Chrysalis Cardi: Post-holiday posh

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/01/2013 (4995 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Another fabulous holiday season has come and gone, leaving in its wake joyous memories, warm tidings… and expanded waistlines as well as overextended budgets. Let’s face it, the aftermath of the holidays is no friend to the fashionista; January can be downright depressing.

Not only do we need to worry about squeezing into the custom-tailored suit that used to fit like a glove, but for many of us that “me” piggy bank — the one you dip into when there’s a great pair of shoes on sale or a to-die-for blouse calling your name — is all but depleted, save for a small rainy-day fund.

Well, cheer up, style maven, because I have come across a fantastic garment that will give you the most bang for your beauty bucks while keeping your fashion itch satisfied.

It’s called the Chrysalis Cardi, a Canadian-made modal spandex and beechwood-fibre garment that can be twisted, cinched, snapped and wrapped into eight, yes eight, individual looks.

The brainchild of designer Kristi Raamat, the Chrysalis Cardi can be transformed into everything from a basic double-looped infinity scarf to an adorable tunic with nothing more than a couple of cleverly placed snaps.

I love how this one item can be worn in so many different ways, not to mention dressed up or down depending on the accessories you choose to accompany its neutral colour and basic design.

My favourite style to sport is the one-shouldered dress. Pair it up with some leggings, knee-high boots, a waist-length blazer, bold colourful accessories and voila — an instant outfit to take you from the office to after-work martinis with the girls.

It’s also the ideal garment/accessory to tote along for a weekend getaway or tropical vacation. You have everything you need: a coverup for the beach; a dress for night; and a top to pair with some shorts for daytime adventures.

But perhaps the best thing about the Chrysalis Cardi isn’t that it is a versatile garment or that it is the perfect carry-on for a winter getaway, but that a portion of the proceeds from every item sold goes toward the Because I am a Girl project, a global initiative to end gender inequality and empower girls of all ages around the world.

The Chrysalis Cardi is available online at www.getencircled.com.

 

Got a suggestion for a future column or a fashion trend worth following? Email Connie Tamoto at connietamotofashion@hotmail.com.