Blazer | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Private (School) Party

By admin|September 4th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

Move over Blair Waldorf, this fall preppy plaid and tailored blazers are having a moment lasting longer than your reign as prom queen. But this isn’t a buttoned up and uptight renaissance. Think of the girls in school who skipped class, spent lunch smoking in the hidden back parking lot, and unabashedly flirted with the cute English teacher. Okay, I didn’t do any of those things in school, but I did manage to find each and every loophole in the dress code. I was reprimanded more than once for having rolled my skirt or wearing shoes that weren’t deemed appropriate. Many feel that a school uniform stunts a child’s ability to express him or herself, but I contest that belief as it takes a lot more creativity to own the look. Plus, basically already knowing what you’re going to wear every morning gives you much more time to spend straightening your hair. Iron on labels can help you keep your school cloth well organized. The only downside was that I didn’t wear thong underwear on a daily basis until I graduated as our ancient stairwells were a peeping Tom’s dream realized.

Can we take a moment and relish in the irony that my highschool had a “best dressed” superlative?

For fall, be at the head of the class by pairing an updated plaid or pleated skirt with an oversized blazer or varsity jacket and don’t forget to finish it off with a pair of absolutely inappropriate shoes. See you in detention.

(In case you are wondering about these illustrious photos, the one on the left is from either my sophomore or junior year of school- clearly when I discovered bleach and the one on the right is my first day of ninth grade. And yes, those are Doc Martens).

1. A.P.C. Burnou Zippe Coat, 2. SMYTHE Three Button Schoolboy Blazer, 3. Roseanna Tommy Sherpa Lined Jacket, 4. J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer, 5. Opening Ceremony Tristan Wool Classic OC Varsity Jacket, 6. Sea Two Pleat Skirt, 7. Marissa Webb Paige Gerrit Plaid Skirt, 8. GETTING BACK TO SQUARE ONE Plaid Miniskirt, 9. BB Dakota Corvin Pleated Skirt, 10. JOA Checked Pencil Skirt, 11. Manolo Blahnik Rorita Oxfords, 12. Walter Steiger Lug Sole Patent Leather Loafers, 13. Studio Pollini Loafers, 14. J. Crew Kiltie Monk Strap Loafers, 15. Zimmermann Tie Up Ballerina Flats

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Let’s Keep This Private

By Kirsten|December 24th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

As mad for plaid as I am? So are Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent, Rossella Jardini of Moschino, and Mr. Lagerfeld himself. But if you tossed that old school uniform or it doesn’t quite fit the way it did as a teen, do not fret. Perhaps it’s time to be the teacher rather than the pupil and there are some very grown up ways to add plaid that are more collegiate than kindergarten. Let me school you for a moment. Pop a varsity jacket on with distressed denim and pumps, add a plaid jumper over a turtleneck, or polish off those penny loafers- but never forget your over the knee socks. (Pro-tip: for cooler climates, layer over the knee socks atop sheer stockings in the same shade or patterned color family). Pick a piece or two to achieve the look, but don’t go for extra credit by overdoing it. You should look subtly nostalgic, not like you just stepped out of a time machine.

1. Rag & Bone Raquel Boiled Wood Varsity Jacket, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Maya Plaid Wool Skirt, 3. Rag & Bone Beeman Velvet Tassel Loafers, 4. Theory Nikay Catalogue Cotton Blend Dress, 5. Saint Laurent Two Tone Leather Penny Loafers, 6. Missoni Shimmer Stripe Thigh Highs, 7. J. Crew New Schoolboy Brushed Stretch-wool Twill Blazer, 8. Vivienne Westwood Rocket Tartan Mini Skirt, 9. Robert Clergerie Serana Leather Wedge Pumps, 10. Elkin Basset Dress, 11. Gucci Beverly Patent Leather Pumps, 12. Plush Fleece Lined Thigh Highs, 13. J. Crew Wool Varsity Jacket, 14. Free People Lady Macbeth Skirt, 15. Bop Basics V-Neck Cardigan

You’re dismissed. xx, WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Working Girl

By Kirsten|September 3rd, 2013|Setting the Mood|

Yesterday was Labor Day, which everyone seems to think means summer is over, but I have some news that may make your return to the cubicle slightly less depressing. The last day of summer actually isn’t until September 21st, so everyone, chill. You still have about three more weeks of summer to revel in even if your summer rental has expired. For some reason, September has a way of feeling like going back to school. Even though you’ve probably not had much more than a few Fridays off, returning to work today probably feels reminiscent of the first day of school. In that sense, it’s a good time to update your workday essentials with a tailored tote, classic pumps, chic spectacles, and the ultimate outfit topping blazer. Who’s the boss?

Mansur Gavriel Large Leather Tote, Elizabeth and James Chrystie Glasses, Jimmy Choo Anouk Patent Leather Pumps, Theory Lanai Leather Trimmed Blazer

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Trail Blazers

By Kirsten|November 13th, 2011|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

You may only associate the blazer as a piece of clothing worn by uptight businessmen and those ladies who wear white sneakers on their commute to work, but I’d like to let you in on a little style secret. The blazer is far less boring and uptight than you think it is. As a matter of fact, a blazer can go great for a laid back weekend running errands or a night out on the town with your girlfriends. Check out how Heidi, Miranda, and Blake all incorporated this style staple into their wardrobes this week:

1. Forever 21 Open Front Blazer, $28.90, 2. Genetic Denim The Shane Skinny Jeans, $69.74, 3. Charlotte Russe Raised Knit Beret, $9.50, 4. bebe 2b Multicolor Zebra Scarf, $15.95, 5. Nike Air Jordan Alpha 1 iD