Tokyo Style: It’s All in the Details

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We’ve often said that when it comes to style, it’s the little things that really count.  And we’re loving that Japan is a country that is fastidious about the small details.  Just look at the methodical way Japanese shopgirls package your purchases!

Stylish guys and gals here know that in order to stand out, you need to get the details right, even with the simplest of looks.  Case in point: this sharply dressed man outfitted in the standard blazer, tee, and jeans combo.  

What makes it work so well?  The right fit of the blazer (not too loose), the v-neck tee that hits at the exact right spot (too low, and you end up looking like you’re heading to a club), and of course, the contrast gingham fabric on the cuffs of the jeans.  Well done!

Posted by Trisha on November 1st, 2009 in Men, Street Style | 2 comments

Off we go to Tokyo (and Shanghai)…

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Hi everyone,

For the next couple of weeks, we’re going to be doing things a little differently around here. We’re packing our bags for a whirlwind trip to China and Japan, resuming our normal schedule on Wednesday, November 11.

Our regular fashion tips & tricks will be on hiatus, but we’ll be bringing you inspirations and influences from Asia to whet your style appetite.  As we’ll be on the road, expect a less regular posting schedule - but also expect some fun, fresh styles, along with tips for how to translate these inspirations into your own wardrobe.

Cheers,
Trisha and the Omiru Team

Posted by Trisha on October 23rd, 2009 in Off Topic | 11 comments

How to Wear Cage Heels

How to Wear Cage Heels
Shop the Look (clockwise, from top): Striped Sweater Top | $24.80 at Forever 21, Alessia Cage Pump | $26.80 at Forever 21, Black Double Breasted Pencil Skirt | $32.99 at Ruche, Commodious Patent Wallet | $9.80 at Forever 21.  See more information about this look.


The star of Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 2008 show was the cage heel, a dramatic architectural shoe that was half bootie, half strappy sandal.  Ever since, the cage heel (or cage boot, as it were) has made its way from runway to reality, appearing in various incarnations at bridge level price points - and now even more affordable options.  But how do you wear the cage heel without looking like a dominatrix?  The key to wearing the cage heel in style is simplicity.  Pair the architectural shoe with simple silhouettes in mostly solid colors.  That way, you make the cage heel the star of your outfit.  Here’s how to wear cage heels:

1.  Start with a simple, somewhat demure base: a fitted pencil skirt and a drapey sweater.  The sweater isn’t solid colored, but the navy and black oversized horizontal stripes are still recessive enough.
2.  Slip on your cage heels to spice up the simple, sophisticated look.  Notice how the structure of the cage heels is echoed in the double row of buttons on the skirt.
3.  Finish off the look with a clutch in a bright color, which will give some life to the somber blues and blacks.

How would you wear cage heels? Share your style with us in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on October 22nd, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 3 comments

How to Dress Like Don Draper

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What makes Mad Men’s Don Draper always look so sharp?  The key to Draper’s style is a well cut suit (then again, his dashing good looks don’t hurt either).  But while we can’t all look like Draper, you can dress like him. 

Brooks Brothers and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant collaborated on a limited edition suit that sold out in a snap, but you can just look for the following details when you’re shopping for (or custom tailoring) your next suit:

Slim Cut Silhouette: Just say no to shapeless suits.  The trim silhouette makes you look slimmer and taller, no matter what your personal architecture.
Medium Gray Sharkskin: If you have only one suit in your wardrobe, make it a gray one.  A gray suit goes everywhere, and it works even when a black suit is too somber.  That extra sheen is from the sharkskin fabric, a popular material in the 1960s and 1980s.
Diagonal Pockets: The slight diagonal of the pockets adds to the slimming effect of the suit.  
Narrow Lapels: Notice the trimmer than usual notched lapels on this jacket.    
Side Vents: Instead of a single vent at the center back, this jacket features two side vents–all the better for the fitted silhouette of the suit.
Sleeve Length: The perfect sleeve length for a jacket shows about a half inch of shirt sleeve.

Posted by Trisha on October 20th, 2009 in Men, Shopping Guide | 9 comments

Six Lightweight Scarves Under $50

Need to transform your look in a flash?  There’s no easier way to do this than with a scarf.  You can add color, texture, and a bit of drama with the simple scarf - and really change up your look.  Here’s our favorite six lightweight fall scarves under $50:

Plaid
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Plaid Blanket Scarf | $24.50 at Gap

Textured
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Mustard Seed Ruffled Scarf | $22.99 at Ruche

Ombre
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Dipped Ends Wool Scarf | $49.50 at Martin & Osa

Animal Print
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Small Woven Leopard Scarf | $32 at Topshop

Buffalo Check
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Buffalo Check Scarf | $19.50 at American Eagle

Open Weave
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Ruffled Yarn Scarf | $6.80 at Forever 21

Posted by Trisha on October 19th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women | 4 comments

You Said: No to Cage Heels

omiru-poll-result-cage-heels_101809

alessia-cage-pump_101809We asked: Would you wear Strappy Cage Heels?

You said:  No to Strappy Cage Heels, with a 56% to 44% vote.

Style tip? Strappy Cage Heels first got their start on Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 2008 runway in ankle boot form, and they’ve since made their way from the runway to real women’s closets, albeit in less extreme forms.  But how do you wear this dramatic, almost architectural shoe?  Cage heels are best worn with simple, solid colored outfits - when you wear cage heels, the look is all about the shoes.  Try cage heels with a black pencil skirt and blazer combo for a look that’s dramatic but still accessible. 

Next question: Ponchos had their turn in the style spotlight a few years back, and now they’re back for Fall 2009.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear a Poncho?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Alessia Cage Pumps | $26.80 at Forever 21

Posted by Trisha on October 18th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women | 5 comments

How to Wear Your Summer Shorts This Fall

How To Wear Your Summer Shorts This Fall
Shop the Look (clockwise, from top): Broderie Lace Panel Vest | $55 at Topshop, Merino Maya Cardigan | $88 at J Crew,
Tweed Check Cross Body Bag | $55 at Topshop, Roxy Highwaisted Hotpants | $55 at Topshop, Leggings | $15.50 at American Eagle, Trooper Ankle Boots | $29.80 at Forever 21, Parka Hood Jacket | $44.90 at Heritage 1981.  See more information about this look.


No, this isn’t a case of seasonal dyslexia–you really can wear shorts for Fall.  The key is to pair your shorts with fall staples, such as sweaters, leggings, and boots.  (No shorts with sandals for Fall, unless you live in a tropical climate.)  With the appropriate layers, your summer shorts can fit comfortably right into the fall season.  Here’s how to wear your summer shorts this Fall:

1.  Start with your summer shorts, worn over tights or leggings.  For the most seasonally appropriate effect, try shorts in a heavier weight fabric, such as denim or wool. 
2.  On top, try a floaty top with shorts that are tighter fitting.  If you’re wearing roomier shorts, try a fitted top.
3.  Layer on a cardigan sweater, both for warmth and some additional color and texture.
4.  Slip on a parka jacket on top, leaving it open to let the cardigan and top peek through.  We love how the color of the faux fur trim echoes the yellow in the sweater, and how the combination of the parka, shorts, and leggings creates a long, lean line.
5.  Finish off the look with a pair of tall boots (notice how the grommets on the boots echo the line of buttons on the shorts) and a textured shoulder bag.

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

Posted by Trisha on October 15th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 12 comments

Looking to Reload Your Boot Closet? Head to Forever 21 for Boots Under $35.

It’s officially boot season, and we’re reloading our shoe closets for Fall’s rain and clouds.  But with so many great boot styles available this season, we’re having trouble choosing what to buy without breaking the bank.  If you’re having a hard time deciding between boot styles, head over to Forever 21, and you’ll see why they have the cheap chic shoe market completely cornered.  Whether you’re looking for a flat boot or heeled boot, a tall boot or an ankle boot, a tailored boot or a slouchy boot, Forever 21 has the boots for you.  Here’s our six favorite boot picks (all under $35!) from Forever 21:
 
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Suedette Slouch Boot | $29.80 at Forever 21

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Peep Toe Ankle Boot | $32.80 at Forever 21

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Trooper Boots | $29.80 at Forever 21

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Naomi Ruched Boots | $31.80 at Forever 21

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Western Ankle Boot | $30.80 at Forever 21

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Combat Ankle Boots | $32.80 at Forever 21

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

Posted by Trisha on October 14th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women | 8 comments

How to Look Polished in a Puffer Jacket

How to Look Polished in a Puffer Jacket
Shop the Look (clockwise, from top): Secret Wash Point Collar Shirt in Large Gingham | $59.50 at J Crew, Pinstripe Blazer | $69.95 at American Eagle, Timberland Boot Company Counterpane Plain Toe Boot | $375 at Nordstrom, Straight Fit Jeans | $50 at Topman, Downtown Belt | $24.50 at American Eagle, Puffer Parka | $119.50 at American Eagle.  See more information about this look.


It may not be ski season just yet, but it’s not too early to pull out your puffer jacket to wear with your city clothes.  The keys to wearing your puffer jacket in style while you’re out and about are twofold: (1) Pair your sporty puffer jacket with fitted, tailored pieces (though not a suit - the two really don’t mix), and (2) Make sure your puffer is the longest jacket you’re wearing; you don’t want any other overcoats peeking out from underneath.  Here’s how to look polished in a puffer jacket:

1.  Start with a polished base: a dress shirt in a bold pattern or color and a pair of crisp dark rinse straight leg jeans.  We love the purple gingham shirt, as it’s bold without being too loud.
2.  Layer on a tailored blazer upon the polished base.  Look for one that’s slim fitting, as you don’t want too much bulk.
3.  Pull on your puffer jacket.  We love the bold blue color of this jacket, especially how it contrasts with the purple gingham.  Let the blazer and the dress shirt be seen from under the puffer.
4.  Finish off the look with a pair of casual boots and a simple belt.  (Yes, you’ll want to tuck in your dress shirt.)

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

Posted by Trisha on October 14th, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |

Six Stunning Cardigans Under $100

The Cardigan - it’s a wardrobe foundation that’s supremely versatile, with the ability to change the entire look of an outfit.  But the cardigan so often plays a supporting role in an outfit, whether it’s peeking out from under a statement jacket, complementing a well-chosen blouse, or adding a pop of texture to a look.  Take the cardigan from supporting to stunning, with surprising colors and statement silhouettes.  Here’s six stunning cardigans under $100:

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Vero Moda Wide Envelope Wool Mix Sleeve | $63.83 at ASOS

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Silence & Noise Dolman Sleeve Cardigan | $48 at Urban Outfitters

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Merino Maya Cardigan | $88 at J Crew

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Silence & Noise Cozy Open Cardigan | $48 at Urban Outfitters

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Pintucked Cardigan | $24.90 at Heritage 1981

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Honeycomb Blouson Sleeve Cardigan | $63.83 at ASOS

What cardigan(s) will you be wearing this Fall?  Share your style in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on October 13th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women | 9 comments

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