Isabel Marant | WhyDid.com

Friday Frocks: Falling for You

By Kirsten|September 23rd, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

It’s official. It’s fall. You’ve had your Pumpkin Spice latte. You’ve put that damn wreath on your door (why did you do that?). Now, it’s time to start dressing the part. I love summer clothes, but I really adore a cozy fall wardrobe. A great fall dress can transition you from the first falling leaf, the to first falling snowflake. Early in the season, wear your fall frocks with boots/booties and a light jacket. When the thermostat dips, layer tights, a scarf and a heavier jacket to keep you warm and stylish.

1. Sonia Rykiel Argyle Sweater Dress, $2,195, 2. Mini for Many Tin Knit Dress, $179.55, 3. MaxMara Oversized Sweater Dress, $350, 4. Torn by Ronny Kobo Mila Rouched Croc Dress, $338, 5. Oonagh by Nanette Lepore Jeremy Dress, $268, 6. L.A.M.B. Navajo Sweater Dress, $330, 7.Vanessa Bruno Athe Mohair Fair Isle Dress, $450, 8. Isabel Marant Tevai Metallic Fine Knit Dress, $490, 9. bebe Variegated Striped Lurex Dress, $98, 10. Forever21 Retro Houndstooth Dress, $19.80

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Why I Autumn….

By Kirsten|September 12th, 2011|Setting the Mood|

I’m really getting into the autumnal swing of things… even though fall doesn’t officially start until September 23rd this year. If you want to get all technical, we still have another week and a half of summer left. To me, fall symbolizes quality time spent with family and friends. There’s nothing I like more than getting cozy with a group of friends for a rousing game night complete with warm cocktails and yummy comfort food. This is the perfect occasion for a soft, fuzzy blouse, snuggly scarf, and killer boots. Just because you’re staying in, doesn’t mean you have to dress down.

xx,

WhyDid

Shirt: Etoile Isabel Marant Glen Checked Woolblend Shirt, $385

Boots: Chloe Leather Platform Ankle Boots, $995

Scarf: Vivienne Westwood Knitted Wool Snood, $215

Allons-y! Pourquoi pas?

By Kirsten|August 9th, 2011|Setting the Mood|

Speaking of Paris, why not be inspired by the magnificent city? I have never been, but in my head it’s the only city that might rival New York. There is just something, that je ne sais quoi if you will, that makes Paris so sexy, so chic. Maybe it’s the French women and their no frills beauty or the French’s ability to be both self entitled and nonchalant at the same time. Whatever it might be, I have always been intrigued by this magical city (the whole country to be quite honest) and some day I will “bon voyage” there.

Having studied French all through highschool (Spanish was full) and college, I still barely speak a lick (un petit peu). I even got Rosetta Stone a couple of years ago and swore that when I finished I would pack a bag and head on over. Somehow, that just didn’t happen, so I’m going to have to go with the “immersion theory” and just dive on in. I do, however, know how to say “window shopping” (leche vitrine). That’s gotta count for something, right?

xx (bisou bisou),

WhyDid

Shoes: Givenchy

Earrings: Marie Helen de Taillac

Jacket: Isabel Marant

Handbag: Chloe

Friday Frocks: LWD

By Kirsten|June 3rd, 2011|Friday Frocks|

Despite the fact that the whole “don’t wear white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day” stigma is really no longer relevant, many people still follow these strict guidelines. Seeing as we are now in the “safe zone” of wearing white, I think it’s high time to trade in that trusty black cocktail dress for something a little lighter. May I suggest white? Nothing says summertime like golden skin against stark white hemlines.

By the way, how about a little history lesson on the rules of white between Memorial Day and Labor Day?:

Most of the folk-lore about wearing white seems to be rooted in the South (in other words, the part of the United States that is below the Mason Dixon Line). For GRITS (girls raised in the south), wearing white before Easter or after Labor Day is simply a clear sign of bad manners and poor class. Still today, many Southern ladies would never be seen wearing white in the winter or fall months, that is unless they were getting married.

There you have it, ladies. Time to move into this century. Ever heard of winter white? Anyway, why not slip into one of this white hot frocks this weekend?

1. BB Dakota Jessica Dress, $66, 2. Forever 21 Crochet Yoke Surplice Dress, $19.80, 3. Kimberly Ovitz Buren Dress, $585, 4. INC International Concepts Lace Sheath Dress, $99.50, 5. Style Stalker Trust Fund Dress, $119, 6. Mark & Badgley by Badgley Mischka Crepe Caftan, $295, 7. Isabel Marant Danel Zip Trimmed Crocheted Lace Mini, $825, 8. Torn by Ronny Kobo Sari Ruched Dress, $315, 9. Free People Off the Shoulder Dress, $168, 10. Marciano Mindi Pencil Dress, $188

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Come On Ride The Train

By Kirsten|May 17th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Never would I have imagined that I’d be a “commuter” at any given point in my life. I remember scoffing at the folks who took the LIRR (Long Island Railroad) into work everyday in New York. The only thing I’d ever used the LIRR for was to attend a baseball game (I think?) or to escape an especially creepy Hamptons House. So, to be one of the “commuters” now is a bit of an adjustment for me, but as I’ve mentioned… my life is a whole lot different than it was a year ago. I chose a backyard and awesome house over the glitz and convenience of a city. Besides… there is only one real city in the U.S.

While working from home does have its perks (Golden Girls marathons, dog on lap, wine for lunch), it had the following effects on me:

My brain was starting to atrophy from lack of stimulation.
I had nothing to complain about on “the list.”
I had not bothered to straighten my hair or apply makeup for over a month.
My nickname became “Rapunzel.”
I was like an anxious puppy when my fiance returned home and our sleep schedules were no longer in sync.

That is why I took an incredible job opportunity when it presented itself to me. That and mama likes nice things. So, yes, this is what has been taking my precious time away from you. I spend my mornings and evenings on the Caltrain. While this does give me lots of time to write and just be quiet, it also gives me lots of people watching. People are weird. I’ve seen people straighten their hair, clip their fingernails, and take their dogs into the restrooms on the train. Why don’t I just drive you ask? Because I lived in New York for the last five years. I don’t like to drive.

In Northern California, it feels like it is perpetually spring. Not the sunny warm bird chirping can’t wait to put on these sandals spring. I’m talking about the phew the snow just melted but there’s still always a chill in the air spring. Therefore, even when it’s sunny, it’s still always a little bit cold. Layering is a necessary skill for survival here and a transitional wardrobe is a must. Quite honestly, all of this seems unfair to me. My mom has better weather in West Virginia right now… I want my money back.

1. Rick Owens Lilies Asymmetric Jacket, $705, 2. T by Alexander Wang Jersey Pocket Tee, $76, 3. Etoile Isabel Marant Hight Waisted Denim Mini Skirt, $255, 4. Love Quotes Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf, $88, 5. Banana Republic Colorblock Market Tote, $120, 6. Loeffler Randall Matilde Flat Boots, $695