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Setting the Mood: Finding Normal

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

You’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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Did You Wear That: Private (School) Party

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

Move 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. 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).

1. 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 admin|August 15th, 2014|Beauty Buzz, Somethin for the fellas|

Women 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.

1. 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 admin|August 12th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

On 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.