Archive for October, 2007
During yet another showing of MTV Cribs (reruns on MTV?….can’t be) some rapper whose name I’ve already forgotten bragged that his watch cost more than a house. And while he admired his half-million dollar custom Rolex, the diamonds flickering brightly enough in the light to blind someone, I remained thoroughly unimpressed.
Watches, it seems, have become yet another chance for men to pretentiously show off their wealth. Every now and then, we follow trends and fads that we believe to be stylish (read this month’s GQ for a great list of such fashion crimes), but they aren’t. The "bling-bling" watch is one such tragedy.
A gentleman’s watch should be subtle and classy, not pretentious and grotesque. It can have diamonds and jewels, but only in tasteful quantities. And if it is expensive, it should be not because the 4 karat, D-colors on the face of the watch manage to spell your name, but rather because of the craftsmanship and its timelessness.
What watch to buy? We present to you five watches worth investing in. These watches all have leather bands, the more formal band material of choice, and they look great any time you want to appear sophisticated and refined. Treat them as investments.
Our $ Find
Kenneth Cole "Truth Be Told" | $115 at Kenneth Cole
Classy and understated, you don’t need to take out a second mortgage to be able to wear this beauty. This humble piece looks great with anything, except for maybe tie-dye.
Our $$ Find
Oris Classic Date Watch | $576
The beauty of this timeless piece from the classic Swiss manufacturer is its simplicity. There’s no room for gimmicks here - it doesn’t glow in the dark, it will break if you run a car over it, and you can’t wear it while you go scuba diving. But what you can do is wear this handsome classic with pride. The piece’s red rotor, a symbol of Oris mechanicals, keeps it interesting.
Our $$$ Find
Tag Heuer Monaco Watch | $3,295
Black and beautiful, this classic piece was worn by Steve McQueen in Le Mans. Its square case and black face make it stand out in all the right ways, and it looks especially stylish when paired with a dark suit or tuxedo.
Our $$$$ Finds
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Moonphase | Price N/A
This is hands down one of the best looking watches around. The gold case makes it stand out, but not outlandishly or ostentatiously so - it’s not shiny gold that calls attention to itself. Like all Rolexes, this watch is dependable and prestigious. Some may call it a status symbol; I prefer to think of it a sign of a gentleman. After all, it is refined and sophisticated, as all gentlemen are.
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5127 | $19,500
They say that Patek Philippes are the Rolls-Royces of watches, but perhaps it is more accurate to say that Rolls-Royces are the Patek Philippes of luxury cars. Pateks are incredibly hard to find - in their approximately 150 year history, they have produced fewer timepieces, (600,000) than Rolex produces annually. It is one of the most expensive wrist watch brands in the world - 80 of the 100 most expensive watches ever sold are Pateks, including a $13 million list-topper.
What’s all the fuss? The firm’s ten values are the perfect summary of why this watch commands a nearly $20,000 price tag: Independence, Tradition, Innovation, Quality Workmanship, Rarity, Value, Aesthetics, Service, Emotion and Heritage. And if this doesn’t convince you…just put one on. You know something special is on your wrist; you can feel it.
Style tip: I know, I know - those fancy European watch names are impossible to pronounce properly. Here’s some help.
October 24th, 2007
Old school letterpress, silkscreen, foil stamping, fine papers and handpainted accents come together in Ilee’s 2008 letterpress calendar.
Includes: Twelve 4-7/8" x 5-1/2 monthly cards, one extra card year at a glance card, and a clear jewel case stand.
$20 at Etsy.
October 24th, 2007
Q: Are there helpful guidelines for layering necklines?
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: There are no hard and fast rules for layering necklines. However, we have two guidelines that will help sort out the eyecatching combinations from the ones that are just so-so.
Guideline 1: Layer Necklines of Contrasting Shapes
Try a deep-v wrap neckline, for example, over a scoopneck top or a camisole. Contrasting shapes create visual interest for the eye and, as such, more sophisticated combinations.
Guideline 2: Find Pleasing Proportions Through Your Balance Point
The distance between necklines should be in a pleasing proportion to your own body type. One technique that helps you discover this pleasing proportion has to do with finding your balance point.
If you measure your face from the top of your forehead to your chin and then drop down the same distance to your chest area, you’ve found your balance point. This balance point is the most flattering spot for a necklace or blouse to hit. From Stonehenge to the architecture of ancient Greece to the art of the Renaissance, there appears to be a cognitive preference towards the Golden Ratio (1:1.618). Try the Golden Ratio to find the most flattering spot for the second neckline.
Here’s an example: If the distance from the top of your forehead to your chin is 9 inches, your first balance point (and the mot flattering spot for your first neckline) is going to be 9 inches down from your chin. The most flattering spot for your second neckline is going to be approximately 14.5 inches (calculation: 9 in x 1.618) down from your chin.
Pictured: Laila Azhar Standing Cowl Neck Dress + Diane von Furstenberg Caridad Top | $385 and $225, respectively, at Shopbop.
Have a great tip about how to layer necklines?
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.
October 23rd, 2007
This tweed minidress is the perfect way to translate summer style for fall. Style tip? Belt it for a more figure flattering look.
$44 at Style Violet.
October 23rd, 2007
We asked: Are Gloves In or Out?
You said: Overwhelmingly in, with 87% of the vote.
Omiru’s take: Gloves are the perfect way to accessorize a fall outfit–we love pairing gloves with a half sleeve or 3/4 sleeve jacket. But whether they’re wrist-length or elbow-length, gloves add a dash of sophistication to any outfit. Added bonus? Gloves protect your arms from the chilly fall air.
Style tip? You can play it safe with neutral colored gloves in white, black, or grey. But gloves are a great way to experiment with color. Go on, be daring–and try purple, orange, or green!
Next question: Ria wrote in because she found some gorgeous wool hats and feather flapper type hats, but she’s wondering whether or not they’re in. What do you think? Tell us, are Hats In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Nordstrom Long Cashmere Gloves | $42 at Nordstrom.
October 22nd, 2007
This cheap chic dress is figure flattering on three counts:
(1) The gathered-knot at the bustline creates visual volume for the small busted,
(2) Gathers on the stomach camouflage a tummy, and
(3) The knee-length skirt visually lengthens and slims the leg.
$29 at Forever 21.
October 22nd, 2007
Q: I got a teal skirt from Nordstrom, but it’s way too short, especially over my booty. I’m not sure if it’s okay to wear it with tights. What I can wear under it?
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: The best fashion makes a woman look alluringly stylish, while projecting an image of good self-esteem. In our humble opinion, wearing skirts that are too short or tops that are too low cut can detract from dignity of the person who wears them.
Flatter your curves with well cut clothes that accentuate your figure without being overt. Don’t waste money on filler items to build an outfit around clothes that make you uncomfortable. Depending on your age and your body type, a few inches above the knee is usually the most attractive length for a short skirt. Longer pencil skirts can be very flattering and quite sexy as well.
Tights will not hide the fact that the skirt is too short–so say goodbye to the teal skirt and update your look with a skirt that is flattering for your body type - you will look great and feel great!
What do you think? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Wool Pinstriped Skirt | $78 at Banana Republic.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
October 19th, 2007
With an olive green color, branch-like detailing, and a white dove, this pillow radiates peace. 17" square.
$34 at Etsy.
October 19th, 2007
Q: I have recently recevied a blue
blazer as a gift and I was wondering what I could wear with it to keep
the young look and what colors would go best with it.
A:
A big part of keeping the blue blazer “young†is fit. Older gentlemen seem to prefer those bigger, boxy cuts, and we associate these looser styles with “old.†The way to fit a jacket—any jacket—is by the shoulders. Why? Because the shoulder is the one area a good tailor, even a great one, can’t fix (if your tailor says he can, run). How can you tell if the shoulder fits? Stand sideways straight up against the wall – if the jacket’s shoulder pads hit the wall before the meaty part of your upper arm, it’s too big.
The length of your sleeve should be measured such that it hits your wrist bone; your shirt should be about ½ inch longer. Have your tailor take in the sides for a cleaner, more streamlined fit.
The length of the jacket usually shouldn’t have to be altered - you should be able to cup the sides with your hands when your arms hang straight down. Now, there seems to be a movement towards shorter jackets (thank Thom Browne), but at the very least, it should cover your butt.
Now that you know how to fit a blazer, learn what to wear with one in How to
Wear a Blue Blazer, Part I.
Pictured: Ben Sherman ‘Weathered’ Velvet Blazer | $269 at Nordstrom.
Have a great tip about how to wear a blue blazer?
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.
October 18th, 2007
Between the Peter Pan collar, the cuff detailing, and the great-for-long-waisted-women cropped fit, this jacket is one of our Forever 21 faves.
$29.80 at Forever 21.
October 18th, 2007
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