Mature Fashion: Rocking the Role

I have been asked a few times why I title my posts "mature fashion".  Although it is true that a certain age does not convey "maturity", and it is clear that this blog primarily addresses the concerns of people who are past the first blush of youth, it is meant for the "mature" woman, no matter what her age.  This blog is all about using the very important tools of image and fashion to send a positive message of pleasant maturity.  It is all about encouraging an older woman to feel wonderful about herself and secure in the fact that she is sending that message to the world; it is all about "Rocking age", no matter what the date of her birth.

As you know from previous posts, I have been adjusting to the different roles in this latest phase of my life.  It is uncertain that I will ever re-enter the 8 to 5 (or whatever scheduled hours) of the conventional work world.  One thing is for certain, I am not ready to "retire" to an existence of sweat pants, keeping track of who has the cleanest house on the block, coffee and cake gossip meets, the current aches and pains of the ladies circle, or the latest escapades (and competition) of grandchildren. Although any and all of those concerns may (or may not) be significant, it does not allow me to keep an expanded horizon; to use a phrase from one of my favorite bloggers I am "Not Dead Yet"!! Hopefully, my endeavors to once again "re-invent" myself for new roles that will serve me well in this latest phase of my life.

To begin this re-invention, I have joined the nominating committee of our local Homeowner Association; hopefully, I will get to know more of the people in the park, what the concerns are, and be able to contribute a bit to the community.  I am also in the process of re-vitalizing my mail order fashion doll business (Lord Perry Patterns -specializing in historical and special occasion patterns for 11 1/2 and for 16" inch fashion dolls such as the ever popular Barbie and Robert Tonner dolls such as Tyler Wentworth, etc.) that I began in 1994. I actually planned on that business becoming my retirement job back when I was a young 53 years old. 

This business was "put on hold" since 1997 because of family concerns that did not permit the necessary time for the business.  Because of that and return to my professional consulting job I did not have the time.   I attempted to return to the mail order business in 2011 but was unable to do so because of medical issues, (brain surgery, no less!)  moving, and other family issues as well as working part time in the retail furniture business that I enjoyed. 

Having interests that expand my life help me to "Rockmyage"; using fashion and style help me feel I am sending my message and help me achieve my goals in whatever endeavor I pursue.

Mature Fashion: More Little Things

layered collar and wide studded belt

The 2016 Fall/Winter fashion season is in full swing and it is important to remember that just a few little changes or additions to our favorite garments can give our wardrobe a fresh new look.  Ear cuffs, over/under and/or long dangle earrings, tassels,(anywhere,all kinds) chunky heels, menswear, layered collars, some transparency, wide belts, etc. Any of the above added creatively to an outfit can update a woman's personal clothing style and give a whole new flavor to her wardrobe.

One of the style benefits for the 40+ age group is just a touch or two of these trends gives a youthful appearance.  The younger stylinista usually will wear most of these trends (or fads) all at the same time and look great.  The woman of a more advanced age may look a little "off" if she wears too many "fashion forward" trends at once (it can also make one look like she is trying a little too hard)  Many stylists advise not wearing more than one or two "fashionable this season" accessories or garments at once, but one or two usually jazz up an outfit and make a woman feel fashionable and fashion forward.  A glance at "Rockmyrunwaay.blogspot.com" illustrates the trendy items I will be (am) wearing this fall and winter.  If my readers wish to review the "Rockmy.." posts to refresh your knowledge of the fall/winter trends, they are on that website.  Of course the fashion magazines are doing great editorials and a source of information if a stylinista is in the market for items to freshen the wardrobe.

I have been examining the runway shows on Vogue.com (thank you, thank you, Vogue!) for inspiration and knowledge of the spring/summer 2017 fads and trends.  I have already been inspired to create at least 30 outfits that I can create using the accessories and garments I already have in my closet, and I am not finished watching the shows of which I have interest!!  It will take a few weeks before I can post my own closet collections to the runway blog.  I am still in the process of curating my own closet based on what looks I want to adopt for next season. (I really love this part of styling..it is fun and it makes me feel that I am not defined by my age).

In general, I observe that black and white are punched up with a strong dash(es) of color, small gingham checks (two or more of them worn at one time) vertical stripes being worn with horizontal stripes in different colors, transparent and lingerie looks with a Victorian flavor (and very busy feathery volume).  The Bohemian (hippie) looks have a mid-Eastern flair along with the very long fringes and exotic jewelry -really more Gypsy than South-West...(hmm...come to think of it, Bohemian comes from the Gypsy culture, right?)...a lot of "dirt" colors in the roomy caftan comfortable looks. Many of the color combinations are more reminiscent of fall fabrics than spring/summer. Camo and snake patterns still going strong but are more subtle than these past seasons; an exception is Altuzarra look #3 (vogue.com) with the broad python pattern punched up with sprigs of  ripe cherries.

Comfort, worn stylishly, is very big for spring as shown on the runway; shoes are often comfortable clogs (patterned) or the slip-on "boater" canvas .  Atheleisure is very prominent and worn in many different ways; some good, some bad.

Satin fabric is EVERYWHERE, often worn with the transparency and laces.  Hot pants are very in (not that most of us will wear them-but a lot of the younger gals will wear them, -whether or not they look good in them!!)

One of the most noticeable features to me was the fanciful cosmetic and hair styling used on the runway this year.  Although always dramatic and forceful, I believe many of the "looks" are also futuristic as to where the styling is headed.  Although we have seen non traditional colors in nails, lips, eyes, etc., for several seasons (even great-grandmothers regularly paint their nails green, blue, and yellow, and striped), the use of color on ears, etc. and fantastic hairdos radiating the spectrum of the rainbow were much more in evidence.

Personally, I believe that we ladies "of a certain age" can have a lot of fun with our cosmetics beginning this fall/winter season; little changes to our lipstick routines is a great way to update our look and remain very elegant.  One of the simplest variations to our lipstick routine is rather than matching our lipstick to our outfit is to use a different but compatible color or use tone-on-tone shades. Although the dark stains our grand-daughters may be using this fall may not be complimentary to aging and thinning lip lines, a simple update is the ombre look (dark bleeding into light, or vice-versa, whichever best suits our lips) Subtle use of these techniques can and will create a youthful appearance when applied in a manner to suit the individual.  I can see some great possibilities for drama without looking like one's grand-daughter. (...aww come on...it doesn't hurt to give it a try..I know I am going to...)

Mature Fashion: Styling and Self Image

Some of my favorite styling ensembles are just the remix of old but favorite garments that already exist in my closet.  You may have noticed that the pictures on these blogs are often different than the ones I have shown in my seasonal "closet collections".  Naturally, that occurs because I continuously receive new inspiration throughout the season.  Although I curate my closet every season to make sure all the garments are appropriate for lifestyle, not too worn, and still work as to fit, color, etc., I want to make sure I have desirable ensembles that give a fresh new look to my wardrobe and "rock my age", what ever it is at the time and season.

Case in point is the ensemble to the left; I literally have had the blouse, necklace, hat, scarf, skirt, and shoes for a number of years. In fact, the black silk self embroidered blouse is over twenty years old, as is the scarf.  The classic Mabe pearl strand is over thirty, the hat over ten, and the shoes over fifteen.  I don't remember how old the skirt, but somewhere around five. I wore a dated Dooney Bourke slim shoulder strap handbag that is at least 25 years old. (I did add a clip on black leather tassel to add a trendy touch).

I bought the textured open weave tights last year to update the look of the classic sweater dress I wore for a winter function. Those tights alone updated that look, and once again, came to the rescue; that worn with the tie up black leather "boyfriend" oxfords and the addition of the flat brimmed (sorta) black straw  hat gave a fresh new look to garments that worn conventionally would have just looked outdated and rather "blah".

Of course, the added and very practical advantage is there is neither any expense or shopping time involved when you do a remix.  The only thing I have to remember is to make sure of using appropriate styling in both the use of jewelry and hair and cosmetic enhancements.  This ensemble would not "work" for me if I added very much jewelry (especially matching bracelets, rings, or earrings!) or if I wore conventional pump flats or heels.  I have no fear about looking my age, but I do not like to look "dated" or boring.

By the way, one proof that I did "rock my age" when I wore this was the number of compliments I received that day.  I had several errands to run, a visit to the doctor, and lunch in town. Literally, every place I visited I received an admiring comment; at the doctor's office a young woman (with her husband, no less) took the time to cross the room and lavishly praise the look.  Obviously, I felt very good about the message I was presenting....I knew I looked good, and I felt GREAT!

Mature Fashion: Maintaining a social network

This particular post reflects on the social networking of middle aged and senior citizens that may decrease suddenly as we age; each decade reminds us more significantly of the potential changes within our social network.  Loss of family, loss of friends, changes in work environments that affect human interaction and sense of personal purpose can become more muddled, etc., etc.  Good friends and peer family members who have experienced physical or emotional decline that no longer allow them to participate fully in the simple acts of day to day "living".

As you know from reading my blogs, I have experienced directly (or interaction with) most of these changes during the last few years.  Of course, I want to forestall (or prevent) as much of this as possible and "rock my age(s)".

I am thrilled to say that my involvement with some of the classes at my club house, involvement with some of the social activities has allowed me to meet and enjoy some delightful new people and making some new friends.  I have also devised a more planned approach to maintaining former activities with long time friends who no longer can share activities due to health issues.  I have also renewed and/or refreshed some of the skills and interests I have had over the years.

I am considering starting a "styling salon" at my home for some of my new acquaintance who are also interested in maintaining an up-to-date fashion and styling program.

The long silk leopard scarf worn in the above picture was given to me as a birthday present almost forty years ago; one of the main reason I collect quality and classic accessories, whether or not I will wear them during a particular season.

I am wearing it with Kors snakeskin printed cotton pants, Hanes long sleeve t-shirt, and Sam Edelman (Circus) silver flats.  Both are perfect "no nonsense" accessories for the practical "at home" ensemble.  It is also a great example of the timeliness of animal prints and timely luxury fabrics. 

The "Indianna Jones" flop hat, a Target purchase, keeps the broiling sun off my face.  For those who love and need hats as basic accessories, visit Stylecrone.com for Judith Boyd's stylish "hat attacks" for inventive and current ways to wear hats successfully.  I do agree with her view that everyone can wear hats; they just need to find the right kind.

Mature Fashion: Weight, Self Image, and Fashion

Almost every woman CAN look magnificent; she may also look beautiful, healthy, toned, or at least, attractive no matter her weight (and many times, with her physical deformities).  How she accomplishes this is mostly within her own control, especially the weight factor.

I have seen quite of bit of social and published media lately that really disturbs me. The latest was a woman in a swim suit that was totally inappropriate for her body mass and type. Her text bemoaned her insecurity when swimming with her children because her neighbor lady had a figure like a model.  One of the comments listed under her published picture encouraged her to "love her body"  even though overweight and stated that her children would not care if she was fat, but would remember the good times in the pool.

Firstly, anyone who was truly insecure with her figure would never wear a string bikini in a "look at me" print and publish it on Facebook!...especially, if she was obese and afraid of her body exposure!!  Secondly, obesity is most importantly a HEALTH issue, not just an appearance issue.  My advice to the woman would have been to lose the 50+ pounds (or more) necessary to preserve her health.  It is certainly my belief that her ability to swim and have fun with her children and/or grandchildren is much more effective with weight loss than her appearance in a swim suit.  Advising anyone to "accept" themselves in this condition is a dis-service, at best. (Now, before anyone brings up the fact that "some people can't help it, etc." please remember that is less than 1 % of those who are overweight! -over 40% of the American public is OBESE, not just "overweight")

From a fashion point of view, swimwear for every figure is available in today's market.  We have all seen women who are very much over their ideal weight; Oprah Queen Latifah, and other public personalities who always look wonderful.  I am seventy three, have wrinkles, veins, etc. that often accompany aging; I am also still overweight, but within a healthy range.  To prove the point that any woman CAN find something that can allow her to play with children, grand-children, or even great-grandchildren, I am publishing my picture in a suit that is appropriate for my body type and particular figure challenges.  BTW, you don't have to have an in-house chef or a high priced fashion stylist or spend a ton of money on a swimsuit; the suit above is "Lands End" purchased at Sears with an accompanying over wrap; both purchased on sale for a little less than $100.00.

This is the only post that I am publishing on both the "Rockmyages" blog and the "RockmyFitness" blog because I do have some different readership on each site and because I think the issue of weight control is so very important to "Rock Our Age".  It is also important from the fashion view point to always remember that no matter the figure challenge, fashion can be used to project a desirable image....been there, done that!!  Fashion can be your best pal when you just can't get off all the weight...or, while you're tryin'....