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Why Did You Wear That: Clutch Call

By Kirsten|December 17th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

I normally carry a bag so large it’s a wonder I haven’t exacerbated my adolescent scoliosis. I mean, one never knows when one may need a notebook, business card, energy bar, or rape whistle (one must always carry a rape whistle). On evenings out, especially in the northeast when the weather turns to slippery slush and we are relegated to bundling ourselves in massive coats of wool, fur, leather, and cashmere to merely tolerate the bone chilling cold in hopes of drowning our sorrows with overpriced cocktails, space which is already at a premium in a city like New York becomes exiguous. Sure there are coat checks and clever cubbies cut into the backs of banquettes, but do you really wanna cram your Céline into a dark cavern alongside some chick’s Canal Street knockoff in the off chance that yours will mysteriously go “missing”? Just like when the meathead at the bar asks if he can buy you a lemon drop, the answer is, “No.” Instead of carrying your everyday bag that could double as a carry-on (and on occasion has), opt for the handheld version commonly called a clutch. Just be sure to hold onto it rather than leaving it in a puddle of condensation on the table credit cards et al.

1. Charlotte Olympia Gold Scent Clutch, 2. Saint Laurent Letters Metallic Leather Clutch, 3. Marni Jewel Embellished Clutch, 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Ravenheart Metallic Leather Clutch, 5. Kotur Margo Animal Print Minaudiere, 6. Claire Vivier Flat Printed Leather Clutch, 7. Serpui Marie Klimt I Clutch, 8. Jimmy Choo The Candy Lip Print Acrylic Clutch, 9. Givenchy Bambi Clutch, 10. Sondra Roberts Scattered Bead Box Clutch, 11. Nina Beaded Heart Box Clutch, 12. ZAC Zac Posen Claudette Scale-Embossed Tassel Clutch, 13. B-Low The Belt Kenzy Clutch, 14. Santi Floral Sequin Clutch, 15. Mango Crystal and Bead Box Clutch, 16. Jonathan Adler Electra Bond Clutch

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Why Did You Wear That: Smitty Did it

By Kirsten|September 17th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

If you’ve been reading for a while (even only a little while), you are probably well aware that the main man in my life is and always will be an eight pound Maltipoo by the name of Smitty. What you may not know is that his namesake is my father and the reasoning behind that is because they were coincidentally born on the very same day, September 22nd. At some point in my early collegiate years, my mom passed down a vintage t-shirt that she’d owned emblazoned with the phrase, “Smitty did it.” Since my last name is, of course, Smith, I had taken it and worn it without really giving it much thought. Then I gave it some thought… and realized how inappropriate the interpretation of this shirt could be. Almost as awkward as the time my mom tried to hand off her keychain that says, “I love Dick,” which she carried for years without ever realizing that most people weren’t privy to the fact that her husband’s name was Dick and she wasn’t some kind of overly amorous individual.

I held onto the shirt and it became relevant again once this pound and a half of puppy entered my life. No longer indicative of anything other than the fact that my dog probably did it. I didn’t actually realize what a family affair this outfit was until I started listing the pieces individually below. The only member I’m missing something from is my eldest brother, Adam, but I’ve already sported his gear (thanks, big bro).

hat: Dick Smith (dad) similar here, flannel shirt: Andy Smith (brother) similar here, t-shirt: Georgia Smith (mom), jeans: c/o Frankie B., bag: vintage- similar here, boots: – similar here, on Smitty: camo hoodie by

It wasn’t me. Smitty did it.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo Credit: Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: New York Fashion Week, The Hangover

By Kirsten|September 16th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

So, you might’ve deduced from the incessant Instagram posts, Tweets, and humble brags that last week concluded the week long bender that is New York Fashion Week. I merely dipped my toes into the chaos of NYFW and feel like I need a visit to Passages Malibu and I can only imagine the way some of the real style obsessed overachievers are feeling today. Oh, right. Half of them have already landed in London. God bless, gals. So, if you aren’t familiar with the goings on of Fashion Week, it’s show after show after show interlaced with parties that you may or may not have to beg, lie, and break into to attend. The entire thing is fun, fabulous, and utterly infuriating. It’s much like the city where I live- a love hate relationship that leaves you feeling both fulfilled and rejected. So, after taking in shows from Deisgual to Daisy Fuentes and partying with A$AP Rocky at Soho House and attending Nas’s 40th birthday (I know!), I’m happy to be laying low and trading in heels for engineer boots for the next several days. You may feel as if you’ve missed out, but I can’t begin to tell you how tiring waiting around all day to watch shows can be. Not to mention, your seat at your desk watching the livestream of Proenza Schouler was probably better than my assigned seat.

On to the next one.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Take Two, Part One

By Kirsten|August 13th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Buying a dress for your own birthday party is a pretty big deal. At least it was for me this year. For my first birthday back in New York, I wanted to celebrate with my favorite friends who I had missed so much and look damn good while doing so. However, having a birthday in the icy wintry month of January proves to be a bit more difficult when perusing the racks. I had been eying a particular lacy black dress online for quite some time and finally concluded the day of my birth would be the perfect time to debut it.

The good thing about this dress is that it’s neither seasonal, nor too trendy. It makes a statement without being something that can only be worn once. So, one evening, when I couldn’t quite figure out what to wear for another friend’s birthday party, I pulled this pretty little thing out of my closet for another spin around the dancefloor. This time sans tights. On my way out, I decided I should also probably take out the trash. Well, wouldn’t you know, it was a good thing I hadn’t worn my usual post workout sweat stained garb to handle the task. As I approached the compactor room, a very dashing gentleman was on his way in to toss his own trash. Being an actual gentleman, he held the door open for me and continued to hold it so that I wouldn’t be shut in the creepy, stinky room solo. As I leaned over the shoot, the fellow commented, “That’s quite an outfit for garbage duty.” To which I replied, “Oh, this old thing?”

dress: Nightcap Clothing (long sleeve version), shoes: Steve Madden (similar), clutch: Helena de Natalio (similar), bracelet: vintage necklace (similar), nails: Marie Nails

Stay tuned for this little black dress, take two.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: The Witching Hour

By Kirsten|July 16th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

While one can essentially never go wrong in a little black dress, the same ol’ cocktail attire can become a bit tired. For a more modern take on basic black, try mixing separates in the same color- most notably in noir. Make the look your own by adding accessories like a hat for a more dressed down take, or twisting your hair into a top knot for a more polished presence. I once suggested another alternative to the LBD, which garnered a love/hate reaction. And to be honest, this is a look I’ve been perfecting since senior prom.

Yes, my parents let me out of the house (and actually escorted me) to my prom wearing these very same fly-away shorts and a beaded butterfly top (dare I mention my very first weave?). I never thought I’d see the day where these shorts would become a part of my wardrobe again, but during one of my 18,000 moves, I returned to my mom’s house in West Virginia and scoured the archives. Jackpot.