We asked: Is The Color Orange In or Out?
You said: In, with 66% of the vote.
Omiru’s take: Red is so often in the limelight, but its cousin Orange doesn’t get the same love. Orange is a great way to spice up a fall wardrobe–for both men and women. If you’re daring, try an overcoat or a dress in Orange. But if you’re just looking to experiment, start small with a scarf, pair of gloves, or even a handbag.
Style tip? Orange really pops when juxtaposed against the greys of the season, but it also pairs excellently with shades of blue.
Next question: Gloves, both long and short, are all over the runways…and the fashion glossies. But
what do you think? Tell us, are Gloves In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Ambition Long Sleeve Trench Coat | $78 at Nordstrom.
Posted by Trisha on October 15th, 2007 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Q: Is it appropriate to wear a black dress to a (evening) wedding? I’m torn, because I love black and I do need a Little Black Dress…but I’m concerned that black would be inappropriate for a wedding.
A:
Good news–while black was traditionally off limits to women at weddings, the longstanding tradition has been overturned. You even occasionally see bridesmaids wearing black at weddings nowadays.
Especially since the wedding will be held during the evening, you’re going to want richer, more sophisticated colors and fabrics. The black color raises the sophistication bar and will help ensure that you’re appropriately dressed for the event.
In any case, every woman needs a Little Black Dress. So–go out and buy it!
Have a great tip about what to wear (and what not to wear) to weddings? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Diane von Furstenberg ‘Filomena’ Dress | $465 at Nordstrom.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
Posted by Trisha on October 12th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
Q: Are cultured diamonds considered tacky? I have been researching engagement rings and stumbled onto a website that deals with such products. They seem more sophisticated then I thought. They would also allow me to get a nicer looking ring.
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A:
The technology to create cultured diamonds is pretty advanced–as such, these cultured diamonds are the same as natural diamonds in terms of atomic structure, and visually, you can’t tell the difference between a natural and a synthetic stone. Of course, these facts aren’t advertised by De Beers.
That said, how you choose to express your commitment to your fiancee should not be dictated by Madison Avenue–or by the whims of fashion. A ring can be very beautiful whether it contains natural or cultured stones. The decision should be guided by (1) your finances, and (2) what you and your significant other find beautiful.
Perhaps a less expensive ring that allows you to invest in a home sooner suits your needs (as a couple) better. Or maybe you want to trade natural for cultured in order to purchase a larger stone. Remember the old adage that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. An earnest heart is the best gift of all.
Photo Credit: Stephend9.
Have a great tip about how to buy an engagement ring?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
Posted by Trisha on October 11th, 2007 in Men's, Q&A, Women's |
Q: Being a non-girly girl with a few curves, and one that cannot afford or doesn’t have the lifestyle to dress up, how can I translate high-waisted trousers into my casual wardrobe? Would I even look good in high-waisted pants being a size 8-10 in the first place?
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A:
High waisted pants are at once figure flattering and hard to wear. While they visually lengthen the leg line (and make you look taller), they look best on those who are blessed with flat stomachs. Any kind of wrinkling or pudging on the abdomen adds visual volume exactly where you don’t want it.
So what do you do if your stomach isn’t perfectly flat? Two things:
(1) Look for high waisted pants in heavier, stiffer fabrics to avoid the wrinkle issue.
(2) Try bodyshaping undergarments, like Spanx, to rein in a tummy.
Since high waisted pants shorten the torso, we like to see them paired with puffed sleeve fitted blouses. The height in the shoulder of the blouse draws the eye upward and a fitted blouse balances out the volume of the pants. As a college student on a budget, you can always buy a pair of high waisted jeans at the Gap and pair them with a simple v-neck sweater or a white wrap puffed sleeve blouse. The puffed sleeve blouse creates a more feminine look, but it would flatter your curves. If you’re looking for a less feminine look, however, you can try a pinstriped high waisted trouser pant with a fitted v-neck sweater or a standard button-down.
Pictured: Original "Just Below" Trousers | $38 (sale) at Gap.
Have a great tip about how to wear high-waisted trousers?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
Posted by Trisha on October 10th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
Q: What kind of pants can I wear with rainboots? I think they look cute with skirts, but I don’t do skirts.
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Rain boots are fun and playful, with bright colors and bold patterns. Should you choose a patterned boot, be aware of potentially clashing patterns between the boots and pants. Rule of thumb with patterns? If the patterns are the same (e.g. stripes with stripes), vary the size of the pattern. But if the patterns are different (e.g. checks with dots), tie the two patterns together by keeping the size of the pattern the same.
Beyond that rule of thumb, any pair of casual pants can work. Rain boots are, by nature, casual shoes–so pair them with pants that evoke the same casual feel. Have fun with your combinations–try a striped pant with a floral boot for an unexpected splash of style. Or wear bright yellow rain boots with a periwinkle blue trench.
Oh, and don’t forget an umbrella to complete your rainy day outfit!
Pictured: Sperry Top-Sider ‘Pelican’ Rain Boot | $59.95 at Nordstrom.
Have a great tip about what to wear with rain boots?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
Posted by Trisha on October 9th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
We asked: Are Chunky Knits In or Out?
You said: In, hands down, with 77% of the vote.
Omiru’s take: Last year was all about thin, drapey knits–great for early Fall, but not so wonderful for Winter. But with this season’s emphasis on textured, chunky knits, we can stay warm all Winter.
Style tip? Chunky knits are a great way to add texture to a daytime outfit–but they also add bulk. If you’re curvy, you’d be better off wearing finer knits as sweaters–but you can jump on the chunky knit bandwagon with a chunky knit scarf or cap.
Next question: The color Orange shone all over the Spring 2008 runways of Fashion Week. But
what do you think? Tell us, is Orange In,
or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Helena Cardigan Sweater | $128 at Anthropologie.
Posted by Trisha on October 8th, 2007 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Q: I am attending a black tie optional charity event, to which I’d normally wear a full length black gown. I recently found a great "brown" full length gown that I really like but am not sure if brown is an appropriate color. Your thoughts?
A: Black Tie Optional dress for women calls for long evening gowns, evening separates, and, in more casual geographies, cocktail dresses. For men, tuxedos or dark suits are customary at black tie optional events.
Dark colors are customary, but especially with this season’s focus on bright color, colors are not excluded. So–your brown full length gown will certainly be appropriate for the event. The most important thing is to wear a dress that you really love–so you win both ways.
Pictured: Adrianna Papell Charmeuse Halter Gown with Scarf | $168 at Nordstrom.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a black tie optional event?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
Posted by Trisha on October 5th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
Q: I just bought a great pair of grey boots that go up to my knees. They are about 3 inches high with a pointed toe and three military inspired studs on each boot. With what do I wear them?
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A:
You’re very on-trend with the grey military boots–both military-inspired styles and the color grey are key trends for Fall. We’re especially happy about this season’s celebration of the color grey, since grey is a great color to play with tonally. Pair your military boots with a grey coat and a grey scarf and let the variations of hue (and texture) pull your outfit together.
But don’t forget to add a splash of color to your look–adding a fire engine red handbag or a bright yellow blouse will add a dash of drama to your outfit.
Pictured: GUESS? Donegal Tweed Walking Coat | $168 at Nordstrom.
Have a great tip about what to wear with grey military boots?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
Posted by Trisha on October 4th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
Q: I’m 5′5", a fairly athletic size 2, and a 34D with a short torso. I’m fine in suits, layers and button up shirts, but I fear tunics because with my boobs, someone may either think I’m pregnant, or with my height, that I’m wearing a MuMu! Given my height and general size, what would be the best style of top for me?
A: No, you’re not being paranoid about tunics. Loose-fitting tunics have the tendency to make you look like you have no shape to your body. Plus, given your generous bust, they’ll make you look much larger than you actually are.
The best style of top for you this season would be a long, structured top that extends well past your waistline. Structured tops help to define your figure (and can help de-emphasize your bustline), and since you’re short-waisted, longer tops will help visually balance out your top and bottom halves. In particular, I like woven wrap tops for you, as they’ll show off your figure to your best advantage.
Have a great tip about what tops to wear to flatter a large bust? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Jones New York Signature Stretch Wrap Shirt | $64 at Nordstrom.
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
Posted by Trisha on October 3rd, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
Q: I was impressed with the way Eva Greens character in "The Dreamers" dressed–that kind of "Paris in the 60s" style. What would you recommend as basics so I can wear that style while not looking like I sprung out of an Austin Powers film?
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Eva Green’s character in The Dreamers, Isabelle, is the siren, and her wardrobe embraces her femininity and sexuality. Her clothes never overwhelmed her–she did not choose graphic prints or the angular, mod cuts of the sixties.
As an aside, the French designers of the sixties, such as Courreges and Saint Laurent, came from the formal tradition of Balenciaga, with rich heavy fabric, superb tailoring and sculptural shapes. London, on the other hand, had the wilder and more youthful Mary Quant, Twiggy, and "Austin Powers" looks.
Bringing it back to Isabelle, jewel tones dominated her wardrobe, which encompassed a dark green velvet dress, a rich red minidress, sheer floral blouses, and subtle printed dresses. Isabelle had the classic Frenchwoman’s wardrobe, which, in our humble opinion, would be wise to emulate as it stands the test of time. Here’s our top ten picks to jumpstart the creation of the classic Frenchwoman’s wardrobe:
1. Classic trench
2. Floral blouse,
3. Silk blouse,
4. Loose minidress,
5. Sultry silk dress,
6. Elegant red velvet bag,
7. Beret,
8. Dark tights,
9. Leather boots, and
10. Black opera length gloves.
Pictured: NAVE Pin Tuck Collar Blouse in Bordeaux | $244 at Revolve Clothing.
Have a great tip about other foundation pieces for the chic, classic Frenchwoman?
Share it with us in the comments!
Style question? We’ve got answers. E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.
Posted by Trisha on October 2nd, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
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