Space Bags.  You should not be hanging your sweaters, after all.  Once upon a time, I had a pretty sweet gig working on product development for private label knitwear, so I know my yarns.  Whether you opt for merino or cashmere, it’s cold out there and the best way to bundle up is in a cozy sweater.  Check out how some of Hollywood’s cutest stars are wearing the warm and fuzzies:

1. Wyatt Heather Grey Thermal Cashmere Sweater, $159, 2. Madewell Utility Zip Pants, $19.99, 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Aviators, $98, 4. Berge Mistral Hobo, $320, 5. Nine West Transport Motorcycle Boots, $129

1. Splendid Chunky Ombre Stitch Poncho, $248, 2. 7 for All Mankind A Pocket Flare, $113, 3. Kate Spade This Is the Year Idiom Bangle, $58, 4. Milly Allie Tote, $465, 5. Sam Edelman Wilma Wedge Bootie, $130

1. J. Crew Fisherman Cableknit Sweater, $98, 2.7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Skinny Jeans, $198, 3. Ray-Ban Rounded Wayfarer, $116, 4. Treesje Warhol Messenger Bag, $568, 5. Steven by Steve Madden Deziary Boots, $199.99

 

xx,

WhyDid