Posts filed under 'Women'
Q: My husband and I will be touring southern Africa. We are from the most southern area of Arizona and see that the temps in S.A. are quite cool in May…in fact, they look cold! I heard from a lady who was headed to Africa the next week that every color other than the khakis and brown tones were not allowed. Has anyone heard of this clothing color rule?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: How ironic, as I read your question, I was having tea with a good friend from Knysna, South Africa. She had never heard of color restrictions on safari–unless you are on a walking safari (in which case your game lodge should inform you of restrictions).
To be practical, you may want to wear khaki clothes so as not to show dirt and dust and (should the weather be warmer than expected) to deflect some heat. If you get cold, as you suggest, you may want to look for darker colors, which will hold in the heat.
In the cities, my friend said to expect colors similar to those worn in Miami - bright and tropical. Dress in layers, as the temperatures will vary dramatically throughout the day and evening. It cools down a lot in the evenings, and FYI a lot of buildings aren’t heated.
As for where to find clothes, Orvis online has great travel clothes. One last tip? Remember to bring practical shoes and a hat.
Have a great tip about what to wear on safari?
Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Corners of the Globe Safari Shirt | $69 at Orvis.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
January 11th, 2008
Q: I just bought a black blazer, but I don’t know what to wear with it to keep the young look (I’m only 15). What colors would go best with it?
A: Since you’re only 15, you’re right in wanting to keep the look young. A black blazer is a classy, sophisticated addition to your wardrobe, but it can also age your look if paired with the wrong garments.
Create a fresh, young look around the black blazer by pairing it with dark rinse (or grey) jeans. Add a statement top–such as a striped sweater, a graphic tee, or a brightly colored cami. Finish off the look by adding a pair of boots and draping a thin scarf around your neck.
As for colors, any and every color goes well with black. You can try a formal look with a polished white, or you can go bold with metallics or bright colors. Or keep the look refined with a light grey.
Have a great tip about youthful looks with a black blazer?
Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Career Black Blazer | $29.80 at Forever 21.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
January 10th, 2008
Q: I have tiny calves and have been looking for a cool pair of knee high boots. Can you suggest a brand that tailors to smaller calf sizes? It seems anymore that everyone makes bigger boots, but not small ones. I’m a runner who is 5’8†and all skinny leg.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: The good news is that you’re blessed with slender calves. The bad news is that designers find that more women have oversized (rather than skinny) calves–and your boot selections are limited.
With your slender calves, you’re going to want to look for two things: soft materials and stretchiness (since boots cut in stretchy materials have a narrower cut). Combined, soft material and stretch should hug even the skinniest of calves. Start your search with this Donald J Pilner boot, which features soft suede and stretch material. While it was designed to stretch for oversized calves, it may just fit your legs without stretching.
Worse comes to worse, if you find that the soft, stretchy boots are still oversized for your calves, you can have a shoemaker take them in (or splurge for custom boots).
Have a great tip about where to find knee high boots for skinny calves?
Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Donald J Pilner Doris Boot | $338.95 at Zappos.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
January 8th, 2008
We asked: Is Leopard Print In or Out?
You said: Out. 29% voted Leopard Print In, while the vast majority (71%) voted it Out or On the Way Out.
Style tip? Should you choose to wear leopard print, do it differently. How about trying Leopard Print in an unusual color, like this blue Tibi dress?
Next question: 1920s Fashion–bowler hats, flapper-esque drop waist dresses, chic ballet flats. Would you wear it? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Tibi Leopard Shift Dress | $174 (sale) at Shopbop.
January 7th, 2008
Q: I have a fabulous pair of black wide leg trousers and although they have faded they still look good. The problem is I can no longer wear them with black. What dark colours can I substitute?
A: Your instincts are spot on: you don’t want to pair these trousers with black, since that will only draw attention to the fading. Plus it’s near impossible to match different shades of black, and you only want to wear two black items together if they’re a perfect match.
Though you’re down a pair of black trousers, you’re up a pair of (super) dark grey trousers. So treat the faded black wide-leg trousers like you would a pair of dark grey pants.
Dark grey pairs well with all kinds of bright colors. Crack open any fashion magazine from this season, and you’ll see grey paired with bright blue, grassy green, sunny yellow, or even shades of purple.
Be bold with your fashion choices, and have fun!
Have a great tip about what to wear with (or what to do with) faded black pants?
Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Cashmere Henley | $188 at J Crew.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
January 4th, 2008
Q: I’m a schoolteacher, and I would like to find a nice coat that I can wear over my long skirts and dresses to work–but could also possibly be paired with pants during the cold, snowy days. Any suggestions on where to find the perfect coat?
A: When coat shopping, fit is key, so we recommend going to department stores where you can try on coats from a variety of brands. As for fit, you should be looking for a snug fit in the shoulders (and for the most flattering look, high armholes).
Given that the coat will be paired with long skirts and dresses, look for a long coat. You can let your skirts and dresses show from under the coat, so long as the overall look is loose. If you have a highly structured coat, over, say, a pencil skirt, you’re going to want to fully cover the skirt. But if the shapes of the skirt/dress and coat are less severe, a bit of skirt peeking out never hurt anyone.
Here’s a few affordable coats you may want to start with:
Nick & Mo Audrey Tweed Coat | $98 at Nordstrom
Oversized buttons and a cinched waist give this coat some flair.
London Fog Double Breasted Wool Trench Coat | $188 at Nordstrom
You can’t go wrong with a classic trenchcoat.
Jessica Simpson Platter Collar Coat | $188 at Nordstrom
Love the belt and the oversized collar.
Pictured: MICHAEL Michael Kors Belted Wool Coat | $228 at Nordstrom
The standup collar and the metal dome buttons make this coat quietly dramatic.
Have a great tip about where to find the perfect coat?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
January 3rd, 2008
Q: I’ve fallen in love with some gorgeous brown knee-high boots! However, I’ve always heard that knee-high boots should fit snugly around your calves, and they are just a little bit loose around mine. What is your advice about knee-high boots?
A:
Good and bad news for you. The bad news is that you’re right: knee-high boots should fit snugly around the calf. The good news is that you have skinny calves, which are much easier to dress than oversized calves.
Knee-high boots ideally hug your leg right underneath the knee. Since you have skinny calves, we recommend looking for boots with buckles. A buckle at the top of the boot will allow you to cinch in the top of the boot, creating that snug fit.
Have a great tip about fitting boots to your calves?
Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Frye ‘Tina’ Tall Pleated Boot | $397.95 at Nordstrom.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
January 1st, 2008
Q: New Years Eve is on its way. I’ll be spending it in Times Square with close friends and some friends of friends. It will be way too cold to dress in a skirt or dress. What to wear?! I’m only 18, so keep it funky!
A: Bundle up, it’s going to be cold outside! Whenever we see the Times Square New Year’s Eve countdown on TV, we see people dressed in overcoats, long pants…and most likely, long underwear. Because it’s so cold out, you’re going to want to dress warmly too. But bundling up doesn’t have to be boring.
Build your outfit around a statement coat. Your coat is going to be the first thing people will see–so be bold and pick a funky color (e.g. teal) or style (e.g. oversized lapels). Bright colors are perfect for your New Year’s Eve outing. Not only are they perfectly on trend, but they’re also a way to stand out in the crowd–especially if you get separated from your friends…or you want to spot yourself on TV.
Under the coat, dress warmly with a cozy oversized cowl neck sweater. Wool trousers layered over silk underwear will help to keep out the cold.
Add a bit of sparkle to your outfit with accessories. Go bold with a hat and gloves. Deck yourself with statement earrings–or a set of bold bracelets. Layer on a festive scarf. Finish off the look with a pair of dramatic boots. We recommend a low heel–enough to be festive, but not so high as to make your feet hurt.
P.S. Weather.com is calling for rain on New Year’s Eve. So don’t forget your umbrella!
Pictured: Soia & Kyo Double Breasted Belted Coat | $360 at Nordstrom.
Have a great tip about what to wear for New Year’s Eve?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
December 28th, 2007
We asked: Are Oversized Handbags In or Out?
You said: In, with 60% of the popular vote.
Omiru’s take: Not a big surprise. The hottest handbags now are not only big–but also boldly colored with the acid brights of the season.
Style tip? Choose an oversized handbag appropriate to your size. If you’re petite, you’re not going to want to carry the giant hobo bag that your 6 ft counterpart is hauling around. Oh, and even though you have plenty of room in your bag, keep the stuff in your bag to a minimum. Better for your back, and it’s just good habit for when bags go small again.
Next question:
Just for fun: Did you get what you wanted for Christmas? Cast your
vote on the sidebar (and feel free to leave comments about your favorite gifts here).
Pictured: MAXX NEW YORK ‘Fenway’ Patent Bowler | $148 at Nordstrom.
December 26th, 2007
Q: If you are not born with a long swan like neck, can you wear boatneck and/or funnel necklines? Obviously these necklines don’t visually elongate the neck as V necklines do, right?
A: If your neck is on the short side (as mine is), V necklines and deep scoop necklines are the most figure flattering. Boatneck necklines also work pretty well, but funnel necklines and turtlenecks aren’t your friend. The one exception to the rule: you can wear turtlenecks with oversized, drapey necklines–the verticality of the oversized drape tricks the eye into thinking your neck is longer than it actually is.
Pictured: Long Sleeve Cowlneck Sweater | $88 at Banana Republic.
Have a great tip about great necklines for a short neck?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
December 20th, 2007
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