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Why Did You Wear That: A Walk in the Park

By |July 30th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

It’s a rare occasion that I make it above 14th Street.  Leaving downtown at times feels like leaving the country.  Well, my country.  I’m not actually a neighborhood snob (okay, maybe), but for me, there’s not much reason for me to head uptown.  I used to go for the sole purpose of re-blonding, but then my hairstylist left the country… and I stopped coloring my hair.  Some even say your ears may pop when you cross 42nd Street. Whatever the case may be, I don’t make it up to the Upper West Side or the park very often.

I can’t decide if I gave up on Central Park after I realized there were about 3cm of park where Smitty was actually allowed to be or that time we got pelted by a football courtesy of a group of guys trying to catch our attention.  Speaking of which, a guy once asked me on a date to Central Park.  I never called him back.  Even my best friends have a tough time coercing me to the Upper West Side.  Given enough wine, I’ve found myself sleeping on their couch in the morning, pleased with myself for having passed out before the pizza arrived.  So, when my newly Americanized pal, suggested we head uptown and check out the park, I felt I had to oblige.  I suffered through a steamy subway ride and was soon reminded what a wonderful oasis we have in our otherwise concrete desert.kirsten smith nyc

kirsten smith

silk shorts

jimmy choo sandals

central park

shorts: Torn by Ronny Kobo, top: American Apparel, shoes: Jimmy Choo (similar), bracelets: Kenneth Jay Lane (ring version), bag: Asos (similar)

xx,

WhyDid

Photo Credit: Michael Stiegler

Setting the Mood: Blue Jeans, White Shirt

By |July 29th, 2013|Setting the Mood|

denim fashion editorialThere are times when I gaze into my closet like it’s the great abyss.  Just like there are times when I stare blankly at my computer screen with my fingers poised on the keyboard, but not a thing to type.  The fact of the matter is, I tend to over complicate things.  Overthink them.  And so when I start to feel the sweat prickling on my skin as the stress sets in, I take a deep breath, and murmur to myself, “Keep it simple, stupid.”  You see, when a women has a few staple pieces in her wardrobe, she can count on them like she can count on the rain after a blowout and her monthly visit from auntie Flo.  By having a perfectly fitting pair of jeans, a fresh white t-shirt, crisp white blouse, and a gently destroyed pair of denim shorts, there is no occasion (except for black tie) that she cannot concur.  Depending on the woman, event, and accessories, the most simple pieces, American classics, can take you from daytime down time to dinner, drinks, and possibly dancing.

J Brand 485 Luxe Sateen Midrise Skinny Jeans, T by Alexander Wang Classic Jersey T-Shirt, Splendid Voile Shirt, Rag & Bone Mila Distressed Denim Shorts

Sealed with a K.I.S.S.

xx,

WhyDid

WhyDid and Win: A Royal Giveaway

By |July 25th, 2013|WhyDid and Win|

kate middelton babyIn case you’ve been living under a rock, the royal baby has arrived and in honor of Prince George Alexander Louis, the fabulous ladies behind Rebecca and Penelope (not coincidentally Rebecca and Penelope) have been gracious enough to offer up one of their stunning pearl creations (worth $265!) for one lucky reader.  A favorite of royalty, pearls have long been regarded as “magical” and have been prized and collected for over 4,000 years.  And now it’s your turn to add a little magic to your jewelry collection.

pearl ribbon necklaceAll you need to do to enter is follow WhyDid, like Rebecca and Penelope, and retweet this message.  Good luck and cheerio, chap!

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Up on the Roof

By |July 24th, 2013|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithWhen I walked out of my grey carpeted, grey walled, grey everything office on my last day of work, I knew I never wanted to be stuck in a corporate cubicle ever again.  Ever.  I started WhyDid while working that 9-5 (more like 8-8) job and made it my priority a year later.  Sure, I wrote my first book at age ten, but I hadn’t even realized how much I enjoyed writing until over ten years later.  I’ve now been fortunate enough to turn something I love to do, into what I do for a living.

While not having to report to an office sure has its perks (like wine at lunch), working from home can become pretty isolating.  I don’t have to get dressed or even shower before making it from my bed to my computer.  I don’t need to come in contact with humans on a daily basis if I don’t want to.  And it’s fairly easy to get totally sidetracked.  I have a beautiful apartment, but staring at the same four walls day in and day out can be less than inspiring.  Luckily, I have a very special creative oasis just an elevator ride away.  Arguably, I have one of the best rooftops in Manhattan.  I can see in all directions, and being by the water allows for a little breeze, which is crucial during these oppressively hot summer days.  I mean, there’s even WiFi.  My only complaint?  No electrical outlets, which only allows me to work for as long as my batteries will last.  So, management, if you’re reading this…

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smith

kirsten smitty

kirsten smithtop: Brandy Melville (similar), shorts: Brandy Melville (similar), sunglasses: Ray-Ban, bracelets: Alex and Ani, necklace: Nina Nguyen, shoes: Charles David, bag: Diane von Furstenberg (similar), dog: Smitty

Rough day at the office.

xx,

WhyDid

Photo credit: Michael Stiegler

Setting the Mood: Playing the Field

By |July 22nd, 2013|Setting the Mood|

athletic editorialI’m not even going to pretend I like sports.  I am not the girl you’re going to see at a bar cringing her way through a beer wearing her “team’s” jersey shouting profanities at the referee’s calls.  I’m just not.  The only “sport” I played in highschool was tennis and I was terrible at that.  Oh, and there was that one time I thought running track would be fun.  It wasn’t.  However, I can get down with the athletic look.  Way chicer than Umbros and far more pulled together than sweats, designers have put their own spin on sports.  The varsity jacket has been reinvented and you don’t even have to date the quarterback to score your own.  Track pants and shorts that are acceptable to wear well past practice.  Sneakers and a Slimane jersey will have you rooting for the home team.

J. Crew Leather Sleeved Denim Varsity Jacket, Le Plus Dores Team Slimane Jersey, Tibi Spectator Silk Crepe de Chine Track Pants, Supra Skytop Triangle Plus Sneakers

Get in the game.

xx,

WhyDid