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Friday Frocks: Aw, Silky Silky Now

By |September 9th, 2011|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

When the summer ends and the fall winds start to blow, the skimpy sundresses and chunky espadrilles are tucked away and replaced with heavier fabrics and more sophisticated silhouettes.  From September until well into the new year, it seems we are bombarded with non stop parties, events, and holidays – kicking off with fashion week and finally ending with a midnight kiss.  That’s when a lady needs to make sure she is prepared to dress up and get down.  A long silky gown in neutrals or jewel tones is a surefire hit for any event requiring a bit more glamour than skinnies and a (faux) fur coat.  Elegant, sophisticated, and very feminine.  This is what timeless glamour is all about.

1. Ralph Lauren Collection Joelle Cross Neck Satin Gown, $2,598, 2. T by Alexander Wang Panne Long Dress, $335, 3. A.B.S. by Allen Schwartz Satin Deep V-Back Dress, $206.99, 4. Lanvin Gathered Silk Dress, $2,480, 5. Ports 1961 Cascade Back Gown, $1,350, 6. Lanvin Print Silk Satin Twill Gown, $3,895, 7. Jenni Kayne Bias Gown, $750, 8. Narcisco Rodriguez Textured Silk Satin Gown, $1,015, 9. Carmen Marc Valvo Amethyst Satin One Shoulder Gown, $499, 10. Sue Wong Beaded Inset Gown, $550

When you enter a the room wearing something as sensuous as a silky gown, you’ll have all the fellas saying, “Awwwww silky, silky now.”

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Come On Ride The Train

By |May 17th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Never would I have imagined that I’d be a “commuter” at any given point in my life.  I remember scoffing at the folks who took the LIRR (Long Island Railroad) into work everyday in New York.  The only thing I’d ever used the LIRR for was to attend a baseball game (I think?) or to escape an especially creepy Hamptons House.  So, to be one of the “commuters” now is a bit of an adjustment for me, but as I’ve mentioned… my life is a whole lot different than it was a year ago. I chose a backyard and awesome house over the glitz and convenience of a city.  Besides… there is only one real city in the U.S.

While working from home does have its perks (Golden Girls marathons, dog on lap, wine for lunch), it had the following effects on me:

  • My brain was starting to atrophy from lack of stimulation.
  • I had nothing to complain about on “the list.”
  • I had not bothered to straighten my hair or apply makeup for over a month.
  • My nickname became “Rapunzel.”
  • I was like an anxious puppy when my fiance returned home and our sleep schedules were no longer in sync.

That is why I took an incredible job opportunity when it presented itself to me.  That and mama likes nice things.  So, yes, this is what has been taking my precious time away from you.  I spend my mornings and evenings on the Caltrain.  While this does give me lots of time to write and just be quiet, it also gives me lots of people watching.  People are weird.  I’ve seen people straighten their hair, clip their fingernails, and take their dogs into the restrooms on the train.  Why don’t I just drive you ask?  Because I lived in New York for the last five years.  I don’t like to drive.

In Northern California, it feels like it is perpetually spring.  Not the sunny warm bird chirping can’t wait to put on these sandals spring.  I’m talking about the phew the snow just melted but there’s still always a chill in the air spring.  Therefore, even when it’s sunny, it’s still always a little bit cold.  Layering is a necessary skill for survival here and a transitional wardrobe is a must.  Quite honestly, all of this seems unfair to me.  My mom has better weather in West Virginia right now… I want my money back.

1. Rick Owens Lilies Asymmetric Jacket, $705, 2. T by Alexander Wang Jersey Pocket Tee, $76, 3. Etoile Isabel Marant Hight Waisted Denim Mini Skirt, $255, 4. Love Quotes Hand Knotted Fringe Scarf, $88, 5. Banana Republic Colorblock Market Tote, $120, 6. Loeffler Randall Matilde Flat Boots, $695

All aboard.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Dinner and a Movie

By |December 7th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|

Ah… the quintessential dinner and a movie date.  This is the oldest trick in the book… well, it’s not really a trick. Just pretty straight forward. Anyway, I was lucky enough to have not one, but two handsome gentlemen take me to dinner and a movie this past Saturday.  We dined at Soi 7 in downtown Los Angeles which is a pretty swanky Thai restaurant. I had only ordered take out from here, but was pleasantly surprised when we stopped to dine in. You can’t go wrong with the pad siew, chicken satay summer rolls, and panang chicken. They also have amazing Thai iced tea if you’re into that.

After dinner, we wanted to see a movie and took a group vote to see Black Swan (it was a toss up between that and Burlesque). I was a little skeptical of the Arclight in Hollywood on a Saturday night… apparently with good reason. While, we didn’t quite get to the theater on time to see Black Swan before it sold out, we did decide to stick around and watch Love and Other Drugs. (The next day we ventured out yet again to catch Black Swan so I spent more time at the movies in one weekend than I have in the past six months).

Love and Other Drugs was actually very good. I felt the tears coming in several different scenes. Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal spend quite a bit of time on screen sans clothing. I’m willing to bet they saved a bundle on the wardrobe budget for this film. But it is not one of those movies on drugs that sees the protagonists check in to a rehabilitation center like WhiteSands. While on the other hand… Black Swan used over 250,000 Swarovski crystals on its costumes. I know people are talking “Oscar” for the film, but I hope it’s for the costume designers (Rodarte) because that’s about the only highlight of the film. Not even the lesbo makeout scene can save this one… I wouldn’t recommend the film, but I would sell my first born for that white gown Natalie wears to the opening gala.

Anyway, while waiting to enter the particular theater for our movie, we squeezed in some time for some serious people watching. Apparently, my commentary on the attire of movie goers was that of a news anchor during Monday Night Football. My companions remarked that this commentary needed to be “harnessed’ and next time they were going to mike me and film the scenery. The things that people wear to the movies is just totally baffling. I understand that quite a few of you are on dates, but your outfits… Let’s just break it down: you’re going to be sitting in a theater for at least 90 minutes- skin tight jeans are going to give you a yeast infection. That said, you should be wearing pants or some type of leg covering seeing as thousands (if not more) people have sat in that seat before you. So unless you are trying to encourage your date to cop a full frontal feel all while risking a case of crabs, I suggest covering up. Look casually cute by trying a look like the following:

Forever 21 Warm Knit Pom Hat, $6.80

Nation LTD Georgia Burnout Tunic, $98

T by Alexander Wang Knit Fitted Sweatpants, $113

YARNZ Feathers Cashmere Scarf, $169

Sam Edelman Vancouver Military Bootie, $199

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Better Than Leggings

By |November 2nd, 2010|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

So it occurred to me this past weekend while I dressed for brunch that I wanted to wear something comfortable without looking like I was wearing my pajamas and without wearing… gasp… a Juicy tracksuit. Most would automatically jump right to leggings. A lot of the time I would too, but it seems that some of you out there can not be trusted.

You guys KNOW how I feel about leggings. Namely, leggings worn as pants. I’ve gone over this time and time again, but alas, it seems that the message just does not compute. So, I have come up with a crop of pants that are not only comfy, but also attractive (minus the cameltoe):

Stella McCartney Cashmere Silk Blend Jumpsuit, $1425

Robert Rodriquez Roll Waist Pants, $264

Clu Ruffled Waist Pants, $225

Knit Wit Harem Pants, $220

T by Alexander Wang Jersey Cropped Sweat Pants, $120

C & C California Twisted Drawstring Pants, $78

Forever 21 French Terry Athletic Pants, $17.80

Hey… they’re better than leggings.

xx,

WhyDid