Jenny Packham | WhyDid.com

Gift Guide: A PG-13 Rated Valentine’s Day

By Kirsten|February 7th, 2012|Gift Guide|

Alright, so the man has warranted more than just a drink at the Standard before you move on and meet up with your friends (in hopes of meeting someone better). Lucky dog! Your relationship is probably past a peck on the lips, but perhaps nothing too intimate has occurred…yet. So, he should be aware that you are worthy of far more than the run of the mill red and mundane roses or -gasp- carnations. There is a very fine line between tasteful and trite. Let’s help him out in the gift giving department… I mean, he was doing so well…

1. Stella McCartney Sam Partying Stretch Silk Satin Playsuit, $195, 2.Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lipgloss in Colin, $19, 3. Voluspa Boxed Votive in Crisp Champagne, $7, 4. 3.1 Philip Lim Chiffon Knicker Pants, $84, 3.1 Philip Lim Chiffon Bralette, $84, 5. Kate Spade New York Idiom Meet Your Match Bangle, $58, 6. Ettika Rose Gold Bangle, $36, 7.Benefit Bathina Take a Picture It Will Last Longer Body Balm, $28, 8. Jenny Packham Two Tone Silk-Satin Kimono, $1,145

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: What a SAG

By Kirsten|January 30th, 2012|Monday Mashup, Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

To be honest… I was almost so uninspired that I didn’t even bother with a Red Carpet Recap for this year’s SAG Awards. While the dresses are a bit better than when they started this award season with the People’s Choice Awards, I’m still waiting to be wowed. Having just finished up the Paris couture shows, one would think there would have been a little bit more drama on the red carpet… On a positive note, there was nothing this time that truly offended me either… that much. As we all know, there are only so many designers to go around, so I will now present you with the good, the bad and the debatable (where you’ll be the judge of who wore which designer best).

The Good:

Rose Byrne in Elie Saab, Kyra Sedgewick in Emilio Pucci, Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta, Regina King in Alberta Ferretti

The Bad:

Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza, Gretchen Mol in L’wren Scott, Kristen Wiig in Balenciaga, Zoe Saldana in Givenchy

The Debatable:

Angelina Jolie and Ashlee Simpson in Jenny Packham

Viola Davis and Sofia Vergara in Marchesa

Julie Bowen and Sarah Hyland in Temperley

Jessica Chastain and Julianna Margulies in Calvin Klein

Alright ladies, it’s time to really step it up. I can’t sit through another boring awards ceremony if you’re not willing to wear something wow-worthy. I will pretend it didn’t even happen next time. Just remember what Rooney’s dad said… the Oscar’s are your Superbowl.

Hut, set, hike.

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Fit for a Princess

By Kirsten|January 20th, 2012|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Perhaps none of us will ever marry a “real” prince and become “real” life princesses like Kate, but there’s no reason we shouldn’t dress and feel like a princess. Especially on say, I don’t know, your birthday? Every princess needs a gown to celebrate her special day. That’s really one of our only obligations. Something special. Something shimmery. Something so jaw droppingly gorgeous you couldn’t help but get noticed. Now, that’s what I call a birthday dress. This edition of Friday Frocks is not what one might call “budget friendly,” but it sure is pretty. A girl can dream, right?

1. Christopher Kane Alexa Sequined Tulle Dress, $6,720, 2. Alexander McQueen Silk Chiffon Bustier Gown, $3,295, 3. Jenny Packham Nude Beaded Gown, $3,835, 4. Rachel Gilbert Milio Sequined Tulle Gown, $1,735, 5. Oscar de la Renta Latticework Fringed Cocktail Dress, $6,550, 6. Vivienne Westwood Gold Label Savannah Sequined Net Gown, $11,115, 7. Thomas Wylde Supernatural Leopard Print Silk Chiffon Gown, $1,835, 8. Jenny Packham Nude Embellished Shoulder Lace Dress, $3,420, 9. Monique Lhuillier Strapless Tulle Chantilly Lace Gown, $9,490, 10. Matthew Williamson Feather and Crystal Embellished Lace Dress, $6,525

Happily ever after.

xx,

WhyDid

Guest Post: Look to the Stars

By Kirsten|December 15th, 2011|Guest Blogger|

Celebrities are always a step ahead of the game when it comes to hairstyles and fashion, thanks to free “samples” from designers, so it makes sense to look to those in the spotlight for up and coming trends. Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit for New Year’s Eve or just adding a few items to your wardrobe, take a look at these five trends celebs have been seen sporting lately.

1. Jewel Tones

Rich, vibrant, saturated colors have been seen on everything lately – from eyelids to clothing, and even nail polish. Need a little inspiration? Browse through your grandma’s jewelry collection and draw ideas from your favorite pieces. Does the richness of the ruby catch your attention? Or perhaps the deep, dark shine of the sapphire? Find the color that speaks to you and make a bold statement by incorporating it into your apparel.

Jewel-toned eye makeup is making a major comeback as well. The bold look adds drama to the eye, with a smoky application of the rich, pigmented colors. Emerald green specifically, has been touted as the season’s “it” eye accent color. Pair it with a dark crimson lip color and you’ll be the hit of your next holiday party.

2. Animal Prints

Though animal print may be considered “tacky” to some, it’s back with a vengeance. Leopard print is particularly hot and can be found on anything from apparel, to tights, and even shoes. Celebrities have recently been seen wearing the stylish prints on the red carpet, at parties, and even in their casual everyday wear. Adding a pop of animal print does wonders for an otherwise drab outfit. Just make sure to use animal print responsibly – overdoing it can take you from fashionista to fashion disaster very quickly.

3. Autumnal Tones

Earthy colors are on the rise this season, inspired by the warm, spicy palette of fall. Mustard yellow is a current favorite, and celebrities are particularly loving cardigans and other knits in the vintage hue. Adding a scarf or handbag in the color will instantly put you at the top of the trends. Embrace the retro vibe the deep shade of yellow brings by trying pin curls on your hair or wearing red lipstick on your pout. Spicy shades of red, sunset orange, cinnamon, and yellow-greens are all excellent choices.

4. Faux Fur

That’s right, fur is back, but not in the head-to-toe, Cruella DeVille sort of way. Instead, it’s appearing on vests, coat collars, gloves, and hats. Fur adds an air of cold-weather charm, while keeping the iconic look of wealth. Pair a furry accessory with jeans and a simple tee to create an appealing mixture of retro and glam.

5. Fair Isle

This traditional knit stems from a small island north of Scotland. Once again the trend is nothing new, but rather a resurgence of an age old fashion. We’ve been seeing this type of sweater in ski shops and woodsy towns for years, but only recently did it make its way mainstream. Try layering the rustic sweater over a collared dress shirt. The juxtaposition of contrasting styles works together to create a high-fashion ensemble. The look works for males, females, children, and even the occasional pooch. Wear this Scandinavian-style sweater with some lace-up snow boots to complete the look.

Follow this five simple trends and you’ll be looking like a star in no time.

xx,

Lisa

About the Author: Lisa is an avid yoga enthusiast who enjoys writing in her spare time for Usdirect.com.

Monday Mashup: All That Glitters…

By Kirsten|November 21st, 2011|Monday Mashup, Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

Hey Nicki? Johnny 5 called… he wants his look back. I should have figured the opening performance would set the tone for this year’s American Music Awards. The tone being one big hot shiny mess. I should have changed the channel… I should have looked away, but alas, I could not. I’ve had about enough of Nicki’s wacky get ups. I’m on team Johnny 5. What about you?

The AMA’s weren’t all bad though. Here are five lovely ladies sporting what was most certainly the trend of the evening- metallics. Sadly, this is about where the “good” ends and the eye gouging begins.

Watching the AMA’s only confirmed the fact that I might need to relocate to a tropical island– or at least place where it takes a lot more talent and several fewer sparkly bra tops to get ahead.

Exhibits A, B, and B 1/2. It pains me to see Christina Aguilera look like… well, that. What happened to that little Genie in a Bottle of yore? It also pains me to see the mother of two wearing a sequin covered costume that may or may not have belonged to Britney Spears circa 1999. Those jewel encrusted bra cups have got to be a breast feeding safety hazard. Am I right? Let’s not even get into the incestuousness of Pitbull’s pelvic grinding performance with J. Lo followed up by another performance with her ex-hubby Marc Anthony and sequin braziered fly girls. Ew. And as for Adam Lambert, well, I really just wanted to throw him in so I could coin his new nickname, “Glambert.” You’re welcome.