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Why Did You Wear That: Private (School) Party

By |September 4th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

private school uniformMove over Blair Waldorf, this fall preppy plaid and tailored blazers are having a moment lasting longer than your reign as prom queen.  But this isn’t a buttoned up and uptight renaissance.  Think of the girls in school who skipped class, spent lunch smoking in the hidden back parking lot, and unabashedly flirted with the cute English teacher.  Okay, I didn’t do any of those things in school, but I did manage to find each and every loophole in the dress code.  I was reprimanded more than once for having rolled my skirt or wearing shoes that weren’t deemed appropriate.  Many feel that a school uniform stunts a child’s ability to express him or herself, but I contest that belief as it takes a lot more creativity to own the look.  Plus, basically already knowing what you’re going to wear every morning gives you much more time to spend straightening your hair. Iron on labels can help you keep your school cloth well organized.  The only downside was that I didn’t wear thong underwear on a daily basis until I graduated as our ancient stairwells were a peeping Tom’s dream realized.

Can we take a moment and relish in the irony that my highschool had a “best dressed” superlative?

For fall, be at the head of the class by pairing an updated plaid or pleated skirt with an oversized blazer or varsity jacket and don’t forget to finish it off with a pair of absolutely inappropriate shoes.  See you in detention.

(In case you are wondering about these illustrious photos, the one on the left is from either my sophomore or junior year of school- clearly when I discovered bleach and the one on the right is my first day of ninth grade.  And yes, those are Doc Martens).

best plaid skirts fall1. A.P.C. Burnou Zippe Coat, 2. SMYTHE Three Button Schoolboy Blazer, 3. Roseanna Tommy Sherpa Lined Jacket, 4. J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer, 5. Opening Ceremony Tristan Wool Classic OC Varsity Jacket, 6. Sea Two Pleat Skirt, 7. Marissa Webb Paige Gerrit Plaid Skirt, 8. GETTING BACK TO SQUARE ONE Plaid Miniskirt, 9. BB Dakota Corvin Pleated Skirt, 10. JOA Checked Pencil Skirt, 11. Manolo Blahnik Rorita Oxfords, 12. Walter Steiger Lug Sole Patent Leather Loafers, 13. Studio Pollini Loafers, 14. J. Crew Kiltie Monk Strap Loafers, 15. Zimmermann Tie Up Ballerina Flats

 xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Leader of the (Back) Pack

By |September 3rd, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

how to wear a backpack overallsBackpacks aren’t anything new- we brought back the pack both last year (here) and the year before (here).  Long gone are the days of bulky canvas Kipling and Jansport and the current iterations aren’t of Clueless microscopic proportions either.  These bags are crafted of leathers, skins, and suede and embellished with shiny hardware in gold, silver, and in some instances even rose gold.  While many equate backpacks to textbooks and pencil cases, the backpack has evolved well beyond the playground and has become fashion “it” girls’ new “it” bag.  Trade in your slouchy tote for fall for a backpack slung over one shoulder or worn traditionally on two shoulders.  Tag- you’re it.

10 top backpacks1. Alexander Wang Dumbo Textured Leather Backpack, 2. Proenza Schouler Python PS Small Courier Backpack, 3. Opening Ceremony Izzy Backpack, 4. meli melo Mini Backpack, 5. See by Chloé Cherry Backpack, 6. Jerome Dreyfuss Haircalf Florent Backpack, 7. ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Backpack, 8. Deadly Ponies Mr. Chain Mail Backpack, 9. Balenciaga Arena Classic Traveler Backpack, 10. KARA Suede Backpack

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photo by Michael Stiegler, full outfit post here

Setting the Mood: Hall Pass

By |September 1st, 2014|Setting the Mood|

fall fashion 2014Many of you have sung summer’s swan song with the commencement of Labor Day, but I would like to take an optimistic moment to point out that the official end of summer isn’t until September 23rd and if this Amazonian jungle like heat is any indication (don’t worry- the worst is coming), we have a few more weeks to revel in the sun.  As the city refills with co-eds and those who spent all summer out east and jet setting around the globe, it starts to feel a little bit like a reunion.  While I’m several years past returning to the classroom for another semester of mundane lectures and assignments I don’t understand, something about the beginning of September and the onset of Fashion Week festivities feels like the first day of school and trying to find a seat in the cafeteria without spilling your chocolate milk.  Fall in New York elicits an excitement that is both magical and anxiety inducing.  So, brace yourselves, ladies.  Class is in session.

fall fashion accessories(clockwise): Thakoon Addition Karolina 2 Paneled Snake Effect Leather Brogues, Smythson Superstar Textured Leather Notebook, Illesteva Whitman D-Fram Matte Acetate Glasses, Valentino Embellished Textured Leather Headband

xx,

WhyDid