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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These Jeffrey Campbell Douma sandals might look plain-Jane from an aerial view, but we love the wedge-meets-platform profile, which is one of this summer’s hottest trends. Those looking for comfortable footwear need look no further, because Doumas are not only wrapped in soft suede, but they also have only a slight arch, which is why it feels more like a flat, even though ladies who take these for a spin will be at least three inches off the ground. Women interested in a bit of height can join the Douma club, and for everyone else there’s, um, Birkenstocks. $115.
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