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Why Did You Wear That: Hot Lips

By |March 27th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith jeremy pennWith one of spring’s hottest trends being a nod to art inspired style, living in a city with not only limited wall space, but also limited funding for original artwork can be downright depressing- especially for those of us with pensions for more than basic black and white Ikea prints.  So, when New York based modern artist, Jeremy Penn, was generous enough to send one of his Hot Lips tanks (recently featured in InTouch), I was not only flattered, but floored.  Sure it’s “spring” here in the city, but it’s still too soon to bare it all in this soft and slouchy tank and since I really couldn’t be bothered to wait to wear it, I warmed it up with patterned denim, a light spring jacket, and colored suede booties- a look perfect for navigating the tourist infested cobblestone streets that I call home.

kirsten smith new york

kirsten smith

kirsten smith jeremy penn

kirsten smithkirsten smith whydidjacket: Diane von Furstenberg, tank: Jeremy Penn (available here– a portion of proceeds go to the Global Fund for Women), pants: 7 For All Mankind, boots: Pour La Victoire, bag: vintage

SHOP THE LOOK:

xx,

WhyDid

 

photos by Brian Schutza

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: Up on the Roof

By |July 24th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithWhen I walked out of my grey carpeted, grey walled, grey everything office on my last day of work, I knew I never wanted to be stuck in a corporate cubicle ever again.  Ever.  I started WhyDid while working that 9-5 (more like 8-8) job and made it my priority a year later.  Sure, I wrote my first book at age ten, but I hadn’t even realized how much I enjoyed writing until over ten years later.  I’ve now been fortunate enough to turn something I love to do, into what I do for a living.

While not having to report to an office sure has its perks (like wine at lunch), working from home can become pretty isolating.  I don’t have to get dressed or even shower before making it from my bed to my computer.  I don’t need to come in contact with humans on a daily basis if I don’t want to.  And it’s fairly easy to get totally sidetracked.  I have a beautiful apartment, but staring at the same four walls day in and day out can be less than inspiring.  Luckily, I have a very special creative oasis just an elevator ride away.  Arguably, I have one of the best rooftops in Manhattan.  I can see in all directions, and being by the water allows for a little breeze, which is crucial during these oppressively hot summer days.  I mean, there’s even WiFi.  My only complaint?  No electrical outlets, which only allows me to work for as long as my batteries will last.  So, management, if you’re reading this…

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smitty

kirsten smithtop: Brandy Melville (similar), shorts: Brandy Melville (similar), sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bracelets: Alex and Ani, necklace: Nina Nguyen, shoes: Charles David, bag: Diane von Furstenberg (similar), dog: Smitty

Rough day at the office.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo credit: Michael Stiegler

Friday Frocks: Be Mine, Valentine.

By |February 3rd, 2012|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

paper valentines

Shall we go ahead and acknowledge the upcoming calendar holiday (ahem, Valentine’s Day)?  Knowing you pretty (and smart) ladies, you’ve probably already got a handful (or more) of handsome suitors just willing you to be their Valentines.  As a matter of fact, they’re probably doodling your name as we speak.  Whether or not you oblige one of these lucky gentlemen on their offer or opt to hit the town with your favorite gal pals instead, it’s never too early to start planning your outfit.  Stick to traditional red, a splash of fuchsia, or spice things up with a playful pattern.  These frocks are sure to get all kinds of hearts aflutter.

valentines day dresses1. DKNY Cutout Stretch Ponte Dress, $295, 2. Lipsy Lace Panel Dress, $63.56, 3. Herve Leger Colorblock Lola Dress, $1,590, 4. Kimberly Taylor Diana Dress, $193, 5. Mc Q Alexander McQueen Racer Dress, $365, 6. Lucca Couture Cutout Ponte Dress, $29.99, 7. Diane von Furstenberg Tamika Colorblock Dress, $345, 8. Juicy Couture Printed Ruffle Neck Dress, $178, 9. Matthew Williamson Rainbow Satin and Crochet Appliqued Lace Dress, $2,675, 10. Parker Ruffle Side Dress, $198

Looking fine, Valentine.

xx,

WhyDid

 

image via Jen and Ink

Friday Frocks: Take the Plunge

By |November 11th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Alright, so the chances of taking a swan dive into clear blue waters at this time of year are probably slim to none for most of us… but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the plunge this fall.  Step away from the high dive and step over to your closet.  A deep v neckline is one heck of a way to make an entrance into any holiday party.  Just don’t forget your double sided tape!

1. For Love & Lemons Luna Dress, $120, 2. DVF Chastity Dress, $485, 3. Alice + Olivia Violet Sequined Halter Dress, $495, 4. Rachel Pally Alady Dress, $229, 5. Bec & Bridge Hutton Plunge Dress, $350, 6. Contrarian Paula Plunge Dress, $379, 7. Kimberly Taylor Susan Dress, $395, 8. Anni and Jade Ava Deep V-neck Sheath, $254, 9. Mark + James Deep V Sequin Dress, $440, 10. Tibi Petali Beading Dress, $605, 11. Free People Spun Daily Chord Pointelle Tunic, $198

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photo via Flickriver (Roxy)