Archive for November, 2007

Where to Find The Best Men’s Peacoats

Peacoats come in many styles, cuts and colors, but for me, the perfect one is dark (but not black), tailored, and waist length.  I prefer a shorter coat (i.e. not thigh or knee length, but waist length) - some say “trend,” I say “sporty.”  Style tip?  As with all black wool clothes, a black wool peacoat easily picks up lint. 

I’m quite picky, so don’t feel bad if you are too. Peacoats can be expensive and if you don’t find the perfect one, don’t spend money on it.  But if you’re looking for the perfect peacoat, you’re in luck—I’ve already done the legwork for you. Here are the best peacoats out there:

Michael Kors Felt Peacoat
I bought this: Michael Kors “Felt Peacoat” | $370 (sale) at Saks Fifth Avenue

This is the peacoat I ended up buying, so naturally, I think it’s the best one.  I loved the length and the sleek, tailored look.  The extra wide collars might be a turnoff for some, but I actually like the detail.  If you zoom in on the picture, you can see what spurred me to pull the trigger on this purchase: the texture.  It gives the coat personality.  Although I don’t normally like boxy cuts, I liked the boxiness of this coat, which gives the coat a dressier feel and a strong shoulder.

Wuffy Jacket at Diesel
“Wuffy” Jacket | $450 at Diesel

I really like this peacoat in black/gray from the brand new online Diesel store–his check pattern reminded me of the pattern on the Oak flannel shirt.  Like the Michael Kors coat, this coat scores points for (tweed) texture. As with all things Diesel, it’s very form fitting and tailored.  You’ll definitely be noticed in this bold coat.

Juicy Couture Double Breasted Peacoat
Juicy Couture Double-Breasted Peacoat | $550 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Yeah, I know what the guys are thinking: “Wait a minute, doesn’t my girlfriend have a towel-like pair of pants with the word ‘juicy’ on the butt?”  She probably does, but don’t be ashamed if you, too, wear Juicy Couture.  Juicy has evolved into much more than a terry cloth pants company for teens.  They make some great graphic T’s for guys and they make a good-looking peacoat.  And, with Juicy, you know you’ll be getting something trendy and with a twist.  In this case, that twist is a screen-printed satin lining.

Burberry Men\'s Peacoat
Burberry Men’s Peacoat | $650 at Bloomingdales

With glowing white buttons, this navy coat is hit or miss.  To me, it’s a hit.  The navy/white gives the peacoat a very nautical, traditional feel.  With Burberry, you know you’ll be getting a boxier cut. 

Oak Corpus Detachable Sleeve Peacoat
Corpus Detachable Sleeve Peacoat | $418 (sale) at Oak NYC

I love the texture on this coat from one of my favorite stores, Oak NYC.  Again, this is hit or miss, as it is quite unusual – it has detachable sleeves.  This uncommon feature also makes it practical: do as the store’s description says and layer it with a sweater.

Banana Republic Wool Cashmere Peacoat
Wool/Cashmere Peacoat in Dark Charcoal | $250 at Banana Republic

Of all the coats I have suggested, this peacoat is the most timeless.  It features a more traditional length (i.e. thigh level), and it is dark and simple.  This is a great coat to get if you want something classy and tasteful.  I myself was *this* close to buying this coat.

Michael Bastian Shearling Coat
My last pick?  The “dream on” coat: Michael Bastian Shearling Coat | $4,495 at Bergdorf Goodman

Got $4500 to drop on a coat?  This coat by the one and only Michael Bastian is for you. 

I’ll leave you with one last Style Tip, or rather a Style Rule.  Button you coat!  Double-breasted coats look very bad when you don’t button them.  You don’t need to fasten all the buttons, although traditionalists will rebuke me for saying this.  My best advice?  Leave the top button undone.

Have a great tip about where to find a great men’s peacoat?

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.

11 comments November 23rd, 2007

3D Doodle Kit

3D Doodle Kit
Watch your doodles jump off the page when you slip on a pair of 3D glasses.

$9  at Fred Flare.

2 comments November 23rd, 2007

DIY Duct Tape Wallet Kit

Duct Tape Wallet Wave goodbye to the vanilla leather wallet, and make your own industrial strength duct tape wallet with this easy-to-assemble kit.

$19.95 at Firebox.

November 23rd, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving from Omiru!

Happy Thanksgiving from Omiru!

Since it’s a day of celebration (and a day of food), it seems appropriate to spotlight a few of our favorite kitchen accessories.  Happy Thanksgiving, all!

From left: Sporadic Wall Panel | $160 at Greener Grass Design, Bambu Low Bowls | $34 at Branch, and Poketo Artist Melamine Plates | $32 at Greener Grass Design.

November 22nd, 2007

Q&A: How to Stop Static From Ruining Your Outfit

Q:  When wearing tights during winter, the static always make them stick to the skirt I have on and this creates a “scrunched-up” look that totally destroys the otherwise nice, formal look I’m trying to achieve.  How do I stop the static?

Static GuardA:  Indeed, static can ruin many an outfit–from skirts sticking to tights to hair sticking to sweaters.  Here’s how to stop static from forcing you into a fashion faux pas:

(1) Run to the store and pick up a can of Static Guard
(2) Spray Static Guard on your tights.
(3) Put on your skirt, and enjoy a static-free, scrunch-free day!

Pictured: Static Guard Spray | $4.99 at Walgreens.

Have a great tip about how to stop static?

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.

November 21st, 2007

Mid Century Piggy Bank

Mid Century Piggy Bank Teach your little ones about the value of saving money with this hand-glazed piggy bank, cast from an authentic mid-century mold.  Or–just use it as a stylish place to stash your spare change.

$28 at Elsewares.

November 21st, 2007

Q&A: What to Wear to Meet the Parents

Q: I’m going to go meet my girlfriend’s family in New York for the first time this Thanksgiving.  I want to make a good impression, but I also want to stay true to who I am (which can be described as casually offbeat).  What should I wear?

J Lindeberg Polo Bold Stripe Pique Black
A:  A study conducted some time ago about the importance of first impressions in job interviews concluded that the interviewer passed judgment of the potential employee within 3 seconds, and more often than not, that judgment was right.  No pressure, though, right?

The point of this story is to not only emphasize the importance of first impressions, but also to applaud your taking them so seriously.

That said, you don’t want to seem like you’re trying too hard to impress your girlfriend’s parents either.  Look well dressed but not overdressed; look sophisticated, but not old (yes, you can still look sophisticated and casual at the same time).  And try but make it seem effortless, which, admittedly, can be hard.

Since it is a special occasion, you probably want to dress up a little.  A sweater would look a little stuffy, as would khakis or dress pants if not done right.  I would go with either sporty chinos (flat fronts, unless you’re 35) or dressy jeans (dressy meaning dark with no fade).  For a shirt, you can either wear an oxford (keep it conservative here, stick with white, blue or something with stripes) or a polo underneath a cotton or tweed blazer (wool would seem a little stuffy here).

Try the pictured polo from J. Lindeberg (I have one in burgundy and charcoal and it’s GREAT) with a charcoal cotton blazer over some dark denim and either lowtop white sneakers or brown penny loafers. 

You could also try wearing this rugby shirt from Gap underneath a gray tweed blazer like this beauty from Ralph Lauren over some flat-front, sporty stone khakis and brown penny loafers.

It’s always hard to tell another person what to wear, so maybe the best thing to do is tell you what I would wear if I was visiting my girlfriend’s parents (with the caveat that we probably have different personal styles): gray tweed or cotton blazer over a light blue shirt and maybe a burgundy/gray cardigan over dark denim and simple white sneakers (have you seen those Common Projects lowtops?).

The second most important thing is fit.  Bagginess is for kids.  Wear your pants on your waist, not your hips.  If you have any doubts or questions, visit your tailor.

So what’s the most important thing?  Dinner Etiquette. Brush up on your manners with this guide and remember, the proper way to eat bread is to break the bread, butter the broken off piece, and gracefully eat it.

Pictured:  J Lindeberg Polo Bold Stripe Pique Black | $95 at J Lindeberg.

Have a great tip about what to wear to meet the parents?

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.

2 comments November 20th, 2007

Triple Five Soul Intarsia Gloves

Triple Five Soul Intarsia GlovesMore about form than function, these gloves can add a welcome splash of pattern to a simple outfit.

$34 at 80s Purple.

November 19th, 2007

Lightning Bolt Necklace Charm

Lightning Bolt Necklace by White Trash Charms For the rising star:

Feel the electricity with this statement charm–as seen on Sarah Jessica Parker and Ryan Philippe.

$114  at Lisa Kline.

3 comments November 19th, 2007

Omiru Poll Result: Full Skirts are In!

Omiru Poll Result: Full Skirts are In!


Silk Taffeta Parlour Skirt

We asked: Are Full Skirts In or Out?

You said:  In, with 62% of the popular vote.

Omiru’s take: Take that, tailored skirts!  Full skirts are back in full force, perhaps as Fall’s more figure flattering continuation of Summer’s fling with volume (remember those tent and amorphous babydoll dresses?).

Style tip? 
For the most flattering look, try a fitted top with a full skirt.  Aim for this oh-so-elegant Small-over-Big silhouette.

Next question: You’re loving the full skirts–but do you also love pants with volume?  Or are you into skinny cigarette pants?  Tell us, are Skinny Cigarette Pants In,
or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:   Silk Taffeta Parlour Skirt | $165 at J Crew.

3 comments November 19th, 2007

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