Posts filed under 'Ready Made Outfits'

January 2012 Lookbook: Urban Explorer

Omiru's January 2012 Lookbook: Urban Explorer
This look is part of Omiru’s January 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

Exploring a new place has to be one of my favorite things, hands down.  And whether you’re venturing out in a new city or rediscovering your own, you’ll want a chic, comfy outfit in which to roam.  Pack up your backpack with all of your essentials (mine are a Moleskine notebook and an iPad - can’t get enough of Flipboard and the NYTimes app) and head out to explore.  Here’s what to wear:

1. Start with a foundation of brights - a cheeky yellow tee paired with a bright blue colored denim pants.
2. Layer on a sweater - the aztec print on this short sleeved sweater gives it personality.  (If your urban hike doesn’t make you sweat, you’ll probably want to add a coat to keep you warm.)
3. Finish off the Urban Explorer look with a pair of moccasins (Minnetonka is my personal fave) and a leather backpack.

How would you wear this look?
  Share your style with us in the comments!

January 5th, 2012

January 2012 Lookbook: How to Wear Colorblocking

Omiru's January 2012 Lookbook: How to Wear Colorblocking
This look is part of Omiru’s January 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

Colorblocking is nothing new, but it’s still a fun way to perk up your winter wardrobe.  How to keep colorblocking looking fresh?  Make a statement by pairing blocks of bright color with winter neutrals - whites, greys, and blacks.  We deliberately echoed the colorblocking on the dress with the tote bag to create a cohesive look.

1. Start with the colorblocked dress, paired with a slim legging to keep your legs warm.
2. Pile on the layers.  First add a cozy hoodie to winterize the look - and then bundle up in your winter coat.  Notice how the striping on the winter coat echoes the colorblocking on the dress.
3. Finish off the look with a pair of chunky black boots (solid, yet fashion forward) - and a colorblocked tote that pulls the look together.

How would you wear colorblocking?
  Share your style with us in the comments!

January 4th, 2012

Omiru’s 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe

Omiru's 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe
Want to take a closer look at the capsule wardrobe?  Here’s more information about it.


January is all about renewal - taking out the old, and bringing in the new.  And what’s new is electric colors, fun with silhouettes, and rich textures, from silk to sequins.  We’ve edited down the best of January 2012 into a high/low mix of 16 easy pieces - ranging from a leopard print jacket to a vibrant cobalt blue denim pant.  These sixteen pieces - with the help of some fun accessories - are all you really need to put together a month’s worth of looks. 

Today, we’ll outline the 16 key pieces you’ll want this month to keep your closet on point.  And for the rest of January, we’ll show you how to mix and match these pieces into key looks that you can recreate with your own wardrobe.

Without further ado, let’s get started.  From left to right, top to bottom, here are the 16 pieces you’ll want to have in your closet this month.

The New Winter Coat

J Crew Stadium Cloth Striped Wool Blend Coat | $400 at Net-a-Porter
January 2012’s answer to the winter coat.  Cozily warm, and just a little bit cheeky with the variegated stripes.

The Statement Denim Jacket

Current/Elliott The Snap Leopard Print Stretch Denim Cropped Jacket | $270 at Net-a-Porter
Make a statement with a fun color or pattern. Here, we’ve chosen the pattern of the season, animal prints, to liven up the classic denim jacket. 

The Wear Everywhere Sweater

Knitted Cable Lurex Jacket | $90 at Topshop
The beauty of this sweater is that it can be dressed up or dressed down.  We love the black trim that gives it a more formal feel - but the pink stripes keep it from getting too serious.

The Classic Parka

Burberry Brit Gabardine Drawstring Parka | $795 at Net-a-Porter
The classic parka, as envisioned by the quintessentially British Burberry Brit.  If you don’t want to shell out for the designer version, there are plenty of more accessible versions at the likes of H&M and Zara.  Mine’s actually a children’s version with a faux fur lining on the hood, unfortunately past season & not available for purchase online.

The Silk Blouse
Blythe Blouse in Silk | $98 at J Crew
It’s the classic silk blouse in a casual camp shirt style.  But what really makes this blouse is the rich, purple color.

The Chunky Knit Vest
Malene Birger Anninas Chunky Knit Wool Cardigan | $395 at Net-a-Porter
Vests (aka gilets) are fantastic layering pieces that are great for transitioning between outdoors & indoors.  And they’re a great way to add texture to your wardrobe without adding unflattering bulk, as you can offset the chunky knit with a slim arm.

The Bright Tank
Curve Hem Tank | $20 at Topshop
Instantly make the winter blues go away with a brightly colored tank. 

The Comfortable Hoodie
T by Alexander Wang Knitted Cotton Hooded Top | $170 at Net-a-Porter
The ultimate in comfort - the hoodie.  We love the neutral grey color, which goes with everything in your wardrobe.

The Colorblocked Dress

Diane von Furstenberg Colorblock Silk Dress | $375 at Net-a-Porter
It’s the perfect work dress - serious, with a splash of bright color.  But paired with the right items, you can wear this dress out to cocktails - or on the weekends.

The Layering Shirt
Chiffon Placket Shirt | $70 at Topshop
Airy chiffon makes this shirt the perfect item for layering.

The Sequinned Dress
Vince Sequin-Embellished Crepe Dress | $495 at Net-a-Porter
We love sequins, period.  And this sequinned dress does double duty - wear it by itself at night, or dress it down with a pair of leggings and wear it during the day.

The Bright Shift Dress

Tuck Neck Clean Shift Dress | $72 at Topshop
Cobalt blue is big for Spring 2012 - and this shift dress works great alone, paired with neutrals, or even paired with other brights.

The Grey Cords
Madewell Rail Straight Cords | $89.50 at Madewell
Why go with the standard camel colored cords when you can sport them in a refreshing grey?

The Bright Denim Pant
Toothpick Jean in Garment Dyed Twill | $108 at J Crew
Colored denim is just what your closet has been coveting.  We love this bright blue color - it’s gorgeous, easy to wear, and it pairs beautifully with spring’s brights.

The Leather Panel Legging
Faux Leather Panel Legging | $56 at Topshop
Consider this piece to be Leggings 2.0 - the original legging made better with (faux) leather panels.  You can dress this piece up and down, and it’s the ultimate in comfort.

The Pleated Skirt

Invert Pleated Flippy Skirt | $60 at Topshop
This A-line pleated skirt is fresh and youthful - but it has enough structure to give it gravitas.

Let the inspiration begin!
Trisha

2 comments January 3rd, 2012

How to Wear a Cape

how-to-wear-a-cape_112910

Pictured: Hooded Duffle Cape | $160 at Topshop, Shirt with Tailored Front | 25.99 GBP (approx $40.50) at Zara, Black Ribbed Ankle Leggings | $36 at Topshop, Studded Ballet Flats | $138 at J Crew, and City Bag with Straps | 59.99 GBP (approx $93.60) at Zara. Note: For US customers, Zara items are available in store only.

Supersize your style this Fall with a cape worthy of a style superhero.  Deliciously dramatic, the cape delivers an exaggerated silhouette to play with - and keeps you warm all the while.  Do as Sofia Coppola does and have some fun with the dramatic cape with an equally exaggerated silhouette.  We love how she pairs her voluminous cape with something super skinny on the bottom, juxtaposing an elegant "uptown" cape with a "downtown" pair of leggings.  Here’s how to get the look:

1. Start with a tailored white button down shirt and a pair of skinny black leggings or trouser pants.  Bonus points for picking a pair that hits just above the ankle.
2. Layer on your voluminous cape, creating a gorgeous big-over-small silhouette.
3. Finish off the look with a structured bag and a pair of ballet flats, which pair perfectly with the cropped pants.

How would you wear the cape?  Share your style with us in the comments!

32 comments December 3rd, 2010

How to Look Smart in Cutoff Shorts

look-smart-cutoff-shorts_082310

Smart and sophisticated are two adjectives that aren’t usually attached to cutoff shorts.  But as these denim short shorts have been rising on the trend charts this summer, it’s worth getting some extra mileage out of them, beyond wearing them with the usual suspects - a tank or tee and sandals.  Simply pair your denim cutoff shorts with sophisticated basics - a loosely fitted blouse and boyfriend blazer.  Finish off the look with a pair of pumps (don’t you love that zipper detailing?) and a sophisticated handbag.  The resulting look puts you at the intersection of polished and playful, and it’s perfect layering for summer days.

Denim cutoffs aren’t for you?  Switch out the cutoff shorts for a pair of distressed boyfriend jeans for a more conservative look.

Here’s how to get the look:
Pins and Needles Watercolor Chiffon Blouse | $58 at Urban Outfitters

Distressed Chain Shorts | $18.90 at Forever 21

Ruched Sleeve Blazer | $125 at Topshop

Guess Fedran HH Platform Bow Detail Shoes | $166.82 at ASOS

Premium Leather Weave Holdall | $168.50 at ASOS

How do you wear denim cutoff shorts?
  Share your style with us in the comments!

1 comment August 27th, 2010

How to Wear Harem Pants

how-to-wear-harem-pants_081810

Harem pants have been embraced by the fashion world, but they’re a bit of a style challenge to wear.  Their exaggerated (and somewhat unflattering) shape make these harem pants a style statement - so you’ll want to craft your look around the pants.  How do you make the pants the centerpiece of your outfit?  We recommend pairing these baggy pants with a fitted top for a small-over-big look.  Especially for petite women, heels are also a must with harem pants to give your legs a longer, leaner loook.  Finish off the look with a bit of texture - a suede jacket adds both texture and visual interest to the look.  Here’s how to get the look of harem pants:

Zip Detail Harem Trousers | $80 at Topshop

Gusto Cami | $98 at J Crew

Waterfall Suede Jacket with Chain Detail | $185.35 at ASOS

Dolce Vita Suede Platform Oxford | $178 at Urban Outfitters

How will you wear harem pants?
  Share your style with us in the comments!

4 comments August 20th, 2010

Wear to Work: Architectural Details

wear-to-work-architectural-details-look_062310

The blouse and pencil skirt combination is one of the oldest in the book, but you can make this simple silhouette interesting again with the right details.  Here, we’ve played with architectural details - on the blouse, the handbag, and the shoe - in order to make a look that’s as sharp as it is smart.  On the plain white blouse, a sharp shoulder recalls the 1980s, but in a sophisticated fashion.  The strong lines of the shoulder are echoed on the solid lines of the bright red handbag - and again on the architecturally inspired pair of suede heels.  Here’s how to get the look:

Space Sleeve Shirt | $36 at Topshop

Superfine Cotton Pencil Skirt | $98 at J Crew

Julienne Suede Heels | $198 at J Crew

Plain Leather Vintage Belt | $30 at Topshop

NW3 By Hobbs Fitzjohn Howden Bag | $302.67 at ASOS

2 comments June 25th, 2010

How to Wear Jersey Knits to Work

wear-to-work-jersey-blazer_050410

Spring/Summer 2010 is in love with sweats - in pants form for women, and in heathered grey sweatshirts for men - so we’re taking another look at jersey knits.  Paired with the right items, jersey knit can work for work - and keep you super comfortable to boot.  We paired an olive knit jersey with a chambray-like shawl collar tunic and a pair of high waisted sailor pants.  (Yes, please tuck in that tunic for best effect.)  Finishing off the outfit are a pair of oxford peep toe booties and a rich, chocolatey bucket bag to tote your notebooks - or perhaps your new iPad.

Here’s how to wear jersey knits to work:

Jersey Boyfriend Blazer | $110 at Topshop

Lightweight Cotton Tunic Top | $59.50 at J Crew

Wide Leg Trousers | $70 at Topshop

Seychelles Perforated Peep-Toe Oxford | $128 at Urban Outfitters

Deux Lux Tassel Bucket Bag | $68 at Urban Outfitters

How would you wear jersey knits to work?  Share your style with us in the comments!

May 6th, 2010

How to Wear Sequins During the Day

daytime-sequins_041210

Pictured: Sequined Starland Tank | $138 at J Crew, Pleat Tapered Trousers | $70 at Topshop, AE Classic Denim Jacket | $39.95 (sale) at American Eagle, Worn Large Leatherette Tote | $32.80 at Forever 21, Seychelles Teardrop T-Strap Heel | $88 at Urban Outfitters.

Sequins used to be creatures of the night, but they’re increasingly accepted for daytime wear.  If you decide to sequin up your daytime look, you have two options: (1) go glam and essentially wear cocktail type attire during the daytime, or (2) mix your sequins into more utilitarian pieces for a sophisticated daytime look.  We put together a springy outfit that shows you how to do the latter:

1.  Start with a sequinned tank top, and pair it with a pair of casual trousers.  We like how the pleats and the slightly rolled cuffs bring these trousers down to earth.
2.  Add another touch of utilitywear to this outfit with the jacket of the moment - a close fitting denim jacket.
3.  Finish off the look with a set of accessories that mash up feminine and utility - a pair of fetching t-strap heels in aqua and a sturdy holdall bag.

How would you wear sequins during the day?
  Share your style with us in the comments!

4 comments April 15th, 2010

How to Wear Spring Shorts? With a Blouse and Blazer.

how-to-wear-spring-shorts-blazer_033010

When you break out your shorts for Spring, you have a sartorial choice.  You can go casual with a sweater and tee - or you can dress up your spring shorts for a surprisingly sophisticated look.  We’re huge fans of keeping your look polished, even when you’re wearing shorts - and here’s how.  Simply pair your spring shorts with basics that fall on the more formal side of the spectrum - such as a blazer and blouse pairing.  Look how the tailored blazer and the crisp blouse add a dash of panache to your casual shorts.  

The key to getting this look right?  Choose a blazer that’s similar in structure to your shorts.  Notice that the linen shorts fit a bit loose - as does the linen herringbone blazer.  And accessorize, accessorize, accessorize.  Heels befit the sophisticated blazer-shorts pairing.  The cherry on top?  A braided belt in a gorgeous shade of brown, tied on the waist.

1. Linen Herringbone Blazer | $27.80 at Love 21

2. Cotton Silk Popover Shirt | $59.50 at Martin + Osa

3. Pleat Shorts | $60 at Topshop

4. Double Braid Belt | $29.50 at American Eagle

5. Dream Suedette Pump | $25.80 at Forever 21

How would you wear your spring shorts?  Share your style with us in the comments!

5 comments April 1st, 2010

Next Posts Previous Posts


Calendar

January 2025
M T W T F S S
« Jun    
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  

Posts by Month

Posts by Category