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Why Did or Why Don’t: That’s A Bum(mer) Bag

By |October 22nd, 2014|Why Did or Why Don't?, Why Did You Wear That?|

sarah jessica parker chanel fanny packThe fashion industry may have cleverly renamed them “waist bags” and “belt bags,” but they’re not fooling me.  I roller skated to Ace of Bass “I Saw the Sign.”  These are glorified fanny packs (known in the UK as “bum bags” since “fanny” means something entirely different) and having just returned home from Orlando, Florida, presumably the birthplace of fanny packs, I know one when I see one. It may  have taken a bit longer for fanny packs to trickle down from the runways (the trend was first spotted in early 2013) to the retail stores, but they’re here and they’re happening.  From Chanel to Sarah Jessica Parker (not her first time wearing a hands free handbag), the waist bag has gone mainstream and now you’re going to have to experience it… perhaps for the second time.  I suppose it could be worse.  You could be carrying your dog as a tote. Something I can’t get enough of are fashionable bags, I usually buy hermes birkin bags ever since my friends have recommended them to me.

And there are always upsides to even the most troublesome trends.  One brand called their version a “dance bag,” which I guess makes sense if you’re one who frequents nightclubs.  Gone are the days of guarding your bag from sticky cranberry juice stains and drunk girls with sticky fingers.  Dance the night away with your handbag safely resting on your hips.  Hanging your valuables from your waist will also cure the epidemics of uneven arm strength and scoliosis.  The only downside is that I don’t believe you’ll be able to safely stash much more than your cash, cards, and beloved iPhone.  So looks like you’ll be stuck carrying that shopping bag from Forever21 for all to see.

waist bags fanny pack1. Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair Fanny Bag, 2. NewbarK Eva Metallic Textured Leather Belt Bag, 3. Clare V Leather Trimmed Shearling Belt Bag, 4. ONE by Erin Dana Evan Large Fanny Pack, 6. What Goes Around Comes Around Louis Vuitton Geronimos Waist Bag, 7. Times Arrow Asia Lamé Dance Belt Bag, 8. Pendleton, The Portland Collection Convertible Belt Bag, 9. B-Low the Belt Samantha Belt Bag, 10. Alexander Wang Leather Belt Bag

Since the belt bag is readily available at many of your favorite shopping outposts, now’s your time to weigh in on the trend. And don’t forget to check the Wicker basket bag too.

 

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: A Day at the Office

By |October 17th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

daisy fuentes kohls nyc whydidWorking from home has its obvious perks.  Wine for breakfast, dog friendly, flexible work hours, pajamas welcome.  Though fewer, it also has its downfalls.  One of which I’m convinced I’ve contracted called “agoraphobia.”  Another, though disguised as an upside, is never really needing to put on pants.  Without the need to put on clothing that doesn’t include elastane in the fiber contents, it’s fairly easy to overlook your ever growing waistline.

Also, there are those times when my job does require me to interact with other humans and show face in professional work environments and that’s about the time I shift into a near panic attack as I stare into the abyss of my closet because we are always expected to wear some kind of uniforms that are part of are business attire.  What the hell do people wear to work?  Are crop tops considered business casual?  What if I wear one with a blazer?

When I received this ponté fit and flare dress from Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s, I knew immediately that it was the perfect option for these terrorizing occasions.  Never again would I break into a sweat before a business meeting because this curve hugging, office appropriate dress is the perfect combination of classic and cool.  With a few added accessories like a studded belt, leather jacket, and strappy pumps, I felt professional without being overly prissy.  At this rate, I may have to get a desk job.

(P.S. you’re welcome, RKF.  I’ll happily take a cut of the commission earned from this post).

why did you wear that blog

why did you wear that kirsten smith

what to wear to work dresses

daisy fuentes kohls whydid kirsten smith

new york city street style why did you wear that kirsten smithdress: c/o Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s, belt: DVF, similar by B-Low the Belt here, shoes: Sam Edelman, jacket: Marc New York, bag: Balenciaga, lipcolor: Clinique Different Lipstick in Angel Red

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Setting the Mood: Auld Lang Syne

By |December 30th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

new years eve nye inspirationBad news?  It’s Monday.  Good news?  It’s the last Monday you will have to slog through in 2013.  I have mixed emotions when it comes to New Year’s Eve- mostly because of the pressure that people put on one night (the last night) of the year.  In my personal/professional experience, the more weight put on the night, the more disappointing it usually turns out to be.  Pretty sure FOMO reaches its peak every year on this day.  I actually can’t recall the last December 31st that was drama free and TV movie perfect- although I did spend last year in West Virginia with my mom in a vintage sweatshirt jumpsuit and a crown.  That was pretty fabulous.  If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe for a festive NYE, try this: something sparkly + something bubbly+ people you love = a happy new year.

nye-metallic-accessoriesDeepa Gurnani Draped Hair Clip, B-Low The Belt Vanity Belt Agent Provocateur Zonia Sequined Bikini Briefs, Jimmy Choo Fedora Paillette Trimmed Sateen and Mirrored Leather Sandal

 

Worst case?  There’s always next year.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Clutch Call

By |December 17th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

laura-laine-editorial-clutchI normally carry a bag so large it’s a wonder I haven’t exacerbated my adolescent scoliosis.  I mean, one never knows when one may need a notebook, business card, energy bar, or rape whistle (one must always carry a rape whistle).  On evenings out, especially in the northeast when the weather turns to slippery slush and we are relegated to bundling ourselves in massive coats of wool, fur, leather, and cashmere to merely tolerate the bone chilling cold in hopes of drowning our sorrows with overpriced cocktails, space which is already at a premium in a city like New York becomes exiguous.  Sure there are coat checks and clever cubbies cut into the backs of banquettes, but do you really wanna cram your Céline into a dark cavern alongside some chick’s Canal Street knockoff in the off chance that yours will mysteriously go “missing”?  Just like when the meathead at the bar asks if he can buy you a lemon drop, the answer is, “No.”  Instead of carrying your everyday bag that could double as a carry-on (and on occasion has), opt for the handheld version commonly called a clutch.  Just be sure to hold onto it rather than leaving it in a puddle of condensation on the table credit cards et al.

designer clutches

1. Charlotte Olympia Gold Scent Clutch, 2. Saint Laurent Letters Metallic Leather Clutch, 3. Marni Jewel Embellished Clutch, 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Ravenheart Metallic Leather Clutch, 5. Kotur Margo Animal Print Minaudiere, 6. Claire Vivier Flat Printed Leather Clutch, 7. Serpui Marie Klimt I Clutch, 8. Jimmy Choo The Candy Lip Print Acrylic Clutch, 9. Givenchy Bambi Clutch, 10. Sondra Roberts Scattered Bead Box Clutch, 11. Nina Beaded Heart Box Clutch, 12. ZAC Zac Posen Claudette Scale-Embossed Tassel Clutch, 13. B-Low The Belt Kenzy Clutch, 14.  Santi Floral Sequin Clutch, 15. Mango Crystal and Bead Box Clutch, 16. Jonathan Adler Electra Bond Clutch

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

image via

Why Did You Wear That: Two For the Price of One

By |May 10th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

You know the sayings, “Two are better than one”, “The more the merrier”, “You can never have too much of a good thing.”  Well, for a little while there, two for one’s or “twofers” in fashion were not such great things.  You know what I’m talking about… the collared shirts with the vests already attached.  Thank goodness!  You can save yourself the trouble of thinking that one through! Phew!

It wasn’t until recently that twofers were allowed out from the time out corner and welcomed back into our closets.  The maxi skirt is huge for spring and summer and luckily, the geniuses who thought up this trend (um, hello unshaven legs and skirt equivalent of leggings) also threw in a little bonus by making these maxi skirts convertible.  Meaning that the skirt can also be pulled up to your chest, belted, and worn as a dress.  Some of you little wizards were probably already doing this on your own, but the cat’s outta the bag and it’s going mainstream.  Check out how to wear your new skirt/dress… shall we call it a “skress”?

I love a maxi skirt slung low on the hips with slightly wedged sandals and a cropped tee or tank.  It gives an easy, breezy, summer look perfect for a farmer’s market or outdoor festival without making you look like a total skank.  Remember, a little bit of skin is good.  A whole lot of skin is how you end up sixteen and pregnant.

To dress up your skress, hike that baby up to cover your mammaries, add a belt to cinch your waist and throw on strappy sandals to complete the look.  Another brilliant reason to own a skress? Packing purposes.  You’ve got one piece of clothing that works as two separate outfits giving you extra room in your suitcase for those sky high espadrilles and another teeny bikini.

1. C & C California Short Sleeve Cropped Hi Low Tee, $58, 2. Splendid Heather Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress, $88, 3. Elie Tahari Snake Printed Leather Strappy Wedge Sandals, $268, 4. Splendid Heather Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress, $88, 5. B-Low the Belt Eashan Belt, $115, 6. Miu Miu Multi Strap Suede Sandals, $595

Two never looked so good.

xx,

WhyDid