Posts filed under 'Shopping Guide'
The perfect holiday party dress shows you off to your best advantage, yet it’s comfortable enough so that you can make your way through the room in style. In other words, the perfect holiday party dress makes you shine. This season, we have bright colors, asymmetry, metallics, and more to help you do just that. What will you choose to wear on this year’s holiday party circuit?
Metallics
ABS Illusion Yoke Sequin Shift Dress | $318 at Nordstrom
All eyes will be on you as you enter the room in this slinky sequin-encrusted shift dress.
Bright Colors
Satin Trim Sheath Dress | $152 at Banana Republic
Adorn yourself with a punch of color, but then keep your accessories simple. A simple clutch, chunky necklace, and delicate earrings will do the trick.
Asymmetry
Grand Metallic Sequin Dress | $22.80 at Forever 21
Asymmetry is very 1980s, but this sequin-detailed dress is all 2009. Added bonus? The black color and sleek silhouette will have a slimming effect.
Grecian Glamour
Elastic Back Jersey Dress | $80 at Topshop
Dress up this draped grecian-inspired cocktail dress with sparkly jewelry and a bright clutch.
Bows
Ikat Bow Monde Dress | $250 at J Crew
Fire up the party with this gorgeous ikat dress. The oversized bow feels less girly and more chic - plus it’s the perfect detail to flatter women with a small bust.
December 1st, 2009
The motorcycle jacket: this masculine favorite has fully made its way into the heart of womens’ closets. Why? There’s just something about a woman in a motorcycle jacket - the combination of hard and soft, masculine and feminine is just irresistible. We love pairing this versatile jacket with everything from jeans and a tee (a la James Dean) to flowery dresses, for a biker gang meets garden party look. Here’s our five favorite motorcycle jackets:
Clockwise, from top left:
Silence & Noise Faux Leather Moto Jacket | $98 at Urban Outfitters
Outfit yourself in a jacket that manages to be edgy and cooly classic, all at once.
Wool Blend Motorcycle Jacket | $42.90 at Heritage 1981
Combine the motorcycle jacket trend with one of the biggest textile trends of the season, plaid, for a statement jacket that you won’t want to go without.
Nom De Plume YaYa Moto Jacket | $58 at Urban Outfitters
A pretty pale aqua color adds a feminine touch to a masculine favorite.
Wool Motorcycle Jacket | $150 at Martin + Osa
Motorcycle jackets don’t have to be (faux) leather. We love the sleek, clean look of this charcoal wool jacket. Isn’t that collar to die for?
Stella Denim Jacket | $24.80 at Forever 21
Not just another jean jacket. This dark denim motorcycle jacket looks lovely with feminine skirts and dresses.
November 19th, 2009
It’s sweater weather, and we’re digging the shawl collar cardigan. Why do we love it so? Its inherent mix of casual and formal - it’s one part sweater and one part blazer. You can wear the shawl collar cardigan with a tee and jeans, with a blouse and pearls, or even with a cocktail dress - and it’ll infuse each look a preppily polished feel. Here’s three shawl collar cardigans to round out your sweater wardrobe:
Pictured from Left to Right:
Alpaca Long Shawl Cardigan | $98 at J Crew
We love the texture and the go-everywhere color on this nubby alpaca shawl cardigan.
Keaton Tuxedo Cardigan | $118 at J Crew
Ditch your blazer and grab this tuxedo cardigan. It’s the perfect day-to-night piece.
Micro Shawl Collar Cardigan | $69.50 at Martin + Osa
The fitted waistband and the micro shawl make this cardigan fully feminine.
November 17th, 2009
How to brave winter in style? Pull out a puffer jacket, of course. These casually chic jackets are super warm (thank you, down filling), and they can add a bit of life to more formal clothes. Try a puffer with a dress (+ tights/leggings) and boots - it’s amazing how chic this looks. Here’s our five favorite puffer jackets to keep you warm this winter:
Pictured Clockwise from Top Left:
Ribbed Sleeve Down Jacket | $98 at Gap
Get the best of both worlds - the warmth of a puffer with the slim, trim silhouette of a sweater on your arms. Maybe it’s not quite slimming, but it’s as close as you’re going to get with a puffer.
AE Puffer Coat | $119.50 at American Eagle
We’re enchanted by this bright orange color. You’ll be seen wherever you go.
Puffer Jacket | $170 at Martin + Osa
This creamy slim fit puffer manages to be sophisticated, even for casual days.
Long Belted Puffer | $235 at J Crew
Warm up this winter with this rich plum colored puffer. We love the herringbone-esque striping on the puffer; the v-shaped lines make for a slimming effect.
Bubble Sheen Jacket | $32.80 at Forever 21
When you want to make a statement, try this shiny black puffer. Works for day with an asymmetrical top and jeans and night with a cocktail length dress.
How would you wear a puffer jacket? Share your style with us in the comments!
November 12th, 2009
Need to transform your look in a flash? There’s no easier way to do this than with a scarf. You can add color, texture, and a bit of drama with the simple scarf - and really change up your look. Here’s our favorite six lightweight fall scarves under $50:
Plaid
Plaid Blanket Scarf | $24.50 at Gap
Textured
Mustard Seed Ruffled Scarf | $22.99 at Ruche
Ombre
Dipped Ends Wool Scarf | $49.50 at Martin & Osa
Animal Print
Small Woven Leopard Scarf | $32 at Topshop
Buffalo Check
Buffalo Check Scarf | $19.50 at American Eagle
Open Weave
Ruffled Yarn Scarf | $6.80 at Forever 21
October 19th, 2009
It’s officially boot season, and we’re reloading our shoe closets for Fall’s rain and clouds. But with so many great boot styles available this season, we’re having trouble choosing what to buy without breaking the bank. If you’re having a hard time deciding between boot styles, head over to Forever 21, and you’ll see why they have the cheap chic shoe market completely cornered. Whether you’re looking for a flat boot or heeled boot, a tall boot or an ankle boot, a tailored boot or a slouchy boot, Forever 21 has the boots for you. Here’s our six favorite boot picks (all under $35!) from Forever 21:
Suedette Slouch Boot | $29.80 at Forever 21
Peep Toe Ankle Boot | $32.80 at Forever 21
Trooper Boots | $29.80 at Forever 21
Naomi Ruched Boots | $31.80 at Forever 21
Western Ankle Boot | $30.80 at Forever 21
Combat Ankle Boots | $32.80 at Forever 21
What will you be wearing with your boots this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 14th, 2009
The Cardigan - it’s a wardrobe foundation that’s supremely versatile, with the ability to change the entire look of an outfit. But the cardigan so often plays a supporting role in an outfit, whether it’s peeking out from under a statement jacket, complementing a well-chosen blouse, or adding a pop of texture to a look. Take the cardigan from supporting to stunning, with surprising colors and statement silhouettes. Here’s six stunning cardigans under $100:
Vero Moda Wide Envelope Wool Mix Sleeve | $63.83 at ASOS
Silence & Noise Dolman Sleeve Cardigan | $48 at Urban Outfitters
Merino Maya Cardigan | $88 at J Crew
Silence & Noise Cozy Open Cardigan | $48 at Urban Outfitters
Pintucked Cardigan | $24.90 at Heritage 1981
Honeycomb Blouson Sleeve Cardigan | $63.83 at ASOS
What cardigan(s) will you be wearing this Fall? Share your style in the comments!
October 13th, 2009
Now that Fall is upon us and you’re out shopping for coats, chunky knit sweaters, and layering tops, it’s time to update your shoe wardrobe as well. We love the mix of textures and styles that Fall is bringing us - and we have six shoes under $100 for you to start your shoe shopping. Here’s six shoe trends you need to know for Fall 2009:
Ankle Boots
Abaeté for Payless Antoine Bootie | $49.99 at Payless
Oxfords
Fioni Kensington Oxford Pump | $24.99 at Payless
Flat Boots
Buckled Ankle Boot | $26.80 at Forever 21
Animal Prints
Mossimo Vassie Snip Toe Pumps | $29.99 at Target
Tall Boots
BDG Leather Riding Boot | $88 at Urban Outfitters
Quilted Flats
Quilted Cap Toe Flats | $16.80 at Forever 21
What shoes will you be wearing this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 5th, 2009
The warm days of Summer may be a memory, but Fall’s cooler temperatures mean fun with layering - and buying a new Fall coat. Since we’re coat fanatics, we’ve been eyeing all of the coat possibilities for weeks - so we’ve got the best of the best affordable picks ready for you. In fact, we’ve got one (or more!) for you, whatever your style personality. Here’s Omiru’s top six picks for Fall Coats under $100:
Elegant
Anna Von Diederitz Coat in Snow | $83.99 at ModCloth
Mod
Devin Military Peacoat | $89.50 at Delias
Gamine
Take the Reigns Jacket | $64.99 at ModCloth
Sporty
AE Fall Anorak | $79.50 at American Eagle
Outdoorsy
Mallory Twill Bomber | $79.50 at Delias
Euro Chic
Belted Shoulder Blazer | $90 at Topshop
What Fall Coats will you be wearing? Share your style with us in the comments!
September 29th, 2009
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
We’re often asked about undergarments, as they provide the foundation for the clothes that we love featuring on Omiru. Even though your undergarments don’t show, we recommend investing in a few good basics. Great undergarments make your figure look its best - you won’t look (and feel) droopy, and your clothes will hang better. There are four essential undergarments every woman should have in her closet: a sexy bra and panty set, a t-shirt bra and seamless panty set, a convertible bra, and a tummy shaper. Invest in these four lingerie wardrobe essentials, and you’ll have the foundations to supplement your fabulous wardrobe:
Sexy Bra and Panty Set
Rosy Moulded Bra | $63 at Figleaves
Rosy Sentimentale Brief | $37.50 at Figleaves
Wear your sexy bra and panty set whenever you want an extra boost. Great lingerie, like a pair of killer heels, can give you an extra boost of confidence. The sexy bra and panty set is perfect for dates, interviews (so long as it’s not showing), presentations, and other stress-inducing events.
T-Shirt Bra and Seamless Panty Set
T-Shirt Demi Bra | 2 for $32 at Victoria’s Secret
Microsmooth Low Rise Bikini | $12 at Victoria’s Secret
A casual day staple, the t-shirt bra is perfect for those days when you’re lounging around or just running errands. The beauty of this bra is that it doesn’t show through your tees. It’s especially necessary if you love drapey, form fitting tees. Similarly, the seamless panty keeps you from showing VPL (visible panty lines) when you wear tight pants or skirts.
Convertible Bra
Wacoal Halo Lace Seamless Convertible Bra | $42 at Bare Necessities
When you need to break out an evening gown, a cocktail dress, or even a low tank, the convertible bra is going to be your best bet. It can go strapless, criss-cross, halter, or traditional. Given the flexibility, it’s well worth the investment.
Tummy Shaper
Hide & Sleek Full Panty Bodysuit | $54-$58 at Spanx
Slip on a tummy shaper when you reach for your slinky dress or very fitted pencil skirt. The tummy shaper will visually take off a few pounds - and it’ll smooth out your tummy, erasing any unsightly lumps.
Where to shop for lingerie?
Lingerie prices truly run the gamut. Victoria’s Secret is a great starting place for lingerie shopping, as they carry all of these items. More importantly, the sales staff can help to measure you for a proper bra fit - a MUST. If Victoria’s Secret is too pricey, check Target and H&M, which also carry these items at lower price points. For designer lingerie, you can indulge at upscale lingerie shops like Agent Provocateur or La Perla.
Last thoughts on lingerie?
(1) Remember to hand wash lingerie to keep it lasting longer.
(2) Depending on how much you wear them, bras should be replaced regularly, as they lose their support. For a bra that you wear on a consistent basis, think about replacing it every six months. Keep this in mind when budgeting for these items.
(3) Two good online shopping sites for lingerie are Fig Leaves and Bare Necessities.
Tell us, what lingerie essentials can you not live without? And where do you shop for lingerie? Share your style with us in the comments!
September 25th, 2009
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