Manhattan | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Swag Bag

By admin|September 9th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

I’m not awesome at packing a suitcase, but when it comes to having a well appointed handbag, (remember this tutorial?) it’s very evident that I will make for a great mommy some day. For Fashion Week, we must up the ante when it comes to being overly prepared. To be honest (and why wouldn’t I be?), this could be my every day bag. The only difference is during a week such as this, the chance of being able to swoop back home to pick up a forgotten item is a far cry from plausible. Sure, the island of New York is only about 22 square miles, but getting around is a lot more taxing than hopping in a taxi… and let’s be serious- during an average week, I hardly venture outside a ten block radius. When you leave your broom closet size apartment in the morning, it’s necessary to plan ahead and that includes everything from spare batteries to snacks to a change of shoes. Pro tip: when choosing a bag, take into consideration its weight before you’ve stuffed it to the gills with survival supplies. There’s a reason my yoga teacher is constantly correcting the tension I hold in my shoulders (specifically the right one). Have I suggested yet that yoga be a requirement for all Manhattanites? Consider this my formal bid then. Whether you, too, are taking on the tents for the remainder of this week or perhaps you’re a working woman on the go, be sure that you’re always armed for battle with these hand bag must haves.

1. Maiyet Small Como Satchel, 2. Sheriff & Cherry G11-S Sunglasses, 3. Printed Portable Phone Charger, 4. Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder, 5. RMS Beauty Lip2Cheek in Beloved, 6. Juice Press Black Label Latte, 7. Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera, 8. Marc by Marc Jacobs Snake Heart Printed Faux Patent Leather Laptop Case, 9. KIND Almond Cashew + Flax (Omega 3) Snack Bar, 10. Yosi Samra Samara Embossed Croc Flats

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Don’t Rain on My Parade

By Kirsten|July 21st, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This summer’s weather has been just about as unpredictable as my mood. One moment hot, one moment cold. The sun is scorching your skin one day. The next you can’t find an umbrella big enough to protect you from full body saturation. If you enjoy this unpredictability, maybe we should date– or maybe you should talk to a shrink. Anyhow, when it came time to shoot last week, the talented Michael Stiegler had only a small window of time to snap before the sun went down. As it happened, that was the exact same time Mother Nature decided she was going to open up the flood gates and water the flowers. The upside of my sometimes scattered moods is that I tend to adapt well to what might seem like unsavory obstacles. Rather than postpone for a day without rain, we grabbed an umbrella, headed to the roof and proceeded to make the best of a soggy situation. And much like many of our more impromptu photoshoots, we came up with images that were surprisingly good. Life lesson? When it rains, dance.

top: Brandy Melville, similar by Miguelina here, pants: Brandy Melville, similar by Free People here, bag: vintage Dooney & Bourke, similar here, shoes: Via Spiga, similar by Pour la Victoire here, umbrella: Dr. Kenet, similar by Marc by Marc Jacobs here, bracelets: Alex + Ani

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Clutch Call

By Kirsten|December 17th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

I normally carry a bag so large it’s a wonder I haven’t exacerbated my adolescent scoliosis. I mean, one never knows when one may need a notebook, business card, energy bar, or rape whistle (one must always carry a rape whistle). On evenings out, especially in the northeast when the weather turns to slippery slush and we are relegated to bundling ourselves in massive coats of wool, fur, leather, and cashmere to merely tolerate the bone chilling cold in hopes of drowning our sorrows with overpriced cocktails, space which is already at a premium in a city like New York becomes exiguous. Sure there are coat checks and clever cubbies cut into the backs of banquettes, but do you really wanna cram your Céline into a dark cavern alongside some chick’s Canal Street knockoff in the off chance that yours will mysteriously go “missing”? Just like when the meathead at the bar asks if he can buy you a lemon drop, the answer is, “No.” Instead of carrying your everyday bag that could double as a carry-on (and on occasion has), opt for the handheld version commonly called a clutch. Just be sure to hold onto it rather than leaving it in a puddle of condensation on the table credit cards et al.

1. Charlotte Olympia Gold Scent Clutch, 2. Saint Laurent Letters Metallic Leather Clutch, 3. Marni Jewel Embellished Clutch, 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Ravenheart Metallic Leather Clutch, 5. Kotur Margo Animal Print Minaudiere, 6. Claire Vivier Flat Printed Leather Clutch, 7. Serpui Marie Klimt I Clutch, 8. Jimmy Choo The Candy Lip Print Acrylic Clutch, 9. Givenchy Bambi Clutch, 10. Sondra Roberts Scattered Bead Box Clutch, 11. Nina Beaded Heart Box Clutch, 12. ZAC Zac Posen Claudette Scale-Embossed Tassel Clutch, 13. B-Low The Belt Kenzy Clutch, 14. Santi Floral Sequin Clutch, 15. Mango Crystal and Bead Box Clutch, 16. Jonathan Adler Electra Bond Clutch

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Why Did You Wear That: Take Two, Part Two

By Kirsten|August 14th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I was once quoted as saying my ideal outfit is “feminine but tough. (Like a pretty girl on a Harley)…” For me, it’s awfully difficult to look anything but all American. Long blonde hair and fairly classic features make it pretty easy for me to be lumped in with your average white chick. There are times when I don’t feel as if my insides match my outsides. I remember the first time I sat down in my hairstylist’s chair. She’s a super cool girl from Brooklyn and I could just tell by the barely noticeable eye roll that she had pegged me as just another girl from the West Side by merely taking in my fresh face, designer bag, and simple tank dress. After speaking with her for fifteen minutes, her initial impression of me was completely forgotten and I won’t let anyone else touch my hair with his or her scissors.

I like to take something classic and turn it into something unexpected by giving it some edge or “dumbing it down.” Anything too obvious makes me uncomfortable. Predictable scares me and boring is the end of my existence. If it’s too pretty, I add something ugly. I used to always wear my glasses with anything bodycon… until that became an ironic trend. Now I just deal with my less than perfect vision by forgoing my spectacles. Even the prettiest of cocktail dresses can morph like a chameleon by swapping out strappy sandals for rugged boots, fussy hair for wild strands, tasteful jewels for “in your face” bling. A little black dress that I thought would only come in handy for last minute cocktail party invites has fast become a closet staple.

dress: Nightcap Clothing (long sleeve version), necklace: vintage (similar), bracelet: vintage necklace (similar), boots: Frye, bag: Expressions NYC (similar)

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: A Walk in the Park

By Kirsten|July 30th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

It’s a rare occasion that I make it above 14th Street. Leaving downtown at times feels like leaving the country. Well, my country. I’m not actually a neighborhood snob (okay, maybe), but for me, there’s not much reason for me to head uptown. I used to go for the sole purpose of re-blonding, but then my hairstylist left the country… and I stopped coloring my hair. Some even say your ears may pop when you cross 42nd Street. Whatever the case may be, I don’t make it up to the Upper West Side or the park very often.

I can’t decide if I gave up on Central Park after I realized there were about 3cm of park where Smitty was actually allowed to be or that time we got pelted by a football courtesy of a group of guys trying to catch our attention. Speaking of which, a guy once asked me on a date to Central Park. I never called him back. Even my best friends have a tough time coercing me to the Upper West Side. Given enough wine, I’ve found myself sleeping on their couch in the morning, pleased with myself for having passed out before the pizza arrived. So, when my newly Americanized pal, suggested we head uptown and check out the park, I felt I had to oblige. I suffered through a steamy subway ride and was soon reminded what a wonderful oasis we have in our otherwise concrete desert.