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flat brimmed (sorta) black straw  hat gave a fresh new look to garments that worn conventionally would have just looked outdated and rather "blah".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'....

Mature Fashion: Advance notice for S/S 2017

Heads Up, Stylinistas!!

We just had the 2016 F/W Couture runway shows; as expected they extended the expectations generated by the F/W Fashion Week 2016 Ready-to-Wear runway shows. Essentially, we now have all the inspiration and up-front information to get our closets ready for the new season. So, you say, "who cares!!", it is JULY and I am wearing my summer clothes, NOW!  Yes!, and if you are at all like me, I am already doing a little weeding in that closet as I discover the white blouse with all the anchors kind of rides up a bit on my arm and I put it on a beginning stack of garments to donate. I am also thinking my closet is getting a bit full and maybe I need to get rid of a few more. I am ready to curate my closet for fall. I also just received the latest batch of fashion magazines that I bet will be showing some of the fall trends now.  (of course, we already have a "heads up, don't we)

Speaking of trends, I want to bring up the fact that while we are purging our closet, it would be helpful to know a bit about what we will be wearing next spring and summer. Case in point: the little green vertical rugby stripe sleeveless blouse worn as an overshirt to the left was on my mental "delete" button; I have worn it for three years, it is of the transparent look. It has been worn with a Polynesian motif, a St. Pat's themed  ensemble, this summer's fresh green and white. I have worn it quite a bit with other items, and I thought it was a candidate for recycle.  After reading Fashion Snoops and their report on the upcoming "Magic" conference in Las Vegas (or "Project", in New York, another source I research for future fashion trends, etc.,)  I am waiting until I make my decision for my own closet collection S/S 2017. 


"Fashion Snoops", have predicted that stripes will continue to be worn in S/S 2017, but "re-mixed" in alternative ways such as the ensemble I am wearing above. One of the examples I viewed on the website reminded me of these garments in my closet, and as you can see, I am wearing it today (..bein' "fashion forward?")  

Fashion Snoops forecast the ultimate Bohemian girl; very much a 70's creature in shades of lavender, pink, and blue. They expect a lot of beaded crochet, suede, and laser cut leather (like my boy cut oxfords with the cut-outs pictured above and worn with the stripes).  they also predict more lace up wedges, ombre fringe and 3D flower appliques.(I already have an idea for a hand knit beaded scarf a friend gave to me as a present-those flowers would make a perfect statement piece).  All the artisan elements of crafting (crochet, hand loomed, crafty embellishments )are visible with an emphasis on exotic animal skin designs and patent leather and leather patchwork designs.

Fashion Snoops also predict that the trend called "Atheleisure," will continue strongly into the new year.  Many of these "luxury wearables" based on gym wear looks will be using technology enhanced materials such as "mood" clothing that will change color, anti-bacterial fabrics, and worn close to the body.

Another trend that is expected to resonate is the "Alternity" of trans-gender dressing;  more lace for men, and more gender neutral clothes in general in women's wear.  This trend is also expected to reflect itself in more non age specific clothing that can be worn successfully by women who are twenty or eighty.  There is also more blending of diversity in ethnicity; themes and many more "shades of nude" .

I paired my striped garments with the cut-out toed boy cut oxfords, the Sharif tropical handbag, and the tassel necklace. I'm not sure that is the same way I would wear it next spring, but I already have some ideas on hold based on the above forecasts and my foray into the jewelry making.  I always look forward to the new shows.  As a senior with a fixed budget, I can make the most of my wardrobe dollars while satisfying my "passion for fashion".

Mature Fashion: Rocking these decades

..I'm so excited about the 2016 F/W Couture collections I just reviewed on Vogue.com!! I absolutely LOVE Chanel entire collection  (I am almost aways delighted by almost anything Karl Lagerfield produces for the runway)....so much so that I (once again!) could not wait to get a little jump on the Fall season's trends. (see Rockmystyling.blogspot.com for a post on my styling steps, etc.) I believe any stylinista will enjoy the 2016 Fall Couture shows.

As you all are aware, I have had several changes in my life recently; some of you have been concerned that I am not writing so much or that I have lost interest in the blog.  To answer all, no I have not lost interest in fashion, nor in sharing fashion topics with those who are interested.  However, I really do find that the blogs require an awful lot of time, a fact that I would not mind so much if the blogs were interactive.  Not many readers have shown themselves interested in sharing their fashion ideas, challenges, etc., and I do not take as much interest in one way conversations; social media or otherwise.  Consequently, I am reducing the frequency of the blog posts.  I will probably continue to do some publishing because the "journaling " effect provides me with some styling discipline, etc.  It also is a reminder to keep myself involved enough in activities, etc. that will aid me in "rockingmyages" as I continue to mature.  

I also must face the possibility that I am no longer employable in my traditional lines of work. This reality has also caused me some extra work in wardrobe planning and schedule adjustments, etc.

The last several days have been crammed with the new activities I have taken on (I completed my first necklace in the jewelry class I joined); I have agreed to make some doll clothes for a charity event for the upcoming Christmas bazaar sponsored by some of the ladies at the clubhouse (I also have at least one great-great niece who has an American Girl doll, and whose mother might appreciate some additional doll clothing), and I have also had an unexpected volunteer cat trapping activity on behalf of our local cat rescue center, the Morgan Hill "Town Cats".  I really hate it when people abandon or dump litters of kittens who all too often become diseased or sick.!!  So cruel and so unnecessary!!

I have also been doing a lot of gardening activities that will make maintenance easier in the future.  I know that my physical activities are certain to be more limited as I continue to age, and I cannot rely upon additional income for paid professional services to do the work.

Most of us are pretty busy at this time of year with additional responsibilities for family members, vacations, etc.  Tragically I do not have much of that to look forward to, however, I make the most of what I do have, and consider the good luck I have in other areas. I really do believe that if life gives me lemons, it is  my responsibility to make lemonade.  I also find that keeping busy and involved does not allow me time to brood over issues that I cannot control.  I truly find that all too often those who seem to be the most unhappy, depressed, or otherwise unable to "rock age" are those who really have too much time on their hands and are unwilling to become involved.

I also attended a holiday barbecue with several of the ladies who live in our park.  Two of them have ailing husbands who were unable to attend, and two more were fairly recent widows. (Unfortunately, that circumstance also occurs more frequently as we age.)  I have also just recovered from a miserable summer cold!!



In the last picture, you can see me having a bit of fun with a new dance step practiced in the Wednesday evening line dancing classes.  I do love to dance, it is great exercise, and I do enjoy that sport.  I take a little humorous ribbing, because I am often one of the first to enter the dance floor.  Dancing gives me joy, and anything that produces joy is something I wish to continue.  It is also good for balance; one of the most important attributes those of us in older age need to retain as much as possible;  besides, IT IS FUN!!