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

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

I 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.

dress: 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: Fall Overhaul

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

September 22nd marked the first day of fall (and also my dad’s and beloved pooch’s birthdays). Now you can officially start complaining about the end of summer… not that you haven’t been doing so since Labor Day and the end of your summer share. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I actually find fall to be a little bit magical. It’s nice to have everyone back in the city. Sidewalks are full of brunchers on the weekends soaking in the last bits of tolerable temperatures. There seems to be a tinge of excitement in the crisp air. For what- I’m not quite sure… can’t possibly be the impending arctic winter. And while I do love a teeny bikini, I’ve always preferred dressing for fall. Layering cashmere, leather, boots, and coats may seem daunting to some though. So, I’ve put together ten fall trends that will help you start your shopping list and soften the shift from summer to fall.

Sweaters that say something: Forever 21 Boom! Cropped Sweater, ONE by Babe Babe Sweater
Layer in leather: All Saints Sens Leather Skirt, Helmut Lang Stretch Leather Legging Style Pants
One, two buckle your boots: Steve Madden Cinch Cutout Ankle Boot, Chloé Susanna Studded Leather Boots
Mad for plaid: Forever 21 On the Range Plaid Sweatshirt, McQ Plaid Zip Skirt
All shades of grey: Free People The James Dress, Richard Nicoll Waffle Knit Angora Blend Sweater Dress
Sneak attack: Adidas by Stella McCartney Discosura Hiker Sneakers, Giuseppe Zanotti London Zip High Sneakers
Oversized outerwear: Forever 21 Oversized Zip Up Jacket, Rochas Oversized Open Coat
Go Army green: Sparkle and Fade Camo Sweater, Faith Connexion Camouflage Tapered Pants
Beanie baby: Urban Outfitters Waffle Knit Beanie, Lanvin Embellished Ribbed Wool and Cashmere Beanie
Mini me: See by Chloe Rosita Mini Chain Purse, Fendi Be Baguette Mini Shearling Bag

Save me a seat at brunch.

xx,

WhyDid

image via

Why Did You Wear That: Take Two, Part One

By Kirsten|August 13th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Buying a dress for your own birthday party is a pretty big deal. At least it was for me this year. For my first birthday back in New York, I wanted to celebrate with my favorite friends who I had missed so much and look damn good while doing so. However, having a birthday in the icy wintry month of January proves to be a bit more difficult when perusing the racks. I had been eying a particular lacy black dress online for quite some time and finally concluded the day of my birth would be the perfect time to debut it.

The good thing about this dress is that it’s neither seasonal, nor too trendy. It makes a statement without being something that can only be worn once. So, one evening, when I couldn’t quite figure out what to wear for another friend’s birthday party, I pulled this pretty little thing out of my closet for another spin around the dancefloor. This time sans tights. On my way out, I decided I should also probably take out the trash. Well, wouldn’t you know, it was a good thing I hadn’t worn my usual post workout sweat stained garb to handle the task. As I approached the compactor room, a very dashing gentleman was on his way in to toss his own trash. Being an actual gentleman, he held the door open for me and continued to hold it so that I wouldn’t be shut in the creepy, stinky room solo. As I leaned over the shoot, the fellow commented, “That’s quite an outfit for garbage duty.” To which I replied, “Oh, this old thing?”

dress: Nightcap Clothing (long sleeve version), shoes: Steve Madden (similar), clutch: Helena de Natalio (similar), bracelet: vintage necklace (similar), nails: Marie Nails

Stay tuned for this little black dress, take two.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Holiday Red-y

By Kirsten|December 12th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

And the hits just keep on coming thanks to my ahead of her time mother. This is yet another adorable dress straight from the closet of Georgia Lynn. I’m so thankful my mom had the good sense to hold onto some of her favorite pieces. While I won’t be inheriting any Chanel tweed jackets (wasn’t her bohemian style), I’m happy to give several stunners of the sweater dress variety a new home. True, you won’t be able to go out and grab this exact one but, I think it’s a great example of a dress that’s more than appropriate for a couple of upcoming holiday party occasions.

The office holiday party.
Semi-formal family functions (whether yours or his).

A form fitting sweater dress (or knit) in a festive color (we all know emerald green would be a fantastic choice as well) at a moderate length says, “Cheers!” not “cheap.” No one wants to be the girl in a mini dancing on the desk/table with a lampshade on her head. And should you have one too many egg nogs and find yourself perched upon said table, this dress will be long enough to keep Victoria’s secret.

dress: vintage, boots: Steve Madden, bag: Amrita Singh, hair: Sultra Bombshell

Thanks, I’ll have another.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Fur Sure

By admin|December 5th, 2012|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Let’s just preface this with my acknowledgement that not all of you are going to like this post. I understand and respect that… hence that is why I posted this little ditty a few weeks ago. However, I’m a sucker for family history and, of course, a good story, so while PETA may be showing up any ol’ minute to spatter me with paint, the show must (and will) go on.

This glorious coat was my grandmother’s, who I lovingly refer to as “Ocean Eyes.” Not only did this coat belong to my beauty of a matriarch, it was a gift… from her beautiful daughter (that would be my mom if you couldn’t do the math). My mom bought this coat for my grandmother with her very first paycheck. How cute is that? The hat, that coincidentally matches, was my great grandmother, Reba’s (and yes, she had red hair). While I felt a bit like an extra from Anna Karenina in all this fur, I found a way to make it work (which you could replicate using the faux versions, my dears).

Speaking of which– Sure, this coat would look amazing over a garnet hued ballgown, but alas, I’m not on my way to the opera this afternoon. Instead, I’m taking my favorite furry accessory, Smitty, for a stroll. So, why not take your glamorous look a bit downtown by pairing it with the ever so classic jeans and white t-shirt? I love the contrast of super luxurious and All-American girl next door. With fur (faux or otherwise) it is important to keep it simple. In this instance, I believe there could be too much of a good thing. Just ask the folks of Fur Hat World.