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Beauty Buzz: Cover Your Tracks.

By |April 7th, 2010|Beauty Buzz|

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So, we all sat down and watched the movie, “Good Hair” not so long ago and it was startling to learn that black hair industry is a $9 billion (yes, BILLION) business. I could not believe that such beautiful women were so stressed out about their hair… until I had my own type of hair inadequacy crisis.

Thanks to the great Smith family genes, I’ve been blessed with a full head of hair. Unfortunately, for me, too much is never enough. As you remember, I was fortunate enough to try out the Platinum Seamless extensions back in November. I loved them SO much that I felt like I was practically bald when they were removed (and not because they damaged my hair. It was left unscathed). So what’s a girl to do? Get some clip ins, of course!

At first, I only wore the clip ins for special occasions, like my birthday or an event.  Then they became addictive. I didn’t really want to leave the house without them. They made my hair so much fuller and turned even bad hair days into great ones.  I didn’t really like my normal hair without them and no amount of hair, skin, and nails vitamins were going to make my hair that thick. So, I continued wearing them all the time. I even figured out crafty ways to put them in (upside down) when I was wearing my hair up. Talent, not a skill, folks. No one could tell when they were in my hair because they match my hair EXACTLY plus I already have really long hair, so there was no weird “layer” where my real hair stopped and my clip ins began.

Sometimes, dating got a little weird. I had to perfect the art of clipping those suckers out one by one and stashing them in my bag while my gentleman caller turned his head. (I know, I’m sick). Never the wiser, I thought I’d duped my boo. He was probably baffled by my resistance to him touching my hair.

This was all fun and games until I was out one night and a friend of mine touched my head and said, “Girl! You got tracks in?” I was mortified. Now everyone was under the impression that my long luscious locks were not mine at all. 75% of it was all my own God given hair, but the cat was out of the bag and I wanted to shove that feline right back in.

So, I had to hold an intervention… with myself. When I spoke to the “boo”, he informed me he obviously knew all along that I’d been popping my clip ins in and out and actually laughed at the fact that I loved my “Texas hair” to be “obnoxiously large.” Hmph… guess I’m not as tricky as I thought. At this rate… I was one step away from a Bump-It.

I hadn’t actually worn my extensions since that night (until our photoshoot).  I quit giant hair cold turkey. I can’t say I won’t be putting them back in anytime soon. You’re all on crack if you don’t think that every Hollywood starlet from Kim K to Rachel Zoe aren’t wearing some type of hair enhancement (they’re more common than a boob job in LA). Clip ins are a great way to add a little extra glamour to your everyday  hair… just don’t get addicted.

To drive home the point that I’m not actually bald, here are some before and after photos of my white girl weave:

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P dot S… please excuse my “photo booth” self portraits. Smitty sure is cute, but his furry paws can’t snap a photo.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Preen

By |March 24th, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

So you have a hot date? A big event? You want something to make heads turn all the while looking effortlessly chic? Oh, this ol’ thing? Enter Preen by Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi.

Started ten years ago by the design duo, Preen has collected quite the celeb following including Kate Moss, Chloe Sevigny, and Thandie Newton. It is easy to see why. Take a look at some of my favorite pieces from their Spring 2010 collection:

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I remember when Henri Bendel first started carrying this line over two years ago (when they still carried apparel). It was so incredibly sexy and chic without being blatant or cheesy. It was the ultimate alternative for cool girls who were sick of the oversaturated Hever Leger bandage dress. I was immediately smitten.

10029174_120724_800Pleat Tulip Dress, $1,106

01234F108008_1_2One Shoulder Sheath Dress, $1,089

64452_in_lPower Knitted Lace Dress, $1,375

Friends often ask me for suggestions about what to wear when dressing to impress and I would say, if you want to look less Kim (Kardashian) and more Kate (Moss), go grab something Preen and wait for the boys to scream (had to).

Sigh… now if only I had a red carpet to walk…

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: All Aboard The Ugly Express. Choo! Choo!

By |February 18th, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

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Dear Juicy Track Suit Wearer,

2001 called, they’d like their velour leisure suit back.

xx,

All of us

Seriously, if I see one more chick in the airport… or just in general… wearing a “track suit” as appropriate casual wear, I’m gonna flip. Like Carrie Underwood I just found out my man’s cheating kind of flip. I understand that we all want to be comfy when traveling (especially since not all of us are flying first class and sometimes get stuck in a middle seat sandwiched between two big’uns). Being comfortable does NOT mean that you need to look like you crawled out of a Pound Puppy factory.  Your warm and fuzzy jumpsuit isn’t giving anyone besides you the “warm and fuzzies.” And besides, do you really want the word “Juicy” written across your ass? Nothing about that sounds flattering.

Exhibits A, B, C, and D:

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51K2BD361QL__AA280_Eva Longoria

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Catching my drift? Remember when Paris Hilton used to live in these things? Do you want to have anything in common with P. Hil (besides her checking account)? Didn’t think so. So, to avoid any second hand embarrassment on my part, let’s get you into something comfortable AND stylish.

Now is one of those times where leggings (not worn as pants) might come in handy.  Layer some leggings with a long tunic and/or yummy cashmere sweater (it gets chilly on those planes). Put on some flat boots (They don’t have to be flat, mind you, I’m just going for comfort. Bravo to you if you want to wear heels) and you’re good to go. Here’s a visual:

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(sans lace gloves, obvi. Chanel bag optional).

A few more options if this is still not clear for you:

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She’s even making “jeggings” look cool.

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The trick is layering. It gives you versatility and you can take on or off depending on temperature and comfort. This is an extreme example, but you get the point (I hope).

I’m about to make this REALLY easy for you…

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So Low Long Leggings, $51, Nightcap Clothing Cashmere Poncho Scarf Sweater, $532, Wilt Hi Lo Tank, $86, Ash Pearl Over the Knee Boots, $323.40, Alexander Wang Daphne duffel bag, $623, Carrera Champion Sunglasses, $120

All available at shopbop.com

Bon voyage!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: My Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

By |February 12th, 2010|Celebrity Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

So, here’s something that I think needs to be discussed. The proper usage of sunglasses.  Last time I checked, they were for protecting your eyes from overexposure of UV rays (and to prevent crow’s feet).  However, it has become abundantly clear that not all of you got that memo.  I want to go ahead and point the finger at you, Hollywood.  You, somehow, gave people (a-hem, celebrities) the impression that sunglasses were like a mimosa.  Okay at any time. Well, have I got news for you. Sunglasses, are, in fact, not okay at any time.  For instance, at night. There is no sun.  So, unless you go ahead and invent something called “moonglasses” with some type of scientific research backing them up, please remove your shades.

This trend also spawned the usage of shades in nightclubs.  Remember those clear-ish shades that “juice heads” started wearing at “da club?”  Gross. I assume this was to either, A) attempt to disguise your quarter sized pupils from all the drugs you were on, B) attempt to disguise your inherent dbaggery. Failure on both. It only drew more attention to you as we pointed and laughed.

Celebs, this goes for you as well. Who do you think you’re fooling with those shades on? I might NOT have noticed you strolling by… until you slapped those ginormous sunnies on. Now I’m wondering who the creep in the sunglasses is.

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I was like, “Why are you so obsessed with me?” Well, MC, I’ll tell you why. (Disregarding your pink leather jacket) you’re out at night wearing sunglasses. Let’s go over this again, there’s NO SUN. Cut it out. You think we wouldn’t recognize you without them? Doubtful considering your affinity for pink leather attire.

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Oh… RiRi, you look confused. could it be because you are wearing sunglasses in the pitch dark and can’t see four feet in front of you? Thought so.

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I mean, I don’t know why I’m even throwing this guy in there. He’s king of all D’s. Of course he’s got his shades on.

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Oh Kimmy, I can’t even focus on the fact that you’re wearing sunglasses at night because I’m entranced by the fact that you’re wearing LEGGINGS AS PANTS. YOU of all people should NOT being wearing leggings as pants. I understand that most shirts probably don’t even fit over your rear, but let’s give a try, no?

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Um, hey guys? It’s RAINING. Know how I know? You’re holding an UMBRELLA. One of these things does not go with the others. (Btw- is that a fannypack?)

Alright, do I need to make a brief list of sunglass uses? Fine. I’ll go slow. Pay attention, please.

  • Wear sunglasses when it’s sunny.  Novel idea.
  • Do not wear sunglasses at night.
  • Do not wear sunglasses when it’s raining.
  • Just say, “no” to drugs. Even your sunglasses can’t help you here.
  • The bigger and more obnoxious your sunglasses are, the more attention they will draw to you.
  • Just because you can’t see us, doesn’t mean we can’t see you.
  • Clear sunglasses are an oxymoron.
  • There are no such thing as “moonglasses.” I was making a point.

xx,

WhyDid

Happy Ho-lloween.

By |October 16th, 2009|Why Did You Wear That?|

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I love costumes. Give me a reason to wear one and I’m THERE.  Seriously, ask my bf. He’s come home many times to a sassy secretary or desperate housewife.  Well, Halloween is just around the corner, so I thought I’d give some helpful costume suggestions.  I tried to dig up some of my all time favorites of my own, but didn’t have much luck.

For Groups:

Football team (or another sports team): We did this years ago and it was a big hit copied for several years after. We literally came up with a team name (the Vixens), mascot (a fox), and put numbers and nicknames on the back.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Yeah, we attempted to do this one year. While I thought it was brilliant, not everyone was ecstatic about the green unitards from American Apparel.  I still think it’s hilarious and would make an amazing group costume.

Cast of Sex and the City: Kind of tame, but pretty easy to pull off. However, there may be a dispute over who gets to be Carrie and who gets stuck as Miranda.

Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney Kardashian: Tight dresses, padded derrieres, and don’t forget the baby bump for Kourtney.

Bret Michaels and Rock of Love Girls: Um, amazing. Enough said.

Flying Solo:

Lady Gaga: there will probably be a ton of these, but any good reason to wear a blonde wig and leotard should be taken advantage of.

Ana Wintour: (a slutty Ana) is kind of amazing. Get a sweet bob wig and some big black glasses.

Vampire: (a slutty one, obviously). If you aren’t feeling too adventurous, jump on the vampire bandwagon. For some reason, don’t ask me why, people are totally vampire crazy.

Devil in a Blue Dress: This actually came from my mom (clever as always). It’s perfect for a more tame Halloween party or somewhere that you don’t want your entire abdomen showing.  Get a cute blue dress and devil horns, voila!

Couples:

Pam and Jim from The Office: Not particularly sexy, but who doesn’t love Pam and Jim?

Jon and Kate (Plus 8): This could be pretty brilliant. You may have to stop by the local Toys R Us and pick up some dolls, and you will probably lose several throughout the night, but that makes it an even better costume.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf: Pretty self explanatory, no?

Each Other: This could be really funny. Dress like each other and exaggerate their characteristics. This could also prove to be very good couple’s therapy.

Happy haunting!

xx,

WhyDid