Posts filed under 'Shopping Guide'
As plaid asserts itself as a dominant pattern this Fall, it continues to evolve. What we love about this Fall’s plaid is that it doesn’t have to be basic. In fact, it’s anything but. So shelve your ordinary blue plaids and embrace new patterns and colors. Here’s five affordable plaid pieces that you don’t already have in your wardrobe:
Payton Plaid Coat | $99.50 at Delias
Nothing says Fall quite like these warm autumn colors. Cozy up in oranges and yellows.
Irene Plaid Belted Skirt | $19.80 at Forever 21
Go high waisted in this preppy plaid skirt. We love the dominant horizontal striping.
Arlene Plaid Shirt | $27.80 at Forever 21
Pair this pretty pink plaid with straight leg or skinny jeans for a big-over-small look.
AE Plaid Shirt | $39.50 at American Eagle
This blue and white plaid is made new again with an extra slim fit, and an unconventional shade of blue.
Avril Military Bomber | $89.50 at Delias
Yellow breathes new life into a black and white plaid. We also love the chic bomber silhouette.
September 3rd, 2009
Hurrah for Fall Fashion! We’ve been nonstop shopping, studying the Fall lines of our favorite brands to bring you your best bets for Fall 2009. As always, we’re enamored of J Crew’s classic-yet-cool take on preppy standards–especially the way they’re able to modernize these wardrobe staples without making them boring. We also love that J Crew is pushing the boundaries this Fall, expanding into new style territory with their designs. To celebrate this, we’re focusing on the silhouettes, textures, and colors you probably don’t already have from J Crew. Here’s the six pieces we recommend adding to your Fall wardrobe:
Stadium Cloth Winnie Jacket | $245 at J Crew
How to wear it? This cheery yellow jacket works beautifully to warm shades of grey. Wear it anytime your style warrants a playful pick-me-up.
Dream Campton Vest | $78 at J Crew
How to wear it? Wear this vest closed for a prim and proper look, but wear it open (and paired under a blazer) for a look that’s less prep and more punk.
Geo Frances Cami | $88 at J Crew
How to wear it? This flirty blouse can be paired with cords for a weekend look - or with a cardigan and full skirt for a dashing work look.
Shirred Wool Skirt | $78 at J Crew
How to wear it? If your itching to ditch your pencil skirt, why not try a flirty, fuller skirt? It’s a bit short, so pair this skirt with tights and low heels/flats when you head into the office.
Dream Knox Sweater Jacket | $135 at J Crew
How to wear it? We’re loving that this sweater has a familiar feel (reminds us of one of our favorite jackets), yet the knit texture makes it new again. Pair it with boyish separates for a gamine look.
Pointelle Ribbed Tights | $22.50 at J Crew
How to wear it? Keep your legs warm as the temperatures cool with these textured tights. Wear them under a knee-length dress and finish the look off with booties.
August 21st, 2009
Q: I love the rocker-chic style of Ashlee Simpson and Gossip Girls’ Georgina Sparks. But I can’t quite seem to perfect that "just-threw-on-whatever" look and still have it look pulled together. What are some affordable staples I should have for this kind of wardrobe? And can you suggest some options for "outfits"?
A: Rock and Roll style is all about drama–but a kind of drama that is, as you noted, looks just thrown together (but still put together). Sounds like a challenge? It really isn’t - if you have the right pieces ready to go in your wardrobe. Here’s five affordable items every rocker girl should have in her closet:
Skinny Pants
Faded Black Skinny Jean | $44.95 at American Eagle
Tight, skin-hugging pants are the go-to silhouette for the Rock and Roll Girl. They’re big on skinny jeans, as well as other sexy-tough pants. Leather pants in a drainpipe or straight leg cut are also a classic choice for the Rocker Girl.
Menswear Vest
Pinstripe Vest | $39.50 at American Eagle
The Rock and Roll girl mixes menswear with womenswear, and nowhere is that more evident than with the menswear vest. We love the masculine influence on this vest, right down to the pinstripes and the crest detailing.
Motorcycle Jacket
Faux Leather Metallic Jacket | $39.80 at Forever 21
What would a Rock and Roll girl do without the iconic leather jacket? We like the silhouette of this motorcycle jacket, but we also appreciate the faux leather (as it’s much more animal friendly). If you’re worried about the appearance of inexpensive faux leather, you can distress it yourself (and make it look real) with a little sandpaper.
Zipper Detail Top
Silence and Noise Silk Zipper Dress/Tunic | $68 at Urban Outfitters
This silk zippered tunic is listed as a dress, but the more modest among us may want to wear it as a top over skinny pants. The deep blue color would pair beautifully with grey jeans, fwiw. The exposed zipper detailing meshes with the edgy Rock and Roll vibe, as does the exaggerated dropwaist silhouette.
Ankle Boots
Sasha Ruffle Bootie | $34.99 at Payless
Boots are the go-to shoe for the Rock and Roll girl. She loves the drama of lace up boots, platform heels, and of course, the ankle bootie. The beauty of the ankle bootie is that it works all year round - with skinny jeans in cool months, and with frilly dresses in warmer months.
For Rock and Roll outfits, check back tomorrow - we’ll be showing you three Rock and Roll looks for you to recreate.
We’ve just got the very basics with this 5-item list. There’s all kinds of other finds a Rocker Girl should have in her closet, from an authentic concert tee to a zipper detail top. Help us fill out this list - what else should a Rocker Girl have in her closet? Share your style with us in the comments!
August 13th, 2009
What goes with sun and summer? The minidress. It’s effortlessly chic–and perfect for warm weather. We’re finding great minidresses featuring detailing from ruffles to embroidery, bows to painted prints. Even better, they’re inexpensive (especially as compared to Fall clothes). Here’s six stunning minidresses under $100:
Printed Hammered Lawn Ruffle Dress | $73 at Tulle
What we love: The gorgeous print and the pretty ruffle detailing at the neckline.
Tulip Layered Woven Dress | $22.80 at Forever 21
What we love: The confetti-like pattern and the tiered ruffles.
Kimchi Blue Silk Embroidered Neck Dress | $68 at Urban Outfitters
What we love: The vampy feel of this embroidered dress. Though, it is Really Short, so you may want to wear something under it. We’d wear it belted over dark colored skinny jeans.
Patterned Voile Neck Tie Dress | $58 at Tulle
What we love: The bright, sunny color and the adorable bow.
Belted Painted Flower Dress | $22.80 at Forever 21
What we love: The boldness of the painted flower print. Again, you may want to wear something under this one so as to not show off too much leg.
Sport Tank Dress | $17.80 at Forever 21
What we love: The mix of casual and sophisticated with the tee-like tank and the pencil thin skirt.
August 3rd, 2009
What do we love about summer? Gorgeous style at a fraction of the price of heavy winter clothes. Well, that, and beautiful weather, outdoor concerts, and beach bonfires. Get dressed for less, wherever summer is taking you. Here’s five sophisticated style steals, each well under $50:
Paisley Tunic Dress | $40.50 at Alloy
Toss on a low-slung belt to roughen up the look of this pretty paisley dress. If it’s too short, add a pair of skinny pants underneath.
Pleated Vest Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Grab a sweater to cover up your shoulders, and this pleated vest dress goes to work in a cinch.
Textured Gauze Bow Neck Top | $40 at Tulle
The vibrant purple color and the oversized bow on this top make it a standout. Pair it with navy (as shown), with a brown handbag.
Francine Floral Slub Tunic | $19.80 at Forever 21
We’re digging the gorgeous orange, tan, and yellow pattern on the deep navy blue. Pair it with a pair of white jeans and heeled sandals for a chic beachy look.
Daisy Dots Eyelet Tank Top | $28.99 at Ruche
Pair this eyecatching fire-engine red top with a pair of deep navy jeans to do red, white, and blue in style.
July 20th, 2009
We were browsing the racks at Forever 21, and we were pleasantly surprised to find a wealth of fabulous skirts that don’t require a personal fortune to enjoy. The beauty of skirts are that they’re so easy to fit - they don’t require immaculate tailoring in order to look right. So they’re consistently one of the best bets at cheap chic stores like Forever 21. Plus, they’re fun and flirty…and perfect for the broiling weather we’ve been seeing. Here’s our six favorite picks for sophisticated skirts under $20:
Brushstroke Swing Skirt | $14.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with? Allow your inner artist to come out in this brushstroke print skirt. Wear it with a solid colored top with arty detailing (drapes, pleats, and folds are always a plus) and a structured menswear blazer.
Linen Side Pleat Skirt | $15.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with? Let the side pleat shine with a ruffly blouse (tucked in) and a cropped sweater.
Abstract Paisley Skirt | $16.90 at Heritage 1981
What to wear it with? Wear this tribal print skirt with a pair of gladiator sandals and a simple tank.
Paint Stroke Flare Skirt | $19.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with? Mix things up by pairing this elegant full skirt with a grafitti print top. We love the mix of high and low.
Fold Over Woven Skirt | $17.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with? Try a crisp white shirt or a sailor striped top for a classic, elegant look.
Contrast Print Linen Skirt | $14.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with? Let this skirt shine by pairing it with a solid colored top–such as a drapey, knit blouse.
July 17th, 2009
What do you look for in a work bag? We look for a bag with it all. A bag that can take a bit of a beating (or is cheap enough to replace once beaten). A bag that can hold all your stuff…from your notebook and papers to your laptop and keys. And of course, a bag with style. We searched high and low for work bags that fit the bill (and don’t run up your credit card bill). Here’s our six favorite picks for work bags under $100:
Modena Tote | $28.80 at Forever 21
Reptile Leather Doctor’s Tote | $32.80 at Forever 21
Bucket Detail Shoulder Bag | $47.88 at ASOS
Marc B Plaited Holdall | $94.05 at ASOS
Melie Bianco Patent Bowler | $95 at Piperlime
Melie Bianco Woven Dome Tote | $99 at Piperlime
Have a great work bag find for under $100? Share it with us in the comments!
July 14th, 2009
We love summer’s warmth and its laid-back, carefree attitude. It’s certainly a pick-me-up, given the ever-troubling economy. So let’s celebrate summer - without breaking the bank - in a flirty summer dress. Whatever your mood, we have a dress for you. Here are six summer dress styles that won’t break the bank:
Vibrant
Bold Stroke Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Retro
People Tree Ruffle Neck Dotty Dress | $59.85 (sale) at ASOS
Mod
The Kiss Principle Multi Panel Shift Dress | $59.85 at ASOS
Ladylike
Honey Bee Collar Dress | $52.99 at Ruche
Artsy
Silence & Noise Silk Knot Neck Dress | $68 at Urban Outfitters
Playful
Kimchi Blue Chevron Sundress | $58 at Urban Outfitters
What are your favorite Summer Dresses? Share them with us in the comments!
July 6th, 2009
We know all too well—comfort and style don’t always go hand in hand. When it comes to footwear, it seems that the most fabulous shoes require us to sacrifice comfort for style. This fashion axiom holds true for our going-out shoes and our everyday work shoes. But you don’t have to wear schlumpy shoes when you’re going to work. Omiru has what you should be looking for in comfortable womens work shoes so that you don’t have to sacrifice your feet’s happiness for style:
Flats
Arturo Chiang Amalie Loafers | $85 at Piperlime
When you’re on your feet, running from meeting to meeting, flats are going to get you where you’re going with the least pain possible. With flats, you have a variety of work-appropriate options, from loafers and driving mocs to ballet flats. Flats are hands-down our favorite type of womens work shoes from a comfort perspective, but we understand that they’re not for every woman—or every work environment.
Kitten Heels
Layland Slingback Pump | $39.99 at Nine West
If you’re tall, you can get away with flats. But if you’re not blessed with height, kitten heels are going to be a great alternative. These low heels give you an inch or two of height, and they’re nearly as comfortable as flats if you get the right pair
Wedge Heels
BP Uptown Wedge Pump | $69.95 at Nordstrom
If you’re looking for a little more height than a kitten heel will afford you, we’d recommend looking for wedge heels. Wedge heels are exactly what they sound like – instead of a pointy heel, you get to distribute your weight over a wedge shaped heel. As such, they’re much more comfortable to wear than their traditional pointy-heel counterparts.
Cushioning
Cole Haan Carma OT Air Pump | $301.95 at Zappos
What else should you be looking for in comfortable work shoes? Cushioning for your feet. Regardless of heel height, a little bit of cushioning goes a long way in making your work shoes comfortable. When you’re shopping for shoes, look for rubberized heels on the outside of the shoe and padding and support on the inside too. Cole Haan makes shoes with Nike Air technology. While they’re not quite as comfortable as a pair of Nike sneakers, their pumps are as comfy as heels can be.
Spacious Toe Boxes
Gentle Souls It’s So Fun | $195 at Kenneth Cole
Narrow or pointed toe boxes make your toes sad. They crunch your toes, and your feet will be calling out to you by the end (if not middle) of the day. Instead of crunching your toes into narrow toe boxes, give them room to breathe with rounded or square toe boxes. We’re a big fan of round toe shoes – they’re reminiscent of Mary Janes and they add a bit of femininity to any outfit.
Last thoughts? Comfortable womens work shoes can be found almost everywhere, now that there are a number of brands that specialize in comfort shoes. You may want to take a look at the following brands: Cole Haan Nike Air Technology, Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole, Naturalizer, Taryn Rose, Walking Cradles, Sofft, Soft Spots, Hush Puppies, Dansko, Merrel, Clarks, and Easy Spirit.
What are your favorite comfortable work shoes? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 22nd, 2009
Whether you’re going out on the town, exploring local backroads, or just lounging around with friends and family, you’re going to want a variety of stylish summer shoes for every occasion. But what kinds of shoes should you be considering to add to your collection, beyond your closet full of flip flops, classic canvas sneakers, and summery espadrilles? Omiru’s guide to womens summer shoes dissects this summer’s shoewear trends and shows you what shoes you’ll want to wear (or at least be aware of) this summer:
Ballet Flats
Jeffrey Campbell Pearl Flat | $109.95 at Nordstrom
In a word, ballet flats are classic. They mix form and function, and they’re a wonderful shoe for women on the go. Grab a pair of ballet flats in a bright color to give a modern twist on the sophisticated classic. Or opt for a metallic ballet flat that will help ground an outfit full of bright colors and patterns. For more inspiration, you may also want to check out Omiru’s shopping guide for beautiful ballet flats.
Jelly Shoes
Tod’s Jelly Thong Sandal | $117 (sale, originally $175) at Neiman Marcus
Jelly shoes have come a long way since the 1980s. Today’s Jelly shoes take the best of the plastic summer shoe you remember and add a real dose of style. Take Tod’s Jelly sandals, for example. We’re loving the sleek foot harness and the thoughtful tassel detailing. And you really can’t beat that bright orange color—the perfect shade for womens summer shoes.
Caged Shoes
Jada Cage Stiletto | $29.80 at Forever 21
For the adventurous, caged shoes add an edge to even the plainest of outfits. They’re inspired by Stefano Pilati’s caged ankle boots for YSL’s runway collection. They’re certainly runway material, but these summer shoes are more difficult to pull off in Real Life. Plus, we wouldn’t recommend them on super sunny days, as they could leave a distinctive tanline on your feet. If you dare, try these cage shoes with a outfit that keeps you covered up, such as a simple dress. If you’re wearing shoes like these, we’d recommend keeping the rest of your outfit relatively conservative.
Driving Mocs
Catalina Metallic Leather Driving Mocs | $99.99 (sale, originally $140) at J Crew
We’re huge fans of driving mocs, both for women and for men. Driving mocs were meant, originally, for driving—hence the rubberized soles that help you grip the pedals. But they work for so much more. Pair your driving mocs with a simple Capri pant and blouse. Or let them provide a classic foundation to a casual pair of jeans and a cute top.
Gladiator Sandals
Merona Edwina Gladiator Sandal | $24.99 at Target
Gladiator Sandals have divided the fashion community—you either love them or you hate them. Gladiator Sandals make a distinctive shoe style statement for those who dare to wear them. We like to see them paired with simple, casual clothes to give summer basics a bit of an edge. For those of you who are on the fence about Gladiators, you may want to try Merona’s version of an elegant Gladiator sandal. It’s a combo summer shoe – so you get the height (and comfort) of a wedge sandal with the style of a Gladiator sandal.
Tell us, what Summer 2009 shoe trends will you be wearing? And which shoe trends will you be steering clear of? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 4th, 2009
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