­

Why Did You Wear That: Distressed Done Up

By |April 24th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

whydid kirsten smithWhen one thinks of shredded jeans, I  assume that most file destroyed denim under completely casual.  To be honest, I treat some of my destroyed denim like my own version of sweatpants.  A particular pair that reign as queen bee of my cluttered closet and are often the first thing I pull out for morning dog walking duty also happen to be the very same pair I pull out to wear with a tiny top and high heels for an evening out.  So, you see, distressed denim truly can go from day to night.  I’ve never worked at a job where I had to wear a “suit” (that’s the beauty of the fashion industry, kids), but when I worked in a sad grey cube at Henri Bendel, we were supposed to follow a few simple guidelines like, I don’t know: don’t look like an asshole or wear flip flops.  One of the clauses when distressed denim became one of our biggest sellers in store was that we could wear it… so long as it was one of our vendors… and most certainly not with flip flops- not even Havaianas.  So, full circle: destroyed denim can be both very downtown as well as totally dressed up.

whydid kirsten smith

whydid kirsten smith

kirsten smith whydid

kirsten destroyed denim whydid

whydid kirsten smithblazer: Dian von Furstenberg, blouse: Philosophy, jeans: DIY (learn how here), bag: Rafe, shoes: Carlos by Carlos Santana, sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bracelets: alex and ani, necklace: Maya Brenner

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Brian Schutza

Why Did You Wear That: Toot It and Boot It

By |October 16th, 2012|Why Did You Wear That?|

women in boots

You know what I like almost as much as cashmere sweaters, puppies, and unicorns?  Boots!  A great pair of boots (or twenty) makes winter and the impending arctic ice storms (almost) bearable.  In addition to the standard short black bootie, knee high boots, and riding boots, there are four trend heavy boots I’ve picked up on for this fall…and you should too.  Toss one (or two, or three, or four) of these styles into your regularly scheduled program to kick things up a bit (had to).

boot trends fall 20121.  MICHAEL Michael Kors Rosalyn Booties, $139.50,  2. Gucci Lace Up Leater Ankle Boots, $760, 3. Sam Edelman Lace Up Platform Booties, $225, 4. Seychelles Suede Lac Up Ankle Boot, $130, 5. Ash Nevada Ankle Boot, $295, 6. Alexander McQueen Studded Leather Ankle Boots, $1,185, 7. Frye Jenna Disc Short Booties, $348, 8. Deena & Ozzy Stud Moto Boot, $89,  9. Sam Edelman Keegan Tassel Booties, $225, 10. Christian Louboutin Pouliche 70 Fringed Suede Boots, $2,195, 11. 7 for All Mankind Mirage Fringe Ankle Boot, $325, 12. Carlos by Carlos Santana Ringo Boot, $149.95, 13. KORS Michael Kors Wayland Bootie, $325, 14. Isabel Marant Dicker Suede Ankle Boots, $565, 15. Dolce Vita JuJu Suede Ankle Boot, $119, 16. Madewell The Barnwood Booties, $198

Boot, scoot, boogie.

xx,

WhyDid

Would You Wednesday: I’m Slipping, I’m Falling, I Can’t Get Up.

By |August 1st, 2012|Why Did or Why Don't?, Why Did You Wear That?|

bunny slippersWhile there’s nothing quite like strapping on the strappiest of stilettos for an evening out on the town, a wise woman knows that there are certain times, she’s just got to be sensible.  In New York, this time is usually the commute from home base to final destination.  Do you have any idea what subway grates will do to your Jimmy Choos?  And while in most other cities, your high heels need only make it from front door to front seat of your car, there are still times when you must  give your poor tired toes a break.

Sure, in the summer there are flat sandals, and we’ve been offered the option of ballet flats for fall, but what if those aren’t really your style?  Ballet flats aren’t for everyone, afterall.  So, grab your silk smoking jacket and a pipe, because this year, the smoking shoe or “house slipper” has made a comeback and you don’t have to be Hugh Hefner to pull it off.  From Christian Louboutin to Forever 21, you can pick up the look in a variety of styles and plethora of prices.

smoking shoes1. Rebecca Minkoff Alvin Smoking Shoes, $195, 2. Miu Miu Embroidered Velvet Loafers, $650, 3. Carlos by Carlos Santana Langston Red Suede Shoes, $78.99, 4. Donald J. Pliner Denda Flat Smoking Shoes, $225, 5. Alexander McQueen Sequin Skull Suede Loafers, $645, 6. Charles Philip Eula Marble Print Flats, $155, 7. Jimmy Choo Wheel Velvet Loafers, $495, 8. Splendid Cannes Striped Smoking Shoes, $78,

So, would you trade in your Tory Burch for smoking slippers?

xx,

WhyDid