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Setting the Mood: Double Up On Denim

By |November 26th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

denim on denim fashion editorialIf you live in America, you own a pair of jeans.  For whatever reason, this time of year feels very “Americana” to me.  The only thing I own more of than crop tops is denim.  Once I found a brand and style I liked, I bought it in every available color and/or pattern.  When it comes to cold weather, I start at the bottom (much like Drake), as in my jeans and then build my outfit around them.  This is why I often complain to my friends about having no tops.  But that is neither here nor there, as let’s talk about you and your denim needs.  Whether it’s the perfect pair of jeans, a chambray shirt, or a beaten up jean jacket, be sure to slip into something that feels more American than apple pie.

denim accessoriesRag & Bone Boyfriend Distressed Denim JacketKoku Viva Denim ClutchThe Laundress Denim Care SetMiu Miu Crystal Embellished Denim Pointed Toe Flats

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Plaid to the Bone

By |November 17th, 2014|Setting the Mood, Why Did You Wear That?|

plaid fashion editorialAs seen as one of the trend’s for this winter’s must have coats, plaid is a pattern that hasn’t (and isn’t) going anywhere.  Houndstooth, Glenurquhart Check, Windowpane and Tatersall, whatever your check of choice, be certain to include it in your winter wardrobe.  One might think I’d be burnt out on plaid after being forced to wear it for a greater portion of my adolescence, but the opposite is true.  Perhaps it holds a bit of nostalgia, or maybe it’s just a pattern that really never goes out of style.  While it can be worn in the straightforward fashion of a flannel or frock, it also comes in an array of accessories and the truly bold may be able to pull of mixing multiple tartans at one time.

burberry rain boots plaid

Burberry Shearling Lined Checked Cotton Twill and Rubber BootsIsabel Marant Matt Plaid Linen and Wool Blend ScarfMarc by Marc Jacobs Top Schooly Printed Leather Shoulder BagEquipment Shane Plaid Intarsia Wool Sweater

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: A Day at the Office

By |October 17th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

daisy fuentes kohls nyc whydidWorking from home has its obvious perks.  Wine for breakfast, dog friendly, flexible work hours, pajamas welcome.  Though fewer, it also has its downfalls.  One of which I’m convinced I’ve contracted called “agoraphobia.”  Another, though disguised as an upside, is never really needing to put on pants.  Without the need to put on clothing that doesn’t include elastane in the fiber contents, it’s fairly easy to overlook your ever growing waistline.

Also, there are those times when my job does require me to interact with other humans and show face in professional work environments and that’s about the time I shift into a near panic attack as I stare into the abyss of my closet because we are always expected to wear some kind of uniforms that are part of are business attire.  What the hell do people wear to work?  Are crop tops considered business casual?  What if I wear one with a blazer?

When I received this ponté fit and flare dress from Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s, I knew immediately that it was the perfect option for these terrorizing occasions.  Never again would I break into a sweat before a business meeting because this curve hugging, office appropriate dress is the perfect combination of classic and cool.  With a few added accessories like a studded belt, leather jacket, and strappy pumps, I felt professional without being overly prissy.  At this rate, I may have to get a desk job.

(P.S. you’re welcome, RKF.  I’ll happily take a cut of the commission earned from this post).

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new york city street style why did you wear that kirsten smithdress: c/o Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s, belt: DVF, similar by B-Low the Belt here, shoes: Sam Edelman, jacket: Marc New York, bag: Balenciaga, lipcolor: Clinique Different Lipstick in Angel Red

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Seeing Red

By |September 22nd, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

fall trends 2014 sweater dressIt can be tricky trying to decide what color to wear with red.  When I was younger, I had an incredibly strong aversion to wearing black with red.  To me, it came off as a little cheap.  I don’t feel as strongly about it now as I did when I was sixteen, but I still prefer other options over basic black when accessorizing with bold red.  Well then, what options is one left with when black is eliminated?  You could opt for luggage colored brown, or even a soft taupe.  Another great option is grey (also a fall trend).  In this instance, I had forgotten I even had these deep oxblood Pour La Victoire boots hidden beneath my bed (that’s how we store shoes here in New York).  As soon as I’d wiped away the dust bunnies, I recalled that I also had a vintage bag from my mother that was of the same shade.  Once a complete faux pas and something only worn by women donning their Sunday best for morning mass, I threw caution to the wind and got wild by matching my shoes to my bag.  Another option right on trend would be to wear a leopard boot or carry a leopard clutch (thous in this instance, I’d opt for one or the other).  It may seem a little bit “The Nanny” but I actually believe despite what men say, that leopard is sort of a new neutral.  Besides, did Fran not get her man?

Speaking of my man and matching, Smitty celebrated his eighth birthday and one of his doting aunts was sweet enough to bestow him with his own scarlet sweater.  She pays attention to fall trends too.  Pretty much Smitty and I became this fall’s Justin and Britney, Katy and Riff Raff.  Sure, my sweater is just about the same size as Smitty’s and technically it’s just an oversized jumper as opposed to an official frock, but it’s not the first, nor will it be the last, time wherein I wear something not as it’s intended.

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how to wear a trench coatcoat: Michael Kors, sweater: Zara, similar by 6397 here, bag: vintage, similar by Oliveve here, shoes: Pour La Victoire, similar by Opening Ceremony here, dog: Smitty, Smitty’s sweater: handmade, similar by Ralph Lauren here, lips: Benefit Benetint

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photos by Michael Stiegler—-> have you check out his interview with Skinny Says Relax?

WhyDid Wisdom: Ask Me No Questions… Ok, Do.

By |September 9th, 2014|WhyDid Wisdom|

soho houseI’m typically the one doing all the interviews (Real People, Real Style) and I have a crop of fresh faces coming right up, so it was a pleasant and welcome change to have the tables turned.  Recently, both StyleList and Bott & Co delved deep into my sometimes scattered thoughts to ask me all about blogging, my ambitions, and my humble beginnings.  It’s interesting to actually have to think about where you are headed and remember how it all began.  Sometimes it’s incredibly scary to say (or write) out loud what it is that you really want out of life and to be open about yourself (a couple of years ago, I did an interview with Huffington Post wherein I discussed my distaste for leggings (read it here) that didn’t go over well with everyone), but I had a lot of fun doing it and if you haven’t already, please go check out both of my interviews.

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Read the entire interview at StyleList here.

bott and co why did kirsten smith blog

Read the full Bott & Co interview here.

 If you’re interested in an interview with me… don’t be shy and shoot me an email!

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photos by Skinny K and Michael Stiegler