February 2012 Lookbook: How to Wear Black and Brown Together

Omiru's February 2012 Lookbook: How to Wear Black and Brown
This look is part of Omiru’s February 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece February 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

It’s an oft-cited fashion rule that you shouldn’t combine black and brown, whether it’s on your clothes or with your accessories.  But rules are made to be broken, with beautiful consequences.  The trick to getting the black and brown look right is proportion and keeping color contrasts to a minimum.  We kept the proportions of black and brown such that they were both well represented in the look - so it didn’t look like one of the colors was a mistake.  Secondly, we paired the black accessories with a rich shade of brown that complemented the deep black of the handbag and hat.  Here’s how to get the look:

1. Start with a foundation of neutrals: a cream colored blouse with a taupe maxi skirt.  Remember, neutrals go with everything - so they’re a great foundation for a potentially risky color combination.
2. We chose three black accessories to adorn this outfit - a felt fedora, a statement necklace, and a messenger bag that subtly combines the black and brown.  Put these on first, and you’ll see how the black accessories give this look gravitas.
3. Echoing the brown strap on the messenger bag is a pair of sturdy brown boots.  Upon this canvas of neutrals and blacks, the brown boots give the look more dimension.  The rich brown boots both literally and visually ground the look.

How will you wear black and brown together?
  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on February 3rd, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |

February 2012 Lookbook: How to Wear Sequins During the Day

Omiru's January 2012 Lookbook: How to Take Sequins from Day to Night
This look is part of Omiru’s February 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece February 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

You may have bought a sequinned dress over the holidays.  If you’re me, you may have bought two.  But now that the holidays are long over, you may be wondering how do you get more mileage out of your sequinned dress.  It’s simple - be bold and just wear it, paired with daytime appropriate pieces.  We took inspiration from the embellished texture of the dress and paired it with complementary textures that play well with daytime - knit, denim, and suede.  Here’s how to get the look:

1. Start with your foundation piece: your sequinned dress.  It’s still chilly out, so layer it over a pair of leggings to keep your legs warm.
2. Wrap yourself in a sweater (or a sweatertrench) to keep you nice and cozy.  I love how the soft knit of the sweater pairs with the hard, glam look of the sequins.
3. Accessorize with a pair of boots or booties (suede adds a nice third texture), and grab a snakeskin clutch before you head out the door to finish off the look.

…and when the sun goes down, switch out the leggings for tights, and you’re set for evening.

How will you wear your sequins during the day?
  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on February 3rd, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |

Omiru’s 16-Piece February 2012 Capsule Wardrobe

Omiru's 16-Piece February 2012 Capsule Wardrobe
Want to take a closer look at the capsule wardrobe?  Here’s more information about it.


February is about decadence.  It’s about sumptuous fabrics and sensual textures.  And after the burst of color that we featured in January, we decided to constrain our color palette and instead expand our focus to rich textures and fabrics in easy silhouettes.  (Color lovers, don’t fret - we still have a pop of yellow and a spot of green for you this month.)

Today, we’ll outline the 16 key pieces you’ll want this month to keep your closet on point.  And for the rest of February, we’ll show you how to mix and match these pieces into key looks that you can recreate with your own wardrobe.  From left to right, top to bottom, here are the 16 pieces you’ll want to have in your closet this month. 

The Open Blazer
Co-ord Navy Blazer | $130 at Topshop
The open front makes this navy blazer all the more easy to layer.

The Sweep Me Up Trench
Bottega Veneta Gabardine and Knitted Cotton Trench Coat | $1,950 at Net-a-Porter
This knit trench is a cozy alternative to a winter coat - and it looks fabulous both indoors and outdoors.

The Embellished Dress
Native Dress | $495 at AllSaints Spitalfields
Sequins and beading make this dress a true standout.  Plus, the tribal inspired pattern is perfectly on trend.

The High-Low Dress
Knitted Side Stripe Tee | $84 at Topshop
What I love about this dress is how well it layers, thanks to the high front and the low back. 

The Cropped Sweater
Alexander Wang Cropped Jacquard Sweater | $385 at Net-a-Porter
This cropped textured sweater pairs especially well with high waisted skirts and pants. 

The Oversized Sweater

Adam Chunky Knit Cotton Sweater | $395 at Net-a-Porter
Cozy and oversized are the hallmarks of this perfectly proportioned grey sweater.

The Pilot Shirt
Pilot Smock Shirt | $175 at AllSaints Spitalfields
Military inspired, but decidedly feminine, this shirt works just as well layered as it does alone.

The Tribal Shirt
Elizabeth and James Beaded Silk Satin Blouse | $365 at Net-a-Porter
Tribal inspired detailing at the cuffs and hem make an ordinary white shirt something extraordinary.

The Slinky Tee
Raquel Allegra Shredded Cotton Jersey Top | $275 at Net-a-Porter
Shredded detailing on this drapey tee gives it such a sensual texture.

The Silk Tank
Kain Classic Washed Silk Tank | $155 at Net-a-Porter
The classic black silk tank.  Nothing more, nothing less.

The Lace Shell

Lace Mix Shell Vest | $64 at Topshop
Lace brings refinement to any outfit, casual or dressy.

The Denim Leggings
Black Denim Leggings | $40 at Topshop
Go black when you wear your denim skintight - and you’ll get double duty out of them, wearing them in place of jeans and leggings.

The Tweed Skirt
Lanvin Neon Tweed Mini Skirt | $1,190 at Net-a-Porter
Don’t you love neon green?  This surely isn’t your grandmother’s tweed skirt.

The Leather Skirt
Michael by Michael Kors Chain Detail Leather Mini Skirt | $300 at Net-a-Porter
Make sure that your skirt isn’t super skintight - or too short.  Keep it classy.

The Sequinned Skirt

Juicy Couture Sequined Mini Skirt | $250 at Net-a-Porter
Because everyone could use a little sparkle in their lives.

The Maxi Skirt
Maison Martin Margiela Brushed Matte Satin Maxi Skirt | $640 at Net-a-Porter
Drapey, effortless, and elegant, this maxi skirt can go from day to night.

Let the inspiration begin!
Trisha

Posted by Trisha on February 1st, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 7 comments

January 2012 Lookbook: Sparkle and Shine

Omiru's January 2012 Lookbook: Sparkle and Shine
This look is part of Omiru’s January 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

I’m a big believer in the little details.  You can craft the most fantastic look - but if you don’t top it off with the right accessories, it can fall flat (or at least, short).  Paired with this cheeky colorblocked look are a pair of shiny accessories that really finish the look - a sequined scarf and a bold cocktail ring.  What we love about these pieces is the texture they add to the otherwise graphic outfit.  Here’s how to get the look:

1. Start with a colorblocked foundation: a yellow tee paired with a bright Kelly green pleated skirt.
2. Layer on a cream colored blouse and grab your striped winter coat - another, more subtle take on colorblocking.
3. To the base of yellow and green, add a different color: bright blue.  Slip on a pair of bright blue pumps (love that black toe box) and grab your crocodile skin embossed clutch.
4. Now, time for the sparkle and shine.  Tie on your sequined scarf, juxtaposing its shine with the matte of the coat.  Lastly, slip on a cocktail ring to echo the shine of the scarf.

How do you wear your sparkle and shine?
  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 30th, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 1 comment

January 2012 Lookbook: How to Beat a Case of the Mondays

Omiru's January 2012 Lookbook: How to Beat a Case of the Mondays
This look is part of Omiru’s January 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

Just because it’s Monday doesn’t mean your day has to be grey.  Or…at least your wardrobe doesn’t have to be.  You can embrace color from head to toe and still look ready for work - here’s how:

1. Start with a foundation brimming with color: a purple button down blouse and a pair of bright blue pants.
2. Because it’s chilly out (and the heat might not be enough to keep you warm at work), layer on a sweater and coat  The aztec sweater ties at the waist, giving you definition even when wearing a chunky sweater.  Even though you’re spending most of your day indoors, don’t forget your coat.
3. You’ve got a foundation of color carrying the look, so feel free to go easy on the color on your shoes - a nice light grey pairs beautifully with the purple and blue of the outfit.
4. Colorblock some more - add a pair of bangles in turquoise shades.  We love how these greenish blues pair with the purple and blue of the outfit.
5. Finish off the look with a laptop bag.  The cheeky leopard print just makes work more fun, doesn’t it?

What do you wear to beat the Monday blues?
  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 29th, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |

January 2012 Lookbook: What to Wear with Military Boots

Omiru's January 2012 Lookbook: Boys Like Girls
This look is part of Omiru’s January 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

Military boots make an aggressive statement - but you don’t have to have a hard edge to wear them.  All you have to do is soften your look with a few feminine pieces, and those buckled boots suddenly look more modern than military.  Here’s how to get the look:

1. Start with a neutral foundation: a white button down blouse over a pair of grey cords.
2. Slip on your military boots, which fit nicely around the skinny cords.  Note the choice of brown boots instead of black - the brown pair looks better with the creamy neutrals of this look.
3. Bundle up - add a sweater and a military inspired parka.
4. For the two masculine inspired pieces (the military boots and the parka), add two overtly feminine items.  I added a gold statement necklace, which looks fabulous peeking out from under the white blouse, and a Chanel inspired quilted bag - flirty, Parisian, and very very feminine.

How do you wear your military boots?
  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 26th, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |

January 2012 Lookbook: How to Mix and Match Jewelry

January 2012 Lookbook: How to Mix and Match Jewelry
This look is part of Omiru’s January 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

Choosing the right accessories is key to making a look more than the sum of its parts.  And while a statement necklace or pair of earrings can transform the most basic of looks, sometimes you want to mix and match your accessories to tell a more visually rich story.  The secret to mixing and matching your accessories is to carry a theme throughout.  Maybe it’s a color, maybe it’s texture, maybe it’s shape - but some common element should resonate.  This sparkly sequined number is a standout piece on its own, but it looks just *that* much better when you pair it with the right accessories.  Here’s how to get the look:

1. Start with a sequined dress, paired with a coat that balances out the shine factor.
2. Slip on a pair of nude heels - a great color to pair with metallics, or for that matter, any number of brightly colored dresses.
3. Now comes the mixing and matching of the jewelry - a pair of statement earrings and a cocktail ring.  We chose a turquoise theme for the jewelry, which juxtaposes so nicely against the warm gold of the dress.  The earrings feature a turquoise jewel drop, and the ring’s inlaid jewel echoes the hue of the earrings.  We kept the look from being too matchy-matchy by varying the shape of the jewels - a teardrop on the earring, and a rectangle on the ring.
4. Grab your clutch and go.  Don’t you love the red of the bag - and how it makes the turquoise jewelry pop?

How do you mix and match your jewelry?
  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 25th, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |

January 2012 Lookbook: The Rule of Threes

Omiru's January 2012 Lookbook: Colorblocking Cubed
This look is part of Omiru’s January 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

There’s a certain rhythm that you get when you see a pattern in triplicate.  This "rule of threes" is pleasing to the eye, which is why you see it not only in fashion, but also in home, in graphics, and really, everywhere.  Here, we’ve done colorblocking in triplicate - on the dress, on the clutch, and on the shoes.  By itself, each colorblocked item is lovely.  But combined as a team, they’re more than the sum of their parts, creating a sense of vitality in the look - but also a sense of balance. Here’s how to get the look:

1. Start with a colorblocked base: a silk shirtdress with a colorblocked hem over a pair of colored jeans.  Note how the orange on the dress and the blue of the jeans complement each other.
2. Toss on a leopard print denim jacket to keep your arms warm. (Or a heavier jacket, if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors.)
3. Pile on the accessories.  I’ve kept the sunglasses and scarf neutral and simple so as to have them take a backseat to the other two colorblocked accessories: the pink and tan clutch and the lilac and yellow pumps.  I love how the pink and tan of the clutch echo the orange on the dress - and how the lilac and yellow pumps really wake up the bright blue jeans.

How do you wear color?
  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 24th, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |

January 2012 Lookbook: Show Your Personality Through Accessories

Omiru's January 2012 Lookbook: Lovely, Ladylike Accessories
This look is part of Omiru’s January 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

The right accessories can really make a look.  By itself, this purple blouse and green skirt can run the gamut from mod to prim and proper - but with a set of ladylike accessories, the look reads firmly polished - with a sense of fun to boot.  Here’s how to get the look:

1. Start with the base of the purple blouse and the green skirt - two blocks of color to anchor the look.
2. Wrap yourself in a polished winter coat - the variegated stripes give it visual interest without being too over the top.
3.  Now, on to the accessories.  Slip on a pair of nude pumps (we love the peep toe detail for a bit of cheekiness), grab a two toned clutch handbag, and then tie on a classic patterned scarf.
4. Lastly, add in a couple of key pieces for a bit of fun - a pair of faux fur earmuffs (adorable!) and a spiked ring (pretty, but not too precious).

What accessory best expresses your personality?
  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 23rd, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |

January 2012 Lookbook: Schizophrenic Color

Omiru's January 2012 Lookbook: Schizophrenic Color
This look is part of Omiru’s January 2012 Lookbook series, which builds upon our 16-Piece January 2012 Capsule Wardrobe.  See more information about this look.

Once you’re comfortable wearing color, the real fun begins.  You don’t have to limit yourself to a single color - or even two or three.  You can embrace the world of color, combining a kaleidoscope of different hues in a single look.  But how do you wear that much color without looking crazy?  The secret to getting the look is to keep one color dominant - and to add the rest of the colors as accents.  Here’s how to get the look:

1. Start with a base color.  Here, I’ve chosen a royal blue shift dress to anchor the look.
2. To that base color, I’ve added a leopard print jacket in a brown color to complement the royal blue.
3.  Now, I’ve started to play with color - adding a pair of bright red sunglasses, a black patent leather bag with neon yellow detailing, a pair of taupe shoes with a neon pink strap, and finally, a necklace that combines red, brown, blue, and lilac.  To add that many colors to the look, I’ve kept the hues in the same family - neons and brights.

How do you wear color?
  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 23rd, 2012 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 1 comment

Next Posts Previous Posts


Welcome to Omiru!

Omiru is a style and shopping guide dedicated to real style for real people. We cover figure flattery, fashion trends, and an assortment of articles aimed at making style accessible to all.

Omiru in the News

Omiru has been featured in Time Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Real Simple, and Lucky Magazine.
Read Fashion Time Magazine's interview with Omiru.

Your Take

Would You Wear a Ponytail?
Total Votes: 2624 Started: November 28, 2010 Back to Vote Screen

Most Recent Posts

Featured Articles

Categories

Feeds

Links