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Friday Frocks: Block Party

By Kirsten|April 15th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

A couple of months ago, I pointed out the oh so colorful, oh so fun colorblocking trend that we had seen all over the runways and on our favorite stars. I even showed you how to recreate the look. But alas, it can be tricky not to mention treacherous trying to pull this look off for the untrained fashionista.

And why wouldn’t we have a little history lesson on this fine Friday?

While this trend feels fresh for spring, it’s not actually new. Much like all fashion, it’s been recycled and given a new spin. The original colorblocked dress above is from Yves Saint Laurent circa 1965. Piet Mondrian’s Composition II in Red, Blue, and Yellow (1930) was used for the inspiration and this simple shift became iconic.

Below are some modern takes on the colorblock trend for you to try out yourself:

1. Forever 21 Colorblock Bodycon Dress, $15.80, 2. Diane von Furstenberg Reara Two Tone Dress, $365, 3. BCBG Colorblocked Dress with Tulle, $258, 4. Herve Leger Two Tone Strapless Bandage Dress, $1,150, 5. Arden B. Ombre Colorblock Bandage Dress, $79, 6. Amanda Uprichard Dynasty Colorblocked Dress, $194, 7. Roxy Double Dress, $39.50, 8. Ali Ro Colorblock Beaded Dress, $365

Block on!

xx,

Why Did

Photo via Up My Ali

Friday Frocks: Stop and Smell the Roses

By Kirsten|April 8th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

This spring, fashionistas have been going crazy for floral printed frocks. I know what you’re thinking, the last time floral prints were in was when Kelly and Donna were graduating from West Beverly High. What could possibly be chic about decking yourself out in fussy flowers? Well, actually a lot. Floral patterns have come a long way from the mid nineties. My love of florals is unwavering and as you may remember, my favorite dress… er, dresses… are floral printed. Check out these fierce florals and tell me you’re not a believer:

1. D & G Floral Ruffle Dress, $745, 2. Forever 21 Peek A Boo Dress, $15.80, 3. MINKPINK Darling Buds of May Sundress, $103, 4. Diane von Furstenberg Graca Dress, $325, 5. Anna Sui Watercolor Floral Garden Mixed Print Dress, $425, 6. Nanette Lepore Candy Girl Dress, $298, 7. JOIE Painterly FLoral Balinda Dress $288, 8. Free People Parisian Bouquets Halter Dress, $128, 9. Carin Wester Nakato Shirtdress, $295, 10. Free People Everything Nice Lace Dress, $98

Toughen up your floral frock with chunky platforms and edgy accessories so that you look more like a primrose than a wallflower.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Chakra.org

Friday Frocks: Amazing Lace

By Kirsten|April 1st, 2011|Friday Frocks|

With the temperature reaching an impressive ninety degrees here in LA yesterday, I got excited thinking about shedding all of those winter layers and slipping into something much more summery. One of my very favorite dresses that I can not bear to part with (no matter the stains or pulls in the fabric) is a simple white lace crochet dress. The shape is simple and season after season it always looks just right for hot summer afternoons paired with espadrilles and a cool beverage. There is something so romantic yet so fresh about a dainty white lace dress. It is a piece that every girl, southern belle or not, should have in her wardrobe.

1. Kite & Butterfly Ivory French Lace Dress, $390, 2. Patterson J. Kincaid Torino Belted Lace Dress, $248, 3. XOXO Sleeveless Scoopneck Lace Ruffle Pocket Dress, $59, 4. Haute Hippie Lace Overlay Slip Dress, $495, 5. Dolce & Gabbana Lace Cocktail Dress, $475, 6. ABS by Allen Schwartz Tiered Lace Dress, $297, 7. Forever 21 Lace Back Asymmetrical Dress, $19.80, 8. Willow & Clay Lace Maxi Dress, $118, 9. Topshop White Prairie Lace Panel Sundress, $75, 10. Free People Ruffle Lace Slip, $78, 11. American Eagle Lace Dress, $49.50, 12. Free People Vintage Lace Dress, $298

Bring on the sun.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via The Sweetest Occasion

Girl Crush: Channeling Fran, the Flashy Girl from Flushing

By Kirsten|March 29th, 2011|Celebrity Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

As previously stated, I’m a big fan of “classic” (um, is the 90’s now classic?) television. One of my favorites is none other than The Nanny starring nasal voiced Fran Drescher. While on the show she is portrayed as a tacky Jewish girl from Queens, if you look at Fran’s wardrobe, she’s really a trendsetter. Don’t believe me? Let’s just take a gander at the spring trends she’s sporting in the photos above:

Crop top. Check.
Florals. Check.
Animal Print. Triple check.
Stripes. Check.
Colorblocking. Check.
Flatforms. Ugh… Check.

Not so tacky now, is she? A funny site I came across while doing my reconnaissance work for this post called, Should Be On the Nanny, pinpoints just how “on point” Fran was with her over the top outfits. I often find myself sitting in front of the TV screen thinking one of two things: “I have that outfit” or “I need that outfit.” If you, too, are channeling your inner girl from Flushing here are some Nanny-approved outfits to hop on your boss’s desk in:

1. Anne Klein New York Polka Dot Silk Georgette Blouse, $136.50, 2. Spring & Clifton Rumour Mini Skirt, $121, 3. Alice + Olivia Nicola Leopard Print Dress, $297, 4. Alice + Olivia Yoko Floral Flutter Sleeve Blouse, $275, 5. Truly Madly Deeply Mini Pencil Skirt, $32, 6. Jonathan Saunders Chilton Embellished Silk Mini Dress, $717.50, 7. bebe Neon Mesh Panel Dress, $129, 8. Theory Elizabeth Short Sleeved Turtleneck Top, $85, 9. Forever 21 Pretty Plaid Skirt, $19.80, 10. Asos Bandeau Leopard Jumpsuit, $53.79, 11. All Saints Mohan Leather Jacket, $395, 12. Report Signature Black Stretch Winston Platform Over the Knee Boots, $252, 13. Bettye Muller Caprice Wedges, $185, 14. Charlotte Olympia Miranda Leopard Platform Wedge, $902, 15. D&G Shocking Rose Black Bow Silk Top, $315, 16. BB Dakota Lance Plaid Skirt, $34, 17. Betsey Johnson Kiss Cotton Jersey Crop Top, $128, 18. French Connection Fast Dazzi Sequin Skirt, $101.99

And that’s how she became the nanny…

xx,

WhyDid

Photos via The Nanny Statement

Why Did You Eat That?: Roll Along Lil Doggies

By Kirsten|January 10th, 2011|New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

While in the midst of packing up the few final boxes of my New York apartment last week, my packing companion informed me he was craving a New York hot dog. Seems reasonable. So, of course, the first place I thought of was Crif Dogs in the East Village. They claim to be the number one weiner in the city, and I would tend to agree.

Now, it’s hard to go wrong when it comes to hot dogs, but Crif Dogs really outdid themselves in order to make sure they would not disappoint. The chihuahua (bacon wrapped dog with avocado and sour cream) is my personal fave. Couple that with some tater tots and cheese dipping sauce and you’ve got a meal made in heaven. So, let’s say you’re ready to kick it up a notch… Well, you’re in luck. It just so happens that Crif Dogs houses a “secret” bar. That way if your hot dog has you ready for a little more excitement, you can enter through the phonebooth located on the left wall to a little place called PDT (Please Don’t Tell). Now, while this is probably not news to most of you, I’m going to go ahead and spell it out for those of you who aren’t familiar:

So, you go into said “phonebooth,” pick up the receiver to get the hostess on the line and ask to be seated. If you have reservations, this shouldn’t be a problem. Otherwise, the hostess will give you the once over and decide whether or not there is any room for you inside.

Once inside, you will have a few rules to follow, but they are totally worth it when it comes to the delicious concoctions from the bartenders (mixologists?). Don’t bother ordering something average. You will be snubbed. If you’d like to just cut to the chase or you get a little snacky at the bar, you can order the same hot dogs from Crif Dogs.

Crif Dogs/PDT

113 St. Marks Place

New York, NY 10009

While munching on hot dogs sounds like a pretty casual outing, you may want to spruce up a little if you want to stand a chance of getting in next door. Try a little bit of casual, elegance with a touch of East Village hipster. (Fellas, don’t even bother coming in your suits- We saw more than a handful of rejects).

Forever 21 Trad Plaid Flannel Shirt, $12.50