Pencil Skirt | WhyDid.com

Why Did You Wear That: Woodgrain and Leather

By Kirsten|January 22nd, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

In adventures of “I’ve run out of clothes- what can I find in someone else’s closet?,” I popped into Dick’s closet to grab a jacket and found one which he claims is older than I am- which means it’s probably made out of dinosaur skin. While in the depths of his closet, a baseball cap in the same maroon hue caught my eye. When I reached up and dusted it off, my head nearly exploded as I discovered that the brim was… woodgrain. If I hadn’t had breakfast that morning, I totally would have passed out. Instead I fired off a text to my male bff telling him about the treasure I’d just unearthed. He was beyond stoked and probably a little jealous that he didn’t have his own. Don’t worry, homie, I’m on the hunt for a replica.

Pencil skirts are most often associated with secretaries and desk jobs a la Mad Men -pretty, prim and proper. However, I think they can be a very sexy addition to a dressed down look without losing all femininity. When I mixed a distressed (aka future dishrag) t-shirt that I cropped (obviously) and removed the sleeves from with this basic black skirt and topped it with an oversized leather jacket and baseball hat, I felt I’d created yet another perfect contradiction.

The combination of woodgrain and leather essentially makes me a walking rap song and what could really be better than that?

hat: brilliant find from dad (similar here), t-shirt: future cleaning rag turned crop top (similar here), skirt: Express, jacket: vintage (similar here), boots: All Saints (similar here), bralette: Victoria’s Secret, dog: Smitty, earrings: (similar here)

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Strawberry Fields

By Kirsten|January 21st, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

While the east coast froze during December and January, I was soaking up the sun on the west coast. Most people automatically assume LA, but I was up north near the Salinas Valley also called “the salad bowl of the world” which produces pretty much all of the greens consumed in the United States. So, by all means, eat your vegetables. This particular field is a strawberry field and wouldn’t you know it was all too fitting as the sun went down. The sunsets are nothing short of magnificent in the valley and each night I was wowed by yet another color combination in the sky and bouncing off the hills. On this particular late afternoon as we tried to capture “magic hour,” the sun cast a rose gold hue which only deepened as time passed and in turn, I now know what I’d look like as a redhead.

This was the outfit that I wore to ring in the New Year (yes, I got Dick onboard the New Year’s Eve outfit train). And while it was completely within reason on December 31st, I understand that some of you may not categorize sequin crop tops in the same manner I do- which is every day wear. So, now you’re looking at this jazzy little number wondering when the hell you’re ever going to wear it again and should you just send it to your niece for her next dance recital? The answer is no. You see, Dick is a very logical man, therefore I had to rationalize with him as to how both the skirt and top were totally wearable in more than one way. While this is how I would style a sparkly top for an evening out, in the next two posts, I’ll show you how to incorporate both a sparkly crop top and pencil skirt into your regularly scheduled wardrobe. But for now, let’s just bask in the rose gold glow.

kirsten smith

skirt: Express, top: Express, boots: All Saints (similar here), sunglasses: Ray Ban, bag: Balenciaga, necklace: Maya Brenner, dog: Smitty

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Work It, Girl

By Kirsten|January 9th, 2012|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

While some ladies may be those of leisure, others work hard for their money. They’re smart, determined, dedicated, and want to look damn good while dominating a board room. And while mama does work hard to bring home the bacon, she doesn’t want to put all that money right back into her work wardrobe. So what’s a girl to do? Shop smart! There are plenty of work appropriate options that 1). won’t break the bank and, 2). won’t raise any eyebrows. The key to a fabulous work wardrobe is investing in smart separates that can be mixed, matched, and accessorized to provide a plethora of early morning options. Here are three outfits all under $200 that will have you looking like (and making) a million.

Let’s break down the numbers:

BB Dakota Audry Twill Dress, $79.99 + Mossimo Palma Pumps, $29.99 + Marc by Marc Jacobs Metallics Packables Shopper, $58 = $167.98

Jack by BB Dakota Nadine Top, $52 + My Favorite Things Pencil Skirt, $79.90 + Nine West Escher Pumps, $59.99 = $191.98

BB Dakota Hadley Pants, $59.99 + Staring at Stars Chiffon Button Down Shirt, $24.99 + DV by Dolce Vita Boston Pumps, $72.99 = $157.97

Now that’s what I call retail math.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Little Black What?

By Kirsten|June 14th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Every girl owns (or at least she should own) the perfect little black dress. But wearing the same hot little number cocktail party after cocktail party can leave a girl feeling bored with what once was a no brainer. Not even swapping accessories can change things. Like a rubik’s cube, there are only so many combinations. This is when you must channel your inner Macgyver and start rigging up new and inventive cocktail combinations.

Besides the LBD (little black dress for the slow pokes), another staple piece is a black pencil skirt. You may be thinking to yourself, “That’s a little too Betty Draper for me.” Well, let me tell you, the pencil skirt has stuck around for a reason. Fitted properly, a pencil skirt can make even the most waifish gal look more Beyonce and less Olive Oil. To offset the conservative pencil skirt, I paired it with a cropped bandeau top (this little guy happened to be a DVF sample and would benefit greatly from some time spent at a seamstress). Classic black pumps, top notch top knot, and a sequined jacket completed this unconventional, but totally cocktail appropriate attire.

Before creating this look yourself, remember to use some common sense: 1. Will this look good on you? If you could benefit from a few more sit ups, hold off until you’re bare belly brazen. 2. Where are you planning to wear it? A funeral or wedding is probably not the right time for this. Save it for a more appropriate occasion.

1. Cosabella Marni Strapless Plunge Bra, $132.50, 2. Diane von Furstenberg Panel Marta Techno Jersey High Waist Pencil Skirt, $210, 3. Tuleste Market Layered Ball & Chain Necklace, $150, 4. Harrison Morgan Black Sequin Bolero, $220, 5. Christian Louboutin Pigalle 120 Patent Pumps, $595

xx,

WhyDid

WhyDid Wisdom: Dressing for the Sexes

By Kirsten|June 11th, 2009|Why Did You Wear That?, WhyDid Wisdom|

couple-argue

This is going to be half fashion advice, half love advice. Brace yourself, I’m not sure you’re going to love what I have to say, but sometimes, the truth hurts.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of eating at the new Hamptons eatery, Georgica. While the food was AMAZING (basically everything on the menu had truffles involved somehow), the crowd wasn’t exactly my speed. If you’re a woman in her mid twenties to mid thirties, this is probably not the place for you. If you are a guy in your late twenties to early forties, this is your dream come true. Seated directly to our right, was a table full of girls in their early twenties (if legal at all). While the guys at our table (my bf included) were pretty happy about this, the women at the table weren’t as enthusiastic. A couple of the girls at their table had on some ridiculous outfits that only a 20 year old could wear (this included a skirt more like a tutu). There was one that stood out from the group. She was wearing something very, very simple, but very effective (in catching a male’s attention). She had on a “Herve-like” black skirt, tight white tank top, and high heels. Someone (female) at the table asked, “Why would you wear that?” She received a response (male) of, “Because she can.”

This is a classic example of what I have talked about before in regards to males’ and females’ perspective on what makes a good outfit. While we, as women, think that having on the latest and greatest trend makes us stand out, it’s lost on a man. Women tend to dress for other women, which is totally fine, but don’t get upset when your boyfriend/husband checks out the woman who is dressing for men. This is going to sound totally sexist, but if you don’t want your man eyeing the other goods, be the hottest one there. Granted, if your man has a ridiculous wandering eye, you may want to re-evaluate your situation altogether. I’m just saying that a “typical” male will notice another beautiful woman from time to time (don’t act like you haven’t winked a cute bartender before). I know some women who hate on the ladies who are playing up their assets yet they aren’t playing up their own. Just because you are taken, doesn’t mean you can get lazy. Keep your man on his toes and deck yourself out from time to time. Trust me on this one.

jpers2022512397_prod_zoom_front_v1_m56577569831640800_sx201_ James Perse Long Tank, $45