Archive for January, 2010
It’s a new year, and accordingly, it’s time for a fresh look at fashion. In the spirit of all that is fresh and new, we’re welcoming 2010 by rebuilding our closets from the foundations on up. But foundations can get dull without the sparkle and spice of seasonal fashion trends. What do you need to add to your wardrobe this month? Bright colors, ruffles, sequins and shine, florals, cutouts, and military influences. Here’s what to wear for January 2010:
1. Silence & Noise Sequin Cardigan | $68 at Urban Outfitters
2. AE Cropped Denim Jacket | $49.50 at American Eagle
3. Soleil Paisley Silk Tunic | $88 at J Crew
4. Confidante Silk Romper | $34.80 at Forever 21
5. Fingerless Leather Gloves | $32 at Topshop
6. We Who See Fringe Boot | $78 at Urban Outfitters
7. Paint Print Cardigan | $24.80 at Forever 21
8. Dolce Vita Jordan Pant | $158 at Urban Outfitters
9. Floral Printed Full Skirt | $58 at Urban Outfitters
10. Max C London Slouchy Bow Bag | $47.59 at ASOS
11. Shirred Sleeve Boyfriend Blazer | $34.80 at Forever 21
12. Sweeping Ruffles Shirt | $98 at J Crew
13. Ecote Cutout Mineralized Tee | $32 at Urban Outfitters
January 26th, 2010
Strolling down the streets of Paris, I spotted a woman whose style perfectly embodied the playful relationship the French have with fashion and gender roles (recall Yves Saint Laurent’s le smoking - a tuxedo suit designed for women). Mixing a tough moto jacket and buckled boots with a prim blouse and full skirt, she had outfitted herself in a blend of soft and hard, masculine and feminine that’s quintessentially French. What made this outfit work? The blend of textures and styles, her impeccable accessories, and her attitude.
Zippered Snap Moto Jacket | $32.80 at Forever 21
Parisienne Sailor Blouse | $55 at Topshop
Rosette Dotted Skirt | $29 at Twelve by Twelve
Cobweb Snood | $32 at Topshop
Washed Leather Conical Stud Shoulder Bag | $135.98 at ASOS
ASIA Leather Lace Up Ankle Boot | $110.48 at ASOS
January 20th, 2010
After all of the exotic heels of the last few seasons, we’re pleased to see the return of a classic shoe, the brogue. Also known as oxfords, brogues are a quintessential piece in mens’ shoe closets. But brogues aren’t just for men. Women are embracing this menswear classic, pairing them with anything from cuffed jeans to tights and dresses. Regardless of what you wear your brogues with, the key to getting the look right is to counterbalance the masculine influence of brogues with a feminine silhouette or details. Here’s our seven favorite pairs of brilliant brogues:
1. Etienne Aigner Ravine | $78.95 at Zappos
2. Steve by Steve Madden Melin Oxford | $98.95 at Nordstrom
3. Steve Madden Harah Oxford | $79.95 at Nordstrom
4. Steve Madden Tuxxedo Brogues | $69.90 at Zappos
5. Deena & Ozzy Wingtip Oxford | $58 at Urban Outfitters
6. Brodie Leather Ankle Boots | $325 at J Crew
7. Elsbeth Leather Oxfords | $225 at J Crew
How would you wear brogues? Share your style with us in the comments!
January 13th, 2010
Photo Credit: tibchris
Hi everyone,
The holiday season may be over, but the travel schedule continues. For the next two weeks, I’ll working out of London and Paris.
While I’m on the road, expect (fewer) posts on broader trends, especially those inspired by the sophisticated style of these chic capitals.
It’s also quite literally freezing out there, so there’s good news for all of you in chillier climates than my native California - I’m likely to return with even more inventive ideas for looking cool while still staying warm!
Cheers,
Trisha
January 8th, 2010
Pictured: Cropped Tie Waist Shirt | $44 at Topshop, Plait Leather Pencil Skirt | $160 at Topshop, Circle Ring Sequin Vest | $19.80 at Forever 21, Lace Snap Clutch | $15.80 at Forever 21, We Who See Fringe Boot | $78 at Urban Outfitters.
As befits the season, we’re wearing a lot of black these days. But to keep black from being basic, we’re dressing it up with texture. Mixing textures - shine with matte, rough with smooth - allows us to add visual interest to an outfit, while still maintaining a nearly monochromatic look. FWIW, monochromatic dressing helps add visual height - great news for all of us who would like to add a few inches without towering heels. Here’s how to combine three distinctive textures for a look that’s simply chic:
1. Start with a plain white button down and a textured pencil skirt. Note the mix of smooth (shirt) and rough (braided leather on the skirt) with this foundation combination.
2. Add a bit of shine to the look with a sequinned vest - a wonderful foil to the matte foundations of the outfit.
3. Finish off the look with black accessories, as befits the near monochromatic outfit. The lace on the clutch handbag adds a new dimension of texture, while the fringe detail on the lace-up military-style boots adds the final cherry on top.
Unless you’re staying inside, you’ll want to finish off this outfit with a good warm coat. You can try the big over small look with a hip-length puffer - or go classic with a wool (or wool-cashmere blend) topcoat. Either way, keep the silhouette simple.
How would you mix and match textures? Share your style with us in the comments!
This look is part of Omiru’s Winter 2009 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 10-Piece Winter 2009 Wardrobe Expansion Pack.
January 8th, 2010
A good shawl collared cardigan is a closet staple, a fashion foundation. Snap this one up for its double collar detail and its perfect shade of heather grey.
$90 at Topshop.
January 8th, 2010
There’s just something about French women - they’re put together, sexy, and completely cool. Their brand of effortless style - that je ne sais quoi - is a mix of sharp silhouettes, subtle detailing, and killer accessories. But how do you get Parisian cool girl chic right? The key is to pair quality pieces with interesting details. Nothing that screams "look at me," but pieces that grow more fascinating on closer inspection. Case in point? These leather booties, which feature an eye-catching set of hardware. Or this double breasted mohair coat, highlighted with a deeply gorgeous ombre coloring.
1. Lock Leather and Suede Purse | $42.49 at ASOS
2. Kelsey Ruffle Top | $69.50 (sale) at J Crew
3. Chain Trim Boucle Blazer | $34.80 at Forever 21
4. Military Button Front Skirt | $19.80 at Forever 21
5. Ombre Horizon Coat | $595 at J Crew
6. Jeffrey Campbell Class Bootie | $168 at Urban Outfitters
7. Leather Tassle Frame Bag | $110.48 at ASOS
8. Tie Side Harem Trouser | $65 at Topshop
9. Knitted Stripe Lace Jumper | $70 at Topshop
How would you wear Parisian cool girl chic? Share your style with us in the comments!
-Trisha Okubo
January 7th, 2010
Don’t you love the self-belt detail on this sweaterdress? If you’re daring, this mini sweaterdress can function as a dress - but it works just as well, if not better, as a long top. We’d pair it with leggings, a chunky necklace, and flat boots.
$32.80 at Forever 21.
January 7th, 2010
We asked: Would you wear Polka Dots?
You said: Yes to Polka Dots, with a 81% to 19% vote.
Style tip? Polka dots are feeling feminine and fresh this season, from the classic blue and white mini dot pattern to bolder, bigger, and brighter patterns. An easy way to bring these dots into your wardrobe is to add an accessory - an umbrella, handbag, or scarf. (Or keep your love of polka dots private with dotted undergarments.) But if you’re up for a style challenge, why not try two different types of polka dots in the same outfit? If you combine big dots on one piece with small dots on the other, the pair will harmonize without feeling too matchy-matchy.
Next question: Leopard print jackets, scarves, and tops have stalked their way from the runway to the stores. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear leopard print? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Spot Double Breasted Playsuit | $90 at Topshop.
January 5th, 2010
There’s just something about a shirtdress that makes it so alluring - and the silky drape on this dress from Reformed makes it figure flattering to boot. What to wear with it? Pair this dress with tights and boots.
$68 at Urban Outfitters.
January 5th, 2010
