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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: Clutch Call

By |December 17th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

laura-laine-editorial-clutchI normally carry a bag so large it’s a wonder I haven’t exacerbated my adolescent scoliosis.  I mean, one never knows when one may need a notebook, business card, energy bar, or rape whistle (one must always carry a rape whistle).  On evenings out, especially in the northeast when the weather turns to slippery slush and we are relegated to bundling ourselves in massive coats of wool, fur, leather, and cashmere to merely tolerate the bone chilling cold in hopes of drowning our sorrows with overpriced cocktails, space which is already at a premium in a city like New York becomes exiguous.  Sure there are coat checks and clever cubbies cut into the backs of banquettes, but do you really wanna cram your Céline into a dark cavern alongside some chick’s Canal Street knockoff in the off chance that yours will mysteriously go “missing”?  Just like when the meathead at the bar asks if he can buy you a lemon drop, the answer is, “No.”  Instead of carrying your everyday bag that could double as a carry-on (and on occasion has), opt for the handheld version commonly called a clutch.  Just be sure to hold onto it rather than leaving it in a puddle of condensation on the table credit cards et al.

designer clutches

1. Charlotte Olympia Gold Scent Clutch, 2. Saint Laurent Letters Metallic Leather Clutch, 3. Marni Jewel Embellished Clutch, 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Ravenheart Metallic Leather Clutch, 5. Kotur Margo Animal Print Minaudiere, 6. Claire Vivier Flat Printed Leather Clutch, 7. Serpui Marie Klimt I Clutch, 8. Jimmy Choo The Candy Lip Print Acrylic Clutch, 9. Givenchy Bambi Clutch, 10. Sondra Roberts Scattered Bead Box Clutch, 11. Nina Beaded Heart Box Clutch, 12. ZAC Zac Posen Claudette Scale-Embossed Tassel Clutch, 13. B-Low The Belt Kenzy Clutch, 14.  Santi Floral Sequin Clutch, 15. Mango Crystal and Bead Box Clutch, 16. Jonathan Adler Electra Bond Clutch

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

image via

WhyDid or WhyDon’t: Granola Bears Need to Birkenstop

By |November 26th, 2013|Why Did or Why Don't?|

birenstocks-socksSeeing as I’ve finally made my way across the country and up the coast to what is known as Northern California, I figured this might be the appropriate time to address the footwear trend trying to make a comeback.  The hippies’ Havaianas, the tree huggers’ Tevas, the Birkenstock.  Now, I realize I’m really pigeon holing the fine folks north of San Luis Obispo, but let’s not forget that I spent a sufficient amount of time surrounded by more North Face and Patagonia than my eyes and closet could handle.  Dare I remind you of a birthday spent at Palo Alto’s Il Fornaio where I was stared at like a freak for wearing something other than polar fleece?

birkenstockBirkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Thong

Popular since the 1980’s these practical over fashionable sandals really had their hey day back in the early 90’s.  But just like all that is old, they have become new again.  Isabel Marant made a designer version and we all know what Isabel Marant did for the wedge sneaker (not to mention the mayhem that ensued for the H&M capsule collection).  Even Phoebe Philo of Celine sent them down the runway

birkenstock isabel marantDoc Martens have already made a comeback (as seen in the Wrecking Ball video) as well as Timberland boots (they’ve even got a collaboration with throwback brand Stussy), but are all of the 90’s footwear fads ready for a resurgence?  And will you be hugging trees in your Birks?

xx,

WhyDid

 

image via

Why Did You Wear That: Spot On

By |November 16th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithI’ve always felt a little conflicted about wearing leather and fur. When I was ten, I begged and pleaded (to no avail) with my parents for a cute little spotted potbelly pig. One morning over breakfast, it was revealed to me that bacon, in fact, comes from pigs. For the next year, I refused to eat meat thinking about that poor little pig in the pet shop. (I also begged and pleaded for a chinchilla around that same time). After finding it far too difficult to gain sustenance without any meat in my diet, I gave up vegetarianism the next year, but the feelings of guilt about fur, stuck with me. While home visiting my mom in Wheeling between semesters in college, we ventured into an antique store in Centre Market. Amongst the delicate tea sets and tiny trinkets, there was a rack of vintage clothing and hanging in the midst of these dated duds, was the most amazing leopard coat. I am my mother’s daughter and she insisted that I would be thankful that I’d bought this coat one day. While it was first worn to a “pimp n’ hoe” party in college, I’ve held onto it throughout the years and am happy to bring it back into rotation this fall. When worn with a simple tee, vegan leather pants, pumps, and topped off with a knit beanie, the look is definitely not outdated and to me, it says more “hollaback girl” than call girl.

Kirsten Smith

leopard coat

kirsten smith

kirsten smithbeanie: H&M, coat: vintage (similar here), top: Express, pants: Black Orchid (similar here), shoes: Yves Saint Laurent, bag: Celine, sunglasses: RayBan

xx,

WhyDid

 

photos by Catherine Sampietro

Why Did You Wear That: Back to Basics

By |October 23rd, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithI like to keep things simple.  (K.I.S.S.).  I find that many women spend  (or waste) a lot of time overcomplicating their outfits.  The fact of the matter is, most women dress for other women.  We think we’re dressing for ourselves, but let’s be honest- we’re really just trying to look badder than the babe next to us.  The thing is, all the hours spent fussing over the latest and greatest trends can’t be taken back.  Sometimes, it’s best to just stick to the basics.

When a friend of mine, who I never get to see– especially when he snags a girlfriend– told me he was nearby and inquired if I was around to grab a drink (when am I not?), I plucked myself from my seat on the couch and promptly closed my computer.  I had to get ready quickly and rather than stand in front of my closet scratching my head and cursing my entire wardrobe, I picked out two items that go together better than Snooki and JWow.  Jeans and a white tank.  There really is no way to go wrong with a perfectly fitting pair of jeans and a basic white top.  Spice up a seemingly boring outfit with a detailed denim and add interest with your shoes and handbag.  There’s a reason some things are called classics.

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

jacket: Andrew Marc, tank: Alternative Apparel, jeans: c/o Frankie B., boots: All Saints (similar), bag: Céline (similar)

xx,

WhyDid