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Why Did You Wear That: The Perfect Paradox

By |November 9th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithIn sticking with this week’s theme of leather and lace, sugar and spice, sultry and sweet this outfit should provide some weekend outfit inspiration.  And wouldn’t you know, I’ve found yet another way to incorporate a crop top.  Sure it’s gotten quite a bit colder here in New York, but wearing a coat in transit makes showing a little skin entirely achievable.  Pairing a high waisted pencil skirt with a lacy top is a great way to show off your curves without having to pile yourself into some type of bandage contraption.  It’s classic, yet modern and most all body types can wear the look, crop top optional.

As I’ve mentioned, contradictions are my specialty.  Mixing something more tough with something seen as soft is the way to create drama (the only kind I’m into) without looking like you’re trying too hard or doing too much.  The skirt is actually something I’ve had for years- since I was a sophomore in highschool as a matter of fact.  Because a custom made leather dress seems totally normal for a 16 year old’s homecoming (photographic evidence here).  I held onto it knowing that while it may have been a bit ahead of my time as a teen, it would be a piece that would stand the test of time.  Worn with a cropped lace tee, black booties, and subtle accessories, it is the perfect paradox.

Kirsten Smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smithtop: American Apparel (thanks, Mer), skirt: custom (similar here), bra: Cosabella, bag: Malini Murjani, bracelet: vintage necklace (similar here), booties: Steven, ring: Grandma’s (similar here), earrings: vintage (similar here)

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Little in the Middle

By |September 12th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

It is my belief that most women either love their torsos or love their legs and the alternate tends to be their trouble zone and bane of their existence- much like fitted sheets are to me.  Then I guess there are those handful of you bitches who can’t even comprehend what a “problem area” is.  I am not one of those, so read on and continue not hating me.  From the time I put on my first pair of tights for ballet class, I cursed my thighs.  I always longed for gazelle like legs, but instead was blessed with a set of sturdier stems.  A guy I was once dating nearly got clocked for calling them “healthy.”  Wrong answer, bro.

When the crop top came back in to heavy rotation this year, I really couldn’t have been more thrilled, unless someone told me there was a new way to make millions while simply drinking rosé and people watching.  You see, the chances of the crop top returning to relevance again and my being of age appropriateness overlapping are quite slim.  It’s kind of like a blue moon and I’m sure there’s some statistician out there who could calculate the odds, but I cried to my statistics professor to avoid failing, so I’m not your girl.  Point is: you give me an opportunity to wear a crop top, and I’m taking it.  Like here and here and, well, now here.

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smithjacket: Diane von Furstenberg (similar here), top: American Apparel, pants: 7 for All Mankind, shoes: B Brian Atwood, sunglasses: Chloe, bracelets: Alex and Ani, bag: vintage (similar here)

So, if you’re sick of seeing me in crop tops, blame Jenn Seracuse… and my parents.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo credit: Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Suits, No Ties.

By |April 4th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

You know what I love almost as much/more/I can’t decide than lingerie?  Swimsuits.  Know why?  ‘Cause it’s like underwear that you can wear in public.  Who doesn’t like beating the heat poolside wearing a barely there fashion statement?  And why else have you been going to the gym?  Oh right, for cardiovascular health, of course. Whatever, you totally do it to counterbalance those Girl Scout cookies.  You’re not fooling anyone.   Not that it matters because swimsuit season is upon us and you’re just going to have to come to terms with that.

This season’s swimwear is strongly reflective of spring trends. Colorblocking, graphic black and white, midriff tops, fringe, and cutouts are all staples for the catwalk as well as the boardwalk.  And while I still stand firm that less is more when it comes to bikini bottom coverage, there are cuts and shapes for all body types.

Be Bold in Black & White:

black and white bikinisRed Carter Glitter Bomb One Piece, Herve Leger Bandeau Bikini, Dolce & Gabbana Polka Dot Triangle Bikini, Norma Kamali Shane One Piece, Karla Colletto Stripe Monokini

Collect the Fringe Benefits:

fringed swimwear

Vitamin A Tulum Bikini Top and Bottoms, OndadeMar Fringed Triangle Bikini Top and Java Bikini Bottoms, Thayer Lace Up Bandeau Bikini Top and Brazilian Bikini Bottoms, L*Space Stardust Fringe One Piece, Luli Fama Cosita Buena Fringe Bikini Top and Wavy Bottoms

Get Crafy with Cut Outs:

cutout bikinis bathing suitsTori Praver Lili Bikini Top and Bottom, Agent Provocateur Kristie Braided Cutout Swimsuit, L*Space Sensual Solids Le Chic Bikini Top and Estella Bottom, T by Alexander Wang Bandeau Top and T Bikini Bottoms, Vitamin A Siren Wrap Bikini Top and Chloe Triple Braid Bikini Bottom

Go Long:

Zimmerman Clique Perforated BikiniMara Hoffman Rainbow Printed Bikini, Beach Riot Farrow Bikini Top and Bottom, MINKPINK Florence Frill Bikini Top and Bottom, Amore & Sorvete Belle Top and Bottoms

Block It Like It’s Hot:

colorblock bikinis Seea Leucadia Reversible Bikini Top and BottomDosMares Galena Bandeau Bikini, VPL Malaga Insertion Bikini Top and BottomShakuhachi Ultra Neon Colorblock Bikini, Marc by Marc Jacobs Pleated Maillot

Sorry, Timberlake, the only suit I will be wearing is that of the “swim” variety.

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Why Did You Wear That: Ribs + Cleavage = Ribbage

By |February 26th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

spring 2013 trends crop topHow’s that New Year’s resolution going?  Good I hope since one of spring 2013’s biggest trends requires baring a bit of skin.  Oh, that’s right, ladies, get your abdominals in check, cause they will be spring (into summer)’s leading ladies.  The look already made an appearance last spring, but didn’t pick up mass momentum.  Remember how much you hated this look? (I loved it).  Well, looks like we (yes, we) are giving it another go once the frost breaks and fortunately the crop top of the season is FUPA friendly.  You see, the key to achieving the look is showing the bit of skin above your belly button and right below the ribs.  So pair a short top with a higher waisted skirt or shorts and you’ll be giving all the right kind of ribbage.  (Should you need an ab blasting workout…)

sex and the city il cantonoriCarrie Bradshaw and I have always been fans of baring our bellies and if Herve Leger has any say in it, the trend will just continue right on into to fall.  So, whattya say, ladies?

Abs-ofreakinglutely

xx,
WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Stopping Short

By |April 3rd, 2012|Why Did You Wear That?|

celebrities crop topsThis past weekend, three of Tinsletown’s loveliest ladies were all seen sporting a little bit of bare midriff while walking the red (err… orange?) carpet.  This bit of belly is different from the crop tops of a couple summers past.  It’s not so much belly button as it is rib cage.  It’s the teeniest little peek-a-boo of skin that is both sexy and playful.  It’s less Christina Aguilera Genie in a Bottle and a bit more Gidget Goes Hawaiian.  And for anyone who was ever a bit self conscious about showing some torso, don’t worry.  This is much more wearable and will keep that fearsome FUPA under wraps.

cropped bustier tops1. Missoni Elsa Cropped Crochet Knit Top, $530, 2. FP New Romantics Woven Bustier, $78, 3. Material Girl Bustier, $29, 4. Dolce & Gabbana Chili Pepper Print Cotton Bustier, $1000, 5. MinkPink Support Group Bustier, $35, 6. Mara Hoffman Embroidered Bustier Top, $207, 7. Topshop Petite Cutout Swan Bralet, $52, 8. Smith Denim Bustier, $80, 9. Free People Kiki Top, $78, 10. SO Dot Convertible Mini Bustier, $14.99

While some are referring to these as “bralettes” that’s not quite the right term.  (Did I not already school you in bralettes?).  I would consider these to be cropped bustier tops.  You’ll have much more luck when searching using those terms.  The trick to this look is pairing your teeny top with a high waisted skirt or slacks.  That way your outfit will read “le petite coquette” rather than “big dirty whore.”

crop top high waist skirtcrop top: Free People Vegan Leather Bustier, $78, high waist: Pleasure Doing Business Bandage Seam Striped Skirt, $165

xx,

WhyDid