Before there was a Christian Louboutin next to the deli on my block (before a bag of chips cost $10), there used to be an art gallery with big glass windows.  Inside this gallery was a huge neon sign, a beacon of glowing red ligt in the night, that said, “Love Me.”  I wished so badly I had the wall space and cash to acquire this piece of art that’s basically my life’s motto.  Little did I know, this was from the same street artist who has made his mark all over New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo with his signature, “Love Me”  campaign.  You may have seen it scribbled on everything from the side of a building to the side of a meat truck.  The man behind this beautiful mantra?  Curtis Kulig.  Not only is his message beautiful, he’s not too bad to look at, ladies.

But alas, as all artists know, these bills won’t pay themselves.  His “Love Me” logo gained so much momentum that everyone from Vans to Urban Outfitters has tapped him to add a little love to their products.  And just in time for Valentine’s Day, he’s also teamed up with Smashbox, which may seem like an odd collaboration, but might be the most fitting as makeup application is actually a form of art.  These are the perfect little items to treat yourself or a friend to for Valentine’s Day and, of course, to spread a little love.

Love Me Paint Pen Eyeliner, $24, Love Me Eyeshadow Palette, $34, Love Me Be Legendary Lipstick, $19, Love Me Blush, $28,

 You know you love me.

xx,

WhyDid

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Nothing is stranger than returning to the city that you love as a tourist.  This past weekend, I was back in the Big Apple, but no longer as a resident of the best city in the world.  Though I did stay at The Standard only a stone’s throw away from my last apartment, it was so peculiar to be just another person visiting New York City.  I haven’t even been gone an entire year (I gave up my apartment last January), but things have already changed (there’s now a Sephora on the corner of 13th and 9th.  Do you KNOW how much better this would have made my life?).

As bittersweet as my visit was, I still love New York City unlike another other city.  There is something so magical, so indescribable, that one must experience it to truly understand it.  While it’s not for everyone, the people who it affects, will be affected forever.  There is just something that gets under your skin and you’ll never ever be able to shake it.  As much as you may tire of the hustle, bustle, and constant struggle, you’d miss it if you were to be transplanted elsewhere.  I can certainly attest to that.

So when spending the afternoon at a ballet in the city, what else should one don but basic black?  Now, we all know that black is the New York uniform, but how do you do it without being boring?  Try mixing different textures to add depth and definition.  Mix leather or coated denim with something sheer, shiny accessories and a fishtail braid for a truly city chic look.

1. Theyskens’ Theory Black Button Down Sheer Blouse, $385, 2. 7 For All Mankind The Skinny in Black Shiny Featherweight, $169, 3. J Weber Etched Starburst Locket, $475, 4. Alex & Ani Nile Expandable Wire Bangles, $158, 5. Steve Madden Outrrage Black Leather Bootie, $189.95

It’s up to you New York…

xx,

WhyDid

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Last night a designer saved my life… (okay, two nights ago), but you get my reference to the Mariah Carey song in the oh-so magical “Glitter” right?

Anyway, as you should be well aware, Wednesday was the anniversary of my birth. In true WhyDid form, I decided I hated what I was planning on wearing that evening approximately two hours before we were supposed to be at Allen and Delancey for dinner.   My bff turned ghost white, we’re talking Casper here, when I informed her that I just couldn’t go and we should just cancel.  After digging through my archives and coming up empty handed, a lightbulb went off in this pretty little head of mine.

Kimberly Taylor!!! We threw on our boots (sans socks) and hauled over to her Meatpacking store.  Within 15 minutes, I emerged from the store victoriously with neon green shopping bag in hand.  I’d scored myself an amazing and somehow sexy black silk romper.  Bff breathed a sigh of relief and commented how impressed she was with the ability to not only come up with a new outfit so quickly, but a great outfit at that.  I threw that sucker on with black seamed stockings and sky high heels and off we went to enjoy the night.

How did I know about this little gem?  Well, actually, it was during another crisis.  When I had tried to “Rent the Runway” for my upcoming birthday party, I was unable to reserve anything in my size. Apparently, I’m not the only one planning on partying this evening.  I had walked by Kimberly Taylor several times while going to and from various locations.  I finally went in and found an amazing dress that didn’t completely drain my bank account.

Who is this so called Kimberly Taylor, you ask? Well, she’s a young (by young I mean 24) designer who has a knack for color and simple sexy silhouettes.  There aren’t many stores where you could walk in and out fifteen minutes later feeling fully satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a sexy date top or a flirty frock, you can find it here.

Kimberly Taylor

400 W 14th Street

New York, NY 10014

Kimberly Taylor Long Sleeve Romper, $225

Kimberly Taylor Cutout Dress, $250

xx,

WhyDid

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