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Setting the Mood: Finding Normal

By |January 21st, 2015|Setting the Mood|

I am a t-shirt junkie.  I don’t mean like actual “t-shirts” I mean the kind of t-shirts that look “really cool” and you paid way too much  money for. (I sometimes secretly believe I was a rocker in a past life).

One of my favorite brands of these overpriced t-shirts is Kain.  They make really great loose fitting tees and tanks that are sheer and have a great drapey pocket.  They only come in a few colors, but somehow, when you put on this oversized t-shirt, you still look incredibly sexy without trying too hard. Oh- and they’re really soft.  Sounds perfect, right? Here’s the kicker: they are $85 a pop.  Ouch! So, brilliant discovery!!! These Designer T-Shirts are unique, original, and made high quality 100% cotton and sure to please.

fall shopping guide
First and foremost, you’re welcome…  And I’m sorry.  You’re welcome because I’ve spent a great deal of time finding all of fall’s very best options to ensure that you’ve got each and every one of this fall’s UK fashion blog biggest trends at your fingertips, I even made sure to visit specsfair to get the best deals on glasses. Yes you heard that right, one of a kind pockets.  I’ve basically contracted carpal tunnel from all of the clicking, coding, copying, and pasting of product, but not severe enough that I can’t sip red wine while I write this.

I’m sorry for doing such a thorough job that you’re sure to be able to easily spend a month’s salary or more stocking up on your fall wardrobe refresh.  Just remember, it’s good for the economy.

When I first started seeing stores displaying their autumnal wares, it was still a sweltering 90 degrees and I couldn’t be bothered browsing.  However, as the temperature started to dip and I began to grow bored of baring all my skin, the cozy knits, oversized coats, and overtly luxurious look this fall brings got me wishing for the next polar vortex.

Sure, sweaters are always fall staples, but this season’s are much chunkier, more textured, and come in all lengths from cropped to tunics.  Wear them in fall’s favored colors consisting of gray, scarlet, cobalt, and any shade of candy colored pastel.  These shades carry over to other trends including mid calf length hemlines, long line vests, sixties shaped shifts, and folk inspired frocks.  Men may loathe leopard (as we recently realized), but it’s quite strong this season and if you aren’t feeling bold enough to wear it in a bomber, try it as a statement accessory.  Speaking of fur, this must be the year of the Muppet, but if you can’t stomach the price tag (or the use of) real fur, there are some really beautiful faux options that are both animal and wallet friendly.  Whether you opt for fluffy, colored, fuzzy, or something in shearling to weather the winter, you’ll certainly be warmer for it.  When looking to add a bit of bling, opt for silver as it’s been used as embellishments on coats and knits as well as woven into rich fabrics.  If you’re up for a bit of pattern play, geometric shapes and fairisle intarsias are leading the charge.

Fortunately, this fall’s trends easily translate from one to another and also play off one another seamlessly.  You can effortlessly cover two trends at once by purchasing a pastel vest or a grey faux fur coat.  Be creative.  Be bold.  But be this fall’s all-embracing look of luxe.

Gray Area:

fall fashion trends 2014 gray

Leopards Don’t Change Their Spots:

fall 2014 leopard print

Tangled Up in Blue:

fall 2014 trends fashion

Silver Baller:

fall 2014 trends

Psychedelic Hotline:

fall 2014 trends print

Long Term In-Vest-ment:

fall fashion trends long vest

Scarlet Fever:

fall fashion trends 2014 scarlett

The Shearling:

fall 2014 fashion trends

Midi Terms:

midi length fall 2014 trends

Pastel Princess:

Keep Your Knits About You:

chunky knits fall 2014

Folk Alluring:

fall 2014 fashion folk

Fur Sure:

fur fall fashion 2014

normcore fashionYou’ve probably heard the term, “normcore” being tossed around from time to time in the past twelve months- maybe over a rye whiskey or while scanning the latest Urban Outfitters catalog.  The first time I heard it was after visiting Dr. Kenet’s office where his wife explained to me that their teenage daughter was on the forefront of the minimalist, dare I call it, trend.  The name “normcore” is the combination of “normal” and “hardcore.”  From what I gather, it’s the art of looking aggressively normal.

After a bit of research, it became clear that normcore is more than just a fashion movement, it’s an actual mindset.  When you are walking around and you spot mom jeans on a girl whose reproductive organs probably just started functioning, you may feel a little confused, but don’t.  You’ve just spotted normcore.  The “movement” began in a fit of defiance against the fashion industry.  People wanted to make it clear they weren’t buying into the trends or falling victims to the hype.  In theory, that’s great, but once you make a statement against a statement, you’re making a statement.  The irony, for one, is lost on me.  To me, normcore is the new wave hipster.  I’m more of the mindset that wearing what looks good on your body and makes you feel fancy is always on trend- and there’s nothing wrong with that.  In the off chance you’d like nothing more than to look like Jerry Seinfeld or Monica on season one of Friends, here are some normcore essentials to get you started.  Full disclosure, I own my very own pair of Stan Smith’s.

normcore style

 

Nike Benassi Rubber Soles, Frame Denim Le Boyfriend Supima Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, BDG The Mom Jean, J. Crew Collection Cashmere Sweater, Adidas Stan Smith Leather Custom Shoes

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: A Penny Saved…

By |November 15th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

holiday shopping

madewell coupon codeSave an extra 25% at Madewell with code: FALLBACK now until 11/17/14

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Save 25% at J.Crew with code: SHOPNOW until 11/17/14

bloomingdales coupon code

Save 20% at Bloomingdale’s with code: HOLIDAY until 11/16/14

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Save 25% at Macy’s with code: GIFT until 11/16/14

jcpenney coupon code

Save 20% at JCPenney with code: SAVEBIG until 11/17/14

kate spade coupon code

Save 25% at Kate Spade with code: BEMERRY until 11/17/14

Why Did You Wear That: Private (School) Party

By |September 4th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

private school uniformMove over Blair Waldorf, this fall preppy plaid and tailored blazers are having a moment lasting longer than your reign as prom queen.  But this isn’t a buttoned up and uptight renaissance.  Think of the girls in school who skipped class, spent lunch smoking in the hidden back parking lot, and unabashedly flirted with the cute English teacher.  Okay, I didn’t do any of those things in school, but I did manage to find each and every loophole in the dress code.  I was reprimanded more than once for having rolled my skirt or wearing shoes that weren’t deemed appropriate.  Many feel that a school uniform stunts a child’s ability to express him or herself, but I contest that belief as it takes a lot more creativity to own the look.  Plus, basically already knowing what you’re going to wear every morning gives you much more time to spend straightening your hair. Iron on labels can help you keep your school cloth well organized.  The only downside was that I didn’t wear thong underwear on a daily basis until I graduated as our ancient stairwells were a peeping Tom’s dream realized.

Can we take a moment and relish in the irony that my highschool had a “best dressed” superlative?

For fall, be at the head of the class by pairing an updated plaid or pleated skirt with an oversized blazer or varsity jacket and don’t forget to finish it off with a pair of absolutely inappropriate shoes.  See you in detention.

(In case you are wondering about these illustrious photos, the one on the left is from either my sophomore or junior year of school- clearly when I discovered bleach and the one on the right is my first day of ninth grade.  And yes, those are Doc Martens).

best plaid skirts fall1. A.P.C. Burnou Zippe Coat, 2. SMYTHE Three Button Schoolboy Blazer, 3. Roseanna Tommy Sherpa Lined Jacket, 4. J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer, 5. Opening Ceremony Tristan Wool Classic OC Varsity Jacket, 6. Sea Two Pleat Skirt, 7. Marissa Webb Paige Gerrit Plaid Skirt, 8. GETTING BACK TO SQUARE ONE Plaid Miniskirt, 9. BB Dakota Corvin Pleated Skirt, 10. JOA Checked Pencil Skirt, 11. Manolo Blahnik Rorita Oxfords, 12. Walter Steiger Lug Sole Patent Leather Loafers, 13. Studio Pollini Loafers, 14. J. Crew Kiltie Monk Strap Loafers, 15. Zimmermann Tie Up Ballerina Flats

 xx,

WhyDid

Beauty Buzz: The Beasts’ Guide to Beauty

By |August 15th, 2014|Beauty Buzz, Somethin for the fellas|

male groomingWomen aren’t the only ones who have beauty routines as we can attest by the currently popurlar man buns (aka “muns”).  Along with stealing our rubberbands from the backs of bathroom door handles, men have begun encroaching upon our conditioner, our face wash, and even our razors.  When you share space with a man, you start to share everything and sometimes the lines become blurred– and not in a sexy Emily Ratajkowski kind of way.  Most women allot a pretty penny and significant portion of their paychecks to special beauty products meant to preserve them and cure all their beauty woes.  When your beau starts lathering up with your $60 ant-aging face wash, it can become difficult not to want to dunk him in the tub, but part of you is probably happy that he’s at least decided to shower today.  Male grooming has become more socially acceptable and that can be seen by the wide range of products targeted specifically to the male species.  There was a time when seeing a man in a nail salon was a rarity, but let’s be serious.  Real men get manicures (and hopefully an occasional pedicure).  I, personally, don’t want your gnarly feet shredding my 1200 thread count sheets.  If you’ve come to the horrifying realization that your man has been using your prized eye cream to soften his calluses, it’s time to set him up with his very own collection of dude friendly grooming products.

mens beauty products best1. Baxter of California Cream Pomade, 2.  Anthony Let’s Talk Dirty Duo, 3. C.O. Bigelow Bay Rum Hair & Body Wash, 4. MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray, 5. J. Crew Abingdon Travel Kit, 6. Aesop Moroccan Neroli Post Shaving Lotion, 7. Jack Black Pit Boss Antiperspirant & Deodorant, 8. Czech & Speake Leather Bound Manicure Set, 9. D R Harris Tortoiseshell Boar Bristle Hair Brush, 10. The Art of Shaving Lexington Collection Razor & Cartridge

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

image via

Setting the Mood: Any Man of Mine

By |August 12th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

mens fall fashion editorialOn a “date” (and let’s use that term very loosely in this instance) that ended in a sex shop on Sixth Avenue last night, my suitor turned to me over bisteca per due at Morandi and asked, “What’s your type?”  My initial response would have been, “Not you,” but I figured that wouldn’t exactly be conducive to getting through the rest of our meal without utensil related injury.  My actual answer was that I don’t have a type and that’s not a farce.  When I look back on all of my relationships- long term and very short lived- I’m basically an equal opportunity dater.  From Wall Street bankers to musicians, athletes, writers, and tech nerds, I’ve basically run the gamut when it comes to careers and as far as appearances go they’ve been tall, short, dark, light, and everything in between.  Of course there has to be an initial attraction whether it be physical or mental, but the reason my heart melted for each one of them comes from an intangible place.  Even the worst of them (and that’s a tight race) had his wondrous moments and I hold a special place for each of them in my little black heart.  That’s why this week, we are dedicating WhyDid to the men in our lives and all that comes along with them. So, ladies, let’s hear it for the boys.

mens accessories vans jcrew loro piana marwoodLoro Piana Storm System Brushed Cashmere Baseball Hat, Illesteva Square Frame Matte Acetate Sunglasses, Marwood Striped Wool and Cotton Blend Tie, Vans for J. Crew Sk8-Hi Reissue Sneakers

xx,

WhyDid