Q: I am attending two Summer Chic events. The first event will be held in a hangar at an airport, and the attendees are car collectors from around the world. I planned on wearing a white suit with gold piping, but I fear it may be overdone. Second event is an outside evening party with temps in the mid 80s.
By Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A:
A white suit with gold piping runs the risk of having you look like an airline attendant, since the party is in an airport hangar. The hangar may also be hot, so we would suggest a pretty wrap dress perhaps with a Pucci feel. This printed wrap dress look would be modern, chic and appropriate for any age. Make sure you wear pretty heels and carry a sleek clutch so as not to take away from the focal point of the outfit, the dress.
For the second evening party, I would suggest one of the new long dresses–such as a maxi dress. So many are very pretty and they invoke light, airy days of summer. Perhaps have a little shrug with you too, in case it cools down. Where to find a dress and shrug? Banana Republic carries stylish long dresses and shrugs at reasonable prices.
Pictured: Diane von Furstenberg Abrigo Wrap Dress | $365 at Nordstrom.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a summer chic evening 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 August 9th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
Q: I’m an Asian college guy looking for cool clubbing clothes that I can also use as casual wear on campus. Have any suggestions?
A: Choose clubbing clothes that reflect your personality, just as you would for the rest of your wardrobe. The standard men’s clubbing uniform is a collared, button-down shirt with trousers or fancy jeans. If you want to blend in with the crowd, look for solid colors and darker hues. But if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, you can be more adventurous with bright colors and patterns.
For mall clothes, Armani Exchange tends to have the best clothes that double as clubwear and casualwear. Their styles are a bit more flashy than that of other stores and tend to be more fitted as well. Club Monaco also features subtly stylish clothing with a snug fit.
Where to start? The quintessential shirt that works from casualwear to clubwear is a dark colored slim fit shirt.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a club? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Slim Fit Shirt | $78 at Armani Exchange.
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 August 8th, 2007 in Men's, Q&A |
Q: I am studying abroad in Beijing where people dress up to go to college more so than in my college in Massachusetts what are some essentials that are easy to pack and will help me to blend in in both places without looking sloppy?
A:
Fashion in Beijing tends to be not only more formal than East Coast American fashion–but also more conservative. To blend in both Beijing and Massachusetts, build a foundation wardrobe that can be dressed up and dressed down. And choose pieces that aren’t overly revealing. Though China is not as conservative as it once was, halter tops and shorts aren’t going to fly here.
Here’s five foundation pieces to jumpstart your wardrobe:
(1) Sleeved Button Down Shirt: Cotton short sleeved shirts work well for summer, and you can sport a tailored shirt with a long sleeve during the fall and winter.
(2) Sweater: Lightweight, short sleeved sweaters with a crew or boat neckline work well for spring and summmer. During the winter, you can wear heavier styles in wool.
(3) Shirtdress: Choose a style that extends at least almost down to your knee.
(4) Trousers: We’d recommend tailored styles and those with a medium to high rise.
(5) Skirt: Again, choose a knee length skirt or longer.
Though these styles are true basics, you don’t have to be boring. Style is all about the details, so choose pieces with special detailing–things like oversized buttons, pleating, shirring can turn a simple style into something fabulous.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Beijing? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Maggy London Crepe Jersey Shirtdress | $128 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 August 7th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
We asked:Is The Color Grey In or Out?
You said: IN! 91% of you are all for this traditional Fall color.
Omiru’s take: We’re wearing grey this fall, too. It’s a versatile alternative to black, which has a more severe feel to it. Style tip? Grey outfits don’t have to be drab. Pair grey with the bright colors you’ve been wearing this summer for autumn outfits with a kick. Men can spruce up a grey suit with a brightly colored scarf, while women can weave color into a predominantly grey outfit through layering.
Next Question: Seems that the latest red carpet trend is the One Shouldered Dress–very elegant and almost Grecian in style. But what do you think? Tell us, is the One Shouldered Dress In, or is it Out? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: BCBG Max Azria Cowl Neck Tunic Sweater | $198 at Nordstrom.
Posted by Trisha on August 6th, 2007 in Men, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Q: I am looking for a cute but professional day planner case with a zipper. The ones from Franklin Covey are functional but ugly. Any ideas of where I could find something like this?
A: Day planners don’t have to be boring–and Franklin Covey actually does carry some pretty spiffy styles. Look for bright colors for a stylish-yet-professional look:
Jodi Ultra Sleek Binder | $69.95+ at Franklin Covey
Can’t get enough of the turquoise on this slim leather binder.
Arcadia Binder | $36.99+ at Franklin Covey
Sleek lines and a deep red color make this planner a standout.
Filofax Piazza Personal Organizer | $195 at Filofax
If you’re willing to try an organizer without a zipper, take a look at this bright yellow Filofax style. (Pictured)
Have a great tip about where to find a stylish day planner? 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 August 3rd, 2007 in Men's, Q&A, Women's |
Q: I have black boots with multi colored polka dots. What do you suggest I wear with them? How can I make a funky outfit?
A:
To create an outfit around the black polka dotted boots, mix and match patterns on a simple black palette. The black color will provide a foundation on which to play. Build this black foundation with a solid colored miniskirt and a jet-black bomber jacket for style.
Combine your polka dotted boots with a striped top–keeping the two patterns at approximately the same size. Or, if you’d like to wear another polka dotted item, try a top with a larger polka dotted print.
Have a great tip about how to create a funky outfit around polka dots? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Polka Dot Chooka Rain Boot | $59.99 at Famous Footwear.
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 August 2nd, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
Q: I am moving to Boston, MA in the fall to attend Harvard graduate school, but I have no idea how to handle the Boston weather. I have only ever known the muggy heat of the south. What are a few key pieces of clothing that I will need to survive the Boston climate while still looking stylish?
A: Boston’s climate features challenging weather patterns such as wide temperature swings in a matter of days, and unseasonal snowfalls. Summers are sunny, hot and humid, and winters are bitterly cold, windy, wet and snowy. You’re going to want to dress in layers to adjust to the changing weather conditions.
You’re accustomed to the humid, muggy summers, but you’re going to need to build your cold weather wardrobe. Here’s four cold weather essentials to add to your closet:
3/4 or Full Length Coat: Invest in one good-quality cold weather coat each year. It’s your first layer of protection against the chilly weather, and it’s the item that will make your first fashion impression. Look for a well-insulated coat that will keep you warm, but also choose one with special detailing, such as toggle closures or military-style epaulets at the shoulder line.
Thermals: Layer thermal underwear under your clothes to help you retail your body heat.
Knit Hat: A large percentage of your body heat is lost through your head–so keep your head warm with a knit hat during the icy winters. Dark colors are safe, but you might want to add special flair to your outfit with a brightly colored hat.
Boots: Fashion starts at the foot, so invest in a pair of ankle-length (or above) boots that will keep your feet warm and dry.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Boston? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Burberry Wool Duffle Coat | $1,395 (preorder) 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 August 1st, 2007 in Men's, Q&A, Women's |
Q: I just got a pair of Chip and Pepper camouflage shorts. They’re down to the knee, and I was planning on wearing them with a basic tank top and flip flops. Do you think this trend will last?
A:
Yes, this trend will last through the Fall. Military is a trend that doesn’t ever seem to go out of style, and the color green has been gaining in popularity. Plus, knee-length city shorts are seasonally appropriate both for Summer and Fall.
We love the look of the green camouflage print with basic black for a more traditional military look. But if you’re looking to move beyond basics, we recommend pairing the green camouflage with a bright color–such as an orange top.
As for accessories, one military-inspired item per outfit is enough, so skip the combat boots. Your idea to pair the shorts with flip flops is a great way to soften the look and make it more playful.
Have a great tip about what to wear with camouflage? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Da-Nang Calligraphy Camo Ripstop Bermudas in Chinese Charcoal | $105 (sale) at Revolve Clothing.
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 July 31st, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
We asked:Are Long Hip Length Blazers In or Out?
You said: In…and Out. 49% of you are all for the long blazer, but 36% voted it Out and the remaining 15% voted it On the Way Out.
Omiru’s take: Seems that the Long Hip-Length Blazer inspires strong opinions in either direction–and rightly so. For some, it’s figure flattering, but for others, it’s just the opposite. Style tip? If you’re short-waisted (e.g. long legs, short torso), the Hip-Length Blazer will be flattering on your body, as it’ll help visually balance out your top and bottom. However, if you’re long-waisted (e.g. short legs, long torso), the long blazer isn’t going to do you any favors. Skip it and try the cropped blazer instead.
Next Question: We’ve been out shopping for our new Fall wardrobes, and we’re seeing Grey, Grey, and more Grey. But what do you think? Tell us, is The Color Grey In, or is it Out? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Theory Rory Blazer | $360 at Shopbop.
Posted by Trisha on July 29th, 2007 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Q: I read your question about the best bikini styles for women with a small bust. I’ve been looking for bikinis with removable padding (as you suggested), but I haven’t been able to find any! Would you please suggest some bikinis with removable padding?
A: Like we said, bikini styles with padding will help you maximize what you have. We like removable padding, in particular, because it makes the swimsuit easier to wash. Here are three of our favorite styles:
Miracle Bra Wireless Push Up Top | $28 at Victoria’s Secret
The banded halter top and push-up style will amp up your bustline. Matching bottoms $21-$28.
Calvin Klein Two Tone Buckle Bikini | $92 at Figleaves
I love the buckle clasp on this solid halter bikini by Calvin Klein. Removable padding will help flatter your bustline. (Pictured).
Kenneth Cole Reaction Ruched Halter Tankini | $40 at Victoria’s Secret
Ruching at the bustline will add volume, and the suit features removable padding. Matching bottoms $31-$37.
Have a great tip about where to find bikinis with removable padding? 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 July 27th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's |
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