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Why Did You Wear That: It Takes Two

By |June 29th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

whydid blog kirstenSometimes you feel like a nut.  Sometimes you don’t.  The beauty of matching separates is that the ways in which they can be worn allow for a bit of creativity.  Of course you can wear them as they were meant to be- matching, or you can always mix things up and wear them as the name implies- separately.  Just as shown this week, a top can be dressed up, a bottom dressed down simply by remixing your basics.  And honestly, who doesn’t love a remix?  I’m talking to you, Too $hort.

This week was the beginning of the season wherein New Yorkers take to social media to remind you of how hot they are.  Remember when we swore we wouldn’t because the winter was so wretched?  Well, just like the Maury Show, the lie detector has determined… That was a lie!  As we strolled through the back streets of the Meatpacking District to snap these shots, It’s all I could do not to just melt into the puddle of sweat that I was becoming.  But alas, I do it all for you.  The irony in all of this being the beautiful vegan handbag I received from Like Dreams having been shot in the middle of the Meat Market.  Don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the production of this shoot… unless you count me and the blister on my arm from my curling iron.

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kirsten smith

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kirsten smith blog

kirsten smith nyc4top: similar by Parker here, skirt: similar by Parker here, shoes: L.A.M.B. similar here, clutch: c/o Like Dreams

xx,

WhyDid

Photography by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Game, Set, Match.

By |June 25th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

TennisBall.Net_As much as I like contradictions and mixing things that have absolutely no business swinging from the same monkey bars on the playground, I also love a good pair.  Separates aren’t reserved only for suiting anymore and with the surge in popularity of crop tops (thank you, fashion gods), designers have capitalized on one of this season’s biggest trends: tops with shorter silhouettes worn with long line skirts and shorts.

Not all separates may be office appropriate, but these sets sure do add an unexpected take on cocktail attire (little black what?).  And when you mix and match these separates with some closet essentials, you’ve tripled your look.  That’s my kind of retail math.  A crop top can easily be converted to casual by pairing it with your favorite jeans and heels or give a full skirt a Saturday brunch vibe while wearing it with a white t-shirt and sneakers.  (Remember my experiment in dressing down a sequin crop top?).

two piece outfits1.Endless Rose Cropped Sleeveless ShellEndless Rose A Line Skirt, 2. For Love & Lemons Sporty Knit Crop TopFor Love & Lemons Sporty Knit Skirt, 3. Nicholas Bonded Silk Crop TopNicholas Bonded Silk Zip Pencil Skirt, 4. Tibi Cropped TopTibi Pleat Skirt, 5. Robert Rodriguez Chambray Crop TopRobert Rodriguez Chambray Track Shorts, 6. BB Dakota Seraphina Crop TopBB Dakota Jaz High Waisted Skirt, 7. T by Alexander Wang Classic Jersey T-Shirt, 8. Frame Denim Le Skinny de Jeanne Mid Rise Jeans, 9. Superga Lace Sneakers, 10.Carvela Kurt Geiger Girl Strappy Sandals

 xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Separate but Equal

By |June 24th, 2014|Setting the Mood|

fashion-separatesIf one is good, two’s gotta be better, right?  While I’m starting to think that’s most men in Manhattan’s motto for dating, I’m really talking about the return of separates.  You may hear that word and automatically conjure up an image of your 9th grade algebra teacher wearing elastic waistband polyester pants with matching vest, but separates circa now have come a long way since hiding those formulas in your TI-83 calculator case.  Worn together in bold prints or separately with basics, separates are perfect for a day at the office or a night out on the town.

separates-moschino-suno Moschino Cheap and Chic Embellished Wool Crepe JacketMoschino Cheap and Chic Embellished Wool Crepe Shorts,  Suno Pleated Printed Washed Silk TopSuno Cropped Printed Washed Silk Wide Leg Pants

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Wear That: Work It, Girl

By |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