Posts filed under 'Women'
Q: I’m going to Southeast Asia for a month in September, and I know that I have to wear long trousers and if possible long shirts because of mosquitoes and the danger of malaria. I fear that with wearing long linen trousers and blouses I look either old (I’m 21) or like the stereotype tourist. Do you have suggestions for a fun and fashionable travel wardrobe for a Month in Southeast Asia?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: I checked with a friend of mine in Hong Kong and she said that the heat and the bugs are horrendous. She tackles this situation by wearing sun dresses and covering herself in deet.
I do think that when you are young, linen can be unflattering, as it loses shape quickly and can make you look baggy. If you don’t find linen pieces that you like, I would recommend looking for clothes in cotton modal fabric. Cotton modal is wrinkle resistant and it’s also more form fitting. It’s a tradeoff of course–in the heat, form fitting clothes may not be as comfortable as looser fitting garments, but they’ll also generally be more flattering.
Personally, I think in very high heat nothing will be all that comfortable, so you may as well go for what looks best. But as you pack, make sure you include, at a minimum:
Dresses: Dresses are going to be cooler, and you can stay covered up with longer styles.
Blouses: Look for long sleeved shirts in lightweight fabrics.
Layering Tees: Again, lightweight fabrics are going to be your best bet.
Long Trousers: Natural fabrics like linen or cotton are going to be best.
Lightweight Sweaters: It’s going to be hot, but you can stay keep yourself covered up with a light sweater in a loose weave.
How to put your outfits together? You may be inspired by the actress Jane March in the movie The Lover. In this movie, the young woman exudes youth and sex appeal wearing a simple sleeveless black linen dress with a belt, kitten heel pumps and a man’s hat.
Final style tips? When you’re traveling in Southeast Asia, my number one tip would be to buy super strong bug repellent. Bug repellent will allow you more flexibility in choosing your clothes (so you won’t be limited to long sleeved blouses and long linen trousers). My second tip would be to underpack rather than overpack. You’re bound to find great (and weather appropriate) clothes while you’re traveling through Southeast Asia.
Pictured: Fitted Tie Neck Shirt | $48 at Gap and Tie Shoulder Dress | $54.99 (sale) at Gap.
Have a great tip about what to wear for a trip to Southeast Asia? Share it with us in the comments!
July 24th, 2008
Yeah, we know that open necklines for a large bust aren’t anything new. But there’s a reason why fashion magazines, fashion columns, and fashion blogs keep emphasizing them: they work!
Our favorite type of open neckline is the wrap neckline. Not only does a wrap neckline work on almost any figure type, but the wrap silhouette makes your waistline appear smaller. And for women with a large bust, this cinched in waist emphasizes your beautiful hourglass figure.
How do you accessorize a patterned wrap dress? By keeping it simple. The general rule of thumb is the busier the pattern of your dress, the simpler your accessories should be. Here, we’ve kept things fresh with a coordinated (and yet not matchy-matchy) set of earrings and a necklace, a structured tote that’s at once casual and sophisticated, and a bright pair of orange flats that complement the blues of the dress.
Have a great tip about how to flatter a large bust? Share it with us in the comments!
July 22nd, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Giant Jewelry?
You said: Probably Not. A slight majority (57% of you) wouldn’t wear Giant Jewelry.
Style tip? If you’re going to wear Giant Jewelry, be aware of your own proportions. If you’re tiny, you’ll have to take extra care so that your jewelry doesn’t overwhelm your figure. Giant, chunky necklaces are on-trend, but oversized bracelets (like the cuff shown) are going to be easier to wear. Last tip? Make your Giant Jewelry the centerpiece of your outfit by displaying it on a plain canvas of simple silhouettes.
Next question: Espadrilles are a classic summer shoe, but this year, Gladiator Sandals are taking center stage. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear Gladiator Sandals? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Rippled Antique Cuff | $6.80 at Forever 21.
July 21st, 2008
Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, you can enjoy this summer outfit–the perfect getup for Sunday brunch, strolling on the boardwalk, or shopping with the girls. Why does it work for everybody?
Simple Shapes
The tunic is the epitome of summer style. What makes this tunic special is the semi-fitted shape and the ever-so-slight flared sleeves. Cropped pants work for those with long, lean legs. For the rest of us, try knee-length shorts or a breezy pair of full-length pants.
Classic with a Twist Styles
A tunic is classic, but the eyecatching green and white print gives it a special twist. Similarly, the simple handbag has an extra kick because of the burnt orange color.
Should you want to make this outfit a little more trendy, try substituting the white espadrilles with a jeweled sandal or an edgier gladiator sandal.
For a more casual look, swap out the burnt orange handbag with a straw or canvas tote bag and the bracelet for a natural wood cuff.
What’s your summer go-to outfit? Share it with us in the comments!
July 18th, 2008
You loved our finds at American Eagle’s sister store Martin + Osa, but in the words of Jennifer, "Oh, it’s all SO gorgeous, but so expensive too!" But now, with Martin + Osa’s summer sale, you can get all of the gorgeous–but at significantly reduced prices (up to 60% off in some cases). Here’s what we just bought from Martin + Osa’s summer sale:
Canvas + Patent Leather Belt | $14.95 (sale) at Martin + Osa
Scoop Neck Sweater Dress | $34.95 (sale) at Martin + Osa
Tretorn Perforated Leather Sneaker | $44.95 (sale) at Martin + Osa
Oh, and you can use coupon code 63299191 at checkout for an additional 20% off. Happy shopping!
July 17th, 2008
Today, we’re taking a break from our regular fashion advice to spotlight an excerpt from a very smart reader comment on our Figure Flattery Guide: What to Wear to Flatter a Large Bust.
“The trouble with formulaic rules is that they are in conflict with the uniqueness of each person’s body and so are completely unreliable. Better to do as the Europeans do - dress from your heart and your increasing knowledge over time about fabrics, colour tones, textures and drape (how a fabric hangs). Find the styles that suit you by trying on everything until you know what principles - not rules - apply to your unique shape.â€
-Beverley
Beverley is questioning the "rules" that we provided to flatter a large bust. And she’s right–the advice we shared was not meant to be rules to be taken as law. Rather, we intended for you to take the advice as a guideline.
It’s our philosophy that you should dress based on your holistic body type, instead of merely concentrating on one part of your body (e.g. large bust, short legs, etc). Furthermore, only by trying a bunch of stuff on (yup, trial and error) do you find out what really works for you–-for silhouettes, for fabrics, and for colors.
Please take our advice as a starting point in your fashion exploration. Your body will change over time, as will your tastes, and as will fashion. Excuse the cliche, but finding what styles and colors work for you and what doesn’t–it’s a journey, not a destination. So get out there–try stuff on, both items in your closet and new items in stores. Find what’s right for you. And please continue to share what works (and what doesn’t) for you with the rest of the Omiru community!
Cheers,
Trisha and the Omiru Team
July 15th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear big shoulders?
You said: Overwhelmingly, no. Only 9% of you were for big shoulders, with the rest of the 91% against.
Style tip? Big shoulders are very 80s, and probably not in a way that we’d like to relive. But–you can hint at the big shouldered trend with blouses and shirts with ever-s0-slight pouf sleeves. But be careful. A little bit of extra fabric poufing at the shoulder point on a short sleeved shirt can be flattering (especially on those of us with heavy upper arms), but if that pouf is too big, the look goes from flattering to frightening. Note that if you have broad shoulders, even the small pouf is something to stay away from. The ever-so-slight pouf works best on those that have narrow shoulders.
Next question: First it was handbags that appeared to be on growth hormones. Now it’s jewelry that’s growing oversized. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear giant jewelry? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Short Sleeve Collarless Textured Blouse| $64 at Banana Republic.
July 14th, 2008
Thanks to Gossip Girl, preppy looks are in. Not only preppy, but upscale preppy, as befitting for the Upper East Side. Think blazers. Think vests. Bows, ruffles, and argyle. Think pink. Here’s how to get the look:
July 11th, 2008
The key to finding flattering business formal clothes for petites is to choose pieces that elongate your silhouette. You want to look as tall as you can, especially in a business setting, and you can do this by making your legs look as long as possible.
Jackets with a Low Stance
Petite Wool Pinstripe Jacket ($99.99) and Petite Audrey Wool Pinstripe Pants ($79.99) at Ann Taylor
The notch lapel is classic, and the low stance (the point where the two sides of the jacket cross in front) creates a nice vertical line that makes you look taller. Single button closures are best for creating this vertical line.
Simple Fitted Tops
Cotton Ruffle Front Top | $58 at Ann Taylor
When you’re petite, fitted garments tend to look better than oversized ones. We’re loving this cotton voile ruffle top. The delicate cotton voile fabric is lightweight (great for summer), and it complements the decidedly feminine ruffle and pintuck details.
Fluid, Drapey Fabrics
Petite Silk Sleeveless Shell | $29.99 (sale) at Ann Taylor
Add some shine to your wardrobe with a silk shell. Fluid, drapey fabrics look great on petites, and in small doses, they complement business formal outfits. Add a scarf for extra sophistication.
Wide Leg Trousers
Petite Martin Cuffed Wide Leg Pant | $89 at Banana Republic
This wide leg pant is a great counterbalance to a fitted top, and the fact that it sits just below the natural waist helps to visually elongate your legs.
High Waisted Skirts
High Waisted Pencil Skirt | $89 at Banana Republic
High waisted skirts and pants make your legs look as long as possible–and in turn make you look as tall as possible. If you don’t like thin, tailored skirts, you can also try (nearly universally flattering) a-line skirts. How long should your skirt be? Knee length skirts are not only the most flattering, but they’re also safe for work.
Shift Dresses
Belted Textured Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
Shift dresses are as slimming as they are work appropriate. They’re
fitted without being too revealing, and they elongate your figure, especially when they feature a knee-length skirt.
Finish off your business formal outfit with medium height shoes (you’re petite, and you’re not fooling anyone with sky high heels, so just be comfortable), a reasonably sized work bag (no gigantic bags for you, since they’ll overwhelm you), and minimal accessories (since you don’t want to clutter your clean outfit).
Have a great tip about business formal for petites? Share it with us in the comments!
July 10th, 2008
Q: I have to go buy my first maternity clothes this weekend. What advice can you give to keep me looking chic? Styles, colors, fabrics…
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Trying to be chic while pregnant can be challenging as your body changes, but the good news is that there are so many choices for chic maternity wear today.
For looks that are fresh and chic , I would choose natural fabrics such as cottons and silks. Simple silhouettes are best–and my favorite looks tend to be in solid colors with few, if any, embellishments.
My philosophy is that when you’re pregnant, the simpler your style, the better you look. Figure flattery is still important, but when you’re pregnant, you have the opportunity to show off your growing tummy (instead of trying to hide it). So–embrace your body and showcase your belly with chic, simple styles like wrap tops, empire waist dresses, button-down tops, and wide leg pants.
Keep in mind that you will only need maternity clothes for about three to seven months [Updated 7/8/08] –so you don’t need to buy nine months worth of maternity wear. Depending on the time of year and the climate in which you live, you may need to base your purchases on seasonality–and note that seasons will change during your pregnancy. Regardless of where you live and time of year, you’ll need casual clothes for weekends, a number of work-appropriate separates if you’re working, one very good dress (I love Veronique Delachaux), and a comfortable everyday shoe.
As you craft your maternity wardrobe, think also about whether you plan to have another child. If you plan to be pregnant again, you may want to invest in better quality maternity clothes. If, however, you don’t plan to have any other children, you don’t need to spend as much on maternity fashion.
Here’s a few maternity stores to check out:
Old Navy - $20-$40 for dresses
Ann Taylor Loft - $40-$70 for dresses
Gap - $50-$70 for dresses
Japanese Weekend - $70-$120 for dresses
A Pea in the Pod - $150+ for dresses
Good luck with this wonderful, happy time of life and best wishes for your new baby!
Pictured: Maternity Smocked Yoke Button Front Shirt | $44 at Ann Taylor Loft and Maternity Smocked Empire Waist Dress | $24.50 at Old Navy.
Have a great tip about how to be chic while pregnant? Share it with us in the comments!
July 8th, 2008
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