Posts filed under 'Women’s'

Your Help Needed: How to Dress an Hourglass Figure

Asks Olivia,  "I’m in my twenties, and in the process of losing weight. I’m down to a 12 now, and working on getting a size or two slimmer.  I have an hourglass figure, [but] I really don’t know how to dress for my size!  I feel too old for the mega trendy stuff going on right now, but I feel like a 40 year old soccer mom when I stick with the basics (no offense to 40 year old soccer moms out there). So, can you help me pick out some stuff to wear that will show off my new figure, and will make me look like I’m in my 20s?"

Tell us, what do you think Olivia should wear to show off her hourglass silhouette?  Please leave your advice in the comments of this post.

As usual, the best answer (as chosen by Olivia) by Monday, June 25 gets a treat from Omiru’s goodie closet.

5 comments June 21st, 2007

Q&A: Layering 101 – How to Layer Your Clothes

Q:  I’m going on a cruise to Alaska in early July, and I was wondering what clothes to bring. How should I dress for the changing weather conditions without looking frumpy?

Rialto Boatneck Sweater at J CrewA: 
Alaska tends to be in the 60s and 70s during July, with nighttime temperatures dipping into the 40s and 50s.  To adjust for the changing weather conditions as you travel up to Alaska and back, it’s all about layering.  Your goal is to be comfortable in every situation–instead of wearing (frumpy) too-thick clothing that isn’t as versatile as you’d like.  Here’s six tips that will get you layering your clothes in style:

(1) Start with a body-conscious foundation layer, such as this fitted striped top from J Crew.
(2) Next, place looser-fitting garments over this foundation layer.  Stiffer fabrics that will hold their shape can work nicely here.
(3) For the top layer, either (1) provide a stark contrast to, or (2) echo some of the detailing in the garments below.
(4) Let the inner garments peek out from under the outer garments.
(5) Vary the length of the tops and bottoms to get the full layered effect.
(6) Finish the outfit with standout accessories.

Have any other layering tips?  Share them with us in the comments!

Pictured: J Crew Rialto Boatneck Sweater | $68 at J Crew.

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

5 comments June 19th, 2007

Q&A: How to Choose Wedding Shoes for the Bride

Q: I’m getting married in August.  Would you please recommend some affordable wedding-appropriate shoes?

Kate Spade Lover ShoesA:  Before we launch into our wedding shoe picks, we want to share three footwear tips for the bride to be–and other members of the wedding party, for that matter:

(1) Figure Flattery Still Matters.
For figure flattery, the slingback shoes are going to be better than the ankle-wrap shoes.  The slingback shoes create a longer, leaner leg line.  But then again, the ankle wrap shoes don’t fall off. 

(2)  Break in Your Shoes Early!
I’d recommend wearing them indoors and pacing back and forth on a hard surface, like linoleum, tile, or hardwood floors.  Then when they start to hurt, you can just sit down.  This sounds horrifically boring, but you can multitask.  I’d recommend readng or watching TV while you do this. 
 
(3) Looking to wear these shoes later?  Go Metallic.
Metallic shoes are going to be more versatile than white shoes.  Metallic shoes can be paired with other dresses in the future, so you don’t have to go out and buy more special occasion shoes.

And without further ado, here’s our top four picks for bridal shoes, arranged by increasing price:

(1) Touch Ups Faith | $63.95 at Zappos
(2) Kenneth Cole Reaction ‘Rich n’ Post’ Slingback | $78.95 at Nordstrom
(3) Franco Sarto Leslie in Silver Metallic | $82.95 at Zappos
(4) Kate Spade Lover | $298.95 at Zappos

Pictured: Kate Spade Lover | $298.95 at Zappos.

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

2 comments June 15th, 2007

Q&A: Summer Chic for Women in their 40s

Q:  I’m an attractive 49 year old with a cute figure - I’m 5′3", size 6 and I wondered what you would recommend for casual summer clothes.  Empire waist and loose tops make me look pregnant, and yet walking shorts and polo shirts seem so dull!  Any suggestions on age appropriate attractive outfits?

Featherweight Cotton Peasant Top at J CrewA:  We have four easy-to-wear fashion formulas for you for casual summer days:

(1) Sleeved Shirtdress
(2) Printed Dress
(3) White Blouse + Belt + City Shorts
(4) Cropped Jacket + Knit Top + City Shorts.

Perhaps more importantly, to turn ordinary outfits into ones that are likely to turn heads, it’s all in the details–and the colors you choose.  Instead of a plain polo, for example, try a knit top with delicate pleating–such as this Featherweight Cotton Peasant Top ($42 at J Crew), pictured at left.  Or instead of a regular pair of shorts, try a pair with a rolled cuff–or a pair in a different fabric blend.  We like these Roll Up Shorts from Generra ($196 at Shopbop).

Pictured:
J Crew Featherweight Cotton Peasant Top | $42 at J Crew.

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

2 comments June 14th, 2007

How Melissa Wowed Her Beau After an 8 Hour Train Ride

Susana Monaco Halter Pocket Dress

From Shermie’s wrap dress recommendation to Jennifer’s comprehensive fashion analysis, from KingBob and Hazel’s idea to change at the last minute, to Heather’s layering suggestion, Melissa received a wealth of top-notch style ideas for her train ride

Says Melissa, "All of the answers were extremely helpful.  However, I ended up doing what Hazel suggested.  I wore comfy clothes for the train ride then about 45 minutes before the station I changed into my "wow" dress - a cute little halter dress.  I arrived around 2:00 pm and it was the perfect dress for a late lunch and a drink on a patio.  My beau quite enjoyed the dress commented about it a few times actually."

Congratulations to Hazel, who will be getting a treat from our giveaway closet, and three cheers for the Omiru community for all of your helpful suggestions!

Pictured: Susana Monaco Halter Pocket Dress | $147 at Shopbop.

Style question for the Omiru community?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

1 comment June 14th, 2007

Q&A: How to Wear White Tights

Q:  I have a pair of white tights that I’d really like to wear. How can I wear them without looking overdressed?

Alice + Olivia Deco Short Sleeve Knit DressA:  Because of the current mod influence on fashion, white tights are one of IT legwear trends.  However, white tights are notoriously difficult to wear.  Not only are they extremely easy to get dirty, but they also visually widen your legs. 

The cardinal rules for White tights are as follows:
(1) The look should be modern mod–not hospital nurse.
(2) For the chicest look, echo the white in your tights elsewhere in your outfit.

Beyond that, you have a lot of freedom in constructing an outfit.  For a casual look, you might try a loose, summery white sundress over the white tights.  Added benefit?  The white-on-white combination also will help visually lengthen your body and counteract white’s anti-slimming effects.

The other way we’d recommend introducing the white tights to your wardrobe is to pair them with 60s-inspired shapes.  Or pair the stark whiteness of the tights with bold color on a simple silhouette.  For a black-and-white look that’s anything but blah, try this short sleeved knit dress by Alice + Olivia.

A less-casual look would pair the white tights with a metallic dress, such as this Metallic Kate Dress/Skirt from ThayerFor a more casual look, try pairing the white tights with a white skirt and a bold, bright top.

Pictured:
Alice + Olivia Deco Short Sleeve Knit Dress | $242 at Shopbop.

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

June 12th, 2007

Q&A: The Best Swimsuit to Flatter a Small Bust

Q: I’m 5′2" and have a bust size 32A. What style of swimsuit do you suggest for my size?

Wave Stripe Patterned String Bikini TopA:  Your ideal swimsuit will accentuate the bust you have–and make you look more curvy than you are.  Here’s three things to look for in a swimsuit:

(1)  Styles with a hidden underwire, which will give you extra support.
(2)  Styles with removable padding, which will help maximize the bustline you already have.
(3)  Bikini tops with shaped cups, which will help to create curves.  Tie-front bikini tops, in particular, can be tightened to create the appearance of curves.  Ruching also helps to enhance your bustline.

You’ll want to avoid any swimsuit tops that will diminish your curves–such as bandeau style tops or tube-style swimsuits.

Pictured:
Wave Stripe Patterned String Bikini Top | $42 at J Crew.

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

4 comments June 8th, 2007

Your Help Needed: How to Wow After an 8 Hour Train Ride

Train - Photo Credit: Patrick Fulton

Asks Melissa,  "I am taking an 8 hour train ride, and my beau will be picking me up from the train station.  What should I wear?  If it was just my family or a friend picking me up, I’d wear something fairly casual.  However, as I haven’t seen my beau in a month, I want to wow him when I step off the train.  But because I will be travelling for quite sometime I don’t want to be overdone.  What to do?"

Tell us, what do you think Melissa should wear on her train ride?  Please
leave your advice in the comments of this post. 

Oh, and the best answer (as chosen by Melissa) by Wednesday, June 13 gets a treat from Omiru’s goodie closet!

7 comments June 7th, 2007

Q&A: Where to find Shoes for Wide Feet

Q:  Where I can find low heel or flat pointy black shoes for wide feet? The pair I have is feeling a little tight.

Linea Paolo \'Venezia\' Slingback PumpA:  For current season shoes, Nordstrom is our favorite place to shop.  Even better, they have a special shoe section featuring shoes in wide widths.  Look for the "Wide Width" section under the "More Ways to Shop" header in the side navigation of the shoe department.

Zappos also makes it easy to find wide width shoes.  Here’s where to browse Zappos’ wide width shoe selection.

And here’s three styles of pointy black shoes that are worth a look:

Pictured: Linea Paolo ‘Venezia’ Slingback Pump | $89.95 at Nordstrom

Circa Joan & David ‘Dominico’ Pump | $88.95 at Nordstrom

Linea Paolo ‘Alba’ Flat | $89.95 at Nordstrom

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

2 comments June 1st, 2007

Q&A: What to Wear to an Engineering Interview for Women

Q:  Maybe you should give some suggestions on what female engineers should wear to an interview too.

Linen-Cotton Colette JacketA: 
We recently ran an article advising men what to wear to an engineering interview at a technology startup, and we got a request to give some advice to women engineers.

Like we said in the men’s article, the ideal interview outfit blends the professionalism required of a job interview with the casual spirit of a tech startup.

Here’s three foolproof interview outfits:

(1)  Button-down Shirt + Dark Rinse Jeans.
The women’s version of the men’s foolproof outfit.

(2)  Cardigan Twinset + High Waist Trousers.
On-trend trousers paired with a business casual classic.

(3) Cropped Jacket + Knit Shirt + Dark Rinse Jeans.
Mix it up with a standout structured jacket (like the one pictured at left) and the most formal of jeans.

Finish off each outfit with a structured handbag and a pair of low heels or flats.

Pictured:
J Crew Linen-Cotton Colette Jacket | $235 at J Crew.

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

3 comments May 31st, 2007

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