Posts filed under 'Women'
Plaid’s a classic style often found in the same basic colors (ahem, blue) and cuts (hello, standard button-down). But it doesn’t have to be the same old plaid. We like experimenting with different colors and cuts in order to see plaid in a whole new way. Here’s what you can do with plaid to make it new again:
1. Start with a plaid shirt. But instead of reaching for the same old blue button-down, try a short sleeve style with a different kind of color pattern. We like the quirky pink, purple, and blue plaid on this blouse. Added bonus? The short sleeves, the bloused bottom, and the ruffle detailing at the neckline.
2. Since the plaid top features a bloused bottom, pair it with skinny or straight leg jeans to counterbalance the volume. The dark skinny jeans provide a nice foil for the bright, blousy shirt.
3. Finish off the outfit with accessories that feature the same attention to detail as the plaid top. We love the rope detailing on the strap of the purse - and the edgy-yet-delicate shoelaces on the ankle booties.
How would you wear plaid? Share your style with us in the comments!
July 9th, 2009
Now, we know that not everyone has the luxury of being able to wear shorts to work. But for those of you who have the option, we wanted to show that wearing shorts doesn’t have to look sloppy. In fact, you can look just as sophisticated and put-together as you would be in a skirt or pair of pants. And for those of us who have a stricter work dress code, you can try this look for the weekend. Here’s how to look polished in shorts:
1. Start with a tailored pair of shorts. Choose a style that’s not overly form fitting, but one that has a good amount of structure. We like knee-length shorts for their versatility and their figure flattery.
2. Add a drapey top to counterbalance the structure of the shorts. Navy is a beautiful, elegant counterpart to the white shorts.
3. Layer on a tailored blazer, which will instantly elevate the look. We like the long blazer over knee-length shorts look - a bit European and incredibly chic.
4. Finish off the look with tailored accessories: a structured bag and a pair of elegant pumps. Heels help give the outfit a finished look; even if you can only wear kitten heels, we’d recommend it.
How would you wear shorts to work? Share your style with us in the comments!
July 8th, 2009
We love summer’s warmth and its laid-back, carefree attitude. It’s certainly a pick-me-up, given the ever-troubling economy. So let’s celebrate summer - without breaking the bank - in a flirty summer dress. Whatever your mood, we have a dress for you. Here are six summer dress styles that won’t break the bank:
Vibrant
Bold Stroke Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Retro
People Tree Ruffle Neck Dotty Dress | $59.85 (sale) at ASOS
Mod
The Kiss Principle Multi Panel Shift Dress | $59.85 at ASOS
Ladylike
Honey Bee Collar Dress | $52.99 at Ruche
Artsy
Silence & Noise Silk Knot Neck Dress | $68 at Urban Outfitters
Playful
Kimchi Blue Chevron Sundress | $58 at Urban Outfitters
What are your favorite Summer Dresses? Share them with us in the comments!
July 6th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear One Shoulder Dresses?
You said: Yes to One Shoulder Dresses, with a 58% to 42% vote.
Style tip? We love the drama of the single-shoulder dress. The asymmetry of the style makes it instantly intriguing. It’s no coincidence that Goddess Gowns so often feature the one-shoulder style. But what jewelry do you pair with a one-shoulder dress? We’d recommend laying off the necklaces (your diagonal neckline is embellishment enough) and instead opting for a stack of bracelets, statement earrings, or even an eye-catching hair accessory.
Next question: Ruffled Peasant Tops are back in full force. But are they too early 2000s? Tell us, would you wear a Peasant Top? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: One Shoulder Frill Dress | $110 at Topshop.
July 5th, 2009
The quintessential All-American look pairs a fresh white button-down shirt (with the top couple of buttons left unbuttoned) with fitted blue jeans. It’s crisp, it’s clean, and it’s completely classic. Add a pair of red shoes (or a red handbag), and it’s a great outfit in which to celebrate the 4th of July. But what if you want something a little different–and a little less literal? We’ve put together a sophisticated, feminine look that takes denim and white and adds a bit of a twist. Here’s how to get the denim and white (with a twist) look:
1. Instead of blue jeans, reach for a blue denim skirt as the foundation of your outfit.
2. Add a nice colored blouse. We love how the green of the blouse complements the classic blue of the denim skirt - and how the ruffles on the blouse echo the ruffles and shirring on the skirt.
3. Toss on a nice light sweater (optional, depending on how warm it is). The delicateness of the sweater complements the elegant blouse.
4. Get your whites on with a summery pair of espadrilles.
5. Finish the outfit off with a brightly colored handbag. We chose to forego red and instead chose a beautiful, vibrant orange.
Wishing you all a very Happy 4th of July! Have fun, and be safe. We’ll be back with more fashion fun bright and early next Monday.
How do you wear denim and white? Share your style with us in the comments!
July 2nd, 2009
Q: I’ll be heading down to Las Vegas for a few days in July. Any tips for what I should pack?
A: What do you wear for a trip to Vegas? Sin City style is over the top, glitzy–and more than a little risque. But you can be daring without going overboard. The rule of thumb is to pick a part of your body to show off–just not your entire body. You can show off some skin with a low cut top, but pair that skin-baring top with a skirt that reaches your knee. Or if you wear a miniskirt, keep your top half covered. Our example outfit, above, is a great example of how you can dress up at night without looking trashy. It works for a woman in her 20s or 30s, but it can be adapted for women in their 40s or above.
Be prepared for the weather. Las Vegas is in the middle of the desert - with the weather to match. During the summer, expect temperatures into the 100s during the day and in the high 60s to mid 70s at night. You don’t have to worry about humidity, but get ready for some extreme heat (and air conditioning on full blast).
At night, you’ll be dressing up to go out to dinner, shows, and clubs. Think dresses—or going-out tops over skirts. During the day, you’ll want a set of more casual clothes to take you shopping–and perhaps over to the spa. Think cropped pants plus an embellished tank top. Or shorts with a brightly colored tee. For a long weekend in Vegas, here’s what you need to pack:
Tops: A couple of casual tops for daytime wear supplemented by a going-out top or blouse will do the trick. Try bright colors—or tops featuring embellishment—to stay true to the Vegas spirit. Don’t be afraid of a little sparkle.
Sweaters: Pack a light sweater or two for nighttime and/or heavily air conditioned areas. Cropped sweaters are great with dresses, but a long cardigan paired with a dress is a very modern look.
Outerwear: It’s Vegas! No jackets required. If anything, you can bring a single lightweight jacket in case you get cold in the casinos.
Dresses: Bring a dress or two, depending on how many evenings you’ll be going out. We love drapey dresses that aren’t overly figure hugging; they leave something to the imagination.
Bottoms: Miniskirts if you dare (and have great legs), or knee-length pencil skirts (which tend to be fairly figure flattering). For daytime, shorts or cropped pants are going to work. We love knee-length tailored shorts for a pulled-together and figure flattering look.
Shoes: Heels are great for evenings out, but flats or sandals are best during the day. Don’t forget a pair of flip flops for vegging by the pool.
Last thoughts about what to wear to Vegas? What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. So get dressed to have fun. And don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a cover up.
Have a great tip about what to wear to Vegas? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 30th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Bright Yellow?
You said: Yes to Bright Yellow, with a 70% to 30% vote.
Style tip? We adore the cheeriness of Bright Yellow. There’s no better color to warm up a gray day, and it’s also the perfect color to welcome summer. It’s warmth can just make you feel better once you put it on. We love Bright Yellow paired with dark, dark denim - the blue makes the yellow even more radiant, and vice versa. If you’re feeling up to it, try a blouse in yellow - or even a jacket. (My bright yellow trench is a favorite, year round). If you’d like to try out Bright Yellow without going all out, you can try a bright yellow accessory instead. Try a handbag, a pair of shoes, or even jewelry. Or test the waters with a yellow print, like the yellow flowers on this sunny dress.
Next question: Asymmetry was all over the runways, and now we’re seeing it in stores everywhere. Especially in dress form with the One Shoulder Dress. But what do you think about the One Shoulder Dress? Tell us, would you wear a One Shoulder Dress? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Marigold Chiffon Floral Dress | $27.80 at Forever 21.
June 28th, 2009
What’s the key to wearing a miniskirt with style? As you show off your legs, keep your top half covered up so that you’re not showing off too much skin. This holds true whether you’re a teenager or if your teen years are far behind you. The rule of thumb is that the shorter your skirt, the more you want to keep covered up on top. Here’s Omiru’s version of how to wear a miniskirt:
1. Start with a miniskirt. Structured fabrics are going to be your best bet so the skirt isn’t overly figure-hugging.
2. Layer on a tank top and a tailored button-down shirt. Notice how the button-down and tank work together with the two shades of blue. We love how the bright blue knit tank will peek out from under the lighter, paler tailored woven shirt.
3. Finish off the outfit with a light silk scarf (don’t you love how the brown looks against the backdrop of the blues) and a pair of statement sandals.
How would you wear a miniskirt? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 25th, 2009
Mix utilitarian style with urban sophistication for a look that’s all about effortless summer style. Simply juxtapose a rugged chambray shirt against a feminine, brightly colored tank. Here’s how to get the look of effortless summer style in a chambray shirt:
1. Start with a bright strappy summer tank and a pair of white bootcut jeans.
2. Layer on a chambray shirt, a preppy alternative to the long, cardigan sweater. Doesn’t the blue chambray look fabulous with the bright yellow tank?
3. Finish off the look with a pair of flat sandals and a messenger bag slung over your shoulder.
How do you wear a Chambray Shirt? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 25th, 2009
We know all too well—comfort and style don’t always go hand in hand. When it comes to footwear, it seems that the most fabulous shoes require us to sacrifice comfort for style. This fashion axiom holds true for our going-out shoes and our everyday work shoes. But you don’t have to wear schlumpy shoes when you’re going to work. Omiru has what you should be looking for in comfortable womens work shoes so that you don’t have to sacrifice your feet’s happiness for style:
Flats
Arturo Chiang Amalie Loafers | $85 at Piperlime
When you’re on your feet, running from meeting to meeting, flats are going to get you where you’re going with the least pain possible. With flats, you have a variety of work-appropriate options, from loafers and driving mocs to ballet flats. Flats are hands-down our favorite type of womens work shoes from a comfort perspective, but we understand that they’re not for every woman—or every work environment.
Kitten Heels
Layland Slingback Pump | $39.99 at Nine West
If you’re tall, you can get away with flats. But if you’re not blessed with height, kitten heels are going to be a great alternative. These low heels give you an inch or two of height, and they’re nearly as comfortable as flats if you get the right pair
Wedge Heels
BP Uptown Wedge Pump | $69.95 at Nordstrom
If you’re looking for a little more height than a kitten heel will afford you, we’d recommend looking for wedge heels. Wedge heels are exactly what they sound like – instead of a pointy heel, you get to distribute your weight over a wedge shaped heel. As such, they’re much more comfortable to wear than their traditional pointy-heel counterparts.
Cushioning
Cole Haan Carma OT Air Pump | $301.95 at Zappos
What else should you be looking for in comfortable work shoes? Cushioning for your feet. Regardless of heel height, a little bit of cushioning goes a long way in making your work shoes comfortable. When you’re shopping for shoes, look for rubberized heels on the outside of the shoe and padding and support on the inside too. Cole Haan makes shoes with Nike Air technology. While they’re not quite as comfortable as a pair of Nike sneakers, their pumps are as comfy as heels can be.
Spacious Toe Boxes
Gentle Souls It’s So Fun | $195 at Kenneth Cole
Narrow or pointed toe boxes make your toes sad. They crunch your toes, and your feet will be calling out to you by the end (if not middle) of the day. Instead of crunching your toes into narrow toe boxes, give them room to breathe with rounded or square toe boxes. We’re a big fan of round toe shoes – they’re reminiscent of Mary Janes and they add a bit of femininity to any outfit.
Last thoughts? Comfortable womens work shoes can be found almost everywhere, now that there are a number of brands that specialize in comfort shoes. You may want to take a look at the following brands: Cole Haan Nike Air Technology, Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole, Naturalizer, Taryn Rose, Walking Cradles, Sofft, Soft Spots, Hush Puppies, Dansko, Merrel, Clarks, and Easy Spirit.
What are your favorite comfortable work shoes? Share your style with us in the comments!
June 22nd, 2009
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