Archive for August, 2007

Q&A: What to Wear in Paris

Q: I will be studying abroad in Paris from September to December. What should I wear?  Also, could you give me personal recommendation on shopping places (apparel, shoes) or attractions?

GUESS? \'Alexandria\' Wool Blend CoatBy Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

A:  The first thing you will need are comfortable yet stylish walking shoes, as you’ll be walking across cobblestone streets.  For uneven surfaces like these, flats are going to be your best bet.  I recommend shoes from French Sole, as they have a wonderful selection of these easy-to-wear flats. 

In Paris, the style was tailored and classic.  Everyone was well groomed and well accessorized–scarves are key. Handbags, eyeglasses, shoes and boots were stylish and edgy.  Think of classic shapes with interesting details–an oversized buckle, an unusually placed zipper. 

As a student, you would need a foundation of tailored jeans, comfortable tees and a few pretty sweaters–choose grey or navy for versatility.  Upon this foundation, add one-of-a-kind type pieces that will give your look personality.  A dramatic tulip skirt, a jacket with an oversized bow, a distinctive chapeau.  I would also pack a figure flattering basic little black dress (LBD), which you can dress up or down with a sexy stiletto. 

As for stores to visit, don’t miss Colette in the first arrondissement–very fashion forward and fun.  Also check out Annick Goutal perfume shops, which are beautiful little jewel boxes.  Galeries Lafayette should not be missed at Christmas–the lights at that store are spectacular.

Christmastime is tastefully beautiful in Paris, and as a bonus, the weather is rather temperate. A good wool jacket or coat in a slim silhouette with a beautiful scarf will keep you happy and stylish while ice skating at the Tour Eiffel.  Bonne chance!

Have a great tip about what to wear in Paris?  Share it with us in the comments!

Pictured:
GUESS? ‘Alexandria’ Wool Blend Coat | $168 at Nordstrom.


Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

3 comments August 17th, 2007

T-Bags Solid V Neck Cap Sleeve Dress

T-Bags Solid V Neck Cap Sleeve Dress This T-Bags dress is jersey at its sexiest. 

Figure flattery tip?  The deep-v neckline is great for women with a small bust, and the front ruching helps to camouflage a tummy.

$163  at Shopbop.

August 17th, 2007

Q&A: How to Wear a Knit Dress

Q: I love all the cute knit dresses being shown for late summer/fall, but many are on the sheer side and I’m not sure what to wear underneath without showing too many lines or looking bulky.  Can you recommend any designers that don’t present this problem?

James Perse Twisted Sheath DressBy Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

A: 
When you’re wearing a knit dress, wearing the right undergarments is absolutely essential.  Spanx makes wonderful body shapers in a nude color–great because they’re not visible and they hide unseemly lines.

As for designers who make great knit dresses, try Abaete, James Perse, and C+C California.  Abaete knits are lined to prevent sheerness, and James Perse and C+C California knits are made of buttery soft and heavy cotton.  Not only do they drape beautifully, but they’re also not sheer. 

A discussion of knit dresses would not be complete without a note about fit.  Clothes should skim the body and not be so tight that undergarments are bulging. Proper fit and proper undergarments are the "foundation" to looking great in any dress!

Have a great tip about how to wear a knit dress?  Share it with us in the comments!

Pictured:
James Perse Twisted Sheath Dress | $185 at Shopbop.


Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

2 comments August 16th, 2007

Safari Shirt Dress

Safari Shirt Dress at Forever 21 Brave the urban jungle in this safari-inspired minidress from Forever 21. 

Figure flattery tip?  The lowered waistline makes this dress great for short-waisted gals.

$29.80  at Forever 21.

August 16th, 2007

Q&A: The Best Oversized White Handbags

Q:  I always carry white purses–it’s sort of my thing. I’ve been looking for a great bag, but I haven’t been able to find anything. It needs to be white, roomy and most importantly, absolutely fashionable.

Anna Corinna Mini City ToteA:  The white purse provides the perfect counterpoint for Fall’s blacks and greys. Here’s a selection of stylish, roomy white purses at a variety of price points:

MAXX NEW YORK ‘Bridle’ Oversize Triple Zip Satchel | $148 at Nordstrom

Anna Corinna Mini City Tote | $360 at Shopbop  (Pictured)

Cole Haan ‘Kaylie’ Slouch Bucket Bag | $425 at Nordstrom

Kooba Parker Patent Leather Shoulder Bag | $635 at Shopbop

Have a great tip about where to find a great oversized white handbag?  Share it with us in the comments!

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

4 comments August 15th, 2007

Snow and Graham Anemone Noteblock

Snow and Graham Anemone Noteblock
Brighten your office space with this cheery anemone print by Snow and Graham.

$14  at Luxe Paperie.

August 15th, 2007

Q&A: What to Wear with Motorcycle Boots

Q: I just received a pair of knee-high black, leather motorcycle boots from Banana Republic. How do I wear these on a college campus without looking too pretentious? I love skinny jeans, dresses, and skirts.

Façade \'Cameron\' BootBy Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

A: 
We have two ideas for you to work your motorcycle boots into your wardrobe:
(1) For a fun, adventurous look, wear your motorcycle boots with black tights, dark colored short shorts, and a white blouse.  The look is somewhat man tailored, and a little Patti Smith goes to college.  
(2) For a less flashy way to wear the boots, pair them with skinny jeans , a white t-shirt, and a grey wrap sweater.  The wrap sweater softens the look without overly contrasting with the hard style of the boots.

Perhaps most importantly, have fun at college–and wear the boots with confidence!

Have a great tip about what to wear with motorcycle boots?  Share it with us in the comments!

Pictured:
Façade ‘Cameron’ Boot | $129.95 at Nordstrom.


Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

1 comment August 14th, 2007

Shibori Pocket Square

Shibori Pocket SquareHow do you add a splash of style to a classic suit jacket or blazer?  With a pocket square, of course. 

Go classic with a plain white style–or think out of the box with a textured shibori pocket square.  Shibori, a Japanese process of manipulating fabric to add shape and dimension, is a favorite of Terron Schaefer, senior VP of marketing at Saks Fifth Avenue, reports The Sartorialist.

Thanks, John, for the tip!

$20  at MOMA Store.

3 comments August 14th, 2007

Omiru Poll Result: The One-Shouldered Dress is Out!

Omiru Poll Result: The One-Shouldered Dress is Out


YAYA AFLALO Fans Noir DressWe asked:Is The One-Shouldered Dress In or Out?

You said:  Out! 42% of you voted the One-Shouldered dress Out, and another 26% voted it On the Way Out.

Omiru’s take: While starlets are dolling themselves up with the one-shouldered dress for the red carpet, we’re leaving this trend on the rack.  Sure, it’s as dramatic as it is elegant–but the one-shouldered dress is a tough one for figure flattery.  Style tip?  Should you decide to try the one-shouldered dress, head to the gym to tone up your upper arms.

Next Question: We’re still feeling the summer heat, but we’re also looking to build our wardrobes for fall.  One way to bridge the seasons style-wise is with the Short Sleeved Jacket.   But what do you
think? Tell us, is the Short Sleeved Jacket In, or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: YAYA AFLALO Fans Noir Dress | $99 (sale) at Shopbop.

August 13th, 2007

Cowl-Neck Sweater Tunic

Cowl-Neck Sweater Tunic at Forever 21 Love the drapey cowl neckline on this knit tunic almost as much as the deep teal color.

Simply stunning.

$22.80  at Forever 21.

2 comments August 13th, 2007

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