Timeless Style
with Géraldine Boublil
How do you stay true to yourself in an industry with a constant urge for newness? Creative influencer and stylist Géraldine Boublil, you might know as @erinoffduty, has managed to do that, whilst keeping her audience engaged and excited with interesting ways of styling the staples of her wardrobe. Amongst those pieces: REFINE’s Carolyn in black.
Pictures by Sandra Semburg
Explain the three looks you have styled with the Carolyn in black?
Look 1
Paired with a white oversized coat and feminine sandals this is a look I would wear for drinks with my girlfriends, probably ending in a karaoke.
Look 2
Here I styled it with an oversized vintage blazer. This is a look that I am wearing for appointments during fashion week. It works well with flats or with more elevated velvet mules for a work cocktail.
Look 3
For this look I pair it back to a long cardigan by Acne Studios. I love the mix of materials, the luxurious silk of the slip dress and the soft texture of the knit. I am accessorizing it with an edgy belt by Khaite and finish off the look with Prada combat boots which make this a very comfortable outfit. Perfect for weekends and Sunday brunch.
Besides the Carolyn in black, what are other wardrobe staples of yours?
Most of my wardrobe staples are vintage: jeans I literally shopped everywhere from Tokyo to LA and vintage YSL evening wear that belonged to my mom. But also, non-vintage perfect white shirts.
What are your favorite accessories to wear with REFINE?
Delicate or statement jewelry depending on the mood.
“Most of my wardrobe staples are vintage.”
“Stay who you are, listen to yourself. If it sounds or looks wrong, step back.”
Your favorite Instagram accounts to follow?
I love to check out @cubicle for their imagery and am obsessed with interior accounts like @cerealmag and @festenarchitecture.
What fashion tendencies are you excited about at the moment?
Combat boots. I can’t get over my Prada ones..
Any particular color you would like to see the Carolyn dress in?
I would love to see it in a sand color silk.
Pouch by Loewe
Is there something that’s persistent on your wish list and you are planning to buy one day on a special occasion?
Probably some Hermès treasures
Who are your style icons?
Christy Turlington, Lady Di, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, Grace Kelly, all these timeless beauties.
What is your go to look for when you are with your kids?
High waisted, belted vintage jeans paired with a cashmere knit, loafers or flat boots and a vintage blazer.
Has your style changed over time? If yes, how?
Of course! I had my teenage goth years, then my 70s Vanessa Paradis look, I went through a few phases..
As a creative influencer how do you resist the industry’s urge for newness and stay true to yourself?
I like to mix new pieces from the designers I work with and “crush” pieces I saw on the catwalk with things I have owned for many years. This makes me feel like myself and not “disguised”.
Of your peers from the industry, who do you think is mastering that, responding to trends but staying true to their own style? Anyone in particular we should look at for inspiration?
My friend Sophia Roe has a unique and timeless style. She is wearing the perfect tailoring, always with an edge but true to herself.
With the current oversaturation, what have you identified as the key qualities to stay relevant as a content creator?
Stay who you are, listen to yourself. If it sounds or looks wrong, step back.
Your first memory of fashion?
I was fourteen and saved money to buy an Issey Miyake satin vest that I kept for ages!
Who has shaped your sense of style?
I was obsessed with the 90s super models. I had posters of Linda, Claudia, Cindy and Christy everywhere in my room. I am still in love with the looks and pics of that time.
What are the pieces in your wardrobe that you will pass onto your daughter one day?
Chanel vintage bags and the YSL pieces my mom gave to me. Sadly, my house got robbed a few years ago and all my grandma’s jewelry is gone.
Look 3: The Carolyn in black worn with a cardigan by Acne Studios, boots by Prada and a belt by Khaite
A memorable fashion moment?
Through my job I recently had the opportunity to meet two of my fashion idols in person: Diane von Furstenberg for an intimate discussion (and hug) in her Parisian apartment, and Ralph Lauren after his Very Ralph screening for a quick chat (and hug). Two magical moments I will always remember.
Timeless beauty - what’s your secret, your routine?
I am using SPF 50 every day and am doing a layering beauty routine during which I massage my face. Moisturizing is key. And of course, never ever sleep with make-up, I think it only happened once in my life. Drink lots of water, green tea and miso soups, any tip coming from Japan, really.
How are you balancing on and offline time? Do you have any rules you live by?
Still working on it..
Shop Géraldine’s Timeless Piece
Things that never get old for Géraldine
Timeless movie?
Love Story
Timeless song?
When Doves Cry by Prince
Timeless thing to do in Paris?
Sitting in cafés in St Germain and enjoy a glass of wine
Timeless place for a vacation?
LA
Timeless artist?
Picasso
Timeless story?
Huis Clos by Jean-Paul Sartre
Timeless scent?
Fresh laundry, orange blossoms
Timeless Sunday routine?
Flea market Les Puces in Paris
Timeless wisdom?
You’ll never get it done. Enjoy the process.