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Beauty Buzz: Somebody Call 911

By |August 20th, 2013|Beauty Buzz|

We’re busy women.  We somehow balance careers, friendships, love lives, and sometimes even children.  How is it even possible that we manage to keep it together while still looking fresh as a girl from the Midwest two weeks into living in the city?  Well, it takes tact.  As any savvy woman can tell you, nothing is an accident  You got a last minute invite for after work cocktails, you squeezed in a Pilates class during lunch break, or perhaps you’d rather your “walk of shame” more resemble a “stride of pride,” which I wouldn’t know a thing about… Whatever your beauty emergency may be, you need to be prepared.  I was never a Girl Scout, but I do believe it is best to be ready for just about anything.

Remember when I said the Sephora sample section was the Bermuda Triangle of beauty?  Well, in this instance, it’s best to gather supplies and pack your purse full of a few crunch time essentials that will always having you looking polished, not foolish.

1. BDG Perfect Zip Pouch, 2. Philosophy Purity Made Simple One Step Facial Cleansing Cloths, 3. Bop Basics Solid Vintage Hair Ties, 4. Benefit They’re Real Mini Mascara, 5. Gucci Guilty Eau de Toilette Spray, 6. Ray-Ban Foldable Aviator Sunglasses, 7. Benefit Cosmetics Pocket Pal, 8. Colgate Wisp Peppermint Mini Toothbrushes

 

Happy shacking.

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Why Did You Wear That: Up on the Roof

By |July 24th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithWhen I walked out of my grey carpeted, grey walled, grey everything office on my last day of work, I knew I never wanted to be stuck in a corporate cubicle ever again.  Ever.  I started WhyDid while working that 9-5 (more like 8-8) job and made it my priority a year later.  Sure, I wrote my first book at age ten, but I hadn’t even realized how much I enjoyed writing until over ten years later.  I’ve now been fortunate enough to turn something I love to do, into what I do for a living.

While not having to report to an office sure has its perks (like wine at lunch), working from home can become pretty isolating.  I don’t have to get dressed or even shower before making it from my bed to my computer.  I don’t need to come in contact with humans on a daily basis if I don’t want to.  And it’s fairly easy to get totally sidetracked.  I have a beautiful apartment, but staring at the same four walls day in and day out can be less than inspiring.  Luckily, I have a very special creative oasis just an elevator ride away.  Arguably, I have one of the best rooftops in Manhattan.  I can see in all directions, and being by the water allows for a little breeze, which is crucial during these oppressively hot summer days.  I mean, there’s even WiFi.  My only complaint?  No electrical outlets, which only allows me to work for as long as my batteries will last.  So, management, if you’re reading this…

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smitty

kirsten smithtop: Brandy Melville (similar), shorts: Brandy Melville (similar), sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bracelets: Alex and Ani, necklace: Nina Nguyen, shoes: Charles David, bag: Diane von Furstenberg (similar), dog: Smitty

Rough day at the office.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo credit: Michael Stiegler

Setting the Mood: Getaway From Me

By |May 20th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

Memorial Day is fast approaching… so fast, in fact, that I didn’t even realize it was this weekend.  Guess who doesn’t have plans (yet)?  Who wants to pack me in his/her carry-on?  Anyone?

Well, for the rest of you well-organized individuals it’s time to start packing up and shipping out.  So, should you be heading to Malibu or Miami, your look needs to be beach chic, which basically amounts to looking polished without looking like you tried… not one bit.

Bop Basics Floppy Raffia Sunhat, Zimmerman Oasis Floral Print Cotton and Silk Playsuit, Ray-Ban New Youngster Sunglasses, Matiko Stacey Cork Wedge Sandals

Beach bound, baby!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Take Me Home

By |May 23rd, 2012|Personal Style|

oglebay mansion wvWest Virginia tends to get a bit of a bad rap.  Whenever I tell someone that I grew up/went to school there, I get the typical antiquated responses.  “Are your parents cousins?”  “You have nice teeth though.”  “I love Virginia!”  Come on, guys.  Haven’t we gone over this?  West Virginia isn’t all hillbillies and bare feet.  The Bachelorette whisked her date to the Greenbrier in this week’s episode and as a matter of fact, it may be more Sex and the City than one might think (Sarah Jessica Parker stayed in Wheeling during the birth of her twins via surrogate).

Even when I don’t have a literal home of my own and can’t figure out where I want to be, West Virginia always feels like home to me.  With its rolling hills, friendly faces, and unrivaled natural beauty (have you seen my sorority sisters), West Virginia hardly lives up to its reputation.  It defies it.   And I’m willing to bet if I didn’t tell you, you wouldn’t even know I was there…

grecian columns

oglebay steps

maxi skirt

rayban aviators dooney bourke

pleated maxi skirtglasses: Ray Ban, tank: American Apparel, skirt: Zara, bag: vintage Dooney & Bourke, bracelets: Alex and Ani, sandals: Enzo Angiolini

Take me home…

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: To the Max

By |March 26th, 2012|Look for Less, Why Did You Wear That?|

spring 2012 maxi dressesThe maxi dress is nothing new, but that’s okay.  It’s still a closet and transitional season must have.  A maxi is great for running errands in a simple pair of flat sandals and tote or can be dressed up with heels and sparkly jewels.  Maxi dresses are a win for all parties involved.  It’s like getting to wear your pajamas all day long and no one can really say anything cause you look so stunning and you never run the risk of exposing your “Britney.”  Striped, solid, floral, tribal… you really can’t go wrong.  Check out how these chic starlets styled their maxis and re-create the look yourself for that oh-so-effortless maxed out look.

ashley macklowe1. Ella Moss Printed Maxi Dress, $188, 2. Ettika Clustered Gold Black Leather Bracelet, $75, 3. bebe Noah Platform Sandals, $84.99

nicole richie maxi dress miami1. Cosabella Anouck Maxi Dress, $200, 2. House of Harlow 1960 Jordana Sunglasses, $125, 3. DKNY Textured Leather Shoulder Bag, $375, 4. Aldo Brendle Simple Flat Sandals, $56.40

alessandra ambrosio maxi dress1. Ella Moss Stained Glass Maxi Dress, $248, 2. Ray-Ban Large New Wayfarer, $125, 3. Blank NYC Vegan Leather Jacket, $74.99, 4. Mossimo Supply Co. Ona Ballet Flats, $14.99

 

xx,

WhyDid