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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

Why Did You Wear That: When the Lights Go Down

By |August 9th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

sunset cutoff denim shortsMy love of sunsets is no secret to friends and loved ones.  My father often snaps his West Coast stunners for me so that I get to experience not one, but two beautiful skies a night.  That’s love -and one reason I’d totally be down for a long distance relationship.  Cloud coverage, humidity, and time of day can all affect the palette used to create each night’s masterpiece making it nearly impossible for it to ever grow old.  Each night, I’m undoubtedly awed.  The only catch to my sherbert sunsets is that why, yes, that is the W Hoboken.  That’s the irony in all of this.  Joke’s on you, Manhattan.  You pay thousands of dollars a month in rent to gaze appreciatively at New Jersey.  At least Brooklyn gets to take in our beautiful skyline.  Even though we laugh at the fact that all of these glorious sky paintings are hung in the gallery that is New Jersey, I still show up for the show.

Tomorrow marks the second super moon (not to mention the Aquarius new moon), the largest of three super moons this summer. Shit is literally going to get weird and you can bet I will be perched atop my roof to take in the lunar glow sparkling against the Hudson (and New Jersey).  I’ve been known on more than one occasion to wear nightgowns as evening gowns– a trait I earned honestly from my mother.  Which is why some of my favorite clothing items came directly from my mom’s lingerie drawer.  Vintage lace tops worn with this summer’s favored outerwear, the kimono, is perfect for staring at the moon.

But I sure do miss the stars.

whydid blog kirsten smith sunset nyckimono nyc denim cutoff shorts brandy melville

kirsten smith why did blog

lace top kimono nyc sunset

kirsten smith whydid blogwhydid blog kirsten smithkimono: similar by Ecote here, top: vintage Mom’s, shorts: similar by MINKPINK here, shoes: French Connection, bag: Louis Vuitton, necklace: Nina Nguyen, ring: Erica Annenberg, bracelets: Alex + Ani

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Happily Overall

By |June 20th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith overalls whydidWith the return of 90’s trends, it’s felt like a reliving of my youth- not that it was that long ago or anything.  Much like mementos from first loves or pictures from the past, I have a hard time letting go of some of my clothing- in part because I know it’s going to become relevant again and also because it reminds me of particular periods of my life.  Seriously, you should see the closets at my mom’s house.  Hello, 90210.  One article of clothing I wish I’d hung onto were my overalls.  However, I was so happy at the time the trend was over that they were sent straight to Goodwill much like my Kriss Kross cassette was shuttled down the garbage shoot.

So, when these denim onesies made a surprising return (okay, not surprising since I predicted it), I was left looking for an adult pair.  Unlike other fillers (cantaloupe, carnations, baby’s breath, Juvederm, etc.), closet fillers are for trends that you like, but recognize for exactly what they are: trends.  There’s no use dropping two hundred dollars on a pair of destroyed dungarees when you know very well you won’t be wearing them next summer.  We all know summer is meant for flings anyway.  Therefore, I headed to everyone’s favorite “fast fashion” establishment, Forever 21 and scored a pair that I have no buyer’s remorse about.  (And paired them with a crop top, of course). overalls kirsten smith whydid

dog in the park nyc

kirsten smith overalls nyc

overalls nyc

kirsten smith why did overallsTop: similar by Alice & Olivia, Overalls: Forever 21, Shoes: similar by Steve Madden, Bag: French Connection, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Lips: , Dog: Smitty

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Fresh Coat

By |October 22nd, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

coatsThe only item more clutch to one’s closet than the perfect fall boots is the perfect fall coat.  Growing up in Florida, I was unfamiliar with inclement winter weather.  Boy, was I in for a rude awakening during my first northeastern snow storm.  This was when I took a crash course in dressing for the elements.  Never again would I be chilled to the bone without the appropriate outerwear.  Someone wise once told me that if you have a nice coat, nice bag, and nice shoes during the winter, it doesn’t really matter whether you’re wearing sweats underneath– no one will even see them.  I’m not encouraging that, but I certainly wouldn’t shame you for running to Starbucks in your jammies so long as you cover them accordingly.  While you should have one go to coat to cover all occasions, you’re going to need a couple more to fill in the wardrobe gaps.  Below are some essential styles that will keep you warm and looking cool.

fall coats

 

  1. The trench: Rachel Zoe London Belted Trench, Burberry Brit Short Leather Trimmed Cotton Twill Trench Coat, Club Monaco Isabella Trench
  2. The leather jacket: T by Alexander Wang Reversible Leather and Nylon Bomber Jacket, Mackage Veruca Leather Jacket, Club Monaco Lee Moto Jacket
  3. The cape: Max Studio Single Breasted Cape, DSQUARED2 Wool Cape, Anthropologie Chevron Sweet Poncho
  4. The varsity jacket: Lulu & Co Wool Blend and Leather Varsity Jacket, Club Monaco Gabi Varsity Jacket, Current/Elliot The Varsity Jacket
  5. The camel coat: Club Monaco Ashley Quilted Sleeve Coat, 3.1 Phillip Lim Split Sides Pea Coat, Joseph Man Wool and Cashmere Coat
  6. The statement coat: camilla and marc Silentium Wool Coat, BB Dakota Hazel Leopard Coat, alice + olivia Rhonda High Neck Coat
  7. The weekend jacket: Canada Goose Trillium Parka, Tibi Scuba and Padded Twill Coat, Vince Fur Trimmed Hooded Anorak
  8. The classic coat: GAP Moto Coat, Dawn Levy Harper Leather Trim Wool Wrap Coat, French Connection Leather Trim Asymmetrical Coat

Don’t be left out in the cold.

xx,

WhyDid

 

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Friday Frocks: Shiny Disco Balls

By |December 28th, 2012|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

toasting at midnight

2012 is just about over… and I can’t pretend I’m sad about it.  To say it wasn’t my best year on record would be a minor massive understatement.  That said, I am really looking forward to bidding this year adieu.  Doing so will, of course, require a festive frock.  Last year I provided the alternative to a sequin stunner, but who am I kidding?  I love shiny things.  (I also love miniature horses and champagne cocktails).  Give me a reason to add glitter and I’ll gladly take you up on it.  New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion to shine, so dust off those paillettes and party hats, the countdown to midnight has begun.

sequin dresses

1. BB Dakota Neva Sequin Fitted Dress, $98, 2. Gryphon Confetti Dress, $595, 3. Tbags Los Angeles Mini Dress, $207, 4. Forever 21 Sequined Hi Lo Dress, $32.80, 5. Forever 21 Sequined Party Dress, $24.80, 6. DKNY Lace Dress, $335, 7. Torn by Ronny Kobo Donna Pleated Dress, $316, 8. Haute Hippie T Back Metallic Gown, $175, 9. Alice + Olivia Ruched Foiled Jersey Dress, $395, 10. Parker Knit Splatter Sequins Dress, $374, 11. Robert Rodriguez Tiered Metallic Lace Minidress, $495, 12. Sheri Bodell Chain Fringe Slip Dress, $480, 13.French Connection Ozlem Scoop Back Sequin Fit & Flare Dress, $248

3…2…1

xx,

WhyDid

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