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Why Did You Wear That: Patent Pending

By |October 24th, 2016|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

gempicket-patent-leather-pantsNever did I ever think I’d see the day I’d be sliding myself into a pair of patent leather pants, let alone the matching patent leather bralette.  But the moment I did, I felt like a whole new woman.  Gone was the mild mannered, happy little wallflower, and here emerged someone looking to stir up a little controversy.

Gempicket‘s Audrey Sleepless Bra and Pants somehow make wearing manmade material seem elegant and even sophisticated.  Sure, these pieces have the potential to take a totally wrong turn and should be handled with caution– much like a semi automatic weapon.  The contrast of delicate lace against patent leather and the high neckline countering the near nudity create a perfect paradox.

On my way to the shoot location, I wore a pair of Adidas Stan Smith sneakers to avoid injury and eliminate extra time spent teetering along the cobblestones of the far West Village and realized how cool these pants would also look in a very laid back setting- dare I say Saturday brunch with a vintage t-shirt and denim jacket?  Upside?  Spilled mimosas wipe right off.

Patent leather is having a moment this season, which is ironic as my first tantrum was thrown over the very same material and the only shoes (I had from shoe hero) Smitty ever chewed were also patent leather.  Fits of rage and oral fixations aside, find a way to incorporate it into your closet whether full pants, mini skirt, or even a Julia Roberts boot, you can wear a special jewelry piece, from this large selection of antique jewellery.

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Photos by Michael Stiegler

Why Did You Wear That: Reflecting Your Style with Modani

By |November 6th, 2014|Sponsored Post, Why Did You Wear That?|

exposed brick studio apartment nyc

When I moved back to New York from California, my second cross country move, I was looking for somewhere that felt like home.  Somewhere that felt safe.  I had loved the apartment I’d been living in pre city exodus so much, that I tried to stalk the building for any availabilities, but to no avail.  Instead, I was sort of bamboozled into taking an apartment in the building directly across the street and it ended up being a wonderful mishap.  Originally, I was shown an apartment up six floors with a much better view, but a dog stained parquet floor and a random load bearing column that completely disrupted the studio apartment’s tiny “flow.”  Before I could chock this showing up to another loss, the building manager let me know that there was actually a similar apartment downstairs that would be available soon, but was undergoing renovations.  When we walked into the construction site, there wasn’t much to see, but the light was nice and the space was plenty for myself and Smitty.  Without knowing what it would look like upon completion, I headed downstairs to sign a lease.

Nearly two years later, the longest I’ve lived in a single place in the past 12 years, I still love my apartment, though I’ve not actually finished decorating it. I am even looking at the audio interfaces for garageband to get the right fit for my apartment. I think because I’ve grown accustomed to picking up and moving on year after year, it felt strange to fully commit to one place.  There’s an antique mirror propped up in one corner that hasn’t been hung, partially because my mother threatened my life should it be hung impetuously and come crashing down.  There’s no chandelier or signature wallpapered wall.  I have no desk or dining table.  My friends complain there are no counter barstools, but it’s rare that anyone is let into my inner sanctum.  Recently, I realized that productivity would probably increase exponentially if I had a place to work other than in my bed or sitting Indian style in front of my lucite coffee table.

When I stumbled upon Modani Modern Furniture‘s website one afternoon, it seemed all but serendipitous.  This was the perfect time to figure out what to do with my space and because I prefer a sleek, clean, line to bulky and comfy (as can be attested to by any of the uncomfortable guests of my couch), Modani Modern Furniture was a wonderful fit.  Though many people never see our homes, especially in New York, they are very clear reflections of our personal style– at times, even more so than our outfits.  If you’re looking to do a little home makeover yourself, be sure to checkout Modani’s Modern furniture stores.

studded headboard

warhol lips print

new york studio apartment

west village studio apartment

roy lichtenstein

new york west village apartment

smitty in the city maltipooIdeally, I would have some strapping young man come (carefully) hang the mirror behind my couch.  In the space that the mirror was previously occupying, I would like to place the best leather office chair and some type of table where I could work.  This would also provide some extra seating for the guests I never invite over and another place Smitty could claim as his own.  Below are some Modani pieces I feel would fit in my space to complete the “look” of my home.

modani modern furniture Olga PillowIlda Side TableSavina Lounge ChairBlack Moon Medusa Chandelier

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Why Did You Wear That: Seeing Red

By |September 22nd, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

fall trends 2014 sweater dressIt can be tricky trying to decide what color to wear with red.  When I was younger, I had an incredibly strong aversion to wearing black with red.  To me, it came off as a little cheap.  I don’t feel as strongly about it now as I did when I was sixteen, but I still prefer other options over basic black when accessorizing with bold red.  Well then, what options is one left with when black is eliminated?  You could opt for luggage colored brown, or even a soft taupe.  Another great option is grey (also a fall trend).  In this instance, I had forgotten I even had these deep oxblood Pour La Victoire boots hidden beneath my bed (that’s how we store shoes here in New York).  As soon as I’d wiped away the dust bunnies, I recalled that I also had a vintage bag from my mother that was of the same shade.  Once a complete faux pas and something only worn by women donning their Sunday best for morning mass, I threw caution to the wind and got wild by matching my shoes to my bag.  Another option right on trend would be to wear a leopard boot or carry a leopard clutch (thous in this instance, I’d opt for one or the other).  It may seem a little bit “The Nanny” but I actually believe despite what men say, that leopard is sort of a new neutral.  Besides, did Fran not get her man?

Speaking of my man and matching, Smitty celebrated his eighth birthday and one of his doting aunts was sweet enough to bestow him with his own scarlet sweater.  She pays attention to fall trends too.  Pretty much Smitty and I became this fall’s Justin and Britney, Katy and Riff Raff.  Sure, my sweater is just about the same size as Smitty’s and technically it’s just an oversized jumper as opposed to an official frock, but it’s not the first, nor will it be the last, time wherein I wear something not as it’s intended.

how to wear sweater dress

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sweater dress fashion blog fall

smitty dog sweater dressbest fall outfits

how to wear a trench coatcoat: Michael Kors, sweater: Zara, similar by 6397 here, bag: vintage, similar by Oliveve here, shoes: Pour La Victoire, similar by Opening Ceremony here, dog: Smitty, Smitty’s sweater: handmade, similar by Ralph Lauren here, lips: Benefit Benetint

 

xx,

WhyDid

 

Photos by Michael Stiegler—-> have you check out his interview with Skinny Says Relax?

Why Did You Wear That: Distressed Done Up

By |April 24th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

whydid kirsten smithWhen one thinks of shredded jeans, I  assume that most file destroyed denim under completely casual.  To be honest, I treat some of my destroyed denim like my own version of sweatpants.  A particular pair that reign as queen bee of my cluttered closet and are often the first thing I pull out for morning dog walking duty also happen to be the very same pair I pull out to wear with a tiny top and high heels for an evening out.  So, you see, distressed denim truly can go from day to night.  I’ve never worked at a job where I had to wear a “suit” (that’s the beauty of the fashion industry, kids), but when I worked in a sad grey cube at Henri Bendel, we were supposed to follow a few simple guidelines like, I don’t know: don’t look like an asshole or wear flip flops.  One of the clauses when distressed denim became one of our biggest sellers in store was that we could wear it… so long as it was one of our vendors… and most certainly not with flip flops- not even Havaianas.  So, full circle: destroyed denim can be both very downtown as well as totally dressed up.

whydid kirsten smith

whydid kirsten smith

kirsten smith whydid

kirsten destroyed denim whydid

whydid kirsten smithblazer: Dian von Furstenberg, blouse: Philosophy, jeans: DIY (learn how here), bag: Rafe, shoes: Carlos by Carlos Santana, sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bracelets: alex and ani, necklace: Maya Brenner

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Brian Schutza

Why Did You Wear That: No-chella

By |April 10th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smith coachellaIf you live in New York you are in one of two camps: the ones who boarded Palm Springs bound planes for a wild weekend at Coachella or the rest of us who plan to stay put and enjoy the little bit of sunshine that’s finally been bestowed upon us.  I fall into the second camp and am pretty okay with that.  As mentioned, as much as I love a live show, being part of a commercialized and overcrowded concert series gives me the heebie jeebies.  I do, however, love the opportunity to tap into my inner flower child from time to time and fortunately, my mom was smart enough to hold onto a few of her favorite pieces and pass them along to me.  Smart and pretty.

kirsten smith coachella5

kirsten smith coachella

 

kirsten smith

kirsten smith coachellasunglasses: Stella McCartney, sweater: Staring at Stars, top: vintage (thanks, mom!), jeans: Odyn, shoes: Charles David, bracelets: Kenneth Jay Lane, bag: vintage Dooney & Bourke

xx,

WhyDid

 

photos by Kate Alex