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Why Did You Wear That: Post Traumatic Stress, or Lack Thereof

By |December 5th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Kirsten SmithSpeaking of evolution, it’s amazing what a difference a year can make.  Cliché?  Yes.  True?  Also yes.  After having scraped myself from my father’s couch and moving back to New York last year, I was ready to put my shattered life back together piece by painful piece.  I had moved back to my old neighborhood (literally across the street from my old apartment), reconnected with my New York friends who hadn’t fled the city for life in suburban wedded bliss, and put my feelers out for new career opportunities and love interests- though only half heartedly on the latter.

I hadn’t been back to California since leaving that last time.  I mean, it’s a long flight, plus I wasn’t sure how I’d feel  about being back there.  However, my dad was long overdue for a visit and the way the weather was looking on the east coast, I was happy to suffer through a five hour flight for a stint in the sunshine.  Upon landing in LA, I immediately felt a bittersweet nostalgia.  Driving through familiar streets in Silicon Valley, I felt every familiarity and the memories of my past came creeping back. Many experts now recommend me to use these Delta 8 disposable vape pens to keep those thoughts in check.

Kirsten SmithFortunately, I have a friend who is the kind of friend everyone should wish for.  She’s the “ride or die” type and the moment she got my sobbing phone call that I would be moving out of the home I shared with my ex, she was quite literally on a plane to come and help with the heavy lifting and to lift my heavy heart.  Her name is Katie and you may remember her.  Upon arriving at said residence, my ex had been so “kind” as to have already packed all of my belongings (well, everything he didn’t try and pilfer) and arrange them conveniently at the front door.  Talk about adding insult to injury.  But on the brightside, this gave us more time to spend together chatting rather than packing.  Katie having never done so, we hopped in her rental and took a ride down the PCH.  Remembering a must see recommendation from a pal Katie had made on the plane (she’s always making friends), we stopped somewhere along Big Sur at a place called Post Ranch Inn where we dined while taking in the views at Sierra Mar.  The views are quite literally breathtaking and those with acrophobia may want to refrain from venturing out onto the balconies.  I was so happy to be in such beautiful surroundings with my beautiful friend, but halfway through my second glass of prosecco, I broke down into tears.

kirsten smith

kirsten smithI wanted to share this place with people who love me unconditionally and make new memories that were joyful not jaded.  My middle brother, Andy and my dad are two men I know I can always count on besides Smitty and I wanted to take them somewhere I loved.  We hopped in Dick’s tiny sportscar (I generously relinquished shotgun and crammed myself into the backseat) and off we went down the windy PCH on our way back to Post Ranch Inn, stopping intermittently to snap photos at scenic overlooks.  Ironically enough, we were seated at the exact same table where Katie and I sat the year before.  This year, however, I didn’t cry into my garden green salad.  I guess that’s the thing about bad memories, sometimes you just have to face them, make new ones, and move on.

kirsten smith

kirsten smithtop: Free People (similar-and on sale-here), bralette: Victoria’s Secret, pants: 7 for All Mankind, boots: All Saints (similar here), bag: Balenciaga, jacket: Andrew Marc

Don’t worry, I didn’t jump.

xx,

WhyDid

photographs by Andrew Smith (my middle big brother- who you should also follow on Instagram)

Beauty Buzz: A Day at the Beach

By |July 19th, 2010|Beauty Buzz|

products_malibu_barbie_375As we cruised down the PCH on our way to spend the afternoon in the sun in Malibu, it occurred to me that packing for a day at the beach is no “day at the beach.”

There is a lot of preparation that needs to be done before you spend the rest of the day lounging and laughing. From shaving and exfoliating all the right places to making sure you didn’t leave something behind, here’s a quick checklist to have you on the road in no time!

  • Sunscreen– I would recommend at least SPF 30 for a full day of fun and sun. Don’t forget to reapply after frolicking in the surf. No one wants to spend Monday morning lubing up in aloe.
  • The Essentials– No need to cover yourself in product, but be sure to smooth on some nourishing lotion like Kiehl’s. Lipgloss and mascara (waterproof) add a little polish to your face. Don’t forget your sunglasses and hat to guard yourself from crow’s feet and excessive sun exposure to your money maker.
  • Extra pair of pantalones– Sitting around in a wet bathing suit is bad for your little girl down below. Be sure to pack some extra underwear to slip into when you’re done with the waves. You’ll thank me later.
  • Sweater– When the sun goes down, so do the temperatures and just in case you haven’t secured a cutie to keep you warm, you’re going to want to throw on something cozy.
  • Camera– You don’t want to forget those fun memories spent by the sea. Who doesn’t love tagging themselves on Facebook so everyone will be super jeal of your fab weekend?
  • Host/hostess gift– It’s always in good taste to bring a little somethin’ somethin’ for your host. I brought wine and bubbles. I don’t see why not.

Packing right is a surefire way to make sure you can ride off into the sunset without a care in the world.

xx,

WhyDid

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