Why do we love this shirt? Let us count the ways…
(1) The versatile plaid fabric goes with all of your summer basics,
(2) Linen is comfortably breathable, and
(3) The fitted shape makes this shirt look sharp.
$39.50 at Gap.
1 comment June 10th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Purple?
You said: Yes! Purple won the hearts of 95% of Omiru readers, while a mere 5% voted against the regal color.
Style tip? Men, we encourage you to give Purple a shot. While purple looks lovely on women’s dresses and blouses, it also looks wonderful on men’s shirts and sweaters. So go on, give Purple a try. The least you can do is try on a purple shirt the next time you’re shopping. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the result.
Next question: Remember making tie-dye shirts as a kid? There’s something sweetly retro about tie-dye. But would you wear it now? Tell us, would you wear Tie-Dye? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Feathers State Line Shirt | $29.99 (sale) at Urban Outfitters.
3 comments June 9th, 2008
We just can’t get enough of purple–and apparently, neither can you. 95% of you voted Yes to Purple last week. We also can’t get enough of the delicate origami folds on this gorgeous blouse.
$49 (approx) at Topshop.
2 comments June 9th, 2008
African prints aren’t the only textile trend hitting stores. Ikat prints, which are woven from relief-dyed threads, are extending the ethnic print style into new dimensions. Presenting Omiru’s seven favorite picks for Ikat prints:
Color Block Tank Dress | $34.50 at Old Navy
Hundreds of dollars worth of style for only $34.50. And isn’t the pattern gorgeous?
Embroidered Ikat Cami | $36 (approx) at Topshop
Pair this ikat camisole with a white pencil skirt for a look that bridges ethnic and elegant.
Boho Ikat Longline Camisole | $49 (approx) at Topshop
Exude breezy chic with this boldly printed camisole.
Our $$ Pick:
Michael Kors Ikat Jacket | $169.50 at Nordstrom
A beautiful color and style. Bonus? It’s available in plus sizes!
Our $$$ Picks:
Milly Ikat Floral Ruffle Halter Dress| $335 at Nordstrom
Go bold with this halter dress with a full-length ikat print.
Vince Women’s Ikat Maxi Printed Dress | $375 at Bloomingdales
We love the elegant U-shape of the neckline and the gorgeous floor length print.
6 comments June 6th, 2008
Have a dozen (or two) sauces you want to taste? Suddenly, trying them out is practical with this organically inspired cell platter. Or just plate your dish a little differently with this unique serving dish.
$58 at MOMA Design Store.
June 6th, 2008
Q: I’m planning a trip to London in the Fall, and I refuse to look like the cliche of an American tourist. My wardrobe will be built around a pair of dark wash trouser jeans. Do you have suggestions for what to take for two weeks? I want to look trendy, but also fit in. 
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: You’re off to a good start with the dark wash denim trouser jeans. They’ll make you look long and lean, and they’re versatile enough to be paired with almost everything.
So as not to look like the "ugly American," I would evoke the look of Clemence Poesy, a French starlet whom you may have seen in recent movies like Harry Potter and In Bruges. If that’s not enough, she’s also the new face of Chloe perfume. So as to affect Clemence’s impeccably French style, keep you clothes simple and clean–but with a twist.
Square Neck Puff Sleeve Top | $14.50 at Old Navy
The square neck and puff sleeve make this French-inspired top even more special.
Rib Knit Snap Henley | $15 (sale) at Old Navy
Add some colorful tees for punches of color.
Tie Front Cardigan | $26.50 at Old Navy
Simple cardigans which are slouchy and in neutral colors would go great with jeans, black pants or a black skirt.
Matty M Gidget Top | $78 at Nordstrom
Pack a great white blouse but one with interesting detail, like this gorgeous Gidget top.
Calvin Klein Belted Crepe Dress | $118 at Nordstrom
A simple but stylish black dress would see you through tea at the Dorset or an evening at the Theatre.
Cashmere Wrap | $68 at Banana Republic
Add a pretty colored scarf to add flair to all of the black and white.
Last style tips? Keep your jewelry simple so you won’t have to worry about it. As for shoes, pack some ballet flats for walking and black boot for a dressier look. Love Clemence’s look? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Clemence’s style your own.
Have a great tip about what to wear in London? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Clemence Poesy, courtesy of Getty Images.
8 comments June 5th, 2008
Fresh and summery, this top is great for those of us with heavy arms. We’re loving the mini-pleats at the neck and hemline, feminine details that offset the navy color.
$29.95 (sale) at American Eagle.
June 5th, 2008
Q: I want to purchase a bespoke suit. I’ve never purchased one before. What should I look out for? I’m willing to pay a huge premium, but only if I will definitely get my money’s worth.
A: One time I was at a fancy restaurant in San Francisco. It was the kind of place where you have to wear a jacket to get in, and if you show up without one, they give you one from their closet. I sat down and looked at the menu, which was pretty much completely inaccessible to anyone who’s not a Michelin-rated chef. Rather than try to decipher it, I asked the waiter as casually as I could, “So how is the steak?â€
“Oh, it’s terrible,†he replied.
Now, he was being sarcastic, but I got the point: whatever I ordered, it was going to be great.
If you pick the right restaurant, you don’t have to know anything about food and can rest assured that you’ll get a good meal. Likewise, if you pick the right tailor, you don’t need to know anything about clothes, and you can rest assured that you’ll get a great suit.
Sure, I could give you a long laundry list of things to look out for. But if you’re going to the right place, I’m certain that the tailor will be doing these things anyways. My one piece of advice would be to know exactly what you want in terms of color, fabric, and style going in. The best tailors don’t give their input; rather, they simply do what you want them to do. Besides, the whole point of bespoke is to make a suit for exactly for you.
If you haven’t gone down the bespoke path before, you likely don’t have a good bespoke tailor you can trust. So do your homework. Search online for user reviews of tailors in your city. The bigger the city you live in, the pickier you can be, of course. When you find a tailor that gets consistently favorable reviews, go visit the tailor and ask to see his/her work. See if the tailor will let you talk to some of his/her customers and ask them about their experience.
Also, a “huge premium†can actually be really huge when talking about bespoke. The Kiton “K50,†aptly named because it takes approximately 50 hours to create, costs $30,000 to $50,000, and is made exclusively by Kiton’s chief tailor who personally measures and fits the client. If you already knew this and still are willing to pay this kind of premium, try Wilkes Bashford in San Francisco, which measures bespoke Kiton, or Kiton in New York. If you’re in London, check out Kilgour or any other fine tailor on Saville Row.
Finally, keep in mind that a true bespoke suit isn’t created overnight. A bespoke suit will take you a few visits to create. And a good bespoke tailor will allow you to wear the suit, get it cleaned a few times, and then go back for more tailoring for a perfect fit.
Style Tip 1: For more information on the bespoke process, and what you should expect to do (roughly) with each visit, be sure to read this discussion from Ask Andy About Clothes.
Style tip 2: If that answer didn’t satisfy you, here are five things to look out for:
Have a great tip about how to buy a bespoke suit? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Kiton Bespoke Suit, courtesy of The Sartorialist on men.style.com.
3 comments June 4th, 2008
There’s something that’s just so fresh about a gingham shirt. We’re loving both colorways–the purplish blue and the aqua blue. And at this price, you can get both!
$15 at Old Navy.
June 4th, 2008
You don’t have to spend a fortune to look effortlessly chic this summer. Here’s 8 tops to help you look like a million dollars–each for under $30:
Bohemian
Sleeveless Peasant Top | $22.80 at Forever 21
Breezy bohemian chic, and an empire waistline that works wonders on long-waisted figures.
Casual
Applique Tank | $24.50 at Gap
This summery tank pairs equally well with a pair of casual jeans or a full, white skirt.
Artsy
Striped Floral Tunic | $19.80 at Forever 21
Perfect with a pair of grey jeans, cardigan sweater, and drapey necklaces.
All American
Colorblock Bubble Tunic | $22.80 at Forever 21
Go All American casual with a red, white, and navy blue knit tunic.
Classic with a Twist
Isaac Mizrahi Voile Empire Shirt | $22.99 at Target
A plain cotton shirt is taken to the next level with a rich color and gentle gathers at the bustline.
Feminine
Isaac Mizrahi Spotted Shirred Tunic | $24.99 at Target
Sweet and summery, this tunic is perfect for the upcoming warm days and balmy nights.
Professional
Sleeveless Tie Neck Shirt | $24.50 at Old Navy
Beat the heat with a fitted sleeveless top, complete with tie-neck sash and a keyhole neckline.
3 comments June 3rd, 2008
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