You Said: No to Over the Knee Boots

omiru-poll-result-over-knee-boots_120709

wet-seal-over-knee-boots_120709We asked: Would you wear Over the Knee Boots?

You said:  No to Over the Knee Boots, with a 63% to 37% vote.

Style tip? One of Anne Hathaway’s most iconic looks from The Devil Wears Prada has her leaning against a car in fabulous Chanel over the knee boots.  While we don’t all have Anne’s long, lean legs, we can still get the look with a pair of tall black boots and a pair of black tights (which together visually slim the legs).  Over the Knee boots create the most dramatic look, but because they’re so risque, they’re still somewhat on the fashion fringe.  For the rest of us, try knee-length boots and leg lengthening leggings or tights.

Next question: Winter White is completely chic, but also difficult to care for and keep clean.  Additionally, it can have an anti-slimming effect - though it’s a neutral, it’s no black.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear the color White?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Over the Knee Heel Boot | $44.50 at Wet Seal

Posted by Trisha on December 7th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women | 8 comments

Q&A: What to Wear to a Winter Graduation

Q:  I’m going to be graduating from college this December. Usually one can find all kinds of style tips for graduation in the spring, but I’m graduating a semester early, and now I’m just a little confused about what to wear. I go to Texas A&M University, so I’m predicting it to be relatively cold (40s-50s), but I want to look sophisticated and skinny.  My question is, what should I wear for a December graduation?  I’m 5′ 10" and weigh about 165, with most of my weight in the hips & thighs.

What to Wear to a Winter Graduation
Pictured: Wool Ribbon Script Coat | $275 at J Crew, Silk Taffeta Bow Monde Dress | $225 at J Crew, Merino Rose Corsage Cardigan | $71.60 (sale) at J Crew, Mab D’Orsay Pumps | $79 at Nine West.  Here’s more information about this look.


A:
Graduation, whether it’s in the Spring or the Winter, is a time to celebrate, and a rite of passage for you as you blossom into your adult self.  You can show your family and friends that you’re a grown up in a sophisticated dress or blouse and skirt combination.  But as it’s going to be cold out, you’ll want to dress in layers so that you can adjust to the temperatures inside and out. 

To flatter your figure, choose a dress (or skirt) that skims over your hips.  Wrap styles will work well, as will empire waist dresses and moderate a-line shaped skirts.  To draw attention upward, try a dress with an open neckline - or show some skin on your shoulders or arms.  J Crew’s silk taffeta bow monde dress will flatter your lower body while drawing attention up towards your upper body and face.

Since it’s cold out, layer up.  Slip on a sweater on top (note: cashmere is extra warm), and try a pair of pantyhose or tights and closed-toe pumps to help keep your legs and feet warm.  Finish off the look with a stunning overcoat - and a bright smile.

What would you wear to a winter graduation? Share your style with us in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on December 4th, 2009 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's | 7 comments

How to Wear Harem Pants

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Harem Pants (aka MC Hammer Pants) may have been the poster child for bad 1980s fashion, but they’ve been an unexpected comeback trend this season.  These voluminous, low slung trousers may not be traditionally flattering (in fact, they’re more anti-fashion than fashion), but they’re attracting both ridicule and admiration this time around.  

What’s the secret to wearing harem pants?  Complement these voluminous, structured pants with a loose, drapey top and cinch the volume at the waist.  Here’s how to get the look of harem pants for less:

Silk Woven Pant | $29.80 at Forever 21
You can get investment level harem pants for $300, but we’d rather pay less than $30 to capture this trend.  

Silk Ruffle Blouse | $59.50 at Gap
This polished blouse complements the voluminous pants with its soft, slouchy fit and feminine details.

AE Braided Belt | $29.50 at American Eagle
Finish off the look with a little bit of texture and color.  This braided belt fits the bill.

Lily Suedette Shoetie | $24.80 at Forever 21
Work with the tapered silhouette of the harem pants by slipping on a sleek bootie/shoe (aka a "shoetie").

Posted by Trisha on December 3rd, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 8 comments

Mens Trend Alert: The Colorful Plaid Shirt

If there’s an "It" pattern this season, it has to be Plaid.  And what better fabric than plaid to dominate the runways and storefront windows?  The fresh, unstuffy feeling of plaid crosses boundaries - of both class and occasion.  You don’t need to confine plaid to the weekend, or to being paired with jeans and sneakers.  Try dressing it up with a snappy, tailored overcoat and a chunky knit scarf or sweater for some extra texture.  Here’s four versatile plaid shirts to incorporate into your wardrobe:

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Eagle Plaid Shirt | $39.50 at American Eagle

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Fitted Greenbrae Plaid Shirt | $49.50 at Gap

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Firm Plaid Woven Shirt | $24.90 at Heritage 1981

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Eagle Flannel Shirt | $29.95 (sale) at American Eagle

Posted by Trisha on December 2nd, 2009 in Men, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape | 9 comments

Five Holiday Party Dresses That Let You Shine

The perfect holiday party dress shows you off to your best advantage, yet it’s comfortable enough so that you can make your way through the room in style.  In other words, the perfect holiday party dress makes you shine.  This season, we have bright colors, asymmetry, metallics, and more to help you do just that.  What will you choose to wear on this year’s holiday party circuit?

Metallics
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ABS Illusion Yoke Sequin Shift Dress | $318 at Nordstrom
All eyes will be on you as you enter the room in this slinky sequin-encrusted shift dress.  

Bright Colors
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Satin Trim Sheath Dress | $152 at Banana Republic
Adorn yourself with a punch of color, but then keep your accessories simple.  A simple clutch, chunky necklace, and delicate earrings will do the trick.

Asymmetry
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Grand Metallic Sequin Dress | $22.80 at Forever 21
Asymmetry is very 1980s, but this sequin-detailed dress is all 2009.  Added bonus?  The black color and sleek silhouette will have a slimming effect.

Grecian Glamour
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Elastic Back Jersey Dress | $80 at Topshop
Dress up this draped grecian-inspired cocktail dress with sparkly jewelry and a bright clutch.

Bows
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Ikat Bow Monde Dress | $250 at J Crew
Fire up the party with this gorgeous ikat dress.  The oversized bow feels less girly and more chic - plus it’s the perfect detail to flatter women with a small bust.

Posted by Trisha on December 1st, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women | 3 comments

You Said: Yes to Sequins

omiru-poll-result-sequins_112909

sequin-racerback-tank_112909We asked: Would you wear Sequins?

You said:  Yes to Sequins, with a 72% to 28% vote.

Style tip? What we love about sequins is their glamour.  Their texture and their sheen make them a beautiful counterpart to matte fabrics.  If you’re on the fence about sequins, try them on an accessory - like a handbag or scarf.  But if you would like to be a bit more adventurous, try a sequin tank paired with a matte skirt.  Or even a sequined cocktail dress for all-out glam.

Next question: Over the Knee boots are certainly eye-catching - and they’re completely on trend.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear Over the Knee Boots?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Silence & Noise Sequin Racerback Tank | $38 at Urban Outfitters

Posted by Trisha on November 29th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women | 3 comments

Happy Thanksgiving!

thanksgivingHi everyone,

Happy Thanksgiving - and the shopping start to the holiday season.  We’re taking a few days off to relax, eat way too much, spend time with family and friends…and, of course, do some Black Friday shopping.

In the meantime, we wanted to share with you a few things we’re thankful for.  We don’t step out of the fashion world very often on Omiru, but we’re venturing off the beaten path to share a few of our favorite things from the worlds of film and design. Hope you get some ideas for your Christmas shopping list.

We’ll be back on Monday, November 30.  See you then!

Happy Holidays!
Trisha and the Omiru Team

Pictured, from top:
500 Days of Summer | $18.99 (preorder) at Amazon
What can we say about this inventive romcom?  We love its completely relatable plotline, but we also adore Zooey Deschanel’s wardrobe.

Nature Exploration Agate Notebook | $13.50 at Oh Joy
Collect your thoughts in a notebook beautiful enough to be worthy of them.  Isn’t this design gorgeous?

Keep Calm and Carry On Poster | $29.51 at Keep Calm Gallery
In times of turmoil (and economic distress), sometimes all we need to do is keep calm and carry on.  Keep this on your wall as a reminder.

Fifi Lapin Prints | Price Varies at Fifi Lapin’s Shop
Meet Fifi - probably the world’s most stylish bunny.  We love the prints showing Fifi’s everchanging wardrobe. 

Posted by Trisha on November 24th, 2009 in Off Topic | 2 comments

Trend Alert: Sequins

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Need a way to add a bit of flash to your look?  Look no further than the sequin, which comes in all shapes and sizes.  We love the traditionally sized small sequin, but we also appreciate the glamour of the giant sequin.  Each of these five versatile pieces can be layered - under cardigans, over leggings, and peeking out from under jackets.  Here’s our five favorite sequin adorned pieces:

Silence & Noise Sequin Cardigan | $68 at Urban Outfitters
We adore the simple silhouette on this gorgeous sequin cardigan, which allows it to pair with the simplest of tees.

Fiorelli Clutch and Across-Body Sequin Glitzy Clip Bag | $59.49 at ASOS
Just because clutches are small doesn’t mean they don’t need attitude.  Turn on the glam with this sequin encrusted bag.

Sequin Sleeveless Blazer | $135 at Topshop
Now here’s for a flashy layering piece.  If the sequins are too much shine for you, simply layer this vest under a tailored blazer.

Sequin Bust Knit Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Reminds us of a gorgeous paillette Alice + Olivia dress from a few seasons back, but at a mere fraction of the price.

ASOS Black Cropped Sequin & Bead Cami | $84.99 at ASOS
We’re digging the contrast yoke on this uber-short beaded cami.  Very Art Deco.

Posted by Trisha on November 24th, 2009 in Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women | 3 comments

You Said: Yes to Short Sleeve Coats

omiru-poll-result-short-sleeve-coats_112209

woven-cropped-coat2_112209We asked: Would you wear Short Sleeve Coats?

You said:  Yes to Short Sleeve Coats (barely), with a 51% to 49% vote.

Style tip? Sure, the idea of a short sleeved coat may sound a bit unintuitive (after all, isn’t the purpose of a coat to keep you warm?), but short sleeved coats serve their practical purpose.  For a creative layering concept, try a short sleeved coat over a thick knit sweater, topped off with a textured scarf.  Works wonders with a short sleeve jacket, but not nearly as well with a coat with full length sleeves, which would both look and feel like too much bulk.

Next question: Sequins are a festive party embellishment, yet they can be too much shine for some women.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear sequins?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Woven Cropped Coat | $29.90 at Forever 21

Posted by Trisha on November 22nd, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women | 2 comments

Love the Puffer Coat but Hate the Puffy Look? Try a Quilted Puffer Vest.

How to Wear a Quilted Puffer Vest
Shop the Look: Faux Fur Quilted Vest | $32.90 at Heritage 1981, Stripe Dolce Sweater | $58 at J Crew, Belted Wool Shorts | $22.90 at Forever 21, Max C Multi Panel Bag | $62.89 at ASOS, and Harley Boot | $36.80 at Forever 21.  See more information about this look.


We love the look of the puffer coat - but we’re not quite as amorous about the puffed up silhouette that it can create.  Even if puffer coats aren’t your cup of tea, you don’t have to write off the puffer altogether.  Instead of a full on puffer coat, you can try a puffer vest instead.  In order to keep the silhouette as trim as possible, we like the look of inexpensive puffer vests (with less filling, and therefore, less puffiness).  But how do you work a puffer vest into your wardrobe?  Here’s an offbeat yet chic look to emulate:

1. Start with a cozy boatneck sweater.  We love the mustard and white stripes on the sweater - sailor inspired, but with a twist.
2. Slip on a pair of wool shorts.  The perfect wool shorts for this look have a somewhat loose leg and cuffed hems.  For an extra layer of warmth, you may want to add tights or leggings under the shorts.  If you’re not a fan of the shorts (or if your climate won’t support it), cropped pants or cargo pants also work well here.
3. Slip on your quilted puffer vest.  We love it worn open with the hood down.  Let the striped sweater shine through.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of tough looking boots, which juxtapose nicely against the tailored shorts and the outdoorsy puffer vest, and a statement handbag.  We adore the texture on this bag, don’t you?

How would you wear a puffer vest? Share your style with us in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on November 20th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 5 comments

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