Archive for March, 2009
Q: I’m going to London this summer for an internship. I’m aware that London street style is super funky, but I also want to be taken seriously. How do I show my youth and creativity while looking professional and dealing with the weather?
by Traci Tsai
A: Dressing appropriately for work depends a good deal on where you are working. If your internship is at a more serious, buttoned-up large company, I would advise letting your accessories express your youth and creativity. But if you’re working at an agency or a company with a more youthful, casual culture, you can take some more liberties – you’d be surprised at how some people will dress themselves for work!
London style is very bold, so the key is lots of color and prints, and not worrying too much if you match perfectly. Once you have your work basics (e.g. trouser pants, blazer, buttondown shirts), here’s six funky, London-appropriate pieces to build your work wardrobe around:
The Long Tunic/Dress
Silence and Noise Boatneck Tunic | $42 at Urban Outfitters
You can get more mileage out of this piece if you wear it both as a tunic (to work) and as a dress (on weekends). Don’t be afraid of bold colors here.
The Vest
Pinstripe Pocket Vest | $12.50 at Forever 21
A tailored vest is the perfect item to take a more playful look into work-appropriate formal territory. Wear it either open or buttoned-up.
The Cropped Leggings
Cotton Spandex Jersey Placket Legging | $28 at American Apparel
Perfect for layering, cropped leggings can be used to make a too-short skirt appropriate for work. Think of them as the summer equivalent of matte black tights.
The Long Necklace
Mixed Metal Multi Strand Necklace | $16.10 at ASOS
London women own a lot of great accessories, and we’re fans of the colorful wispy neck scarves they wear during the winter. But for summer, long stranded necklaces are a good way to add personality (and a touch of sophistication) to your outfit.
The Flat Shoes
Frye Cameron Skimmer | $115 (sale) at Zappos
Flats are key – we cannot tell you how many friends have moved to London and learned this lesson the hard way on day one. London is a walking town. A comfortable pair of flats is essential. Bonus? Flats are a great way to add extra color to any work outfit.
The Large Handbag
Monserat de Lucca Artacho Satchel | $255 at Bluefly
Carry a large bag for all the possible things you might need in a day. Londoners tend to carry fairly large bags, which are both functional and stylish. A couple of things to keep in your bag:
(1) A Thin Neck Scarf, a great way to add some personal style to a standard work outfit.
(2) An Umbrella is a must. You will be shocked how quickly a beautiful sunny day in London can turn into a stormy, wet mess.
What would you wear to work in London? Share your style with us in the comments!
March 31st, 2009
What’s not to love about linen and it’s rumpled elegance? Wear your linen pants with a relaxed camp shirt for a look that’s at once carefree casual and pulled together.
$44.50 at American Eagle.
March 31st, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Cropped Pants?
You said: Yes to Cropped Pants (barely), with a 53% to 47% vote.
Style tip? We hear you - cropped pants can be difficult to wear, especially if you’re not blessed with extra long legs. That said, we love the breezy, laid-back style of these casual pants. Here’s how to minimize the leg-shortening effect of Cropped Pants: (1) Wear ankle pants instead of styles that hit you at mid-calf, or (2) If you try a mid-calf style, opt for a skinnier leg fit to minimize the visual width of your legs.
Next question: It’s officially Spring, and we’re excited to wear a bunch of Spring brights, including the always-regal Purple. But what do you think? Would you wear Purple? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Skinny Cropped Jeans | $59.50 at Gap.
March 30th, 2009
Now here’s a deal alert if we’ve ever seen one: $4.99 tees at Gap! Stock up on these tees, which work just as well for layering as they do on their own.
$4.99 at Gap.
March 30th, 2009
Q: I am currently in school. Whenever I try a new style, I get strange looks. My friends tell me I look too dressy. How do I look sophisticated and casual while still looking young and fresh?
A: Happy to hear that you’re experimenting with new styles. Trying out new styles, cuts, silhouettes, and colors is the best way to discovering your own personal style–whatever your age. I encourage you to continue your explorations into fashion to continue evolving your look.
Style is less about dressing a particular way, or in a particular type of clothing. The key is to dress to fit your personality - and the situation you’re in. If you’re in school, running from class to class in a cocktail dress or a suit (no matter how sharp you look) probably isn’t appropriate. The trick to dressing sophisticated while keeping the look young is to either (1) Mix sophisticated details and pieces into a casual look, or (2) Create sophisticated combinations with casual pieces.
Tip 1: Mix Sophisticated Details into a Casual Look
A sweatervest, a buttondown shirt, and jeans are standard fare, but the oversized buttons on the vest and the delicate tuxedo pleating on the buttondown shirt turn it into something special. Notice the sophisticated woven bag–not your average book bag.
Tip 2: Create Sophisticated Combinations with Casual Pieces
The striped boatneck shirt, the bomber jacket, and jeans are all casual items. But put them together, and you have an outfit that’s at once Euro chic sophisticated and completely youthful.
Have a great tip about how to achieve youthful sophistication? Share it with us in the comments!
March 27th, 2009
If it’s not yet warm enough to wear your pretty Spring tops, go ahead and pop on a sharp looking hoodie. American Eagle has just the one for you.
$44.50 at American Eagle.
March 27th, 2009
Mark the beginning of Spring at the office with a bold, bright blouse. You can keep your brights office friendly, even in conservative work environments, by pairing them with quiet, neutralizing colors. Here’s how to wear bright colors without having your clothes speak too loud:
1. Start with a basic trouser pant, and add a boldly colored blouse for contrast.
2. Cover up bare arms with a lightweight cardigan in a neutral color. Light grey is the perfect accompaniment to the springy green.
3. Button up with a fitted trench; it’ll keep your look perfectly tailored for the office.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of medium heels (to keep your legs looking long and lean in those trouser pants) and a basic work bag slung over your shoulder.
How do you wear bright colors at the office? Share your style with us in the comments!
March 26th, 2009
You said Yes to Pretty Florals last week. If you want to start wearing flowers without donning a printed dress, why not start with a brooch? We’re digging this gorgeous shade of mauve.
$10.99 at Ruche.
March 26th, 2009
We’re thrilled to introduce Omiru’s first-ever menswear capsule wardrobe, arriving just in time for Spring/Summer 2009. Just like our womenswear foundation wardrobes, our menswear capsule wardrobe was carefully edited with versatility in mind. From the classic white shirt to the shawl collar sweater to the grey jeans, these are trend-proof pieces that stand the test of time. They’re also worth the investment, so feel free to splurge on quality versions if you can.
Presenting Omiru’s Menswear Spring Summer Capsule Wardrobe:
The Classic White Shirt: The simple white button down can take you to work as easily as it can accompany you on a date. It’s a classic in every sense of the word, and as versatile as any shirt you’ll ever have.
The Gingham Shirt: For those times when a simple solid colored shirt won’t do, try a pattern. Gingham is a classic Spring pattern that somehow always seems fresh.
The Trenchcoat: All leading men own a trench (or two, or three) - so make sure that your wardrobe includes this starring style.
The Two Button Blazer: A perfectly fitted blazer (read: snug fit at the shoulders, and a lean cut through the waistline) bridges a man’s casual and formal wardrobes.
The Striped Shirt: A striped tee is perfect for adding a bit of texture to an otherwise plain outfit.
The Fitted Polo: The preppy fitted polo is a mainstay of a man’s casual wardrobe. And it adds a visual pop to an outfit when worn in a bright color.
The Soft Henley: Casually classy, the henley shirt is at its best when it features a long, lean placket and is constructed from a supersoft fabric.
The Bright T-Shirt: Add a bit of color to your wardrobe with a brightly colored tee - equally right for layering or just wearing it on its own.
The Shawl Collar Sweater: The shawl collar adds a tailored touch to the otherwise plain cardigan sweater.
The Striped Cardigan: For those days when you want to add a bit of punch to your outfit, pull out a sweater with a bold pattern.
The Pullover Sweater: The versatile v-neck pullover sweater pairs well over button-down shirts and fits nicely under jackets.
The Casual Hoodie: A nice casual alternative to a blazer or structured sweater, the hoodie is a staple of weekend wear.
The Dark Rinse Jeans: Probably the most versatile piece of clothing you’ll ever own. Enough said.
The Grey Jeans: They’re less common than dark rinse jeans, but they give you more style points.
The Trouser Pants: A workwear staple, but you can also make them work double duty for weekend wear with the right pieces.
The Knee Length Shorts: Solid colored knee length shorts are as classic as they are versatile. But if you’re looking for something with a little more Pop, a patterned pair.
Last thoughts? We don’t mean for our picks to be a straight shopping list; rather we intend for them to inform your own choices so that your wardrobe has your own personal stamp. (In fact, not all of these pieces are currently available to buy.) We encourage you to use this capsule wardrobe as a guide, but choose the pieces that work for your personal architecture, your age, and your lifestyle.
Let the inspiration begin!
Trisha and the Omiru Team
March 25th, 2009
Be the very picture of WASPy elegance in one single pleated bottom dress that actually looks like three pieces: a cuffed button-down, a sweet cardigan, and a fresh white pleated skirt.
$36 at Twelve by Twelve.
March 25th, 2009
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