In Gilded Glory

Dear Readers,

As I always do, I'm posting a copy of the article I published in last Sunday's issue of Femme Magazine. I focussed on how a budget buyer can still try a decadent trend like Baroque. Let me know what you think about it.

-B

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Undoubtedly, the Baroque trend is a challenging trend to pull off if you happen to be a minimalist like myself. Its theatrical and opulent nature stands miles away from the simple, clean pieces that usually inhabit my comfort zone. However, since I tend to like challenges and I also have an innate fascination with 17th century Versailles, I decided to explore uncharted territory and channel my inner Marie Antoinette.

With its heavily ornamental style and luxurious textiles, the Baroque trend is not only a feat for a minimalist, but also for any fashionista that is struggling to makes ends meet. Baroque is all about exaggeration, excess, exuberance and decadence: aspects that hardly live harmonously with the average budget-concious bank account. Hefty prices are a given when purchasing quintessential Baroque fabrics like brocade, velvet or jacquard. How can you dress like royalty without paying a royal price?

Both minimalists and budget buyers should start easing themselves into the trend by opting for Baroque-inspired accessories. As I always like to say, accessories are godsends if you are trying to be austere with your purchases! Think of adding a pair of statement gold earrings, preferably with a luxurious, gilded feel, to a plain monochrome outfit. You can also scout your handbag collection for a tapestry print bag or else you can always try and look for a pair of tapestry print loafers. I have seen so many of these out in the stores recently and most of them are below the twenty euro mark! Are you in a particularly playful mood? Then add a pair of lace socks to your everyday skater dress and brogues outfit. If you want to draw inspiration from the runways, then look out for embellished headbands – or make one yourself! – and wear them with slicked back hair like the models at the Dolce & Gabbana Autumn / Winter 2012 show. Accessories are investment pieces that can help you add that extra accent without breaking the bank.

A second suggestion is to play with the typical Baroque colour palette. Jewel tones, black, gold and dark metallics are basic Baroque hues that can be easily mixed and matched to turn yourself into the ultimate Baroque masterpiece. A favourite with people like myself, the pairing of classical Baroque colours ensures that you make use of pieces that you can already find in your closet. Remember that black skater skirt you bought last year? I would pair it with an oxblood-coloured turtleneck and a gold belt for a good dose of decadence. You can also break these dark shades by adding a pop of crisp white, especially if it’s in lace!

One of my guilty pleasures is playing with textures and fabrics, especially during the colder months. As I mentioned earlier, typical Baroque fabrics incline towards the more expensive side, but that doesn’t mean you cannot work your way towards snatching a jacquard or velvet piece! The trick is to prepare your best puppy eyes and ask one of your older relatives for one of her vintage velvet or brocade dresses. If that fails, hit your local charity shop, you are bound to find something along those lines. Just make sure you combine your Baroque piece with modern tailoring and 21st century details to ensure you aren’t being too outdated or costumey.

I was really surprised to find out that I didn’t even have to spend a single penny to try the Baroque trend. Everything was in my closet already. Who said ‘Baroque’ and ‘broke’ were synonyms?