Q&A: What to Wear to an Engineering Interview for Women

Q:  Maybe you should give some suggestions on what female engineers should wear to an interview too.

Linen-Cotton Colette JacketA: 
We recently ran an article advising men what to wear to an engineering interview at a technology startup, and we got a request to give some advice to women engineers.

Like we said in the men’s article, the ideal interview outfit blends the professionalism required of a job interview with the casual spirit of a tech startup.

Here’s three foolproof interview outfits:

(1)  Button-down Shirt + Dark Rinse Jeans.
The women’s version of the men’s foolproof outfit.

(2)  Cardigan Twinset + High Waist Trousers.
On-trend trousers paired with a business casual classic.

(3) Cropped Jacket + Knit Shirt + Dark Rinse Jeans.
Mix it up with a standout structured jacket (like the one pictured at left) and the most formal of jeans.

Finish off each outfit with a structured handbag and a pair of low heels or flats.

Pictured:
J Crew Linen-Cotton Colette Jacket | $235 at J Crew.

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 May 31st, 2007 in Q&A, Women's | 3 comments

Q&A: How to Match Your Shirt and Tie

Q:  How do you match a tie to a shirt?

Sovereign Beck Beetles TieOmiru is pleased to bring you the answer to this style question from Ryan Sovereign, one half of the design duo behind the quietly provocative neckwear line Sovereign Beck.

A:  Generally, a tie should either totally match the shirt, like when you buy those tie/shirt combo’s at Kmart, or it shouldn’t match at all.  I most often go with light pink, light blue or white…the safe route.  My design partner, Will, is a bit more risqué with his tie/shirt combos.  Truthfully, though, I really can’t lay down any hard and fast rules, since it all depends on what the wearer is capable of pulling off.  And if you can match a patterned shirt with a patterned tie, you’re doing something right!

Want to learn how to match a patterned shirt with a patterned tie?  Omiru shows you how to mix and match patterns.

Pictured: Beetles Tie | $90
at Sovereign Beck.

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 May 30th, 2007 in Men's, Q&A | 2 comments

Q&A: What to Wear With Knee, Calf, and Ankle Boots

Q:  I have three pairs of boots: knee-high, calf-high, and ankle-high. What kind of pants/jeans/skirts go well with each pair?

MICHAEL Michael Kors \'Studio\' BootA:  Here’s what to wear with each type of boot:

Knee-high boots: Knee-high boots provide enough coverage that you can show some skin.  Miniskirts are a chic option, though knee-length skirts also work.  If you do pair a knee-length skirt with the knee-high boots, however, remember to let a bit of leg peek out between the two. 

Calf-high boots:  Our favorite look for calf-high boots calls for a skirt that hits above your knee.  Pants and jeans also work for calf-high boots.

Ankle-high boots: While it’s technically fashion forward to pair them with leggings/tights and skirts, we’d recommend pairing ankle boots with long pants only. 

Pictured: MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Studio’ Ankle Boot | $188.95 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 May 29th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's | 2 comments

Omiru Poll Results: Square Shaped Jackets are In

Omiru Poll Result: Square Jackets are In!


Diane von Furstenberg Laurus Jacquard JacketWe asked: Are Square Jackets In or Out?

You said:  Square Jackets are In with 62% of the vote.

Omiru’s take: We love the look of the Square Jacket–it’s so 1960s without feeling overly anachronistic.   Style tip?  This summer, wear your Square Jacket with a skirt–or even shorts, like the model pictured at left.  But don’t put the jacket away at the end of summer.  Layer it over a series of knit tops–and a fitted pair of jeans come fall.

Next Question: Our friends at Couture in the City have taken notice of the Black and White celebrity fashion trend.  But what do
you think? Tell us, is Black and White In, or is it Out? Cast your
vote on
the sidebar!

Pictured:Diane von Furstenberg Laurus Jacquard Jacket | $425 at Shopbop.

Posted by Trisha on May 28th, 2007 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |

Friday Fashion Hotlist | Treats from the May Sampler

Welcome to a Special Sampler Edition of the Friday Fashion Hotlist: a compilation of the cutest and coolest stuff Omiru’s Style Intelligence Report saw out there this week.

This week, we present to you Our Favorite Goodies from the Sampler to show you the best of the best from independent crafters and artists this month.

Dear Monday Mini Greeting Cards
Dear Monday Mini Greeting Cards | $2 each at Dear Monday
Dai X. Wells of Dear Monday individually decorates each card by hand.


Asta Arts Skull and Crossbones Rubber Stamps

Asta Arts Skull and Crossbones Rubber Stamp | $8.99 at Asta Arts
Asta Arts wood mounted rubber stamps are high quality foam mounted red rubber with maple handles. Fun fact about Asta Arts? It’s named after Asta, the founders’ favorite movie star–a wire-haired terrier dog.

Ella Studio Letterpress Notecards
Ella Studio Expressions Notecard | $3.95 each at Ella Studio
Graphic designer Lisa Delu Vavrick of Ella Studio offers witty, stylish stationery printed through the centuries-old craft of letterpress.

Are you a designer or crafter?  Spread the word about yourself by sending your goods to The Sampler today!

Posted by Trisha on May 25th, 2007 in Friday Fashion Hotlist, Trend |

Q&A: What to Wear to Work in Miami

Q:  I’m attending a business conference in Miami with my boyfriend in July.  I want to look fashion-forward but not out of place.  What should I wear to the day gallery sessions and the after parties?

Banana Republic Crochet Button ShirtdressA:  Miami style is fashion-forward and very body conscious.  But since you’ll be there on business, balance that image consciousness with business-appropriate attire that will help you beat the humidity and the heat.

For your day sessions, we have four outfit suggestions:
(1) Button-down shirt + Wide Belt + Pencil Skirt
(2) Cropped Jacket + Patterned Sheath Dress
(3) Floaty Blouse + Pencil Skirt
(4) Shirtdress

As for the evening after parties, remember that you’re still at a business conference.  Avoid overtly sexy styles, like deep plunging necklines and strapless dresses.  We’d recommend either wearing a dress–wrap dresses are simple and chic–or a blouse-skirt combination.  Stand out from the crowd not for the silhouette–but for the colors and the patterns you choose to wear.  Don’t be afraid to sport bright colors–they’re both on-trend and appropriate for Miami’s tropical weather.

One last thing–afternoon thunderstorms are quite common during the summer.  Don’t forget your umbrella and rain jacket!

Pictured:
Crochet Button Shirtdress | $148 at Banana Republic.

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 May 24th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's | 3 comments

Q&A: Men’s Jeans 101 – A Buying Guide for the Perfect Pair of Men’s Jeans

Q:  Where can I go for cool jeans? I’m in my mid-thirties and have a mortgage, so I’m looking for a good style to value ratio. What are the different “fits” I need to be on the lookout for?

Kasil Victory JeanA:  For a good style-to-value ratio, choose (1) a pair of jeans that fit you well and (2) a timeless style such as the original blue jean, slightly faded blue jeans, or dark denim.  Really, the brand name is less important than how the jeans fit on you and how you feel in them.

As for the pricing of the "cool" denim brands, they run in several tiers.  Here’s an approximate price breakdown of the men’s denim market:

Under $100: Cheap Monday
$100-$150: Lucky, Mavi, Paper Denim & Cloth
$150-$200: Kasil Jeans, Diesel, Joe’s Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, True Religion, AG Jeans, Chip & Pepper
$200+: Evisu, Rock & Republic, Earnest Sewn

As for the different denim fits, there are five major styles to look out for.

(1) Classic Fit jeans have a mid-level rise and an easy, loose fit.
(2) Relaxed Fit jeans have a loose, relaxed fit through the thigh and feature a low to mid-level rise.
(3) Straight Leg jeans, like their name implies, have a straight-cut leg and a low to mid-level rise.
(4) Boot Cut jeans also have a low to mid-level rise and have a leg that widens from the knee down to the ankle.
(5) Skinny jeans have an extra slim leg and generally a lower rise.

Pictured:
Kasil Victory Jean in Midnight | $187 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 May 23rd, 2007 in Men's, Q&A | 4 comments

Q&A: How to Wear High Waisted Wide Belts

Q:  Do you think high waisted wide belts will be the new fashion? How do you wear them?

Soft Gloss Snake Wide BeltA:  Wide belts are an ongoing trend, and coupled with this season’s emphasis on a higher waistline, high waisted wide belts are on-trend. 

Our favorite high waisted wide belt look pairs the belt with a high waisted pencil skirt.  When the wide belt and the pencil skirt are the same color, the look is not only slimming, but your legs appear to be super long, making you look taller.

Pictured:
Soft Gloss Snake Wide Belt | $8.80 at Forever 21.

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 May 22nd, 2007 in Q&A, Women's | 4 comments

Omiru Poll Results: Shorts are In!

Omiru Poll Result: Shorts are In


Martin Chino Suit ShortWe asked: Are Shorts In or Out?

You said:  Shorts are In–a 81% majority voted this legwear trend In.

Omiru’s take: Looks like there’s room in your closet for both skirts and shorts. Even though skirts and dresses are in vogue this season, you haven’t given up on this old summer standby.   Style tip?  If you have short legs, look for narrow-leg shorts that hit at about knee length (like the ones pictured) for maximum figure flattery. 

Next Question: Even though it’s almost summer, you still need a nice lightweight jacket to keep you cozy.  We’re rather like the 1960s-style feel of Square Jackets.  But what do
you think? Tell us, are Square Jackets In, or are they Out? Cast your vote on
the sidebar!

Pictured: Martin Chino Suit Short | $68 at Banana Republic.

Posted by Trisha on May 21st, 2007 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women | 3 comments

Q&A: How to Find the Perfect Jeans for Your Body Type

Babyphat Monarch Wash Skinny JeanQ:  I’m 5 feet tall, curvy, and love skinny jeans.  Just think of me as a five foot Beyonce. What brand is best for me?

A:  Off the cuff, we recommend Babyphat jeans, as they are designed to fit women with curves. But for personalized recommendations, we’d also suggest taking a look at Zafu.com.  They’ve tried on and tested hundreds of jeans, and after filling out a short questionnaire (it took me less than 5 minutes), they give you your best jean recommendations.

Pictured: Babyphat Monarch Wash Skinny Jeans| $69 at Babyphat.

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 May 18th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's | 3 comments

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