Archive for December, 2008
Hi everyone,
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and (in a few short days) Happy New Year.
Thanks to wonderful readers like you, 2008 was a great year. Over and over, we heard stories about how you grew more confident with your fashion choices. How you tried on new styles (and new colors) that you didn’t think would work—but did! How your evolving sense of style is changing your life for the better.
Every time we hear one of these stories, it affirms what we’re doing here at Omiru. So–thank you for sharing, and keep the stories coming!
2008 also welcomed a lot of new faces to the Omiru community, in part thanks to nods from Time Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. (On a related note, thanks for your continued support through some of these growing pains. We’ve had more outages lately, and we just completed a software upgrade this morning to address this–and speed up the load time of our pages. We’re also looking to make some more back end tweaks to make Omiru even better for 2009 and beyond.)
What’s next? We’re taking a short vacation, returning bright and early (and full of fresh style inspiration) on Monday, January 5.
In the meantime, we want to know what’s on your mind for 2009. As for us, we’re looking to (1) discover new designers and stores to share with you, (2) try on even more new trends, styles, and colors (so we can share what works and what doesn’t), and (3) make it easier for you to find the style information you’re looking for on Omiru.
Have any New Year’s Resolutions to share?
Cheers,
Trisha and the Omiru Team
December 25th, 2008
So, it’s official: we’re in a recession. But the silver lining is that the poor economy is chasing out some of the best deals we’ve seen in years. Here’s seven pieces that will allow you to keep stylish and save money at the same time:
Flannel-lined chino | Was $85, select colors now $49.99 at J. Crew.
Every winter, J. Crew comes out with these flannel-lined chinos, allowing men to stay warm and stay stylish at the same time. If you live somewhere cold, these are pretty much mandatory, whether or not they’re on sale.
Barbour Putney Jacket | Was $250, now $129 at Barneys.
Simple and understated, a Barbour jacket is a staple of the traditional man’s wardrobe. Don’t miss the chance to get it at nearly half the price.
Garment Dyed Reverse Seam | Was $178, now $148 at Steven Alan.
Steven Alan has quickly become my default for casual wear. Their dress shirts are the only ones I’ve seen that look better wrinkled than ironed. As a result, Steven Alan has that kind of “I don’t care, but I still look good†vibe to all their shirts—the epitome of American style. Plus, they’re a cinch to pack: literally throw them in your suitcase and then pull them out, wrinkled and ready to wear.
Cotton Shirting Tie | Was $55, now $29 at Steven Alan.
Also from Steven Alan, this plaid tie is more fashionable than stylish. But fear not, the plaid trend will last past this season. At 2.5†wide, this plaid tie is fine for the office or a night out on the town.
Want more? Check out these ties (all were $62 each, now $39 apiece), also from Steven Alan.
Biker Jacket | Was $310, now $155 at Oak.
This biker jacket is from Oak, so it’s no surprise that it’s a bit edgier and more urban than most things in your closet. Traditionally, biker jackets are in leather, but hey, we’re in a recession right now. Also note the white leopard lining detail. Eccentric lining is one of those things that drives true Sartorialists crazy; they love it when these kind of details are known only to the wearer.
Plaid Belt | Was $120, now $60 at A.P.C.
For the most part, plaid is best as a layering piece or a detail. Either way, its best served in moderate doses. This belt is great, but how long you’re willing to wear plaid when its no longer in style is up to you.
Double Layer Waffle Henley | Was $49.50, now $19.95 at Martin + Osa.
If I had my way, henleys would replace t-shirts as the standard casual guy shirt. That is, except for the simple white t-shirt. Nothing beats a simple white T.
UPDATE (12/24): Ok, now I know what you’re thinking: "148 down from 178 may be 17% off, but it’s still not that cheap." You’ve got a point. As Warren Buffet says, "it doesn’t matter if you’re 300 or 325 pounds; you’re still fat!" (it has something to do with investing, I swear).
Enter New York’s Housing Works Thift Shops, a chain of secondhand stores of which profits benefit people with HIV and AIDS. Steven Alan has donated more than 1,000 items from his line and his stock, which is discounted as much as 70%. The items go on sale on December 27th at 11am, and you can be sure that the store will be packed with thrifty sartorialists, so get there early.
Housing Works, at 143 W. 17th St. New York, (212) 366-0820, housingworks.org.
December 24th, 2008
If you haven’t already, do stop by the J Crew end of season sale. We dug up some great deals, including this lovely ruffled blouse that’s over 75% off (original $88).
$19.99 (sale) at J Crew.
December 24th, 2008
Whether or not you’re traveling this December, you can look the part of a euro chic jet setter. We’re partial to the polished yet insouciant look of Parisian women. Here’s how to look perfectly Parisian this winter:
1. Start with a pair of military style cargo pants. A brooding brownish olive green is ideal to capture the look.
2. Toss on a warm horizontal striped sweater. If you’re in a super cold climate, don’t forget your layering shirt underneath.
3. Layer on an elegant cape–as essential for warmth as it is for drama.
4. Accessorize with a brightly colored scarf, a pair of boots, and a perfectly polished handbag.
How would you wear this perfectly Parisian look? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 23rd, 2008
Go retro with this light colored flower applique cardigan. Pairs perfectly with a high-waisted tweed skirt and Mary Jane style heels.
$32 at Twelve by Twelve.
December 23rd, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Lace?
You said: Yes to Lace, with an overwhelming 77% to 23% vote.
Style tip? No matter what your personal style, there’s a lace for you. If your style is flirty and feminine, try a light colored lace blouse or skirt paired with other light, bright colors. If your style has a harder edge, try a dark colored lace paired with tougher fabrics.
Next question: Shawl Collar Sweaters are all over the place–for both men and women. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear a Shawl Collar Sweater? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Lace Skirt | $65.99 (sale) at Banana Republic.
December 22nd, 2008
Be prepared. All eyes will be on you as you walk into a party in this sequined racerback dress.
$49.50 at Old Navy.
December 22nd, 2008
As much as we love bright colors, sometimes the chicest outfits are constructed from black and white. Here’s how to combine black and white for a look that’s anything but boring:
1. Start with a plain white button down shirt. Extra style points for special details, such as tuxedo pleating or french cuffs.
2. Pair the plain white button down with a pair of dark rinse jeans. Dark blue jeans are classic, but grey jeans are also a chic choice.
3. Slip on the visual centerpiece of the outfit: a swing jacket in oversized black and white buffalo plaid.
4. Accessorize! For warmth, a pair of cashmere gloves. For style, a bow-tie necklace, a top-handle black and white handbag, and a pair of shiny black booties.
How would you wear black and white? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 19th, 2008
Attention! Go military chic with this shrunken knit blazer. Now if only actual uniforms featured this jacket’s oversized collar and button sleeve plackets…
$54 at Urban Outfitters.
December 19th, 2008
Plaid may be a classic, but it’s also particularly relevant this season. From buffalo to tartan, black & white to red (even yellow), there’s a plaid for everyone. It works for all body types, and you see great pieces at all price points. Here’s seven of our favorite plaid pieces, each (well) under $100.
Buffalo Plaid Short Skirt | $17.80 at Forever 21
Dark Plaid Strapless Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Utah Plaid Scarf | $28 at Urban Outfitters
Kimchi Blue Plaid Ruffle Neck Blouse | $34.99 at Urban Outfitters
Bow Back Tartan Skirt | $45 (approx) at Topshop
byCORPUS Pocket Work Shirt | $49.99 at Urban Outfitters
Plaid Belted Coat | $89.99 at Gap
December 18th, 2008
Previous Posts
