Stylish Thoughts – Cecylia

I’m delighted to introduce to you today the Stylish Thought of Melbourne based blogger Cecylia

What is the secret to great style?
Balance. Being able to balance proportions, colours, prints, fabrics and trends. Mixing classics with uniques, new with old, and having great confidence in oneself.

What is the one thing you would spend a lot of money on?
A unique design, made with quality, natural fabrics, of fine craftsmanship, in the country of its origin. Or if I apply the Cost-per-wear phenomenon, something that I would wear a lot.

What is the one thing you wouldn’t spend a lot of money on?
Synthetic fibres.

What are your top tips for looking stylish when travelling?
This is my favourite question!
Plan ahead. Consider the destination, its culture, its people, its climate, as well as your itinerary. Only pack luxurious fabrics, think natural fibres such as silk, cotton, linen, cashmere and wool. Roll your clothes, don’t fold. I also always bring my hand-held steamer to remove any creases in my garments.

Pack your outfits a week before hand, accessories and all, then 2 days before you jet off, remove anything you don’t think you will wear, these will just be lonely excess baggage on the other side. There’s nothing more chic than travelling light. Plus, you can always shop there.

On the plane, wear comfortable yet stylish clothes, and sleep as much as possible. You’ll be the only one awake by the end of the flight!

What’s the secret to looking polished?
Looking polished is to look elegant and effortless. To achieve elegance, one needs to know thyself, the figure and skin tone, so you know which styles and colours are most becoming on you. Once the foundations are right, you can let your personality shine through via your garment pairings, accessories or detailing in your garments. To look effortless, don’t look overdone. Minimise make-up wherever possible, and once again, balance. Anything girly should be balanced by some degree of masculinity. Add in good grooming, confidence and a smile, you will always appear polished.

How do you balance new trends with a more timeless look?
I adore incorporating new trends with my existing wardrobe. Embrace the new silhouettes, accessories and colours, but wear it with something you already have so that you are comfortable in it. Every ‘It-colour’ can still work with neutrals, which will never date. Every new silhouette will only look good on you if it suits your body shape. And go on, a new accessory won’t hurt anyone.

What is your current obsession?
Peplums! The most womanly device made by man.

Who inspires you?
Everybody from my creative friends such as bloggers, designers, stylists, artists, musicians and photographers, to strangers on the street, all inspire me. The one who inspires me the most would have to be my mother. (Cue to bring out your tissues). She taught me style, how to appreciate design, art and creativity from a very young age. And her sacrificial love is the most inspiring element in my life.

What’s not worth the money?
Unethical fashion.

What’s your secret to making yourself stand out?
I never try to stand out. It’s just an inherent trait I’ve harboured since my youth. Being an extrovert who adores people and is overtly exuberant about everything, it’s probably difficult not to stand out. But if you want to stand out during fashion week, wear colours, prints, shapes, and be bold with your accessories. Or get a paper-cut-out of Anna Dello Russo as your date.

The one piece of advice most women need but don’t get?
Wait 6 months to wear something from the runways so that it will have had time to ‘develop’ in your head and wardrobe. This way, you will have worked out more ways to incorporate it with your existing pieces. That, or, ‘Wear it, but don’t let it wear you.’

What’s the best piece of style wisdom you’ve ever received?
‘That the body is more important than the clothes. (Matthew 6:25) I’ve had this quote in the back of my mind for years and only in the past 2 years I’ve really experienced its truth. If you have a good figure, you can wear pretty much anything. If you are happy in your skin, you will have the confidence to shine.

What is your favourite current trend?
I’ve been quite slow to jump on the minimalistic bandwagon, but I’m going through a decluttering phase in my life so all the sleek lines and fuss-free shapes are resonating with me. I definitely feel more polished with less frills.

What’s your favourite short cut to style?
A great magazine and an honest husband.

What’s the worst current trend?
Crocs. I’m sorry.

What are your favourite websites?
There are too many to list for this interview. I read countless style blogs, I peruse Elle.com and Net-a-Porter on a daily basis, hence why I always lack sleep. These sites provides great information about current trends and what colours, shapes, styles people are buying. It’s all very interesting to me to see what people are spending their dollars on.

How would you describe your personal style?

Quirky and elegant.

Who are your style icons?
Taylor Tomasi Hill, Gwyneth Paltrow, Diane Kruger, Camille Belle and the Pink Pather.