Vogue a Trois: Risky Business

Posted on December 09, 2013, 8:00 am
6 mins

Slide
Risky Business cover

I am a bit fascinated with the recent trend of wearing two different earrings as a set. One side sports a stud earring of some type and the other side a larger earring. It has  an 80s feel to it, and it has captivated me because it is a bit risky; the chances of messing it up and appearing to have left the house in the middle of choosing jewelry loom large. That it is so different—and a bit kooky—throws me out of my comfort zone, if only for an evening. If it’s a failure, then it was still worth it for the very act of trying something new, and chances are it is the kind of thing that will be here today, and passé tomorrow. Besides, it’s a great conversation starter.

It is natural to gravitate towards what is safe and comfortable in fashion and in life. But what is fashion if not the act of taking a risk, even a small one? We each express ourselves daily through the language of clothing, and we ought to make that statement count. Whether it is mismatched earrings, neon colors, or a meat dress (Thank you, Lady Gaga), to continually challenge fashion rules and rewrite them is to be true to oneself. To quote Soren Kierkegaard, “To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.”

When I came upon this Avelon Fragmented Shirt at Totokaelo I knew that this was the perfect interpretation of this trend. This avant garde black denim shirt has one sleeve that can be zipped off, replaced with a denim sleeve, or left off completely. This piece is my Vogue a Trois for this week.

risky business

The Avelon shirt also has a high-low hem that I find very flattering. These oxblood Leather Biker Pant from ALLSAINTS add an edgy but dressy appeal, especially when you toss on a pair of heels. The Charles David “Sway II” Suede Pump is a classically gorgeous shoe and a sweet color match. Button the Avelon shirt all the way up, then layer the Fleur De Lis Rose Gold/Aurora Borealis statement necklace by Oia Jules over the top of it. I love rose gold, especially with the oxblood pieces, and adding the chunky Michael Kors Davenport Watch in rose gold completes the picture. I am absolutely mad about handbags and clutches, but they must be versatile for me to make a purchase. I have always been a fan of Marc Jacobs and I am looking forward to seeing what he will do next now that he has left the iconic Louis Vuitton. His little East End Lady Rei Colorblock Clutch is a fab little piece at a great price point.

risky business

Heading out with friends for an evening? Make a statement with this fabulous Alice + Olivia Taeyn Long Tulle Princess Skirt. After all, don’t we all have a little princess in us? Wear the Topshop Bustier Top underneath your Avelon Shirt, keeping it almost or fully unbuttoned. I would leave the sleeve off on this look, but it’s up to you. The ankle strap on the Sam Edelman “Claire” Pumps make it cool, yet feminine, and Stella McCartney’s Falabella Leopard Print Clutch is the perfect combo of blue and black. I adore this CC Skye Black Python Ferris Clutchso cool. Don’t forget to wear your mismatched earrings: I chose the Stella and Dot Linda Stud to go with the Givenchy Cluster Drop Earring. It’s a little bit of chic paired with edgy pieces for an unexpected bit of glamour.

risky business

Bold trousers set the stage for our third outfit. These J. Crew Collection Café Capri trousers are a splash of laid-back chic with their sassy floral print. Own it with these sassy Zara Suede and Leather High Heel Booties, then mix it up again with two different Kate Spade studs: cute little bows and big red stones. And while we are being all crazy, add the Clare Vivier Oversized Leopard Haircalf Clutch. Animal prints really are great with patterns if their tones are similar. And of course I am a sucker for a monogram. This gold Neiman Marcus necklace is the perfect accessory.

Back to our mismatched earring trend: In order to do it right, make sure that the earrings each have a little in common, like the color of the stones or similar metals. Last night at a holiday party I wore a giant crystal chandelier earring on one side with a big stud on the other and received a ton of compliments. Go big or go home! Cheers.

Lisa Cole is the fashion and style writer for Vanguard Seattle, and her work includes covering fashion news and events, runway shows and boutiques. She has her own fashion and lifestyle blog, www.westfultonstreet.com, and is a member of Independent Fashion Bloggers and Fashion Group International.