Started ten years ago by the design duo, Preen has collected quite the celeb following including Kate Moss, Chloe Sevigny, and Thandie Newton. It is easy to see why. Take a look at some of my favorite pieces from their Spring 2010 collection:

I remember when Henri Bendel first started carrying this line over two years ago (when they still carried apparel). It was so incredibly sexy and chic without being blatant or cheesy. It was the ultimate alternative for cool girls who were sick of the oversaturated Hever Leger bandage dress. I was immediately smitten.

Pleat Tulip Dress, $1,106

One Shoulder Sheath Dress, $1,089

Power Knitted Lace Dress, $1,375

Friends often ask me for suggestions about what to wear when dressing to impress and I would say, if you want to look less Kim (Kardashian) and more Kate (Moss), go grab something Preen and wait for the boys to scream (had to).

Sigh… now if only I had a red carpet to walk…

xx,

WhyDid

After feeling officially old by having to help (an even older) friend celebrate his birthday at a NIGHTCLUB last night, I realized that I could be helpful to some of you young ladies.  I’m still in my 20’s but a few years can make all the difference. Here are some things I wish I’d known as a fresh face in the big city.

1. I mean, first and foremost, don’t date a DJ. (This also includes club promoter, club owner, or any other kind of “nightlife” type).  You’re just asking for trouble. They have opposite schedules from you (unless you’re a cocktail waitress or bartender). They are constantly surrounded by “temptation.” 9 times out of 10, you’re going to get burned and I don’t mean from a bottle sparkler (though that’s possible too).
2. Don’t show up where you know your ex is to try and “show him what he’s missing.” There’s a reason he’s your ex. He isn’t “missing” anything- most certainly not you. Go home. Save face.
3. If you insist on parading around in front of your ex, don’t over-slut it. There’s a fine line between sexy and stripper. Don’t cross it.
4. Put on a bra for heaven’s sake. You’re 20. Your boobs should still be perky. This is why I’m an advocate for either fake boobs, or flat chests. They don’t sag. (I told you I’m very black and white).
5. Alcohol not only makes you fat, it also ages your skin. While going out every single night sounds like a good idea in theory, you’ll thank me later when you’re still getting carded at halfway to 30.
6. Going along with #5, let people wonder where you are. Remember when Paris Hilton was on EVERY SINGLE red carpet? She was like a cockroach who just wouldn’t die. Don’t be a cockroach. Stay home. Read a book. People will be more excited when you DO decide to show up.
7. You aren’t going to meet your future husband at a nightclub.  If you think you are, you’re going to wake up at 30 and wonder where all the nice guys are. They’re home. Being a functioning member of society. Not at a nightclub on a Tuesday. Promise. Hell, I pinky swear.
8. Less is more. How many different ways can I tell you this? Don’t spend 8 hours perfecting your outfit. Everyone’s drunk anyway. Between that and the strobe lights, no one will be able to tell you what you wore last night. Besides, do you really want to ruin your new Herve by being doused with cranberry and vodka? (B tee dubs, stick with soda as a mixer. Fewer calories and doesn’t stain).
9. Please don’t be “that girl.” We all like to have fun, but don’t be the one with the lampshade on her head. You want to cherish these fun moments in life, but that’s kind of hard when you’re black out drunk.
10. Nothing good ever happens after 2am. Go home.

You’re young. Have fun, but heed my advice. Just think of me like your big sister- just here to help. I wish I’d had some words of wisdom from someone (slightly) older and (much) wiser. Moisturize, drink plenty of water, take 2 Advil and call me in the morning.

xx,

WhyDid

Oh- P dot S… white guys- Don’t dance. Just don’t.

This is going to be half fashion advice, half love advice. Brace yourself, I’m not sure you’re going to love what I have to say, but sometimes, the truth hurts. 

Last weekend I had the pleasure of eating at the new Hamptons eatery, Georgica. While the food was AMAZING (basically everything on the menu had truffles involved somehow), the crowd wasn’t exactly my speed.  If you’re a woman in her mid twenties to mid thirties, this is probably not the place for you. If you are a guy in your late twenties to early forties, this is your dream come true.  Seated directly to our right, was a table full of girls in their early twenties (if legal at all).  While the guys at our table (my bf included) were pretty happy about this, the women at the table weren’t as enthusiastic. A couple of the girls at their table had on some ridiculous outfits that only a 20 year old could wear (this included a skirt more like a tutu).  There was one that stood out from the group.  She was wearing something very, very simple, but very effective (in catching a male’s attention).  She had on a “Herve-like” black skirt, tight white tank top, and high heels. Someone (female) at the table asked, “Why would you wear that?”  She received a response (male) of, “Because she can.” 

This is a classic example of what I have talked about before in regards to males’ and females’ perspective on what makes a good outfit.  While we, as women, think that having on the latest and greatest trend makes us stand out, it’s lost on a man.  Women tend to dress for other women, which is totally fine, but don’t get upset when your boyfriend/husband checks out the woman who is dressing for men.  This is going to sound totally sexist, but if you don’t want your man eyeing the other goods, be the hottest one there.  Granted, if your man has a ridiculous wandering eye, you may want to re-evaluate your situation altogether.  I’m just saying that a “typical” male will notice another beautiful woman from time to time (don’t act like you haven’t winked a cute bartender before). I know some women who hate on the ladies who are playing up their assets yet they aren’t playing up their own. Just because you are taken, doesn’t mean you can get lazy. Keep your man on his toes and deck yourself out from time to time. Trust me on this one. 

James Perse Long Tank, $45

Vince Ponte Pencil Skirt, $185

Pelle Moda Vicious Two Piece High Heel Sandal, $137.20

You may know it as the New York institution on Fifth Avenue where “Gossip Girls” go to shop, but today marks a sad day for the “girls’ playground.”  Henri Bendel has announced they are planning to expand their accessories business, which means they will be eliminating their apparel departments completely.  

Over the years Bendel’s has been trying to re-invent itself in many different ways, but after opening a handful of accessories stores that only carry private label merchandise, they have decided this is the route they are going to take.  They will be opening another six stores this year, bringing the total to eleven.

Where does that leave  the apparel buyers?  Well, that’s a good question.  There is no longer a place for them at HB.  With no more Herve dresses to buy, no more I.D. Sarrieri lingerie to select, and not an E.Vil t in sight, they have been sent on their ways to explore new opportunities.

It was a good run and I will truly miss the wonderful ladies with whom I  worked.  On a positive note, this will give me much more time to scout out horrific fashion and update you on clever ways to make your cleavage  appear more voluptuous.  You should probably just go ahead and send HB a “thank you” note cause now you’ve got my undivided attention.

xx,

WhyDid

Where, oh where do I begin? I thinkthis may  have started off as an Herve creation, but then something went awry.  My theory? She picked a cute, colorful, and incredibly short dress from the designer, but then she got fancy on us.  After a couple (too many) bellinis, she looked at Tinkerbell and thought to herself, “This would be totally hot if I jazzed it up a little.”  Then she got out her glue gun and bedazzler and went to town.

 Good word.  Upon further inspection, it appears that the amazing green shiny fabric is actually chainmill.  I guess she figured if she got into any catfights over who was hotter, it would serve her as armor. Smart girl. (*Bonus: matches her bag too)

Now, I can give credit where credit is due, and Paris is a pretty girl (despite her mildly wonk eye).  However, wtf is up with her Mystic Tan?  She looks like she just came back from an 8 week vacation to the equator.

Thanks again, P. Hil for always delivering us with your unrivaled “fashion sense.”

xx,

WhyDid

Herve Leger Bandage Dresses- Bebe, Express, and Alice and Olivia have all tried to replicate this trendy dress. None of them have been able to really recreate the drama of the real thing. A real Herve Leger dress hugs you in all of the right places and sucks you in in the others (think of Spanx gone sexy). There are no stray threads, the fabric is heavy and thick, and it only comes in certain styles each season. A black Herve bandage dress is worth the investment. It can be worn for a multitude of occasions. Skip the imitations though. You’ll only end up looking cheap, not chic.

Lips-Ugh! Have you ever seen women walking around with “duck lips”? So gross. There is nothing sexy about looking like Donald Duck’s sister. I understand that voluptuous lips like Angelina Jolie’s and Scarlett Johannsen’s are sexy, but we weren’t all created equal.  Learn to love your lips and invest in a good lip plumper (Lip Infusion is my favorite). Do you really want to walk around looking like Heidi from The Hills? Didn’t think so.

Designer handbags-This is right up there on the list with ”Leggings as Pants” and True Religions. Not only is it illegal, it’s so tacky! We all can spot your fake Louis Vuitton and we can all see that the C’s on your Coach bag are really G’s. Invest in something you can actually afford and don’t max out your credit card trying to get the real thing. Save up a little from each paycheck until you can take the plunge and buy yourself your very own dream bag. (I suggest you go with a classic style as they change the other styles every season and WHO wants last season’s handbag? Not me!)

Hair- We all want long luscious locks like-I was going to try and name a celeb with thick full hair, but they are all guilty of extensions-  so let’s get straight to the point. In theory, it seems like a good idea, but keep in mind that celebrities have the top hair and makeup people working on them every day. That is why you can’t see the tracks from their extensions and the roots and the thinning natural hair underneath. Sure, we’d all love to have Ken Paves blow our hair out every morning, but it’s just not going to happen. Even those clip on extensions are creepy. Leave those laying around and they’ll freak out your dog and you boyfriend. Some alternatives? Take nail and hair vitamins. I swear by these as well as Biotin. (Had a bad haircut a few years back and taking vitamins really helped strengthen my hair). Vitamins won’t make your hair grow faster, but they will make your hair stronger, making it easier for you to grow long hair like Lady Godiva.

Your relationship- How many girls do you know in a relationship just for the heck of it? It’s hard being single, but it’s even harder living a lie. Sometimes it’s for the free meal, or because you’ve gotten comfortable, or even because you’re just plain old lonely. Life is way too short to be with someone who you aren’t head over feet for. Dating sucks and sometimes it can be depressing thinking you’ll never find “Mr. Right” but trust me, it’s totally worth waiting for and in the mean time, have a blast with your girlfriends. Hanging out with some loser is only time spent that you will never get back.

Things Okay to Fake:

• Your tan. And I don’t mean by going to a tanning bed. Ever heard of melanoma or wrinkles? There are so many other options out there ranging from Clarins to Jergens.
• Your bra size. If you weren’t blessed with a full bosom and you aren’t up for going under the knife, there are plenty of other options. From Hollywood Fashion Tape to Commando to Victoria’s Secret, they all make clever little “chicken cutlets” to enhance your cleavage. A very clever friend of mine made bra inserts from pantyhose and rice. A solution and a snack!
• Phone calls. Why not? We all have awkward situations we need to get out of. Trust, me I have pretended I was on the phone to avoid strained conversation many a time. Just make sure you dial voicemail or SOMETHING so that your phone doesn’t start ringing while you’re holding it. 
• Fake it alone. Not going to get into detail here. www.babeland.com It’s better than sleeping around until you meet “Mr. Right”! (and nothing to be embarrassed about. Remember Charlotte York and the “rabbit”?)