Archive for March, 2010
It’s no secret that the easiest way to update your look is with aptly chosen accessories. Even if you haven’t gotten around to picking up your chambray shirt or splurging on a utility jacket, you can still grab some "quick wins" with our five classically cool accessory picks: the statement tie, the quality moccasin, the canvas tote, the spring snood, and the aviator sunglasses. So don’t wait - step up your style for spring with these five must-have accessories.
1. Cotton Madras Tie | $59.50 at J Press
2. Grizzly Moccasin | $249.99 at Quoddy
3. Want Organic Mirabel Day Roll Bag | $145 at J Crew
4. Grey Jersey Snood Scarf | $24 at Topman
5. Aviator Sunglasses | $5.90 at Forever 21
March 30th, 2010
Canvas is sturdy, it’s rough and tumble, and in the right form factor, it can be perfectly Spring. We’re loving the cutouts on this gorgeous sandal - the perfect foil to the gamine-esque oxford.
$38 at Urban Outfitters.
March 29th, 2010
We asked: Would you wear Liberty Prints?
You said: Yes to Liberty Prints, with a 62% to 38% vote.
Style tip? Liberty Prints, the effervescent prints popularized by Liberty of London, are extending far past the British Isles this season. These garden party florals make a statement, so make sure that they’re the centerpiece of your outfit. Wear them on classic shapes and simple silhouettes, and unless you’re feeling daring, pair them with solids instead of other patterns. Where to buy Liberty Prints stateside? Look no further than cheap chic emporium Target for their Liberty of London collection.
Next question: Neon Brights lit up the Spring 2010 runways. Eye-catching and energizing, they could just be the antidote to Spring’s pastel peaches and pinks. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear neon brights? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Liberty of London Billboard Bag (Preorder, avail 9/5/10) | $29.99 at Target.
March 28th, 2010
After months of hard edges, military boots, and black, black, and more black, we have frothy, light as air pastels for spring. So now that the air is warming up, you can easily trade in your rocker chic blacks for something a bit more feminine. These springy peaches and pinks come with pretty embellishments - sequins, pleats, ruffles, and gorgeous draping. But if you’re not ready to give up the hard edge completely, you can always combine the best of both worlds with a studded peach handbag.
1. Sequined Starland Tank | $138 at J Crew
2. Flounce Flower Cardigan | $22.80 at Forever 21
3. Spot Frill Front Vest | $55 at Topshop
4. Raw Edge Tier Skirt | $24.80 at Forever 21
5. Leather Weave Stud Detail Duffle Bag | $128.21 at ASOS
6. Laporte Drape Blouse | $110 at J Crew
7. Pleat Tapered Trousers | $70 at Topshop
March 25th, 2010
Style doesn’t have to take itself too seriously - the message behind this tote bag graphic tote bag, in which art imitates life. Feels very meta, in a cheekily clever way.
$9.80 at Forever 21.
March 24th, 2010
Pictured, clockwise from top left: White and Red Slim Tartan Tie | $20 at Topman, Blue Liberty Print Slim Tie | $32 at Topman, Black Acid Wash Check Slim Tie | $20 at Topman, Purple Reversible Slim Tie | $20 at Topman. See Topman’s entire collection of ties here.
The foundation of a tie wardrobe is composed of solids and stripes in neutral colors. You probably already have your striped repp, your narrow black, and your perfect-shade-of-grey. But do you have ties that make a statement? Cross over into statement tie territory with a selection of ties that add a bit of spark to your wardrobe - but not in a crazy kind of way.
How do you wear a statement tie? Three practical tips:
(1) In order to make a statement without going overboard, choose a fun color or an interesting pattern - not both at the same time. Make your statement with a bold color, like the regal purple tie pictured bottom left. Or add visual interest via a special pattern, like the kitschy liberty print pictured top right.
(2) So that your statement tie takes center stage, pair your tie with a blank canvas. The plain white button-down is a clear winner, but depending on the color of your tie, you can also try a solid colored button-down in a complementary color. The liberty print tie, pictured top right, would look lovely against a pale blue button-down shirt.
(3) Keep the rest of your outfit simple - flat front trousers and a pair of brogues will do the trick.
How would you wear a statement tie? Share your style with us in the comments.
March 24th, 2010
We asked: Would you wear the Parka?
You said: Yes to Parkas, with a 59% to 41% vote.
Style tip? Thanks to this season’s emphasis on utilitarian fashion, parkas stand front and center on the outerwear trend lineup. The beauty of the parka is its versatility. For a gamine look, you can pair your parka with a sailor tee and trouser pants. For a sophisticated-yet-feminine look, slip on a sundress and finish it off with a parka jacket (especially this cinched number from J Crew). Or even pair your parka with an oversized top, leggings, and ankle boots.
Next question: Liberty Prints, the small, garden-party-esque florals popularized by London’s Liberty & Co., are finding their way across the Atlantic this season, with collaborations with Nike, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and even Target. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear Liberty Prints? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Caprice Jacket | $138 at J Crew.
March 21st, 2010
Poketo Suit Totes
Who says that art isn’t wearable? LA-based design studio Poketo is bringing art into the everyday with innovative, limited-edition accessories and lifestyle goods, like the recycled suit totes pictured above. Find out more about how Poketo was founded (including the story behind the brand’s name), what’s up next for Poketo, and how founders Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung kick back in their free time.
Describe Poketo, Twitter style.
Poketo is an LA-based design studio that creates limited edition artist-lifestyle goods based on the idea of "art for your everyday."
When was Poketo founded?
Poketo was founded by us, Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, in 2003.
What’s the story behind the launch?
As a part of the San Francisco art community I (Ted) was a filmmaker and Angie, was a graphic designer. We were always curating shows for artist friends. The shows were a lot of fun and brought tons of people together. But we noticed a problem. No one could afford to buy the art displayed. For this reason, we came up with an affordable solution to satisfy everyone’s art lust. Poketo, pronounced "poh-keh-toe" got its name through Angie’s grandmother’s mispronunciation of the word, "pocket." And the name stuck. We created limited-edition artist wallets that were accessible and well designed so that no one would be without a piece of art of their own. Wallets were the perfect items to make. Not only were they extremely functional, but they were carried around and exposed to the public everyday. Having a Poketo wallet was like having a traveling art show with you at all times, and it still is today. The first run of wallets were very successful and sold out immediately. So Poketo made more and more. Each time discovering new artists and creating new products until Poketo evolved into what it is today, an innovator in artist-designed lifestyle wares.
Since our company was founded in 2003, Poketo has had the most amazing opportunities, collaborating with not only international artists, but also with companies like Nike, and major art institutions including the SF MoMA and De Young Museum. We’ve also had the rewarding experience of working with musicians that we’ve been loyal fans of including Arcade Fire, The Shins, Weezer, The Postal Service, and the Coachella Music Festival, as well as as a benefit fundraiser for non-profit institutions as 826LA and 826 National, founded by the writer Dave Eggers. Everyone who appreciates beautiful art should have the right to incorporate it into their lives through affordable design. With this conviction, Poketo is continuously invigorated to develop ways of making art accessible to all!
Complete the following sentences:
Spring 2010 fashion is about…
Having fun! Vibrant colors! Sunshine! Being green!
Fall 2010 fashion is about…
Being cozy and warm, experimental, being green!
Where can Omiru readers buy Poketo?
Visit our online store at www.poketo.com.
Fun Fact about Poketo?
We do a mean Karaoke set and are huge foodies!
Last words?
Around Earth Day in April, be on the look out for our newest line of 100% recycled line of bags made from street banners, used leather jackets, couches, and donated clothing! As the need for ‘green’ becomes a long-lasting trend in everyday living, Poketo is doing its part with these one-of-a-kind artist-designed bags where proceeds go back into the community towards environmental protection, and aiding those in need both domestically and abroad.
We are super stoked to have repurposed something that is both high in quality and part of a larger social mission to make the world a greener, friendlier place to live.
March 19th, 2010
We have to admit that we have a bit of a crush on Jimmy Choo’s crocodile embossed rainboots from renowned British bootmaker Hunter. So decadent, and yet so wearable. But the $395 price tag has always felt a bit steep. What to do? Urban Outfitters now has a lovely croc textured rainboot for a tenth of the price. Snap up these chic rainboots - sizes are going fast!
$38 at Urban Outfitters.
March 17th, 2010
Days are getting longer (thanks, Daylight Savings Time), the air is getting warmer, and we’re eagerly anticipating Spring. While the weather may not be Spring-tastic in all areas of the country yet, it’s definitely time to start - or continue - your Spring wardrobe update. What do we recommend that you add to your Spring 2010 wardrobe? Patterned shirts, a denim utility shirt, a light cotton jacket, pieces with military influence, and because the weather can still be chilly, a cable knit sweater jacket. But don’t forget your accessories - update with a pair of old school grey sneakers, driving mocs, a canvas weekend tote, and a dandy-inspired fedora.
1. Nailhead Oxford Utility Shirt | $98 at J Crew
2. Cotton Utility Jacket | $130 at Banana Republic
3. White and Red Check Shirt | $50 at Topman
4. Cotton Cable Harpoon Sweater Jacket | $198 at J Crew
5. Casual Bomber Jacket | $98.50 at Banana Republic
6. AE Leather Driving Moc | $49.50 at American Eagle
7. Packable Striped Fedora | $13.90 at Heritage 1981
8. Wool Check D.R. Tote | $147.50 (sale) at Jack Spade
9. AE Old School Sneaker | $24.95 (sale) at American Eagle
Guys, what will you be wearing this March? Share your style with us in the comments!
March 16th, 2010
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