Michael Stiegler | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Don’t Rain on My Parade

By Kirsten|July 21st, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This summer’s weather has been just about as unpredictable as my mood. One moment hot, one moment cold. The sun is scorching your skin one day. The next you can’t find an umbrella big enough to protect you from full body saturation. If you enjoy this unpredictability, maybe we should date– or maybe you should talk to a shrink. Anyhow, when it came time to shoot last week, the talented Michael Stiegler had only a small window of time to snap before the sun went down. As it happened, that was the exact same time Mother Nature decided she was going to open up the flood gates and water the flowers. The upside of my sometimes scattered moods is that I tend to adapt well to what might seem like unsavory obstacles. Rather than postpone for a day without rain, we grabbed an umbrella, headed to the roof and proceeded to make the best of a soggy situation. And much like many of our more impromptu photoshoots, we came up with images that were surprisingly good. Life lesson? When it rains, dance.

top: Brandy Melville, similar by Miguelina here, pants: Brandy Melville, similar by Free People here, bag: vintage Dooney & Bourke, similar here, shoes: Via Spiga, similar by Pour la Victoire here, umbrella: Dr. Kenet, similar by Marc by Marc Jacobs here, bracelets: Alex + Ani

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: It Takes Two

By Kirsten|June 29th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Sometimes you feel like a nut. Sometimes you don’t. The beauty of matching separates is that the ways in which they can be worn allow for a bit of creativity. Of course you can wear them as they were meant to be- matching, or you can always mix things up and wear them as the name implies- separately. Just as shown this week, a top can be dressed up, a bottom dressed down simply by remixing your basics. And honestly, who doesn’t love a remix? I’m talking to you, Too $hort.

This week was the beginning of the season wherein New Yorkers take to social media to remind you of how hot they are. Remember when we swore we wouldn’t because the winter was so wretched? Well, just like the Maury Show, the lie detector has determined… That was a lie! As we strolled through the back streets of the Meatpacking District to snap these shots, It’s all I could do not to just melt into the puddle of sweat that I was becoming. But alas, I do it all for you. The irony in all of this being the beautiful vegan handbag I received from Like Dreams having been shot in the middle of the Meat Market. Don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the production of this shoot… unless you count me and the blister on my arm from my curling iron.

top: similar by Parker here, skirt: similar by Parker here, shoes: L.A.M.B. similar here, clutch: c/o Like Dreams

xx,

WhyDid

Photography by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Happily Overall

By Kirsten|June 20th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

With the return of 90’s trends, it’s felt like a reliving of my youth- not that it was that long ago or anything. Much like mementos from first loves or pictures from the past, I have a hard time letting go of some of my clothing- in part because I know it’s going to become relevant again and also because it reminds me of particular periods of my life. Seriously, you should see the closets at my mom’s house. Hello, 90210. One article of clothing I wish I’d hung onto were my overalls. However, I was so happy at the time the trend was over that they were sent straight to Goodwill much like my Kriss Kross cassette was shuttled down the garbage shoot.

So, when these denim onesies made a surprising return (okay, not surprising since I predicted it), I was left looking for an adult pair. Unlike other fillers (cantaloupe, carnations, baby’s breath, Juvederm, etc.), closet fillers are for trends that you like, but recognize for exactly what they are: trends. There’s no use dropping two hundred dollars on a pair of destroyed dungarees when you know very well you won’t be wearing them next summer. We all know summer is meant for flings anyway. Therefore, I headed to everyone’s favorite “fast fashion” establishment, Forever 21 and scored a pair that I have no buyer’s remorse about. (And paired them with a crop top, of course).

Top: similar by Alice & Olivia, Overalls: Forever 21, Shoes: similar by Steve Madden, Bag: French Connection, Sunglasses: Ray-Ban, Lips: , Dog: Smitty

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: One Dress, Three Ways (Rated G)

By Kirsten|February 11th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

I love an occasion that calls for dressing up. Any occasion really. Holidays, black ties, brit malahs. So, when my birthday rolled around I knew the dress I’d been eyeing since Christmas must be mine. But just like my New Year’s outfit, I wanted to find more than one way to wear this frock. To the untrained eye, one might see it as a one hit wonder, but because it was literally just lace sans lining, I found more than a few ways to style it from fairly modest to leaving just a little to the imagination. And it’s a good thing because once my friends who had planned my party finally revealed the evening’s location, I made a quick wardrobe change. This was not the dress for dodging ninjas (don’t ask). For this version (rated G), I slid into a black sleeveless catsuit, camel coat, and black booties for a look that I think could be considered boho casual… but my version of casual could also be considered some’s black tie optional.

dress: For Love and Lemons, catsuit: American Apparel, booties: Steve Madden (similar here), coat: vintage, necklace: vintage, rings: Scott Kay, bag: Céline

Up next, PG-13.

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: The Perfect Paradox

By Kirsten|November 9th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

In sticking with this week’s theme of leather and lace, sugar and spice, sultry and sweet this outfit should provide some weekend outfit inspiration. And wouldn’t you know, I’ve found yet another way to incorporate a crop top. Sure it’s gotten quite a bit colder here in New York, but wearing a coat in transit makes showing a little skin entirely achievable. Pairing a high waisted pencil skirt with a lacy top is a great way to show off your curves without having to pile yourself into some type of bandage contraption. It’s classic, yet modern and most all body types can wear the look, crop top optional.

As I’ve mentioned, contradictions are my specialty. Mixing something more tough with something seen as soft is the way to create drama (the only kind I’m into) without looking like you’re trying too hard or doing too much. The skirt is actually something I’ve had for years- since I was a sophomore in highschool as a matter of fact. Because a custom made leather dress seems totally normal for a 16 year old’s homecoming (photographic evidence here). I held onto it knowing that while it may have been a bit ahead of my time as a teen, it would be a piece that would stand the test of time. Worn with a cropped lace tee, black booties, and subtle accessories, it is the perfect paradox.

top: American Apparel (thanks, Mer), skirt: custom (similar here), bra: Cosabella, bag: Malini Murjani, bracelet: vintage necklace (similar here), booties: Steven, ring: Grandma’s (similar here), earrings: vintage (similar here)