Marchesa | WhyDid.com

Would You Wednesday: Blushing Bride

By Kirsten|April 6th, 2011|Why Did or Why Don't?|

On March 26, Reese Witherspoon walked down the aisle to wed Jim Toth, but she didn’t wear white. While Reese has been married once before (to Ryan Phillippe) she opted for something a little less traditional. Seeing as Reese has two children (Ava and Deacon) from her first marriage, some might say that it was only right for her to not wear white. Many traditionalists associate white wedding dresses with virginity. Well, a couple of things here: 1. There are very few brides who actually wed with virginity still in tact (It’s 2011. Let’s not be ridiculous), 2. White dresses actually have absolutely nothing to do with virginity.

The popularity of white dresses for weddings began back in 1840 when Queen Victoria wed Albert of Saxe-Coberg. Before then, it was common for women to wear dresses of any color to walk down the aisle except black (mourning) and red (prostitutes). Brides wishing to flaunt their virginity actually wore blue. White was a color associated with wealth because it was a dress that would not be easily worn again. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the white dress really picked up steam and became a social standard. You can also visit bridalxoxo.com for more information.

When I was trying on wedding dresses, I noticed a lot of muted pastel tints to the dresses. I tried on an icy lavender, a beautiful blush, and a steely grey gown. I was almost sold on a blush Vera Wang creation (Farrah below), but mama wasn’t having it. Below are several non traditional gowns created by the very traditional bridal ateliers:

Marchesa

Vera Wang: Tatiana, Farrah, Dorothy, Didi, Felicity

Oscar de la Renta: 22E40, 22E29, 22E105, 22N46

Reem Acra

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via People.com

Why Did You Wear That: Red Hot Red Carpet

By Kirsten|February 28th, 2011|Red Carpet Recap|

Without a doubt the color of the 2011 Academy Awards was fierce, fiery, red. From the beautifully structured Vera Wang gown donned by the always stunning Sandra Bullock, to the incredibly minimal Calvin Klein sheath that Jennifer Lawrence slipped into, red was the color that stole the show. These ladies prove that anyone can look stellar in red. Whether you are a deep brunette or a sunny blonde, all you need to do is choose the right shade of crimson for you.

If you didn’t go for bold fire engine red, you might have picked something shimmery. Metallics were still very strong on the red carpet for the Oscars. One of my very favorites was the ethereal Monique Lhuillier gown worn by Mandy Moore. Also wearing a gauzy gown, was Halle Berry in Marchesa. My only qualm with her is that same old hairdo. Time for an update, girl. Hailee Steinfeld also wore Marchesa (designed for her!) and looked absolutely adorable and age appropriate. I think we have a future fashionista on our hands.

Two other lovely ladies who wore the metallic trend were Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein and Celine Dion in Armani Prive. I must admit, my initial reaction to Gwyneth was “Ick!” The more I looked at her and saw detail shots, the more I loved how simple and chic her sequin sheath was. Celine picked a perfect Armani Prive option. It’s hard to believe this woman just gave birth to twins!

One of the first dresses that I saw when tuning into the red carpet arrivals was Mila Kunis’s Elie Saab gown. Although I was really nervous about her having a nip slip at any given moment, I already knew she was my best dressed for the evening. I absolutely loved that shade of lavender on her (or really on anyone for that matter). The dress was detailed and romantic without being fussy. Another dress in this same hue, was Cate Blanchett’s Givenchy creation. This was another dress that I despised upon first glance, but I have to say, the detailing on it was amazing and the color was perfect with her hair and makeup. I also love the pop of citrusy yellow/green beading that carries over to the back. I think it’s the weird square sleeve’lettes that are throwing me off.

The next two dresses were quite controversial as I watched my Twitter feed this evening. At first glance, I really like the way Amy Adams looks in her L’wren Scott sequined column dress. There’s nothing prettier than a red head wearing navy blue. However, her accessories were totally unnecessary. She didn’t need them at all. A lot of people were calling this “Jessica Rabbit gone wrong” but I think it was a really pretty look for her. Marisa Tomei sported a vintage Charles James navy gown. I really don’t like this dress. Mostly because it just does not fit her. It is totally ill fitted and it actually looks uncomfortable under her armpits.

I’m fairly certain everyone was waiting with bated breath to see what Natalie Portman would wear tonight. She was a late arrival and some even thought she might not do the red carpet at all due to her impending pregnancy. But alas, she arrived in Rodarte and looked absolutely flawless. She appeared to be completely miserable during her interviews on the red carpet, but let’s just blame that on pregnancy hormones. Another man’s fantasy woman who wore a similar shade was Scarlett Johansson. As beautiful as she is, her Dolce and Gabbana reminded me of something you could have purchased from bebe circa 2002. I also, am not digging her new ‘do whatsoever. All I wanted to do was spritz her with some dry shampoo and run a brush through it not to mention the FUPA illusion it is giving her.

I can’t say that I was truly appalled by anyone’s outfit this evening, which is totally disappointing… well, except Mark Ruffalo’s wife’s bizarre extra arm appendage dress thingy. So who were you favorites on the red carpet?

xx,
WhyDid

photos via: Just Jared, People, E! Online

Friday Frocks: I’d Like to Thank the Academy

By Kirsten|February 25th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

For Hollywood’s leading ladies, the Academy Awards are the Super Bowl of fashion. While they’ve been trying out different looks during the Emmy’s and the Golden Globes and even the Grammy’s, tonight is their big night. It’s do or die time. Something I’ve noticed is that these stunning starlets have been able to snag looks literally right off the runways. So, I did some hunting and gathering from Fall 2011’s runways to find some fabulous frocks that I would love to see make their way down the red carpet this weekend.

Everyone knows that it’s hard to go wrong in black. However, black can sometimes be seen as dull and predictable. These gorgeous frocks are anything but boring with embellishments, lace, and layers of tulle.

I love color on the red carpet. While we’ve seen quite a bit of red and pink, I would love to see more blue and even more of the green that was such a big trend at the Golden Globes. These dresses actually reminded me of peacock feathers and were a different take on patterns and texture. I could see some of the more daring ladies slipping into some of these glorious gowns.

One trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon (which makes me very happy) is the metallic trend. Whether it’s a shiny silver or a cool copper, there are sure to be several beauties wearing frocks with shimmer.

While I may or may not be dead on with these red carpet predictions, at least they’re something pretty to look at during your Friday afternoon homestretch to the weekend.

xx,

WhyDid

all photos via style.com

Friday Frocks: Heavenly Creations

By Kirsten|February 18th, 2011|Friday Frocks|

I did not report on every last detail of New York Fashion Week- I like to leave that to the style obsessed. My MO is to sit back, digest, filter out the garbage and focus on the fabulous. Anyway, this week’s Friday Frocks is dedicated to all the beautiful creations that made their way down the runway this past week. When I think of decadent, delicious frocks, I think of Vera, and Monique, and Oscar (oh my!). I have to say, it’s kind of like someone read my mind, reached up to the heavens and pulled down these pretty pieces to fill me with girlish delight. My very favorite colors are those of sunsets and evening skies, so I was beside myself to see all these beautiful frocks derived from that color palette.

Fall 2011 is shaping up to be a very stylish season. I look forward to watching the starlets storm the red carpets in these beautiful frocks.

To view every last bit of New York Fashion Week shows, head on over to Style.com.

xx,

WhyDid

Golden Globes Recap: The Good, The Bad, and the Absurd.

By Kirsten|January 17th, 2011|Red Carpet Recap|

I usually can not even read/watch most red carpet recaps because they tend to make my usually mild mannered easy going self turn into a screaming irate “I want to throw things” banshee. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that most “critics” somehow are tied to certain celebs and designers, so rather than disturb the sleeping beast, they placate the ugliest of ugly with insincere flattery. Well, if you are looking for an ass kissing review… I’m not your girl. I don’t care how much I love a celeb or a designer (a-hem Christina Aguilera and Vera Wang) if your shit is whack, I’m going to say so. Also, I appreciate people who march to the beat of their own drums, but wearing something to try to be “different” and “avant garde” usually works against you- especially when you’re known for wearing turtlenecks and Tory Burch flats. Sometimes a killer silhouette with impeccable tailoring is much sexier than fringe, tassels, tulle, and the works. Perhaps this is why I was one of four people I know who did not enjoy Black Swan. Sorry, I don’t typically follow the masses. So, with all that said, let’s get down to business.

I honestly have no idea who won which awards last night. All I do know is that Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive wins my award for best dressed. I mean, in case you haven’t already seen her sexy naked body in Love and Other Drugs… this is pretty close. This dress is absolutely stunning on her and it is such a welcome change to her usual navy ballgown uniform without going too far outside the lines (aka her classic style). I feel like Anne is finally coming into her own and embracing her womanly ways. Bravo, Ms. Zoe.

Another dress I really loved was the Alberta Ferretti gown that Jayma Mays donned. I actually had no idea who she was, but thought that this is how a black gown should be done. Also, if you are going to do any type of plunging neckline, Jayma has the right type of bust. Pushing your girls up in a low cut dress (ahem, January) just looks totally tacky. We are here to see the Golden Globes… not your globes!

A lot of people were talking about Mila and Angie battling it out in the green game, but I have to say, I think Catherine Zeta Jones knocked it out of the park in her emerald Monique Lhuillier gown. This is what Hollywood glamour is all about. She looks like a modern day Scarlett O’Hara.

I really don’t care how pretty Olivia Wilde is or how Tron did in the box office. In this Marchesa gown, she looks like a drunk debutante. I have seriously seen this dress in the window of Deb and Deb Plus or maybe down in the fashion district on Los Angeles Street. I usually have nothing but kind words for Marchesa… but this? It’s a prom dress gone wrong. And really, Olivia? Are you a can-can dancer? You’dve been better off keeping those shoes hidden beneath the twenty tons of tulle you’re wearing. I don’t care if they are Loubous…

Gosh… I was wondering where the hell my bath mat went. Silly, silly Michelle Williams is wearing it! What, you don’t believe that my bath mat is Valentino?

Let’s go ahead and make something clear: My hate for this frock has nothing to do with my distaste for Black Swan. I think Natalie Portman was wonderful in the film despite it’s underdeveloped plotline. However, in this Viktor and Rolf (with MATCHING SHOES AND BAG mind you), she looks like a grade A asshole. I know that she’s with child, but that’s no excuse to drape yourself in a flesh colored sack (um, did you not see Jane Krakowski?). I hate to be mean to a pregnant woman, but this look just did not work from head (her updo is lopsided) to toe. I need you, Ms. Portman, to get in touch with a stylist ASAP. You are far too fetching to show up to the Globes looking like this.