Why Did You Wear That?

WhyDid Wisdom: Dog Days of Dating

WhyDid YouWearThat — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:09:50 +0000

I’ve been irrationally angry today- though some close to me might argue that it’s actually quite rational as of late. Luckily, they are wise enough to know not to argue with me on a day such as this… cause I’m quite likely to high kick someone given my current mood. That’s why I figure now’s as good a time as any to drop a little dating knowledge on you ladies. Brace yourselves…

Time and time again, I hear women complaining about what dogs men are. First of all, don’t insult dogs (and my best friend) like that. Secondly, who do you think is to blame for men behaving so badly? Two guesses and one of them is not his mother.

Here’s the deal… and go ahead and write this down or tattoo it on your forehead, whatever you must do to remember it… you don’t want men to act like dogs? Don’t let them.

You see, while we can’t be held 100% accountable for the philanderings, foul play, and general mischief of men, we are responsible for what we tolerate. You think it’s really cute that someone else’s boyfriend/husband/fiance/significant other is flirting with you? Really? Well, joke’s on you. By entertaining inappropriate behavior, you’re simply perpetuating the very same douchebaggery you complain about. You’ve made it harder on yourself and your fellow females just so you could get a little ego boost, a feather in your cap. Worth it? Yeah, didn’t think so. And let’s be serious, do you really want to be with someone who would step out on his lady? Spoiler alert: a man who cheats with you, is going to cheat on you. Sure, you’ve filled her spot… but your mistress role is now open and I hear he’s taking applications.

The same holds true for the other side of the coin. You have a guy in your life who is acting like a complete and utter ass? While it may feel as if he’s holding all the cards, you, my dear, are actually the one in power. My grandma Betty (Mee Maw) said, “A lady always allows a man to be a gentleman.” Such a simple, yet forgotten truth. You won’t get any less than you think you deserve. So, stop acting like cheap two bit hussies and make a man work for it. If you’re willing to settle for scraps, that’s precisely what you’re going to get: scraps. Are we really so desperate to have a man in our lives that we’re willing to settle for subpar?

Now, I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes (I see you) because you think this doesn’t apply to you. What’s the harm in a little flirtatious fun or spring fling? Maybe it doesn’t affect you right this second, we are, afterall, a society of instant gratification, but in the long run, you’ve set yourself and women back ages. You think you’re being a feminist with free love, but what happened to having a little respect for yourself and your X chromosome counterparts? I call that modern day feminism.

And for heaven’s sake, don’t think for one second that I’m here on a soap box or my high horse (I wish I had a pony). I couldn’t even possibly begin to dish out advice on something I, myself, haven’t encountered. I’ve played into this shit a time or two (too many). Well, guess who I’m not dating/marrying? Any of those guys.

Here’s the deal, if your dog continuously shat on the floor, you’d reprimand him, no? The same should hold true for the men in our lives. If you wouldn’t tolerate it from Fido, don’t tolerate it from Frank. You don’t want men to act like scum? Don’t let ‘em.

xx,

WhyDid

image via NY Times

Why Did Hearts Your Input!

Look for Less: School Girl Chic

Why Did You Wear That: Mad for Plaid

Why Did You Wear That: A Stroll Down Memory Lane

WhyDid YouWearThat — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:36:31 +0000

Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved dressing up in my mother’s clothes. Much to her chagrin, sometimes that included climbing trees and running barefoot in the backyard. I’m lucky enough that she kept some of her favorite pieces, which also happen to be some of my favorite pieces. I’m also lucky that I didn’t ruin said pieces while playing princess of the jungle with my big brothers. One particular dress is a buttoned up crochet minidress that I once contemplated removing the lining from (glad I didn’t go through with that brilliant move). Though not all of mom’s vintage treasures are quite timeless enough to take to the the street, I think this little number could certainly turn a few modern day heads.

I may be too old for princess of the jungle and make believe, but I’ll never outgrow a good game of dress up.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Waisting Away

The List Volume LVI

The List Volume LXIX

Would You Wednesday: Thigh’s the Limit

WhyDid YouWearThat — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:44:05 +0000

First it was side boob, now it’s the extreme leg slit. Seems like ladies are looking for any place they can to show off a little bit of skin. The first to really give it a go was Angelina Jolie at the Oscars. Her leg caused such a stir that it got its own Twitter account. She was not to be outdone by the beautiful Anja Rubik at this year’s Met Gala. Her slit was dangerously high, though I doubt anyone’s complaining. So, are legs the new side boob which were, of course, the new cleavage?

Ecote Double Slit Skirt, $69, Helmut Kinetic Jersey Slit Front Skirt, $160, Rick Owens Lilies Drape Maxi Skirt, $580, Nightcap Clothing Thigh High Skirt, $143

So would you wear a slit way up there to your derriere?

Take Our Poll

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Fresh Crop

Would You Wednesday: Kelly Osbourne

Friday Frocks: Show and Pas-tell

How To Tuesday: Gone Fishin’

WhyDid YouWearThat — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:02:30 +0000

There really was no question what this week’s video would be after only two days of voting. The fishtail braid was the overwhelming favorite from the start. Luckily, I have a lot of experience in the department of fishtail braiding. The first time I did a fishtail “how to”, the fine folks at Neihule Salon in Los Angeles were kind enough to walk us through. I had never attempted to fishtail at that point in time and to be quite honest, I had lots of knots before getting the hang of it. The fishtail, like many things in life, takes plenty of practice before perfecting.

So, while you may not get the hang of it right away, I promise with a little bit of persistence, you’ll have it down pat. Once you do, you’ll be amazed how simple it was all along. I even find myself just idly fishtail braiding when bored.

Take Our Poll

xx,

WhyDid

WhyDid Wisdom: Too Much Stuff Makes Me Sad

Look for Less: Sweater Weather

Weekend Playlist: The Fifth of May

Setting the Mood: Beach Blanket Bingo

WhyDid YouWearThat — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:31:22 +0000

Next to being naked, there’s nothing I’d rather be wearing than a bikini. Quite strange coming from someone who writes about clothes on a daily basis- the irony is not lost on me. I don’t know what started it. Perhaps that “Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” dance recital number? I have more bathing suits than one probably should (and could) ever possibly wear. I can’t stop my retail impulses when I spot a perfect two piece. And my love affair with swimwear doesn’t stop with string bikinis.

These ladies wearing some of the most iconic bathing suits prove that a bikini doesn’t necessarily have to be teeny and a bathing suit doesn’t have to be all T & A to be sexy.

Lisa Marie Fernandez The Garance Glossed Swimsuit, $260, Chloe Lace-Up Bandeau Bikini, $460, Stella McCartney Cutout Printed Swimsuit, $665

xx,

WhyDid

The List Volume IX

The List Volume LVII

Setting the Mood: Spooked

WhyDid Wisdom: Word to Your Mother

WhyDid YouWearThat — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:34:38 +0000

Back in October, I wrote a post for Lucky Magazine about my “best connection.” It was without question my mother. Though we have our trials and tribulations and we will probably never agree on appropriate hem length, she is my best friend and I know that she will always be my biggest supporter as well as clearest voice of reason.

This past year, several of my friends took the first steps into the journey of motherhood. Being around them and seeing all that they go through on a day to day basis, I appreciate what my mom did for me and my brothers even more. Being a mother is, no doubt, the most important job a woman can ever have. So, if you haven’t already, be sure to call your mother and let your friends who are mothers know just how wonderful and special they truly are. Without them, none of us would be here.

Throughout the years, friends have come and gone. I’ve met some of the greatest women in the world and called them my friends, but the one woman who stands out in my mind has been there since the beginning. She’s seen me at my best and at my very worst and never, ever left my side. That very special lady happens to be my mother. I know, I know, it sounds so trite, but it’s the truth.

I would say, I’m a fairly feminine gal, and I’m willing to bet my ruffled bloomers that my mom instilled that in me from a very early age. You see, after having two adorable little boys, she was overjoyed to finally have her own little mini me—and who could blame her? For as long as I can remember (and as far back as photos can document), I was always dressed to the nines with ruffles, bows, and anything pink. Despite my then bald head, there was no way of mistaking me for a little boy.

While as a teenager, I thought I was much cooler than I ever really was and probably didn’t treat my mother the way I wish I would have. That didn’t discourage her though. She tolerated my eye rolls and temper tantrums knowing that one day I’d come around. And come around I did.

While perusing old yearbooks one day, a friend of mine asked, “Don’t you wish you looked like your mom?” I wasn’t exactly sure how to take that comment, but there’s no denying what a classic beauty my mom is. So, yes, I would love to look just like my mom. Never wearing much more than some lipgloss and mascara, my mother always looked fresh and polished. While I’d dabbled in the overdose of makeup that all middle school girls go through, I eventually realized that my face and neck should match and learned that less is more. Something my mother knew all along.

It’s funny as you get older how much you see yourself in your parents. Looking back, there are so many things that my mother and I had in common. I remember once needing a dress for a formal and not being able to find anything interesting. I called my mom and told her I was thinking about wearing a nightgown as a dress. I had expected her to be appalled, but instead she chuckled and told me she’d done the same thing at my same age and it had turned out to be one of her favorite outfits of all time.

She’s always been my best shopping partner because I know she’ll tell me the truth without any hidden agenda or sugar coating. From highschool proms to college formals, I always knew who to ask. That’s why when it came time to shop for the most important dress a girl will ever wear, I needed to have my mother right by my side. As tears welled up in her eyes, I knew that dress was “the one.”

To me, style is innate. Every time I see my mom, she is still just as beautiful and pulled together as she’s always been. I can thank my mom for so many things: my sense of humor, my big heart, and blue eyes. What else I can thank her for? My style.

xx,

WhyDid

It's Friday night. What are you going to wear?

Trade Your "friends" for a Whopper.

WhyDid's Gift Guide: That's What Friends Are For

The List Volume LXXIII

WhyDid YouWearThat — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:13:04 +0000

Since it’s clear that focusing on the negative does nothing but breed more negativity, I feel that it’s important to also discuss the things that make my little black heart sing. You know, the things that bring me back from the ledge. So, until further notice, the list will be split in two. Pick your poison.

Realizing that being born in 1991, makes you 21.
Getting rejection letters from jobs I didn’t apply for.
Streaky highlights.
Fifty Shades of Grey (the trilogy). For fifty or more reasons.
Unfriendly hostesses. I’m fairly certain that 88% of your job is smiling and being helpful.

Spending time in a toy store.
Wallpaper. I’m itching to wallpaper something. Anyone have a spare wall in need of paper?
Standing under the steaming water of a shower just cause it feels nice.
Taking all morning to eat my breakfast/drink my coffee. Life is lovely at a leisurely pace.
Happy birthday to Blake and his beautiful mama, Devan. I can’t believe it’s been a year since you joined the party, little dude!

Until next time…

xx,

WhyDid

images via Doobybrain & Bananas.AreAwesome

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Why Did You Wear That: Cinco de Style

Why Did You Wear That: Eye, Eye, Eye

WhyDid Wisdom: S.O.S. (Save Ourselves)

WhyDid YouWearThat — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:25:56 +0000

In case it’s news to you, I’m currently going through a bit of a rough patch. A “transitional” period, if you will. I woke up one day and knew things were never going to be the same. I sensed it the moment I opened my eyes. It was the strangest feeling. At first, I didn’t really think the impending doom was such a good thing and was certain that my life was going down faster than the Titanic. I tried as I might to pump up my life raft to prevent this change from happening, but as time has passed, I realize that things couldn’t have happened any other way.

So, here I am. I have no home and no real responsibilities other than making sure to keep these posts coming and keeping Smitty’s bowl full. I’m living out of a suitcase and have become a real life gypsy bouncing from one city to the next. It’s like my first U.S. tour- minus the backup dancers. And while I hardly know where I will be next week, let alone next year, I’ve found this time to be both exhilarating and terrifying.

In times of trouble, lots of people will offer you encouragement, loving words, and their own personal little tidbits of wisdom. While no one can ever really say exactly what you want to hear, it comes from a loving place and one must keep that in mind. Every now and again, someone’s words will resonate with you. However, there are a few phrases that are truly infuriating when uttered during a time of duress. One such phrase is along the lines of, “If you say ‘you can’t', you can’t.” Hearing this particular semblance of wisdom sends me into such a tailspin of anger that I kind of want to stab the utterer in the face with a feather.

But alas, there might be a smidgeon of truth to this oh so aggravating statement (which, of course, only makes it that much more aggravating). As it turns out… the opposite of positive thinking may very well be the self fulfilling prophecy.

So, let’s talk about self fulfilling prophecies, shall we?

It’s true. I can be a bit of a worrier. I’m not sure whether it has something to do with watching too many Lifetime movies or just your run of the mill “trust issues” that I’ve managed to rack up over time, but I can craft up quite a storyline in my head before it’s ever even happened. This is very useful for creative writing… not so much for every day life. My dad often reminds me that the things I fear most are the things that never happen. I get myself worked up into a tizzy and fixate on what might happen, rather than seeing what is actually happening.

I like to tell myself that my worrying is merely forward thinking and I’m just trying to brace myself for the worst, as if life is an ongoing game of chess. But is my defense mechanism protecting me from trouble or really just causing these terrible things to happen? Am I just Chicken Little waiting for the sky to fall?

It’s also no secret that I haven’t exactly had the best of luck in the love department. Perhaps I have terrible taste in men or maybe I’m to blame for all of my relationship implosions. I go in assuming that most men are grade-A douchebags and am typically just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Who knows if there even was another shoe to drop, but I always manage to make it happen. A psychic once told me I’d have no trouble attracting men, just trouble keeping them. Touche, oh clairvoyant one. Joke’s on me.

By focusing on what could happen or what you think the outcome may be, or just worrying about the “what if’s”, you are changing your intrinsic behavior. This minute shift in demeanor could very well be twisting fate and changing your charted route without you even realizing it. It’s a ripple effect. Pretty soon a slight wake has turned into a tidal wave, and you, S.S. Worry Wart, are going under.

You sunk my battleship.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Camel Ammo

WhyDid Wisdom: Read Between the Lines

Why Did You Eat That: How Do You Like Them Apples?

Would You Wednesday: I See Through You

WhyDid YouWearThat — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:27:55 +0000

This past Monday, the Super Bowl of fashion, the Met Gala happened in New York City. As any good fashionista knows, you better arrive dressed to impress or risk being on every news media outlet’s worst dressed list. And deck themselves out is precisely what this year’s A-list did. While there are always a few stand out trends (like Wintour in white and a smattering of sunshine-y yellow), the one trend that seemed to catch everyone’s eye… and breath… was the see through gowns showing off some skin and some seriously gorgeous gams.

To some, this excess of skin may be offensive, but I personally have no problem with it… so long as it’s done with taste rather than haste. I grew up in a kind of “naked house” (it was mostly me and mom… so there was no need for modesty). I’d wear a tissue if I could get away with it and as a matter of fact, I have a dress that I reference as the “tissue dress.” I get it though, one can take a little bit of chic cheekiness and turn it into just a lot of cheek. And while I’m not put off by the female body, some people just don’t appreciate some good side boob and are abhorred by the mere trace of a nipple.

So would you don one of these daring dresses?

Take Our Poll

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Under Where?

Gooooal!!

Why Did You Wear That: Ten Things I Hate About You(r Clothes)

How To Tuesday: Top Notch Top Knot Take Two

WhyDid YouWearThat — Tue, 08 May 2012 17:07:41 +0000

The last time a How To Tuesday video happened, we were learning how to get gorgeous curls without using a curling iron. And, well, that was over a year ago. Sure, sure, I’ve done some pictorial “how to” posts, but we all know that photos can’t even begin to capture my dance moves. That’s why you watch my videos, isn’t it? Oh.

Alas, the time has come to start up again with How To Tuesdays (woohoo!). There wasn’t anything to vote on, so I went with a “how to” that leads a lot of Google searches to WhyDid. That would be the oh so chic, the perfect for a horrible hair day, top knot bun. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of this hairstyle… I even did a top notch top knot tutorial, but figured a video was sure to “top” simple pictures.

So, let’s get back to voting on next week’s “How To.” What would you like to learn?

Take Our Poll

xx,

WhyDid

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