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Friday Frocks: It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere

By |October 14th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Quite frequently (especially during this time of year) we receive invites for cocktail parties or invitations with a dress code stating “cocktail attire,” but what does that really mean?  We’ve come to know that slipping into a slinky LBD (little black dress) is the way to go, but shall we take a little trip back in time?  Well, you have no choice… cause we’re gonna.

Cocktail parties first gained popularity in the 1920’s during prohibition (aka when alcohol was illegal).  So, since the sale and consumption of alcohol in public would land you behind bars (no pun intended), cocktail parties popped up as private social gatherings.  And just like us modern girls, the ladies of the 20’s realized that they needed a little something special to wear to these functions.  Alas, cocktail attire was born!  The first cocktail dresses were waistless, knee length, and reminiscent of the flapper (cause a lot of them were flappers).  And these ladies knew how to accessorize!  Small embellished bags, gloves, and hats were all a part of the attire.  Shoes were slipper like and often dyed to match the dresses.

By the 1950’s, cocktail hour was part of the culture and while the tradition continued, groups opted to go out rather than stay in, which is more in line with what we consider our modern day cocktail hour or “happy hour.”  This week, let’s check out some frocks that would have made even the tartiest flapper smile.

1. Oscar de la Renta Feather Trimmed Silk Mesh Dress, $5,390, 2.  Red Valentino Bow Dress, $611, 3. Kova & T Windsor Cocktail Dress, $429, 4. French Connection Winter Bex Beads Dress, $328, 5. Juicy Couture Guipure Lace Dress, $328, 6. Vanessa Bruno Athe Dress, $360, 7. Top Shop Scallop Embellished Drop Waist Dress, $330, 8. Top Shop Lace Panel Pleated Tunic, $76, 9. Accidentally in Love Crinkle Popover Dress, $54, 10. Tibi Rococo Print Silk Twill Cap Sleeve Dress, $462

It’s five o’clock somewhere, right?

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Maxed Out

By |May 20th, 2011|Friday Frocks|

I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!!! How many times have you shouted that at your closet whilst standing there staring at its contents in just your skivvies? For me, the number of times is countless. No need to take it out on your poor wardrobe though.  Instead invest in the never fail fashion trend: the maxi dress.    The easiest way to look chic this summer is by slipping into a maxi dress.  Don’t believe me? Here’s my top five reasons for maxing out:

  1. It’s basically one step dressing.  A maxi dress has the ability to make you look feminine and romantic without trying.
  2. Maxis are incredibly figure forgiving.  Eat as much potato salad as you please.
  3. You don’t need to shave your legs.  (Sorry, fellas).
  4. Perfect for pairing with flats.  Give those tootsies a rest!
  5. You can hide small children, pets, and thunder thighs under them.

Whether you choose a breezy bohemian style or a simple slinky column, you’re bound to turn a few heads in one of these:

1. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, $366, 2. Diane von Furstenberg Ethyl Long Wrap Maxi Dress, $545, 3. Winter Kate Silk Maxi Dress, $260, 4. Free People Hippie Trip Maxi Dress, $198, 5. French Connection Leah Linen Maxi Dress, $108, 6. All Saint Pious Maxi Dress, $90, 7. Vintage Havana Tie Dye Maxi Dress, $64, 8. Gypsy 05 Long Organi Alligator Maxi Dress, $149, 9. Free People Polynesian Princess Maxi Dress, $198, 10. Style Stalker Venom Maxi Dress, $169, 11. Alice + Olivia Printed Halter Maxi Dress, $440, 12. Shoshanna Twist Front Printed Maxi Dress, $485

Chillin’ out, maxin’, relaxin’ all cool.

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photo via The Chic Fashionista

Girl Crush: Kiss Me Kate!

By |April 28th, 2011|Celebrity Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

As we all wait with bated breath to see what the beautiful brunette Kate Middelton will wear when she walks down the aisle to wed William, let’s take a look back at a few of her fabulous outfits.

I mean, despite the obvious- she’s gorgeous- this princess in waiting has completely mastered polished and timeless attire.  Knee high boots, tights, fitted frocks, and of course, quirky headwear are just a few of her staples.

While the girl knows how to dress the part, what I’m really impressed with the way she played her cards. If you’re under the impression that Kate and Wills just locked across eyes across the university cafeteria and the rest was history, you’re mistaken.

There was Jecca and Anna and Arabella. Oh my.

What did Kate do?  Handled herself with class and dignity.  She let William sew his wild oats while keeping her composure and proving that looking good is definitely the best revenge.


1. French Connection City Crepe Dress, $178, 2. Miss Sixty Thurles Hat, $59, 3. Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti  Short Dress, $680, 4. Burberry Leather Detail Trench Coat, $1,195, 5. Conair  Big Curls Travel Setter, $17.99, 6. Moschino Cheap & Chic Tie Neck Felt Oversize Button Coat, $1,295, 7. Giuseppe Zanotti Black Suede Foldover Boots, $488, 8. Fred Flare Tango Feathered Headband, $10

She may technically be considered a “commoner” but she is truly and exquisite woman teeming with class, grace  – all the ingredients of a princess.

xx,

WhyDid

Girl Crush: Channeling Fran, the Flashy Girl from Flushing

By |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 Wear That: Cougar Town

By |September 15th, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

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After spending the morning discussing menopausal women, I figured it was only right to discuss another one of fall’s trends. Oh that’s right, I’m talking about animal print. Whichever feline you happen to prefer (cougar, leopard, cheetah), it just isn’t going anywhere, folks. Another season, another runway packed full of the spotted puss. Animal print is here to stay. So whether you decide to deck yourself or just add a bit of fur, you’re sure to look fierce in the print of the season.

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70YU4French Connection Leopard Love Coat, $178

Screen shot 2010-09-15 at 2.49.26 PM

Christian Louboutin No Prive Leopard Pony Pump, $925

Screen shot 2010-09-15 at 2.58.39 PMRebecca Minkoff Haircalf Leopard Fling Minaudier, $350

 

It’s a jungle out there. Me-ow.

xx,

WhyDid