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Why Did You Wear That: American Splendor

By |November 17th, 2015|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith why did blog denim skirtSaturday afternoons during the fall in Manhattan often involve something some lovingly refer to as and others scoff at called “brunch.”  This past Saturday presented me with an especially relevant reason to partake in daylight libations because my oldest (not in age, but in duration) friend was in town for work.  Upon his arrival, we wandered down the street without an actual location in mind– this is an analogy for my life.  Stopping in front of a restaurant to inspect the menu, deeming it acceptable, and ordering a bottle of rosé as soon as our seats touched the chairs (I refuse to believe it’s out of season), we were off to a running start.  I thought myself clever asking for a turkey burger sans bun only to later find out that many restaurants use bread crumbs as a binder in their patties, canceling out all of my gluten free intentions.  We met up with a few friends at a neighborhood watering hole a few blocks down and much to my chagrin, said establishment was out of rosé, so Sancerre it was.  Typically dead on a Saturday afternoon before the evening rush of anyone but locals, the bartenders thanked us for making them laugh and keeping things “interesting.”  As we parted ways with one group of friends, we met up with another at a cash only joint that can almost lead you to believe you’ve been transported from the West Village to Southwest Detroit, almost- the plaid shirts and Patagonia vests are dead giveaways as to your geolocation.

At this point, I was fading fast and knew that the only last glint of hope for me was to order pizza (since I’d already fallen from the gluten wagon).  A few people are privy to the fact that in most instances of ordering pizza, I’ve fallen asleep before it’s been delivered.  Basically, I pay my doormen’s holiday bonuses in literal dough.  But alas, I was still standing when it was time to tip the delivery boy.  Unfortunately, even a Pandora dance party and pepperoni slice could not save my sad, sloshed soul.  I waved my friends on without me- okay, I fell asleep with my arm in the air- and called it a night, all before 9pm.

I sat straight up in bed around 1:30am and realized that I had slept the entire night away and wondered where my friends had ventured off to and whether I should gather bail money now or later.  I didn’t have to wonder for too long before my best pal was haphazardly trying his luck with the key to my door and Smitty all but lost it at the prospect of an intruder.  I rescued him from himself and he stumbled in to tell me what I’d missed (hint: not much).  After a chat session worthy of a highschool sleepover, and a critical dissection of our relationships, he passed out snoring on my couch and I found myself wide awake on Saturday night at 4am watching American Splendor.

kirsten smith whydid denim skirt

denim skirt whydid kirsten smith

kirsten smith whydid fall 2015

whydid kirsten smith denim skirttop: American Eagle, skirt: American Apparel, sweater: Henri Bendel, shoes: Steve Madden, bag: Chanel, dog: Smitty


Photos by Richard Smith

Why Did You Wear That: Pick of the Patch

By |October 18th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

As mentioned, this past weekend, we made the trek to Half Moon Bay for their annual pumpkin festival.  We considered pulling a U-turn looking down the hill at the bumper to bumper traffic,  but hung in there, because really… going to a pumpkin festival is the right thing to do, right?  Maybe not.  This promised pumpkin fest wasn’t quite the vision I’d conjured up in my head while sitting in two hours of traffic.  But with all things in life, you must take the bad and learn from it.  So, here are a few things I learned:

  1. I’m not really a “festival” type of girl.
  2. They’ll charge you four times as much for a pumpkin in the “country” as you’d pay for it at Safeway.
  3. I do love a good petting zoo and still want that pony I yearned for as a little girl.
  4. And I still remember all the words to Kenny Chesney’s She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy (you can take the girl out of West Virginia…).

Luckily, on the road to (and from) the festival, there were several roadside stands with their own pumpkin patches (and petting zoos), where we stopped.  It probably would’ve been prudent to have just gone to the pumpkin patches in the first place and skipped the festival altogether.  Again, we live and we learn. At least I was dressed for the occasion.  Without fail, it is always 15+ degrees colder near the beach in Northern California… and always grey (way to go marine layer).  Wearing a transitional chiffon dress with a cashmere grandfather cardigan was the perfect way to look pumpkin picking chic.  Paired with flat lace up boots and tote, those pumpkins didn’t stand a chance.  Had my tote been any bigger, you bet your ass I would have smuggled a potbelly pig home.

 1. J. Crew Maisie Floral Print Silk Chiffon Dress, $395, 2. C by Bloomingdale’s Cashmere Grandfather Cardigan, $118.50, 3. Seychelles Jungle Lace-Up Short Boot, $165, 4. Rebecca Minkoff Dear Tote Bag, $330

In the end, we opted not to pay the $20 they were charging for a subpar pumpkin.

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Eat That: Malibu Brunch

By |November 8th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

A couple of Sunday’s ago, I spent the day exactly how every Sunday should always be spent: with a Bloody Mary overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Le fiance wanted to take me somewhere to celebrate a month of engagement and Gladstone’s Malibu couldn’t have been a more perfect choice. The weather was perfect, so the drive to Malibu alone, was pleasant, but after valeting, our view only got better.

We were seated at a table outside overlooking the sand and the surf. There is an indoor section, though, I’m not sure why you’d bother… Our waitress asked if we were visiting, so I assume this must be a bit of a tourist stop, but I can’t imagine a local Angeleno not taking advantage of this beautiful locale. Anyway, we immediately ordered two Bloody Mary’s, clam chowder, and crab cakes. Each of which was more delicious than the next. They also brought us a monstrous hunk of fresh sourdough bread. Quite honestly, we didn’t really need to bother ordering anymore food, but like true gluttons, we ordered the fried fish sandwich (I’d pass) and the spiced crusted tuna (a must).

We certainly over ordered, but everything was delicious… and being stuffed is the perfect time for a sun nap on the beach…

Gladstone’s Malibu

17300 Pacific Coast Highway

Pacific Palisades, CA 90265

310-454-3474

Brunch is always a tricky time to get dressed. You want to look casual without looking hungover or sloppy. (Check out my old “brunch attire” tips). For a lovely Sunday by the beach, it’s all about layering:

3.1 Phillip Lim Asymmetrical Draped T Dress, $350

Chloe Wayfarer, $240.95

Splendid Lofty Cashmere Professor Cardigan, $278

Comme des Garcons Low Top Canvas Sneaker, $100

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: The Essentials

By |July 22nd, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

As I’m getting older (and older… and older…) I have come to realize that what they say about “quality over quantity” is oh-so-very true. During my last closet clean out, I noticed that I had a ton of garbage and duplicate garbage that when added together could have amounted to one really nice piece as opposed to several shitty pieces. Just like friends, boyfriends, and old receipts… sometimes you’ve got to clean out the old, to make room for the new.

Black Pants: You may think of these as boring and what waitresses/caterers wear, but they are a fool proof option for dressing up, dressing sexy, or dressing for work. They can carry you from summer to winter seamlessly. Get a pair that fits you well or have them tailored to get them just right.

0488266486033R__ASTL_300x400Vince Ponte Skinny Ski Pants, $245

White Blouse: There is nothing more classic than a clean white shirt. A simple white blouse can be worn in so many different ways and can be incredibly alluring when styled correctly.

irissinger_2117_339512887Equipment Signature Blouse, $178

Cashmere Sweater: An absolute must for any girl on the go. Stashing your lightweight cardi somewhere handy can take you from day to night.

eqzoom85.msBCBG Cashmere Boyfriend Cardigan, $144

Pencil Skirt: I don’t think anyone would argue that there’s nothing sexier than a woman in a well fit pencil skirt and heels. This is an absolute necessity and any chic girl’s closet.

76845_fr_lDVF Wool Panel Pencil Skirt, $245

Classic Pumps: Even if they hurt a little, a classic pair of black pumps can be worn with just about anything (including your black pants or pencil skirt).

Picture 2Christian Louboutin Platform Pump, $695

Everyday Bag: This is basically your day to day carry on luggage. You need to carry everything from your wallet, to your change of shoes, to your portfolio. Needs to be durable and preferably have a lot of pockets to stash your goodies and keep you organized.

Picture 1Balenciaga Giant City Tote Bag, $1400

Clutch: All it needs to hold is your credit cards, ID, cash, cellphone, keys, lipgloss and camera- all while being cute.

rmink2036518179_p2_v1_m56577569831935495_254x500Rebecca Minkoff The Clutch, $350

Trench: A classic trench is a staple for brisk fall days and chilly spring nights.

pBUR-7485594t237x329Burberry Short Double Breasthed Trench, $595

So clean out the clutter and replace it with quality staple pieces that will last.

xx,

WhyDid