Posts filed under 'Shopping Guide'
The company holiday party is about letting loose and having fun, but don’t forget that you’re still in the presence of your coworkers. What to wear? Balance your fashion forward style with your professional work image. Read: wear nothing that’s overly revealing–or anything uber trendy. But don’t cramp your style. If you’re on the fence about the appropriateness of a dress, leave it in your closet for the company party, but wear it proudly to your friends’ holiday party. Here’s six holiday party dresses under $100 that are worth a second look:
Artsy
Mesh Overlay Dress | $46 at Twelve by Twelve
Vintage Inspired
Beaded Flapper Dress | $75 (approx) at Topshop
Charming
Silk Racerback Charm Dress | $79.50 at Express
Boldly Sophisticated
Faux Wrap Dress | $64 at Gap
Classic Chic
Issac Mizrahi Embroidered Lace Dress | $39.99 at Target
Glamourous
Warrior Belted Dress | $39 at Twelve by Twelve
November 18th, 2008
No piece of footwear epitomizes daytime chic quite like the boot. And Fall/Winter 2008 has welcomed a number of sophisticated boot trends: ankle boots, buckled boots, fur lined boots, cuffed boots, and slouch boots, to name a few. We’ve rounded up our favorite picks for each of these boot trends - each one priced well under $100.
Ankle Boots
Tate Oxford Bootie | $29.99 at Payless
Oxfords lend a tailored twist to the boot silhouette of the season: booties.
Buckled Boots
Mossimo Kiley Boots | $29.99 at Target
Buckles add a tough girl vibe to these chic grey boots. Love the ever-so-slight slouch to them–and the very wearable 2.5" heel.
Faux Fur Lined Boots
American Eagle Mallory Boot | $44.99 at Payless
Looking for a cold-weather boot that’s as cute as it is chic? Found it. The fur lining provides instant chic, while the pom poms give these boots an air of lightness.
Cuffed Boots
Zahara Sweater Cuff Jersey Lined Rain Boots | $29.99 at Target
Keep your feet nice and cozy on the rainiest of days with a pair of sweater cuffed rainboots.
Slouchy Boots
Slouch Boot | $79.99 at Cathy Jean
Be one with the inevitable slouch when you slip on these sophisticated boots. Perfect for layering under jeans - or for pairing with a chic sweaterdress.
November 11th, 2008
No matter how bad the economy gets, you always need a place to hold your money. So it’s the perfect time to invest in a classic (but not overly expensive) handbag. We’ve scoured the net to find the best affordable handbags that you’ll be able to keep in your wardrobe for seasons to come. Here’s our six favorite handbags under $100:
Turnlock Doctor Bag | $68 at Urban Outfitters
Lady Croc Bag | $58 at Urban Outfitters
Helena Satchel | $48 at Shop-Suey Boutique (Look under Handbags - Satchels).
Nine West Precisely Gathered Clutch | $39.99 at Piperlime
Melie Bianco Woven Satchel | $99 at Piperlime
Shining Edge Handbag | $69.99 at Nine West
November 6th, 2008
I’ve always been big on coats - they’re the first thing you notice about an outfit from far away, and they’re a great opportunity to make a statement. So it’s no surprise that one of my favorite Fall fashion traditions is to add a new winter coat to my wardrobe. Since the best coats stay in your wardrobe season after season, they’re an investment piece. Look for one that’s versatile - but also one that fits just right. Go on, coat up!
AE Belted Peacoat | $119.50 at American Eagle
Wool Blend Duffle Coat | $99.50 at Old Navy
Belted Coat | $128 at Gap
AE Buffalo Check Peacoat | $129.50 at American Eagle
Short Peacoat | $198 at Banana Republic
Textured Swing Coat | $198 at Banana Republic
October 24th, 2008
J Crew is our go-to store for classics with a twist–those special standout pieces that you can use to elevate the rest of your everyday wardrobe. We can always count on them for gorgeous colors, beautiful patterns, and quality fabrics. Plus, their garment construction is top-notch for their price point. Though J Crew’s prices tend to be on the high side of what we feature here on Omiru, we believe that the clothes are worth it. When you do the cost-per-wear math, the number of wears tends to more than make up for the cost. Here’s five our our favorite pieces from J Crew’s Fall 2008 collection - pieces that can live in your wardrobe for years to come:
Italian Deco Tank | $148 at J Crew
Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter | $88 at J Crew
French Serge Day Coat | $350 at J Crew
Snow Leopard Simone Peacoat | $260 at J Crew
Italian Deco Print Rollneck Silk Dress | $350 at J Crew
October 16th, 2008
Jonathan Saunders is the latest designer to join Target for its Go International program. The Scottish designer, recently named the Creative Director at Pollini, is coming stateside with a collection full of his signature prints, clean lines, and slim, body-hugging cuts. Saunders’ collection is fashion-forward, yet somewhat difficult to wear. We’ve pared Jonathan Saunders’ collection down to our five favorite (and wearable) pieces:
Jonathan Saunders Ponte Mini Dress | $32.99 at Target
Jonathan Saunders Colorblock Top | $24.99 at Target
JNSDS Sleeveless Sweater Dress Cilantro | $34.99 at Target
Jonathan Saunders Knit Ponte Skirt | $26.99 at Target
JNSDS Woven Top in Grey | $22.99 at Target
October 7th, 2008
Gap’s Patrick Robinson brings us bright colors, sophisticated fabrics, and feminine details for Fall. Presenting our five favorite picks from Gap’s Fall 2008 collection:
Ruffle Bib Plaid Shirt | $48 at Gap
We’re loving the feminine ruffles on this pretty plaid shirt. Pair it with something structured for a chic Fall look.
Tweed Blazer | $98 at Gap
Tweed fabric makes your basic blazer a touch more sophisticated. Pair it with a feminine blouse for best effect.
Puffer Vest | $64 at Gap
It’s getting cold outside, but you don’t have to match the dreary weather. Brighten up your outfit - and your day - with this bright yellow puffer vest.
Jewel Toned Dress | $78 at Gap
The exaggerated dropped waistline on this jewel toned dress does wonders for shortwaisted women.
Striped Denim Sailor Skirt | $49.50 at Gap
This casually sleek pencil skirt gets a little something extra with nautical inspired buttons.
October 2nd, 2008
Fall 2008’s accessories are all about drama and polish. And they’re beautifully versatile. Whether your outfit is downtown cool or uptown chic, you can finish it off with ladylike accessories that are as bold as they are beautiful. From the oversized cocktail ring to the cuff bracelet to the wide belt, here are the five key accessories you need to complement your wardrobe this Fall.
The Cocktail Ring
Polished Flower Ring | $4.80 at Forever 21
Talk about a statement accessory. This flower cocktail ring will make the simplest of outfits bloom with style.
The Scarf
Ombre X Large Fringe Scarf | $46 (approx) at Topshop
Here’s an easy way to wear Ombre that’s chic - and not costumey.
The Wide Belt
Wide Buckle Belt | $69 at Banana Republic
The snakeskin pattern adds a bit of extra oomph to this simple, wide belt.
Pearls
Lux Pearlescent Bracelet | $4.80 at Forever 21
Instead of the standard pearl necklace, why not try multiple strands of pearls in bracelet form?
The Cuff Bracelet
Polished Cuff | $39 at Banana Republic
Boldly beautiful, this cuff bracelet is a model example of how to add a touch of gold to your wardrobe.
September 23rd, 2008
Q: I’ve got a $250 budget to update my work wardrobe for Fall. What are the 2-5 key pieces you’d recommend I spend my money on? I’ve already got black pants, a gray suit, patent pumps, white shirts, and a decent bag.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: With a gray suit, white shirts, black trousers, pumps, and a decent bag, you already have the core foundations for your work wardrobe. As you already have these core items, your next step is to expand your wardrobe foundations while adding visual interest to your wardrobe through color, texture, and pattern.
Two other foundation items that are going to be worth the investment are an elegant work dress and a slimming pencil skirt.
The work dress will seamlessly take you from work to an evening out. Plus, a dress is so easy to wear - just slip it on, and you’re done!
As for the pencil skirt, you can dress it up with a bright blouse or a crisp white shirt. But you can also make it more accessible by wearing a sweater - and in business casual offices, even a nice tee.
For these two basics, try checking out Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Club Monaco, and J Crew. Try a bunch of pieces on and see what fits you best. Since these are foundation pieces, they’re worth the investment.
Pictured: High-waisted Microstripe Skirt | $89 at Banana Republic, and Textured Belted Dress | $150 at Banana Republic.
What have you bought this season to update your work wardrobe? Share your style with us in the comments!
September 18th, 2008
We’ve gotten a lot of questions from recent college grads (and some not-so-recent college grads) about building a wardrobe from the ground up. The situation? You already have jeans, tees, and plenty of weekend wear. But the foundations of a chic wardrobe? Maybe you need some help. You’ve come to the right place. Here’s a 10 piece skeleton wardrobe from which to build upon:
The Business Suit
Classic Blazer and Trouser | $198 and $98, respectively, at Banana Republic
School’s over, and you’re off to work. Keep a pant suit or a skirt suit around for interviews - and buy multiples if your office is business formal.
The Perfect White Button Down Shirt
Solid Kelly Shirt | $54 at J Crew
Fit is key for any garment, but it’s especially important for your foundation wardrobe. Start your button-down shirt collection with a crisp white shirt, and then build out your shirt wardrobe with patterns and colors.
The Going Out Top
Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter | $88 at J Crew
The ideal top is a stunner that can seamlessly travel from work to cocktails.
The Knee Length Skirt
Pencil Perfect Skirt | $69.50 at Martin + Osa
An a-line skirt is universally flattering, but feel free to choose one that works for your figure, your personality, and your lifestyle. I personally have a collection of pencil skirts hanging in my closet. I love the hourglass shape they create, especially since I’m shaped like a boy.
The Perfect Fit Trousers
The Perfect Trouser | $54.50 at Gap
How do you know that the fit is perfect? It should be fitted but not tight at the waist, and it should drape nicely, with a slight flare from knee to foot. Have your trousers hemmed to a length that works with leg-lengthening heels.
The Go To Evening Dress
Sleeveless Origami Knit Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
Because you never know when an emergency party situation will come up. Keep a great evening dress in the back of your closet for spur of the moment dress up occasions.
The Go To Day Dress
European Collection Wrap Dress | $78 at Gap
Because a dress is a great alternative to jeans and a cute tee for weekends, and dresses spice up your work wardrobe. Need some inspiration? Try a shirtdress, a wrap dress, or a sweaterdress.
The Wear Everywhere Sweater
Tartine Cardigan | $88 at J Crew
Perfect for breezy mornings and cool evenings–and for times when the AC is turned up too high at work.
The Tailored Blazer
Two Button Cotton Blazer | $104 (sale) at Martin + Osa
A simple, sophisticated look? Pair your tailored blazer with your crisp white shirt and jeans. Substitute a tee or polo under the tailored blazer for a younger, more playful look.
The Trenchcoat
Classic Puff Sleeve Trenchcoat | $150 at Banana Republic
The trench is my go-to coat–so much so that I have a trench collection. The trench is so versatile and yet so chic. And it works for all of those times when a blazer isn’t just right.
What are your go-to wardrobe pieces? Tell us, what else would you recommend to build out your foundation wardrobe?
August 26th, 2008
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