Linsly School | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Private (School) Party

By admin|September 4th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

Move over Blair Waldorf, this fall preppy plaid and tailored blazers are having a moment lasting longer than your reign as prom queen. But this isn’t a buttoned up and uptight renaissance. Think of the girls in school who skipped class, spent lunch smoking in the hidden back parking lot, and unabashedly flirted with the cute English teacher. Okay, I didn’t do any of those things in school, but I did manage to find each and every loophole in the dress code. I was reprimanded more than once for having rolled my skirt or wearing shoes that weren’t deemed appropriate. Many feel that a school uniform stunts a child’s ability to express him or herself, but I contest that belief as it takes a lot more creativity to own the look. Plus, basically already knowing what you’re going to wear every morning gives you much more time to spend straightening your hair. Iron on labels can help you keep your school cloth well organized. The only downside was that I didn’t wear thong underwear on a daily basis until I graduated as our ancient stairwells were a peeping Tom’s dream realized.

Can we take a moment and relish in the irony that my highschool had a “best dressed” superlative?

For fall, be at the head of the class by pairing an updated plaid or pleated skirt with an oversized blazer or varsity jacket and don’t forget to finish it off with a pair of absolutely inappropriate shoes. See you in detention.

(In case you are wondering about these illustrious photos, the one on the left is from either my sophomore or junior year of school- clearly when I discovered bleach and the one on the right is my first day of ninth grade. And yes, those are Doc Martens).

1. A.P.C. Burnou Zippe Coat, 2. SMYTHE Three Button Schoolboy Blazer, 3. Roseanna Tommy Sherpa Lined Jacket, 4. J. Crew Schoolboy Blazer, 5. Opening Ceremony Tristan Wool Classic OC Varsity Jacket, 6. Sea Two Pleat Skirt, 7. Marissa Webb Paige Gerrit Plaid Skirt, 8. GETTING BACK TO SQUARE ONE Plaid Miniskirt, 9. BB Dakota Corvin Pleated Skirt, 10. JOA Checked Pencil Skirt, 11. Manolo Blahnik Rorita Oxfords, 12. Walter Steiger Lug Sole Patent Leather Loafers, 13. Studio Pollini Loafers, 14. J. Crew Kiltie Monk Strap Loafers, 15. Zimmermann Tie Up Ballerina Flats

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Private Parts

By Kirsten|December 23rd, 2013|Setting the Mood|

This time of year, especially around the holidays, plaid plays a very important role in winter wardrobing. Personally? I have a penchant for plaid. I went to plenty of private schools, St. Michael’s, St. Edward’s, and Linsly and maybe that’s where my love of plaid began. Many may beg to differ, but there’s nothing better than slamming the snooze button knowing that your outfit for school that day is predetermined, so you can afford a few more moments of shut eye. Honestly, there’s not a lot better than a good school uniform. For years, I was living out my very own Britney Spears Baby One More Time music video. Not really sure how the boys (or teachers) concentrated with pretty young things clad in pleated plaid skirts, knee socks, button downs, and blazers. The worst three years of my life were those spent in public school during my middle school years- not solely for the lack of uniform, because my closet actually quadrupled in size during that time. I may be the only adolescent on record who begged to go back. I’m pretty sure it appeared on my Christmas list two years running. While I did finally get my way, I still wax poetic about inappropriately short plaid skirts (I found myself in the office on more than one occasion for figuring out new and inventive ways to chop off a few inches from mine) and all the iterations of legwear and platform penny loafers. Fortunately, there are many ways that we can all relive our prep school pasts with grown up plaid pieces.

Karl Lagerfeld MacPherson Tartan Wool and Faux Leather Pants, Cambridge Satchel Tartan Satchel Backpack,Christian Louboutin Anita 85 Buckled Tartan Pumps, Hanky Panky Highland Tartan Lace Bralette and Cheeky Hipster

Hit me, baby, one more time.

xx,

WhyDid

Real People, Real Style: She’s the Manns

By Kirsten|March 7th, 2012|Real People Real Style|

I’ve known Whitney longer than I’ve known some of my best friends. She’s what got me through 8th period of my senior year in highschool. Always funny, always positive, she made even the most mundane reading more fun. Little did I know that we had a lot more in common than our navy blue blazers and Mr. Fischer’s senior English class.

Name: Whitney Manns

Wearing: Fitted Red Shift Dress from Asos.com, Stella and Dot Pegasus Necklace, Nude Vince Camuto Pumps

Occupation: Owner and Stylist of WM Wardrobe Consultant

Hometown/Current Town: the small town of Lake Charles, Louisiana

1. I would describe my style as: Sophisticated chic, on the safe side. I love classic lines of outfits and mixing random colors together but never step over the edge to be overly fashion forward because I never want to scare away any potential clients.

2. I can’t leave the house without: Cardigan! Love my cardigans (could be because I’m always cold) even if its stuff in one of my ‘Mary Poppins’ size purses. Oooh- and either one of my silver or gold Michael Kors’ Watches, love the chunky boyfriend watch look.

3. Based on wardrobe alone, if I could live in any time period, it would be: The 50’s with all its body fitting outfits but still classy looks.

4. Best/biggest splurge (worth every penny): My first Milly dress, which I still own and wear. When I was first on my own and making my own money I couldn’t believe I was spending half my rent on a dress. However, I Love this designer with her adorable prints, she can make any simple structured dress look amazing.

5. Best fashion advice I’ve ever received: I don’t really know if I was ever told fashion advice more that i learned things gradually, but I guess the one thing i live by is to not be scared to think outside the box.

6. Biggest fashion pet peeve (a trend that just needs to go away): This isn’t so much a trend but a common mistake with ladies trying too hard to look fashionable but its when someone tries to wear too many trends in one outfit!

7. What I would tell my 13 year old self: To Stop wearing that turquoise track suit everyday because it really isn’t that cute.

8. Weirdest beauty trick that I swear by: I really don’t have any!

9. Don’t care if it ever goes out of style, I’m going to keep wearing: my Skinny jeans!

10. I would love to trade closets with: I admire Katie’s Holmes taste in clothes.

Fun fact: My love for clothes started as a love/hate relationship. When I was younger I was frustrated with not being stylish but wanted to just wear what I thought looked right. This relationship became stronger after all the art classes I took, evolving into the passion I have for clothes now.

Three years ago, I decided to help others with their struggle or desire to build their fashion relationship. WM Wardrobe Consulting now has clients in many states and cities and has helped build the confidence level in many women and men through personal shopping and outfit coordinating.

So, if you’re in need of a little closet overhaul get in touch with Whitney STAT. Not only will she work wonders for your closet, she can also recite E. E. Cummings.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Lindsey Janies

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