Why Did You Wear That: April Foolishness

By Kirsten|April 3rd, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

Every time I check the weather on my iPhone and start to feel optimistic about the above 40 degree temperature and lack of rain icon, I’m smacked in the face with reality when I check it again fifteen minutes before leaving the house to see that the temperature has taken a nose dive and the icon may as well be a middle finger. It’s as if my weather app is playing an elongated and twisted April fool’s joke on me and it’s the only one laughing. Getting dressed during this time of year is also a joke because one never knows when Mother Nature will snarl and decide she’s bored with the sun and would rather toss out a hailstorm to liven up your otherwise mundane Tuesday.

And while I may look like a delicate spring flower in these photos, I certainly navigated the April showers (along with the ever patient, Brian Schutza) to capture them. A wet fire escape in five inch stiletto Jimmy Choos? Child’s play. I like living on the edge and 6+ years navigating the treacherous cobblestone streets of the West Village qualify me as a pro. I found these pants in a thrift store in Bushwick, and I knew I needed them because they fall in between the categories of pants and maxi skirt and isn’t that kind of like getting the last seat on an overcrowded L train? While these pants are beyond comfortable, I had to be very careful with the way in which I styled them, because they could very easily be mistaken as pajama pants– something I discovered when I wore a similar pair to brunch at Bubby’s one lazy Sunday. When wearing pants with an elastic waistband (yikes!), be sure to keep the other elements more tailored (adding a belt is a good way to add refinement to an otherwise casual style). Take that, Mother Nature.

Don’t forget to learn how to milk maid braid to avoid rainy day hair calamities.

kirsten smith nyc

jacket: Express, tank: Brandy Melville, pants: vintage, shoes: Jimmy Choo, belt: vintage (mom’s), bag: vintage

SHOP THE POST:

xx,

WhyDid

photography by Brian Schutza

Why Did You Wear That: Go Away

By Kirsten|April 2nd, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

There was no coincidence or irony involved when the saying, “April showers bring May flowers,” was coined. Not only has Susan Miller deemed this April as calamitous, we are set for a very literally stormy thirty days. Weather becomes more unpredictable than the stock market or my PMS and one has no choice but to prepare for battle wearing the right protective armor. The number or umbrellas that I’ve left behind in a taxi or have been stolen from the courtesy bins at the front of restaurants is innumerable. My current umbrella, which is up for the taking outside of my front door, is a blue semi broken contraption given to me by a bartender at Bakehouse. But none of this means you need to navigate the rain looking like a wet rat. Invest in a sturdy and stylish pair of boots, a tailored waterproof coat, and an umbrella that you’ll be more conscious of keeping safe.

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Printed PVC Umbrella, 2. Moschino Printed Umbrella, 3. Hunter Boots Bubble Umbrella, 4. Felix Rey Cityscape Bubble Umbrella, 5. Canada Goose Mirabel Leather Trim Rain Jacket, 6. Adidas by Stella McCartney Hooded Vinyl and Mesh Jacket, 7. DKNY Long Sleeve Trench Coat, 8. Marni Hooded Technical Coated Shell Jacket, 9. Melissa Mood Dust Sparkle Mid-Calf Rain Boots, 10. Le Chameau Paris Rubber Boots, 11. Burberry Holloway Studded Rubber Rain Boots, 12. Hunter Printed Tall Wellington Boots

Setting the Mood: Make It Rain

By Kirsten|March 31st, 2014|Setting the Mood|

Without a doubt New Yorkers are some of the most intelligent and interesting people on the entire planet and yet all we can seem to talk about is the weather. Like yesterday for instance, what the hell was that? Thunder and flurries? Perhaps we harp on it because it is one thing all of us share no matter our occupations or backgrounds or it could be the fact that all weather, whether heatwaves, snowstorms, or torrential downpours seem to be more extreme when experienced in the city. In any case, today is the last day before April and though the icy temperatures have started to break (kind of) we always seem to forget that we are now set for another month of miserable grey skies and sloppy street puddles before real spring sets in. So, brace yourselves and get weather ready with some storm essentials. This is not a test.

DKNY PVC Hooded Coat, Lanvin Face Print Umbrella, Karl Lagerfeld Rubber Biker Rain Boots, Maison Michel Lara PVC Hood

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Hot Lips

By Kirsten|March 27th, 2014|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

With one of spring’s hottest trends being a nod to art inspired style, living in a city with not only limited wall space, but also limited funding for original artwork can be downright depressing- especially for those of us with pensions for more than basic black and white Ikea prints. So, when New York based modern artist, Jeremy Penn, was generous enough to send one of his Hot Lips tanks (recently featured in InTouch), I was not only flattered, but floored. Sure it’s “spring” here in the city, but it’s still too soon to bare it all in this soft and slouchy tank and since I really couldn’t be bothered to wait to wear it, I warmed it up with patterned denim, a light spring jacket, and colored suede booties- a look perfect for navigating the tourist infested cobblestone streets that I call home.

jacket: Diane von Furstenberg, tank: Jeremy Penn (available here– a portion of proceeds go to the Global Fund for Women), pants: 7 For All Mankind, boots: Pour La Victoire, bag: vintage

SHOP THE LOOK:

xx,

WhyDid

photos by Brian Schutza

Why Did You Wear That: Beach Blanket Babe (ModCloth + Wanelo, Uniquely You)

By Kirsten|March 27th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

Perhaps my swimsuit guide was a bit presumptuous as we are a week into spring and only a few days away from April and yet I’m still swaddled in cashmere scarves and slouchy beanies. As a matter of fact, it flurried the other night on my way crosstown. So, if you, like me, jumped the gun and can’t wait to wear your new suit, try using a one piece as a body suit much like the look I’ve created from ModCloth below.