Archive for June, 2010

How to Look Smart in Your Summer Shorts

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Pictured: Original Shorts | $36.50 at Gap, The Deep V-Neck Tee | $16.50 at Gap, Heathered Waffle Cardigan | $79.50 at J Crew, and Sperry Grey Washed Canvas Boat Shoe | $75 at Urban Outfitters.

When it’s warm out, your smart choice is to wear shorts.  But you don’t have to sacrifice style to wear your casual shorts.  The key to looking smart in your shorts is twofold: (1) Choose flat front, slim fit shorts in lieu of baggier, cargo-style versions.  (2) Add at least one item with great detailing - such as a tailored shirt or an elegant slim fit cardigan.  Here’s how to look smart in your summer shorts:

1. Start with a pair of plain, flat front shorts.  We chose a nice neutral color to juxtapose against a colorful shirt.
2.  Add a v-neck tee to the shorts, taking note that the v of the shirt will expose a tad more chest than a crewneck.  That the bright blue of the shirt pairs beautifully with the sand colored shorts is an added bonus.
3.  When it gets cool out (or when you’re headed into an environment with heavy AC), toss on a lightweight cardigan, slim fit so it doesn’t read "grandpa."
4.  Finish off the look with a pair of boat shoes, sans socks.

How would you wear summer shorts?  Share your style with us in the comments!

June 29th, 2010

Cork Envelope Clutch

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Why carry a clutch in an ordinary fabric when you can sport one made out of cork? Function meets form with this modern clutch, which features an optional shoulder strap for those times when carrying your cork just won’t do.

$42.47  at ASOS.

1 comment June 29th, 2010

You Said: Yes to Maxi Dresses

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tie-dye-maxi-dress_062310We asked: Would you wear Maxi Dresses?

You said:  Yes to Maxi Dresses, with a 57% to 43% vote.

Style tip? Maxi Dresses, very popular in the boho 70s, reappeared on the fashion scene a few seasons ago.  And now that it’s summer, their simple, long silhouette, paired with espadrilles and oversized sunglasses, feels very California chic.  This style, because it is floor length, can overwhelm petite frames - so it’s best worn on taller women.  If you’re petite and would like to try a maxi dress, look for one with a closer fit and a smaller pattern to keep the look in proportion.

Next question: School days may be out, but backpacks are very In with the fashion crowd. But these aren’t your typical Jansports - these new backpacks feature sophisticated colors and details - like leather piping.  What do you think?  Tell us, would you wear a backpack?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Tie Dye Maxi Dress | $27.80 at Forever 21

1 comment June 27th, 2010

Wear to Work: Architectural Details

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The blouse and pencil skirt combination is one of the oldest in the book, but you can make this simple silhouette interesting again with the right details.  Here, we’ve played with architectural details - on the blouse, the handbag, and the shoe - in order to make a look that’s as sharp as it is smart.  On the plain white blouse, a sharp shoulder recalls the 1980s, but in a sophisticated fashion.  The strong lines of the shoulder are echoed on the solid lines of the bright red handbag - and again on the architecturally inspired pair of suede heels.  Here’s how to get the look:

Space Sleeve Shirt | $36 at Topshop

Superfine Cotton Pencil Skirt | $98 at J Crew

Julienne Suede Heels | $198 at J Crew

Plain Leather Vintage Belt | $30 at Topshop

NW3 By Hobbs Fitzjohn Howden Bag | $302.67 at ASOS

2 comments June 25th, 2010

Kimchi Blue Two-Tone Wingtip Skimmer

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Get the best of both worlds with these wingtip skimmers - a feminine flat finished with masculine wingtip detailing. They’re a perfect foil for your uber-girly summer sundresses.

$34  at Urban Outfitters.

3 comments June 23rd, 2010

What to Wear June 2010, Menswear Edition

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What to Wear this June?  We’re digging cotton for summer - in the form of a crisp grey suit, popover shirt, and a comfy wear-after-sunset shawl collar cardigan.  How to accessorize these summer cottons?  Pick a piece that pops - be it a decorative gingham pocket square, a smart striped belt, or a posh and perfectly dandy Panama hat.  Here’s Omiru’s top menswear picks for June 2010:

1. Cotton Shawl Collar Cardigan | $98 at J Crew

2. Reverse Seam Striped Sweater | $148 at Steven Alan

3. Navy/Kelly Green Surcingle Belt | $33.75 (sale) at J Press

4. Fine Stripe Cotton Ludlow Two Button Suit Jacket and Pant | $248 (jacket) and $118 (pant) at J Crew

5. Cotton Gingham Pocket Square | $18.75 (sale) at J Press

6. Panama Fedora | $93.75 (sale) at J Press

7. Short Sleeve Popover Shirt | $154 at Steven Alan

8. Sun Faded Stanton Short | $59.50 at J Crew

What will you be wearing this month?  Share your style with us in the comments!

2 comments June 22nd, 2010

Heliconius Ruffled Black and White Sailor Top

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What do you get when you cross nautical fashion with feminine frills? Anthropologie’s fabulously black-tipped ruffled sailor style top. Pair it with a girly skirt, menswear trousers - or just about anything in between.

$68  at Anthropologie.

June 21st, 2010

You Said: Yes to Oversized Sunglasses

omiru-poll-result-oversized-sunglasses_062010

jodi-oversized-sunglasses_062010We asked: Would you wear Oversized Sunglasses?

You said:  Yes to Oversized Sunglasses, with a 75% to 25% vote.

Style tip? Oversized sunglasses are a Hollywood classic - they give you an air of mystery.  And they’re excellent at protecting your eyes, to boot!  We appreciate their mix of fashion and function - and the sense of drama they add to your look.  How do you find the right pair of oversized sunglasses for your face?  The key to getting this look right is to contrast your face shape with the shape of your glasses.  If you have a round race, look for glasses with an angular shape.  And conversely, if you have a more angular face, you’ll do best with glasses with a more rounded shape.

Next question: The Maxi Dress, a favorite silhouette in the 1970s, made its way back into fashion in 2009 - but it seems to have enough staying power to last through 2010.  But this floor-length dress silhouette isn’t for everybody, and it can be especially overwhelming on shorter women. What do you think?  Tell us, would you wear the maxi dress?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Jodi Sunglasses | $78 at Banana Republic

3 comments June 21st, 2010

What to Wear June 2010

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What’s hot this month, besides the weather?  Flirty sundresses (always a summer must-have), creamy pastels, browns and beiges, juxtaposed against shocking splashes of color.  Here’s Omiru’s top picks for June 2010:

1. Stripes and Light Tee | $78 at Anthropologie

2. Chromatic Canvas Shirtdress | $148 at Anthropologie

3. Lace Trim Cami | $90 at Topshop

4. Urban Renewal Gauze Open Back Dress | $58 at Urban Outfitters

5. Haya Zip Up Hoodie | $65 at J Crew

6. Kimchi Blue Linen Knot Checkbook | $18 at Urban Outfitters

7. Ombre Snake Halter Tank | $69.50 at Banana Republic

8. Wildfox Couture Malibu Girl Baggy Beach Sweatshirt | $108 at Urban Outfitters

9. La Mer Gold Hearts Wrap Watch | $120 at Urban Outfitters

What will you be wearing this month?  Share your style with us in the comments!

5 comments June 17th, 2010

Miola Lace Up Brogues

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Brogues are typically mens shoes, but there’s a definite feminine influence on these snappy shoes. We heart the scalloped detailing and the oversized laces.

$55  at Topshop.

1 comment June 16th, 2010

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