­

Why Did You Wear That: TenGems

By |November 5th, 2014|Sponsored Post, Why Did You Wear That?|

tengems jewelry kirsten smith whydidIf diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then rose gold, smokey quartz, and morganite are her inner circle.  When TenGems, a luxury jewelry e-tailer, asked if I’d like to curate a collection for them, I was more than happy to oblige.  Offering designer jewels from brands including Ippolita, Roberto Coin, and Baume & Mercier at 30-75% off of retail prices on a daily basis, you don’t have to wait around for the holidays to treat yourself (though now might be a good time to start your shopping).  Easy returns and free shipping are all the more reason to stock up on sparkling accessories to wear during gala season.  Below are a few of my favorites:

tengems eddie borgo roberto coin

Roberto Coin Ipanema Smokey Quartz Earrings, Paige Novick Natalie Stingray CuffEddie Borgo Pave Wing Open Work Hinged Ring

And you can shop the rest of of my picks (it was honestly very hard to choose) right here.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: One Dress, Three Ways (Rated G)

By |February 11th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Screen shot 2014-02-11 at 10.50.28 AMI love an occasion that calls for dressing up.  Any occasion really.  Holidays, black ties, brit malahs.  So, when my birthday rolled around I knew the dress I’d been eyeing since Christmas must be mine.  But just like my New Year’s outfit, I wanted to find more than one way to wear this frock.  To the untrained eye, one might see it as a one hit wonder, but because it was literally just lace sans lining, I found more than a few ways to style it from fairly modest to leaving just a little to the imagination.  And it’s a good thing because once my friends who had planned my party finally revealed the evening’s location, I made a quick wardrobe change.  This was not the dress for dodging ninjas (don’t ask).  For this version (rated G), I slid into a black sleeveless catsuit, camel coat, and black booties for a look that I think could be considered boho casual… but my version of casual could also be considered some’s black tie optional.

 

kirsten smith for love and lemons

kirsten smith for love and lemons

kirsten smith

kirsten smith for love and lemonsdress: For Love and Lemons, catsuit: American Apparel, booties: Steve Madden (similar here), coat: vintage, necklace: vintage, rings: Scott Kay, bag: Céline

Up next, PG-13.

xx,

WhyDid

Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Cocktail Hour

By |December 31st, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

nail art ringsThe one garnish certain to undoubtedly make a drink that much more chic with each clink of the glass is one that you bring to the party yourself.  No, you aren’t going to tote a jar of bleu cheese stuffed olives in your Prada to the next party.  This garnish is right at your fingertips… well, really just your fingers.  The fastest way to add extra bling is by slipping on a cocktail ring while sipping on a cocktail or two.  Originally made popular during the prohibition era as a kind of flamboyant “eff you”, the cocktail ring later became popular with single ladies who wore giant jewels on their right ring fingers as a sign of independence.  Being a woman looking forward to planting a kiss on no one other than her pooch this year, I like the idea of a cocktail ring in that context.  But whether you’re single or attached, there’s nothing wrong with adding an extra rock for cocktail hour.

rings cocktail hour1. Bijoux Heart La Terr D’Or Gold Plated Swarovski Crystal Ring, 2. Elizabeth and James Northern Star Cabochon Ring, 3. IPPOLITA Mother of Pearl Clear Quartz and Sterling Ring, 4. Gemma Redux Mood Ring, 5. Vanessa Mooney The Purple Haze Ring, 6. Anita Ko 18 Karat Gold Diamond Ring, 7. Kelly Wearstler Myra Ring, 8. Scott Kay Recessed Cross Ring, 9. Maison Martin Margiela Double Faux Diamond Ring, 10. AERIN Erickson Beamon Gemstone Cocktail Ring, 11. Alexis Bittar Mirrored Citrine Ring, 12. Gurhan Pandora Hammered 24 Karat Gold Amethyst Ring, 13. Monserat De Lucca Drunk Sober Ring, 14. Jade Jagger Diamond Disco Ball Ring, 15. Jacquie Aiche Moonstone Diamond and 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring, 16. Lanvin Borneo Gunmetal Tone Swarovski Crystal Ring

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Wear That: Bright Like a Diamond

By |November 14th, 2012|Why Did You Wear That?|

black diamond heart

I haven’t spoken much about my last breakup, mostly because, well… who cares, right?  But today, I will give you a tiny glimpse inside of what was a semi traumatic, yet equally character building experience… in the name of jewelry, of course.  A couple of Christmases ago, I was gifted the most beautiful diamond earrings.  I wore them all the time.  Every day.  Barely ever took them off unless they were in need of a good polish or I was getting my hair done…. which, in NorCal, didn’t happen very often because, again, who cares?  Anyway, in the midst of a horrible fight (our very last fight), I left my earrings in my jewelry dish on the sink to prove a point.  HA!  Well, joke’s on me ’cause once I came home to retrieve the rest of my belongings, my beloved earrings had gone missing.  When I questioned my ex about the whereabouts of my baubles, he informed me that they were being “cleaned” and one had a “loose stone” and he’d return them to me just as soon as they were back from the jeweler.  Well, I never did see my ex or those earrings again.  And since I had just moved cross country, spending a couple of grand on a new pair of diamond solitaires was just not in my fiscal plan.

I couldn’t leave my little earlobes naked so, I decided that I would buy a new pair of earrings for myself… a pair that I could afford.  That pair of earrings happened to be black diamond studs and I love them more than my original earrings because they are mine.  When people ask me about them, I just say, “Yep, they are black just like my heart.”  So dramatic, I know.  And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

There is no doubt that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so if you’re in the market for a little somethin’ somethin’ for yourself that has a bit of edge and all the sparkle, might I suggest investing in some black diamonds?

black diamonds1. Avenessi Black Diamond Cross Bracelet, $400, 2. Scott Kay Leather Bracelet, $295, 3. Diane Kordas 18K Rose Gold Necklace, $945, 4. Sterling Silver Black Diamond Hoop Earrings, $249, 5. Brian Danielle Black Diamond Icon Necklace, $230, 6. Kacey K Fine Jewelry Gold and Black and White Diamond Lip Earrings, $650, 7. Ilena Makri Black Diamond Love Ring, $770, 8. Majolie Rounded Black Diamond Ring, $567, 9. Lynn Ban Black Diamond Stud Earrings, $450, 10. 6.25 Carat Enhanced Black Diamond Necklace, $594.30, 11. 14K White Gold 1.5 Carat Black Diamond Studs, $169.99


xx,

WhyDid

WhyDid and Win: Scott Kay Sample Sale

By |November 12th, 2012|Why Did You Wear That?|

scott kay jewelryNow that we have survived Halloween and a hurricane, the holidays are fast approaching and what better time to stock on some beautiful baubles for your loved ones than right now?  Or if you’re a selfish little lady, maybe you’re going to need some extra bling for all of the fabulous holiday parties you’ll be attending.  Fortunately for you, Scott Kay is holding an exclusive sample sale where you will save 70% (!!!) on fine jewelry including diamonds, platinum and one of a kind pieces.  Starts on Wednesday, November 14th and will run until Sunday, November 18th.  Yeah, you’re welcome.

scott kay jewelryEven if you are unable to get yourself to this fabulous sample sale, you can still enter for a chance to win these Scott Kay Cypress earrings ($195 value) by following WhyDid and Scott Kay on Twitter and retweeting this little message.

Good luck and happy shopping/tweeting (two things that actually go very well together).

xx,

WhyDid