Dolce Vita | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Water Under the Bridge

By Kirsten|May 30th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Even the smallest cities have a great deal of history. My hometown, Wheeling, West Virginia, is no exception. As a matter of fact, every time I turn my head, I spot another area deemed a “Historic District.” One such spectacular piece of history is the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, which spans 1,010 feet across the Ohio River. Built in 1849, it has quite literally stood the test of time.

So, rather than poo poo your place of birth, do a little research on your city’s history. You never know what interesting artifacts you may uncover.

dress: Band of Gypsies, hat: Big Buddha, belt: vintage, clutch: vintage, sandals: Dolce Vita, watch: Michael Kors

Get that Wheeling feeling.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: For the Birds

By Kirsten|March 6th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Everyday around the same time, a flock of birds shows up at this little bird bath. I’m not talking like one or two. I am talking about ten to twenty at a time. It’s like birds gone wild at spring beak (too many fowl puns?). Something about this little bird bath seemed very French to me. I’m not sure why. Do they even have birds (les oiseaux) in France? Doesn’t matter. It seemed like a perfect place to put on one of my favorite knit dresses with wedge booties and beret and channel my inner French girl. While it’s been abnormally warm, the air does start to chill when the sun goes down. That’s why it’s imperative to always have a jacket and scarf on hand. Cherry nails and lips are the perfect accents for an all black and white ensemble.

dress: Zara, jacket: Andrew Marc, cashmere scarf: Nordstrom, hat: Urban Outfitters, shoes: Franco Sarto, bag: Kwigy Bo, nail polish: Essie Lacquered Up

1. Dolce Vita Bayley Dress, $176, 2. Bark n Bag Monaco Pet Tote, $48, 3. Cooperative Woven Wedge, $109, 4. Members Only Sylvia Leather Jacket, $140, 5. Wyatt Black Wool Cashmere Knit Hat, $85, 6. John W. Nordstrom Cashmere Scarf, $56.90

And I never leave home without my best accessory… Smitty.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Work It, Girl

By Kirsten|January 9th, 2012|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

While some ladies may be those of leisure, others work hard for their money. They’re smart, determined, dedicated, and want to look damn good while dominating a board room. And while mama does work hard to bring home the bacon, she doesn’t want to put all that money right back into her work wardrobe. So what’s a girl to do? Shop smart! There are plenty of work appropriate options that 1). won’t break the bank and, 2). won’t raise any eyebrows. The key to a fabulous work wardrobe is investing in smart separates that can be mixed, matched, and accessorized to provide a plethora of early morning options. Here are three outfits all under $200 that will have you looking like (and making) a million.

Let’s break down the numbers:

BB Dakota Audry Twill Dress, $79.99 + Mossimo Palma Pumps, $29.99 + Marc by Marc Jacobs Metallics Packables Shopper, $58 = $167.98

Jack by BB Dakota Nadine Top, $52 + My Favorite Things Pencil Skirt, $79.90 + Nine West Escher Pumps, $59.99 = $191.98

BB Dakota Hadley Pants, $59.99 + Staring at Stars Chiffon Button Down Shirt, $24.99 + DV by Dolce Vita Boston Pumps, $72.99 = $157.97

Now that’s what I call retail math.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: American Woman

By Kirsten|September 20th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

During this magical time of year called fall, it becomes incredibly awkward when trying to dress yourself. I know we are all beyond elated that Starbucks brought back the Pumpkin Spice Latte, but I’m not exactly psyched when I stare blankly into the depths of my closet trying to figure out what I can put on that will not look seasonally inappropriate (like a summer sundress hangover), but also doesn’t make me look like an overzealous fashion obsessed robot who can not wait to sport fall’s hottest trends. This is the perfect time of year to merge some of your summer favorites with your soon to be fall staples. Pairing a breezy chiffon dress with flat booties and a lightweight jacket is the perfect outfit that says, “Oh, what? This ol’ thing?”

Polka dots, while a huge trend for fall, can sometimes look a little too whimsical and girly for daytime. That’s why I like to mix things up by adding studded booties and this motorcycle jacket from American Living for jcpenney. This very same dress can be worn with platform heels in a pop of color with a bouncy high ponytail and cherry red lips to achieve a very girly get up for cocktails with the girls (or a handsome beau).

1. American Living by jcepenney Motorcycle Jacket, $54, 2. Splendid Polka Dot Cami Dress, $108, 3. Max and Chloe Star Double Ring, $40, 4. ASOS Double Row Chain Necklace, $18.30, 5. Dolce Vita Bronco Boot, $65.97

Toughen up.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Party Pants

By Kirsten|August 16th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This is one of my all time favorite outfits and these sequin shorts may seem silly, but I’ve found them to be awfully versatile. �This particular pair of party pants has made its way from the Standard in New York to the Chateau Marmont in LA and had a blast all along the way.

Since moving up north, all my “fun” clothes have been doing nothing but collecting dust. �Needless to say, my sequin shorts haven’t seen the light of day. Sorry, kids, unless you love to wear North Face, Patagonia and J. Crew when you’re feeling jazzy, Northern California is not for you. But just because I’m suffering doesn’t mean you need to be.