iCandy
As much as I harp on about less being more, every so often I bump into someone who has mastered the skill of mixing and matching. Metallics, in particular, are difficult to mix because one wrong piece can throw the whole outfit off. But Jenn (below) has got it just right.
Aside from her fabulous hair and fire-engine red pout, she is wearing a gold and black lurex cardigan, a floral blouse, vintage metallic patchwork sling and shiny black leggings. The whole look is an unexpected mix of items. Anyone can achieve a similar look.
Luckily it's Christmas, which means retailers are churning out metallic items for the festive season. Zara, H&M and Mango have tonnes of spangly dresses, knits and tops. Another place for inexpensive fashion finds is Causeway Bay Place (No1 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay) where there are many small boutiques with metallic items.
A word of caution: stay away from metallic reds and greens at all costs - there's no excuse for looking like an ornament.
The key to keeping the look cool is to do mix and match your highs and lows. So if you opt for something luxe and glamorous, like a metallic satin blouse, cardigan or jacket, pair it with something unexpected like vintage jeans or cotton leggings. In this warm winter, you can even opt for something like denim cut-offs matched with a pair of high heels.
Head to Midwest (Shop 53, Victoria Centre, North Point, tel: 2802 6886) where you can cop a pair of vintage jeans or cut-off denims. The best part is that Midwest offers an alteration service to ensure the best possible fit.
If you want to be a little more daring, wear something metallic as a bottom. Daring Dawn (above) is wearing a pair of sparkly disco tights she got online from American Apparel (americanapparel.net).
Although her glasses are just for fun, the leggings are a hot look many can pull off. While you may shy away from the bandeau top, you can match the leggings with a black knit dress, oversized wool cardigan or an extra-long tee. The key is to balance the proportions to get the look right.
