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Why Did You Wear That: Spring 2014: Style Cheat Sheet

By |February 25th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

snow flowerAlthough it was fifty degrees over the weekend and snow flurrying today, we really are in the home stretch of winter.  Just hang in there, pretty birds, relief is on the way.  While we wait for the last frost of the season to cease, let us refresh ourselves on the clothing that is just waiting to make itself quite comfortable in our closets come spring.  Since each fashion week presents collections a solid six months in advance of when we can actually get our greedy little hands on it, it’s easy to forget what we need to start scoping for and what to relegate to the back of our wardrobes for the time being.  The fashion elite may be a bit clairvoyant perhaps predicting the dreadfully long winter we’ve endured as the spring collections did not shy away from color, bold patterns, and plenty of shiny embellishment.  Though black and white were ever present, it’s time to drop the dull all black uniform and have a little bit of fun.

While florals are really nothing new for spring, this season’s are a bit bolder and less feminine incorporating the trend of black and white as well as darker tones as opposed to the predictable pastel colorways.  Speaking of which, Easter egg colors abound and are best done head to toe, but if that has you feeling apprehensive of emulating Great Aunt Ida, the presence of a pastel leather jacket or clutch will do the trick.

Along with bold graphics that will have even the biggest globetrotters giddy, art aficionados rejoice.  Patterns for spring give a nod to pop art using brights that make them downright framable.  Wearable art, if you will.

Embellishment was big and came in the form of fringe, 3D embellishments and gilded golds, bronze, and silver.  An alternative to shine in the form of straightforward metallics is presented in the option of iridescence.

And to those who attempted a croptop intervention on me… bad news: the croptop (which will live on through Fall 2014) is stronger than ever for spring.  Might I suggest enrolling in a Pilates class, like last week?  Though tops are shrinking bottoms get a bit of volume in the form of wide leg trousers and full skirts seen prevalently in the midi length.

Most notably to me was that all of the various trends seem to work together quite seamlessly and in some cases there’s quite a bit of overlap.  Full metallic skirts, crop tops with sheer panels, and boldy printed wide leg trousers make hitting a few trends at once a spring breeze.

spring 2014 fashion trends

  1. Fresh Blooms: Rebecca Taylor Sweet William DressJoie Talina B PantsElizabeth and James Klaus Floral Print Silk and Mesh Dress
  2. Go Wide: by Malene Birger Cosyna High Waited Silk-Satin PantsDiane von Furstenberg Salma Wide Leg Silk Pantsalice + olivia Pleated Eric Pants
  3. Dirty Pop: Paul Smith Black Label Maxi SkirtLisa Perry Patchwork SkirtM Missoni Neon Crochet Knit Mini Dress
  4. Heavy Metals: Rachel Zoe Pearl Sequin Fishtail SkirtDAY Birger et Mikkelsen Metallic Chiffon Wrap Dress3.1 Phillip Lim Crossover Biker Skirt
  5. Peekaboo Panels: Yigal Azrouel Scuba Waterprint Mesh SkirtRag & Bone Molly SkirtRebecca Minkoff Antoni Silk Top
  6. Full Circle…Skirts: JOA Striped SkirtTOME Taffeta Skirt, Tibi Full Pleated Skirt
  7. Team Spirit: SEA Cotton-Blend Tweed ShortsSacai Luck Striped Cotton and Taffeta Dress, Equipment Abbot Silk Bomber Blouson Jacket
  8. On the Fringe: alice + olivia Caitlin Fringe Maxi SkirtHaute Hippie Fringe Pencil SkirtJason Wu Cropped Fringed Crepe Top
  9. Buttoned Up: Diane von Furstenberg Trudy BlouseMiH The Oversize Shirt, Carven Silk Floral Print Collared Cotton Shirt
  10. Perfect Pastels: Halston Heritage Asymmetric Satin Twill Peplum Dress, J Brand Ready To Wear Durham Oversized Leather Biker Jacket, Lotusgrace Polka Dot Sheath Dress
  11. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Croptops: Tibi Cropped Embellished Cotton Blend TopJonathan Simkhai Cropped Intarsia Jersey TopBCBGMAXAZRIA Kaja Harness Top
  12. Black (and White) to Basics: A.L.C. Harrison SkirtDonna Karan Printed Silk Wide Leg PantsMcQ Alexander McQueen Slash Effect Stretch Knit Dress
  13. Iridescent Does It: Acne Tine Sequined Silk Georgette ShortsRoksanda Ilincic Oriel Colorblock Wool Crepe Dress, 3.1 Phillip Lim Colorblock Suede A-Line Skirt
  14. Global Graphics Clover Canyon Diamond Quilt Printed Cropped Track Pants, Diane von Furstenberg Phaedra Jacquard Skirt, Line & Dot Silk Palm Tree Print Dress

 

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Lots o’ Dots

By |March 2nd, 2012|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

dalmatiansPolka dots may automatically elicit thoughts of sweet baby dalmatians and Minnie Mouse, but this prissy pattern can be much more sophisticated when paired with modern accessories or worn in an unexpected shape.  Dots don’t have to be in the typical black and white variation, but if you do choose to go the traditional route, now is the perfect opportunity to incorporate a punch of neon with your accessories.  Though dots do seem straightforward, look for them in different colors, fabrics, and dimensions to make them all your own.

polka dot dresses

1. Ali Ro Polka Dot Dress, $298 , 2. Alberta Ferretti Polka Dot Silk Chiffon Dress, $1,595, 3. KNT by Kova & T Monroe Dress, $129, 4. Bar III Sleeveless Dot Printed Dress, $69, 5. Kay Unger Polka Dot Dress, $370, 6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Hot Dot Ruffled Dress, $330, 7. Halston Heritage Metallic Peasant Dress, $425, 8. Tinley Road Polka Dot Mini Dress, $59, 9. Something Else by Natalie Wood Dotty Bodice Dress, $152, 10. Joie Balinda Dress, $298

Now… connect the dots.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Oh Lola!

By |February 7th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins.  My sin, my soul. 

“Lolita” is a term that is often thrown around without much thought.  It’s used in songs, slang, and even runway collections.  I hesitated on this post due to the sensitivity of the literal interpretation.  In case you haven’t read the book (didn’t I tell you to read the book?), it would be prudent to tread lightly seeing as the original usage would lean towards what some would consider pedophilia.  But let’s not go down that road…  Who needs to be that literal anyway?

Instead let’s go with the more watered down, more Hollywood, more commonly accepted and completely legal understanding of Lolita… the girlish flirt.  Le petite coquette.  That undeniable, unintentional, irresistible charm.  We all have a little Lolita in us, afterall.

girl playground

girl playground

lolita playgroundI’m many years past my prime as a nymphet, but I still embrace the feminine wile.  This modern day translation of little Lola is flirtatious and feminine, but far from a schoolgirl. It should evoke a feeling of simultaneous innocence and omnipotence.  If all else fails, throw on a pair of heart shaped sunglasses.

 1. Cathy Daniels Floral Sweater, $20, 2. Halston Heritage Accordion Pleated Chiffon Mini Skirt, $265, 3. Sam Edelman Scarlett T-Strap Sandal, $199.95, 4. Urban Outfitters Sweetheart Sunglasses, $14, 5. Tarte emphasEYES Inner Rim Eyeliner, $18, 6. Free People Mesh Dot Ankle Socks, $14, 7. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Are You Red-dy, $7.49

Oh my, Lolita, I have only words to play with! 

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Life’s a Beach

By |January 13th, 2012|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Can you pass me the SPF, please?  Oh… right.  It’s snowing here.  That means a couple of things.  1. It’s time for me to go home (to California).  2. It’s also time to transport myself (mentally) to a place with warm breezes, cool cocktails, and soft white sand.  How does one do that you ask?  Well, first of all, whip yourself up a strawberry daiquiri, put on some Bob Marley, and then peruse these vacation worthy frocks.  After you’ve convinced yourself you’re somewhere warm, head over to Jet Setter and start booking your next exotic getaway.

1. Sass & Bide Pick N’ Mix Embroidered Strapless Dress, $795, 2. Zimmermann Contrast Halter Dress, $277.20, 3. Issa Short Kimono Dress, $595, 4. Elizabeth and James Paloma Dress, $345, 5. Mara Hoffman King Tut Maxi Dress, $238, 6. M by Missoni Black and Magenta Multicolor Sleeveless Dress, $665, 7. Milly Gustavia Dip Dyed Maxi Dress, $595, 8. Naven Bombshell Dress with Shirring, $345, 9. Halston Heritage Halter Gown, $645, 10. French Connection Multi Jag Stripe Dress, $128

Bon voyage.

xx,

WhyDid

 

Look for Less: Fancy Pants

By |September 25th, 2011|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

There are certain things that make getting dressed in the morning that much easier… and no, Rachel Zoe is not an option.  We’ve already addressed one wardrobe essential with the blouse, but what’s a girl to wear on the bottom?  If it’s too chilly for a skirt (or you’re just too lazy to take a razor to your gams), slip in to some sleek tailored trousers.  There are so many options for pants, that you really can’t go wrong once you’ve found the right fit for your figure.  Wide leg works great on most gals, flares are great for a curvy bottom half, and high rise for ladies looking to add some curves.  Check out these sexy celebs in their fancy pants and re-create the look for yourself:

1. Topshop Ponte Shrunken Blazer, $80, 2. Current/Elliot The Stiletto Leopard Print Pants, $198, 3. Boutique Green Silk Pintuck Cami, $90, 4. Rebecca Minkoff Black Nylon and Leather Flame Studded Satchel, $297, 5. Chinese Laundry Whistle Platform Pump, $69.95

1. Halston Heritage Polka Dot Tie Neck Blouse, $265, 2. Theory Max C Original Pant, $235, 3. REISS Daria Black Resin Hard Case Clutch, $245, 4. Ivanka Trump Bulbli Pump, $125

1. Equipment Crepe de Chine Brett Blouse, $198, 2. Acne Side Slit Trousers, $350, 3. Modern Armour Cuff Bracelet, $27.44, 4. Report Signature Parker3 Platform Pumps, $151.22

Bottoms up!

xx,

WhyDid