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Setting the Mood: Falling for You

By |September 15th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

fasll fashion editorial 2014In one week, it will officially be autumn… as well as two of my favorite men’s birthday.  Technically, it’s still summer, but the weather has taken a turn and the inevitable chill is in the air.  As a matter of fact, as I type this with my window cracked, I can actually smell what epitomizes fall to me.  When it’s not the skin melting heat of summer or the bone chilling frost of winter, the weather in Manhattan is nothing short of magical.  Spring and fall, while both way too short, are reminders to residents as to why we tolerate exorbitant rent, public urination, and unreliable transportation.  Start stashing your swimsuits and pull out your sweaters from the bins under your bed.  Enjoy the brief pause that is fall and brace yourselves for what the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting to be one wild winter.

fall 2014 accessoriesSaint Laurent Metallic Leopard Print Woven Scarf, Carolina Amato Fingerless Knit and Leather Gloves, The Elder Statesman It’s A Bunny Echo Cashmere Beanie, Alexander Wang Cara Colorblock booties with Haircalf Trim

xx,

Whydid

 

Why Did You Wear That: One Dress, Three Ways (Rated G)

By |February 11th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Screen shot 2014-02-11 at 10.50.28 AMI love an occasion that calls for dressing up.  Any occasion really.  Holidays, black ties, brit malahs.  So, when my birthday rolled around I knew the dress I’d been eyeing since Christmas must be mine.  But just like my New Year’s outfit, I wanted to find more than one way to wear this frock.  To the untrained eye, one might see it as a one hit wonder, but because it was literally just lace sans lining, I found more than a few ways to style it from fairly modest to leaving just a little to the imagination.  And it’s a good thing because once my friends who had planned my party finally revealed the evening’s location, I made a quick wardrobe change.  This was not the dress for dodging ninjas (don’t ask).  For this version (rated G), I slid into a black sleeveless catsuit, camel coat, and black booties for a look that I think could be considered boho casual… but my version of casual could also be considered some’s black tie optional.

 

kirsten smith for love and lemons

kirsten smith for love and lemons

kirsten smith

kirsten smith for love and lemonsdress: For Love and Lemons, catsuit: American Apparel, booties: Steve Madden (similar here), coat: vintage, necklace: vintage, rings: Scott Kay, bag: Céline

Up next, PG-13.

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: NY State of Mind

By |January 3rd, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Nothing is stranger than returning to the city that you love as a tourist.  This past weekend, I was back in the Big Apple, but no longer as a resident of the best city in the world.  Though I did stay at The Standard only a stone’s throw away from my last apartment, it was so peculiar to be just another person visiting New York City.  I haven’t even been gone an entire year (I gave up my apartment last January), but things have already changed (there’s now a Sephora on the corner of 13th and 9th.  Do you KNOW how much better this would have made my life?).

As bittersweet as my visit was, I still love New York City unlike another other city.  There is something so magical, so indescribable, that one must experience it to truly understand it.  While it’s not for everyone, the people who it affects, will be affected forever.  There is just something that gets under your skin and you’ll never ever be able to shake it.  As much as you may tire of the hustle, bustle, and constant struggle, you’d miss it if you were to be transplanted elsewhere.  I can certainly attest to that.

So when spending the afternoon at a ballet in the city, what else should one don but basic black?  Now, we all know that black is the New York uniform, but how do you do it without being boring?  Try mixing different textures to add depth and definition.  Mix leather or coated denim with something sheer, shiny accessories and a fishtail braid for a truly city chic look.

1. Theyskens’ Theory Black Button Down Sheer Blouse, $385, 2. 7 For All Mankind The Skinny in Black Shiny Featherweight, $169, 3. J Weber Etched Starburst Locket, $475, 4. Alex & Ani Nile Expandable Wire Bangles, $158, 5. Steve Madden Outrrage Black Leather Bootie, $189.95

It’s up to you New York…

xx,

WhyDid