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Friday Frocks: Show and Pas-tell

By Kirsten|April 23rd, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

The other day my dad was complaining that people don’t dress up for Easter like they used to. While people certainly have become more casual, he’s probably just spoiled due to my mother’s extreme outfits that she put her children in for the holiday. For as long as I can remember (until I had a say in the matter) I recall being strapped into an easter bonnet, fluffy dress, ruffled socks or tights, and some form of jazzy shoes (I wish I had pictures). When I talk about the Easter bonnet, I’m not talking about the run of the mill eyelet cap, I’m talking about fresh flowers sewn in to match my dress. My mother is no joke.

So, while you may not have the time (or interest) in sewing flowers to your cap, there’s no reason you can’t get into the holiday spirit by prancing around this Easter Sunday in one of these flirty pastel frocks. They’re enough to make the Easter Bunny blush:

1. Contrarian Barbara Bib Dress, $381, 2. Forever 21 Floral Sweetheart Tube Dress, $19.80, 3. Gianni Bini Della Dress, $138, 4. Wyatt Ivory Chiffon Big Rose Print Dress, $84.15, 5. Amanda Uprichard Joan Dress, $194, 6. Roxy Full Time Dress, $39.50, 7. Free People Flutter Away Striped Dress, $98, 8. Top Shop Pleated Neck Dress by Love, $76

Hoppy Easter!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Sheer Genius

By Kirsten|April 12th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This spring it’s okay to let it all hang out. What I mean is that the amount of sheer fabrics on the runway was enough to make Madonna blush. Couple that with the whole “underwear as outerwear” trend and you’re in for a serious game of peek-a-boo –and I’m not talking the version you play with your niece.

While this trend may seem a bit risque and a little overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Adding a little sheer fabric to your outfit is a great way to show skin in an unexpected manner. It’s sexy without being totally obvious. Just make sure to apply this trend in small doses. And NEVER wear a sheer bottom unless, of course, you’re frolicking on the beaches of St. Tropez. (I know that seems self explanatory, but one can never be too careful).

I’ve recreated one of my favorite outfits almost to a T (the shirt is a different color, multiply my A&A bangles by about 5 and add 1) for an easy and appropriate option – and so you can look just like me:

1. Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow Long Sleeve Blouse, $98, 2. Free People Lace Trim Bandeau, $28, 3. 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Super Skinny in Double Knit, $169, 4. Alex and Ani Love Charm Bracelet Set, $78.50, 5. Jimmy Choo Madame Metallic Leather Sandals, $725

This outfit is also great for a “day to night” transition. Layer a scarf and either a waterfall cardigan or boyfriend blazer for day and then remove scarf and outerwear to party all night. Don’t forget to revisit my sheer “Do’s and Don’ts.”

Peek-a-boo!

xx,

WhyDid

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

Friday Frocks: Shifty Little Lady

By Kirsten|March 25th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

A “mini” history lesson today. A shift dress is a simple, short silhouette accented by darts on the front bust and a straight or slightly A-line hem. The neckline is typically either a high boatneck or crewneck and there is no definition at the waist. This very simple shift was first credited to Hubert de Givenchy as he designed most of Audrey Hepburn’s wardrobe- including that oh so iconic black shift she wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The dress was later made popular by Lilly Pullitzer when she wore the dress while selling fresh squeezed fruit juice (I’m not kidding) roadside in Palm Beach, Florida. The image that comes to my mind, however, is Twiggy in a shift dress. She was hired at 16 to model the shape for Mary Quant who had shortened the hemline to about six inches above the knee.

Despite the simplicity of this shape, it doesn’t work for every body. Bigger busted ladies may have a harder time slipping into this shift. It works best on boyish figures and is a fantastic choice for you ladies with great gams.