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Why Did You Eat That: Meet the Parents

By |December 27th, 2010|New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

During the holiday season, there is a lot of meet and greet with family members.  For some this may be the first meeting. For others it is round two, three, or four with the in laws. In either case, it can be quite overwhelming.

Last week, my fiance met my mother for the first time. While the pressure wasn’t really on me, I did want to have an enjoyable experience. For a night out on the town, I chose to take my mom and fiance to Morandi.  It’s a great place for your parents to get the “New York experience” without overwhelming them with bottle popping and rail thin model types. Not to mention, the food is pretty delicious.

The staff is very knowledgable about wine and helped us choose a bottle everyone would enjoy. We ordered the olive ascalone (fried green olives stuffed with sausage) and the carciofi alla giude (fried artichokes with lemon). My fiance ordered the guinea hen, I had the gnocchi special, and my mom noshed on pappardelle integrali con pancetta (whole wheat pasta with pancetta, broccoli rabe, and radicchi). Everything was delightful and we were happily stuffed. Seeing as everyone was getting along swimmingly and my mom was a few glasses of wine in, we headed over to Soho House to really get the party started.

So what should a young lady wear when going to meet her future in laws?  There is no need for a turtleneck and pearls. No one believes you are that innocent, but covering up a bit and coming across more wholesome than your normal Saturday night tube top won’t hurt. Try a warm and cozy sweater and patterned pants. Looking pulled together and sophisticated will put your future mother in law at ease.  No one will ever be good enough for her baby boy, but at least you’ll come close.

J. Crew Cashmere Cowlneck Sweater, $228

Fred Flare Black and Grey Sid Pants, $49.99

Ann Taylor Covered Platform Bootie, $228

Botkier Metallic Night Out Cross Body Bag, $195

Kenneth Jay Lane Black Diamond Chandelier Earrings, $100

Welcome to the family!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: School Spirit

By |August 12th, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

bsschool

Oh, it’s that time of year again. Kids are school shopping and it’s time to head back to class. Whether you’ll be hitting the books or just hitting the pavement, here are a few ideas to be worn together or separately to make yourself feel like your very own version of Blair (or Serena).

Picture 2J. Crew Stripe Confetti Ruffle Shirt, $89.50

equip2002728869_p1_v1_m56577569831984865_254x500Equipment Sisley Chiffon Signature Blouse, $188

Picture 4J.Crew Cascading Ribbon Cardigan, $88

tornb2040110192_p3_v1_m56577569832003101_254x500Torn by Ronny Kobo Coco Chains Cardigan, $275

madew2026231126_p1_v1_m56577569831992683_254x500Madewell Sweater Blazer, $168

 

 

Picture 1Rag & Bone Ledbury Glen Plaid Wrap Skirt, $255

tibii2033514080_p5_v1_m56577569832000374_347x683Tibi Draped Bow Miniskirt, $278

14236-1Mod Cloth Once in a Blue Skirt, $57.99

Picture 3Bebe Pleated Leather Panel Skirt, $139

Picture 5Free People Miller Cutout Oxford, $98

1063299_fpx.tifTory Burch Victor Perforated Wedge Oxfords, $325

 

Accessorize these looks with the socks from last week and go straight to head of the class.

xx,

WhyDid

Real People, Real Style: Pure Parfet-tion

By |May 3rd, 2009|Real People Real Style|

This California girl is a real natural beauty (and another east coast transplant).  Her eclectic style is the epitome of east meets west.

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Name: Katie Parfet

Wearing: vintage black party dress, vintage Cole Haan lace up boots, J. Crew grey cardigan, vintage black Coach shoulder bag

Occupation: Ambassador of Sole, TOMS Shoes

Hometown: Pelham, New York

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and your bag was only big enough for 3 items, what would they be? cherry chapstick (because I’m addicted), the perfect pair of jean cut-offs, and a good fashion magazine… I mean book.

Favorite beauty product: Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer. Any day  now I’m going to learn to apply makeup…

Style icon: My grandmother.

This summer I can’t wait to wear: TOMS Shoes Cordones line (Hipper TOMS, with laces!)

Style tip for all the fashion degenerates: If you’re showing major leg, cover up on top and vice versa.

Best Splurge (it was worth every penny): Pauric Sweeney black overnight purse. Great for an everyday computer tote or airport carry-on.

Trend you’d like to see die: Orange spray tans ruin even the prettiest of outfits.

Currently coveting: an unfussy floral dress that won’t wrinkle in my suitcase.  Looking forward to scooping one up in New York next weekend.

Fun fact: it’s my birthday!

Biggest personal fashion flop: wearing leggings more days than not this winter.

Tisk tisk on the leggings, Katie lady, but we’ll let it slide.  We love that you put your heart and “sole” into your style.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Flat Out Ugly

By |April 10th, 2009|Why Did You Wear That?|

sneakers

Alright, seriously, this has got to stop.  You’ve all seen them (and I’m hoping you’re not one of them).  They’re the ladies who wear sneakers on their commute to work.  Okay, it doesn’t sound as bad as it is.  I’m talking women dressed professionally, stockings and all, with WHITE clunky sneakers! You’ve got it- just like the girls at Hooters.

I understand that you may want to protect your Louboutins from the sidewalk grates and the subway grime (trust me, I know New York is hard on good shoes. Why do you think people make their living as the “shoe repair guy?”), but there is another alternative.  They’re called flats.  Ever heard of them? They’re shoes without heels that are… still attractive!! I know, crazy, right?  Make the switch.  Your feet will thank you- and so will my eyes.

jcrew-flats

J. Crew Marjorie suede ballet flat, $98

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Rain, Rain, Go Away

By |April 6th, 2009|Why Did You Wear That?|

rain

If I were to go around my office today and photograph all of the women and what they are wearing today, you would see that about 98% of them are wearing some form of “rain boots.” (The other 2% don’t watch New York 1).  It took me two years of living in New York before I purchased a pair of Hunter wellies.  Clearly, I enjoyed destroying my shoes and having nasty city water soaking into my socks.  Now, keep in mind, I work in a very “stylish” fashion office, so these aren’t crunchy granola girls whose typical dry weather shoes would be Uggs.

Other than just keeping your feet dry and not ruining your shoes, rainboots also have a way of making your legs look thinner (they are bulky- therefore balancing out the thigh).  Added bonus, these suckers are pretty heavy and they give your legs a real workout when worn all day. Still not convinced?  Here are some cute styles that may make you reconsider:

hunter

Hunter Wellington Rain Boot, $155

burberry1Burberry Check Rain Boot, $195

bendel

pucci

Emilio Pucci Rain Boots, $175

jcrew

J. Crew Printed Critter Wellies, $49.50

target

Zulimas Bias Plaid Rain Boots, $24.99

P.S. Rainboots are to be worn over your pants.  Tuck your pant legs in. That is the whole point. I saw a women with her rainboots under her dress pants this morning. Clearly missing the entire point of rain boots. Good luck with your soggy hems, lady!

xx,

WhyDid