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Real People, Real Style: Someone’s in the Kitchen with Breanne Butler

By |August 25th, 2016|Guest Blogger, Real People Real Style|

breanne-butler-bybreanneNot sure how we went from someone in the kitchen with Dinah to making pies with our trap queens, but there’s never been a shortage of songs about cooking.  At Knifedge you will get the 12 best kitchen knife sets on the market.  There has, however, been a shortage of friendships with creative culinary skills in my life.  You should consider yourself lucky if you can count your friends on one hand, even luckier if one of those friends happens to be an already distinguished pastry chef by the ripe ol’ age of 26!

I met Breanne at a party at Flat 128 in the village.  I’m not exactly sure how I got invited to said party or what the party was actually for, but there I was, standard socially awkward Kirsten.  Browsing the vintage jewelry and wondering how long was long enough to stay before creepily slipping out the door and slipping out of my stilettos and onto my couch.  Fortunately, this sweet little thing came right up and started chatting with me before offering me a quality durian mooncake from Emicakes on the table that had been so carefully arranged by color to create the British flag.  Ironic to describe this ray of sunshine (so very clearly new to New York) as sweet since within a few moments she disclosed that she was the resident pastry chef at Facebook.  I know, Facebook has a pastry chef.  Of course they do– and your job sucks even more with that newfound knowledge.  She also explained that she had made those cupcakes and had also been bought out for an incredible dairy free gluten free icebox cake, which I still have yet to convince her to make for me…

In the years since I’ve known Breanne, I’ve watched her acclimate to the city– feeling like a proud big sister– create her own brand, ByBreanne, score unbelievable vintage finds, work as a rep for manscaped.com, host perfect dinner parties, and design cakes and cookies for fashion brands from Alice + Olivia to Victoria’s Secret.  One might say she’s taken a bite out of the Big Apple, but I kinda think the Big Apple has taken a bite outta Breanne.

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Name: Breanne Butler

Wearing: top- H&M, pants: Zara, shoes: Bruno Magli

Occupation: Pastry Chef/Culinary Instructor/ CEO of ByBreanne

Hometown/Current Town: Detroit to UES!

1. I would describe my style as:  Vintage with a little bit of class, and a touch of edge

2.  I can’t leave the house without: My headphones.  Music keeps my energy up!

3. Based on wardrobe alone, if I could live in any time period, it would be: The 60s. I love a high waisted pant, but also love a good skirt suit with kitten heels.

4. Best/biggest splurge (worth every penny): My Louboutins.  I told myself when I was 16 that I would buy a pair as soon as I landed my first salary position! They instantly pull together any outfit!!!

5. Best advice I’ve ever received:  “Travel is the only thing money will buy that will make you richer.”

6. Biggest pet peeve:  Excessive arm swingers.  Like, seriously? You don’t need to use your arms to propel yourself to walk!

7. What I would tell my 13 year old self: Don’t dye your hair black when you’re 18!!!!!

8. Weirdest beauty trick that I swear by: I threw out my razors and use an epilator. Lasts just as long as a wax and saves me sooo much money! My old razor money is now my wine money!

9. Don’t care if it ever goes out of style, I’m going to keep wearing: Socks with heels. Been rocking them since 1999.

10.Something I wish people knew about me: I used to teach violin lessons to elementary school kids!

11. Favorite place in the world: Barcelona, hands down. It’s all my favorite things: Great food, great wine, amazing art and architecture (Gaudi!) and hot, Spanish men!

12. Something you’ve always dreamed of doing: Whale watching in each of the oceans. 2 down, 3 to go!

13. Greatest fear/phobia (that you’ll concur, of course): I absolutely *hate* the sound of silverware clinking together! That and clowns.

Fun fact: I have two titanium rods in my right knee! Sometimes I go off in metal detectors.

breanne-butler-must-haves1. Scissors. I cut a lot of stuff, I guess, 2.  A good, rubber spatula (Trudeau!). Seriously invaluable in the kitchen., 3. Coconut oil. I use it as body lotion and face lotion, right out of the shower. It also makes a great hair mask!, 4. Q-tips. I have to clean my ears twice a day! I also mess up my eyeliner a lot., 5. Passport–because I want to be able to travel at a moments notice!

WhyDid Wisdom: Ask Me No Questions… Ok, Do.

By |September 9th, 2014|WhyDid Wisdom|

soho houseI’m typically the one doing all the interviews (Real People, Real Style) and I have a crop of fresh faces coming right up, so it was a pleasant and welcome change to have the tables turned.  Recently, both StyleList and Bott & Co delved deep into my sometimes scattered thoughts to ask me all about blogging, my ambitions, and my humble beginnings.  It’s interesting to actually have to think about where you are headed and remember how it all began.  Sometimes it’s incredibly scary to say (or write) out loud what it is that you really want out of life and to be open about yourself (a couple of years ago, I did an interview with Huffington Post wherein I discussed my distaste for leggings (read it here) that didn’t go over well with everyone), but I had a lot of fun doing it and if you haven’t already, please go check out both of my interviews.

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Read the entire interview at StyleList here.

bott and co why did kirsten smith blog

Read the full Bott & Co interview here.

 If you’re interested in an interview with me… don’t be shy and shoot me an email!

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photos by Skinny K and Michael Stiegler

Real People, Real Style: Sister from Another Mister

By |August 29th, 2012|Real People Real Style|

amelia smithI liked Amelia the moment I met her- and not just because she loved spicy tuna on crispy rice as much as I do.  Then I found out her last name was also Smith and knew it was kismet.  I think the deal was sealed for her when I quoted a Loretta Lynn song… either way, we’ve been friends ever since and I don’t plan on ditching her anytime soon… if ever.  You see, Amelia is exactly the kind of girl I talk about all the time.  Not only is she pretty, but she’s also smart.  In between choosing the perfect shade of paint and sourcing one of a kind designer furniture, she’s also booking shows for New York Fashion Week.  Time spent with Amelia is always fun.  We can switch gears between chatting about our latest nail color obsession to deep spiritual conversations about our lives and the future of the universe.  Also doesn’t hurt that Smitty’s smitten with her.  So, here’s a bit more about Amelia and what makes her style so unique:

amelia smith

Name: Amelia Loren Smith

Wearing: French Connection

Occupation: Interior Designer, Freelance Art Director, Set Designer; Model – check her out, right here.

Hometown/Current Town: Tupelo, Mississippi/ New York, New York

I would describe my style as: Simplistic Modern Classic

I can’t leave the house without: Lip gloss

Based on wardrobe alone, if I could live in any time period, it would be: Now!  We have so many options! We can mix and match, reference other eras and still make it our own. I love that!

Best/biggest splurge (worth every penny): My Jimmy Choo Martha Ponyskin clutch, it was my college graduation present to myself.

“Constructed of multi-colored pony skin and suede marked in the middle by an asymmetric gold-tone zipper, which reveals a little extra space, this clutch is smartly sassy easily converting from day to night. It also features a hidden magnetic closure on the flap, an internal pocket with zipper and a tan suede lining with lilac trim. It’s functional expandability.”

Best fashion advice I’ve ever received: Keep it simple

Biggest fashion pet peeve (a trend that just needs to go away): Toms

What I would tell my 13 year old self: That ugly duckling does, in fact, grow up to be a swan.

Weirdest beauty trick that I swear by: A little gloss on the eyelid to give a sleek, shiny, silicone look

Don’t care if it ever goes out of style, I’m going to keep wearing: eyebrows

I would love to trade closets with: Kelis – I bet she has swanky headgear

Fun fact:  I was voted “Most Talented” out of my HS Class. It’s a notion that has carried over into adulthood. I like to do/and excel at multiple things. If I’m not engaging in more than one project at a time something is wrong.

 

So, ya know… whether you need a new face for your next ad campaign or just need a new chaise lounge, Amelia’s your go to girl.

xx,

WhyDid

Real People, Real Style: She’s the Manns

By |March 7th, 2012|Real People Real Style|

Whitney Manns WM Wardrobe ConsultingI’ve known Whitney longer than I’ve known some of my best friends.  She’s what got me through 8th period of  my senior year in highschool.  Always funny, always positive, she made even the most mundane reading more fun.  Little did I know that we had a lot more in common than our navy blue blazers and Mr. Fischer’s senior English class.

Name: Whitney Manns

Wearing: Fitted Red Shift Dress from Asos.com, Stella and Dot Pegasus Necklace, Nude Vince Camuto Pumps

Occupation: Owner and Stylist of WM Wardrobe Consultant

Hometown/Current Town: the small town of Lake Charles, Louisiana

1. I would describe my style as:  Sophisticated chic, on the safe side. I love classic lines of outfits and mixing random colors together but never step over the edge to be overly fashion forward because I never want to scare away any potential clients.

2.  I can’t leave the house without: Cardigan! Love my cardigans (could be because I’m always cold) even if its stuff in one of my ‘Mary Poppins’ size purses. Oooh- and either one of my silver or gold Michael Kors’ Watches, love the chunky boyfriend watch look.

3. Based on wardrobe alone, if I could live in any time period, it would be: The 50’s with all its body fitting outfits but still classy looks.

4. Best/biggest splurge (worth every penny): My first Milly dress, which I still own and wear. When I was first on my own and making my own money I couldn’t believe I was spending half my rent on a dress. However, I Love this designer with her adorable prints, she can make any simple structured dress look amazing.

5. Best fashion advice I’ve ever received: I don’t really know if I was ever told fashion advice more that i learned things gradually, but I guess the one thing i live by is to not be scared to think outside the box.

6. Biggest fashion pet peeve (a trend that just needs to go away): This isn’t so much a trend but a common mistake with ladies trying too hard to look fashionable but its when someone tries to wear too many trends in one outfit!

7. What I would tell my 13 year old self: To Stop wearing that turquoise track suit everyday because it really isn’t that cute.

8. Weirdest beauty trick that I swear by: I really don’t have any!

9. Don’t care if it ever goes out of style, I’m going to keep wearing: my Skinny jeans!

10. I would love to trade closets with: I admire Katie’s Holmes taste in clothes.

Fun fact:  My love for clothes started as a love/hate relationship.  When I was younger I was frustrated with not being stylish but wanted to just wear what I thought looked right. This relationship became stronger after all the art classes I took, evolving into the passion I have for clothes now.

Three years ago, I decided to help others with their struggle or desire to build their fashion relationship.  WM Wardrobe Consulting now has clients in many states and cities and has helped build the confidence level in many women and men through personal shopping and outfit coordinating.

 

So, if you’re in need of a little closet overhaul get in touch with Whitney STAT.  Not only will she work wonders for your closet, she can also recite E. E. Cummings.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo via Lindsey Janies 

Real People, Real Style: Bikini Babe

By |November 9th, 2011|Real People Real Style|

Several months ago, I introduced you to the ridiculously fun and totally customizable bikini brand, Mikini Bikini.  The line was a big hit with you lovely ladies, so I asked the beauty behind the brand if she’d like to let us in on her own personal style secrets.  Lucky for us, she obliged and now the bikini babe (and newlywed) is gonna share what makes her style so chic.

Name: Christina Iaquinta Stuber

Wearing:  Club Monaco dress (bought this for my wedding shower – it’s my wedding colors, grey and yellow!), Lucky boots from TJMaxx (Found these last month and have probably worn them 5/7 days each week!), Crossbody from Banana Republic (“just because” gift from husband when we first started dating 5 years ago – I still love it!) Rhinestone necklace from Pinky Otto (gift from my Momma).

Occupation: Co-Founder of Mikini Bikini, Buyer for TJMaxx and Marshalls

Hometown/Current Town: Hometown: Bridgeport, WV; Current Town: Boston, MA

1. I would describe my style as: Casual luxury.  I dress how I feel, and a lot of my pieces come with a story or memory!

2.  I can’t leave the house without: RayBans and my wedding ring.

3. Based on wardrobe alone, if I could live in any time period, it would be: The 60’s would be amazing – mini skirts, skinny jeans, and fake eyelashes, what more could you want?

4. Best/biggest splurge (worth every penny): I try to find good deals on every-day wear, and tend to splurge on my more “timeless” pieces.  My biggest splurge this year was actually for my husband – a Breitling Navitimer  watch.

5. Best fashion advice I’ve ever received: If you wouldn’t wear it in front of your father, then don’t wear it!

6. Biggest fashion pet peeve (a trend that just needs to go away): High-waisted jeans.

7. What I would tell my 13 year old self: Oh geez – I only can pick one thing?! Some of the items I wore were just absurd.  Like a mini skirt that was cow print, or these knee high boots that looked like moon shoes.. and I had this belly chain that I thought was really cool.  Even formals, I wore 2-piece dresses!  I’d do it all again though – you have to experiment in order to find your true style later on.

8. Weirdest beauty trick that I swear by: I sleep with my hair in a high bun.  When I take it down in the morning, it has lots of volume!

9. Don’t care if it ever goes out of style, I’m going to keep wearing: long hair, ha!  I’ve never had my hair shorter than shoulder length.

10. I would love to trade closets with: Lauren Conrad

Fun fact: Red cups from Starbucks make me ridiculously happy!

Now go customize your very own Mikini Bikini for your next “escaping the arctic” trip.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo courtesy of UbranoPhoto