April 2006: What’s In, and What’s Out

 We’re all over…
Platforms and Wedges

A welcome departure from pointy stilettos.
 (Incredible | $69.99 at Chinese Laundry)

April 5th, 2006

March 2006: What’s In, and What’s Out

4 comments March 2nd, 2006

6 Trends to Lose: What’s Out for Men

Like Heidi Klum says on Project Runway, when it comes to fashion, one day you’re in, and the next day you’re out. In a society of males who are turning towards the world of the “metrosexual,” many of them still need a small bit of guidance when it comes to trends.  I am pretty sure that they can think for themselves, but sometimes, they fail to look at the unwritten expiration date that is stitched on to some of today’s “hottest” trends. Here are a few that are scooping plots in the fashion cemetery or have otherwise overstayed their welcome.

Unless you are a big-time funkatronic rap producer by the name of Pharrell, or you’re getting ready to jump on a yacht or play tennis; the popped collar has been overdone (sorry Susannah!)  I know that trends from the 1980s are making a comeback, but they can easily fade out like the Rubik’s Cube craze.  When this fad first made it appearance on the necks of the Neptunes front man and the overrated R&B sensation Usher, I gave it a little nod.  Now, every time I see an urban hipster with a popped collar, I am tempted to go up to him and pull that collar down.

Once again, the 80s makes a hard hit with the versatile use of blazers.  In this mutation of the Miami Vice blazer with rolled up sleeves, men everywhere have been donning graphic tees with blazers.  This needs to stop.  It’s a poor attempt to blur the lines of casual and not casual.  As fashion begins to makes its way towards the cleaner, professional look, this trend is anything but.

I do commend society’s usage of the blazer.  It has now become both professional and casual.  With that said, here’s a small tip when wearing a button-down shirt with a blazer: keep the collar on the inside of the lapel (and use some collarstays to keep that pointed, sharp look.)  Fanning out the collar has the potential to make you look like that token sleazy guy in the nightclub…or that shady 70s car salesman in a leisure suit.

Clean lines and preppy looks may be making a comeback, but that doesn’t mean you should keep those square-toed dress shoes.  They’re boxy and they make guys look like a Bozo the Clown turned metrosexual.  Think of them as the bolo tie of the 21st Century.

 
The trend of the trucker cap lasted as long as Ashton Kutcher’s “it boy” status.  When he started wearing those “Von Dutch” caps, it was as though the fashionable trailer park industry vomited on retail shops everywhere.  They may still “look” cool and edgy, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear them.  Believe me, these little trend monsters have served their time and need to be hung on those deer antlers above your mantle.

Finally, this trend isn’t necessarily a piece of clothing – it’s a hairstyle.  Yes ladies and gentleman, the faux hawk has now become a faux pas.  It looked good on Orlando Bloom, David Beckham, Jude Law and all those other Euro-chic celebrities, but its staying power was as good as the wedge cut and perms.
 

8 comments February 24th, 2006

Trendscape | From the Trenches to the Safari

Once again, the dictators of style have proved that what’s old is new.  Based on some of the looks at this past fashion week in New York (not to mention the stylish ones I recently saw at Zara), trench coats seem to be the “in” thing.  To go beyond the confines of the flattering cinched waists of these coats, safari-style jackets seem to be inching to the forefront as well.

Halogen Belted Safari Jacket | $78 at Nordstrom
 

Burberry Belted Violet Belted Trench | $840 at Bluefly.com

Perry Ellis Belted Safari Jacket | $94.99 at Macy’s

Cole Haan Double Faced Safari Jacket | $158.09 at Bluefly.com

Burberry Tan Trench | $995 at Bergdorf Goodman

Burberry Yellow Trench | $1,295 at Bergdorf Goodman

It looks like the frenzied check-patterned Burberry (the women’s violet is uber fancy) is the leader when it comes to chic outwear (no surprise), but it is a bit disappointing that there is a lack of belted safaris (not trenches) when it comes to the men’s side.  Even so, the white Cole Haan is clean and tight, while the yellow trench is a modernized hip makeover of the yellow raincoat.  I am sure as the word gets out, these jackets will invade the world like a “London Fog” – pun intended.

February 16th, 2006

Fashion’s Cinematic Muse

Designers have always found inspiration in the most unique things: nature, history, obscure inanimate objects, music – but one of the most prolific muses in the fashion is the silver screen.  In an odd, coincidental relationship, many of the movies that we see today serve as a launch pad for what we will see on the runway at fashion week or what the “next big thing” will be for the trendy urban hipsters all across the state (and maybe even the world).  

Remember those days of legwarmers and fashionable aerobic attire (circa 1983)?  This phenomenon, which can now be seen as a faux pas, can largely be accredited to the sexy stripper-turned-ballerina 80s classic, Flashdance.  As soon as Jennifer Beals strutted her stuff in off-the-shoulder sweatshirts and red heels, thousands of teenage girls made sure they had a considerable back stock of all the clothing needed to do a sweltering workout routine to “Maniac.”

 
More recently, we have been seeing styles on screen woven into the chic matrix of modern fashion.  When Shrek came out, green was the new black.  And not too long after that spotty rendition of the Trojan War came out (a.k.a. Troy), Greek-styled sandals were flip-floppin’ on the hip streets of metropolitan cities.

This trend theory is even evident in the most recent runway shows at Olympus Fashion Week.  Designers like James Coviello, Tuleh, J Mendel, Nanette Lepore and BCBG – all utilized some sort of Japanese influence a la Memoirs of a Geisha.  Even before fashion week, top designers Diane von Furstenberg and Stella McCartney stayed one step ahead of the game by creating some suitable kimono tops – take a look at them in this post.

February 14th, 2006

Omiru’s Top 10 Fall 2006 Trends

Without further ado, Omiru presents "The Top 10 Trends of the Fall 2006 season!"

• Voluminous sleeves: Good for visual interest, but it can get theatrical.  Aim for small puffs rather than Jerry Seinfeld’s puffy shirt.
  
  
• Oversized Collars: Oversized jacket detailing in its most visible form.

• Capes and Capelets:  Like we said, it’s The Poncho, Part II.
  
  
• Bubble Skirts: As long as they don’t invite Bubble Boy comparisons, we’re OK with them.  Short girls beware though, as they’ll throw off your proportions…

• Vests: Time to raid the Wall of Vests at H&M!

• Sweaterdresses: The ultimate in comfort + style.

• Small and Square Sunglasses: Out with the bug eyes, in with sleek, technochic style.

• The Long Glove: This is the Huge Accessories Trend.

• Chain Handles on Bags: The Hottest New Bag Trend.

• Leggings and Tights: Great for layering.

For more details, see Omiru’s Fall 2006 Fashion Week Trend Roundup!

3 comments February 14th, 2006

Omiru’s Fall 2006 Fashion Week Trend Roundup

For your reading convenience, we’ve split the trends up into categories: Silhouette, Detailing, Garment Classifications, and Accessories.  Enjoy!

SILHOUETTE

1 comment February 14th, 2006

Omiru’s Fashion Week Trend Roundup, Part IV

Capes and Capelets: One of the huge trends this season.  Maybe this is The Poncho, Part II.
Derek Lam, Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, Narciso Rodriguez, Tuleh, Rachel Comey, Twinkle, Proenza Schouler

Missed a previous edition of Omiru’s Fashion Week Trend
Roundup? Fear Not!  Here’s Omiru’s Mid Fashion Week Trend Roundup, Part
II, and Part III.

February 10th, 2006

Omiru’s Fashion Week Trend Roundup, Part III

Another update to Omiru’s Mid-Week Fashion Week Trend Recap and its Part II:

Sweaterdresses: These just went from oh-so-comfy to oh-so cute!
BCBG, Lacoste

Chain Handles on Bags: Fashion seems to have gone from chain-happy charm bracelets to chains on handbags.
Heatherette, Narciso Rodriguez, BCBG, Luella Bartley

Variations on the Little Black Dress: This season, the LBD is anything but boring.  Look for poufy skirts, pintucking, and more!
Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Narciso Rodriguez

February 9th, 2006

Omiru’s Updated Fashion Week Trend Roundup

Here’s our update to Omiru’s Mid-Week Fashion Week Trend Recap:

Powerful Working Woman: Nicely cut pantsuits and skirt suits…great for the office!  BTW–if you want to check out a group of powerful women bloggers, stop by BlogHer.org.  Disclaimer: I’m pitching in over there as the Fashion and Shopping co-editor.
Carolina Herrera, Zang Toi, Luella Bartley, Tuleh, Narciso Rodriguez

1 comment February 8th, 2006