Posts filed under 'Ready Made Outfits'
Strolling down the streets of Paris, I spotted a woman whose style perfectly embodied the playful relationship the French have with fashion and gender roles (recall Yves Saint Laurent’s le smoking - a tuxedo suit designed for women). Mixing a tough moto jacket and buckled boots with a prim blouse and full skirt, she had outfitted herself in a blend of soft and hard, masculine and feminine that’s quintessentially French. What made this outfit work? The blend of textures and styles, her impeccable accessories, and her attitude.
Zippered Snap Moto Jacket | $32.80 at Forever 21
Parisienne Sailor Blouse | $55 at Topshop
Rosette Dotted Skirt | $29 at Twelve by Twelve
Cobweb Snood | $32 at Topshop
Washed Leather Conical Stud Shoulder Bag | $135.98 at ASOS
ASIA Leather Lace Up Ankle Boot | $110.48 at ASOS
January 20th, 2010
Pictured: Cropped Tie Waist Shirt | $44 at Topshop, Plait Leather Pencil Skirt | $160 at Topshop, Circle Ring Sequin Vest | $19.80 at Forever 21, Lace Snap Clutch | $15.80 at Forever 21, We Who See Fringe Boot | $78 at Urban Outfitters.
As befits the season, we’re wearing a lot of black these days. But to keep black from being basic, we’re dressing it up with texture. Mixing textures - shine with matte, rough with smooth - allows us to add visual interest to an outfit, while still maintaining a nearly monochromatic look. FWIW, monochromatic dressing helps add visual height - great news for all of us who would like to add a few inches without towering heels. Here’s how to combine three distinctive textures for a look that’s simply chic:
1. Start with a plain white button down and a textured pencil skirt. Note the mix of smooth (shirt) and rough (braided leather on the skirt) with this foundation combination.
2. Add a bit of shine to the look with a sequinned vest - a wonderful foil to the matte foundations of the outfit.
3. Finish off the look with black accessories, as befits the near monochromatic outfit. The lace on the clutch handbag adds a new dimension of texture, while the fringe detail on the lace-up military-style boots adds the final cherry on top.
Unless you’re staying inside, you’ll want to finish off this outfit with a good warm coat. You can try the big over small look with a hip-length puffer - or go classic with a wool (or wool-cashmere blend) topcoat. Either way, keep the silhouette simple.
How would you mix and match textures? Share your style with us in the comments!
This look is part of Omiru’s Winter 2009 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 10-Piece Winter 2009 Wardrobe Expansion Pack.
January 8th, 2010
Pictured: Classic Stripe Tissue Tee | $32.50 at J Crew, Straight Jean | $29.50 at American Eagle, Knitted Cowl Neck Top | $70 at Topshop, Mallory Twill Bomber | $63.50 at Delias, Clear Bubble Stick Umbrella | $16.99 at Target, Jeffrey Campbell Over the Knee Rainboots | $98 at Urban Outfitters.
Just because it’s raining out doesn’t mean that your need to water down your sense of style. Simply adjust to the weather by layering and finishing off the look with a sleek umbrella and pair of rainboots. Layers of clothing will keep you cozy, and the rain gear will keep you dry. Here’s how to look slick, even when it’s raining out:
1. Start off your look with a simple foundation: a horizontal striped tee and a pair of straight leg jeans.
2. Layer a cozy cowl neck sweater on top of the horizontal striped tee, letting the sleeved tee peek out from under the sweater.
3. In warmer climates, all you need is a light jacket to finish off this outfit. In cooler climates, try a warmer coat in a fabric like wool or cashmere. Or alternatively, with either climate, try a trench-style raincoat.
4. Complete the look with your rain gear: a pair of over the knee rainboots (a silhouette that’s very in right now) and a clear bubble umbrella.
What would you wear to look slick in the rain? Share your style with us in the comments!
This look is part of Omiru’s Winter 2009 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 10-Piece Winter 2009 Wardrobe Expansion Pack.
December 22nd, 2009
Pictured: Merino Rose Corsage Cardigan | $89.50 at J Crew, Sequined Starland Tank | $138 at J Crew, Flocked Dot Shirt | $39.50 at American Eagle, Straight Jean | $29.50 at American Eagle, Mischa Barton Logo Clutch Bag | $66.29 at ASOS, Tulip Faux Suede Boots | $22.50 at Forever 21.
Can you wear sequins during the day? Yes, you can! Sequins are a great way to dress up casual clothes - and they work surprisingly well with daywear. We paired a sequinned top with everyday basics, and topped it off with a brightly colored cardigan for an extra kick. Here’s how to wear sequins during the day:
1. Start with the most basic of foundations: the plain white button down shirt and the straight leg, dark rinse jeans.
2. Upon that classic foundation, slip on a sequinned tank top for a mix that’s thoroughly modern.
3. For an extra kick, add a brightly colored sweater to the mix. The sequinned tank hugs the white button-down, and it peeks out from under the statement sweater.
4. Finish off the look with an embellished clutch bag (note how the shine on the bag echoes the glimmer of the sequins) and a pair of tall boots (yes, tuck your jeans in).
How would you wear sequins during the day? Share your style with us in the comments!
This look is part of Omiru’s Winter 2009 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 10-Piece Winter 2009 Wardrobe Expansion Pack.
December 17th, 2009
Pictured: Frill Stripe Tunic Dress | $80 at Topshop, Alexander Wang Moto Jacket with Detachable Sleeves | $825 at La Garconne, Ankle Leggings | $24 at Topshop, Black Leather Art Deco Beaded Sequin Clutch | $76.49 at ASOS, Embellished Velvet Flats | $19.80 at Forever 21.
How do you dress up plain black and white? It’s simple really - just add embellishment and texture! You’ll be amazed at how glamourous basics can look with a little bit of shine. Here’s how to get the black and white, yet strikingly embellished look:
1. Start with black and white basics: a body conscious black and white striped sweaterdress and simple black ankle leggings.
2. Add a touch of edge with a well cut motorcycle jacket, also in black.
3. Spice up the look with a pair of embellished velvet flats (for both embellishment AND texture) and a striking silver beaded sequinned clutch. With these statement accessories, you can take a daytime look well into evening.
How would you wear the embellished look? Share your style with us in the comments!
This look is part of Omiru’s Winter 2009 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 10-Piece Winter 2009 Wardrobe Expansion Pack.
December 17th, 2009
Need help defining your look this season? Omiru is here to help with the return of one of our most popular fashion features: the foundation wardrobe. This season, we’re adding a little twist. Instead of outlining your wardrobe basics (e.g. classic white button down, dark jeans, pencil skirt, etc), we’re structuring our Winter 2009 wardrobe as a kind of expansion pack, if you will, of pieces you want to add to those foundations. Put another way, our Winter 2009 wardrobe shows you what you need to update your existing wardrobe to stay on point this season.
Today, we’ll outline the 10 key pieces you’ll need this season. Over the next few months (and starting Thursday), we’ll show you how to combine these pieces into key looks that you can recreate with your own wardrobe.
So without any further ado, allow us to introduce the 10 pieces you’ll want to add to your closet for Winter 2009:
The Embellished Sweater
Merino Rose Corsage Cardigan | $89.50 at J Crew
The Sequin Top
Sequined Starland Tank | $138 at J Crew
The Tunic Sweater
Knitted Cowl Neck Top | $70 at Topshop
The Graphic Tee
Union Jack Watercolor Tee | $10.90 at Forever 21
The Vest
Circle Ring Sequin Vest | $19.80 at Forever 21
The Puffer Coat
Puffer Coat | $99.95 at American Eagle
The Moto Jacket
Alexander Wang Moto Jacket with Detachable Sleeves | $825 at La Garconne
The Square Jacket
Pyramid Stud Trim Jacket | $27.80 at Forever 21
The Sweater Dress
Frill Stripe Tunic Dress | $80 at Topshop
The Leggings
Ankle Leggings | $24 at Topshop
How would you wear this wardrobe expansion pack? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 15th, 2009
Pictured: Premium Hairy Bolero Jacket | $135 at Topshop, Double Button Placket Top | $32 at Topshop, Double Knit Skirt | $14.80 at Forever 21, Glitter Fedora | $10.80 at Forever 21, Mesh Pearl Strands | $10.80 at Forever 21, Kensington Oxford Pump | $24.99 at Payless.
We’ve always been enamored of the charmingly confident style of Coco Chanel. And channeling her signature blend of menswear and womenswear is surprisingly easy now that the collarless bolero coat and pearls have planted themselves firmly on the trend radar. (Audrey Tautou’s film Coco Before Chanel also didn’t hurt to repopularize Chanel’s style.) To get a modern version of Coco Chanel’s look, mix simple shapes with different textures - and combine feminine silhouettes (e.g. pencil skirt) with masculine details (e.g. fedora hat). Here’s how to get the look of Coco Chanel:
1. Start with the simplest of foundations: a white blouse and a black pencil skirt.
2. Layer on Chanel’s signature pieces: a pearl necklace (note the modernization of the traditional pearls) and a textured bolero jacket.
3. Finish off the look with menswear inspired pieces with a feminine touch: a ribbon wrapped fedora hat and a pair of oxford pumps.
How would you get the look of Coco Chanel? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 10th, 2009
Pictured: Reformed Silk Ruffle Tank | $58 at Urban Outfitters, Elastic Belt Satin Skirt | $21.50 at Wet Seal, Wool Ruffle Duffle Coat | $187.60 at J Crew, Tulip Faux Suede Boots | $22.50 at Forever 21, ASOS Iridescent Feather Clutch | $42.49 at ASOS.
Black and white can be anything but plain. Just keep things interesting with texture, pattern, and embellishments. We’ve crafted a flirtily feminine look out of black and white pieces, perfect for date night. But take apart the pieces and you can mix and match for work, weekend, and everything in between. Here’s how to get the look of black and white:
1. Start with a delicate black and white patterned cami. The silk fabric drapes nicely, while the texture keeps the cami interesting.
2. Slip on a silk satin skirt in a forgiving, slight a-line shape. What makes this skirt particularly fetching is the belt detail - don’t you love it?
3. It’s cold outside, so grab your coat. We love this coat for its delicate-yet-tailored ruffle detail.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of slouchy suede tall boots - and a statement clutch in iridescent feathers.
How would you wear black and white? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 8th, 2009
Q: I’m going to be graduating from college this December. Usually one can find all kinds of style tips for graduation in the spring, but I’m graduating a semester early, and now I’m just a little confused about what to wear. I go to Texas A&M University, so I’m predicting it to be relatively cold (40s-50s), but I want to look sophisticated and skinny. My question is, what should I wear for a December graduation? I’m 5′ 10" and weigh about 165, with most of my weight in the hips & thighs.
A: Graduation, whether it’s in the Spring or the Winter, is a time to celebrate, and a rite of passage for you as you blossom into your adult self. You can show your family and friends that you’re a grown up in a sophisticated dress or blouse and skirt combination. But as it’s going to be cold out, you’ll want to dress in layers so that you can adjust to the temperatures inside and out.
To flatter your figure, choose a dress (or skirt) that skims over your hips. Wrap styles will work well, as will empire waist dresses and moderate a-line shaped skirts. To draw attention upward, try a dress with an open neckline - or show some skin on your shoulders or arms. J Crew’s silk taffeta bow monde dress will flatter your lower body while drawing attention up towards your upper body and face.
Since it’s cold out, layer up. Slip on a sweater on top (note: cashmere is extra warm), and try a pair of pantyhose or tights and closed-toe pumps to help keep your legs and feet warm. Finish off the look with a stunning overcoat - and a bright smile.
What would you wear to a winter graduation? Share your style with us in the comments!
December 4th, 2009
Harem Pants (aka MC Hammer Pants) may have been the poster child for bad 1980s fashion, but they’ve been an unexpected comeback trend this season. These voluminous, low slung trousers may not be traditionally flattering (in fact, they’re more anti-fashion than fashion), but they’re attracting both ridicule and admiration this time around.
What’s the secret to wearing harem pants? Complement these voluminous, structured pants with a loose, drapey top and cinch the volume at the waist. Here’s how to get the look of harem pants for less:
Silk Woven Pant | $29.80 at Forever 21
You can get investment level harem pants for $300, but we’d rather pay less than $30 to capture this trend.
Silk Ruffle Blouse | $59.50 at Gap
This polished blouse complements the voluminous pants with its soft, slouchy fit and feminine details.
AE Braided Belt | $29.50 at American Eagle
Finish off the look with a little bit of texture and color. This braided belt fits the bill.
Lily Suedette Shoetie | $24.80 at Forever 21
Work with the tapered silhouette of the harem pants by slipping on a sleek bootie/shoe (aka a "shoetie").
December 3rd, 2009
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