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Why Did You Wear That: Opposite Day

By |May 31st, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

A few weeks ago, we took my fiance’s mom to the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay for dinner.  To be honest, it kind of comes out of nowhere.  Like all hidden gems, if you didn’t know what you were looking for, you’d never know it existed.  The contrast of the crashing waves and the the rocky hillsides are truly breathtaking.  What the beaches of northern California lack in heat, they more than make up for with beautiful topography.

Remember opposite day?  There are days when I wish we still practiced that silly playground game.  There’s something so great and unexpected about the mish mash of opposites.  Since no one cares to play along with me, I like to play solo games of opposite day with my wardrobe.  I often mix things that don’t traditionally go together.  For example, I never like to wear something that’s overtly sexy, like a bodycon dress and five inch heels.  Instead, I throw in a curve ball; maybe top my slinky dress with a grandpa cardigan or swap out my heels for biker boots- many times I even put on my glasses.

When I put on these cargo pants, I wanted to soften them up a bit since they can skew a bit masculine.  By topping them with a sheer lace top and slipping into strappy heels, my man pants went from warfare to my fair lady.  Next time you wear something really girly like a chiffon dress, try pairing it with a leather motorcycle jacket.  You’ll be your very own walking opposite day.

1.American Apparel Sheer Rib Lace Raglan $42, 2. Kenneth Jay Lane Polished Stone Pendant Necklace, $132, 3. J Brand Houlihan Slim Cargo Pants, $231, 4. Dolce Vita Emery Leather High Heel Sandals, $205

I really love snakes and I dream of being a neurophysicist. NOT!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Two For the Price of One

By |May 10th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

You know the sayings, “Two are better than one”, “The more the merrier”, “You can never have too much of a good thing.”  Well, for a little while there, two for one’s or “twofers” in fashion were not such great things.  You know what I’m talking about… the collared shirts with the vests already attached.  Thank goodness!  You can save yourself the trouble of thinking that one through! Phew!

It wasn’t until recently that twofers were allowed out from the time out corner and welcomed back into our closets.  The maxi skirt is huge for spring and summer and luckily, the geniuses who thought up this trend (um, hello unshaven legs and skirt equivalent of leggings) also threw in a little bonus by making these maxi skirts convertible.  Meaning that the skirt can also be pulled up to your chest, belted, and worn as a dress.  Some of you little wizards were probably already doing this on your own, but the cat’s outta the bag and it’s going mainstream.  Check out how to wear your new skirt/dress… shall we call it a “skress”?

I love a maxi skirt slung low on the hips with slightly wedged sandals and a cropped tee or tank.  It gives an easy, breezy, summer look perfect for a farmer’s market or outdoor festival without making you look like a total skank.  Remember, a little bit of skin is good.  A whole lot of skin is how you end up sixteen and pregnant.

To dress up your skress, hike that baby up to cover your mammaries, add a belt to cinch your waist and throw on strappy sandals to complete the look.  Another brilliant reason to own a skress? Packing purposes.  You’ve got one piece of clothing that works as two separate outfits giving you extra room in your suitcase for those sky high espadrilles and another teeny bikini.

1. C & C California Short Sleeve Cropped Hi Low Tee, $58, 2. Splendid Heather Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress, $88, 3. Elie Tahari Snake Printed Leather Strappy Wedge Sandals, $268, 4. Splendid Heather Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress, $88, 5. B-Low the Belt Eashan Belt, $115, 6. Miu Miu Multi Strap Suede Sandals, $595

Two never looked so good.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Sheer Genius

By |April 12th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

This spring it’s okay to let it all hang out.  What I mean is that the amount of sheer fabrics on the runway was enough to make Madonna blush.  Couple that with the whole “underwear as outerwear” trend and you’re in for a serious game of peek-a-boo –and I’m not talking the version you play with your niece.

While this trend may seem a bit risque and a little overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.  Adding a little sheer fabric to your outfit is a great way to show skin in an unexpected manner.  It’s sexy without being totally obvious.  Just make sure to apply this trend in small doses.  And NEVER wear a sheer bottom unless, of course, you’re frolicking on the beaches of St. Tropez.  (I know that seems self explanatory, but one can never be too careful).

I’ve recreated one of my favorite outfits almost to a T (the shirt is a different color, multiply my A&A bangles by about 5 and add 1) for an easy and appropriate option – and so you can look just like me:

1. Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow Long Sleeve Blouse, $98, 2. Free People Lace Trim Bandeau, $28, 3. 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Super Skinny in Double Knit, $169, 4. Alex and Ani Love Charm Bracelet Set, $78.50, 5. Jimmy Choo Madame Metallic Leather Sandals, $725

This outfit is also great for a “day to night” transition.  Layer a scarf and either a waterfall cardigan or boyfriend blazer for day and then remove scarf and outerwear to party all night.  Don’t forget to revisit my sheer “Do’s and Don’ts.”

Peek-a-boo!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Block That Thang Up

By |February 8th, 2011|Celebrity Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

The runways were full of splashes of colors for spring.  Everyone from Gucci (Katy and Olivia are both wearing Gucci above) to Lanvin to Louis Vuitton sent color blocking down the catwalk.

Olivia, Emmy, and Katy have all been spotted sporting this colorful trend.  Color blocking is hot for spring and it’s not a trend for the faint of heart (wallflowers need not apply).  Color blocking works best with a mix of brights in the same color family or for a slightly less bold look try a bright color paired with a neutral (black, nude).

Feeling bold? Try it yourself with some of this bright options:

L to R: Equipment Signature Washed Silk Sleeveless Shirt, $180, Paul and Joe Jacoue Mid-Rise Straight Leg Jeans, $280, Jay Godfrey Holden Color Block Racerback Dress, $495, American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Tank Thong, $26, Pleasure Doing Business 5 Band Solid Skirt, $96.80, Betsey Johnson Color Block Long Tank Sweater Dress, $288, BCBG Color Blocked T-shirt Dress, $148

Rock the block.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: A Touch of Turquoise

By |February 1st, 2011|Celebrity Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Seems that the stars of Hollywood have a new best friend.  Recent red carpets reveal that the gals are trading in their diamonds for a much more colorful stone in their accessories.  The first notable turquoise appearance was on Blake Lively when she wore it to the National Board of Review of Motion Pictures Awards Gala back in January.  The pop of unexpected color works especially well with jewel tones, crisp whites, and warm citrus hues.  So next time your ensemble seems a bit lackluster, why not add some color with a touch of turquoise.

L to R: Max and Chloe Primadina Turquoise Single Ring, $220, Lauren by Ralph Lauren Turquoise Teardrop Necklace, $78, Kenneth Jay Lane Cabochon Bangle, $150, Ippolita Rock Candy Drop Earrings, $850

L to R: Jose and Maria Barrera Turquoise Teardrop Earrings, $240,  Jose and Maria Barrera Long Pendant Necklace, $1,025, Kendra Scott Pop Some Bubbly Cocktail Ring, $75, Jose and Maria Barrera Multi Strand Turquoise Bracelet, $490

xx,

WhyDid