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Why Did You Wear That: Distressed Done Up

By |April 24th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

whydid kirsten smithWhen one thinks of shredded jeans, I  assume that most file destroyed denim under completely casual.  To be honest, I treat some of my destroyed denim like my own version of sweatpants.  A particular pair that reign as queen bee of my cluttered closet and are often the first thing I pull out for morning dog walking duty also happen to be the very same pair I pull out to wear with a tiny top and high heels for an evening out.  So, you see, distressed denim truly can go from day to night.  I’ve never worked at a job where I had to wear a “suit” (that’s the beauty of the fashion industry, kids), but when I worked in a sad grey cube at Henri Bendel, we were supposed to follow a few simple guidelines like, I don’t know: don’t look like an asshole or wear flip flops.  One of the clauses when distressed denim became one of our biggest sellers in store was that we could wear it… so long as it was one of our vendors… and most certainly not with flip flops- not even Havaianas.  So, full circle: destroyed denim can be both very downtown as well as totally dressed up.

whydid kirsten smith

whydid kirsten smith

kirsten smith whydid

kirsten destroyed denim whydid

whydid kirsten smithblazer: Dian von Furstenberg, blouse: Philosophy, jeans: DIY (learn how here), bag: Rafe, shoes: Carlos by Carlos Santana, sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bracelets: alex and ani, necklace: Maya Brenner

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Brian Schutza

Why Did You Wear That: From the Top

By |January 29th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

crop top day and nightDue to my computer’s inability to function last week, I was unable to finish my three part series documenting how a crop top and pencil skirt could be reincarnated quite easily.  Not that last week was any warmer, but the fact that my face froze off  yesterday afternoon as I ran errands, it seems a little odd to be posting about crop tops.  Especially since the inclement weather has prevented me from prancing ’round town in one, but if Jenn keeps it up, I’m gonna have no choice but to walk around topless… and potentially pantless.

So, how can one dress down a sequined top that is cropped?  Pair it with destroyed denim, motorcycle boots, and a tough leather jacket to look more downtown than bridge and tunnel post Bagatelle brunch.  It’s just that simple.
kirsten smith

kirsten smith crop top11

kirsten smith

kirsten smithtop: Express, jeans: 7 For All Mankind, boots: Frye, jacket: Andrew Marc, bag: Balenciaga, dog: Smitty

I will have another mimosa though.

xx,

WhyDid

Look for Less: Polished and Practical

By |December 4th, 2011|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

It sorta seems like life went ahead and decided to cram as much as possible into the last few months of the year.  Sort of like it forgot and then was like, “Oh crap! We gotta do all this.”  So, that keeps ladies like you and me pretty busy.  In between all of the end of year festivities, we still need to find time to run those never ending errands.  They sure don’t take a holiday, do they?  This is where that whole “fashion vs function” argument comes into play.  Is it ever possible to be both?  These three celebrities prove that it is, in fact, feasible to be both polished and practical while running errands.
1. CeCe Cloud Cashmere Chunky Cowl Neck Sweater, $189, 2. 7 for All Mankind Roxanne in California Wash, $158, 3. Esprit Resin Sunglasses, $35, 4. Nine West Turnstile Crossbody Bag, $19.95, 5. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Abria Leopard Flats, $49.99

1. American Apparel El Salvador Lace Tee, $38, 2. Forever 21 Live in Progress Destroyed Skinnies, $27.80, 3. Forever 21 Urban Drop Earrings, $4.80, 4. Hobo International Tivoli Bag, $238, 5. Charles by Charles David Avenger Booties, $69.95

1. Ann Taylor Whisper Blouse, $98, 2. Paige Premium Denim Casual Pants, $108, 3. All Saints Elva Cardigan, $175, 4. Kate Spade Irving Place Harlow, $176.99, 5. Report Whitfield Flat, $89

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photo via The Well Written Woman

Why Did You Wear That: Fall in Line

By |September 1st, 2009|Why Did You Wear That?|

It seems that fall has decided to pop in a little early this year.  The temperatures have dropped and there’s that familiar chill in the air.  Luckily, I get cold when I travel so I happen to have one of my favorite Bendel’s cashmere cardis with me. Otherwise, I would be freezing and unable to leave the house.

So,this first chilly fall day has got me  compiling my fall shopping list.  I’m no Anna Wintour, but here’s my September issue.

Over the Knee Boots– whether you go for a flat or a high heeled version, they will add a sexy edge to jeans and flirty dresses.

flat otk

 Pour La Victoire Malorie boot, $375

co op boot

Barney’s Co-op Over the Knee Buckle Boot, $740

Leather Jacket– if you didn’t  grab up a leather jacket for early spring, now’s the time to do so.  For fall they are a little more rocker chic and I would stick to black or perhaps a luggage color.

 joie

Joie Ailey Leather Moto Jacket, $689

Something Plaid– whether it’s a plaid shirt  or just an accessory, plaid is making a come back. Just don’t go plaid crazy. One plaid at a time.

 plaid

Forever21 Snap Button Plaid Shirt, $11.50

Leggings- Oh, leggings. You aren’t going anywhere are you?  Luckily, this season they are available in a multitude of styles.  Two stand outs are denim leggings and leather leggings.  Just PLEASE remember to cover your hoo- ha no matter what style you choose. Leggings still are NOT pants.

dvf

Diane Von Furstenberg Leggy Leather Leggings, $565

juicy

Juicy Couture Denim Legging, $88

 Boyfriend Blazer– Cute alternative to a jacket on a brisk day.  Pair it with skinny pants and a pretty blouse.

aqua

Aqua Boyfriend Blazer, $88

The New LBD– the little black dress will never go out of style, but look for new details this fall. Whether it be asymmetrical details or a mesh inset this season’s LBD’s have a little more edge. Dress it up with heels, dress it down with your leather jacket and boots.

bebe

 Bebe One Shoulder Mesh Dress, $48

Destroyed Denim– while I think the boyfriend jean will fade out as the temperatures drop, skinny destroyed denim will continue to remain strong.  They will look great with a sexy T and booties.

siwy

Siwy Hannah Slim Crop Jeans, $198

It may be getting cooler, but you’ll still look hot with a few of these items in your arsenal.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: If the Bus is a-Rockin’…

By |April 15th, 2009|Celebrity Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

We all have our guilty pleasures and ridiculous reality dating shows are mine.  I seriously can’t get enough.  One of my very favorites, Rock of Love Bus with Bret Michaels, has recently come to an end (tear) and in honor of this, I thought I would highlight some of the girls’ stellar fashion choices.

Rock of Love Bus (the third installment) is by far my favorite!  It is so bad that it’s good. VH1 never ceases to amaze me! They just keep cranking out these genius shows showcasing mentally unstable people and gratuitous T & A.  Thank you, VH1 for rotting my brain and giving me useless things to talk about at cocktail parties.

rock Halloween costume alert- go as the cast of the Rock of Love Bus!  This is too easy. Careful though, get separated from your friends and “Bret” and you may be mistaken for just your standard “call girl.” (more…)