'COLLAR' Me Beautiful This Christmas
Ah.... Christmas.
We tend to get very excitable and impulsive around this time of year; when ads for toys, food and mobile phones (in that order) seem to completely overtake telly land, when Mary at reception starts taking names for another paltry Kris Kindle affair and murmurings of anticipation (and some agitation) start about the looming Office Christmas Party. Yes, we get excited about presents, a break from work and meeting family and all that lovely mushy stuff – but let’s face it, fashion wise, it just simply ISN'T always the most sartorially electrifying time of year.
Ok, ok, so we have the Christmas Collections to look forward to; lots of fun, embellished party wear and a big emphasis on cosiness.. it's all very nice but let's be honest, when is cosy ever truly edgy? Not that often I can tell you. Most festive fashion offerings by the high street are very inviting - yes - but not overly exciting; invariably being a whole host of similar things hashed out over and over again, each year i.e. warmer colour palettes, crushed velvet dresses, embellishments, faux -fur accessories and a smattering of sequins (tho I do love sequins). Apart from all that, what does Christmas really represent... sartorially speaking that is? It represents the geansaí Nollaig, (i.e. the Christmas Jumper) fleece lined santa hats, flashing festive hair-bands and glowing santa earrings... that’s what! Now I’m not a bah humbug! Far from it! I LOVE Christmas as much as the next person. I readily accept that Christmas is based around fun and tradition and far be it from me to mess with either - or with the flashing hair-band brigade (in fact on Xmas Eve, I will be briefly sporting some flashing white angels with gold glitter trimmed hemlines, which I found in the bargain bin of a discount euro store) BUT... having said all of that, I think that this year, it’s time we ALSO made more of an ‘edgy’ festive fashion statement; the kind of statement that is best 'served' with a very chic, simple, non-flashing, non-wooly, non glittery or non sequinned outfit. Indeed it is the balance of simplicity and intricate beauty that becomes the ultimate statement making tool in this case.
This kind of edgy festive statement is about design, craftsmanship, quality and sheer head turning beauty; the kind that stands out totally on its own.
This Christmas, I recommend you ‘collar’ yourself one of these babies below. The neckpiece or collar has definitely got festive associations. It is rather wreath-like in shape and certainly could be seen to represent unity, eternity and all sorts of other festive garland-like qualities. You will not only be wearing an edgy, head-turning conversation piece but something that will draw all eyes in your direction ....guaranteed.... and without a glowing reindeer hat in sight.
Sinead Kane DIY collar kit – made from 100% reclaimed materials - €25 at the Better Fashion Shop
Weighty with gorgeousness – Alberta Ferretti Neckpiece - €280 from Yoox
Stunning gold and black necklace from amazing avant-garde designer Fiona Paxton – available from Revolve Clothing for €232.55
HEAD TURNING AMAZINGNESS (imagine the conversation starter that this piece would be over Christmas dinner?) with this, my favourite, the Jute Neckpiece from Joanne Hynes - €780 on www.style-tonic.com
Sterling Silver and Yellow Gold Ball Necklace from stunning Irish Jewellery Range Seoídín.
Unicorn Cascading Pendant from Yvonne Ryan’s simply adorable Jewellery range ‘Eve Ella’ €170
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