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WhyDid or WhyDon’t: Granola Bears Need to Birkenstop

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

birenstocks-socksSeeing 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?

birkenstockBirkenstock 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

birkenstock isabel marantDoc 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

The List Volume LXXXIII

By |August 24th, 2012|The List|

licking cupcakeHave you ever been too busy to be mad?  Well, that’s been my life as of late.  I’ve had so many visitors and been working on so many things that even when annoying stuff happened, I couldn’t really be bothered with it… ’cause I didn’t have the time.  So, there’s this week’s life lesson… stay busy, stay happy.

But alas, I know how much you all enjoy a good ol’ list.  So here she blows:

balloon popped

  1. Admitting when you’re wrong.
  2. This is how you know that your neighborhood is no longer “edgy.” patagonia store
  3. Why must good posture be so uncomfortable?
  4. Guys who think they need to be “courted” like girls.  Um, no. boys are dogs
  5. Violence.  Seriously though, can’t we all just get along?

make a balloon animal

  1. Passing out.  Drinking rose.  Not skipping a beat. drinking rose
  2. Four girls, two dogs, one bed, one couch.
  3. The look of surprise when you smile at a stranger.
  4. Visual contradictions. christian louboutin west village
  5. Admitting when you’re wrong.

Have a great weekend… and remember, never cry over spilled rose.

xx,

WhyDid

WhyDid Wisdom: City Girl in the Suburbs

By |March 15th, 2012|WhyDid Wisdom|

city girl in the suburbsA couple of years ago, I was itching to make my final exodus from New York City.  You see, we’ve had a fairly emotionally abusive relationship.  When it was good, it  was a twenty-four hour honeymoon, but when it was bad, I wanted a divorce.  The things I once loved became those that I loathed.  The city will beat you down and bring you to your knees and when you’re just about to give up, Spring arrives and you are reminded, once again, why it is you fell in love with this glorious city in the first place.

I never even wanted to live in New York.  As a matter of fact, I was certain that when I graduated from college I’d be on my way to sunny California.  But Dame Nature (that silly bitch) had other plans and in a twist of fate, I landed an internship at Escada my junior year of college.  One summer in the big city and I was sold.  California who?

You see, New York is the type of place that you either love of hate, sink or swim.  If you happen to be one of the ones who loves it, it gets under your skin and there is no way to shake it.  Ever.  Any other city is second rate.  While Los Angeles has the sunshine, it’ll never compare.  Sorry, San Francisco, you’re a beautiful city, but you’ll just never do.  There is one city that reigns supreme… and that’s the Big Apple- despite all its flaws.

Well, a couple of years ago, New York and I had a trial separation.  I left the bright lights, tall buildings, and bad attitudes for the other coast.  I thought I was ready for a quiet, “normal”, simple life.  I thought I was done with New York.  It was great to give Smitty a yard and a place to stretch his furry little legs.  I enjoyed living in a space larger than a walk-in closet.  I wanted to love it.  I tried to love it, but there was nothing for me to do.  I was completely unstimulated.  I had no friends and no common interests with anyone I met.  I found that I got enraged by people who had no clue what The Met is and no interest in finding out.  I couldn’t take seeing one more person wearing Patagonia and the straw that broke the camel’s back was when I realized I hadn’t worn heels in six months.  I was a square peg trying to live my life in a round hole.  I gave it a shot, but finally came to terms that I was trying to live a life that wasn’t for me.  Besides, we all have done crazy things for love.

I realized that a place that may feel scary and overwhelming to some, felt safe and familiar to me.  Another girl could be writing this same post saying that she hates the city and she finds it to be dirty, loud, and abrasive.  It isn’t about which is better: the city or the suburbs.  It’s all about finding the place that fits and feels like home.

Mama, I’m coming home.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Mamacita

By |August 25th, 2011|San Francisco (The Bay), Why Did You Eat That?|

I know I give San Francisco a bad rap, but I guess it’s not all bad. The do have delightful Mexican food, afterall (and I love some good Mexican food). A friend suggested we try out Mamacita in the Marina, so we obliged and were happy we did so. The place is a bit crowded on a weekend and you will probably have to wait if you don’t have a reservation. So, you’re probably going to want to go ahead and get the party started with a pitcher of pomegranate margaritas (made with pomegranate infused tequila) and a bit of the guacamole while you wait for a table. I’ve had a lot of good guacamole in my day, but never have I had any so creamy. I would love to know what they put in there to get that smooth consistency. So far, so good.

We actually didn’t have to wait as long as we’d thought and started things off with Tamales de Elote (sweet corn tamales) and Crudo de Atun (tuna tartar). Both were out. of. this. world. After gorging ourselves on appetizers , we each opted to try a different type of taco- Chuleta de Borrego (lamb), Callos de Mula (scallops), and Carnitas Cerditas (pulled pork). I would say I was the “loser” of the bunch with the pork tacos. They weren’t awful, but compared to the rest, they fell a bit flat. The word that kept coming up when testing out the other tacos was “smooth.” We were so happy with our meals that we had no room for dessert and I would absolutely head back here for my next taco fix.

So what does one wear when munching on Mexican in the Marina? This area is a bit “preppy” or maybe even “yuppy” so, most of the patrons were pretty conservatively dressed. But when’s the last time you felt the need to fit in? Keep it casual with a bit of a twist with a silky blouse, skinny jeans, and funky accessories. You’ll stand out without looking like a total outcast.


1. Ya Ya Fisher Nom De Plume Blouse, $69, 2. 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans, $170, 3. Jimmy Choo Peep Toe Patent Platform Pump, $695, 4. House of Harlow Val Studded Clutch, $195, 5. Kendra Scott Nasha Necklace, $145

Bonita mamacita!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Party Pants

By |August 16th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This is one of my all time favorite outfits and these sequin shorts may seem silly, but I’ve found them to be awfully versatile. �This particular pair of party pants has made its way from the Standard in New York to the Chateau Marmont in LA and had a blast all along the way.

Since moving up north, all my “fun” clothes have been doing nothing but collecting dust. �Needless to say, my sequin shorts haven’t seen the light of day. Sorry, kids, unless you love to wear North Face, Patagonia and J. Crew when you’re feeling jazzy, Northern California is not for you.  But just because I’m suffering doesn’t mean you need to be.

Ready to turn your pants into a party? �Thought so:

1. Kill City Good Country Muscle Tee, $52, 2. Chan Luu Sequined Track Shorts, $148, 3. Rachel Roy Cross Charm Bracelet, $65, 4. Anya Hindmarch Sea Snake Valerie Clutch, $650, 5. Dolce Vita Madison Platform Pump, $165

Are sequin shorts the new LBD? �No, probably not, but they are certainly a fun addition to any girl’s wardrobe.

xx,

WhyDid