If you missed my interview and feature on Barney's blog The Window - here it is! (post here)
When Danielle Bernstein decided to start a blog called “We Wore What,” she thought it would be a platform for her growing collection of street-style shots featuring young, fashionable New Yorkers like herself. But her keen eye and talent for throwing together edgy, urban looks—think slouchy knit hats and layers of leather—soon landed her in front of the camera. We asked this style-savvy local to divulge her fashion philosophy, and here’s what she had to say...
What inspired you to start the blog?
We Wore What started when I transferred to FIT and noticed all the great street style around campus. I bought my first professional camera and started photographing the fashion students, linking to what they were wearing. We Wore What represents “we” as in the young fashion goers of NYC, and what we are wearing. I was soon invited to photograph street style at New York Fashion Week, where I myself was photographed by many other notable photographers. After fashion week, I noticed that my personal style was really resonating with my readers, which is when I decided to change my blog to focus more on my style and adventures throughout the city.
Favorite street style photographer?
Ah that’s a tough question; I love them all! I do have one favorite though—Tommy Ton, of course. He’s a genius.
Ah that’s a tough question; I love them all! I do have one favorite though—Tommy Ton, of course. He’s a genius.
What distinguishes New York City style? Uptown vs. Downtown? East Side vs. West Side?
That’s the thing about New York City style—everywhere you go, every corner of this city brings something completely different. From the uptown socialites decked in tweed and kitten heels to the downtown villagers in leather and beanies.
That’s the thing about New York City style—everywhere you go, every corner of this city brings something completely different. From the uptown socialites decked in tweed and kitten heels to the downtown villagers in leather and beanies.
What is the best fashion advice you have ever received?
I will never forget this quote I heard by the one and only Diane von Furstenberg. She said, “The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself.” For some reason this quote has always stuck with me through life and my fashion adventures. I truly believe that if you are happy with yourself, it’ll show. This goes for fashion too—the way you look reflects the confidence with which you carry yourself.
I will never forget this quote I heard by the one and only Diane von Furstenberg. She said, “The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself.” For some reason this quote has always stuck with me through life and my fashion adventures. I truly believe that if you are happy with yourself, it’ll show. This goes for fashion too—the way you look reflects the confidence with which you carry yourself.
Most coveted item in your closet?
Easy answer: A beautiful vintage gold watch given to me by my grandpa, worn by his father in WWII.
Easy answer: A beautiful vintage gold watch given to me by my grandpa, worn by his father in WWII.
Fashion technology you just cannot live without?
INSTAGRAM. What could be better than Twitter mating with Facebook, bringing you a news feed of instant updates via images. Obsessed is an understatement.
INSTAGRAM. What could be better than Twitter mating with Facebook, bringing you a news feed of instant updates via images. Obsessed is an understatement.
Fall wardrobe essentials?
- Helmut Lang leather leggings
- Acne Cosmo booties
- High-neck sweaters (any designer will do)
- Graphic sweatshirts (Balenciaga or Markus Lupfer) - or a look-alike
- Leather bomber jacket
I just cannot live without ____________.
Let’s not kid ourselves here—my iPhone! It’s my connection to the world, and I love being able to keep my followers instantly updated throughout my day-to-day activities. Sad to say, but I don’t know where I would be without it!
Let’s not kid ourselves here—my iPhone! It’s my connection to the world, and I love being able to keep my followers instantly updated throughout my day-to-day activities. Sad to say, but I don’t know where I would be without it!
1. T by Alexander Wang classic pocket tee 2. Illesteva Leonard II sunglasses 3. Givenchy shark tooth ankle boot 4.Patrik Ervell quilted baseball cap 5. Jennifer Fisher brass double skull bracelet 6. Isabel Marant Lizy top 7. The Row Turcus legging 8. Balmain Louisa embossed bootie 9. Givenchy Obsedia cuff
If you were accidentally locked in Barneys overnight, what would we find you wearing in the morning?
Yes, please! On this accidental adventure, I would have first taken the shoe floor by storm, walking out with one foot in a Givenchy shark tooth ankle boot, and the other in a Balmain Louisa embossed bootie (it would clearly be too difficult to choose just one). I’d throw on the perfect pair of leather leggings by The Row and a simple T By Alexander Wang pocket tee for layering ease. Now let’s see, I’d be very strategic about this. Next up would be the Isabel Marant Lizy top because I’ve had my eye on it. Topping off my outfit would be the ultimate baseball cap by Patrik Ervell. I would have quite the party (arm party) while trapped in Barneys overnight. If your name is Jennifer Fisher or Givenchy, you’ll be on the guest list. Oh and don’t worry, when the doors open in the morning I’ll be prepared with my Illesteva sunnies to brave the daylight. Ah, it would be a great night.
Yes, please! On this accidental adventure, I would have first taken the shoe floor by storm, walking out with one foot in a Givenchy shark tooth ankle boot, and the other in a Balmain Louisa embossed bootie (it would clearly be too difficult to choose just one). I’d throw on the perfect pair of leather leggings by The Row and a simple T By Alexander Wang pocket tee for layering ease. Now let’s see, I’d be very strategic about this. Next up would be the Isabel Marant Lizy top because I’ve had my eye on it. Topping off my outfit would be the ultimate baseball cap by Patrik Ervell. I would have quite the party (arm party) while trapped in Barneys overnight. If your name is Jennifer Fisher or Givenchy, you’ll be on the guest list. Oh and don’t worry, when the doors open in the morning I’ll be prepared with my Illesteva sunnies to brave the daylight. Ah, it would be a great night.