Red Carpet Recap: Up All Night To Get Lucky (and write this post)

By Kirsten|January 27th, 2014|Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

Last night the 56th Annual Grammy Awards were held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. The red carpet was covered in designer clad nominees and presenters from Kendrick Lamar to Anna Kendrick all looking to clinch their very own gold sippy cups. You know who didn’t win a Grammy? My computer… because it failed to perform. I’ve been without it since Thursday and fortunately was able to harass the geniuses at Apple enough to retrieve it at 6:45pm on Sunday evening– just in time to chip in my two cents on the evening’s events. Phew.

To go ahead and get the party started, Beyonce, husband, Jay-Z, and that ass took the stage wherein we all began to feel guilty about the half chewed leftover piece of cold pizza in our mouths. Perhaps we should all take up “surfing” because it seems to be doing wonders for Beyonce’s body… and love life. While we’re at it, where can one meet a man who glances at us like we’re the elusive golden unicorn and also happens to be a rap music mogul and doting daddy?

While on the topic of children, teen dream, Lorde was given the duty of taking the stage after Jay and Bey and despite a somewhat spastic start, she nailed her vocals proving that she earned both song of the year and best pop solo vocal wins. Speaking of nailing it, can anyone explain those nails to us?

But let’s get down to what really matters, the fashion. The Golden Globes were all about crimson, the SAG’s about blue, and the Grammy’s were primarily comprised of glimmering golds. There were spatterings of color from blue to orange and another heavy dose of red, and quite a few female icons opted for pants in black. Madonna and son, David, wore matching Ralph Lauren and oh gawd, she wore a grill. And shouldn’t her grill match her bedazzled gloves? And what happened to her British accent? It seems she’s traded it in for a southern twang… maybe due to her golden grill? It’s too much for me to comprehend right now. I ‘m drunk in love… or maybe prosecco.

The ladies who took our breath away have all graced both the best and worst dressed lists in award shows past. Katy Perry was a vision in (predicted) Valentino, Beyonce in sheer white Michael Costello, a pregnant Ciara in Emilio Pucci, and a tiny Taylor Swift in Gucci. I was torn on Taylor because there was no denying how stunning her gown was, but the hair and makeup didn’t match in my opinion. This was her time to be edgy. A slick ponytail and more dramatic makeup would have taken her totally over the top. Her half assed updo read post Pilates hair to me. By the way, have none of Taylor Swift’s friends shown her a video of her dancing? Please do.

On the other end of the spectrum, as adorable and talented as Ariana Grande may be, I’m heading to her house with a hairbrush and some tough love. If I see her in another half up-half down ‘do, I’m shaving her bald like Britney. As for the man posing as a roast beef eating Smokey the Bear, it’s a good thing you’re handsome and talented, cause that hat… It’s got its own Twitter handle for heaven’s sake. Skylar Grey wore what is essentially a flesh colored Band-Aid and Zendaya, I don’t even know what to do with you.

But for the most part the evening was full of fun surprises like 34 couples being married by Queen Latifah during a Macklemore/Madonna performance and a Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney reunion. I’m just left wondering where our bad girls of the red carpet, Miley and Rihanna were? Lady Gaga was also nowhere to be found leaving the fashion shenanigans up to the men and some creepy ass clowns.

Doesn’t Matter if You’re Black or White:

Sarah Hyland, Paula Patton in Nicolas Jebran, Judith Hill

Back in Black:

Kelly Osbourne in Badgley Mischka, Faith Evans, Louise Roe, Lorde

White Snakes:

Paris Hilton in House of Milani, Steven Tyler, Keltie Knight, Iggy Azalea in Elie Saab

It’s a (Wo)Man’s World:

Stevie Nicks, Cyndi Lauper, Yoko Ono, Madonna and son, David in Ralph Lauren

Suits and Ties:

Miguel in Saint Laurent, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in Mr. Turk, Austin Mahone in custom Sanctuary 28, Kaskade

Gold Album:

Rita Ora in Lanvin, Amber Rose in Naeem Khan, Chrissy Teigen in Johanna Johnson

Get Naked:

Sarah Bareilles Blumarine, Kasey Musgraves in Armani, Brooklyn Haley

Red:

Tamar Braxton, Miranda Lambert in Pamella Roland, Pink in Johanna Johnson, Gloria Estefan in Gustavo Cadile, Colbie Caillat in Ezra Santos

Channel Orange:

Giuliana Rancic in Alex Perry, Natasha Bedingfield in Christian Siriano

True Blue:

Anna Faris in Fitriani, Bonnie McKee in Gustavo Cadile, Alicia Keys in Armani Prive

Outfit of the Year:

Katy Perry in Valentiono, Beyonce in Michael Costello, Ciara in Emilio Pucci, Taylor Swift in Gucci

And the Winner Isn’t:

Ariana Grande in Dolce and Gabbana, Pharrell Williams, Zendaya in Emmanuel Ungaro, Skylar Grey Michael Costello

and in case you missed it or just need a reminder as to why you need to hit the gym…

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Cake, Cake, Cake, Cake

By Kirsten|January 20th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

I love birthdays. Sure, we share our birthdays with approximately 19 million other people (except for you leap year babies, you’re special), but it certainly is nice to have a day dedicated especially to you. This is a great time to kick up your heels and get wild with a raucous crew or take a personal day to pamper yourself and maybe spend some time alone. Whatever your cup of tea may be, there’s nothing wrong with celebrating yourself– just not in a Stassi Schroeder type of way. I suggest spending at least fifteen minutes of completely quiet time reflecting on your year and being thankful for making it through. Then pop open a bottle of champagne and do whatever the hell you want… it’s your birthday afterall! In case you haven’t guessed, today is my special day and in case it slipped your mind and you forgot to purchase something sweet for me, you really can’t go wrong with anything cashmere, diamond clad or lacy… I won’t even be mad it’s late.

Diane Kordas Heartbeat 18kt Rose Gold Diamond Necklace, Saint Laurent Signature Rangers Studded Leather Boots,Donna Karan Oversized Wool and Cashmere Blend Pajama Top, Dolce & Gabbana Glam Floral Brocade Shoulder Bag, Mimi Holiday by Damaris Bisou Bisou Azure Satin and Lace Bodysuit

Happy birthday to the other 18,999,999 January 20th babies.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Let’s Keep This Private

By Kirsten|December 24th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

As mad for plaid as I am? So are Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent, Rossella Jardini of Moschino, and Mr. Lagerfeld himself. But if you tossed that old school uniform or it doesn’t quite fit the way it did as a teen, do not fret. Perhaps it’s time to be the teacher rather than the pupil and there are some very grown up ways to add plaid that are more collegiate than kindergarten. Let me school you for a moment. Pop a varsity jacket on with distressed denim and pumps, add a plaid jumper over a turtleneck, or polish off those penny loafers- but never forget your over the knee socks. (Pro-tip: for cooler climates, layer over the knee socks atop sheer stockings in the same shade or patterned color family). Pick a piece or two to achieve the look, but don’t go for extra credit by overdoing it. You should look subtly nostalgic, not like you just stepped out of a time machine.

1. Rag & Bone Raquel Boiled Wood Varsity Jacket, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Maya Plaid Wool Skirt, 3. Rag & Bone Beeman Velvet Tassel Loafers, 4. Theory Nikay Catalogue Cotton Blend Dress, 5. Saint Laurent Two Tone Leather Penny Loafers, 6. Missoni Shimmer Stripe Thigh Highs, 7. J. Crew New Schoolboy Brushed Stretch-wool Twill Blazer, 8. Vivienne Westwood Rocket Tartan Mini Skirt, 9. Robert Clergerie Serana Leather Wedge Pumps, 10. Elkin Basset Dress, 11. Gucci Beverly Patent Leather Pumps, 12. Plush Fleece Lined Thigh Highs, 13. J. Crew Wool Varsity Jacket, 14. Free People Lady Macbeth Skirt, 15. Bop Basics V-Neck Cardigan

You’re dismissed. xx, WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Clutch Call

By Kirsten|December 17th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

I normally carry a bag so large it’s a wonder I haven’t exacerbated my adolescent scoliosis. I mean, one never knows when one may need a notebook, business card, energy bar, or rape whistle (one must always carry a rape whistle). On evenings out, especially in the northeast when the weather turns to slippery slush and we are relegated to bundling ourselves in massive coats of wool, fur, leather, and cashmere to merely tolerate the bone chilling cold in hopes of drowning our sorrows with overpriced cocktails, space which is already at a premium in a city like New York becomes exiguous. Sure there are coat checks and clever cubbies cut into the backs of banquettes, but do you really wanna cram your Céline into a dark cavern alongside some chick’s Canal Street knockoff in the off chance that yours will mysteriously go “missing”? Just like when the meathead at the bar asks if he can buy you a lemon drop, the answer is, “No.” Instead of carrying your everyday bag that could double as a carry-on (and on occasion has), opt for the handheld version commonly called a clutch. Just be sure to hold onto it rather than leaving it in a puddle of condensation on the table credit cards et al.

1. Charlotte Olympia Gold Scent Clutch, 2. Saint Laurent Letters Metallic Leather Clutch, 3. Marni Jewel Embellished Clutch, 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Ravenheart Metallic Leather Clutch, 5. Kotur Margo Animal Print Minaudiere, 6. Claire Vivier Flat Printed Leather Clutch, 7. Serpui Marie Klimt I Clutch, 8. Jimmy Choo The Candy Lip Print Acrylic Clutch, 9. Givenchy Bambi Clutch, 10. Sondra Roberts Scattered Bead Box Clutch, 11. Nina Beaded Heart Box Clutch, 12. ZAC Zac Posen Claudette Scale-Embossed Tassel Clutch, 13. B-Low The Belt Kenzy Clutch, 14. Santi Floral Sequin Clutch, 15. Mango Crystal and Bead Box Clutch, 16. Jonathan Adler Electra Bond Clutch

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Gift Guide: My Kinda Girl

By Kirsten|December 11th, 2013|Gift Guide|

Traditionally, I’ve divided up my gift guides by price point, but I decided to shake things up this year by organizing by personality. Now, there is no way on Earth anyone could possibly classify all women into five categories- unless that person was looking to face several million pissed off estrogen fueled females. However, I’ve chosen five pretty broad categories that should be fairly helpful when shopping for your friends, sisters, mothers, and significant others. Whether she loves all things shiny or her fingers can’t be pried from her smartphone, there’s something here for just about any woman. And since I’ve taken all of the grunt work out of your holiday shopping (you’re welcome), all you’ve got to do is figure out what kind of gal you’re shopping for. (If you can’t do that, I can’t be held accountable- but a helpful hint? We’ve all probably got a little bit of each one inside of us).