Mature Fashion; Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween, Stylinistas;

It is always fun to work on Halloween (actually, almost any day that precedes a celebration); people usually have fun. 

Because my job is in sales, I always have to be conscious of the impression I might make on a customer, so I really have to avoid wearing costumes that might offend people, or that might jeopardize a sale. (My I & O Psychology kicking in again!).  It is true that what impression I make on a customer is bound to affect the outcome of a possible purchase transaction.  It will create either positive or negative opportunity. Hence, you see a conservative costume that is not likely to offend many, but immediately gives the customer and co-workers a "let's have fun" attitude.  

In conversation today regarding the importance of cosmetics and hair care in fashion styling, a significant point was raised by my co-worker.  She mentioned how important is was to keep the basic foundation simple enough that we would (an could) follow it!.  Although I have posted the few basic routines I follow myself, I thought important to stress again how important it is to never go to bed without thoroughly cleansing your face, and to maintain your haircut.  I might add the basic cosmetic routine I perform EVERY morning upon awakening, before breakfast, before getting dressed, etc.  I rinse and moisturize my face, comb my hair, apply basic eyebrow pencil, add a touch of mascara, brush my teeth, and add lip color.  If I do these things the very first activities of the morning, I am certain to be presentable in any situation.  Anyone can perform their own routine that covers those basics in under ten minutes. Small steps, but vital to a sense of personal order and control of the stylish woman.

I hope your Halloween is/was fun;  if you are in California, remember to set your clock back an hour!  It is now time to plan our styling for the busy, and sometimes dressy holiday season............Happy Styling...........Geneva

Mature Fashion:"Its all about the Base"

Hello,  Stylinistas;

As you know if you are a follower of the "Rockmyrole.blogspot.com." series, you know I emphasize the fact that each of us are playing various "roles" in a play called "my Lifestyle".  Just like in a play, actors have a specific wardrobe to accommodate the different roles; they also have a stylist who coordinates the hairstyle and cosmetics to the wardrobe, time, and period.  I created the new site to deal exclusively with appropriate styling for the "costumes" we wear for our different roles.

I stress the importance of knowing how much of our time is spent in a specific role to appropriately judge how much of and what kind of wardrobe we need.  The same logic holds true for what kinds and how much cosmetics, hair styling, accessories, etc. we also need.  My cosmetic and hair styling is totally dependent on what I expect to do during a day, and I have created simple routines to address make-up and hairstyling techniques accordingly.  Please visit "Rockmyrole.blogspot.com" to read the first post dealing with this topic.

As you can see in the above picture, I am costumed in sage green jeans and a turtle necked cotton sweater.  My only accessories are camo colored flats, a simple chain beneath the collar of the sweater, and a map faced leather watch. My hair pinned back to stay out of my face.  My make-up is the minimal eyebrow definition, color on the lips, a touch of mascara, and of course, the basic cleansing and moisturizing of the face. The entire outfit is very utilitarian based on the chores I will have to perform, yet I can go anywhere or see anyone without a blush. Remember, make-up and hairstyle are also fashion styling......Geneva

Mature Fashion: Rocking Stripes

Hello Stylinistas:

Today we are going to talk about stripes; stripes as a fashion staple has been around since Coco Chanel made them fashionable after World War I, using the French sailor uniform as her inspiration. 

Stripes are still going strong, slight changes such as direction, wide vertical stripes, usually in just two colors.  Also, many of the stripe patterns have white background and uneven spacing with many of the patterns showing openings and nautical buttons at the shoulder and stripes beginning near the bustline down to the waist.  many of the stripes will still be in black and the nautical themes are often black and white rather than navy and white.

I really could not believe it when a good friend of mine mentioned that she did not like to see stripes and prints together because she had been taught the stripes and prints of any kind did not go together.  Well, people once thought the world was flat, too; pairing stripes and floral prints have been around so long they are a fabric staple. It is wise, however,  to address a few art principles when making your pattern selections. Usually, when using two or more patterns together, you want to colors to be compatible and/or in the same tone.  Check proportions to determine if the mix is pleasing.  Once again, there is no hard and fast rule; just be aware and make sure your combination pleases the eye.  If you love it, it probably works.

I mentioned in the previous post that most of the fashion collections I have presented were representative of a seasonal fashion style, usually created by Fashion Week designers in their seasons fashion shoes.  As you know, these trickle down to the fashion you actually see and buy in the retail stores shortly thereafter.  Details like patterns, colors, artistic themes, etc. tend to be trends; details like plaids, animal prints, etc., and may continue throughout several fashion seasons.

Stripes is one of the major themes that will continue throughout 2016.  They will be different; presented in new ways until the theme fades away until resurgence at a much later fashion season. Rest assured the geometric stripe will return.For spring, 2016 you will continue to see a lot of stripes.  I will have some examples later this season when I style my interpretations of "Not So Old Glory". (I will apply my own names for the fashion themes. It is fun to have my own themes targeting mature women rather than the traditional targeted age groups).

I mentioned in the previous posts that most of the fashion collections I have presented were representative of a seasonal fashion style, usually created by Fashion Week designers or Fashion magazines such as InStyle or Vogue.  As you know, these trickle down to the fashion you actually see and buy in the retail stores shortly thereafter.  Details like patterns, colors, artistic themes, etc. tend to be trends; details like plaids, animal prints, etc., are often trends that may continue throughout several fashion seasons. 

For stylings from my own closet (remember, I always shop my closet first) I will share with you combinations I will be wearing this fall and early spring.  Of course, there are many more possibilities but what you see is based on my figure and fashion aesthetic.  You may view them on "Rockmyrunwaay.blogspot.com"........Happy Styling......and Happy Halloween......Geneva

Mature Fashion: Rocking Fashion Nun

Hello Stylinistas;

Today I conclude demonstrating that almost anyone can shop in their own closet for updating and choosing the newest fashion "look'.  Every season a variety of fresh interpretations of fashion styles are presented to the public in Fashion Week designer runway shows. The last of the 2015 Fall interpretations "Fashion Nun"  that I styled from my own closet was released today.  You may view them on "rockmyrunwaay.blogspot.com"  .I do have a post or two regarding the fall trends that I will probably post (Rocking Stripes, etc.). 

Of course, I will wear a few of them only one or two times because I created examples in each of the fashion looks and I have a limited scope in which to wear all six of them.  As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have had so much fun and broadened my own scope by challenging my own fashion borders, especially Lolita and Forever Boho.  Usually I only decide the combinations from my closet in one or two of the newest looks.  I have ensembles now that I would not have styled for myself had I not accepted my own challenge to select combinations from the neglected looks. 

 I have also been encouraged to broaden the other styling aspects of hairstyle and makeup that will enhance the styling I have done with my clothing.  It has been a growth experience that I sincerely enjoyed.

Another benefit I have received from starting these fashion blogs is the sharpening of dormant technical skills that I have neglected for many years.  I am learning to navigate the requirements of blogging, the photography capabilities (and lack thereof) of my smart phone, etc. etc.  I believe that "rocking an age" also helps a mature person of either gender to keep a pliable brain.  Introducing oneself to newer technology is necessary if we do not wish to stagnate; it keeps us in step with the existing and forever evolving world. 

(BTW, I took the picture in the upper left hand corner before I had learned how to use the timer setting on my smart phone-I am getting better with the pictures, although I am still waiting for the tripod to set things up properly.  I still do not know if I will need a professional camera).

Halloween is in a few days and I have a few things to do, plus working at my part time job, that will not allow much time for addressing the blogs; have a fun weekend, whatever you are doing to kick off this holiday season.....and, if you have time, happy styling...Geneva

Mature Fashion: Fashion rules

Hello Stylinistas

Today its not about looking Young; It is about looking Good!!

One of the reasons I began this blog was the barrage of "don'ts" that I read on the few articles that discussed mature fashion, but I found very little emphasis on what you can "do" to make oneself look great.  Many of the rules I did find I consider silly; "wearing season themed sweater or sweatshirts, don't wear elastic waist pants, don't wear comfort sandals, don't wear t-shirts with mottos, etc."  As in ALL art forms one has to use a little thought, inspiration, balance, proportion, creativity, and good judgement to bring out the best of your assets.   A well groomed woman (a flattering hair style in a flattering shade of color, craftily applied cosmetics, well fitted garments,-not just "neat and clean")  who knows what type and style of garments suit her best does not have to fear a rain deer motif on a sweatshirt!  She is going to look great no matter her age. 

Obviously, if the baggy (or too tight) sweatshirt is on the older lady with the baggy elastic waist pants, the comfort sandals with socks, etc., she is not going to look good unless she is possibly under 20 and has the slouchy teen attitude.  Most young women buy it because they LIKE it or it is the "style".  Fortunately, with their toned bodies, hours of perfect cosmetic application and innocent confidence, they look GOOD no matter what they wear.  It is the feeling of confidence, the sparking eyes, etc. that carry the day.

Almost all of the articles I mentioned that are written for older women focus on looking younger.  First of all, people who look "good", almost always look "youthFUL".  It is the attitude, the energy level, etc. to which people react.  One of the most outlandish articles dealt with the fact that smiling caused wrinkles; that may be (and is) probably true, however, do we wish to restrain ourselves from an honest smile to prevent a wrinkle?  

We have all known people who were "old" even though their years were not; we have also known many who were "young at heart" and we enjoyed them. Most of us envy the ones who look great no matter their age and fall into the latter category. Being young at heart also includes flexibility.  Many older women are still locked into "rules" of their youth, such as the mixing of prints and plaid or stripes like in my picture above. 

My goal for this blog is to interact with those who fall into the category of wanting to look "good" no matter her age and who has the initiative to not settle for less than being all she can be.  It is meant for sharing our knowledge, tips, and other information that seems to be lacking across all media.  There are few resources for our age group or for people who want to become their own stylist and learn to make the most of their older body. The few that are out there do not deal with the challenges of the average American woman 

One can buy great comfort shoes and elastic waist pants in any style and suitable for women of any age.  What one does have to know is how to make the most of the assets one has and how to minimize perceived defects.  This woman has to be willing to work a bit to make the best of herself and be confident that she is worth it.  I am amazed at the number of women I have known in my lifetime who feel they have time to steam clean a garbage can but do not feel they have time to steam their face. Obviously, I have chosen an extreme example but I am sure you get my point.  These are usually to women who have lost all interest in themselves as pertinent individuals; they have given up. 

Of course, I am not talking about the older woman who really does not care about her appearance (she probably did not when she was much younger).  This blog is about women who do; women who want to continue to feel confident about themselves, who strive to be the best they can be, and are searching for new ideas, strategies, assistance, and sharing of information. Women who want to continue to grow, make the most of assets, and look wonderful as long as they live.

Once again, let me share my opinion on rules: I do not believe in many generalized fashion rules. Do not confuse fashion rules with rules of perception common to art and architecture, etc.  Perspective, facts of illusion, etc. are concrete and must be accepted as truth.  I am speaking of point-in-time rules such as "never wear a yellow dress,  you cannot mix prints and plaids, never wear black and brown together, never wear navy and black together, never match shoes and handbag, always match shoes and handbag", blah, blah, blah...Almost every fresh fashion breaks a "rule" of another time. 

Having said all that, I believe every woman must compose a list of personal fashion rules, based on her likes and dislikes, her specific body, face, age, lifestyle, etc. Every person's features are unique. She should understand the existing "rules" to assure herself why the rule should not apply to her. (a specific body feature, specific fabric textures, patterns)

The definition of "good taste" is also fluid.  Almost everyone I have ever met believe they have "good taste".  Many with whom I agree; many I can't believe anything but a large ego could possibly lead to that conclusion. Lauren Hutton is reputed to have made the statement that "most person's who were renowned for good taste grew up with Old Master and Picasso paintings on the wall".  Of course, she meant they learned good taste from the exposure; they were not born with it.  The rule concerning elastic waists for older women is a case in point.  Most people know there are stylish elastic waist pants; they really mean the cheap knit materials many economy stores continually carry.  That is one of the main problems with high end designers making lines for low quality big box stores.  I see many designs that are wonderful, but the materials are shoddy at best.

It is my observation the older I am, the less I can afford to add too many trend elements to any fashion combination. I have a personal "rule" of not combining too many fashion elements in an ensemble.  I have found this is one of the most common mistakes mature women make when trying to obsessively follow fashion trends; i.e., they will wear the latest shoe fashion,the latest skirt or pant design elements, the latest jewelry fad, color combination, etc. etc.  Many of them all at once.  I edit carefully how many fashion "must haves" I wear at one time.  I never wish to appear I am imitating my grand-daughter or that we are 'twins".  I also make sure I am wearing the bulk of clothing and accessories in high quality items. I will allow only one or two items in the ensemble to be less expensive trendy items.  

I find that "less is more" the older I get (remember, this rule, too can be broken with exactly the right outfit, and on the right woman-I break some taboo almost every season and usually love the effect.  It is important to remember, however, that all persons do not appear to advantage in all things.  I wear more cosmetics now than when I was younger but less of each type, this works for me.  To thine own self be true; Let your mirror and "feel" be your guide)

Have you defined your own personal rules for looking your fashion best?  I would love to hear your personal "rules" and why you have them....Happy Styling...Geneva