Posts filed under 'Trendscape'

Trend Alert: Upscale Collegiate

Thanks to Gossip Girl, preppy looks are in.  Not only preppy, but upscale preppy, as befitting for the Upper East Side.  Think blazers.  Think vests.  Bows, ruffles, and argyle.  Think pink.  Here’s how to get the look:

Our $ Picks:
Lily Casual Vest
Lily Casual Vest | $19.90 at Heritage 1981

Cropped Linen Jacket
Cropped Linen Jacket | $22.80 at Forever 21

Basic Polo Shirt
Basic Polo Shirt | $24.50 at American Eagle

Our $$ Picks:
Three Button Blazer
Three Button Blazer | $59.50 at American Eagle

AE Pretty Bow Dress
AE Pretty Bow Dress | $59.50 at American Eagle

Mallory Shirt
Mallory Shirt | $69.50 at Abercrombie and Fitch

Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter
Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter | $88 at J Crew

Our $$$ Picks:
Hadley Jacket
Hadley Jacket | $118 at J Crew

Italian Matelassé Lucia Jacket
Italian Matelassé Lucia Jacket | $209.99 (sale) at J Crew

Wool Hacking Jacket
Wool Hacking Jacket | $235 at J Crew

4 comments July 11th, 2008

Trend Alert: Ombre

Sure, you didn’t care too much for Tie Dye.  But that doesn’t mean that you’re not into ombre, a dyeing technique that’s about the graduation of color from light into dark.  Here’s Omiru’s top picks for ombre items to spice up your wardrobe–and your home:

Our $ Picks:
Sophie Ombre Scarf
Sophie Ombre Scarf | $7.80 at Forever 21
Add a dash of purple to your wardrobe with this cool ombre scarf.

Ombre Racerback Tank
Ombre Racerback Tank | $7.80 at Forever 21
This purple grey ombre tank will pair well with dark rinse jeans.

Cool Ombre Tumblers - Set of 12
Cool Ombre Tumblers - Set of 12 |$24.99 at Target
Break these ombre tumblers out at your next garden party–or summer BBQ.

Our $$ Pick:
Ombre 16 Piece Dinnerware Set
Ombre 16 Piece Dinnerware Set | $59.99 at Target
Make every meal an occasion with this ombre dinnerware set.

Our $$$ Picks:
ADAM Ombre Deep V Ruffle Dress
ADAM Ombre Deep V Ruffle Dress | $445 at Shopbop
We love how the deep v-neckline and the ruffles on this ombre dress flatter women with a small bust.

LAMB Ombre Patent Manchester Bag
LAMB Ombre Patent Manchester Bag | $495 at Shopbop
Yum!  Isn’t this ombre patent leather bag simply delicious?  We’re loving the deep red and purple colors.


8 comments June 17th, 2008

Trend Alert: Ikat Prints

African prints aren’t the only textile trend hitting stores.  Ikat prints, which are woven from relief-dyed threads, are extending the ethnic print style into new dimensions.  Presenting Omiru’s seven favorite picks for Ikat prints:

Our $ Picks:
Fire Ikat Print Tank Top
Fire Ikat Print Tank Top | $24 (sale) at Macys
Two of our favorite trends–purple and ethnic prints–collide in this summery shirt.

Color Block Tank Dress
Color Block Tank Dress | $34.50 at Old Navy
Hundreds of dollars worth of style for only $34.50.  And isn’t the pattern gorgeous?

Embroidered Ikat Cami
Embroidered Ikat Cami | $36 (approx) at Topshop
Pair this ikat camisole with a white pencil skirt for a look that bridges ethnic and elegant.

Boho Ikat Longline Camisole
Boho Ikat Longline Camisole | $49 (approx) at Topshop
Exude breezy chic with this boldly printed camisole.

Our $$ Pick:
Michael Kors Ikat Jacket
Michael Kors Ikat Jacket | $169.50 at Nordstrom
A beautiful color and style.  Bonus?  It’s available in plus sizes!

Our $$$ Picks:
Milly Ikat Floral Ruffle Halter Dress
Milly Ikat Floral Ruffle Halter Dress| $335 at Nordstrom
Go bold with this halter dress with a full-length ikat print.

Vince Women’s Ikat Maxi Printed Dress
Vince Women’s Ikat Maxi Printed Dress | $375 at Bloomingdales
We love the elegant U-shape of the neckline and the gorgeous floor length print.

6 comments June 6th, 2008

Trend Alert: Out on Safari

Lions, Zebras, and Giraffes–oh my!  Fashion is turning its head south–far south–to Africa this season.  Look for wild animal prints, bold patterns, and safari-style jackets and shorts.  Here’s seven of Omiru’s favorite safari looks:

Our $ Picks:
Safari Shorts
Safari Shorts | $19.90 at Heritage 1981
Dare to bare your legs in this uber-short safari short.

Safari Drawstring Jacket
Safari Drawstring Jacket | $24.80 at Forever 21
Pintucking, side pockets, and a drawstring hem make this anything but your ordinary safari jacket.

Rogan for Target Zebra Miniskirt
Rogan for Target Zebra Miniskirt | $34.99 at Target
Take a walk on the wild side with this zebra print miniskirt.

Our $$ Picks:
MICHAEL Michael Kors Babydoll Top
MICHAEL Michael Kors Babydoll Top | $59.50 at Nordstrom
Bold pattern is what this smocked tunic is all about.

Puff Sleeve Giraffe Print Blouse
Puff Sleeve Giraffe Print Blouse | $69 at Banana Republic
Marry the wild safari with structure in this puff sleeve giraffe print blouse.

Our $$$ Picks:
Casbah Print Mia Dress
Casbah Print Mia Dress | $150 at J Crew
Embrace the spirit of North Africa with this aptly named Casbah print.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Drill Safari Cotton Jacket
Marc by Marc Jacobs Drill Safari Cotton Jacket | $328 at Nordstrom
Love the neatly tailored safari-style pockets and the clean cut elbow length of the sleeves.

2 comments May 29th, 2008

Trend Alert: Floral Prints

Celebrate the warm weather with floral prints!  This season’s floral prints run the gamut–from graphic to tropical to abstract to oversized–and we just can’t get enough.  Presenting five of our favorite floral print dresses:

Our $ Picks:
Trixxi ‘Emma’ Floral Print Dress
Trixxi ‘Emma’ Floral Print Dress | $58 at Nordstrom
The bold pink floral border really makes this dress Pop!

Tropical Linen Shift
Tropical Linen Shift | $59.50 at Gap
These tropical flowers aren’t your ordinary floral print.

Our $$ Pick:
Silk Floral Print Halter Dress
Silk Floral Print Halter Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
Don’t you love how the giant floral print makes such a powerful style statement?

Our $$$ Picks:
Tory Burch ‘Hollie’ Dress
Tory Burch ‘Hollie’ Dress | $395 at Nordstrom
We love how the florals on this dress appear in a non-traditional blue color.  The perfect complement for a classic shift dress. 

Sea Glass Gown
Sea Glass Gown | $575 at J Crew
Drape yourself in color with this allover abstract graphic print.

9 comments May 23rd, 2008

Men’s Trend Alert: Horizontal Stripes

Designer Horizontal Stripes
High end designer horizontal stripes.  Clockwise from top: Michael Bastian Striped Sweater | $995 at Saks Fifth Avenue, Michael Kors Seersucker Shorts | $195 at Saks Fifth Avenue, Junya Watanabe Saint James Peacoat | $1,765 at Saks Fifth Avenue.


by John Liu

Horizontal stripe patterns have emerged as a fresh-looking casual trend for both men and women this Spring.  From Burberry to John Varvatos, from American Apparel to Built by Wendy, this trend has manifested itself everywhere from high end fashion houses (hello Michael Bastian and Junya Watanabe) to accessible, affordable chain stores.  Here are a few pieces that do the horizontal stripe pattern well:

Our $$$ Picks:
Adam Kimmel Black and White Sweatshirt
Adam Kimmel Black and White Sweatshirt | $275 at Jake
As always, an Adam Kimmel piece with a distinct American feel.

Bureau Long Sleeved Henley
Bureau Long Sleeve Henley | $158 at Oak

Burberry Slim Fit Striped Polo
Slim Fit Striped Polo | $125 at Burberry
I especially like it in white and washed gray, available at Bloomingdales.

Chimala Border Print Tee
Chimala Border Print Tee | $110 at Oak

Our $$ Picks:
Converse by John Varvatos Trim Crew in Metal Grey
Converse by John Varvatos Trim Crew in Metal Grey | $57 at Revolve Clothing
Be sure to also check out a cream/washed grey long sleeve piece by John Varvatos (not the same as Converse by John Varvatos).  You can get it at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Mount Marshall Polo in Grey Stripe
Mount Marshall Polo in Grey Stripe | $49.50 at Abercrombie and Fitch

Our $ Picks:

Slub Cotton Stripe Fitted Crew Tee
Slub Cotton Stripe Fitted Crew Tee | $39.50 at Banana Republic

Men’s Sailor Tee by Built by Wendy
Men’s Sailor Tee | $36 (sale) at Built by Wendy
I think serves better as a layering piece.

Poly Cotton Stripe Crew Neck
Poly Cotton Stripe Crew Neck | $22 at American Apparel

Textured Henley Striped Shirt
Textured Henley Striped Shirt | $11.99 (sale) at Gap


4 comments April 23rd, 2008

Fresh Color Combinations for Spring

Light Blue and Spring Green
Light blue and spring green combine for a soothing, natural look.  Simply gorgeous.


Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


Lilac Purple and Navy Blue
Men, take note–your navy blue suit looks positively dashing with a pressed lilac shirt.


Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


Bright Yellow and Orange
Warm up an outfit with this bright color combination.  We love it paired with navy blue–or dark rinse jeans.


Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


4 comments April 22nd, 2008

Men’s Trend Alert: Summer Plaids

by John Liu

Plaid became trendy again this past fall/winter, and it looks like it’s here to stay for one more season.  Here are five of the best summer plaids for men:

Engineered Garments Plaid Woven Shirt
Engineered Garments Plaid Woven Shirt | $144 at Bloomingdales (in store only)


Engineered Garments got their name from a pattern maker who claimed that the clothes were not designed but rather engineered due to the amount of detail put into each article of clothing.  Translation: these clothes are fantastically constructed.  This piece was adapted from last season’s long-sleeve version of the same shirt. 

How to wear it?  Plaids can be “intense,” so follow a simple layering tip and wear something monochromatic over it.  By physically hiding part of the shirt under, say, a black or charcoal peacoat, the shirt serves as a colorful, bold accent, and it isn’t overwhelming.

A.P.C. “Plaid Shirt” and “Plaid Belt”
A.P.C. “Plaid Shirt” and “Plaid Belt” | $140, $100 at A.P.C.


A.P.C. offers a shirt and belt with the same plaid pattern on it.  While I like them individually, I don’t like them worn together, even though the model does it.  It looks too calculated when you have an outfit that has parts that match exactly.  To complete the outfit,  I would recommend wearing brown pants like these Mason’s chinos because it picks up the peach in the plaid shirt.  The plaid shirt and the chinos combine for a great casual summer look.  Note that A.P.C. runs a tad small, but this is a summer shirt, so the fit is more classic (read: looser).  As a point of reference, I wear a 40” jacket and I buy a large in A.P.C.

Mike and Chris Hyperion Gingham Shirt
Mike and Chris Hyperion Gingham Shirt | $121 (sale) at Tobi


Part of the allure of plaid is its boldness, right?  Mike and Chris prove that you can do plaid in a subtle – but not too subtle – way.  This piece features a large gingham pattern in faded grey and white.  Style tip?  This white/washed grey is a growing trend, especially featured as a horizontally striped pattern, for both men and women.

Gant Tartan Tie
Gant Tartan Tie | $95 at ShopJake


Gant has been pushing strong in its comeback and is really rising in the ranks.  What I love about this tie is that the pattern and width makes it versatile enough to travel from the office to a night out in New York.


YMC Gingham Plimsoles
YMC Gingham Plimsoles | $89 from OakNYC


That’s right: the plaid trend has even hit shoes.  These shoes, by You Must Create, or YMC, aren’t for everyone.  But then again, plaid isn’t either.


Want more plaid inspiration?
  We’re loving these men’s and women’s plaid outfits from the Sartorialist.

5 comments April 9th, 2008

Trend Alert: Cobalt Blue Dresses

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
BR Monogram Scroll Print Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
A regal-looking print makes this minidress simply elegant.

Velvet Torch Double V-Neck Dress
Velvet Torch Double V-Neck Dress | $68 at Nordstrom
An empire waistline is flattering for women with a long torso.

Pleated Tie Waist Dress
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
Vero Knit Dress | $19.80 at Forever 21
We’re digging the tie-neck front of this breezily blousy dress.


3 comments April 4th, 2008

Fashion Fundamentals: The Scarf

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:

Banana Republic Cashmere Wrap
Cashmere Wrap | $68 at Banana Republic
Simply elegant, and that purple color is lovely.

American Eagle Sheer Striped Scarf
Sheer Striped Scarf | $17.50 at American Eagle
Bright colors and stripes…what more can we ask for?

Large Tie Dye Scarf at Topshop
Tie Dye Scarf | $30 (approx) at Topshop
There’s nothing quite like tie dye to liven up an outfit.

Crinkled Cotton Scarf at Martin & Osa
Crinkled Cotton Scarf | $34 at Martin & Osa
Love the elegance of this casual-yet-sophisticated crinkled cotton scarf.

Tight Square Weave Scarf
Tight Square Weave Scarf | $30 (approx) at Topshop
Add some texture to your outfit with this open square weave scarf.

5 comments March 27th, 2008

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