­

WhyDid or WhyDon’t: Granola Bears Need to Birkenstop

By |November 26th, 2013|Why Did or Why Don't?|

birenstocks-socksSeeing as I’ve finally made my way across the country and up the coast to what is known as Northern California, I figured this might be the appropriate time to address the footwear trend trying to make a comeback.  The hippies’ Havaianas, the tree huggers’ Tevas, the Birkenstock.  Now, I realize I’m really pigeon holing the fine folks north of San Luis Obispo, but let’s not forget that I spent a sufficient amount of time surrounded by more North Face and Patagonia than my eyes and closet could handle.  Dare I remind you of a birthday spent at Palo Alto’s Il Fornaio where I was stared at like a freak for wearing something other than polar fleece?

birkenstockBirkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor Thong

Popular since the 1980’s these practical over fashionable sandals really had their hey day back in the early 90’s.  But just like all that is old, they have become new again.  Isabel Marant made a designer version and we all know what Isabel Marant did for the wedge sneaker (not to mention the mayhem that ensued for the H&M capsule collection).  Even Phoebe Philo of Celine sent them down the runway

birkenstock isabel marantDoc Martens have already made a comeback (as seen in the Wrecking Ball video) as well as Timberland boots (they’ve even got a collaboration with throwback brand Stussy), but are all of the 90’s footwear fads ready for a resurgence?  And will you be hugging trees in your Birks?

xx,

WhyDid

 

image via

Why Did You Wear That: That’s a Rap

By |November 19th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

mixtapeMuch to the chagrin of my mother, I grew up loving rap music.  I’m not sure I can explain exactly why, but there’s something about the way you feel when the beat drops and I have a deep appreciation for anyone who can find a way to rhyme words that have absolutely no business being rhymed, let alone combined. I can still recite every lyric to “Regulate” and “Shoop” will forever and always be my go to karaoke song.  As a true style schizophrenic, there was a period of time when I was known to wear oversized polos and adidas sneakers with my hair slicked back like a white boricua.  There are photos… somewhere… and they need to be burned…

But alas, perhaps I should have held onto some of my street style essentials as they are making quite the comeback along with the rest of the 90’s.  Not only have Doc Martens regained popularity, so have Timberland boots.  I had the coolest pink pair in middle school… which would have been worth bringing out of the archives.  But since they’ve long been retired, there are plenty of ways to recreate the look of street chic without looking like a bad remix.

1. Married to the Mob x UO Ride or Die Beanie, 2. adidas Back Zip Zigzag Dress, 3. Supra Society Paisley Pattern High Top Sneaker, 4. Forever 21 Street Chic Bad Hoops, 5. The Mountain Rottweiler Face Sweatshirt, 6. Mason by Michelle Mason Houndstooth Sweatpants, 7. adidas Heritage Snapback Hat, 8. BDG Denim Overall, 9. Timberland Premium Booties, 10. Sara Designs All Chain Wrap Watch, 11. Jonathan Simkhai Leather Check Sweatshirt, 12. Skaist Taylor Leopard Knit Miniskirt, 13.Puma Sky High Wedge Scaled Animal High Top 

And ya don’t stop.

xx,

WhyDid

 

image via

Setting the Mood: Love and Hip Hop

By |November 18th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

90s hip hop r&b fashionWhile the 90’s grunge look has its modern day resurgence, let us not forget that during that very same time, there was another musically inspired fashion movement happening simultaneously.  On the other end of the spectrum of looking halfway homeless and heroin chic, hip hop and R&B stars were living the luxurious life in leathers, furs, and overall excess.  Always designer driven, street style is still just as in love with labels today as it was twenty some odd years ago.  For added interest this go round, grunge and hip hop glamour can be cleverly combined to create the ultimate 90’s throwback.

Acne Chagall Leather OverallsHullabaloo x Urban Renewal Sphinx Doorknocker EarringTimberland Fleece Foldover BootiesCOOGI Lightweight Varsity Jacket 

xx,

WhyDid