­

Setting the Mood: Don’t Sweater The Technique

By |October 21st, 2013|Setting the Mood|

sweatersIt’s easy to get melancholy over the falling leaves and temperatures when autumn rolls around.  It’s stayed strangely warm this year, but it’s merely a matter of time before you are going to be swaddled in cashmere and merino.  I may be biased having spent a portion of my professional life in knitwear, but there is not much I love more than a giant cozy sweater.  With destroyed denim, sleek leather, or simple legwear, knitwear is nothing less than versatile.  Embrace the chill and find yourself a cozy sweater to snuggle up in.

Helmut Lang Boucle Cotton Blend Sweater, IRO Piper Knitted Sweater, Equipment Asher Cashmere Sweater, Theory Zambra Chunky Knit Sweater

Bundled up, boo boo.

xx,

WhyDid

Gift Guide: Who’s Your Daddy?

By |June 12th, 2013|Gift Guide|

I’ve already bragged about what an amazing mom I have, but hold on… because I also happen to have the best father, friend, and male role model that a woman could ask for.  I have been truly blessed to have the relationship that I do with my dad.  I often wish that everyone was as fortunate as I am.  I do not, for one moment, take that for granted.  Basically, my only “daddy issues” are finding a man who could come remotely close to the kindness, character, and intelligence of Dick Smith.

That said, no gift could even come close to summing up my gratitude, but it’s worth a shot, right?  Here’s the thing about dads, they are always so busy taking care of everyone else (nope, not just mom), that they tend to skimp on themselves.  For instance, my dad likes to wear the same shoes he’s had for the last decade, because ya know, they still work.  I tried to replace them.  That went over like a lead balloon.  Just remember that men tend to be practical, so extravagant gifts aren’t necessarily key– and he does not, under any circumstance, want another tie.

1. Fitbit One Wireless Activity and Sleep Tracker, 2. Cuisinart Tabletop Gas Grill, 3. The Art of Shaving Full Size Kit, 4. WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie Kansai Computer Portfolio, 5. Tumi USB Travel Adapter, 6. J. Crew Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, 7. Car Shoe Leather Driving Shoes, 8.The James Bond Archives

 

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: On Target Trend

By |March 18th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

spring trends 2013 striped pantThe best way to freshen up any spring wardrobe is with a fresh pop of color.  These Mossimo® Striped Pants from Target are the perfect way to transition from chilly winter into brisk spring by incorporating a striking pink with deep navy pin stripes.  Paired with a cozy navy cashmere sweater for the early portion of spring then a crisp white tank when the heat kicks in, these polished yet relaxed pants are the answer to weekend errands, brunch, and summer Fridays.

kirsten smith smitty

kirsten smith new york

kirsten smittysweater: Henri Bendel (similar here), striped pants: c/o Target, shoes: Jimmy Choo (similar here), bag: Malini Murjani, watch: Michael Kors, dog: Smitty

And be sure to check out the rest of the StyleList Curator Network‘s take on spring trends from Target.

xx,

WhyDid

Look for Less: Sweater Weather

By |November 20th, 2011|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

Have we come to terms with this weather yet?  Or are you one of those folks who wears a parka with flip flops?  C’mon.  Don’t do that to me.  Put away your cut off shorts, and let’s get those sweaters out of their Space Bags.  You should not be hanging your sweaters, after all.  Once upon a time, I had a pretty sweet gig working on product development for private label knitwear, so I know my yarns.  Whether you opt for merino or cashmere, it’s cold out there and the best way to bundle up is in a cozy sweater.  Check out how some of Hollywood’s cutest stars are wearing the warm and fuzzies:

1. Wyatt Heather Grey Thermal Cashmere Sweater, $159, 2. Madewell Utility Zip Pants, $19.99, 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Aviators, $98, 4. Berge Mistral Hobo, $320, 5. Nine West Transport Motorcycle Boots, $129

1. Splendid Chunky Ombre Stitch Poncho, $248, 2. 7 for All Mankind A Pocket Flare, $113, 3. Kate Spade This Is the Year Idiom Bangle, $58, 4. Milly Allie Tote, $465, 5. Sam Edelman Wilma Wedge Bootie, $130

1. J. Crew Fisherman Cableknit Sweater, $98, 2.7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Skinny Jeans, $198, 3. Ray-Ban Rounded Wayfarer, $116, 4. Treesje Warhol Messenger Bag, $568, 5. Steven by Steve Madden Deziary Boots, $199.99

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Eat That: Meet the Parents

By |December 27th, 2010|New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

During the holiday season, there is a lot of meet and greet with family members.  For some this may be the first meeting. For others it is round two, three, or four with the in laws. In either case, it can be quite overwhelming.

Last week, my fiance met my mother for the first time. While the pressure wasn’t really on me, I did want to have an enjoyable experience. For a night out on the town, I chose to take my mom and fiance to Morandi.  It’s a great place for your parents to get the “New York experience” without overwhelming them with bottle popping and rail thin model types. Not to mention, the food is pretty delicious.

The staff is very knowledgable about wine and helped us choose a bottle everyone would enjoy. We ordered the olive ascalone (fried green olives stuffed with sausage) and the carciofi alla giude (fried artichokes with lemon). My fiance ordered the guinea hen, I had the gnocchi special, and my mom noshed on pappardelle integrali con pancetta (whole wheat pasta with pancetta, broccoli rabe, and radicchi). Everything was delightful and we were happily stuffed. Seeing as everyone was getting along swimmingly and my mom was a few glasses of wine in, we headed over to Soho House to really get the party started.

So what should a young lady wear when going to meet her future in laws?  There is no need for a turtleneck and pearls. No one believes you are that innocent, but covering up a bit and coming across more wholesome than your normal Saturday night tube top won’t hurt. Try a warm and cozy sweater and patterned pants. Looking pulled together and sophisticated will put your future mother in law at ease.  No one will ever be good enough for her baby boy, but at least you’ll come close.

J. Crew Cashmere Cowlneck Sweater, $228

Fred Flare Black and Grey Sid Pants, $49.99

Ann Taylor Covered Platform Bootie, $228

Botkier Metallic Night Out Cross Body Bag, $195

Kenneth Jay Lane Black Diamond Chandelier Earrings, $100

Welcome to the family!

xx,

WhyDid