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Why Did You Wear That: Almost.

By |March 12th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith nycYesterday was the first day in a long time that I didn’t have to wear a coat, but a jacket instead.  The thermostat skyrocketed to an unbelievable sixty one degrees although it still felt a little frosty west by the water.  And while skin started to show and our bodies but not hearts began to thaw, it wasn’t quite warm enough to convince me that spring is really on the way.  Restaurants weren’t the slightest bit hesitant about setting up their outdoor seating to capitalize on the overzealous weather revelers.  I even joined friends for rooftop cocktails at Soho House to celebrate (and photobooth foolery followed).  And while we do have only a week left of winter an entire extra hour of sun,  at some point it still does go down.

kirsten smith

 

kirsten smith

 

kirsten smith

kirsten smithShop the Look:

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: She’s Got Legs.

By |February 18th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

legwear editorial fashionOh, hey.  It’s snowing again.  Blame that damn groundhog… or global warming.  Whomever is to blame, it’s bone chillingly cold and frustratingly difficult to get dressed each day keeping both style and thermometer in mind.  One tires of wearing only jeans and pants and our poor little frocks have been left hanging lonely in the outer realms of our closets.

A great way to add interest to a basic little black dress is with fashion legwear.  Not to mention, a wonderful way to show off those stems you’ve been keeping in shape all winter long.  Another option?  Consider layering plain black tights under some of the open work options to achieve the same look without losing the warmth.  And speaking of layering, don’t be afraid to layer over the knee options on top of tights.  Play with texture and patterns to keep things interesting until the snow melts and the sun comes out again.

luxury legwear

1. Pretty Polly Tower Block Tights, 2. Commando Secret Garden Tights, 3. Wolford Valencienne Lace Thigh Highs, 4. Wolford Saphira Openwork Tights, 5. Fogal Annegret Hosiery, 6. Wolford Marchesa Tights, 7. Agent Provocateur Polka Dot Stockings, 8. Linda Farrow + Falke Seamed Faux Leather Trimmed Stockings, 9. alice + olivia Semi Sheer Argyle Tights, 10. Nordstrom Mesh Floral Tights

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

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Why Did You Wear That: Sand Skating?

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

kirsten smithSpeaking of skating… I’ve skated right through two of the east coast’s coldest months by hiding out in California.  While there have been more than a couple of bikini clad Instagram photos, to be fair the temperature does dip below 70 when the sun goes down, but those sherbert sunsets never get old.  I’ve made it my duty to watch them nightly because not one is ever the same and not one can ever be done justice by an iPhone photo- though Lord knows I’ve tried.

Speaking of aesthetic strife, no one can ever say I’m not resourceful. Yet again I’ve survived with a mere carry-on suitcase’s worth of clothing for the last eight weeks.  (California must have that effect on me).   Luckily, black and grey go with everything and I inherited some thread barren t-shirts that my dad was just about to relegate to cleaning rags.  To say my dad is stable would be an understatement.  If you need someone to put on your “in case of emergency” contacts, he’s the one.  For instance, there’s a pair of sneakers I bought while visiting him maybe my sophomore year of college that have made it through five or so moves and always manage to reappear in “my room” whenever I visit.  The deal with these shoes is that I made the rookie mistake of buying them half a size too small because they didn’t have my actual size of 7 1/2 and I just HAD to have them.  I continue to make the rookie mistake of thinking that maybe they fit now… as if my feet have shrunk with age.  All’s good and well for a few, but about 15 minutes into wearing them, I feel as though I’m partaking in the ancient ritual of feet binding.

Full circle?  There’s a trail near my dad’s house where my mini sneakers abide and where I relish in the pastel skies on a nearly nightly basis.  As I’ve  traversed this trail, I’ve been mesmerized by these things that I incorrectly call sand dunes.  Since I can’t really describe them (let alone identify them), I figured it was the perfect place to pose.  So, Smitty, my own personal mountain goat (one of the memes my brother introduced me to) and I trotted up the trail in my tiny toe crushing shoes for this post.  (Told you a skater skirt would look stellar with a crop top).

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

over the knee socks

kirsten smithjacket: (similar here), top: Splendid (similar here), skirt: H&M (similar here), socks: StockinGirl (similar here), shoes: Converse (similar here – good job, Dick… these are apparently rare), bag: Balenciaga, necklace: no clue (similar here), dog: Smitty

I soaked my feet for an hour afterwards.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Let’s Keep This Private

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

plaid fashion girlAs mad for plaid as I am?  So are Hedi Slimane of Saint Laurent, Rossella Jardini of Moschino, and Mr. Lagerfeld himself. But if you tossed that old school uniform or it doesn’t quite fit the way it did as a teen, do not fret.  Perhaps it’s time to be the teacher rather than the pupil and there are some very grown up ways to add plaid that are more collegiate than kindergarten.  Let me school you for a moment.  Pop a varsity jacket on with distressed denim and pumps, add a plaid jumper over a turtleneck, or polish off those penny loafers- but never forget your over the knee socks.  (Pro-tip: for cooler climates, layer over the knee socks atop sheer stockings in the same shade or patterned color family).  Pick a piece or two to achieve the look, but don’t go for extra credit by overdoing it.  You should look subtly nostalgic, not like you just stepped out of a time machine.

plaid fashion clothing1. Rag & Bone Raquel Boiled Wood Varsity Jacket, 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Maya Plaid Wool Skirt, 3. Rag & Bone Beeman Velvet Tassel Loafers, 4. Theory Nikay Catalogue Cotton Blend Dress, 5. Saint Laurent Two Tone Leather Penny Loafers, 6. Missoni Shimmer Stripe Thigh Highs, 7. J. Crew New Schoolboy Brushed Stretch-wool Twill Blazer, 8. Vivienne Westwood Rocket Tartan Mini Skirt, 9. Robert Clergerie Serana Leather Wedge Pumps, 10. Elkin Basset Dress, 11. Gucci Beverly Patent Leather Pumps, 12. Plush Fleece Lined Thigh Highs, 13. J. Crew Wool Varsity Jacket, 14. Free People Lady Macbeth Skirt, 15. Bop Basics V-Neck Cardigan

You’re dismissed. xx, WhyDid