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Why Did You Wear That: When the Lights Go Down

By |August 9th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

sunset cutoff denim shortsMy love of sunsets is no secret to friends and loved ones.  My father often snaps his West Coast stunners for me so that I get to experience not one, but two beautiful skies a night.  That’s love -and one reason I’d totally be down for a long distance relationship.  Cloud coverage, humidity, and time of day can all affect the palette used to create each night’s masterpiece making it nearly impossible for it to ever grow old.  Each night, I’m undoubtedly awed.  The only catch to my sherbert sunsets is that why, yes, that is the W Hoboken.  That’s the irony in all of this.  Joke’s on you, Manhattan.  You pay thousands of dollars a month in rent to gaze appreciatively at New Jersey.  At least Brooklyn gets to take in our beautiful skyline.  Even though we laugh at the fact that all of these glorious sky paintings are hung in the gallery that is New Jersey, I still show up for the show.

Tomorrow marks the second super moon (not to mention the Aquarius new moon), the largest of three super moons this summer. Shit is literally going to get weird and you can bet I will be perched atop my roof to take in the lunar glow sparkling against the Hudson (and New Jersey).  I’ve been known on more than one occasion to wear nightgowns as evening gowns– a trait I earned honestly from my mother.  Which is why some of my favorite clothing items came directly from my mom’s lingerie drawer.  Vintage lace tops worn with this summer’s favored outerwear, the kimono, is perfect for staring at the moon.

But I sure do miss the stars.

whydid blog kirsten smith sunset nyckimono nyc denim cutoff shorts brandy melville

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lace top kimono nyc sunset

kirsten smith whydid blogwhydid blog kirsten smithkimono: similar by Ecote here, top: vintage Mom’s, shorts: similar by MINKPINK here, shoes: French Connection, bag: Louis Vuitton, necklace: Nina Nguyen, ring: Erica Annenberg, bracelets: Alex + Ani

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Cover Your Bases

By |August 5th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

national underwear day peep showThere are times in life when one must practice a bit of discretion- like the times where my friends have to remind me that what I classify as “shirts” aren’t in reality and in “polite society” considered shirts.  They’re more like long line bralettes.  And honestly, if my bust wasn’t as robust, I might actually be able to get away with a bit more skin.  But alas, that is not the case, so I’ve had to take a quick course in Modesty 101.  This past weekend when I was informed that I would be attending a cocktail party with one of my best gal pals, her boo, and a guy I’d formerly hidden from, I packed one of my favorite T by Alexander Wang backless dresses and heels that I get stopped on the street about.  “Backless” more often than not is synonymous with “bra-less.”  As to not offend my friend, I also stashed one of my secret weapons that I acquired as a lingerie buyer, silicone nipple covers.  Sure, they aren’t exactly sexy (ever wanna look like a department store mannequin?), but they prevent corneal damage and idle cocktail party gossip.  That reminded me of all the little tricks of the trade that I was privy to and wanted to share with my fellow crop top loving cohorts.  Collect these Macgyver approved undergarments below and never let your nipples be the only lasting impression at the party… because it’s just not that kind of party.

calvin klein underwear1. Calvin Klein Underwear Naked Glamour Strapless Push Up Bra, 2. Fashion Forms Silicone Gel Petals, 3. The Natural Fashion Tape and Dispenser, 4. Joie Layering Slip Dress, 5. Commando Classic Thong, 6. Cosabella Never Say Never Flirty Bandeau Bra, 7. Free People Seamless Romper, 8. Les Coquines Anastasia Halter Bralette, 9. Only Hearts Second Skins One Ply Tube

xx,

WhyDid

 

 

Setting the Mood: Under Covers

By |August 4th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

lingerie fashion editorial I may be appalled at the thought of wearing pearls and Tory Burch ballet flats give me the creeps, but no one who knows me intimately would argue that I’m anything but feminine.  I may have matured from favoring hot pink hues for home and wardrobe, but I will never tire of delicate lace, soft satin, and intricate details that make being a woman worth all of the cramps, bloating, skewed salaries, and cat calls.  When I spent several years in the high end world of lingerie, I acquired new found admiration for all that goes into underpinnings.  Perhaps there will only be a few special someones who are ever fortunate enough to see the contents of your knicker drawer (unless you use your delicates as decor), but the most feminine thing I think a woman can do is dress for herself.

la perla mimi holiday kiki de montparnasse lingerieAgent Provocateur Abbey Lace Trimmed Stretch Silk Satin Robe, La Perla Paisley Lace Appliqued Stretch Tulle Bodysuit, Mimi Holiday by Damaris Banoffee Pie Stretch Silk Satin Lingerie Set, Kiki de Montparnasse Muse Stretch Silk Contour Bra and High Waisted Satin and Lace Corset Briefs

xx, WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Rain, Rain

By |May 5th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith whydidSpring in New York tends to be more fickle than the beautiful women who inhabit it.  One minute it’s all sunshine and soft breeze.  The next it’s dark storm clouds and running for cover.  One must always stow a small umbrella in her bag and never become too attached to her blowout. When Figleaves was kind enough to send me some stellar swimwear, I could not wait to suit up.  Problem is, it’s hardly warm enough for exposed limbs and there’s definitely not enough sunshine for SPF.  So, when the second to last day of April gave us just one last monsoon to remind us who’s boss, we had to get creative.  If rooftop poolparties aren’t in Mother Nature’s forecast for me, I’ll just have to make due with my own watering hole.

Don’t despair over your summer plans, folks. You can still wear a luxury swimwear this season if you can safely access a beach, have a backyard you can lay out in, or if you just decide to dress up in one around your house. Do you! We all have to take some precautions and make changes to our travel plans with a pandemic still happening, but sometimes a little shopping can help take your mind off things, even just for a bit. Miami Swim Week happened last year, but the runways work ahead of schedule, and these are the 10 trends we saw for 2020.

 

 

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bubble bath

rubber ducky

 

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kirsten smithshirt:Lucca Couture, hat: Big Buddha, bathing suit: Huit c/o Figleaves, shorts: Joe’s Jeans, shoes: Steve Madden, sunglasses: Pucci, bag: Diane von Furstenberg, towel: Cynthia Rowley, bracelets: Alex and Ani

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Brian Schutza

Why Did You Wear That: Erin Go Bra the Sequel

By |March 17th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

green lingerie editorialI voiced how I feel about being told to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, but the little lacy loophole in my qualm is a pretty little bit of lingerie.  And in spirit of the Irish phrase, “Erin go bragh,” meaning essentially, “Ireland forever,” let’s slip into something any lucky leprechaun would approve of.  Forget green beer, here are green bras.

green lingerie1. Hanky Panky Retro Bralette, 2. La Perla Volta Underwire Bra, 3. Deborah Marquit Giardino di Fiori Lace Soft Cup Bra, 4. Splendid Banded Bralette, 5. Beach Bunny Satin Lace Bralette, 6. Cosabella Never Say Never Racer Back Bra, 7. XiRENA Tais Bralette in Marlow, 8. Eberjey Veronique Bralet, 9. Agent Provocateur Electra Lace and Tulle Plunge Bra, 10.Free People Galloon Lace Crop Bra

 

 

Get lucky.  The Irish did.

xx,

WhyDid