Black-on-black outfits can easily verge on boring, but this week’s best dressed—spotted on Ossington Avenue—is an exception. Kenia Avendano makes monochromatic interesting by combining trendy accessories with a vintage dress and statement jewellery. We talked to the 29-year-old Ryerson fashion communications student to find out how she stays chic on a budget.
(Photo by Krist Papas)
Tell us what you’re wearing.
The dress is from the ’80s—I found it at a Vancouver consignment store called C’est la Vie. The sandals are from eBay, but the shipping cost more than the shoes. The jacket is from H&M, and the tights are from American Apparel. The most expensive thing on me is the ring from Jacflash, which cost $280.
Do you always wear black?
Yes, but I play with texture and silhouettes or add a flash of colour with accessories and makeup. When I wear bright colours, I feel too flashy.
But you’re wearing a lot of trendy pieces—how do you avoid going overboard?
I think mixing trendy pieces with timeless garments is the key. For me, it’s balancing something that’s in now, like the tights, and something I can wear years from now, like the dress.
Are there any looks you’re not into at the moment?
The headband across the forehead is something that needs to go away. I know trends come and go, but it should have gone months ago.
Have any cost-cutting fashion tips?
I’m obsessed with clothing, but I’m a student, so I buy inexpensive items and make them look like a million bucks. It’s something a lot of people have to do right now.
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Cute outfit down to the ankles… but really, who wears all black in the summer? Love her hair though.
July 8, 2009 at 3:18 am | by HmmShe’s adorable; I want to put her in my pocket.
July 8, 2009 at 9:14 am | by Kristinwow, puffy sleeves and puffy pockets!
July 8, 2009 at 9:34 am | by woof woofI’m really feeling the bold-shouldered blazer… A tailored jacket is summertime sexy ! The exaggerated shoulders define a silhouette. Kenia keeping the rest of her look simple is the perfect juxtaposition
July 8, 2009 at 10:00 am | by KateLose the leggings.Now there’s a trend I wish would go away (besides headbands and those scarves/shawls everyone is still wearing)
July 8, 2009 at 10:13 am | by donnaReally great outfit. The all black outfit in the summer time is a really great standout to all the flashy colour out there. I love the strong shouldered blazer, it gives the outfit a nice touch and the leggings play up the outfit too. Usually when I see all black it looks so boring but this outfit is unique and smart. My favorite look!
July 8, 2009 at 11:16 am | by StephanieBlack on black. On black. Tief Schwarz.
July 8, 2009 at 12:49 pm | by EricDifferent shades and shapes of black bring out the metaphysical. Loves it.
Touche on shipping ebay, I feel your pain!
“Only great minds can afford a simple style”
-Stendhal
La ropa que ella lleva estan bella como ella misma!!
July 8, 2009 at 4:26 pm | by TurtleTurtleyay! you finally got it! took you long enough.
July 8, 2009 at 10:34 pm | by seraphBeautiful Woman. This girl is always on point!
July 9, 2009 at 10:47 am | by Claude29 year old student?
July 13, 2009 at 8:44 am | by habeas corpusPeople do go back to school. Oh right furthering your education is only for the young. What an ignorant comment…
July 16, 2009 at 8:36 pm | by KeniaOnly one degree allowed!
July 16, 2009 at 8:39 pm | by KeniaI would be curious as to what her education is for.
July 20, 2009 at 11:43 am | by habeas corpuslove it! first best dressed you got right. she looks very chic and i love how she’s mixed high and lo.
July 22, 2009 at 10:39 pm | by milica