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Setting the Mood: Any Man of Mine

By |August 12th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

mens fall fashion editorialOn a “date” (and let’s use that term very loosely in this instance) that ended in a sex shop on Sixth Avenue last night, my suitor turned to me over bisteca per due at Morandi and asked, “What’s your type?”  My initial response would have been, “Not you,” but I figured that wouldn’t exactly be conducive to getting through the rest of our meal without utensil related injury.  My actual answer was that I don’t have a type and that’s not a farce.  When I look back on all of my relationships- long term and very short lived- I’m basically an equal opportunity dater.  From Wall Street bankers to musicians, athletes, writers, and tech nerds, I’ve basically run the gamut when it comes to careers and as far as appearances go they’ve been tall, short, dark, light, and everything in between.  Of course there has to be an initial attraction whether it be physical or mental, but the reason my heart melted for each one of them comes from an intangible place.  Even the worst of them (and that’s a tight race) had his wondrous moments and I hold a special place for each of them in my little black heart.  That’s why this week, we are dedicating WhyDid to the men in our lives and all that comes along with them. So, ladies, let’s hear it for the boys.

mens accessories vans jcrew loro piana marwoodLoro Piana Storm System Brushed Cashmere Baseball Hat, Illesteva Square Frame Matte Acetate Sunglasses, Marwood Striped Wool and Cotton Blend Tie, Vans for J. Crew Sk8-Hi Reissue Sneakers

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: …Try Try Again (the Saga Continues)

By |June 6th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith blogcontinued from yesterday… 

That Friday I met one of my best girlfriends for lunch at Morandi followed by a stroll through Soho to pick out the perfect dress for my perfect first date with my dually proclaimed “perfect fit.”  My go to for a first date involving dinner is something form fitting- suggestive enough, but leaving plenty to the imagination.  It’s like dating- don’t give it all up at once.  I already had an idea in my head and found something that fit the bill fairly quickly.  When I came out of the dressing room to gain approval from my friend and anyone else I could ask, the sales associate informed me that the dress could be spun around so the opening was in front.  Sold.  I probably wouldn’t expose my midriff during a first date (shocking, coming from the queen of crop tops), but how much fun would it be to go to the bathroom and return with the dress reversed?  Answer: Very.

It had been quite some time since I’d actually cared enough to purchase something new for a dude.  Typically on a first date, I’ll strategically wear red lipstick to send the surefire signal that there is absolutely no shot in hell that his tongue will ever know what my molars feel like.  Ever.  But in this instance, he was not only worth a new dress, but also new shoes.  In my mind, it was bashert.  And sure this sounds like it’s all about to end happily ever after, but what fun would that be and I’m sorry, have we met?

A couple of hours before I was to meet my future man friend for dinner at Narcissa, my illness or antibiotics sent me into a tailspin and I knew that I was certainly in no shape to be sitting at dinner spreading germs to my fellow diners.  Besides, this also meant I should not be kissing anyone but Smitty and that was going to be far too difficult.  As to not be selfish, I called to cancel.  I was almost shocked at how understanding he was, but we spent the rest of the evening texting about our would be date.  On Saturday, he called to check on the sickling.  We talked for a while and I assured him we would see each other soon enough.

Then a funny thing happened… I didn’t hear from him again.  Turns out, New York dating is a lot like New York real estate.  You wait too long to put in an offer and someone else will scoop it up.  I haven’t decided whether I’m on or off the market again, but I suppose I’ll entertain any interesting offers.

kirsten smith nyc night7

kirsten smith

kirsten smith whydid

kirsten smith

kirsten smith nyc night6dress: Wilfred Free, jacket: DVF, shoes: Sam Edelman, bag: Malini Murjani 

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Meet the Parents

By |December 27th, 2010|New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

During the holiday season, there is a lot of meet and greet with family members.  For some this may be the first meeting. For others it is round two, three, or four with the in laws. In either case, it can be quite overwhelming.

Last week, my fiance met my mother for the first time. While the pressure wasn’t really on me, I did want to have an enjoyable experience. For a night out on the town, I chose to take my mom and fiance to Morandi.  It’s a great place for your parents to get the “New York experience” without overwhelming them with bottle popping and rail thin model types. Not to mention, the food is pretty delicious.

The staff is very knowledgable about wine and helped us choose a bottle everyone would enjoy. We ordered the olive ascalone (fried green olives stuffed with sausage) and the carciofi alla giude (fried artichokes with lemon). My fiance ordered the guinea hen, I had the gnocchi special, and my mom noshed on pappardelle integrali con pancetta (whole wheat pasta with pancetta, broccoli rabe, and radicchi). Everything was delightful and we were happily stuffed. Seeing as everyone was getting along swimmingly and my mom was a few glasses of wine in, we headed over to Soho House to really get the party started.

So what should a young lady wear when going to meet her future in laws?  There is no need for a turtleneck and pearls. No one believes you are that innocent, but covering up a bit and coming across more wholesome than your normal Saturday night tube top won’t hurt. Try a warm and cozy sweater and patterned pants. Looking pulled together and sophisticated will put your future mother in law at ease.  No one will ever be good enough for her baby boy, but at least you’ll come close.

J. Crew Cashmere Cowlneck Sweater, $228

Fred Flare Black and Grey Sid Pants, $49.99

Ann Taylor Covered Platform Bootie, $228

Botkier Metallic Night Out Cross Body Bag, $195

Kenneth Jay Lane Black Diamond Chandelier Earrings, $100

Welcome to the family!

xx,

WhyDid