Fashion Blog | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Now and Later

By Kirsten|September 4th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

The weather at the end of summer and the beginning of spring is more flippant and unpredictable than a woman two days into Aunt Flo. One day you’re blotting sweat stains from a silk blouse and the next you’re wishing you’d stowed a cardigan in your tote. Most of my summer was spent sunning my stems in denim cutoff shorts. My jeans barely saw the light of day and probably now have perma-creases from staying stagnant in the depths of my closet. Most people see Labor Day as the end of summer and Fashion Week as the beginning of fall. This is when closet starved New Yorkers begin the purging of their closets. Tiny tanks and strappy sandals are stowed and soft cashmere and slouchy boots take their place. But before you pack away your denim cutoffs for good, let’s examine how some of your favorite summer pieces can have an extended shelf life by working them into your wardrobe with winter wear.

sunglasses: Ray-Ban, top: custom vintage (similar here), shorts: c/o Cult of Individuality, bracelets: Alex and Ani, bag: Malini Murjani (similar here), shoes: L.A.M.B. (similar here)

Stay tuned to see how to take your summer shorts to a winter staple.
xx,

WhyDid

Photo credit: Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Take Two, Part Two

By Kirsten|August 14th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I was once quoted as saying my ideal outfit is “feminine but tough. (Like a pretty girl on a Harley)…” For me, it’s awfully difficult to look anything but all American. Long blonde hair and fairly classic features make it pretty easy for me to be lumped in with your average white chick. There are times when I don’t feel as if my insides match my outsides. I remember the first time I sat down in my hairstylist’s chair. She’s a super cool girl from Brooklyn and I could just tell by the barely noticeable eye roll that she had pegged me as just another girl from the West Side by merely taking in my fresh face, designer bag, and simple tank dress. After speaking with her for fifteen minutes, her initial impression of me was completely forgotten and I won’t let anyone else touch my hair with his or her scissors.

I like to take something classic and turn it into something unexpected by giving it some edge or “dumbing it down.” Anything too obvious makes me uncomfortable. Predictable scares me and boring is the end of my existence. If it’s too pretty, I add something ugly. I used to always wear my glasses with anything bodycon… until that became an ironic trend. Now I just deal with my less than perfect vision by forgoing my spectacles. Even the prettiest of cocktail dresses can morph like a chameleon by swapping out strappy sandals for rugged boots, fussy hair for wild strands, tasteful jewels for “in your face” bling. A little black dress that I thought would only come in handy for last minute cocktail party invites has fast become a closet staple.

dress: Nightcap Clothing (long sleeve version), necklace: vintage (similar), bracelet: vintage necklace (similar), boots: Frye, bag: Expressions NYC (similar)

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Take Two, Part One

By Kirsten|August 13th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Buying a dress for your own birthday party is a pretty big deal. At least it was for me this year. For my first birthday back in New York, I wanted to celebrate with my favorite friends who I had missed so much and look damn good while doing so. However, having a birthday in the icy wintry month of January proves to be a bit more difficult when perusing the racks. I had been eying a particular lacy black dress online for quite some time and finally concluded the day of my birth would be the perfect time to debut it.

The good thing about this dress is that it’s neither seasonal, nor too trendy. It makes a statement without being something that can only be worn once. So, one evening, when I couldn’t quite figure out what to wear for another friend’s birthday party, I pulled this pretty little thing out of my closet for another spin around the dancefloor. This time sans tights. On my way out, I decided I should also probably take out the trash. Well, wouldn’t you know, it was a good thing I hadn’t worn my usual post workout sweat stained garb to handle the task. As I approached the compactor room, a very dashing gentleman was on his way in to toss his own trash. Being an actual gentleman, he held the door open for me and continued to hold it so that I wouldn’t be shut in the creepy, stinky room solo. As I leaned over the shoot, the fellow commented, “That’s quite an outfit for garbage duty.” To which I replied, “Oh, this old thing?”

dress: Nightcap Clothing (long sleeve version), shoes: Steve Madden (similar), clutch: Helena de Natalio (similar), bracelet: vintage necklace (similar), nails: Marie Nails

Stay tuned for this little black dress, take two.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Hat Trick

By Kirsten|August 10th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

When my fave friend and photog and I do a photoshoot, there are about a billion pictures wherein I look like an asshole. However, when we get one, we really get one. After prancing through the streets a few weeks ago, we decided to just play around with the look and my oh so rustic exposed brick wall. It’s amazing what a little red lip can do. This particular shade is my tried and true. A bit of hair tossing, creative direction, and fun created these outtakes… which sometimes turn out to be the best ones.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Blue Jeans, White Shirt

By Kirsten|July 29th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

There are times when I gaze into my closet like it’s the great abyss. Just like there are times when I stare blankly at my computer screen with my fingers poised on the keyboard, but not a thing to type. The fact of the matter is, I tend to over complicate things. Overthink them. And so when I start to feel the sweat prickling on my skin as the stress sets in, I take a deep breath, and murmur to myself, “Keep it simple, stupid.” You see, when a women has a few staple pieces in her wardrobe, she can count on them like she can count on the rain after a blowout and her monthly visit from auntie Flo. By having a perfectly fitting pair of jeans, a fresh white t-shirt, crisp white blouse, and a gently destroyed pair of denim shorts, there is no occasion (except for black tie) that she cannot concur. Depending on the woman, event, and accessories, the most simple pieces, American classics, can take you from daytime down time to dinner, drinks, and possibly dancing.