Archive for January, 2008

Trend Alert: The Casual Wedding

For years and years, the black tie wedding was de rigeur.  Tuxes.  Long white gowns.  Same old, same old.  But now, it seems that the uber-formal Black Tie Wedding is starting to take a backseat to the Casual Wedding.  

Earlier this month, we advised one of our male readers (Phil) about what to wear to his casual wedding.  In the comments, Ria chimed in about her own casual wedding, held this past summer.  Said Ria, "We had a casual wedding, no ties! Well, no ties for the guests. My husband wore a tie but no jacket, same with the groomsmen. Just putting it out there as an alternative. It was hot so no jackets or vests worked for us, but the ties added to the wedding party style."

Indeed, the wedding party exuded style.  Ria’s pictures, below, show that you don’t have to dress to the nines to look fabulous at your wedding.  All you have to do is capture your own personal style.

Ria\'s Wedding: Wedding Party and a Beach Blue Sky
Ria: "The green bridesmaid carnation bouquets matched my husband’s shirt, and their sashes matched the colour of my dress."

Ria\'s Wedding: Table
Ria: "The handmade family recipe books had green accents in the printing and purple ribbons, and the mini menus at each place had blue trim."

Ria\'s Wedding: Wedding Cake
Ria’s cousin Katherine whipped up the wedding cake and cupcakes, each of which had a special design on top.  Ria’s husband, Johann, is into frogs, and his favorite color is green–so the wedding cake featured an adorable frog couple. 

5 comments January 30th, 2008

Gwyneth Tie-Neck Ruffle Blouse

Gwyneth Ruffle Blouse The aptly named Gwyneth blouse would complement the gamine style of Gwyneth Paltrow.  Love the ruffled placket and the tie-neck style.

$19.80  at Forever 21.

January 30th, 2008

Q&A: How to Wear an Obi Belt

Q:  I recently bought a beautiful, white leather, wide obi belt that wraps around and is supposed to be tied in a knot in the front. But I don’t know what to wear with it. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Elegantly Waisted Patent Cummerbund Beltby Jessica Stockdale, Style and Beauty writer at Found4less.com

A: 
Obi belts do wonders to define your waist, so you can pair them with larger, more shapeless garments. Obis are a wonderful accessory for calf-length dresses, long tops, tunics and loose blouses. 

Most necklines will look good with an obi belt. Just be careful with turtlenecks/mock-turtlenecks if your top doesn’t have sleeves. Depending on how wide the obi belt is, the overall affect may or may not be slimming. 

Obi belts are worn higher up than a normal belt, and they should cinch you a little above the waist. The belt should be cinched around you, but it shouldn’t be too tight. If you can’t move freely and sit comfortably in your outfit, it’ll be obvious, and the outfit won’t look right.

Because the obi belt makes a bold statement, pair it with solid colors to heighten its appeal. Bonus points for choosing a bright solid color to pair the obi belt with—the resulting look is very modern. 

Your wide white leather obi belt is perfect for warmer months and climates, so bright colors are going to be your best bet.  Try pairing it with this billowy kimono sleeve tunic at ($39.99 at Spiegel)—or this vibrant Diane von Furstenberg sleeveless floral tank dress ($325 at Neiman Marcus).

Have a great tip about wearing an obi belt?
   Share it with us in the comments!

Pictured: Elegantly Waisted Patent Cummerbund Belt | $82.50 (sale) at Shopbop.com.

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.

3 comments January 29th, 2008

All-Son National Parka

All-Son National Parka Style tip from John?  Get the Balenciaga Look for Less with this cozy parka.

$59  (sale) at Urban Outfitters.

1 comment January 29th, 2008

Q&A: Winter Clothes for a Mexican Vacation

Q:  I’m going on a cruise this winter vacation to Mexico for 3 days. What clothes should I bring? I looked at the weather and it’s around 60 degrees. I’m especially troubled about dinner, which said casual resort wear. I want to wear jeans with a nice blouse as it is a bit too cold to wear anything else.

 Diane von Furstenberg \'Reno\' Silk Damask Shift Dressby Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

A:  Too bad the temperature will be that cool, but in the spirit of the cruise I would pack some fun and flirty outfits.  A cruise is a time to play, so I would recommend a couple of fun dresses to throw into the mix with your jeans.  As for what to wear with your jeans, you can always take your outfit up a notch by throwing a wrap around yourself or adding a cute short sleeved jacket to coordinate with your jeans–and the dresses. 

Here are a few dresses to get you started:
Free People ‘La Isla’ Embroidered Voile Dress | $118 at Nordstrom
Twisted Heart ‘Bianca’ Hooded Terry Dress | $143 at Nordstrom
BCBGMAXAZRIA Flutter Sleeve Knit Dress | $178 at Nordstrom
(Pictured) Diane von Furstenberg ‘Reno’ Silk Damask Shift Dress | $325 at Nordstrom
Theory ‘Azuri - Acute’ Printed Dress | $455 at Nordstrom

And a few separates you might find cruise-worthy:
BB Dakota ‘Evie’ Jacket (in White) | $44 at Nordstrom
Free People ‘Indian Princess’ Racerback Top | $98 at Nordstrom

The dresses I am recommending would look pretty with heels or flats, and the white Free People blouse with jeans would show off any tan you may get.  During the day, jeans or walking shorts with a cute tee or blouse would serve you well.  And if you invest in a short sleeve jacket (like the BB Dakota one), you’ll be covered–even in 60 degree temperatures.   Have a fun filled three days in Mexico!

Have a great tip about what to wear to Mexico during the winter?

  Share it with us in the comments!

Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at questions at omiru dot com.

January 28th, 2008

Retro Leaf Sweater

Retro Leaf Sweater Get your graphic prints on for spring!

Style tip?  The empire waistline flatters a long waisted (long torsoed) figure.

$22.80  at Forever 21.

January 28th, 2008

You Said: Bright Yellow is In!

Omiru Poll Result: Bright Yellow is In!


Cherbourg Coat

We asked: Is Bright Yellow In or Out?

You said:  In, with a landslide 78% of the vote!

Style tip?  This sunny shade has the power to brighten the dreariest of days.  Beat the rain, snow, or slush with a punch of bright yellow–on a dress or overcoat if you dare.  Feeling less adventurous?  Try a bright yellow headband, scarf, or handbag.  Looks especially fetching paired with grey.

Next question: Leggings remain a winter staple, especially for this season’s 80s inspired looks.  But would you wear them? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!

Pictured:  Cherbourg Coat | $275 at J Crew.

4 comments January 28th, 2008

Roxy Snow Bunny Bomber with Faux Fur

 Roxy \'Snow Bunny\' Bomber with Faux Fur Cheer up a winter outfit with this sleek quilted bomber. 

Style tip?  Faux fur is the way to go.

$69.50  at Nordstrom.

January 28th, 2008

Shopping Guide: Women’s Watches

by Tamiko Kelly, Fashion Expert and Style Maven at Margarite Elaine

My girlfriends and I have very different definitions of timeliness.  While I’m the supreme planner and book our dinner reservations weeks (sometimes months) in advance; many of my girlfriends either forget to RSVP or show up moments after its fashionable.  As my party slowly trickles in, I ALWAYS receive a call from someone running ridiculously late.  (My favorite excuse is “Where are we eating again?”)

During our most recent holiday dinner, I had an “ah-ha” moment in the middle of a very heated discussion about Gossip Girl.   One of my girlfriends threw her hands up in excitement.  As her thumb knocked over a glass of red wine, I noticed that she wasn’t wearing a watch.  I quickly scanned the table and noticed that all our wrists were bare (well, actually I was wearing enough bangles to score a starring roll in Yash Chopra’s next Bollywood flick)—and ah-ha!  I realized that I had to get all of us in the same time zone!  Read on for 5 watches (one for each of my best girlfriends) to invest in.  No matter what your personal style, you’ll come out stylishly on time.

For the Art Deco Girl:

Roberto Cavalli Coco Gold Plated Croco-style Bracelet Dress Watch

Roberto Cavalli Coco Gold Plated Croco-style Bracelet Dress Watch |  $450 at Forzieri

She frequents the MOMA, has friends at the San Francisco Design Center and knows the difference between a Lowboy and a Bombé Chest. This watch is a bold statement piece that features modern style with a touch of savage beauty (gotta love those crocodile embossed links).

For the Vintage Girl:

Badgley Mischka Watch

Badgley Mischka Watch | $195, Call 800.840.2155 for purchase info

Featuring Swarovski crystals and a grosgrain strap, this watch is reminiscent of the dress-up watches from the 20s.  As an added touch of elegance, the beautiful faceplate opens to reveal the timepiece hidden beneath. 

For the Glamour Girl:

MICHAEL Michael Kors Pavé Bracelet Watch

MICHAEL Michael Kors Pavé Bracelet Watch | $275 at Nordstrom

We all have one: a girlfriend whose taste far exceeds her paycheck.  This watch is for her.  Now she can have all the bling without the added sting to her wallet.  With all the money she saved, she can buy a sleek silver clutch to match.

For the Classic Girl:

Michele Watches Deco Non Diamond Gold White Mop Camel Alligator

Michele Watches Deco Non Diamond Gold White Mop Camel Alligator | $705 at Michele

The beauty of the timepiece is its understated elegance.  It’d be perfect for the girl who frequents Banana Republic, charges more on her J. Crew card than I’d care to discuss and has built relationships with every Club Monaco in Northern California.  I almost forgot to mention that this watch comes complete with a Mother of Pearl dial and is finished nicely in gold.

For the Sophisticated Girl:

Ebel Classic Steel Mini Ladies Watch

Ebel Classic Steel Mini Ladies Watch | $1,102.50 at JomaShop

Ebel is known for their sleek designs, soft curves and delicate construction.  I selected this timeless classic for the girl who treasures the craftsmanship of her Bottega Veneta handbags, the finesse of her Montblanc pens, and the sophistication of her Baccarat stemware.

9 comments January 25th, 2008

Ruby Rox Satin Bubble Dress

 Ruby Rox Satin Bubble Dress Especially flattering for those with a small bust or a slight tummy–the glamorous ruching takes care of these figure details.

Also looks positively smashing in purple.

$58  at Nordstrom.

January 25th, 2008

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