Mark And James | WhyDid.com

Friday Frocks: Take the Plunge

By Kirsten|November 11th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Alright, so the chances of taking a swan dive into clear blue waters at this time of year are probably slim to none for most of us… but that doesn’t mean you can’t take the plunge this fall. Step away from the high dive and step over to your closet. A deep v neckline is one heck of a way to make an entrance into any holiday party. Just don’t forget your double sided tape!

1. For Love & Lemons Luna Dress, $120, 2. DVF Chastity Dress, $485, 3. Alice + Olivia Violet Sequined Halter Dress, $495, 4. Rachel Pally Alady Dress, $229, 5. Bec & Bridge Hutton Plunge Dress, $350, 6. Contrarian Paula Plunge Dress, $379, 7. Kimberly Taylor Susan Dress, $395, 8. Anni and Jade Ava Deep V-neck Sheath, $254, 9. Mark + James Deep V Sequin Dress, $440, 10. Tibi Petali Beading Dress, $605, 11. Free People Spun Daily Chord Pointelle Tunic, $198

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Flickriver (Roxy)

Friday Frocks: Always a Bridesmaid

By Kirsten|July 8th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

Ah, that special day in your life. You’ve dreamt about it since you were a little girl. You’re wearing the most beautiful dress you’ll probably ever wear and you get to marry the man of your dreams with your very best friends right by your side.

They were there when you called them with giddy excitement after your first date, wiped away your tears after your first fight, and called them immediately when he finally popped the question. So why are you dressing them up like show ponies?

I get that this is “your day” but what did I ever do to you? Why must I look like I’m wearing a prom dress (and a bad one at that)? Is this some kind of hazing? Cause I’m pretty sure we covered that when I was holding your hair back as you tossed your cookies at your bachelorette party… You know, the time you made me drink out of a penis straw?

Not sure why so many brides insist on making their besties and bridesmaids look like giant eggplants or fluffy pink sheep, while they’ve never looked better. I know, I know… it’s hard to find one dress that matches your color “theme”, looks good on everyone, and doesn’t upstage you.

A few things:

These dresses are ugly. They just are.
Not every girl is going to look smashing in the exact same dress. I don’t care how beautiful your besties are. Some have hips, some have breasts, and unless you lucked into having quintuplets for best friends, none of them are going to look the same in that damn dress.
When you ask us, “Will you ever wear this dress again?” we have no choice but to plaster on a smile and squeal with delight, “Yes!!!”
We will never upstage you- unless you make us wear these god forsaken taffeta monstrosities. You’re the bride and you are beautiful!

Listen, I know you think that you must purchase official bridesmaids dresses, but there are plenty of great “off the rack” options that might actually make your bridesmaids happy. To drive home my point, I have found options (all under $300) in every color of the rainbow:

1. Top Shop Yellow Cami Ruched Mesh Dress, $95, 2. Amanda Uprichard Crystal Body Silk Dress, $194, 3. Victoria’s Secret Flirty Multi-Way Dress, $79.50, 4. Presley Skye Ruffle Trim Crepe de Chine Dress, $128, 5. BCBGENERATION Cascading Ruffle Dress, $98, 6. A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz Yellow Silk Chiffon Beaded One Shoulder Dress, $237, 7. Ellen Tracy Sleeveless V-Neck Dress, $148, 8. Aqua Encom Twist Bandeau Full Maxi Dress, $129.29, 9. Aidan Mattox Floral Print Tiered Gown, $295, 10. Aidan Mattox Pansy Silk Chiffon Halter Dress, $279

11. Lauren by Ralph Lauren Chessington Shirred Dress, $130, 12. Ani Lee Taryn Dress, $299, 13. Free People Watercolor Printed Asymmetrical Dress, $128, 14. Mark + James Tie Waist Metallic Tulle Dress, $295, 15. Parker Bead Dress, $297, 16. Max and Cleo One Shoulder Gown, $178, 17. Amanda Uprichard Jessie Maxi Dress, $242, 18. LM by Mignon Cascade One Shoulder Gown, $243, 19. American Apparel Siren Dress, $75, 20. Winter Kate Barbel Lace Trim Maxi Gown, $285

So cut your gals a break, would ya? You still want them by your side after your big day, right?

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Feel the Love

By Kirsten|February 22nd, 2011|Why Did You Wear That?|

I am a true hopeless romantic. I always root for love and happily ever after. Lately, my heart has been filled with so much joy because of all the love around me. My best friends are all getting married with Micro Weddings ceremoney at beach and many other awesome destinations, engaged, and having beautiful little babies. It’s an overwhelmingly happy time and I’m so happy to be a part of their bliss. That said… I’ve got a lot of weddings coming up! What’s a girl to wear?

Wedding invitation dress codes can often be tricky. What’s the difference between black tie and black tie optional? What colors are okay to wear? And is this hem too high? Here are three of the most common types of wedding dress codes and what to wear to each.

Black Tie: This is the most formal of dress codes. Typically, this would require a long formal gown. Most of us probably have a black gown tucked away in our closets in case of such events, but I love adding some color to the mix. Besides, you will be one of fifty wearing black if you just go with old faithful. Don’t go overboard and cover yourself in sequins and sparkles (this is not your senior prom or the Grammy’s).

Top (L to R): Aidan Mattox Chiffon Halter Gown with Beaded Waist, $440, Badgley Mischka Chiffon Tiered Halter Gown, $990, BCBG MAXAZRIA Strapless Silk Chiffon Gown, $348 Bottom (L to R): Issa Silk Jersey Gown, $885, Lanvin Asymmetric Washed Satin Gown, $3,480, Nicole Miller Water Washed Reverse Charmeuse Gown, $620

Cocktail/Black Tie Optional: Black tie optional is more often than not in reference to the men’s attire. If your invitation reads “black tie optional” you are welcome to wear a dress much like the ones above in “black tie” or you could wear a formal cocktail dress. Be sure that your cocktail attire isn’t too low cut or shorter than a tube top. Have some respect for the bride. There’s nothing wrong with looking fantastic, but you don’t want to draw eyes away from the bride for all the wrong reasons. When in doubt, ask yourself, “Would I want some bitch at my wedding wearing this?” *Note: if this wedding is being held at the Playboy Mansion, all of these rules go out the window. Game on.

Top (L to R): Catherine Malandrino Silk Chiffon Dress, $495, Rachel Gilbert Sasha Embellished Silk Chiffon Dress, $1,160, Calvin Klein Ruffle Trim Chiffon Dress, $158 Bottom (L to R): Mark and James Tulle Ruffle Sequin Dress, $355, Kurt Thomas Silk Chiffon One Shoulder Dress, $400, Top Shop Chiffon A Line Dress by Rare, $78

Afternoon/Destination: The world’s love of “brunch” has spilled over into the wedding arena. Many couples are opting for brunch or afternoon weddings. For such occasions the dress code is much more relaxed. A flowy maxi dress, or flirty chiffon frock paired with wedges is a perfect choice for such an event. This is also a great option for destination weddings. Be sure to wear a fabric that breaths if you’re heading to a steamy climate. You may also want to factor in having to remove your heels for flats or bare feet on the beach, so make sure your hemline won’t trip you up.

Top (L to R): Gryphon Chain Link Maxi Dress, $390, Nanette Lepore Rain or Shine Floral Maxi Dress, $648, The Furies Hex Maxi Dress, $165 Bottom (L to R): Rozae R.N. Chiffon Colorblock Dress, $334, Tibi Racerback Maxi Paisley Dress, $583, Heritage 1981 Tribal One Shoulder Maxi Dress, $24.90