WhyDid or WhyDon’t: Granola Bears Need to Birkenstop

By Kirsten|November 26th, 2013|Why Did or Why Don't?|

Seeing as I’ve finally made my way across the country and up the coast to what is known as Northern California, I figured this might be the appropriate time to address the footwear trend trying to make a comeback. The hippies’ Havaianas, the tree huggers’ Tevas, the Birkenstock. Now, I realize I’m really pigeon holing the fine folks north of San Luis Obispo, but let’s not forget that I spent a sufficient amount of time surrounded by more North Face and Patagonia than my eyes and closet could handle. Dare I remind you of a birthday spent at Palo Alto’s Il Fornaio where I was stared at like a freak for wearing something other than polar fleece?

Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Thong

Popular since the 1980’s these practical over fashionable sandals really had their hey day back in the early 90’s. But just like all that is old, they have become new again. Isabel Marant made a designer version and we all know what Isabel Marant did for the wedge sneaker (not to mention the mayhem that ensued for the H&M capsule collection). Even Phoebe Philo of Celine sent them down the runway…

Doc Martens have already made a comeback (as seen in the Wrecking Ball video) as well as Timberland boots (they’ve even got a collaboration with throwback brand Stussy), but are all of the 90’s footwear fads ready for a resurgence? And will you be hugging trees in your Birks?

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Why Did You Eat That: Someone’s in the Kitchen with Dinah

By Kirsten|April 25th, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

So, for Easter brunch, my dad came up and visited us. We took him over to Dinah’s Restaurant for some eggs and outdoor seating. Because you already know how I feel about brunch, I found it alarming that they had no idea what I was talking about when I requested a bellini. They came back later and asked if I would instead like a mimosa. Who am I to say, “no”? Above is a photo of the mimosa that was brought to me. I’m not complaining, because it’s three times the size of a normal mimosa and for seven dollars, you really can’t beat that.

However, all of this made it incredibly clear that I needed to make sure everyone knows how to properly prepare two of the best brunch beverages out there. (A Bloody Mary would round out the list, but that’s far more complicated and deserves a post all to itself). Below, please see the simple arithmetic of a boozy brunch:

Mimosa:

Bellini:

Now that’s an equation to which I have the solution.

xx,

WhyDid

Real People, Real Style: Natty Style

By Kirsten|April 9th, 2009|Real People Real Style|

In my 20-something years of life, I have learned that positive reinforcement is the best way to motivate people. So, instead of just making fun of the fashion f*ck ups, I’ve decided to praise those of you who are making the world a prettier place… one outfit at a time.

We found this blonde bombshell right here in Manhattan.

natalie

Name: Natalie Decleve

Occupation: PR and Events Manager, Kiki De Montparnasse

Hometown: Palo Alto, CA

Wearing: dress- 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, bag- vintage Dior (remember what I told you about vintage bags being cool?), shoes- Michael Kors Collection (sorry, can’t really see them, but they were divine), bangle- Forever 21, necklace- vintage, ring- rando no name designer from a boutique in Hoboken

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and your bag was only big enough for 3 items, what would they be: My super soft and slouchy Inhabit cashmere sweater (hey you didn’t say it was a tropical island…), my subscription to Bazaar (can I do that?), a box of French macaroons.

Favorite beauty product: L’artisan Parfumeur, Poivre Piquant perfume

Style icon: Kate Moss

This summer, I can’t wait to wear: my bright turquoise Calypso linen mu-mu and destroyed denim (not together, obvi!)

Style tip for all the fashion degenerates: If you don’t feel confident wearing it, don’t.

Best splurge (it was worth every penny): Balenciaga motorcycle bag in grey – the older it gets, the cooler it looks.

Trend you’d like to see die: One shouldered anything – why is it still happening?! WHY?! Oh- and Marc Jacobs. Just in general. Like I say after every season’s show: The Emperor’s New Clothes…

Currently coveting: Miu Miu Nappa bag in nude leather… ahh I’m obsessed!

And we are obsessed with you, Ms. Decleve. Well done.

xx,

WhyDid