Why Did You Wear That: Go Away

By Kirsten|April 2nd, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

There was no coincidence or irony involved when the saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” was coined. Not only has Susan Miller deemed this April as calamitous, we are set for a very literally stormy thirty days. Weather becomes more unpredictable than the stock market or my PMS and one has no choice but to prepare for battle wearing the right protective armor. The number or umbrellas that I’ve left behind in a taxi or have been stolen from the courtesy bins at the front of restaurants is innumerable. My current umbrella, which is up for the taking outside of my front door, is a blue semi broken contraption given to me by a bartender at Bakehouse. But none of this means you need to navigate the rain looking like a wet rat. Invest in a sturdy and stylish pair of boots, a tailored waterproof coat, and an umbrella that you’ll be more conscious of keeping safe.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Printed PVC Umbrella, 2. Moschino Printed Umbrella, 3. Hunter Boots Bubble Umbrella, 4. Felix Rey Cityscape Bubble Umbrella, 5. Canada Goose Mirabel Leather Trim Rain Jacket, 6. Adidas by Stella McCartney Hooded Vinyl and Mesh Jacket, 7. DKNY Long Sleeve Trench Coat, 8. Marni Hooded Technical Coated Shell Jacket, 9. Melissa Mood Dust Sparkle Mid-Calf Rain Boots, 10. Le Chameau Paris Rubber Boots, 11. Burberry Holloway Studded Rubber Rain Boots, 12. Hunter Printed Tall Wellington Boots

Why Did or Why Don’t: Back(pack) for More

By Kirsten|December 26th, 2013|Why Did or Why Don't?|

Every girl needs a bag within which she can lug around all kinds of things that a man would never fathom being necessary on a day to day basis. We stow little items that may very well come in handy when handling an unaccounted for crisis. You call them frivolous, we say functional. It is the Girl Scout motto afterall, “Always be prepared.”

And with this 90’s resurgence it’s no wonder we are revisiting the backpack bonanza from last year. This time, however, it seems just about every designer that’s ever played in the handbag arena has thrown his/her pack in the ring. From Mr. Wang to MK and Ashley, there are backpacks crafted from studded leather to luxe leopard. Take your pack—er, pick. But will you be partaking in this trend? Or is it something we should leave back in social studies class?

On the upside: they do look pretty cute and who doesn’t want yet another chance to channel Cher Horowitz? It’s also great to just fling that baby on your shoulders and continue making overly dramatic hand gestures in conversation without that pesky handbag getting in the way. However, have you ever tried retrieving something from your stylish sack while it’s still in place on your back? Awkward. Trust me, you won’t be going for your iPhone nearly as often(which, could be another one to add to the upside). And along with looking like the teenage freak that you once were while trying to fetch a stick of Big Red from your satchel, backpacks pose as open invitations to pickpocketers, especially in a city like New York.

1. Elizabeth and James Abstract Animal Print Calf Hair Sling Backpack, 2. Alexander McQueen Studded Leather Backpack, 3.Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Mariska Backpack, 4. Stella McCartney Shaggy Deer Falbella Backpack, 5. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Stamped Leather Backpack, 6. Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Backpack, 7. Rebecca Minkoff Selena Backpack, 8. MCM Stark Allover Stud Med Backpack, 9. Christopher Kane Crackle Leather and Macramé Backpack, 10. Alexander Wang Prisma Cracked Skeletal Backpack

So, you be the judge… are backpacks back?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Let’s Keep This Private

By Kirsten|December 24th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

As mad for plaid as I am? So are Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent, Rossella Jardini of Moschino, and Mr. Lagerfeld himself. But if you tossed that old school uniform or it doesn’t quite fit the way it did as a teen, do not fret. Perhaps it’s time to be the teacher rather than the pupil and there are some very grown up ways to add plaid that are more collegiate than kindergarten. Let me school you for a moment. Pop a varsity jacket on with distressed denim and pumps, add a plaid jumper over a turtleneck, or polish off those penny loafers- but never forget your over the knee socks. (Pro-tip: for cooler climates, layer over the knee socks atop sheer stockings in the same shade or patterned color family). Pick a piece or two to achieve the look, but don’t go for extra credit by overdoing it. You should look subtly nostalgic, not like you just stepped out of a time machine.

1. Rag & Bone Raquel Boiled Wood Varsity Jacket, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Maya Plaid Wool Skirt, 3. Rag & Bone Beeman Velvet Tassel Loafers, 4. Theory Nikay Catalogue Cotton Blend Dress, 5. Saint Laurent Two Tone Leather Penny Loafers, 6. Missoni Shimmer Stripe Thigh Highs, 7. J. Crew New Schoolboy Brushed Stretch-wool Twill Blazer, 8. Vivienne Westwood Rocket Tartan Mini Skirt, 9. Robert Clergerie Serana Leather Wedge Pumps, 10. Elkin Basset Dress, 11. Gucci Beverly Patent Leather Pumps, 12. Plush Fleece Lined Thigh Highs, 13. J. Crew Wool Varsity Jacket, 14. Free People Lady Macbeth Skirt, 15. Bop Basics V-Neck Cardigan

You’re dismissed. xx, WhyDid

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

Gift Guide: My Kinda Girl

By Kirsten|December 11th, 2013|Gift Guide|

Traditionally, I’ve divided up my gift guides by price point, but I decided to shake things up this year by organizing by personality. Now, there is no way on Earth anyone could possibly classify all women into five categories- unless that person was looking to face several million pissed off estrogen fueled females. However, I’ve chosen five pretty broad categories that should be fairly helpful when shopping for your friends, sisters, mothers, and significant others. Whether she loves all things shiny or her fingers can’t be pried from her smartphone, there’s something here for just about any woman. And since I’ve taken all of the grunt work out of your holiday shopping (you’re welcome), all you’ve got to do is figure out what kind of gal you’re shopping for. (If you can’t do that, I can’t be held accountable- but a helpful hint? We’ve all probably got a little bit of each one inside of us).