At once refreshing and energizing, cobalt blue is one of our favorite colors. And we’re absolutely loving it on dresses this spring, especially when paired with a chic orange clutch. So go on, put a spring in your step with one of our favorite Cobalt Blue Dresses:
BR Monogram Scroll Print Dress | $150 at Banana RepublicA regal-looking print makes this minidress simply elegant.
Velvet Torch Double V-Neck Dress | $68 at Nordstrom
An empire waistline is flattering for women with a long torso.
Pleated Tie Waist Dress | $39.99 (sale) at Gap
Especially flattering for women with a small bust, thanks to the pleated top.
Vero Knit Dress | $19.80 at Forever 21
We’re digging the tie-neck front of this breezily blousy dress.
Posted by Trisha on April 4th, 2008 in Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, Women |
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!
Posted by Trisha on April 3rd, 2008 in Q&A, Shopping Guide, Women, Women's |
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.
Posted by Trisha on April 2nd, 2008 in How To, Men, Men's, Shopping Guide, Shopping Guide, Women, Women's |
Our recent article about How to Dress Up Jeans for Work seemed to strike a nerve, so we wanted to give you some more Wear to Work inspiration. In this Nautical Business Casual outfit, we see the seafaring theme in the chain-link print on the shirt, the stripes on the scarf, and the navy and white on the tote. Note also how the gold in the shirt is echoed in the gold ballet slippers–and the gold piping and buttons on the military-style blazer.
Posted by Trisha on April 1st, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Skinny Jeans?
You said: Yes to Skinny Jeans, with 62% of the vote.
Style tip? Dark wash jeans are going to be the most flattering, as they visually slim the leg. For a fresh look, pair a voluminous top (jacket or shirt) over your skinny jeans for a big-over-small look.
Next question: Trenchcoats are a classic that never really go out of style. The twist this season? Bright colors. Would you wear a brightly colored trench? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Earnest Sewn Cigarette Leg Harlan Jeans | $185 at 80s Purple.
Posted by Trisha on March 31st, 2008 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Hi everybody,
We just upgraded our blog software to the latest and greatest version. Everything should be working the same, but let us know if you find something wonky.
On a separate note, how do you like the changes we’ve made to Omiru in the last month? There are still more improvements to come, but we’ve been working on diversifying our posts, adding more pictures (the #1 request we saw on our reader survey), and making sure we have men’s content every Wednesday.
-Trisha and the Omiru team
Posted by Trisha on March 29th, 2008 in Off Topic |
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!
Posted by Trisha on March 28th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Women |
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.
Posted by Trisha on March 27th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, Women |
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.
Posted by Trisha on March 25th, 2008 in Features, Men, Shopping Guide, Shopping Guide, Women |
Q: I am to be the featured artist at a gallery art walk in a city by the water north of Seattle. What do I wear? I want to look classy, yet artsy. I am 51.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: At fifty-one, you fashion priority is to select a dress or suit that is not only sophisticated but also suits both your coloring and body type. For a classic yet artsy look, build your outfit with classic foundation elements. A little black dress is always appropriate—but if you dare, you may want to wear a splash of color.
- If you have an hourglass figure, try a sleeved wrap dress to accentuate your curves.
- To elongate a fuller figure, you can try a suit with a high stance (where the two lapels meet in front) and strong vertical lines.
- If you’re blessed with a long, lean figure, a colorful maxi dress may also fit the bill. A maxi dress gives you full coverage, and it also has a bohemian air to it.
Finish off your outfit with a pair of comfortable flats or low heels. You’ll be standing for hours, so choose a pair of shoes that will allow you to focus on the event—not your aching feet.
Style tip? After thirty-five, the color black tends to drain color out of a woman’s face. Should you choose a black dress, make sure to accessorize with colorful jewelry (or a scarf) and give yourself some extra color with your make-up.
Have a great tip about style in your 50s? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on March 25th, 2008 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
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