Back by popular demand is Omiru’s capsule wardrobe, updated for Spring/Summer 2009. As with our Fall/Winter capsule wardrobe, these foundation pieces were meticulously chosen with versatility in mind. Our purposefully small capsule wardrobe covers a range of classic styles - trendproof pieces that are worth investing in. Notice the mix of high and low that is the signature of a stylish woman’s wardrobe–and the fact that a few of the pieces repeat from our Fall/Winter foundation wardrobe. From the classic trench to the perfect pair of blue jeans, these are the pieces that are worth building a wardrobe around.
Presenting Omiru’s Womenswear Spring Summer Capsule Wardrobe:
The Classic Trenchcoat: Pick a neutral color for your classic trench; this is a piece that will be with you for years to come.
The Hip Length Blazer: A hip length blazer in a versatile grey fabric will take you from day to evening.
The Casual Jacket: Mix things up with a short sleeved jacket - great for layering.
The Day Dress: An unstructured floaty style will work alone - or paired with pants.
The Patterned Sweater: Add visual interest to any outfit with a patterned sweater.
The Smart Cardigan: Try a classic cardigan with a twist - two button-adorned pockets at the waistline.
The Dressy Tank: A simple tank can go from casual to fabulous in a sumptuous fabric or artistic pattern.
The Layering Tank: A staple of your wardrobe, year round. Choose a nice bright color that you would love to see peeking out from under a blouse or sweater.
The Dressy Blouse: Make a simple blouse visually Pop with a bright bold color.
The Button Down Shirt: The classic white button down is one of the most versatile shirts you’ll ever own. Wear it year round.
The Casual Top: Look for a top with unique details - like the black trim that outlines this halter top.
The Drapey Blouse: Dress this blouse up or down - it pairs equally well with casual jeans as it does formal skirts and pants.
The Perfect Fit Jeans: Keep your favorite jeans in your closet year-round.
The Tailored Trousers: Quality fabrics and great details (like the sailor buttons) make these trousers the pants you’ll keep reaching into your closet for.
The Knee Length Shorts: Try a solid colored knee length short for a spiffy, flattering look.
The Warm Weather Skirt: Mix things up with an interesting pattern - like these polka dots.
Last thoughts? This capsule wardrobe is best used as a blueprint for your own wardrobe. Use it as a guide, not as a straight shopping list. We intend for these pieces to inspire you to make your own wardrobe choices - so your closet has your own personal stamp.
Let the inspiration begin!
Trisha and the Omiru Team
Posted by Trisha on March 24th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Pretty Florals?
You said: Yes to Pretty Florals, with an 80% to 20% vote.
Style tip? Wearing Florals doesn’t have to mean a wildly patterned blouse or dress. If you’re a fan of the trend, but you’re not so into floral prints, you can also try wearing flowers as accessories - as on a headband, a brooch, or even a belt.
Next question: We’re seeing Cropped Pants all over store windows - a sure sign that it’s Spring. And while they’re a Spring staple, Cropped Pants can be difficult to wear, as they visually shorten your legs (and consequently, you). Would you wear Cropped Pants? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Chiffon Flower Headband | $4.80 at Forever 21.
Posted by Trisha on March 23rd, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Q: I’m going on vacation to tropical Tobago for 5 days and planning on taking only a small suitcase. What do you recommend packing so I will be comfortable travelling from chilly NYC? Also, I’m planning on bringing a few hats - any tips on how to pack them?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: To transition seamlessly from chilly New York to tropical Tobago, try a lightweight cashmere sweater over jeans. It’s a comfortable casual outfit that travels well on a plane. Add a pashmina for style - and to use as a blanket on the plane. If you carry a large handbag on the plane, you can toss the pashmina right into the bag upon your arrival in Tobago.
While in Tobago, you’ll want to be ready for temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Here’s what you need to bring:
Tops: Pack some cotton tees and tank tops, as well as one dressier top.
Sweaters: A single cotton sweater will suffice.
Bottoms: Bring one pair of shorts and one pair of cropped pants. You can also bring a casual skirt, if you’re going to need to dress up.
Dresses: One sundress should be enough for your short trip.
Shoes: One pair of flip flops for the pool and beach, and one pair of shoes that works for dressier occasions.
Accessories: Hats and sunglasses are a must, since sunny Tobago is so close to the equator. Try to stay out of direct sun for long periods of time; try shady spots under umbrellas and trees. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
As for packing hats, be sure to stuff them with tissue paper before attempting to fold them or place them in your suitcase. Should you wish to bring a structured hat that could be damaged, purchase a hatbox.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Tobago? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on March 20th, 2009 in Q&A, Women's |
It may not be the right time to give your wardrobe an overhaul, but it is time to do some Spring cleaning on your closet. Start packing away your Winter wardrobe, and bring out your Spring brights. When you’re done, fill in the gaps in your wardrobe with these six Spring essentials:
The Elegant Day Dress
Silk Ruffle Dress | $130 at Banana Republic
The Signature Jacket
Bright Lady Coat | $175 at Banana Republic
The Go-Anywhere Blouse
Victoria Ruffle Cami | $88 at J Crew
The Long Cardigan
Long and Lean Cardigan Sweater | $41.65 (sale) at Martin + Osa
The Full Skirt
Cotton Sateen Gateau Skirt | $69.50 at J Crew
Trouser Pants
The Perfect Denim Trouser | $59.50 at Gap
What key pieces will you be wearing for Spring? Share with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on March 19th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women |
From a fresh Gingham shirt to classic grey jeans, here are seven Spring wardrobe essentials to add to your closet:
The Gingham Shirt
Baird McNutt Linen Shirt in Classic Gingham | $79.50 at J Crew
The Pocketed Polo
Military Polo | $39.50 at Martin + Osa
The Go-Everywhere Sweater
All-Son Full Zip Sweater with Pockets | $68 at Urban Outfitters
The Layering Hoodie
Heavyweight Slub Jersey Hooded Henley | $59.50 at J Crew
The Rugged (yet Urban) Jacket
Military Jacket | $88 at Gap
The Grey Jeans
Vintage Slim Fit Garment Dyed Denim | $98 at J Crew
The Classic Sneaker
Jack Purcell Distressed Sneakers | $65 at J Crew
What are your favorite Spring essentials? Share them with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on March 18th, 2009 in Men, Shopping Guide |
Q: My black wool winter coat looks much too heavy and "dead of winter"-like now. It’s nearly spring but still very chilly. Besides a trench, what are some ideas for a full or longer-length coat to get me through these chilly evenings? I’d like something about knee-length to wear over dresses. Any cheerful, lighter options?
Clockwise, from left: 3/4 Sleeve Zip Anorak, Bustle Back Trench Coat, Dahlia Loose Cropped Sleeve Tailored Jacket, Karen Millen Casual Funnel Neck Lightweight Coat.
Since it’s nearly Spring, it’s hard to find good chilly weather coats in stores. Here’s four suggestions for coats that bridge the gap between Winter and Spring:
3/4 Sleeve Zip Anorak | $74.99 (sale) at Banana Republic
The light color and collarless neckline allow this anorak to transition between casual and formal. And I love the look of this crisp white jacket over a printed dress.
Bustle Back Trench Coat | $97.41 at ASOS
I know you don’t want a trench, but would you consider an unconventional take on the classic style? The ruffled bustle on the back of this coat makes it flirty and feminine–perfect for bridging the gap between Winter and Spring.
Dahlia Loose Cropped Sleeve Tailored Jacket | $115.57 at ASOS
For a more unconventional look, you can try an oversized blazer. The cropped sleeves on this tailored jacket are singing Spring.
Karen Millen Casual Funnel Neck Lightweight Coat | $328.55 at ASOS
The military style of this crisp cotton coat will elevate your Spring dresses. It’s not a lighter style - but it will pair well with your cheerful, bright dresses.
Have a great tip about a perfect Winter to Spring coat? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on March 17th, 2009 in Q&A, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear Nude Colors?
You said: Yes to Nude Colors, with a 56% to 44% vote.
Style tip? While they look positively delicious on dark skin tones, Nude colors, like Pastel Colors, have a tendency to wash out fair skin tones. If you’re fair skinned and still love the look, try wearing a nude colored skirt (instead of a blouse) to minimize the wash-out effect on your face.
Next question: Florals are replacing Feathers as the embellishment of choice this Spring. But would you wear them? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Gestuz Ruffle Waist Skirt | $65.21 at ASOS.
Editor’s Note (3/17/09): Our apologies, dear readers, for conflating "nude" with vanilla colored skin. You’re completely right - "nude" isn’t a single color and can be anything from dark espresso to a light vanilla cream. The style advice above is for beige colored clothing, but it also applies to chocolate colored clothing on women with dark skin. If you have dark skin but love wearing a mocha brown, it’s best worn as a skirt. Pair it with a pretty pastel colored top (a robin’s egg blue, perhaps) for a sophisticated and color coordinated look.
Posted by Trisha on March 16th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Mix the soft and the hard to create a look that mixes masculine and feminine elements. Perfect for the tomboy–or any woman who aspires for a bit of adventure. Here’s how to get the tough girl chic look:
1. Start with a feminine knit blouse–note the drapey neckline and the ever-so-slight gathers at the sleeves.
2. Slip on a pair of rugged pants; a pair of jeans works, as would a pair of military pants.
3. Add a tough jacket–a peacoat with hardware detailing or a bomber jacket would work equally well.
4. Mix the soft and the hard with your accessories: a cozy knit hat contrasts with a chain draped belt, a buckled bootie, and a purse with heavy hardware.
How would you mix masculine and feminine elements? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on March 13th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Q: I’m a 20-year-old college student who just got a calf-length London Fog trench coat for a smokin’ deal. I love it and know I’m going to have this forever, but I was wondering if you had any ideas as to how to wear this without looking like the Queen Mum.
A: Even though you’re sporting a classic piece like a trenchcoat, you don’t have to keep your entire look classic. Just pair your trenchcoat with appropriately youthful looking pieces. Here’s three ideas to keep your look young while wearing your sophisticated trenchcoat:
Tip 1: Wear Knits, Not Wovens
Wear your trenchcoat with a sweaterdress. Tailored, woven dresses will keep the look formal, but a sweaterdress will give the outfit a more youthful look. Edgy details like lace-up boots and a zipper-encrusted handbag also give the look a young feel.
Tip 2: Say Hello to Bright Colors
Dark colors and neutral colors give a more sophisticated air to any look, but bright colors would help liven up those looks. A shot of gold doesn’t hurt as well.
Tip 3: Embrace Unstructured Fabrics and Silhouettes
Tailored cuts and structured fabrics are natural pairings for a classic trench. But they also can make the look more stodgy. Unstructured fabrics, like knits, and blousy silhouettes do just the opposite–they give the look a breath of fresh air.
Have a great tip about fresh ways to wear a trenchcoat? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on March 12th, 2009 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
Q: I’m getting a bespoke suit. Looking forward to it. What sorts of interesting details are possible on a men’s suit? I’ve heard about the working button holes and such, but perhaps you have heard of some totally awesome details?
A: I’m not entirely sure what you mean by “totally awesome.†If you mean “totally awesome fit,†then yes, most good bespoke tailors will fit you a suit that wears better than anything else you have (except for another high quality bespoke suit, of course).
Bespoke is more about personal style and quality than fashion. Translation: avoid a loud, statement-making suit that may be in fashion right now but will go out tomorrow. I trust you know how to find a good tailor and how to tell him what you want, so I’ll skip right ahead to the details that are available out there.
The bottom line is that bespoke is expensive. And that’s kind of the point. It’s not for everything, and the exorbitant price is largely why it stays that way. If you’re going to go bespoke, you might as well go all out. At least, don’t skimp on things to try to save a few dollars here and there.
With bespoke, you can indulge yourself in details ranging from patterned jacket linings to exotic materials. Duncan Quinn, highly regarded in the bespoke world, for example, offers a suit made out of guanaco. If you can pull it off, feel free to go bold with pinstripes or checks in whatever color you’d like. Of course with details like these, you’re talking about a suit ranging well into the thousands (Duncan Quinn starts at $4,000 per suit), perhaps even into the tens of thousands.
But given the sinking economy, a bespoke suit feels even more extravagant than it does in normal times. You don’t need to go all out with a suit to go bespoke. Try a bespoke shirt (try Charvet, Tom Ford, or Borelli for the best) or shoes (try Barker Black). Ties can be made just for you as well. Just keep in mind that designers may require you to order multiple items at once; especially smaller items like ties and shirts.
Have a great tip about what to look for in a bespoke suit? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on March 11th, 2009 in Men's, Q&A |
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