Red Carpet Recap: American Snooze-ic Awards

By admin|November 24th, 2014|Celebrity Style, Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

Oh, sorry. I just woke up. I can only assume that my deep slumber was induced around the same time I slammed my hand to my forehead upon One Direction taking the stage to accept the award for Artist of the Year. Either that or I had too much wine. Maybe both. In any case last night was the 42nd annual American Music Awards held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles and hosted by a basically blacked out and slurring Pitbull (Mr. Worldwide, if you will). While I look back on the evening, I can’t actually tell you who won or gush over any particular performance (except maybe Lorde’s), but there are a few key things I did deduce from the evening. If you do not already own a leotard, get one. Without a nary Beyonce, Miley, or Katy in the auditorium, there was no lack of spandex to be seen. Also, J. Lo and Fergie made the message clear that the old guard hasn’t gone anywhere and a Pilates class sure doesn’t hurt.

As far as the red carpet, there were about fifteen “celebrities” who actually walked it, leaving my options for best, worst, and WTF very limited. Black was the overall favorite for the evening and the ladies who donned the official color of New York, looked sleek, stunning, and sophisticated whether in long gowns or short shifts. The skin showing of choice last night was most certainly the legs with sky high slits as well as micro minis. Green, coral, a bit of navy, and peachy flesh tone were the favored hues worn by songstresses. Rita Ora was pleasantly surprised to find out that she was the only one wearing a skin flattering yellow frock.

The favored hairstyle for the evening was soft tousled waves more often than not in buttery blonde. Manicures were more like claws with long pointed tips not to be outdone by fingers covered in elaborate rings on multiple fingers. Statement clutches and sky high heels finished off the ladies’ looks.

And we can’t forget the fellas. Wyclef Jean and Imagine Dragons channeled their rocker style in tailored tees and leather, while Aloe Blacc spelled it out for us. Nick Jonas’ suit made me feel even more awkward than his crotch grabbing Flaunt Magazine spread. I quipped that I hoped 5 Seconds of Summer were also five seconds from a shower. Magic looked like lost tourists who had wandered onto the red carpet after a tour of Hollywood Boulevard (rude!) and Sam Smith seemed to have forgotten his socks.

I wonder if Pitbull’s hangover is as bad as mine.

All But Basic Black:

Charlie XCX in Vivienne Westwood, Selena Gomez in Giorgio Armani, Fergie in Halston

Mary J. Blige, Christina Milian, Jenny McCarthy in Cushnie et Ochs

Little Babe Dress:

Nicki Minaj in Alexander Wang, Meghan Trainor in Ted Baker, Lauren Cohan in Blumarine

Golden Coral:

Elizabeth Banks in Peter Pilotto, Julianne Hough in Zuhair Murad, Jhené Aiko in Alice + Olivia

Flesh Take:

Jennifer Lopez in Reem Acra, Selena Gomez, Morgan Stewart

Leggy Ladies:

Kendall Jenner, Heidi Klum in Versace, Kylie Jenner in Alexandre Vauthier

Micro Trend:

Becky G, Lele Pons, Noah Cyrus

All That Glitters:

Jordin Sparks in Halston, Olivia Munn in Lanvin, Zendaya

Whatever Suits You:

Jessie J, Iggy Azalea, Gigi Hadid in Prabal Gurung

Ill Suited:

Ne-Yo in Anthony Franco, Ansel Elgort in Kent and Curwen, Nick Jonas in Armani

Male Order Babes:

Wyclef Jean, Imagine Dragons

Leading Ladies ( DaBest):

Kate Beckinsdale in Kaufman Franco, Rita Ora in Zac Posen, Taylor Swift in Michael Kors

Led Astray (Dafuq?):

Bleona Qereti, Frankie J. Grande, Diana Ross

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Seeing Red

By admin|September 22nd, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

It can be tricky trying to decide what color to wear with red. When I was younger, I had an incredibly strong aversion to wearing black with red. To me, it came off as a little cheap. I don’t feel as strongly about it now as I did when I was sixteen, but I still prefer other options over basic black when accessorizing with bold red. Well then, what options is one left with when black is eliminated? You could opt for luggage colored brown, or even a soft taupe. Another great option is grey (also a fall trend). In this instance, I had forgotten I even had these deep oxblood Pour La Victoire boots hidden beneath my bed (that’s how we store shoes here in New York). As soon as I’d wiped away the dust bunnies, I recalled that I also had a vintage bag from my mother that was of the same shade. Once a complete faux pas and something only worn by women donning their Sunday best for morning mass, I threw caution to the wind and got wild by matching my shoes to my bag. Another option right on trend would be to wear a leopard boot or carry a leopard clutch (thous in this instance, I’d opt for one or the other). It may seem a little bit “The Nanny” but I actually believe despite what men say, that leopard is sort of a new neutral. Besides, did Fran not get her man?

Speaking of my man and matching, Smitty celebrated his eighth birthday and one of his doting aunts was sweet enough to bestow him with his own scarlet sweater. She pays attention to fall trends too. Pretty much Smitty and I became this fall’s Justin and Britney, Katy and Riff Raff. Sure, my sweater is just about the same size as Smitty’s and technically it’s just an oversized jumper as opposed to an official frock, but it’s not the first, nor will it be the last, time wherein I wear something not as it’s intended.

coat: Michael Kors, sweater: Zara, similar by 6397 here, bag: vintage, similar by Oliveve here, shoes: Pour La Victoire, similar by Opening Ceremony here, dog: Smitty, Smitty’s sweater: handmade, similar by Ralph Lauren here, lips: Benefit Benetint

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler—-> have you check out his interview with Skinny Says Relax?

Setting the Mood: Ready, Set, Summer.

By Kirsten|May 19th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

The unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day, is upon us (the official start of summer is June 21) wherein I realize I have been like the grasshoppers rather than ants all spring. Meaning, while everyone packs up their cars, boards the Luxury Liner or (shudder) the LIRR, I’m left waving goodbye and cursing myself for not having thought ahead to make plans or get a boyfriend. It’s not all a loss though, I won’t suffer through the hell that is Hamptons traffic and there is a pool two blocks away that will be potentially slightly less crowded. And just because I may be catching my Vitamin D all by my lonesome doesn’t mean I have to look like it. Perhaps I could even fool myself into believing that I’m on my own very exclusive private island called Manhattan.

Melissa Odabash Woven Panama Hat, K Jacques St. Tropez Metallic Leather Sandals, Illesteva Leonard Round Frame Acetate Sunglasses, MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Medium Tote

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Mommy and Me

By Kirsten|May 9th, 2014|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

In honor of Mother’s Day, this week’s frocks are dedicated to the beautiful babes with babies on board. And while I’ve not been pregnant, through writing this post, I did learn how tough it is to find something to cover up the impending baby bump. It would appear there are two basic approaches to dressing during pregnancy: loose and flowing empire waistlines or stretchy bodycon dresses. Being pregnant doesn’t require you to dress in tents and awnings and by slipping into something slinky, you are owning that bump… as you should.

1. 10 Crosby Derek Lam Printed Cotton Maxi Dress, 2. MICHAEL Michael Kors One Shoulder Jersey Maxi Dress, 3. Addison Sheer Bottom Dress, 4. Alexander Wang Patterned Stretch Knit Body Con Dress, 5. Halston Heritage Asymmetrical Gown, 6. 3.1 Phillip Lim Silk Gathered Waist Maxi Dress, 7. ABS Lace Babydoll Dress, 8. Rick Owens Cotton Jersey Midi Dress, 9. Hatch The Tulip Dress, 10. Richard Nicoll Stella Washed Silk Dress

xx,

WhyDid

Friday Frocks: Aye Mami!

By Kirsten|May 2nd, 2014|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

In order to attend a fiesta, one must be ready to stand up, stand out, and salsa… or at least consume some. The best kind of frocks for fiestas happen to be colorful and embellished- two things that terrify most black uniformed New Yorkers. Fear not, colorphobes. I’m not talking quinceanera kind of couture. Think casual, perfectly paired with strappy, flat leather sandals, big hoops, a stack of bangles, and a taco. En fuego.