You Said: Yes to Short Sleeve Coats

We asked: Would you wear Short Sleeve Coats?

You said:  Yes to Short Sleeve Coats (barely), with a 51% to 49% vote.

Style tip? Sure, the idea of a short sleeved coat may sound a bit unintuitive (after all, isn’t the purpose of a coat to keep you warm?), but short sleeved coats serve their practical purpose.  For a creative layering concept, try a short sleeved coat over a thick knit sweater, topped off with a textured scarf.  Works wonders with a short sleeve jacket, but not nearly as well with a coat with full length sleeves, which would both look and feel like too much bulk.

Next question: Sequins are a festive party embellishment, yet they can be too much shine for some women.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear sequins?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Woven Cropped Coat | $29.90 at Forever 21. 

2 comments November 22nd, 2009

You Said: Yes to Clutch Handbags

We asked: Would you carry Clutch Handbags?

You said:  Yes to Clutch Handbags, with a 79% to 21% vote.

Style tip? We love the sleek look of the clutch, which works as well with pantsuits as it does with cocktail dresses and evening gowns.  The right clutch handbag can be like a piece of jewelry - a statement piece that can liven up a plain dress.  We love the drama of this metallic clutch, which adds a touch of sparkle and shine to any evening. 

Next question: Short Sleeve Coats provide a fresh outerwear silhouette, but they’re not as simple to wear as traditional long sleeved coats.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you carry a Short Sleeve Coat?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Metallic Panelled Clutch Bag | $32.90 at ASOS. 

3 comments November 16th, 2009

You Said: No to Ponchos

We asked: Would you wear Ponchos?

You said:  No to Ponchos, with a 75% to 25% vote.

Style tip? Sure, Ponchos were hot in the early 2000s, and they’ve been regarded as fashion castoffs since.   But while ponchos aren’t for everyone and for every occasion, they can still be worn in style.  How do you look sophisticated in a poncho?  Look for a poncho that drapes well.  While stiffer ponchos can create an unflatteringly large silhouette up top, drapey fabrics are much more figure friendly.

Next question: Clutch Handbags are so chic, but they don’t fit very much of your stuff.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you carry a Clutch Handbag?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Ribbed Turtleneck Poncho | $27.80 at Forever 21. 

5 comments November 11th, 2009

You Said: No to Cage Heels

We asked: Would you wear Strappy Cage Heels?

You said:  No to Strappy Cage Heels, with a 56% to 44% vote.

Style tip? Strappy Cage Heels first got their start on Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 2008 runway in ankle boot form, and they’ve since made their way from the runway to real women’s closets, albeit in less extreme forms.  But how do you wear this dramatic, almost architectural shoe?  Cage heels are best worn with simple, solid colored outfits - when you wear cage heels, the look is all about the shoes.  Try cage heels with a black pencil skirt and blazer combo for a look that’s dramatic but still accessible. 

Next question: Ponchos had their turn in the style spotlight a few years back, and now they’re back for Fall 2009.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear a Poncho?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Alessia Cage Pumps | $26.80 at Forever 21. 

5 comments October 18th, 2009

You Said: No to Faux Fur Vests

We asked: Would you wear Faux Fur Vests?

You said:  No to Faux Fur Vests, with a 77% to 23% vote.

Style tip? As the perfect layering piece, the Vest is a key item for Fall.  Shaggy, faux fur vests, however, aren’t for everyone.  They’re great for adding a punch of texture to your look, but they also add visual weight.  If you dare to wear the faux fur vest, pair it over a fitted top with high armholes for the sleekest look.  On the bottom, try another fitted piece - such as straight or skinny jeans, or a slim fitting skirt.  Finish off the look with a pair of tall boots or heels so as to visually elongate your legs.

Next question: The Cage Heel is a hot catwalk trend that has made its way from the runway into real stores.  But what do you think about these uber-strappy shoes?  Tell us, would you wear Cage Heels?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Luscious Faux Fur Vest | $24.80 at Forever 21. 

5 comments October 12th, 2009

You Said: Yes to Motorcycle Jackets

We asked: Would you wear Motorcycle Jackets?

You said:  Yes to Motorcycle Jackets, with a 81% to 19% vote.

Style tip? Motorcycle Jackets are fun and edgy - and they’re the perfect item to pair with anything from a summer sundress to a white tee and jeans.  However, the traditional black leather motorcycle jacket isn’t the only style available these days.  We love the motorcycle jacket silhouette in other fabrics, patterns, and colors.  Case in point?  This versatile plaid motorcycle jacket, which gives you two key Fall trends in one.

Next question: Shaggy, faux fur vests are a hot layering piece for Fall, as they add a burst of texture to your look.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear a Faux Fur Vest?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Plaid Wool Blend Moto Jacket | $42.90 at Heritage 1981. 

6 comments October 4th, 2009

You Said: Yes to Chanel Jackets

We asked: Would you wear Chanel Jackets?

You said:  Yes to Chanel Jackets, with a 78% to 22% vote.

Style tip? We love the Chanel Jacket - so fabulously elegant, and wonderfully versatile.  Coco Chanel herself would have worn her boxy, collarless jacket with a knee-length skirt.  But you don’t have to do exactly as Coco would have done.  (In fact, she would have appreciated some out-of-the-box fashion thinking!)  For a more modern look, try your elegant Chanel Jacket with a silky blouse and a pair of straight leg jeans (distressed, if you dare).

Next question: Chanel Jackets are classic and elegant - but Motorcycle Jackets are fun and edgy.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear a Motorcycle Jacket?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: AE Vintage Blazer | $69.50 at American Eagle. 

5 comments September 28th, 2009

The Five Accessories You Need for Fall 2009

Even if you don’t want to overhaul your wardrobe for Fall, you can get a whole new look by updating your accessories.  Fall 2009’s accessories are polished, sophisticated, and full of drama - and will serve your wardrobe well for seasons to come.  What accessories do you need to add to your wardrobe?  Here’s our picks for the five key accessories you need for Fall 2009:

The Cowl Neck Scarf

Echo Double Infinity Scarf | $48 at Bloomingdales

Perfect for adding a bit of texture to an otherwise plain outfit, the double infinity scarf is a large circle scarf that you can wrap around your neck twice.  We love how it adds a pop of color - and how Echo’s design (and non-chunky knit) makes the look wearable in real life, not just the runway.

Long Gloves

ASOS Basic Long Angora Mix Gloves | $18.24 at ASOS

The Statement Necklace

Hearts on Chains Necklace | $7.80 at Forever 21

Draw attention towards your face with a statement necklace.  Wear a single one - or drape multiple necklaces on yourself for an extra dramatic look.

The Buckle Belt

Double Buckle Elastic Belt | $7.80 at Forever 21

The Headband

Elastic Bead Trim Headwrap | $5.80 at Forever 21

Tell us, what accessories are you pining over for Fall 2009?  Share your style with us in the comments!

6 comments September 24th, 2009

You Said: No to Pleated Pants

We asked: Would you wear Pleated Pants?

You said:  A resounding NO to Pleated Pants, with a landslide 82% to 18% vote.

Style tip? We hear you - no crazy roomy harem-style pleated pants.  But let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater when it comes to pleats.  Sure, flat front pants have been the trousers-du-jour for as long as we can remember, but we could all use a little variety.  The keys to wearing pleated pants are twofold:
(1) Keep the silhouette of the pant slim.  Pleats up at the waistline don’t have to mean an oversized leg as well.
(2) Wear a fitted shirt or blouse on top so as to keep the volume of the outfit in check.

Next question: One of our favorite Spring 2010 trends from Fashion Week was the boxy Chanel Jacket.  Part of our love affair with French style.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear a Chanel Jacket?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Stretch Wool Elan Trouser | $118 at J Crew. 

5 comments September 20th, 2009

Fashion Week Spring 2010 Trend Roundup

Spring/Summer 2010 is all about drama.  It’s over the top, with extreme silhouettes (harem pants, sharp shoulders), attention-grabbing details (sequins, knotted details), and bright colors (hello, red and yellow).  Here’s Omiru’s picks for the top trends from Fashion Week Spring 2010:

Accessories
Statement Necklaces
Brightly Colored Shoes

1 comment September 19th, 2009