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Why Did You Wear That: On the Six

By admin|December 3rd, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?, WhyDid Wisdom|

When I actually published my first post is debatable (as I made a switch from Tumblr to WordPress very early on), but it was six years ago, give or take a few days. That first post wasn’t prolific or groundbreaking and at the time I had not one clue as to what I was doing or where it would lead me. WhyDid has evolved as have I over the past six years. It even underwent a name change (from Why Did You Wear That) to encompass the expansion of topics from celebrity cameltoe (most popularly Katy Perry‘s) to all things fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. I came pretty close to a name change myself, but fortunately dodged that bullet. There have been times when I wanted to just scrap the whole operation and revert back to normal. One of those times came from a nasty commenter who told me my blog was just like “some dumb diary” where I recorded my life and outfits.

I guess she (he?!) was right. This is kind of like my diary, except I share my stories and my troubles and my outfits publicly not for any narcissistic reason, but so anyone who stumbles upon my site finds a place where she/he can spend a few minutes a day laughing, or feeling understood, or getting inspired to try something new. The fashion world and the world wide web can be very scary places, but I wanted to create somewhere safe. Somewhere kindred spirits could meet and know that they are not alone in the world and that any silly life trauma we might be going through isn’t that serious. Sharing my life is not only scary, but also therapeutic. By sharing so much, I open myself up to people who are negative and feed off of knocking people down, but by sharing I also open myself up to people who may need to hear exactly what I have to share. So, I let the good outweigh the bad.

As someone who hates having her picture taken (though all evidence would suggest otherwise), it was pretty uncomfortable to start posting photos of myself and one guy I dated told me fairly early on that I looked incredibly uncomfortable in my photos (I was). I’ve been told my eyebrows were too light (enter Anastasia of Beverly Hills), my boobs appeared saggy, and that I looked like just another Southern California girl (even though I’ve lived 97% of my life on the East Coast). If I said that I didn’t initially feel incredibly hurt by these comments, I’d be lying. I nursed my wounds for several days each time and confirmed with friends that my breasts were, in fact, as perky as those of a 19 year old over topless chats on FaceTime. Being dissected by people I’d never met was painful, but it opened my eyes to the scrutiny that we put celebrities and each other under all the time and it changed my perspective.

Realizing that was helpful, but sometimes stopped me from expressing what I really wanted. Over the years, I found myself censoring… myself. I played it safe at times so as not to offend or alienate people. Sometimes I had to dilute stories or descriptions because I knew my parents were reading or because I was worried someone I cared about might get offended. What I learned was that people appreciated it more when I crossed the line. When I said something outlandish or because I was being myself, I allowed my readers to feel comforted or validated in their own lives, to feel a part of something bigger. There are plenty of people out there playing it safe and repeating what the media and society has programmed us to think, feel, wear, watch, and say. I didn’t start WhyDid to be just another brick in the wall. That’s the wall I wanted to knock down.

I didn’t write this post to pat myself on the back (though I certainly hugged myself earlier), but to thank you and to promise to continue sharing my life and my authentic self and to encourage you to do the same. Know that as scary as it can be to just be yourself, it’s the safest thing you can do. So, don’t be afraid to shine. You can be weird. You can be emotional. You can have different opinions. You can march to the beat of your own damn drum, but don’t you dare ever hide the beauty that is you.

And in case you were wondring, Katy Perry’s cameltoe is still the most searched term that leads to WhyDid.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Reflecting Your Style with Modani

By admin|November 6th, 2014|Sponsored Post, Why Did You Wear That?|

When I moved back to New York from California, my second cross country move, I was looking for somewhere that felt like home. Somewhere that felt safe. I had loved the apartment I’d been living in pre city exodus so much, that I tried to stalk the building for any availabilities, but to no avail. Instead, I was sort of bamboozled into taking an apartment in the building directly across the street and it ended up being a wonderful mishap. Originally, I was shown an apartment up six floors with a much better view, but a dog stained parquet floor and a random load bearing column that completely disrupted the studio apartment’s tiny “flow.” Before I could chock this showing up to another loss, the building manager let me know that there was actually a similar apartment downstairs that would be available soon, but was undergoing renovations. When we walked into the construction site, there wasn’t much to see, but the light was nice and the space was plenty for myself and Smitty. Without knowing what it would look like upon completion, I headed downstairs to sign a lease.

Nearly two years later, the longest I’ve lived in a single place in the past 12 years, I still love my apartment, though I’ve not actually finished decorating it. I am even looking at the audio interfaces for garageband to get the right fit for my apartment. I think because I’ve grown accustomed to picking up and moving on year after year, it felt strange to fully commit to one place. There’s an antique mirror propped up in one corner that hasn’t been hung, partially because my mother threatened my life should it be hung impetuously and come crashing down. There’s no chandelier or signature wallpapered wall. I have no desk or dining table. My friends complain there are no counter barstools, but it’s rare that anyone is let into my inner sanctum. Recently, I realized that productivity would probably increase exponentially if I had a place to work other than in my bed or sitting Indian style in front of my lucite coffee table.

When I stumbled upon Modani Modern Furniture‘s website one afternoon, it seemed all but serendipitous. This was the perfect time to figure out what to do with my space and because I prefer a sleek, clean, line to bulky and comfy (as can be attested to by any of the uncomfortable guests of my couch), Modani Modern Furniture was a wonderful fit. Though many people never see our homes, especially in New York, they are very clear reflections of our personal style– at times, even more so than our outfits. If you’re looking to do a little home makeover yourself, be sure to checkout Modani’s Modern furniture stores.

Ideally, I would have some strapping young man come (carefully) hang the mirror behind my couch. In the space that the mirror was previously occupying, I would like to place the best leather office chair and some type of table where I could work. This would also provide some extra seating for the guests I never invite over and another place Smitty could claim as his own. Below are some Modani pieces I feel would fit in my space to complete the “look” of my home.

Olga Pillow, Ilda Side Table, Savina Lounge Chair, Black Moon Medusa Chandelier

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: A Day at the Office

By admin|October 17th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Working from home has its obvious perks. Wine for breakfast, dog friendly, flexible work hours, pajamas welcome. Though fewer, it also has its downfalls. One of which I’m convinced I’ve contracted called “agoraphobia.” Another, though disguised as an upside, is never really needing to put on pants. Without the need to put on clothing that doesn’t include elastane in the fiber contents, it’s fairly easy to overlook your ever growing waistline.

Also, there are those times when my job does require me to interact with other humans and show face in professional work environments and that’s about the time I shift into a near panic attack as I stare into the abyss of my closet because we are always expected to wear some kind of uniforms that are part of are business attire. What the hell do people wear to work? Are crop tops considered business casual? What if I wear one with a blazer?

When I received this ponté fit and flare dress from Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s, I knew immediately that it was the perfect option for these terrorizing occasions. Never again would I break into a sweat before a business meeting because this curve hugging, office appropriate dress is the perfect combination of classic and cool. With a few added accessories like a studded belt, leather jacket, and strappy pumps, I felt professional without being overly prissy. At this rate, I may have to get a desk job.

(P.S. you’re welcome, RKF. I’ll happily take a cut of the commission earned from this post).

dress: c/o Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s, belt: DVF, similar by B-Low the Belt here, shoes: Sam Edelman, jacket: Marc New York, bag: Balenciaga, lipcolor: Clinique Different Lipstick in Angel Red

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

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: Falling for You

By admin|September 15th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

In one week, it will officially be autumn… as well as two of my favorite men’s birthday. Technically, it’s still summer, but the weather has taken a turn and the inevitable chill is in the air. As a matter of fact, as I type this with my window cracked, I can actually smell what epitomizes fall to me. When it’s not the skin melting heat of summer or the bone chilling frost of winter, the weather in Manhattan is nothing short of magical. Spring and fall, while both way too short, are reminders to residents as to why we tolerate exorbitant rent, public urination, and unreliable transportation. Start stashing your swimsuits and pull out your sweaters from the bins under your bed. Enjoy the brief pause that is fall and brace yourselves for what the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting to be one wild winter.