Tiny Basket Bowl
Store treasured trinkets in this tiny 3″ bowl, designed by Amy Adams.
$26 at Branch Home.
April 17th, 2008
Archive for April, 2008
Q&A: Fresh Club Wear Looks for Men
Q: I’m so sick of the club "uniform" - dress shirt + jeans combo. I was wonder what else could I wear that will allow me to stand out while looking classy? 
A: In order to stand out from the crowd, either dress up or down, but stick with one and do it all the way. Of course, there is a little bit of wiggle room, but if you want to stand out, just don’t plant yourself right in the middle of the “formality†scale by wearing a structured blazer, dress shirt and dark blue denim.
I think the dress shirt/jeans combo is so popular because guys consider it to be that “in between†look. They think (incorrectly) that by wearing a button down, they are dressing up, but by wearing jeans, they are also keeping it casual. Their mistake is thinking that the shirt is the piece of the outfit that defines the formality. In reality, the pieces of the outfit that define formality are actually the pants and shoes. You could wear a suit jacket, a dress shirt and a tie, but if you wear shorts, it’s still a casual look. Or maybe they’re doing it because everyone else is doing it. Either way, don’t follow their lead.
I don’t know what you define as a “club.†(In Tokyo, a “club†is what we in America would call a strip club.) If you’re going to a place mainly for drinks and atmosphere (e.g. museum/art gallery openings, lounges, restaurants for nightcaps, etc.), dress up. The look, summed up in three adjectives, is this: rakish, refined, and clean.
Try a dark monochromatic suit (color ranging from medium gray to black) with a white shirt and a tie. Don’t wear a tie narrower than 2.5 to 3 inches in width at its widest point. The trend of the moment, one that I embrace, is a dark, solid colored tie. Try a tie in charcoal or medium gray, but don’t match the suit color entirely; it looks too calculated.
As for accessories, the idea here is minimalism: skip the belt. The pocket square is up to you. You can wear your watch, but only if it’s subtle.
If you want to make the look more casual, skip the tie. Or you can skip the jacket altogether and wear a vest instead—but only if all components of the suit are from the same suit (i.e. don’t wear a medium gray pants and a charcoal vest). As always, fit is absolutely key. If your suit doesn’t fit, you’ll look like you’re trying too hard. Tom Ford (left) does it right, as always.
On the other hand, if you’re going to a place where dancing is central, dress up by dressing down. I say this more for practicality rather than for style. Wear jeans, but mix it up by wearing jeans that aren’t blue. A great pair of gray jeans can go a long way. Slim chinos, like those by Mason’s (available at Barney’s New York and Douglas Fir), are also a great alternative. In Milan, you will see men wearing navy chinos instead of jeans.
Also, don’t be afraid to wear a blazer (roll up the sleeves to casualize it); again, just don’t wear a formal, structured blazer over a button down shirt and blue jeans. The trend of the moment is a horizontally striped crewneck tee. The gentleman in the gray jacket (right) has the right idea.
Last tip? Tuck in your shirt.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a club? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Tom Ford Photo (left) and Gentleman in Gray Jacket (right), both by Men.Style.com.
4 comments April 16th, 2008
Striped Riviera Cardigan
Stroll down the streets of the South of France with this chic cardigan.
$26 (approx) at Twelve by Twelve.
April 16th, 2008
Shopping Guide: The Best 5 Pieces from Go International for Target
Target’s latest set of Go International styles may not have been created by a name-brand designer, but the company’s self-designed collection features a nice variety of cheerful, wearable looks for Spring. We’re loving the bright colors and easy-to-wear shapes in particular. Read on for our five favorite pieces (all under $40!) from Target’s latest Go International line:
Go International High Collar Short-Sleeve Shirt with Ruffled Front | $26.99 at Target
You won’t find another shirt under $30 that matches the style and elegance of this ruffled blouse. Isn’t the color gorgeous?
Go International Tank Tunic Dress in Safety Yellow | $22.99 at Target
Pair this bright yellow tank dress with a cobalt blue scarf for a look that positively radiates!
Go International Abstract Stripe Mod Dress | $39.99 at Target
Longtime Omiru readers know that we can’t get enough of dresses with pockets, and this tank dress doesn’t disappoint. Bonus? The wide straps are a fresh alternative to the oh-so-common spaghetti straps.
Go International One-Shoulder Jersey Dress | $34.99 at Target
This one-shoulder knit tank dress features a simply gorgeous shade of blue–and a beautiful drape.
Go International Ruffled Neck Long Sleeve Top | $22.99 at Target
Replace your everyday tee with this chic orange scoopneck tee. Extra style points for the ruffled collar.
5 comments April 15th, 2008
Bright Yellow Belted Shorts
If you dare to wear short shorts, we highly recommend these bright yellow belted shorts. Guaranteed to turn heads.
$49 (approx) at Topshop.
1 comment April 15th, 2008
You Said: No to Shorts as Eveningwear!
We asked: Would you wear Shorts as Eveningwear?
You said: No to Shorts as Eveningwear. Only 21% would choose to wear it.
Style tip? We have to admit that we’re not really behind this trend either. Our best tip is simply to avoid it. If, however, you do take the plunge…wear something long-sleeved on top in order to balance out the extra skin you’re showing with the shorts.
Next question: Bubble-shaped jackets are making their way from the runway to reality. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear a Bubble Jacket? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Theory Denami Short | $180 at Shopbop.
5 comments April 14th, 2008
Gryson Drawstring Tote Bag
We love the nautical inspired feel of this chic drawstring tote bag, whose oversized capacity can handle all your errands about town.
$49.99 at Target.
April 14th, 2008
Shopping Guide: Prom Dresses 2008
Don’t want to spend a bundle on a dress that you’ll only wear once? Here’s five dresses under $100 that will make you look like a million dollars for prom (or an evening out on the town):
XOXO Pleated Halter Gown | $88.50 (sale) at Macy’s
Head-to-toe metallics aren’t for the faint of heart.
Speechless Pleated O-Ring Gown | $81 (sale) at Macy’s
Turn heads in a dramatic, brightly colored gown.
Speechless Twist-Front Halter Gown | $73.50 (sale) at Macy’s
The halter neckline looks especially smashing on curvy women.
As U Wish Bow Dress | $68 at Nordstrom
The classic a-line shape is accented with an on-trend oversized bow.
Velvet Torch Shantung Bustier Dress | $62 at Nordstrom
The bustier shape best flatters women with a small bust.
7 comments April 11th, 2008
Soaring Seagull Necklace
Chill out with this gorgeous soaring seagull necklace from designer Peggy Li.
$45 at Peggy Li.
April 11th, 2008
Ready Made Outfit: Trenchcoats for Every Occasion
Classic Chic Trenchcoat
Feeling the love for this outfit? Here’s more information about it.
Fashion Formula = Trenchcoat + Brightly Colored Sweater + Top + Knee-Length Skirt + Oversized Sunglasses + Handbag + Boots.
Where to wear it? Wear this modern classic to work. Bonus points for brightening the office with a brightly colored trench.
Elegantly Formal Trenchcoat
Feeling the love for this outfit? Here’s more information about it.
Fashion Formula = Trenchcoat + Dress + Clutch + Jewelry + Heels.
Where to wear it? Date night, whether you’re going to dinner and a movie or a swanky lounge.
Casually Playful Trenchcoat
Feeling the love for this outfit? Here’s more information about it.
Fashion Formula = Brightly Colored Trenchcoat + Colored Top + Jeans + Tote Bag + Flats.
Where to wear it? Out to lunch with the ladies–or even for running errands on a Sunday afternoon.
3 comments April 10th, 2008