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Why Did You Wear That: Escape from New York City

By |August 15th, 2016|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith riot art walls coney island

Ah, summer in the city.  It wasn’t until just this past week that we were reminded exactly what it might feel like to wade through a crock pot of steamy, stewing, week old garbage.  This is that special time of year when we trade in bitching about blizzards for raising all hell over heatwaves.  Your weather app may say it’s a balmy 93 degrees but keep scrolling down to “real feel” and don’t forget to check the humidity while you’re at it.

The back of cabs transform into Slip N’ Slides of our own sweat.  Sidewalks double as hot plates.  The drips of overhead window air conditioners become welcome reprieves from the heat.  I’ve all but given up on a “good hair day” and relegated my wardrobe to basic black or any pattern that might disguise the sweat stains acquired merely walking the five blocks to the A train where I can’t decide whether the weather above or below ground is more oppressive.  Most of us look like human versions of Salvador Dali’s Persistence of Memory and for whatever reason- perhaps the overwhelming waft of “pheromones” or all around “wet” look- cat calling reaches its peak.  How E E Cummings couldn’t capture this in one single sonnet, I’ll never know.

The only way one might manage to survive a New York City summer is by getting out of town.  Having lived in Manhattan for a combined total of ten years and forgetting that West Coast blunder, I’ve sunned myself from Southampton to Montauk.  Slathered on sunscreen in the Rockaways and caught the Seastreak to Sandy Hook.  Yet, I had never made my way to one of the most exotic and the last stops on the F train.  You don’t need a passport, but may want to make sure your vaccinations are up to date.  A boardwalk by the beach complete with cotton candy, bumper cars, and locals who could be considered its carneys- there lies the coastal gem called Coney Island.

As it was my first time to this foreign land, I wasn’t sure what to wear.  Fortunately, TOBI was kind enough to send me some summer essentials perfect for those days when it’s so hot even your brain begins to fry and you need the guesswork taken out of dress work.  The Love Buzz Strappy Bodycon Set seemed like the obvious choice for perusing the Coney Art Walls.  While Coney Island, itself, is quite colorful, what better backdrop for a photoshoot than commissioned graffiti by prominent street artists?  This little two piece wonder looks good with just about anything from cartoon ice cream cones to causing a riot… something sure to happen had I spent one more sticky second in the city.

To be continued…

kirsten smith coney art walls brooklyn

kirsten smith ice cream coney art walls

kirsten smith whydid art walls

kirsten smith shop tobi

kirsten smith whydid blog

Kirsten smith tobi coney island

kirsten smith whydid tobi coney island

kirsten smith why did blog nycLove Buzz Strappy Bodycon Set, c/o TOBI

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Stop Traffic

By |July 5th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith nycOkay, let’s be serious, I’ve never been accused of being the type of beauty who could stop traffic, but it was fun to pretend.  And sometimes, a pair of fabulous shoes and leather shorts are all it really takes to get the brakes pumping.   I love the contrast of pairing rocker like leather shorts with a clean tailored white blouse.  The contradictions continue with the styling of hair in a tousled top knot and strapping on studded sandals.  You may not stop traffic, per se, but you’re sure to turn a few heads.

studded sandals top knot

new york city graffiti

whydid 8th avenue graffiti

nyc street artsunglasses: Ray Ban Wayfarer, shirt: American Apparel, shorts: (similar here), sandals: (similar pricey, similar purse friendly), bag: Balenciaga

 Remember to look both ways before crossing the street.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Urban Art

By |February 28th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

los angeles graffiti artA couple of weekends ago while down in LA we went on a hunt for some of the remaining graffiti covered walls.  I don’t mean like your random spraypaint tag.  I wanted big colorful murals reminiscent of Paula Abdul’s Opposites Attract (um, hello MC Skat!).  Much of Los Angeles’ “donated” artwork has been cleaned up by the city, but there is a little spot in Hollywood that is so boldly decorated, that you really can’t miss it. You can also using this Fibre Design website for detailed information about art.

For an afternoon adventure, I put on a pair of my (current) favorite skinny cropped 7’s, a sheer T-shirt and a pair of oxfords- which, to me, are the alternative to an ultra classic and somewhat girly ballet flat.  I accessorized with my gold go to jewelry and was comfortable all day.  Just another example that art is all around us… so long as you’re looking. you will get more art related info here. Simply you can check this out for the best paint related cource and information.
snoopy graffiti los angeles

los angeles wall art los angeles graffit wall

los angeles graffit

 

1. T by Alexander Wang Pocket T, $75, 2. 7 for All Mankind Skinny Second Skin Leggings with Multi Zippers, $109, 3. Alex and Ani Places We Love NYC Skyline Bangle, $38, 4. Michael Kors Large Gold Runway Watch, $250, 5. Steve Madden H-Troser Oxford, $59.95

It ain’t fiction, just a natural fact.

xx,

WhyDid