This woman is my ultimate style icon! I've decided to "re-vamp" my wardrobe and Christine Centenera is going to be my inspiration along the way; I've therefore outlined what seem to be "Centenera's Cardinal Rules"
Rule Number 1: Don't be Afraid of Black
I'm terribly pale, so black has been the easiest colour/shade for me to turn to. I've always felt guilty buying more black clothes as I already have so many, but no more! The key? Still make sure black isn't the only thing you have, and for those like me a little scared of brighter colours, try looking into navy's, aubergines, dark autumn reds, and deep greens!
Rule Number 2: Structure & Geometry Are Your Friend!
Shoulder pads and very interesting edging seem to be part of the C.C. effect - especially in the skirt department. A lazy jumper, tee, or cardigan can be completely edged up if one adds a skirt with an interesting hemline!
Christine seems to have a thing for structured skirts, and so happens, so do I! Except they are particularly hard to find. A blazer adds structure to any outfit, especially one that has shoulder pads (don't go too overboard unless you want to look like Cindy Lauper) - the photo on the bottom right shows that a simple structured blazer can make a pair of slouch pajama-look pants look edgy and updated.
I've posted a picture of one I bought today from Bardot at the bottom - they are not usually one of my preferred brands, however I walked past this one in the window and HAD to have it!
Rule Number 3: Texture, Darling!
Leather, Fur, Thatching, Denim, Lace - You name it she's worn it! Every outfit C.C. wears seems to have some element of textural contrast, which gives us a bit of an opportunity to play around with texture combinations - my favourite, fur (faux, that is) and leather. Now, for me personally fur is a bit out there, but I'm going to make sure that I don't dismiss those pieces that have fur from now on...just in case - who knows, they may become essential pieces of my wardrobe!
For those struggling with the concept of adding fur to your outfits, my favourite store seems to have the answer: http://www.greenwithenvy.com.au/search_results.php?keywordsearch=fur
P.S. - C.C. seems often pairs leather and fur together - this is definitely something I hope to experiment with soon
Rule Number 4: Neutralise Yourself
C.C.'s colour palette is usually very neutral, most flashes of colour are contributions from her designer boyfriend Josh Goot's collection, and any bright colours are made into the feature by dark neutrals. The colour rules? Navy, Black, Charcoal, Tan, Cream, and Ivory. Having pieces like this in your wardrobe means that it's incredibly easy to get dressed in a rush in the morning and still look fabulously coordinated.
My personal colour palette will attempt to use a maximum of three of these colours together in one outfit
Rule Number 5: Layering, Layering, Layering!
Christine seems to be the queen of layering -I myself try to avoid it at all costs as it requires a little more effort in the morning to look coordinated. Practice makes perfect however, and I've decided to try mixing four different staples: A jacket, a drapey cardigan, a tee shirt, and a silk/lightweight scarf. This seems to work for C.C.!
Top Right: Saba 'Scoop Neck T-Shirt'
Bottom Left: Saba 'Shrunken Wool Scarf'
Bottom Right: Nicholas Merino Wool Leather Detail Cardigan
And Just Because:
I have been lusting after this Willow jacket...pretty sure it's my next purchase! It would also be a good layering piece worn open with a thin cardigan underneath...NEED IT!
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