The Essentials

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.

Vince 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.

Equipment 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.

BCBG 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.

DVF 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).

Christian 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.

Balenciaga 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.

Rebecca Minkoff The Clutch, $350

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

Burberry Short Double Breasthed Trench, $595

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

xx,

WhyDid

Alidoro, I love you. Won’t You Tell Me Your Name?

In a city full of famous delis, you’d figure it would be pretty easy to find a good sandwich, right? Hardly. Most of those “famous delis” are just tourist traps and you won’t get out of there with a sammy under $15. No, thank you.

That being said, if you haven’t heard of this small Italian sandwich shop, then you’re welcome in advance (I accept gratuity in both Louboutins and Cartier). Tucked away on Sullivan Street in Soho is Alidoro. This is by far the BEST sandwich shop in NYC. I used to go to the gym before stopping in to justify the 1000 calories I was about to ingest. This place is worth every last calorie though. Not to mention the owner is a really cute Italian guy. (Sucker for accents).

I’ve tried quite a few of their sandwiches and all of them are pretty amazing (each named good ol’ Italian names), but one sandwich is BEYOND amazing. It’s so good that I’d gladly trade my cat (sorry, Ellis!) for one.  It’s called the “Pavarotti.” What isn’t appetizing about a fat opera singer? Seriously. The Pavarotti has salami, smoked mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, and sweet roasted peppers and I always opt to get it on white Italian bread (they have options such as white, whole wheat, focaccia). Just like dear old Pavarotti himself, this bad boy is massive! No worries, I can scarf it down in one sitting.

Another favorite sandwich here is the “Matthew” and I would probably order it more often if it weren’t named after my ex.  The Matthew has prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, dressing, and arugula on it. In a word: Delish. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong here. I’d move into the apartment upstairs just to get closer to my favorite sandwich if I could.

Alidoro is another place with basically all pros and no cons. There’s usually a bit of a line, but that’s to be expected in a tiny sandwich shop. They also don’t offer condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, etc. and actually have a list telling you not to even bother asking for them. Love that.

Alidoro definitely gets 5 out of 5 mouths for having excellent ingredients, excellent sandwiches, and being altogether quite excellent! Buon appetite!

So go ahead folks! Open wide, insert sandwich, and enjoy!

See you next Munchin’ Monday!

xx,

WhyDon’tYouEatMe

Love is in the Air… Is That What Smells?

As WhyDon’tYouActLikeALady has already mentioned, Valentine’s Day is amateur night. However, you will most likely be forced into participating in some way, shape, or form. So you may as well get that shopping out of the way and come up with something creative to make the whole production less painful for yourself and respective parties.  I’ve done it before and I’ll do it again: interesting gifts for your flavor of the week…

For Him:

Ladies, let’s be serious, he doesn’t care if you get him a new pair of cufflinks or a cuddly teddy bear. He paid for dinner and would now like some sweet affection for dessert. You’re getting off easy as far as I’m concerned (no pun intended).

One of my favorite things in the world is pretty lingerie.  You are already aware of my affinity for costumes and that doesn’t stop in the bedroom.  Men are visual creatures, so give him something to stare at (before he tears you to pieces).

Carol Malony Polka Party Panty, $52

That’s a present he’ll enjoy unwrapping. (Please disregard the model’s Lee Press-on’s and bizarre belly button. Ick.)

Not at the “pants off dance off” stage? Why don’t you really send him for a loop by picking up the check at dinner? A sexy way to do so is slip your waiter/waitress your card while on your way to the bathroom.

C’mon, girls, please cut it out with the collages, love notes, and stage 5 clinger type presents. They are totally lost on guys. The only thing you’re going to get in return are ignored phone calls and canceled dates.  Men like a few things (in no particular order): sports, red meat, sex, and beer.  Stick with those and you may find yourself with a date after Valentine’s Day.

For Her:

Guys suck at buying presents. I know this because I’ve received quite a few doozies in my day.  I know there is a small percentage of you out there who don’t, but the majority of your testosterone filled pals have spoiled the bunch. Whether it be a giftcard or a heinous piece of jewelry, please pay attention in order to avoid a mid-February arctic blast.

Again, some guidelines of what not to do to tick your girl off. You already know I’ve advised her to get some skimpy knickers for later, so you don’t want to miss out on those because you couldn’t pull it together and get a decent gift, do you? That’s what I thought.

One of the sweetest gifts I’ve ever received was actually not from a guy at all. WhyDon’tYouActLikeALady really outdid herself this year for my birthday.  She got me a beautiful silver box and inside are 52 little pieces of paper. Each one has a reason on it why she loves me. (One a week, in case you suck at math like me).  I look forward to opening them every week.

Too mushy gushy?

Buy her something red… as in red soled. There isn’t one girl on planet earth who wouldn’t appreciate a pair of Christian Louboutins (if you are that girl, what are you doing reading this?). This is 99.9% effective in panties dropping.  Trust me, a pair of nice shoes will get you much further than any cheesy Hallmark moment.

Something sparkly also usually does the trick. (This does not include rhinestones or anything from Ed Hardy). There’s a reason they say, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”

Why don’t I just make this easier for you and compile a list of DON’T’s?:

• Perfume- you’re going to get it wrong. It’s our job, let us pick out our own.
• Chocolate- do you want a fat girlfriend? Didn’t think so.
• Any sort of stuffed animal- are you a pedophile? I ask because the only girl who would appreciate this is still in highschool.
• Hanky Panky rose thong- I saw this on E!’s gift guide and nearly lost it. You buy me one of these and I’m going to stick it somewhere the sun doesn’t shine.
• Red roses- we’ve already covered this.
• Anything from Kay’s, Jared’s, or Zales. Cut the crap.

The most important part of this day is quality time.  Be available, be kind.  A handwritten card also never hurts. Listen, I’m just trying to help you out. Despite my tone, I love love, but a bad VDay showing could leave you alone and lonely. While I may be home popping chocolates in my mouth with a glass of red and my rabbit, I do wish the rest of you a very Happy Valentine’s Day.

xx,

WhyDid

Carol Malony, Christian Louboutin, Hanky Panky, Kirsten Smith, Valentine's Gifts, WhyDidYouWearThat

It’s MY Party and…

Yes, it is my birthday (hope you got your shopping done early, folks).  I’ve even changed out of my typical grey/black uniform and am sporting a little hot pink number for this very occassion.  My fingers will soon be tired from opening all of my gifts, but my gift to you are some fun facts about WhyDid.

So while we nibble on cupcakes and dance on tables at Red Velvet enjoy these tasty tidbits about the lady behind the blog.

1. I can’t whistle. I’ve never mastered the skill and have made it thus far without it.
2. My favorite animal is a giraffe. Long legs, long necks, killer lashes, and they don’t bother anyone.
3. I’m slightly narcoleptic. I’ve fallen asleep in Vegas… twice. I can basically sleep anywhere.
4. I have a tattoo, but I won’t tell you where. (Sorry, Dad!!). It may or may not be the world’s smallest, btw.
5. I think it’s easier to kiss boys I don’t like than the ones I do.
6. I’ve been trying to learn French for the last year and a half (even though I took it in highschool and college) and plan on treating myself to a trip to Paris when I finally do.
7. My first “adult purchase” was a pair of black Christian Louboutin pumps.  I live around the corner and aspire to own a pair in every color.
8. I have a reverse birthmark on my neck. (Meaning it lacks pigment altogether and never ever gets tan).
9. I think my dog is really just a hairy little person and I tell him as much. I just wish he could talk back.
10. I got an “A” in Economics in college and nearly failed sewing.
11. I have a school girl crush on Joel McHale.
12. I’m totally superstitious. You won’t catch me walking under ladders or stepping on any cracks.
13. I love pineapple. I have eaten so much in one sitting that I couldn’t feel my tongue.
14. If I find something I like, I buy it in every color.
15. I love costumes and props and think that theme parties are highly underrated.
16. I buy myself flowers. Why bother waiting for someone else? (Though I appreciate when they do).
17. My nails are chipped 98% of the time.
18. I can’t stand when people take themselves too seriously. No one is that cool, I promise. (Play my reindeer games).
19. Most of my favorite articles of clothing are from my mom’s archives.
20. My parents thought I was going to be an architect because I used to draw floor plans as a child.
21. I’m tone deaf and wish nothing more than to be able to carry a tune.
22. I hate violence. It scares the living daylights out of me. So don’t bother inviting me to a boxing match, hockey game, or violent movie. I won’t go.
23. I’m a complete and utter hopeless romantic and believe in fairytale endings.
24. I say my prayers at night and take my vitamins in the morning.
25. I have an amazing family and some of the best (not to mention beautiful) friends in the world and not one day goes by that I take them for granted. I’m a lucky girl.
26. I share my birthday with one of my best friends and at times believe we may have been separated at birth. (Happy Birthday, PinkyToe!)
27. There are very few things that annoy me more than leggings worn as pants.

Happy Birthday to me!

xx,

WhyDid

If the Shoe Fits…

You’ve gotten the invite. You’ve rounded up an adorable date. You finally found the perfect dress. But wait… what about the shoes? 

As you well know, shoes can make or break an otherwise perfect outfit.  That’s why there are a few pair of shoes that every woman needs to have in her wardrobe. Usually I am preaching to you about not spending ridiculous amounts of money on clothing, but in this case, I feel quite the other way.  Shoes are an investment.  If you have a few good pairs of classic shoes, you can navigate your way safely through any fashion crisis.  There are basically five different styles of shoes that a stylish woman needs in her life. 

The Strappy Metallic: 

Jimmy Choo Metallic Slingback Sandals, $495

The Classic Black Pump: 

Christian Louboutin Pigalle Point Toe Pump, $565

The Nude Shoe:

Jimmy Choo Nappa Platform Slingback, $645

The Sexy Black Sandal:

Jimmy Choo Silk Satin Sandal

The Tall Boot:

Christian Louboutin Feticha Botta Platform Boots, $1495

With these shoes tucked in your closet, there’s no outfit you won’t be able to accessorize. Now get to steppin’!

xx, 

WhyDid