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Why Did You Wear That: American Girl in Paris, La Dernier Chapitre

By |March 2nd, 2015|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith blog why didIf you’ve been keeping up with my Parisian escapades (parts deux et trois), you’re probably wondering what became of this romantic journey.  Well, unlike most fairytales, this story didn’t have the happy ending that little girls dream of (or massage parlors promise).  However, it did have the life lessons that grow sweet little girls into strong wise women.  In short, what some might have chocked up to be a trip from hell, I was able to extract some very, very important universal truths.  I didn’t fall in love with a handsome French man.  I didn’t buy the perfect vintage coat in Le Marais.  I didn’t even see the top of the Eiffel Tower though it was quite literally a baguette’s distance away.

People then ask, “Well, what did you do?” and I can’t really answer that.  There was no Mona Lisa at the Louvre, I never ate escargot.  I didn’t lock away my love on the Pont des Arts.  I did have lunch at Colette, drank champagne while chatting up a couple of artists at Cafe de Flore, and took a spin on La Grande Roue de Paris.  I made new friends, I reconnected with some I had lost touch with.  Most importantly, I was smacked in the face with my own little life lesson: if you don’t take the wheel, someone else most certainly will.

When you board a bullet train, keep in mind it can be derailed just as quickly as it can get you to your destination.  My friend arrived on the morning of my birthday.  We started the day off without sleeping and a bottle of champagne (champagne tastes better on an empty stomach).  By the end of the day, we had a cute French boy singing “Happy Birthday” (Joyeux Anniversaire) with his guitar and buying me a birthday card from a pharmacie with an age on it that might not be my own.  The evening included dinner at L’Avenue (which we lucked into as we hadn’t made an earlier reservation and Paris was still empty) and cocktails (read: more champagne) at Le Bar du Plaza Athénée.  There was no cake, there was no singing and this was the beginning and prologue to a very long week.

To fit all that occurred into one or two more paragraphs would not do the journey justice and ironically, some parts of my personal life should probably stay private.  A few notable moments did include spontaneously regaining a grasp of my French, learning that you can bring your dog just about anywhere (including the grocery store), champagne showers at couture week after parties at Hotel Costes, and actually losing weight while eating bread.  By the end of the week, I was exhausted both physically and emotionally.  The universe did me a solid by canceling my flight home due to Juno (sorry, New York) allowing me a few more days in Paris on my own.  While the only physical souvenirs I arrived home with were some French books from the airport and sweets to share with friends at home, the real gifts were the lessons I learned about myself.  (And Hemingway was right).

I didn’t go to Paris with someone I love as I’d always imagined, but there are some mornings I find myself longing to awake in the golden morning light of that magical city.

what to wear in parishow to wear a romper paris blog

 

paris fashion blogger

paris kirsten smith blogger why did

why did kirsten smith blog parisRomper: Cameo the Label Man Down Romper, Tights: Emilio Cavallini, Shoes: Sam Edelman, Bag: Malini Murjani, similar by Salvatore Ferragamo here, Lips: Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Natural in No. 50 Aubergine

Setting the Mood: Finding Normal

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

I am a t-shirt junkie.  I don’t mean like actual “t-shirts” I mean the kind of t-shirts that look “really cool” and you paid way too much  money for. (I sometimes secretly believe I was a rocker in a past life).

One of my favorite brands of these overpriced t-shirts is Kain.  They make really great loose fitting tees and tanks that are sheer and have a great drapey pocket.  They only come in a few colors, but somehow, when you put on this oversized t-shirt, you still look incredibly sexy without trying too hard. Oh- and they’re really soft.  Sounds perfect, right? Here’s the kicker: they are $85 a pop.  Ouch! So, brilliant discovery!!! These Designer T-Shirts are unique, original, and made high quality 100% cotton and sure to please.

fall shopping guide
First and foremost, you’re welcome…  And I’m sorry.  You’re welcome because I’ve spent a great deal of time finding all of fall’s very best options to ensure that you’ve got each and every one of this fall’s UK fashion blog biggest trends at your fingertips, I even made sure to visit specsfair to get the best deals on glasses. Yes you heard that right, one of a kind pockets.  I’ve basically contracted carpal tunnel from all of the clicking, coding, copying, and pasting of product, but not severe enough that I can’t sip red wine while I write this.

I’m sorry for doing such a thorough job that you’re sure to be able to easily spend a month’s salary or more stocking up on your fall wardrobe refresh.  Just remember, it’s good for the economy.

When I first started seeing stores displaying their autumnal wares, it was still a sweltering 90 degrees and I couldn’t be bothered browsing.  However, as the temperature started to dip and I began to grow bored of baring all my skin, the cozy knits, oversized coats, and overtly luxurious look this fall brings got me wishing for the next polar vortex.

Sure, sweaters are always fall staples, but this season’s are much chunkier, more textured, and come in all lengths from cropped to tunics.  Wear them in fall’s favored colors consisting of gray, scarlet, cobalt, and any shade of candy colored pastel.  These shades carry over to other trends including mid calf length hemlines, long line vests, sixties shaped shifts, and folk inspired frocks.  Men may loathe leopard (as we recently realized), but it’s quite strong this season and if you aren’t feeling bold enough to wear it in a bomber, try it as a statement accessory.  Speaking of fur, this must be the year of the Muppet, but if you can’t stomach the price tag (or the use of) real fur, there are some really beautiful faux options that are both animal and wallet friendly.  Whether you opt for fluffy, colored, fuzzy, or something in shearling to weather the winter, you’ll certainly be warmer for it.  When looking to add a bit of bling, opt for silver as it’s been used as embellishments on coats and knits as well as woven into rich fabrics.  If you’re up for a bit of pattern play, geometric shapes and fairisle intarsias are leading the charge.

Fortunately, this fall’s trends easily translate from one to another and also play off one another seamlessly.  You can effortlessly cover two trends at once by purchasing a pastel vest or a grey faux fur coat.  Be creative.  Be bold.  But be this fall’s all-embracing look of luxe.

Gray Area:

fall fashion trends 2014 gray

Leopards Don’t Change Their Spots:

fall 2014 leopard print

Tangled Up in Blue:

fall 2014 trends fashion

Silver Baller:

fall 2014 trends

Psychedelic Hotline:

fall 2014 trends print

Long Term In-Vest-ment:

fall fashion trends long vest

Scarlet Fever:

fall fashion trends 2014 scarlett

The Shearling:

fall 2014 fashion trends

Midi Terms:

midi length fall 2014 trends

Pastel Princess:

Keep Your Knits About You:

chunky knits fall 2014

Folk Alluring:

fall 2014 fashion folk

Fur Sure:

fur fall fashion 2014

normcore fashionYou’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.

normcore style

 

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: Distressed Done Up

By |April 24th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

whydid kirsten smithWhen one thinks of shredded jeans, I  assume that most file destroyed denim under completely casual.  To be honest, I treat some of my destroyed denim like my own version of sweatpants.  A particular pair that reign as queen bee of my cluttered closet and are often the first thing I pull out for morning dog walking duty also happen to be the very same pair I pull out to wear with a tiny top and high heels for an evening out.  So, you see, distressed denim truly can go from day to night.  I’ve never worked at a job where I had to wear a “suit” (that’s the beauty of the fashion industry, kids), but when I worked in a sad grey cube at Henri Bendel, we were supposed to follow a few simple guidelines like, I don’t know: don’t look like an asshole or wear flip flops.  One of the clauses when distressed denim became one of our biggest sellers in store was that we could wear it… so long as it was one of our vendors… and most certainly not with flip flops- not even Havaianas.  So, full circle: destroyed denim can be both very downtown as well as totally dressed up.

whydid kirsten smith

whydid kirsten smith

kirsten smith whydid

kirsten destroyed denim whydid

whydid kirsten smithblazer: Dian von Furstenberg, blouse: Philosophy, jeans: DIY (learn how here), bag: Rafe, shoes: Carlos by Carlos Santana, sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bracelets: alex and ani, necklace: Maya Brenner

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Brian Schutza

Friday Frocks: Festival Friendly

By |April 11th, 2014|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

gypsyThe dress code at Coachella is basically the opposite of the Meatpacking District on a Saturday night.  That’s right, ladies.  Leave your skin tight bandage dresses in the closet… better yet your donation pile.  For an outdoor music festival it’s best to be in something loose and free flowing- something that doesn’t require platform pumps as an accessory.  Why not opt for a frock sure to set your gypsy soul free, even if you aren’t hanging in the desert this weekend.

coachella-dresses1. For Love & Lemons Festival Dress, 2. LOVESHACKFANCY Essential Tie Dye Halter Mini Dress, 3. Anna Sui Morning Glory Cotton and Silk Blend Mini Dress, 4. VAVA by Joy Han Libby Dress, 5. Cleobella Nora Dress, 6. Free People Bib Dress, 7. Free People Relaxed Tired Ruffle Dress, 8. Show Me Your Mumu Bachelorette Dress, 9. Anna Sui Printed Silk Blend Chiffon Mini Dress, 10. Tiare Hawaii Banyan Scoop Back Mini Dress

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Setting the Mood: Love Me Tender or Not So Much.

By |February 10th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

valentines dayThe only day in February with more unnecessary hype surrounding it than the first day of Fashion Week is Valentine’s Day.  While I’m love’s greatest champion even after all my crashing, burning, and broken hearts, Valentine’s Day gives me a little bit of anxiety.  Not really for myself so much as the rest of the general population.  My blackened heart basically makes me immune to the inevitable disappointment of people everywhere who dreamt up a day so romantic it would make Cinderella sick.  Without fail, plans fall apart, hearts get shattered, and mascara finds its way down tear stained cheeks.

Don’t believe me?  Check out a few of my Valentine’s Day massacres:

One year it was spent eating an entire box of red velvet cupcakes and crying with my gay best friend.  Did I mention the cupcakes had been meant for his date who canceled an hour before?

I once went through a breakup while seated next to my boyfriend turned ex boyfriend on an airplane on the way home from Los Angeles.  That was an awfully long flight.

And last year I really exceeded all of my bad decision making capabilities with a late night margarita fueled rendezvous.  That lead to an entire year of what some might consider an all around bad decision.  I’d actually like to thank the fine folks previously employed at Mole for having served us more tequila shots than there are days in February.

But it’s not all bad.  People have gotten engaged, met at single’s mixers, and lived out The Bachelor worthy dates.  So, let’s go with that.  While I’ll probably padlock myself indoors and surrender my iPhone to my doorman for the evening so as to avoid my apparent February 14th curse, you kids go out and have fun.

 

sexy valentine gift

 

Agent Provocateur Soiree Liu Liu Lace Bra and BriefsHotel Costes Red Eau de Toilette, Oscar de la Renta Gold Plated Crystal Rose EarringsNicholas Kirkwood Lace Mesh Pumps

 

xx,

WhyDid