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

American Woman

One of my favorite things in the world is a great bikini. Thankfully, we live in a country where it is totally acceptable to strut your stuff poolside in the teeniest of bikinis. God bless, America! So in celebration of one of the many freedoms we have in our fine country I have collected a few patriotic swimsuits that do not involve an American flag and will prevent you from looking like you need a Natty Lite and bandana:

Sea Folly Viva mini tube, $71 and side tie bottom $58

DVF Lorena bikini in Vintage Splat Red, $190

Shoshanna Sailboat triangle top, $32.30

Shoshanna Sailboat string bottoms, $32.30

Vix Neve Bia bikini, $108.50

Figleaves Wakiki triangle top, $15 and side tie bottom, $8

Milly Chain Print bandeau, $105, and bottom, $105

So, slip into your red, white, or blue suit and watch for the fireworks.

xx,

WhyDid

bikinis, Cindy Crawford, DVF, Figleaves, Fourth of July, Milly, Sea Folly, Shoshanna, Vix

I’m Baggin That

Okay, so you’ve got the tan. You’ve got the suit. Frosty beverage is in hand. So what’s in your bag? Packing for a day at the pool or by the beach is serious business. No one wants to run back up to the room because they forgot something. So let’s get it right the first time around. There are several crucial items that you should always have stashed in your beach bag. Let’s start at the top.

The bag:

I know there are a lot of options out there, but I think a waterproof/resistant bag is a safe bet. It’s prob going to get wet and/or sandy. No reason to spend five billion dollars on a beach bag, but it should certainly still be cute.

DVF Egypt Tattoo Beach Tote, $75

The hat:

You don’t necessarily need to wear it all day, but it is good to have on hand in case your nose gets a little too much sun or heaven forbid your ex shows up at the pool and you need a quick disguise. A large floppy one is great because you can stash it in your bag and not worry about it getting crushed. Just pull it out, shake it out, and voila! Instant shade.

Roxy Sandbox Hat, $28

The coverup:

You need to get to and from the pool, so you’re going to need something to wear over your slinky suit. Get a coverup that can also double as clothing if need be. You never know how many cute boys you may meet that want to take you for a bite after lounging in the sun.

Mara Hoffman Chiffon Drape Coverup, $305

The contents:

Okay, here we go. All the items that you need to go ahead and make certain are in your bag:

• Sunblock. You should ALWAYS be wearing at least SPF 15. I don’t know how else to pound this into your heads. Skin cancer + premature aging = not sexy.
• Lip balm- not gloss. Guess why? Lip gloss is like putting oil on your skin. It actually will increase your chances of getting a sunburn on your lips. Ouch! Try to also get some lip balm with SPF.
• Sunglasses. I mean, this is pretty obvious. They are so essential for so many reasons. They can hide a bad hangover, provide yet another form of disguise, prevent squinting (squinting causes crows feet, people), and they’re obvi a great accessory. Be sure to grab a case for them as well. Don’t want sand scratching up the lenses.
• Bottled water. I’ll probably have some environmentalists yelling at me for this, but how else would you like to carry my water? Perhaps a canteen? Hydration is really important in order not to get overheated in warm climates.  (To appease the environmental activists- refill the same bottle with water when you run out. Happy?)
• Trashy beach read. I am the queen of “pink books.” My bookshelf basically consists of those and business books (I know…). Might I suggest some Candace Bushnell?
• iPod. You may actually get sick of your bff’s constant babble about her ex-bf and want to shove some headphones in your ears to drown out her drone. Why not pick up a water resistant case for your iPod?
• Camera. Obviously you want to document how fab you look sitting by the pool so you can immediately upload to Facebook.  If you’re really ambitious, you’ll invest in a Flip cam like us.
• Aloe/after sun lotion. Your skin will be parched after a day of sun. Give it some TLC. (This will also extend your tan).

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your day in the sun. (And send us your best beach pics!)

xx,

WhyDid

Candace Bushnell, DVF, how to pack a beach bag, Mara Hoffman, Roxy, water resistant iPod case, WhyDidYouWearThat

There’s a Party in my…

Yes, it is that time of year again. So many parties, so little to wear.  Well, like my gay counterpart, I love any good reason to dress up. This includes holiday parties and the cherry on top, New Year’s Eve.  Many of us tend to take the easy route and slap on the same old boring black cocktail dress. Really? I know you switched up the accessories, but if I see that DVF on you one more time, I’m going to projectile vomit (in your direction). Below are some fun ways to spice up the typical cocktail attire.

• Don’t wear a dress- Why shouldn’t you wear sequin leggings with a pretty top? (*and because I have to- LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS). Substitute dressy fabrics (satin, sequins, velvet, brocade) in the form of shorts, pants, or skirts.

Romeo and Juliet Couture Sequin Legging, $65

Julianne Maria Satin Tap Shorts, AU$149

• Wear the pants- Why should guys be the only ones in a tux? Make your own female friendly version or opt for a cute romper like this.

Karina Grimaldi Tuxedo Romper, $218

• Into the night- I’d be lying if I told you I’ve never worn a nightgown out as a dress. I’ve actually done it several times (including NYE ‘08). Just make sure it’s not too revealing and actually looks like a dress. (Excessive use of nipples at holiday parties is typically frowned upon- unless you’re crashing a party at the Playboy Mansion).

Julianne Samantha Satin Chemise, AU$129

• Jump on it- Instead of a dress, try an ultra chic (ultra comfy) jumpsuit. It may make trips to the ladies room more complicated, but you’ll look cute (and that’s what matters).

Madison Marcus Glossy Jumpsuit, $435

• Color yourself bad- Stop being a wallflower and dare to wear something other than black. Pick a festive holiday jewel tone in chiffon or stretch charmeuse.

Ella Moss Nora Chiffon Dress, $198

David Meister Fitted Satin Dress, $315

Party on, dudes.

xx,

WhyDid

What “City” are YOU living in??

Okay, so I just finished watching this Monday’s DVR’ed episode of The City (yes, lame, I know) and I have a few things to get off my chest.

Other than the fact that The City is basically just very well packaged air, I am a little disheartened by their depiction of what it is like to live in New York City. 

First of all, the girls’ apartments in this show are ridiculous.  I believe that Olivia lives where she does (except they keep calling her an “Upper East Sider” and her apartment is actually in Tribeca) because she is clearly living on daddy’s dime.  Now, as most people who actually live in Manhattan know, there is no way on Earth, Whitney is able to afford her “Gramercy” apartment on her DVF fashion salary without either the help of her parental units or a sugar daddy.  I have friends who have worked at DVF and trust me, they do not live in massive luxury buildings in Gramercy.  Try more like a 5th floor walk up in the East Village.

And Erin?  I’m not sure what exactly she does (except that she now has some title-less job at One Management), but again… girls with entry level jobs in New York City are NOT living in apartments like hers without financial assistance. 

So to people in Manhattan, we are very well aware that this show is basically B.S., but for little girls in Iowa who dream of moving to the “Big City” and pursuing a career  in fashion I feel sad.  They are getting an idea of something that is just not even close to accurate.  I get it, who the heck wants to watch Whitney squash cockroaches or ride the subway?  But that’s reality.  And isn’t The City supposed to be a “reality show”?

**Note: There was one highlight in Monday’s episode.  When model Allie asked Kelly Cutrone if she liked her outfit, Kelly replied that she hated the leggings.  Thank you, Kelly.  Your support in the “leggings are not pants” campaign is invaluable.