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Why Did You Wear That: Under the Boardwalk

By |September 3rd, 2016|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

coney island boardwalk shop tobi

Ah, where were we?  Oh, that’s right.  Dissecting summer’s sweat stains and cynicism,  When I realized that I might be a little overdressed for housing hot dogs and giving the Tilt O Whirl a spin, I swapped my bodycon two piece for something a lot softer and a bit breezier: TOBI’s Desert Dreaming Dress Set.  There are days when it’s so steamy you can’t stand the thought of anything touching you, not even Ryan Gosling with a puppy and plate of freshly baked gluten free chocolate chip cookies.  Rather than give up on life by throwing on an oversized dashiki, find something in a natural (aka not synthetic) fabric that’s got some room to breathe and bonus points for clever ventilation design details.

Now, I realize the title of this entry may be a bit misleading.  I did do a serious stroll down the boardwalk by the sea taking in all the scents and the scenery, but I did not find myself at any point in a place where I might be able to sneak off with some handsome surfer for canoodling beneath the pier (and not just because there were no handsome surfers anywhere to be found).  Turns out, this boardwalk is exactly that– a walkway made from, you guessed it, boards.  On one side, you’ve got candy apple carts, frozen beverages and burgers, and every carnival ride your mother wouldn’t allow you to embark upon for fear of a fate worse than Fabio’s.  On the other side, there is a very impressive stretch of sand, way wider than many of the shorelines that have slowly eroded over the years.

 

why did blog kirsten smith

whydid beach kirsten smith

whydid kirsten smith summer coney island

wonder wheel coney island shop tobi

tobi desert dreaming dress set

kirsten blog whydid coney

summer 16 shop tobi desert dreaming

Desert Dreaming Dress Set, c/o TOBI

 

Photography by Michael Stiegler

Setting the Mood: Labor Pains

By |September 1st, 2016|Beauty & Trends, Setting the Mood|

labor-day-fashion-editorial-whydid

While Labor Day is not actually the official end of summer (I repeat, LABOR DAY IS NOT THE OFFICIAL END OF SUMMER), it sure can feel like it.  I prefer a glass half full approach to this holiday weekend- meaning, buck up, we’ve still got another three weeks of summer (fall begins on September 22nd- also known as Smitty and my father’s birthday).  However, if you are a bit more pessimistic and it’s about to be check out time at your summer share house, I understand your desire to go out with a bang.

It was a weird summer, let’s be serious.  The weather was the equivalent of most of my decision making- it didn’t know what it wanted to do.  Fortunately, we only got blasted with one intolerable heatwave and for the most part there was plenty of sun.  While the majority of my friends posted pictures from Ibiza to Istanbul, I sat on the sidelines watching enviously as I scoured the internet looking for a new home in the borough of Brooklyn.  That endeavor turned out to be about as successful as transporting a snow cone through the Sahara.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in the half full or half empty camp, Labor Day is now upon us and we must prepare.  Sunglasses, swimsuits, and sunscreen, ahoy.

Setting the Mood: Hall Pass

By |September 1st, 2014|Setting the Mood|

fall fashion 2014Many of you have sung summer’s swan song with the commencement of Labor Day, but I would like to take an optimistic moment to point out that the official end of summer isn’t until September 23rd and if this Amazonian jungle like heat is any indication (don’t worry- the worst is coming), we have a few more weeks to revel in the sun.  As the city refills with co-eds and those who spent all summer out east and jet setting around the globe, it starts to feel a little bit like a reunion.  While I’m several years past returning to the classroom for another semester of mundane lectures and assignments I don’t understand, something about the beginning of September and the onset of Fashion Week festivities feels like the first day of school and trying to find a seat in the cafeteria without spilling your chocolate milk.  Fall in New York elicits an excitement that is both magical and anxiety inducing.  So, brace yourselves, ladies.  Class is in session.

fall fashion accessories(clockwise): Thakoon Addition Karolina 2 Paneled Snake Effect Leather Brogues, Smythson Superstar Textured Leather Notebook, Illesteva Whitman D-Fram Matte Acetate Glasses, Valentino Embellished Textured Leather Headband

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Working Girl

By |September 3rd, 2013|Setting the Mood|

Yesterday was Labor Day, which everyone seems to think means summer is over, but I have some news that may make your return to the cubicle slightly less depressing. The last day of summer actually isn’t until September 21st, so everyone, chill. You still have about three more weeks of summer to revel in even if your summer rental has expired. For some reason, September has a way of feeling like going back to school. Even though you’ve probably not had much more than a few Fridays off, returning to work today probably feels reminiscent of the first day of school. In that sense, it’s a good time to update your workday essentials with a tailored tote, classic pumps, chic spectacles, and the ultimate outfit topping blazer. Who’s the boss?

Mansur Gavriel Large Leather Tote, Elizabeth and James Chrystie Glasses, Jimmy Choo Anouk Patent Leather Pumps, Theory Lanai Leather Trimmed Blazer

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: The End Is Near

By |August 21st, 2012|Setting the Mood|

end of summerIt’s happening.  That subtle cooling of the summer air.  When I went to take Smitty out to stretch his morning legs the other day, there was a distinct difference in the breeze.  Gone was the suffocating stuffiness.  Instead I was greeted with a slightly chilled end of summer climate.  This only means one thing: fall is fast approaching.  So enjoy the last few weeks of strappy sundresses, easy espadrilles, and nearly nonexistent shorts, because very soon, we’ll be bundled up and longing for those steamy summer afternoons.

 

 

transitional stuffThree Floor Field Trip Parka, $318, 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel, $895, Converse Moto Leather Sneakers, $75, Helmut Lang Draped Jersey Dress, $295,

Don’t forget… pride cometh before…

xx,

WhyDid