Posts filed under 'Shopping Guide'
Think Modern Classics
Aging doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice style–and it doesn’t force you into matronly looks. The same rules of figure flattery still apply, so don’t fill your closet with shapeless tops and dresses. Even though you’re more mature, you’re encouraged to keep current with (some) trends–but you’ll wear them differently. While you may have gotten away with that nautical inspired minidress in your 20s–and those high-waisted sailor pants in your 30s, a better way to interpret the seafaring trend in your 50s would be through a well-cut navy blue structured jacket and white wide-leg pants.
Invest in Quality
Buy fewer pieces, but purchase better quality ones. These quality items will not only hold up better over time, but they’ll also drape more beautifully on your figure. You don’t have to spend a million to feel like a million dollars, but you have to know what brands fit you.
Camouflage Strategically
You know what parts of your body you want to reveal and which parts you want to keep covered up. Dress accordingly. Rule of thumb? Pick one area of your body to highlight, and construct your outfit around it. So if you have a great pair of legs, highlight them with a knee-length skirt and a killer pair of shoes. Or if you’re blessed with a gorgeous face, frame it with an oversized collar.
Play with Color
Since the styles you’re wearing will tend to be simpler (modern classics), you have more room to play with color. Basic black is safe, but blood orange or cobalt blue are so much more fun! Monochromatic looks are often figure flattering, so why not choose a more interesting color? We dare you.
Add Statement Accessories
When it comes to a great bag or a wonderful scarf, it doesn’t matter whether you’re twenty five or fifty five. A single statement accessory, such as a pair of dramatic oversized sunglasses, can turn a plain outfit into something special–and is so much more stylish than a quieter accessory (e.g. a string of pearls).
Have a great tip about fashion over fifty? Share it with us in the comments!
April 17th, 2008
Target’s latest set of Go International styles may not have been created by a name-brand designer, but the company’s self-designed collection features a nice variety of cheerful, wearable looks for Spring. We’re loving the bright colors and easy-to-wear shapes in particular. Read on for our five favorite pieces (all under $40!) from Target’s latest Go International line:
Go International High Collar Short-Sleeve Shirt with Ruffled Front | $26.99 at Target
You won’t find another shirt under $30 that matches the style and elegance of this ruffled blouse. Isn’t the color gorgeous?
Go International Tank Tunic Dress in Safety Yellow | $22.99 at Target
Pair this bright yellow tank dress with a cobalt blue scarf for a look that positively radiates!
Go International Abstract Stripe Mod Dress | $39.99 at Target
Longtime Omiru readers know that we can’t get enough of dresses with pockets, and this tank dress doesn’t disappoint. Bonus? The wide straps are a fresh alternative to the oh-so-common spaghetti straps.
Go International One-Shoulder Jersey Dress | $34.99 at Target
This one-shoulder knit tank dress features a simply gorgeous shade of blue–and a beautiful drape.
Go International Ruffled Neck Long Sleeve Top | $22.99 at Target
Replace your everyday tee with this chic orange scoopneck tee. Extra style points for the ruffled collar.
April 15th, 2008
Don’t want to spend a bundle on a dress that you’ll only wear once? Here’s five dresses under $100 that will make you look like a million dollars for prom (or an evening out on the town):
XOXO Pleated Halter Gown | $88.50 (sale) at Macy’s
Head-to-toe metallics aren’t for the faint of heart.
Speechless Pleated O-Ring Gown | $81 (sale) at Macy’s
Turn heads in a dramatic, brightly colored gown.
Speechless Twist-Front Halter Gown | $73.50 (sale) at Macy’s
The halter neckline looks especially smashing on curvy women.
As U Wish Bow Dress | $68 at Nordstrom
The classic a-line shape is accented with an on-trend oversized bow.
Velvet Torch Shantung Bustier Dress | $62 at Nordstrom
The bustier shape best flatters women with a small bust.
April 11th, 2008
Q: What should I wear and where can I find clothes for a summer, European Honeymoon?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
Rule One: Pack lightly. You’ll be traveling from city to city, and the last thing you’re going to want is to be weighed down by a group of giant suitcases. As with any trip, you’re going to want a good set of foundation clothes—basics—to mix and match. But since it’s Europe, and since it’s your honeymoon, you’re going to want some extra special pieces to make your outfit as radiant as you are. Here’s seven items to get you started with your honeymoon packing:
The Cotton Blouse
Antique Print Emily Blouse | $74 at J CrewStyle tip? Europe is not as well air conditioned as America—so you will want to wear light clothing.
The Sophisticated Sweater
BR Monogram Cotton Sweater Jacket | $85 at Banana RepublicCover up with a sweater with elegant details.
The Casual Tee
Striped Boatneck Tee | $19.50 at Gap
This breezy tee pairs equally well with walking shorts—or a pretty skirt.
The Walking Shorts
Martin Striped Bermuda Short | $49 at Banana Republic
Knee length shorts are not only practical, but they also tend to be the most figure flattering.
The Classic Skirt
Dark Chambray Swing Skirt | $85 at J Crew
You can pair this basic skirt with a variety of different tops (extra points for bright colors).
The Day to Evening Dress
Island Eyelet Short Dress | $185 at J Crew
This eyelet dress goes from day to evening—while exuding fun and flirtiness at the same time.
The Scarf
Embroidered Wrap | $69 at Banana Republic
A brightly colored scarf can totally transform an outfit.
A few other things to have in your bag? A pair of comfortable sandals, a good sized handbag, an electrical current transformer for your hairdryer and other gadgets, and a beautiful perfume that makes you feel gorgeous. And don’t forget your lingerie and a sexy nightie. Bon voyage!
April 3rd, 2008
How do you know if the suit you want is worth its hefty price tag? While there are a lot of things that go into a great suit, there are two quick tests you can do on the showroom floor to help you determine the quality of the suit.
Wrinkle Test: A quick way to test the quality of the wool from the suit is to grab the cuff of a pant leg and firmly squeeze. That’s right: I’m telling you to purposely try to wrinkle the wool. If, after a minute or so, the wool remains wrinkled after you release the pant leg, we recommend you move on to a better quality wool suit.
This wrinkle test becomes important after a day at the office, during which you sit at your desk, elbows – and jacket – bent. To all of the investment bankers out there: You may have stayed at the office overnight, but you don’t have to look like it. Get a suit that passes the wrinkle test. Disclaimer: If you just throw your suit on your bedroom floor, even the best ones will become wrinkled.
Canvas Test: Between the exterior cloth and the lining of the jacket, every proper suit has a layer of cloth called a canvas. High quality suits will have this canvas hand-sewn into the jacket. Lesser quality jackets use a process called fusing, in which the lining is, essentially, glued to the jacket. The canvas is entirely hidden, and you cannot see it unless you literally rip the jacket open. Some designers will tell you that there are new innovations in fusing that make the fused jacket just as good as hand-stitched ones, but I’m not entirely sure if I believe them. A jacket with a canvas will fit better, especially across the chest. Plus, the canvas also gives the lapel its roll.
How to tell if your jacket has a canvas? Find the part of the jacket in between two button holes. Gently pinch the two sides (exterior and interior sides) apart. If you can feel a third layer in between, there’s a canvas. If you can’t, the jacket is fused. Style tip: Price doesn’t equal quality, so don’t assume that every expensive blazer has a canvas. I recently saw a $1,300 blazer in Barney’s that failed the canvas test.
Pictured: Anthony Peak Wool Suit | $1795 at Ralph Lauren.
April 2nd, 2008
Can’t get your hands on the limited edition Anya Hindmarch’s "I’m not a Plastic Bag" tote? You can still tote your groceries in style with a statement tote bag. Here’s Omiru’s picks for the five chicest grocery totes:
Floral Print Cotton Tote | $19.50 at Banana RepublicWe can’t get enough of the beautiful blue and purple floral pattern.
Reuse Me Tote | $12 at Urban Outfitters
Stay on trend with this butterfly motif tote–and save the environment while you’re at it.
Eco Friendly Fold Up Bag | $19.80 at Forever 21
Abstract, eye-catching patterns make this bag a keeper.
Peace Tote | $12 at Heritage 1981
Maybe peace isn’t all that we need, but it’ll sure make the world a better place.
Finnish Animals Tote Bag | $43 at Etsy
Simply adorable, no?
Oh, and if you’re holding out for the "I’m not a Plastic Bag" tote, you can always find it on eBay. Happy bidding!
March 28th, 2008
Keep a scarf stashed in your handbag. You never know when it’ll come in handy. Scarves are great for punching up a ho-hum outfit, giving you a bit of extra color, and keeping you warm from overzealous air conditioning. Often, they do all three.
How do you wear a scarf (in three easy steps)? (1) Fold it in half lengthwise, (2) Wrap it around your neck, and (3) Tuck the loose ends through the folded end. Presenting our five favorite scarves to sweep you through Spring:
Cashmere Wrap | $68 at Banana Republic
Simply elegant, and that purple color is lovely.
Sheer Striped Scarf | $17.50 at American Eagle
Bright colors and stripes…what more can we ask for?
Tie Dye Scarf | $30 (approx) at Topshop
There’s nothing quite like tie dye to liven up an outfit.
Crinkled Cotton Scarf | $34 at Martin & Osa
Love the elegance of this casual-yet-sophisticated crinkled cotton scarf.
Tight Square Weave Scarf | $30 (approx) at Topshop
Add some texture to your outfit with this open square weave scarf.
March 27th, 2008
You may have voted pro-Plaid last week, but do you know your plaids? Plaids all have criss-crossed horizontal and vertical stripes, but not all plaids are created equal.
Houndstooth
Houndstooth is a two-color pattern characterized by broken checks or abstract-looking four-pointed shapes. Style tip? Try a fitted houndstooth blazer paired with a solid colored shirt for contrast.
Glen Plaid
Glen Plaid is a variant of houndstooth with contrast striping.
Style tip? Glen Plaid is a bold choice for suiting, especially if you don’t want to look like every other guy in the office.
Prince of Wales Check
Prince of Wales Check is version of glen check, usually with a light blue overplaid.
Style tip? Wear it with a light blue shirt for best results.
Herringbone
You’ll know herringbone by the zig-zag pattern made by the alternating diagonal rows.
Style tip? Herringbone is a heavy fabric, making it a prime cold-weather choice for suits.
March 25th, 2008
There’s no better way to perk up a dreary day outfit (and stay warm) than a brightly colored sweater. It’ll brighten your outfit–and it’ll lift your mood. Here’s to cheery cloudy days–and the best of the Bright Sweaters out there:
Our $$ Picks:
Cotton Cashmere Primrose Cardigan | $98 at J Crew
The cotton lawn flowers adorning the front placket take this sweater from average to amazing.
Egyptian Cotton Short Sleeve Cardigan | $65 at J Crew
Isn’t this royal blue color to die for? Goes great with neutrals…and a splash of orange.
Ruched Sleeve Shawl Wrap Sweater | $57 (approx) at Topshop
We just can’t get enough of this gorgeous teal color.
Our $ Picks:
Elbow Sleeved Waffle Cardigan | $39.50 at Gap
The elbow sleeves on this cardigan let your button-down shirts shine for a perfect business casual ensemble.
Sweater Knit Drawstring Hoodie | $24.50 at Old Navy
Layer this hoodie over a striped shirt for a playful look.
March 19th, 2008
We’ve been shopping more and more at Banana Republic lately. Maybe it’s their new signature line, maybe it’s their bold colors for spring, or maybe it’s their classic-with-a-twist details. Maybe it’s all three. Presenting our five favorite picks from Banana Republic’s current collection:
3/4 Sleeve Beaded Cardigan | $89 at Banana RepublicCheerfully yummy.
Silk Lace Top | $79 at Banana Republic
The beauty is in the details–scalloped lace and pin-tuck pleats.
Silk Ruffle Sleeve Top | $64 at Banana Republic
The layered ruffles lining the sleeves are an inspired touch to an already gorgeous silk blouse.
Flatiron Embossed Triangle Satchel | $248 at Banana Republic
Expensive, yes, but consider it an investment piece that’ll earn you dividends each time you tote it.
Three Stone Cabochon Bracelet | $34 at Banana Republic
The perfect accessory to finish off your statement outfit.
March 17th, 2008
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