Spring 2008 Fashion Week Notebook: Vena Cava

Vena Cava Spring 2008 Runway
Photo Credit: NY Magazine

Key Takeaways: Vena Cava’s Spring 2008 collection vacillated between the 1930s and the 1970s, with classic depression-era silhouettes (think: drapey bias cuts and nipped in waists) interspersed with styles of the 70s (think: empire waistlines, the mini, and the maxi).  Key trends included high-waisted pants and skirts, emphasis on the waistline, the minidress, the maxi dress, belts, ruffles, and the color purple.

Color Palette: 
Neutrals with shorts of yellow-green, seafoam, dusky rose, and shades of purple.

Silhouettes:  Bottoms were high-waisted and were loosely cut for a voluminous look.  Ruffled louses and tie-neck tops followed suit with the volume theme, while belts provided a counterpart to the volume and defined the waistline.  Dresses largely fell under either the mini or maxi category, but 30s style knee-length dresses also made an appearance.  Vena Cava’s jackets were either cut cropped (often with elbow-length sleeves) or long and sleeveless. 

Accessories Report:  Belts played a key role in Vena Cava’s collection–of note were the thin, drapey, multistranded belts.  Tights replaced leggings for Spring.

What’s Wearable:  Favorite pieces include a seafoam green blouse with an asymmetrical gather at the neckline and an art deco style black column dress.  The perfect casual chic look?  A white, empire-waist minidress paired with an olive cropped closureless jacket.

What’s Not Wearable: 
Maxi dresses aren’t inherently unwearable, but they’re tough to pull off without looking like you just walked out of the 70s.  Same goes for the drapey palazzo-style pants.

Previous Vena Cava Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Backstage Interview with Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock of Vena Cava
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Vena Cava

Posted by Trisha on September 6th, 2007 in Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend, Women |

Spring 2008 Fashion Week Notebook: Perry Ellis

Perry Ellis Spring 2008 Runway
Photo Credit: Dan Lecca for Mercedes Benz


Key Takeaways:
Distinctly nautical, with a casual beach town vibe.  Textures and fabrics, rather than silhouette, were key to this collection.

Color Palette:  Sunset colors–yellows and flashes of orange–accompanied a palette of muted neutrals.  Shades of brown and tan were seen alongside creams, greys, and "sail" white.  Patterns included horizontal stripes (a dominant theme) and plaids.

Silhouettes:  Knee-length shorts, thin lightweight sweaters, turtlenecks, beachy linen pants, cuffed trousers, hoodies, and loosely fitted blazers. 

Accessories Report:  Deck shoes, white sneakers, and big sunglasses.

What’s Wearable:  We love the casual chic of a loosely fitted cardigan and plain white tee over knee-length shorts.  Style points for men who layer textures: knit sweaters and hoodies over woven button-down shirts–or under sack-shaped blazers.

What’s Not Wearable:  Don’t try the plaid short shorts at home.  Ditto for the see-through sweaters.

Previous Perry Ellis Fashion Week Coverage from Omiru:
Fall 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Perry Ellis
Spring 2007 Fashion Week Runway Review: Perry Ellis
Spring 2006 Fashion Week Runway Review: Perry Ellis

Posted by Trisha on September 6th, 2007 in Men, Runway Reviews, Runway Reviews, Trend | 2 comments

Omiru Covers New York Fashion Week Spring 2008

New York Fashion Week Spring 2008

Summer may be ending, but New York Fashion Week is just beginning. As usual, we’ll be covering Fashion Week straight from the tents at Bryant Park.  Check back often for our trademark show reviews and trend roundups!

While we gear up to start our Spring 2008 fashion coverage, check out our Fall 07 Fashion Week writeups, including our Top 5 Wearable Womenswear Trends and our Top 5 Wearable Menswear Trends.

Missing your fashion answer fix?  We’ll be returning to our regularly scheduled programming, providing answers to your style questions, bright and early on Monday, September 17.  FYI–for those of you who have already have questions in queue, we’re a little backlogged, but we’re diligently working through the list (and will continue to do this during Fashion Week).  Thanks for your patience!

Posted by Trisha on September 5th, 2007 in News, Off Topic | 1 comment

Omiru Poll Result: Ankle Boots are In!

Omiru Poll Result: Ankle Boots are In


MICHAEL Michael Kors Studio Boot in BronzeWe asked:Are Ankle Boots In or Out?

You said:  In! A full 59% of you voted Ankle Boots In.

Omiru’s take: Ankle Boots (aka "Booties") are THE hot boot style for Fall, if you believe what you read in the fashion glossies.  Sure, boots are always In for Fall, but we find these ankle boots much more difficult to wear than the standard-issue knee-high variety.  Beware if you have less-than-perfect legs, as these booties visually shorten your leg line.   Style tip?  Avoid boots that hit directly at the ankle bone–choose styles that end right below or right above your ankle bone for the most flattering look.  As for what to wear with ankle boots, try simple silhouettes, such as a knee length skirt, a sweater dress or a belted military-inspired coat.  Oh, and don’t forget tights or leggings for an even more svelte look.

Next question: Environmentally friendly (and organic) are the new retail buzzwords.  Organic foods, recycled goods, and even eco-friendly cars (think: the Prius)  are being embraced by the American public.  But what do you think about Eco-Friendly Fashion?  Tell us, is Eco-Friendly Fashion In, or is it Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: MICHAEL Michael Kors Studio Boot | $188.95 at Nordstrom.

Posted by Trisha on September 4th, 2007 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women | 6 comments

Friday Fashion Hotlist | Treats from the August Sampler

Welcome to a Special Sampler Edition of the Friday
Fashion Hotlist: a compilation of the cutest and coolest stuff Omiru’s
Style Intelligence Report saw out there on the web.

This week, we present to you Our Favorite Goodies from the Sampler to show you the best of the best from independent crafters and artists.

Sugar Lily Greeting Cards
Greeting Cards | $2.50/card at Sugar Lily
Adorable greeting cards and stationery designed by Brenna Giannini.


Wonderland Q Pouches and Hairclips

 Pouches and Hairclips at Wonderland Q
Great graphics–cute as a button, and then some!

Absolutely Small Prints
Painting Prints from Absolutely Small
Look for full size prints, $10 and up.

Are you a designer or crafter?  Spread the word about yourself by sending your goods to The Sampler today!

Posted by Trisha on August 31st, 2007 in Friday Fashion Hotlist, Trend | 1 comment

Q&A: What to Wear with a Plaid Skirt

Q:  My boyfriend bought me, out of the blue, a brown plaid skirt. It was a nice gesture of him, so I decided to celebrate it by wearing the skirt on our next date. The problem is… I have no idea what to wear it with. I’m usually a jeans kind of girl, so I’m in a fix.  What can I do to avoid looking like I just walked off the set of a Britney Spears video?

Tildon Plaid MiniskirtA: 
If you’re a jeans kind of girl, you’re all about comfort, and since you’re not predisposed to skirts, you probably are looking to dress in a way that’s not overly feminine. 

You can wear the brown plaid skirt in a way that reflects these preferences.  Instead of pairing the brown plaid skirt with a frilly, feminine white top, pair it with a super casual (and comfortable) top–a tank top or a t-shirt.  As for colors, brown goes well with light and bright colors–such as turquoise, orange, and shades of white.  Finish off the t-shirt and skirt look with equally casual shoes–flats, sandals, or even sport sneakers.

Or, if that look is too casual, try a structured shirt with masculine influences, such as oversized pockets, epaulets, snaps, or D-rings. 

Have a great tip about what to wear with a plaid skirt?  Share it with us in the comments!

Pictured:
Tildon Plaid Miniskirt | $38 at Nordstrom.


Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

Posted by Trisha on August 30th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's | 3 comments

Q&A: What Tie to Wear with a Black Shirt

Q:  I have a black suit and also a black shirt. Is there tie colour that would go with this combination?

Poppies Tie from TieLabBy Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

A: 
Black on black makes quite a statement. You can create (at least) three different looks with this style. For a look that’s…

1. Jazzy and zoot suit inspired, try Thomas Pink’s spotted knit tie.

Spot Knitted Men’s Tie | $49 at Thomas Pink

2. Sophisticated and urban, try Thomas Pink’s art deco inspired tie.

Wild Fern Printed Silk Men’s Tie | $49 at Thomas Pink

3. Artsy and unconventional, try TieLab’s Poppies tie. Dramatically graphic.

Pictured: Poppies Tie | $30+ at TieLab

Have a great tip about what kind of tie to wear with a black shirt and black suit? 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.

Posted by Trisha on August 29th, 2007 in Men's, Q&A | 2 comments

Q&A: Rainy Day Rainboot Recommendations

Q:  What colors/styles do you recommend for rain boots in general?

Kate Spade Riley RainbootBy Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

A: 
Rain boots should be fun and whimsical - cheery for a rainy day! My favorites are Kate Spade rain boots. She has an adorable pair called Riley in green with one white bug on each boot, which makes them fun but not overdone.

Pictured: Kate Spade Riley Rain Boots | $128.95 at Zappos

If you live in a place where you need a selection of rainboots, add to your boot collection with a pair of classic Wellington boots. Wellies are not only classic but also chic. Choose a pair in a bright color, such as yellow, to spruce up your rainy day outfits.

Hunter "Original" Boot | $98 at Nordstrom

Have a great tip about what to look for in a stylish rainboot? 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.

Posted by Trisha on August 28th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's | 5 comments

Omiru Poll Result: Leather Jackets are IN

Omiru Poll Result: Leather Jackets are IN


Theory Nyree Leather JacketWe asked:Is The Leather Jacket In or Out?

You said:  In! A whopping 68% majority voted The Leather Jacket In.

Omiru’s take: The Leather Jacket is one of those silhouettes that never really goes out of style. Good thing, since it’s expensive to buy a well made jacket. Should you decide to go leather, buy a ruggedly classic style that you can wear year in and year out.   Style tip?  Contrast your downtown chic leather jacket with a dress–or top with feminine detailing. Or keep it simple and pair the jacket with a white tee and a pair of grey jeans, as pictured.

Next question: Boots are a perennial fall footwear favorite, but what do you think about boots that end at the ankle? Tell us, are Ankle Boots In, or are they Out? Cast your
vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Theory Nyree Leather Jacket | $875 at Shopbop.

Posted by Trisha on August 27th, 2007 in Men, Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women | 2 comments

Q&A: How to Transition a Summer Dress for Fall

Q: I have this light blue flowery summer dress that I want to wear for the fall and even possibly for the winter. How do I make it transition from summer to fall?

BCBG Square Neck Kimono Sleeved DressBy Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

A:  To transition a summer floral dress into fall, I would recommend going for a "foho" look - folkloric and bohemian. Try pairing your blue flowery dress with:
(1) A cream colored cardigan with embroidered flowers on it to echo the flowers on the dress,
(2) Textured tights, perhaps in a blue which blends with the blue in the dress, and
(3) Fun little ankle boots. 

As far as wearing a summer dress in the winter, I wouldn’t do it - unless you live in a part of the country with mild weather. On the West coast, you could probably get away with layering the dress over pants and a long-sleeved shirt–and then topping it off with a cardigan or jacket. But on the East coast, it would just look wrong.  If you’re a East Coast gal, enjoy the  fabrics and colors each season has to offer, and be happy to pull out your loved dress next Spring!

Have a great tip about how to transition summer clothes for fall?  Share it with us in the comments!

Pictured:
BCBG Square Neck Kimono Sleeved Dress | $158 at Macy’s.


Style question?  We’ve got answers.  E-mail us at tips at omiru dot com, or leave us a comment with your question.

Posted by Trisha on August 24th, 2007 in Q&A, Women's | 2 comments

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