Posts filed under 'Women'

Shopping Guide: Martin + Osa Summer 2008

Here at Omiru, we heart Martin and Osa, a refined take on casual clothes from American Eagle Outfitters.  (In fact, I’m wearing one of the jackets from the Spring collection as I write this post.)  Clean silhouettes, stunning colors, and elegant patterns are signature elements of their Summer 2008 collection.  Here’s our five favorite pieces from Martin + Osa’s womens collection (each under $100):

Silk Tie Neck Tunic
Silk Tie Neck Tunic | $54.40 (sale) at Martin + Osa
Don’t you love the attention to detail on this silk tie-neck blouse?  We love how the silk lends an ethereal quality to the deep caspian blue.

Multi-Stripe Cotton Scarf
Multi-Stripe Cotton Scarf | $48 at Martin + Osa
You already said Yes to Horizontal Stripes, so here’s an easy way to wear them.

Hobo Ruched Pouch
Hobo Ruched Pouch | $68 at Martin + Osa
We’re digging the bright orange color of this cute ruched pouch.  Think of it as a playful version of Hermes Orange.

Print Silk Shirt Dress
Print Silk Shirt Dress | $78.40 (sale) at Martin + Osa
Fisherman’s net print takes this silk shirt dress from simple to simply sublime.

Military Blazer from Martin + Osa
Military Blazer | $59.95 (sale) at Martin + Osa
One part structured and one part sexy.

Don’t have a Martin + Osa close to you?  Their online site offers free shipping and free returns on all orders.  Plus, Omiru readers get 15% off with coupon code 43602753 through May 30, 2008.  Happy shopping!

7 comments May 9th, 2008

Q&A: Business Formal Interview Attire for Summer

Q: I need some suggestions for professional interview outfits for the spring and summer weather for an office job located in Washington DC.  I am in my 30s and a little top heavy with thinner hips and legs.

Washington DC Interview


by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

A: Between Washington DC’s conservative dress code, and the weather, which can be pretty hot and humid, you’ve got to strike a balance between keeping covered and keeping cool.  We recommend traditional suits in lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton.

To flatter your figure, which is a little top heavy with thinner hips and legs, you’re going to want to create a long, lean line with your torso for balance.  Look for lightweight suits with a soft, natural shoulderline and a high armhole.  The high armhole not only looks cleaner and fits better, but it also helps create the illusion of a longer torso.  A low, single button stance is going to be the most figure flattering for the same reason.

Your thin hips and legs make it easy for you to find flattering trousers and skirts.  Almost any pair of trouser pants will work for your figure.  As for skirts, try a nice pencil skirt that hits at just below the knee.  Not only does it work with Washington DC’s conservative dress code, but it’s also going to be one of the most flattering shapes for you.

As for jewelry, I would keep with the traditional, conservative look with simple pearls or gold bangle bracelet.  Complete your outfit with a comfortable pump in a medium high heel.

To add some visual interest to your look, you could invest in a dark green leather briefcase for interviews or a handbag in a surprising color.  Best of luck with your interviews!

Have a great tip about business formal interview attire for summer? Share it with us in the comments!

Pictured:
Wool Crepe One-Button Blazer ($225) and Wool Crepe Trouser ($130), both at J Crew. Flatiron Embossed Triangle Satchel ($238) at Banana Republic.

May 8th, 2008

How to Accessorize a Little Black Dress

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Every woman has a Little Black Dress…or two, or ten.  And they’re great as a go-to outfit for cocktails, dinner parties, and other evening events.  But how many times do you really get to wear your LBD?  If you’re anything like us, it’s not very often.  So let’s get some extra mileage out of our LBDs during the daytime with some clever accessorizing.  Here’s how to accessorize a LBD:

Why does this outfit work?

Visual Interest through Pattern: Both the gingham scarf and the newsprint belt add visual texture to the LBD.  And since the two patterns are in the same color scheme, they complement one another rather than compete with one another.

A Splash of Bright Color: All work and no play make Jack a dull boy–and all black and white and no color can make for a dull outfit.  So we added a splash of bright color for a jolt of energy.  We love bright green as a fresh foil for black and white–but any bright color will do.  Try royal purple for a distinctly elegant look.

A Touch of Mystery: Finish off the outfit with a pair of oversized shades.  The air of mystery the sunglasses creates is a secret ingredient for standout style.

How do you accessorize your Little Black Dress (LBD)? Share your style tips with us in the comments!

13 comments May 6th, 2008

You Said: Yes to Horizontal Stripes!

Omiru Poll Result: Yes to Horizontal Stripes

Striped Tie Tank from GapWe asked: Would you wear Horizontal Stripes?

You said:  Yes to Horizontal Stripes, with 75% of the vote.

Style tip?  Horizontal Stripes get a bad reputation for figure flattery, since they can make you look wider than you actually are.  But it’s all in how you wear your stripes.  Small, narrow stripes are pretty easy to wear by themselves.  And you can counteract the widening effect of wide horizontal stripes by wearing them in moderation–such as under a jacket.  Plus, you can take advantage of the widening effect by wearing them on a part of your body that you’d like to widen.  If you have narrow shoulders, for instance, you can wear horizontal stripes at the shoulderline to visually balance them out.

Next question: When it comes to pants, high waisted silhouettes are growing in popularity.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear High Waisted Pants?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:  Striped Tie Tank | $34.50 at Gap.

4 comments May 5th, 2008

Q&A: The Best Dresses for Extremely Curvy Petites

Q:  At 5′1, 110 pounds, and a size 32DD, I cannot find a dress that fits me correctly. Strapless dresses are impossible.  I really need a dress that I can wear a bra with and that doesn’t show off too much cleavage.

A:
For maximum figure flattery, we’d recommend a scoopnecked or v-necked dress that hits at knee-length.  The neckline will allow you to wear a bra (and won’t show too much cleavage), and the knee length hemline will be especially flattering on your petite frame.  Here’s Omiru’s top picks for figure flattering dresses for extremely curvy petites:

Our $$$ Picks:

Maggy London Cascade Front Chiffon Dress
Maggy London Cascade Front Chiffon Dress | $158 at Nordstrom
Isn’t this color simply gorgeous?  The flowy fabric will drape nicely over your curves, though the hemline may need to be raised to knee length for maximum figure flattery.

Adrianna Papell Empire Waist Charmeuse Dress
Adrianna Papell Empire Waist Charmeuse Dress | $138 at Nordstrom
The color is great, as is the neckline.  What we don’t like is the full blouson sleeves–which may be too much for your petite frame.

Our $$ Picks:
Calvin Klein Voile Party Dress
Calvin Klein Voile Party Dress | $118 at Nordstrom
This dress is great for a summery occasion, and the scoop neckline will work well for your figure.

Maggy London Silk Chiffon Halter Dress
Maggy London Silk Chiffon Halter Dress | $98 at Nordstrom
The halter neckline and the knee-length skirt are excellent for figure flattery.

Our $ Picks:
Lush Bubble Dress
Lush Bubble Dress | $22.80 at Forever 21
The bubble skirt may help you balance out your figure…plus we love the gorgeous Jade color.

Ella Dress
Ella Dress | $22.80 at Forever 21
Thanks to the cutout, this dress reveals ever-so-subtly.  And the belted shape will help you naturally play up your curves.

Have a great tip about dresses for extremely curvy petite women? Share it with us in the comments!

10 comments May 2nd, 2008

Shopping Guide: Mother’s Day Gifts

Save the date: Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11) is fast approaching.  If you haven’t started shopping for your mom, here’s Omiru’s five picks for Mother’s Day gifts:

Candles
Luxe Glass Paddywax Candle
Luxe Glass Candle | $32 at Paddywax
We’re huge fans of Paddywax candles–especially the glass candles from the luxe collection.


Stationery
Black and White Story Set of 20 Notecards
Black and White Story Set of 20 Notecards | $34 at Kate Spade
For the mom who loves corresponding with her family and friends snail mail style.  We love this set of chic Kate Spade notecards for their graphic sensibility and playful nature.


Fashion
Silk Peony Wrap
Silk Peony Wrap | $69 at Banana Republic
Give your mom the gift of effortless style with this gorgeous silk peony wrap.  Bonus?  It’s one size fits all, so you’ll always have the right size.


Chocolates
Exotic Truffle Collection
Exotic Truffle Collection | $40 for 16 pieces at Vosges
Give mom a taste of the world with this collection of truffles, infused with exotic flavors from around the globe. 


Art
Jacob Magraw Drawing from 20×200
Affordable Art | from $20 at 20×200
This particular piece is nearly sold out–there are only 2 left (at $2000 each).  But you can find many more affordable pieces for $20+, with new art appearing on site every Tuesday and Wednesday.

Not finding something that’s just right?  Surprise your mom with a destination gift–like a weekend trip to her favorite vacation spot.  

1 comment May 1st, 2008

Shopping Guide: Chic Umbrellas for April Showers

Even though April’s nearly over, the rainy weather is not.  Here’s Omiru’s top umbrella picks to keep you dry in style, whatever your personal style may be:

Elegant
Eliza Black Devore Lace Umbrella
Eliza Black Devore Lace Umbrella | $35 (approx) at Brollies Galore

Modern
Bubble Manual Stick Umbrella
Bubble Manual Stick Umbrella | $16.99 at Target

Flirty
Retro Chic Polka Dot Umbrella
Retro Chic Polka Dot Umbrella | $26 at Brollies Galore

Artsy
Pink Dahlia Umbrella
Pink Dahlia Umbrella | $40 (approx) at Raindrops

April 29th, 2008

You Said: No to Short Shorts!

Omiru Poll Result: Short Shorts are Out

Mary Striped ShortWe asked: Would you wear Short Shorts?

You said:  No to Short Shorts, which only got 30% of the vote.

Style tip?  Short Shorts are best on those blessed with thin legs.  For those of us with less-than-perfect legs, a knee length short is more flattering.  That said, short shorts can visually elongate the leg–so if you’re petite, they can work in your favor.

Next question: We just ran a feature on horizontal stripes, which have a bad reputation for figure flattery.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear Horizontal Stripes?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:  Mary Striped Short | $19.99 at Forever 21.

2 comments April 28th, 2008

Q&A: The Best Colors for Asian Skin

Q:  I’m a light skinned Asian girl and I have trouble figuring out when exactly I looked washed out. What kind of nude colors would I look good in and which ones should I avoid?


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A:
With your dark hair and light Asian skin, nude, pastel, and frosted shades will all tend to make you look washed out–pale, but not in a flattering way.  To avoid this unhealthy, washed out look, try wearing bright colors and vivid jewel tones.  Ruby reds, emerald green, cobalt blue, royal purple, teal, and even bright yellow will all flatter your complexion. 

If you would like to wear a nude colored dress, opt for a darker shade of nude so as to provide enough contrast to not blend in with the dress.

Have a great tip about great colors for Asian skin? Share it with us in the comments!

21 comments April 24th, 2008

Fresh Color Combinations for Spring

Light Blue and Spring Green
Light blue and spring green combine for a soothing, natural look.  Simply gorgeous.


Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


Lilac Purple and Navy Blue
Men, take note–your navy blue suit looks positively dashing with a pressed lilac shirt.


Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


Bright Yellow and Orange
Warm up an outfit with this bright color combination.  We love it paired with navy blue–or dark rinse jeans.


Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


4 comments April 22nd, 2008

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