Archive for June, 2008
We asked: Would you carry Giant Clutch Handbags?
You said: The majority, 65%, said No to Giant Clutch Handbags.
Style tip? You’re right–it does look ridiculous to carry a clutch handbag that rivals the size of your daytime satchel. So–leave the extra stuff in your handbag at home, and carry a normal sized clutch instead. We’re loving wristlet handbags for their practicality–and their inherent delicacy.
Next question: White is a fresh, summery color–and it’s all over the runways (and the racks at the store). But it’s also hard to wear. Not only does it visually enlarge you, but it also stains all to easily. Tell us, would you wear The Color White? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Hobo International ‘Kate’ Bangle Wristlet | $78 at Nordstrom.
June 23rd, 2008
Breezy and delicate, this sash-waist tunic dress truly embodies the spirit of summer. This drop-waist style is great for short-waisted women.
$58 at Gap.
June 23rd, 2008
Here at Omiru, we ask why you would spend $500 when you can spend $50 (or less) on great looking clothes. But how do you build a wardrobe of budget pieces that actually look expensive? Here’s what to look for in cheap chic clothes that can (almost) double for designer pieces:
Fit
The most important thing for an item of clothing to appear expensive is correct fit. In fact, without correct fit, even the most expensive item of clothing (even that perfectly made designer shirt) will look cheap. So don’t compromise when trying on clothes in the dressing room. If that dress shirt fits just okay–but it doesn’t fit perfectly–leave it in the dressing room. Trust us–you’ll thank us later when you have a closetful of clothes that fit you to a T. Fit truly makes the difference.
Pictured: Issac Mizrahi Taffeta Couture Dress | $49.99 at Target
Color
The trick with color is realizing that some colors are available at all price points, and some colors are mainly seen at higher price points. Basic black, white, beige, and even navy can be found at all levels, from budget to couture. But some colors–such as that gorgeous shade between peach and rose pink or that deep jewel toned blue aquamarine–tend to be more common at higher price points. Sure, colors like them are seen at lower price points, but the hue is often a bit off. But occasionally, you’ll find these gorgeous colors at budget price points. Snap em up–they’re instant chic.
Pictured: Subversive Silk Crystal Beaded Necklace | $59.99 at Target
Pattern
Have you ever noticed that some patterns look expensive, while other patterns look cheap? I look for clean shapes, and patterns that are classic-yet-quirky. Stripes, for example, can be a cheap looking, boring, vanilla pattern. But get the right stripes–perhaps in an interesting color palette, or maybe in varying widths–and suddenly they look like they belong on the runway.
Pictured: Jessica Stripe Skirt Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Details
The beauty of clothes is largely in the details, as they give garments that extra special touch. A plain vanilla shirt, for instance, can be taken to a whole new level with special details like tiny pleating, shirring, or even something like topstitching. So when you’re shopping budget lines, look for special detailing. You’d be surprised how often you can find designer-type detailing on low priced lines.
Pictured: Boy Meets Girl Dress | $39 at Twelve by Twelve
Have a great tip about how to buy affordable clothes that look expensive? Share it with us in the comments!
June 20th, 2008
Channel the breezy, laid-back vibe of the 1970s with this retro stripe knit dress. Perfect for a summer barbeque party–or just lounging around.
$22.80 at Forever 21.
June 20th, 2008
What’s not to love about dresses? They’re gorgeous–and they’re super simple to wear. Add a pair of shoes and a handbag, and you’re instantly fabulous. We’ve been getting a lot of requests for more plus size (or regular size, if you will) fashion on Omiru. So here goes–presenting Omiru’s favorite plus size summer dresses:
Flutter-Sleeve Wrap Dress | $39.50 at Old NavyThis wrap dress will show off your curves–and the short sleeves and shirring at the waistline will help flatter your figure.
Charter Club Printed Shirtdress | $75 at Macys
This chic all-over print is a perfect match for this structured shirtdress.
Multicolor Zig Zag Stripe Dress | $88 at Avenue
Isn’t this purple zig zag pattern simply mesmerizing?
INC International Concepts® Woman Floral-Print Belted Dress | $89.25 (sale) at Macys
Go bold with this black and white graphic print dress.
Silk Poppy Dress | $147 (approx) at Evans
These pink and orange poppies are truly florals done right.
Rachel Pally White Label Print Caftan Dress | $248 at Nordstrom
An oversized print and a deep v neckline make this dress worth a look.
June 19th, 2008
Ride the flat sandals trend with these gold Thea sandals–as cheap as they are chic. These versatile sandals will work with neutrals or colors, prints or solids, and casual or formal outfits.
$14.99 at Target.
June 19th, 2008
Khakis and a button down shirt don’t have to make you look like an extra in Office Space. You can make the classic khakis and a button down combo chic–here’s how:
Fit: By far, the most important piece of the puzzle is Fit. You can make a plain white button down shirt from the Gap look like a million dollars–if it fits you to a T. But if your shirt doesn’t fit you quite right, it’s going to look cheap, even if you paid a small fortune for a designer brand.
For button down shirts, look at how the shirt fits at the shoulder. Most everything about your shirt (sleeve, waist, etc) can be tailored to fit you, but the shoulder is the one place where you can’t alter the shirt. We recommend that the shoulder seam (the line of the shirt that connects the body of the shirt to the sleeve) should rest in the little gap between that little bump at the end of your collarbone and your arm. For more information on fit, read John’s tips on how to fit a button down shirt.
Color: Sure, you could go with a standard blue or white shirt, but why not find a shirt whose color suits you? Be bold and try a different shade. Try navy instead of traditional medium blue. Reach for a royal purple shirt. Or be really bold and try a salmon colored shirt. Remember, getting dressed should be fun–make it that way with a shirt that’s completely you.
Shoes: Finish off the outfit with a great pair of shoes. Skip the sneakers, and opt for a slip-on style in leather or suede. Slip-on styles are inherently more casual than lace-up styles, and they fit the relaxed feel of the khakis and button down combo.
Have a great tip about how to wear khakis and a button down? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 18th, 2008
This kimono top is uber-flattering for real sized women. Not only does it feature a flattering v-neckline, but it also has smocking at the (empire) waist and flared kimono sleeves. Snaps for Old Navy!
$29.50 at Old Navy.
June 18th, 2008
Sure, you didn’t care too much for Tie Dye. But that doesn’t mean that you’re not into ombre, a dyeing technique that’s about the graduation of color from light into dark. Here’s Omiru’s top picks for ombre items to spice up your wardrobe–and your home:
Our $ Picks:
Sophie Ombre Scarf | $7.80 at Forever 21Add a dash of purple to your wardrobe with this cool ombre scarf.
Ombre Racerback Tank | $7.80 at Forever 21
This purple grey ombre tank will pair well with dark rinse jeans.
Cool Ombre Tumblers - Set of 12 |$24.99 at Target
Break these ombre tumblers out at your next garden party–or summer BBQ.
Our $$ Pick:
Ombre 16 Piece Dinnerware Set | $59.99 at Target
Make every meal an occasion with this ombre dinnerware set.
Our $$$ Picks:
ADAM Ombre Deep V Ruffle Dress | $445 at Shopbop
We love how the deep v-neckline and the ruffles on this ombre dress flatter women with a small bust.
LAMB Ombre Patent Manchester Bag | $495 at Shopbop
Yum! Isn’t this ombre patent leather bag simply delicious? We’re loving the deep red and purple colors.
June 17th, 2008
Designer Jill Bliss crafted this gorgeous notebook to reflect the currents of the sea. The perfect home for your dearest thoughts and dreams for the future.
$11 at Blissen.
June 17th, 2008
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