Fall Winter Fashion Formula #5: Opposites Attract

Omiru Fall Winter Capsule Wardrobe: #5
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In love and life, opposites attract.  So it’s no surprise that the same is true in style.  Here, we present an outfit that’s full of opposites, in formality, styling details, and in color.  Here’s how to reconcile the opposites in a outfit that’s completely chic:

1.  Start with a plain white button down shirt and a pair of dark rinse jeans.  We see two types of opposites with this pairing: (1) the masculine style of the shirt is counterbalanced by the feminine ruffles on the front, and (2) the formality of the shirt contrasts with the casualness of the jeans.
2.  Layer on a brightly colored sweater and a menswear tailored jacket. The casual sweater peeking out from under the tailored jacket gives the outfit a punch of color. 
3. Accessorize with a snappy navy hat that echoes the blue in the jeans and a smart orange clutch that echoes the bright orange sweater.

How do you wear opposites?  Share your style with us in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on February 6th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 6 comments

Shopping Guide: Sweet Yet Sexy Lingerie

When it comes down to it, lingerie is really about you and how it makes you feel.  So slip into something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.  If you’re looking for something that’s one part sweet and one part sexy, you’re in luck.  Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we pick our favorite pieces at every price point:

Our $ Picks:
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Pleated Satin Teddy | $28 (sale) at Victoria’s Secret

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Sheer Slip | $38 at Victoria’s Secret

Our $$ Picks:
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Lace and Mesh Slip | $58 at Victoria’s Secret

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Felina Babette Chemise | $65 at Nordstrom

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Betsey Johnson Women’s Pleated Chiffon Babydoll and Thong | $78 at Bloomingdales

Our $$$ Pick:
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Josie Natori Chantilly Silk Camisole | $150 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Posted by Trisha on February 5th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women | 2 comments

Mens Ready Made Outfit: Date Night Style

Date Night
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Guys, date night is a time to outfit yourself in the clothes that make you feel like a million dollars. Whether you’re going to a gala social event or just grabbing dinner and a movie, it’s time to dress up.  After all, when you need to impress, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed.  We’ve got you covered.  Here’s a simple fashion formula that’s designed to sweep your date off her feet:

1.  Start with a well-fitted dress shirt in solids or patterns.  This blue striped shirt is a safe option, but feel free to experiment with color and pattern.
2.  Wear a tie.  This simple piece of fabric will elevate everything else you wear. 
3.  Depending on where you’re going, you may be able to sport a pair of (dark rinse) jeans.  But if the event is more formal, switch out the denim for a pair of dark trouser pants.
4.  If you want to stand out from the pack (and get some extra style points), skip the traditional blazer in favor of a tailored 3/4 length overcoat. 
5.  Shine your oxford dress shoes and slip them on.  Bonus points?  Bring a beautiful bouquet of flowers for your date.

Guys, what’s your go-to date outfit?  Share your style with us in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on February 4th, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits | 8 comments

Ready Made Outfit: Date Night Style

Date Night
Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


The ideal date night outfit makes you look great, reveals your individual sense of style, and encourages your date to ask for a next rendezvous.  It’s a whole lot to ask of an outfit, but you don’t have to be Supergirl to make it work.  (Plus, you have us to get you started with some style inspiration.)  How do you look great on a date?  Here’s a versatile date-night fashion formula that’s sure to turn heads:

1.  Start with a cocktail dress.  This navy chiffon smock dress features sheer sleeves and an artsy attitude.
2.  It’s cold out–so put on a jacket.  This brown cropped bomber jacket adds a tough vibe to the gauzy, sophisticated dress. 
3.  Accessorize with layers of necklaces (to befit the artistic vibe of the dress), a statement headband to draw attention up towards your face, and a pair of velvety brown boots to add some texture.

Ladies, what’s your go-to date outfit?  Share your style with us in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on February 3rd, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 5 comments

You Said: Yes to Textured Tights

omiru-poll-result-yes-to-textured-tights_020109

wolford-twiggy-tights_020109We asked: Would you wear Textured Tights?

You said:  Yes to Textured Tights, with a 73% to 27% vote.

Style tip? Textured tights are a great way to add flavor to an otherwise plain outfit.  Especially if you like to dress in one (or a couple) colors head to toe, you’re going to want some visual variety in your wardrobe.  A super simple way to get this visual variety is through texture.  Pair your textured tights, for example, with a sleek pair of boots and a dress in a different fabric.  Even if you’re dressing in one color from head to toe, the outfit still holds visual interest. 

Next question: Sweaterdresses are a chic cold weather option, but they can also be tough to wear (especially if the sweater fabric is thin).  Tell us, would you wear Sweaterdresses?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Wolford Twiggy Tights | $46 (approx) at Wolford.  Sure, they’re expensive — but they’re worth the splurge for the fit, quality, and superb pattern. 

Posted by Trisha on February 2nd, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women | 4 comments

Fall Winter Fashion Formula #4: Keep It Simple, Wear a Dress

Omiru Fall Winter Capsule Wardrobe: #4
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Need a simple style solution?  Wear a dress.  Dresses are, hands down, the fastest way to look effortlessly chic.  Here’s how to dress around a dress:

1. Start simply with a dress.  If you’re a dress kind of gal, we recommend building a dress wardrobe for both Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer, with heavier weight fabrics for cooler months and more breezy chic dresses for warmer times.  Regardless of season, the key to a fabulous dress wardrobe is to pick silhouettes that work with your own personal architecture.  This belted double breasted shirtdress, for instance, is great for women with a boyish figure; the dual lines of buttons create visual interest at the bustline, while the belt helps to create the illusion of a defined waist.
2. It is winter, after all, so you’ll want to cover up.  Toss on a tailored blazer for looks and warmth.  If you’re spending time outside in a cold climate, you’ll also want a warm, lightweight layering sweater between the dress and the jacket (and a silk base layer).
3. Accessorize with a few choice pieces: chocolate brown boots that complement the rich navy blue dress, a brown bag that works with the boots, and a gold necklace to give the outfit some warmth.  Note how the ties on the bag echo the ties on the boots.

How would you dress around a dress?  Share your style with us in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 30th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 7 comments

Q&A: What to Wear in Seoul, Korea

Q: I’m planning a week-and-a-half long trip to Seoul in late April/early May. I want to pack light so I can (hopefully) carry on my luggage. What would you recommend for a stylish and comfortable travel wardrobe?

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Pictured: Seoul-ready looks from Banana Republic’s Spring Collection.

by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant

A: What a wonderful time to visit Seoul.  The weather should be beautiful in April and May - somewhere between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Style in Seoul is all about dressing up.  Korean women love to dress to impress.  They’re very sophisticated and dress up for all occasions - be it going to the office, out on a dinner date, or even out running errands on the weekend.  Meticulously groomed, Korean women are known for their conservative and feminine style.

Key takeaway? 
Bring your A game - and a bag full of versatile, dressy clothes.  And feel free to indulge any girly impulses you may have while dressing on your trip.

What should you pack? 

  • Lightweight dresses, which are easy to pack and wear. 
  • One suit that can be dressed up or down.
  • A lightweight sweater or two for layering.  For maximum versatility, choose a neutral color like grey.
  • Blouses with a conservative cut.  Nothing too low cut, nothing too revealing.
  • One knee-length skirt for pairing with the blouses.


A couple of final notes on accessories: Wear comfy shoes that you can slip on and off easily, as shoes are often removed in restaurants. Sunglasses can be considered rude, since wearing them prevents you from looking others in the eye.  For sun protection, try a hat.

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

Posted by Trisha on January 29th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women | 14 comments

Mens Ready Made Outfit: Cold Weather Chic

Mens Ready Made Outfit: Cold Weather Chic
Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


We’ve gotten a few questions from fashion-forward men who are looking for a great way to wear a faux fur trimmed hooded jacket.  A really easy way is to simply adapt our other Cold Weather Chic fashion formula for men.  Here’s how to get the look: 

1.  As we suggested in our womenswear outfit, start with a base layer (not pictured) under your outfit to keep your core warm.
2. On top of your base layer, wear a pair of dark rinse jeans and a statement sweater.  The statement sweater is really the key to the outfit; this is where you want the eye to be drawn to.
3. On top of the statement sweater, add the faux fur trimmed hooded jacket.  Unless it’s super cold, you may want to leave the jacket unzipped so that you can let the statement sweater peek out.
4.  Accessorize with three key cold weather accessories: a trapper hat, a warm cashmere scarf, and a pair of rugged (and hopefully waterproof) boots.

Guys, what do you wear to beat the cold?  Share your style with us in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 28th, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits | 1 comment

Ready Made Outfit: Cold Weather Chic

Cold Weather Chic
Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


After a whirlwind weekend at the Sundance Film Festival in snowy Park City, UT, we bring you a cold weather outfit that’s as comfy as it is chic. 

1. Start with a snug fitting base layer (not pictured) for warmth. As Traci said, keeping warm in the cold is all about keeping your core warm.  A heat-retaining base layer will help you do just that.
2. Build the core of the outfit: a pair of super dark denim pants and a soft turtleneck sweater.  For extra warmth, splurge for the cashmere.
3. Slip on a low-collared coat.  The beauty of the low collar is that it allows your turtleneck collar to peek out.  Collarless coats are very chic as well; try out the look.
4. Finish the outfit off with key cold weather accessories: a trapper hat to keep your head (and ears) warm, a cashmere scarf, and a flat pair of boots.  Tuck your pant legs into the boots for the sleekest look.

What do you wear to beat the cold?  Share your style with us in the comments!

Posted by Trisha on January 27th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women | 3 comments

You Said: Yes to Wide Belts

omiru-poll-result-wide-belts-are-in_012509

tess-waist-belt_012509We asked: Would you wear Wide Belts?

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

Style tip? Wide belts definitely make a statement.  And while they can help define your waistline, they can also draw attention to a thick middle.  But overall, we think that wide belts have more plusses than minuses.  As for how to wear a wide belt, here’s a rule of thumb: the more ornate the design of the belt, the simpler the outfit needs to be.  For colder months, We love pairing a statement belt with a simple sweaterdress and a pair of boots.  As simple as it is chic.  

Next question: Tights are a cold weather staple, whether they’re for an extra layer of warmth under pants or to protect your legs from the cold under skirts.  Solid colored plain tights are standard, but what do you think about textured tights?  Tell us, would you wear Textured Tights?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Tess Waist Belt | $6.80 at Forever 21.

Posted by Trisha on January 26th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women | 3 comments

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