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Friday Frocks: Hittin’ the Books

By |September 5th, 2014|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

private school girlsWhat’s easier than having a plaid skirt and button down laid out for your every morning?  A smart little dress that requires no mixing or matching because it is an entire outfit in and of itself.  Geek out in something plaid or opt for a collar that needs no popping.  The hardest thing about getting dressed in the morning will be deciding which shoes to wear.

back to school fall dresses1. KNITZ by For Love & Lemons Lumberjack Jumper Dress, 2. Joie Raley Plaid Fit & Flare Dress, 3. Jill Jill Stuart Collared Lace Dress, 4. Free People Teen Spirit Mini Dress, 5. Band of Outsiders Sleeveless Shirtdress, 6. Thakoon Addition Mixed Stripe Shirtdress, 7. Cooperative Wednesday Collared Romper, 8. Alexander Wang Paisley Shift Dress, 9. COPE Tie Neck Silky Shirtdress, 10. CeCe by Cynthia Steffe Rumer Lace Shift Dress

 xx,

WhyDid

 

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Setting the Mood: Hall Pass

By |September 1st, 2014|Setting the Mood|

fall fashion 2014Many of you have sung summer’s swan song with the commencement of Labor Day, but I would like to take an optimistic moment to point out that the official end of summer isn’t until September 23rd and if this Amazonian jungle like heat is any indication (don’t worry- the worst is coming), we have a few more weeks to revel in the sun.  As the city refills with co-eds and those who spent all summer out east and jet setting around the globe, it starts to feel a little bit like a reunion.  While I’m several years past returning to the classroom for another semester of mundane lectures and assignments I don’t understand, something about the beginning of September and the onset of Fashion Week festivities feels like the first day of school and trying to find a seat in the cafeteria without spilling your chocolate milk.  Fall in New York elicits an excitement that is both magical and anxiety inducing.  So, brace yourselves, ladies.  Class is in session.

fall fashion accessories(clockwise): Thakoon Addition Karolina 2 Paneled Snake Effect Leather Brogues, Smythson Superstar Textured Leather Notebook, Illesteva Whitman D-Fram Matte Acetate Glasses, Valentino Embellished Textured Leather Headband

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Spring 2014: Style Cheat Sheet

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

snow flowerAlthough it was fifty degrees over the weekend and snow flurrying today, we really are in the home stretch of winter.  Just hang in there, pretty birds, relief is on the way.  While we wait for the last frost of the season to cease, let us refresh ourselves on the clothing that is just waiting to make itself quite comfortable in our closets come spring.  Since each fashion week presents collections a solid six months in advance of when we can actually get our greedy little hands on it, it’s easy to forget what we need to start scoping for and what to relegate to the back of our wardrobes for the time being.  The fashion elite may be a bit clairvoyant perhaps predicting the dreadfully long winter we’ve endured as the spring collections did not shy away from color, bold patterns, and plenty of shiny embellishment.  Though black and white were ever present, it’s time to drop the dull all black uniform and have a little bit of fun.

While florals are really nothing new for spring, this season’s are a bit bolder and less feminine incorporating the trend of black and white as well as darker tones as opposed to the predictable pastel colorways.  Speaking of which, Easter egg colors abound and are best done head to toe, but if that has you feeling apprehensive of emulating Great Aunt Ida, the presence of a pastel leather jacket or clutch will do the trick.

Along with bold graphics that will have even the biggest globetrotters giddy, art aficionados rejoice.  Patterns for spring give a nod to pop art using brights that make them downright framable.  Wearable art, if you will.

Embellishment was big and came in the form of fringe, 3D embellishments and gilded golds, bronze, and silver.  An alternative to shine in the form of straightforward metallics is presented in the option of iridescence.

And to those who attempted a croptop intervention on me… bad news: the croptop (which will live on through Fall 2014) is stronger than ever for spring.  Might I suggest enrolling in a Pilates class, like last week?  Though tops are shrinking bottoms get a bit of volume in the form of wide leg trousers and full skirts seen prevalently in the midi length.

Most notably to me was that all of the various trends seem to work together quite seamlessly and in some cases there’s quite a bit of overlap.  Full metallic skirts, crop tops with sheer panels, and boldy printed wide leg trousers make hitting a few trends at once a spring breeze.

spring 2014 fashion trends

  1. Fresh Blooms: Rebecca Taylor Sweet William DressJoie Talina B PantsElizabeth and James Klaus Floral Print Silk and Mesh Dress
  2. Go Wide: by Malene Birger Cosyna High Waited Silk-Satin PantsDiane von Furstenberg Salma Wide Leg Silk Pantsalice + olivia Pleated Eric Pants
  3. Dirty Pop: Paul Smith Black Label Maxi SkirtLisa Perry Patchwork SkirtM Missoni Neon Crochet Knit Mini Dress
  4. Heavy Metals: Rachel Zoe Pearl Sequin Fishtail SkirtDAY Birger et Mikkelsen Metallic Chiffon Wrap Dress3.1 Phillip Lim Crossover Biker Skirt
  5. Peekaboo Panels: Yigal Azrouel Scuba Waterprint Mesh SkirtRag & Bone Molly SkirtRebecca Minkoff Antoni Silk Top
  6. Full Circle…Skirts: JOA Striped SkirtTOME Taffeta Skirt, Tibi Full Pleated Skirt
  7. Team Spirit: SEA Cotton-Blend Tweed ShortsSacai Luck Striped Cotton and Taffeta Dress, Equipment Abbot Silk Bomber Blouson Jacket
  8. On the Fringe: alice + olivia Caitlin Fringe Maxi SkirtHaute Hippie Fringe Pencil SkirtJason Wu Cropped Fringed Crepe Top
  9. Buttoned Up: Diane von Furstenberg Trudy BlouseMiH The Oversize Shirt, Carven Silk Floral Print Collared Cotton Shirt
  10. Perfect Pastels: Halston Heritage Asymmetric Satin Twill Peplum Dress, J Brand Ready To Wear Durham Oversized Leather Biker Jacket, Lotusgrace Polka Dot Sheath Dress
  11. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Croptops: Tibi Cropped Embellished Cotton Blend TopJonathan Simkhai Cropped Intarsia Jersey TopBCBGMAXAZRIA Kaja Harness Top
  12. Black (and White) to Basics: A.L.C. Harrison SkirtDonna Karan Printed Silk Wide Leg PantsMcQ Alexander McQueen Slash Effect Stretch Knit Dress
  13. Iridescent Does It: Acne Tine Sequined Silk Georgette ShortsRoksanda Ilincic Oriel Colorblock Wool Crepe Dress, 3.1 Phillip Lim Colorblock Suede A-Line Skirt
  14. Global Graphics Clover Canyon Diamond Quilt Printed Cropped Track Pants, Diane von Furstenberg Phaedra Jacquard Skirt, Line & Dot Silk Palm Tree Print Dress

 

xx,

WhyDid

Red Carpet Recap: I’ve Got the Golden Ticket

By |January 12th, 2014|Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

golden globes red carpetTina Fey in Carolina Herrera, Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney, Kaley Cuoco in Rani Zakhem, Zoe Saladana in Prabal Gurung, Allison Williams in Alexander McQueen, Zooey Deschanel Oscar de la Renta

Nope, that’s not the second coming of the polar vortex. It’s just hell freezing over because for the first time in a long time, I thought most all of Hollywood’s leading ladies looked nothing short of lovely on this evening’s red carpet in party dresses for the 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards. I wasn’t sure if it was the bubbles from the prosecco getting to my head, or if all of Hollywood had decided to take things more seriously, from their attire to their acceptance speeches. Perhaps it was the absence of teenagers and excessive twerking- in any case, I wasn’t about to complain. Seeing limo after limo from Boston corporate coach arrive depositing a well dressed, well coiffed beauty, I knew my job dissecting the night’s fashion was going to be tough.

And then Sandra Bullock showed up looking like a flamenco dancer.

Followed by Paula Patton as a butterfly struggling to shed her cocoon.

And before all of humanity starts sharpening their pencils (and knives) to write me hate mail, I was most excited to see what America’s current sweetheart, Jennifer Lawrence, would be wearing. I was less than impressed when she made her unfashionably late entrance in the predicted Dior. My dad likened her to a barrel, but I’m thinking she looked more like that awful game women are forced to play at bridal showers wherein they create wedding gowns out of toilet paper.

Her anticlimactic arrival could only be topped by that of America’s original sweetheart, Julia Roberts, who must be a method actor with a movie starring her as a Dolce & Gabbana wearing schoolmarm.  Her conestoga could not be located though.

But again, it wasn’t all bad. Red in all shades from tomato to garnet was by far the color most favored though Emma Watson’s version was the equivalent of a fashion mullet. There was also a lot of embellished black and elegant metallics. And we all know Jared Leto was the real belle of the ball.  Perhaps I’ve reached a new level of zen or have been in California for far too long, but I did not feel like dismantling the TV for the first time while watching an awards show.

Leaves me feeling like 2014 may be looking up. For now.

Red Hot Red Carpet:

emma watson golden globesEmma Watson in Dior, Julia Louis Dreyfus in Narciso Rodriguez, Julie Delpy in Romona Keveza, Berenice Bejo

Two Timers:

amy-adams-taylor-swift-golden-globesAmy Adams in Valentino, Julie Bowen in Carolina Herrera, Taylor Swift in Carolina Herrera

Black on Black on Black:

emma-roberts-golden-globes-red-carpetEmma Roberts in Lanvin, Jessica Chastain in Givenchy, Leslie Mann, Uma Thurman in Versace

Styled by Wiz Khalifa:

golden globes red carpetMonica Potter in Romona Keveza, Julianna Marguiles in Andrew Gn, Lizzy Caplan in Emilio Pucci, Emma Thompson in vintage Lanvin

Black and White and Red Carpet All Over:

margot-robbie-golden-globes-red-carpetMargot Robbie in Gucci, Zosia Mamet in Reem Acra, Laura Carmichael in Viktor & Rolf, Emilia Clarke in Proenza Schouler

Golden Goddesses:

golden globes red carpetKate Mara in J. Mendel, Robin Wright in Reem Acra, Michelle Dockery in Oscar de la Renta, Naomi Watts in Tom Ford

Platinum Princesses:

mila-kunis-kate-beckinsdale-golden-globesTatiana Maslany in Jenny Packham, Kate Beckinsdale in Zuhair Murad, Mila Kunis in Gucci, Sarah Paulson in Marchesa

Gang of Green:

golden globes red carpetTaylor Schilling in Thakoon, Helen Mirren in Jenny Packham, Reese Witherspoon in Calvin Klein

Ain’t No Drama with These Baby Mamas:

kerry-washington-olivia-wilde-golden-globesKerry Washington in Balenciaga, Olivia Wilde in Gucci, Drew Berrymore in Monique Lhuillier

And the Real Winners Are:

golden globes best dressedCate Blanchett in Armani, Lupito Nyong’o in Ralph Lauren, Laura Dern in Roberto Cavalli, Amy Adams in Valentino

Good Girls Gone Bad…Like Really Bad:

golden-globes-worst-dressedJulia Roberts in Dolce & Gabbana, Sandra Bullock in Prabal Gurung, Paula Patton in Stephane Rolland Couture, Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

Bring on award season… and the prosecco.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Emmy’s Red Carpet- Taste the Rainbow

By |September 23rd, 2013|Red Carpet Recap, Why Did You Wear That?|

emmys red carpet 2013Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang, Anna Faris in Monique Lhuillier, Allison Janney in Lorena Sarbu, Zooey Deschanel in J. Mendel

Once it was confirmed that I was, in fact, watching the Emmy’s red carpet arrivals and not a live feed of the Beverly Hills High junior prom, I sat back, sipped some wine, and started taking notes.  At first I thought that purple was the hue that ruled the evening, but after collecting all of the red carpet arrival photos, I realized that the only pattern I was seeing was randomness.  From deep wine to all shades of green, the red carpet was more like a fashion rainbow.  I always appreciate diversity and was glad to not see the same ol’ same, but it seemed as if nobody quite got their look complete.  Example: for once, I finally liked the Prada Lena Dunham chose to wear, but her eye makeup massacre made it null and void.  Julianne Hough’s hair was to die for, but she seemed to forget her pants in J. Mendel.  Claire Danes’ Armani was ethereal, but her helmet hair was anything but.  Rose Byrne looked sleek and chic in Calvin Klein, while Julie Bowen looked like an extra from a country western saloon photoshoot in Zac Posen.  Michelle Dockery knocked it out of the park in Prada and Connie Britton’s Naeem Khan had me wishing I was just knocked out.  While not straying far from their norm, Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang and Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano wore what works for them and worked the red carpet and their best assets.  My takeaway?  Much like the assorted shades of silk, chiffon, and sequins, this year’s Emmy’s ensembles were a mixed bag. Replica Designer Handbags are the best choice for your trendy fashion.  and I apparently need to watch more TV.

emmys 2013Kate Mara in J. Mendel, Taylor Schilling in Thakoon, Lily Rabe Vionnet

emmys red carpet 2013Claire Danes in Armani Privé, Kerry Washington in Marchesa, Leslie Mann in J. Mendel, Elisabeth Moss in Andrew Gn

emmys red carpetMalin Ackerman in Marchesa, Julianne Hough in J. Mendel, Kristen Connolly in Nicholas Oakwell

january jones julia louis dreyfusJanuary Jones in Givenchy, Julia Louis Dreyfus in Monique Lhuillier, Cobie Smulders in J. Mendel

emmy awards red carpetLaura Dern in Naeem Khan, Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein, Julie Bowen in Zac Posen

emmys red carpetMichelle Dockery in Prada, Kaley Cuoco in Vera Wang, Heidi Klum in Versace

emmys red carpet 2013Melissa Rauch in Rubin Singer, Carrie Underwood in Romona Keveza, Alyson Hannigan

emmys 2013 red carpetEdie Falco in Escada, Allison Williams in Ralph Lauren, Tina Fey in Narciso Rodriguez

emmys red carpetLena Dunham in Prada, Jessica Pare in Oscar de la Renta, Connie Britton in Naeem Khan, Anna Chlumsky in Badgley Mischka

emmys red carpetRobin Wright in Ralph Lauren, Lena Headey in Alessandra Rich, Christina Hendricks in Christian Siriano

 xx,

WhyDid