Posts filed under 'Trendscape'

You Said: Yes to Velvet

You Said: Yes to Velvet

Urban Renewal Velvet BlazerWe asked: Would you wear Velvet?

You said:  Yes to Velvet, with a close 55%-45% vote.

Style tip? Sure, Velvet may be one of the most classic cold weather fabrics, but it’s not for everyone.  Velvet is what’s known as a "pile" fabric, with fibers that extend upward.  While this "pile" makes velvet somewhat warmer to wear, its thickness, combined with its natural sheen, makes it somewhat difficult to wear.  Our favorite way to wear velvet is on a blazer.  But mix things up and try a blazer in a different silhouette.  Try a long, hip-length style over a cocktail dress (as pictured) or a blouse and high waisted pants. Or try a cropped style, which works great with a high-waisted skirt…during the summer, a long, flowy sundress.

Next question: Patent leather is a classic fabric for shoes and other accessories.  But what do you think?   Tell us, would you wear Patent Leather?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:  Urban Renewal Velvet Blazer | $58 at Urban Outfitters.

2 comments December 8th, 2008

Trend Alert: Chunky Knit Half Sleeve Sweaters

There’s nothing quite like a chunky knit sweater to keep you warm in style.  But while we love chunky knits, we don’t actually want to look chunky wearing them.  How do you wear a thick knit without looking chunky?  Minimize the bulk of your heavy knit sweater by showing a bit of skin with a partial sleeve.  Here’s our favorite chunky knit half sleeve sweaters, at all price points:

Our $ Picks

Merona Drop Shoulder Shawl Collar Vest
Merona Drop Shoulder Shawl Collar Vest | $24.99 at Target

Pointelle Swing Cardigan
Pointelle Swing Cardigan | $32.90 at Heritage 1981

AE White Out Sweater
AE White Out Sweater | $49.50 at American Eagle

Our $$ Picks

Placed Cable Turtleneck Sweater
Placed Cable Turtleneck Sweater | $59 at Gap

Pleated Sleeve Cardigan
Pleated Sleeve Cardigan | $68 at Gap

Our $$$ Picks
Shawl Collar Top
Shawl Collar Top | $110 at Banana Republic

Shawl Collar Sweater Jacket
Shawl Collar Sweater Jacket | $130 at Banana Republic

Alpaca Kennedi Jacket
Alpaca Kennedi Jacket | $260 at J Crew

2 comments December 2nd, 2008

Trend Alert: Sophisticated Ruffles

Who says that you can’t have your cake and eat it too?  Ruffles are decidedly feminine, but they don’t have to look girly.  Their youthful spirit can be tempered with a dash of adult tailoring for a look that’s less about frills and romance and more about playful sophistication.

Our $ Picks:

Issac Mizrahi Ruffle Neck Blouse
Issac Mizrahi Ruffle Neck Blouse | $22.90 at Target
Frame your lovely face with Issac Mizrahi’s dramatic ruffle neck blouse.  

Ruffle Sandals
Ruffle Sandals | $29.50 at Gap
Add a ladylike touch to your sandals with gorgeous purple ruffles.

Frill Hem Spot Skirt
Frill Hem Spot Skirt | $42 (approx) at Topshop
Ruffles add a kicky touch to this playful miniskirt.

Ruffle Neck Shift Dress
Ruffle Neck Shift Dress | $42.99 (sale) at Gap
For the most figure flattering effect, wear a wide belt with this ruffle neck shift dress to help define your figure.

Our $$ Pick:

Dotted Victoria Ruffle Cami
Dotted Victoria Ruffle Cami | $98 at J Crew
This versatile ruffled camisole will pair perfectly under a crisp suit jacket - or with a loud patterned skirt.

Our $$$ Picks:
Sulden Wool 3-Button Jacket
Sulden Wool 3-Button Jacket | $199 at Ann Taylor
Perfectly tailored and ruffled to boot, this jacket gives you the best of both worlds.

Ruffle Collar Wool Coat
Ruffle Collar Wool Coat | $280 (sale) at Kenneth Cole
Make a powerful style statement with this dramatic ruffle collared coat.

2 comments November 21st, 2008

Mens Trend Alert: Fair Isle Sweaters

Cozy up in a thick knit sweater - the perfect antidote to the cool weater outside.  But instead of reaching for a plain, solid-colored sweater, mix things up a bit by investing in a good quality Fair Isle sweater.  The distinctive multicolored knitted patterns on the modern Fair Isle sweater are a wonderful foil to your everyday basics.  Presenting our five favorite Fair Isle inspired sweaters:

Our $ Picks:

O’Hanlon Mills Reverse Hooded Zip-Up
O’Hanlon Mills Reverse Hooded Zip-Up | $88 at Urban Outfitters

AE Holiday Cardigan
AE Holiday Cardigan | $99.50 at American Eagle

Our $$ Pick:

Shelter Island Cardigan
Shelter Island Cardigan | $180 at Hollister

Our $$$ Picks:
Haystack Mountain Cardigan
Haystack Mountain Cardigan | $350 at Abercrombie

3.1 Philip Lim Wrap Neck Collar Sweater
3.1 Philip Lim Wrap Neck Collar Sweater | $438 (sale) at Oak

3 comments November 19th, 2008

You Said: Yes to Tie Neck Blouses

Omiru Poll Result: Yes to Tie Neck Blouses

Fitted Tie Neck ShirtWe asked: Would you wear Tie-Neck Blouses?

You said:  Yes to Tie-Neck Blouses, which were voted in 59% to 41%.

Style tip? We’re a big fan of tie-neck blouses–the bow tie turns a masculine button-down shirt into something flirtily feminine.  Wear it to work to give a feminine touch to a tailored suit.   On the weekend, you can make this workwear staple more casual with a pair of wide-leg trouser jeans.

Next question: Fair Isle Sweaters, characterized by multi-color knitted patterns, are a winter (or at least a ski lodge) staple for both men and women.  But what do you think?   Tell us, would you wear a Fair Isle Sweater?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:  Fitted Tie-Neck Shirt | $25.99 (sale) at Gap.

4 comments November 17th, 2008

Mens Trend Alert: The Shawl Collar Sweater

Notched collars on jackets are an evergreen style that never fades, but shawl collars are having their moment in the spotlight.  Shawl collars, which combine the lapel and the collar into one, are making their way from suits and blazers to cool weather sweaters.  Here’s our four favorite shawl collar sweaters:

Our $ Pick:

Cockpit Shawl Pullover Sweater
Cockpit Shawl Pullover Sweater | $89 at Urban Outfitters
Let your collared shirt peek out from under this open shawl collared sweater.

Our $$ Picks:
Marled Shawl Wool Cardigan
Marled Shawl Wool Cardigan | $158 at J Crew
The marled texture is what makes this shawl collared cardigan truly special. 

Orthodox Wolfe Hooded Sweater
Orthodox Wolfe Hooded Sweater | $184 at 80s Purple
The shawl collar on this hooded sweater is barely detectable, but the buckle detailing adds an extra dimension of style.

Our $$$ Pick:

Hyden Yoo Soho Cardigan
Hyden Yoo Soho Cardigan | $222 at Oak
Classic, comfy, and chic.  What more can you ask for in a cardigan?

2 comments November 12th, 2008

You Said: No to Over the Knee Boots

You Said: No to Over the Knee Boots

Over the Knee BootWe asked: Would you wear Over the Knee Boots?

You said:  No to Over the Knee Boots, which got only 31% of the vote.

Style tip? You’re right that Over the Knee Boots are a fashion challenge (and really not for everyone)–but they’re oh-so-sexy when done right.  How to wear them?  With a minidress, so that a bit of leg shows between the skirt hem and the top of your boot, and an extra shot of confidence.  

Next question: We recently wrote about How to Wear a Bubble Dress, but it seems that you’re still on the fence about this style.   Tell us, would you wear a Bubble Dress?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:  Over the Knee Boots | $67.50 at Cathy Jean.

4 comments November 3rd, 2008

You Said: Yes to Buffalo Check Plaid

You Said: Yes to Buffalo Check Plaid

Ruffle Pocket Plaid TopWe asked: Would you wear Buffalo Check Plaid?

You said:  Yes to Buffalo Check Plaid, which got 57% of the vote.

Style tip? Buffalo Check Plaid is one of the key trends of the season, and it works equally well on men and women
.  We love it in bold form, but for those of you who are on the fence, you can give it a try with a smaller print.  Pair your buffalo check top with something more plain on the bottom - a pair of dark rinse jeans is simple chic for both men and women.

Next question: It wouldn’t be Fall without Boots.  But what about Over the Knee boots?   Tell us, would you wear Over the Knee Boots?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:  Ruffle Placket Plaid Top | $44 at Gap.

October 27th, 2008

You Said: No to Elbow Length Gloves

Omiru Poll Result: No to Elbow Length Gloves


Long Fingerless Cashmere GlovesWe asked: Would you wear Elbow Length Gloves?

You said:  No to Elbow Length Gloves.  Only 46% of you said that you would wear them.

Style tip? Sure, elbow length gloves aren’t the most practical accessory in the world
.  Traditionally, they’re worn as a sophisticated accessory to an evening gown.  But elbow length gloves don’t have to be reserved for formal occasions.  You can make elbow length gloves a part of an everyday daytime outfit.  Just try a less stuffy version of the gloves in a knit fabric.  Bonus style points for choosing a bright color. 

Next question: We’ve been raving about Buffalo Check Plaid patterns.  But what do you think?   Tell us, would you wear Buffalo Check Plaid?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:  Long Fingerless Cashmere Gloves | $48 at Nordstrom.

4 comments October 20th, 2008

You Said: Yes to Sweater Vests

Omiru Poll Result: Yes to Sweater Vests

Academy Sweater VestWe asked: Would you wear a Sweater Vest?

You said:  Yes to Sweater Vests, with a full 68% of the vote.

Style tip? Sweater Vests have come a long way since Mr. Rogers
!  We love offsetting the masculine nature of the sweater vest with a feminine piece - a sinuous skirt, a flowery brooch, or even a headband in your hair.

Next question: We’re shopping for Fall Accessories - and we’re on the fence about Elbow Length Gloves.  We love the look, but are they really practical?   Tell us, would you wear Elbow Length Gloves?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:  Academy Sweater Vest | $22.90 at Heritage 1981.

4 comments October 13th, 2008

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