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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

Why Did You Wear That: …Try Try Again (the Saga Continues)

By |June 6th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith blogcontinued from yesterday… 

That Friday I met one of my best girlfriends for lunch at Morandi followed by a stroll through Soho to pick out the perfect dress for my perfect first date with my dually proclaimed “perfect fit.”  My go to for a first date involving dinner is something form fitting- suggestive enough, but leaving plenty to the imagination.  It’s like dating- don’t give it all up at once.  I already had an idea in my head and found something that fit the bill fairly quickly.  When I came out of the dressing room to gain approval from my friend and anyone else I could ask, the sales associate informed me that the dress could be spun around so the opening was in front.  Sold.  I probably wouldn’t expose my midriff during a first date (shocking, coming from the queen of crop tops), but how much fun would it be to go to the bathroom and return with the dress reversed?  Answer: Very.

It had been quite some time since I’d actually cared enough to purchase something new for a dude.  Typically on a first date, I’ll strategically wear red lipstick to send the surefire signal that there is absolutely no shot in hell that his tongue will ever know what my molars feel like.  Ever.  But in this instance, he was not only worth a new dress, but also new shoes.  In my mind, it was bashert.  And sure this sounds like it’s all about to end happily ever after, but what fun would that be and I’m sorry, have we met?

A couple of hours before I was to meet my future man friend for dinner at Narcissa, my illness or antibiotics sent me into a tailspin and I knew that I was certainly in no shape to be sitting at dinner spreading germs to my fellow diners.  Besides, this also meant I should not be kissing anyone but Smitty and that was going to be far too difficult.  As to not be selfish, I called to cancel.  I was almost shocked at how understanding he was, but we spent the rest of the evening texting about our would be date.  On Saturday, he called to check on the sickling.  We talked for a while and I assured him we would see each other soon enough.

Then a funny thing happened… I didn’t hear from him again.  Turns out, New York dating is a lot like New York real estate.  You wait too long to put in an offer and someone else will scoop it up.  I haven’t decided whether I’m on or off the market again, but I suppose I’ll entertain any interesting offers.

kirsten smith nyc night7

kirsten smith

kirsten smith whydid

kirsten smith

kirsten smith nyc night6dress: Wilfred Free, jacket: DVF, shoes: Sam Edelman, bag: Malini Murjani 

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Almost.

By |March 12th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith nycYesterday was the first day in a long time that I didn’t have to wear a coat, but a jacket instead.  The thermostat skyrocketed to an unbelievable sixty one degrees although it still felt a little frosty west by the water.  And while skin started to show and our bodies but not hearts began to thaw, it wasn’t quite warm enough to convince me that spring is really on the way.  Restaurants weren’t the slightest bit hesitant about setting up their outdoor seating to capitalize on the overzealous weather revelers.  I even joined friends for rooftop cocktails at Soho House to celebrate (and photobooth foolery followed).  And while we do have only a week left of winter an entire extra hour of sun,  at some point it still does go down.

kirsten smith

 

kirsten smith

 

kirsten smith

kirsten smithShop the Look:

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: The Perfect Paradox

By |November 9th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithIn sticking with this week’s theme of leather and lace, sugar and spice, sultry and sweet this outfit should provide some weekend outfit inspiration.  And wouldn’t you know, I’ve found yet another way to incorporate a crop top.  Sure it’s gotten quite a bit colder here in New York, but wearing a coat in transit makes showing a little skin entirely achievable.  Pairing a high waisted pencil skirt with a lacy top is a great way to show off your curves without having to pile yourself into some type of bandage contraption.  It’s classic, yet modern and most all body types can wear the look, crop top optional.

As I’ve mentioned, contradictions are my specialty.  Mixing something more tough with something seen as soft is the way to create drama (the only kind I’m into) without looking like you’re trying too hard or doing too much.  The skirt is actually something I’ve had for years- since I was a sophomore in highschool as a matter of fact.  Because a custom made leather dress seems totally normal for a 16 year old’s homecoming (photographic evidence here).  I held onto it knowing that while it may have been a bit ahead of my time as a teen, it would be a piece that would stand the test of time.  Worn with a cropped lace tee, black booties, and subtle accessories, it is the perfect paradox.

Kirsten Smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smithtop: American Apparel (thanks, Mer), skirt: custom (similar here), bra: Cosabella, bag: Malini Murjani, bracelet: vintage necklace (similar here), booties: Steven, ring: Grandma’s (similar here), earrings: vintage (similar here)

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Now and Later

By |September 4th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithThe weather at the end of summer and the beginning of spring is more flippant and unpredictable than a woman two days into Aunt Flo.  One day you’re blotting sweat stains from a silk blouse and the next you’re wishing you’d stowed a cardigan in your tote.  Most of my summer was spent sunning my stems in denim cutoff shorts.  My jeans barely saw the light of day and probably now have perma-creases from staying stagnant in the depths of my closet.  Most people see Labor Day as the end of summer and Fashion Week as the beginning of fall.  This is when closet starved New Yorkers begin the purging of their closets.  Tiny tanks and strappy sandals are stowed and soft cashmere and slouchy boots take their place.  But before you pack away your denim cutoffs for good,  let’s examine how some of your favorite summer pieces can have an extended shelf life by working them into your wardrobe with winter wear.

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

denim shorts kirsten smith

kirsten smithsunglasses: Ray-Ban, top: custom vintage (similar here), shorts: c/o Cult of Individuality, bracelets: Alex and Ani, bag: Malini Murjani (similar here), shoes: L.A.M.B. (similar here)

Stay tuned to see how to take your summer shorts to a winter staple.
xx,

WhyDid

Photo credit: Michael Stiegler