Mature Fashion: Changing Roles(seasonal)

Windy March day working on patio

Hello Fashionistas and Stylinistas;

Well, it is the time of year for a major change in my roles; I go back to my part time seasonal job at the patio store, hopefully selling lots of outdoor furniture and accessories.  I believe that El Nino is over for this season.

As mentioned in my post of  March 2nd, the base wardrobe I traditionally wear at home will serve this role also.  The handling, moving, light housekeeping, etc. is very little different than what I do at my own home, and I will wear pretty much the same clothing and accessories.  I do take additional shoes to work and certain accessories to transition from certain tasks, much in the same way I do at home if I have an errand to run, and I usually would change the shoe or accessory such as scarf, gloves, or coat.

I do look forward to returning to work; the one thing I miss is the people interaction.  I love working with my customers, completing the sales, gaining knowledge about the new products, and generally still feeling a part of the work force.  If, and, and when I am no longer working at the patio store (been there eight years as a part time employee), I will probably still want to do something else that involves a lot of people interaction.

I have completed most of the posts I had planned for this blogsite; from time to time I will have a new addition, but for the most part, what I have to say about the various roles we play and the appropriate costumes we need for our 'theatrical' wardrobes is already in the posts. This information of how best to flatter ourselves when wearing them based on design elements, our body types, and our style preferences is only fluid if we change our shape, choose or expand our styles (as well as our waistline), and the same information would be used to evolve our personal style.

I plan to continue posting to "rockmyages.blogspot.com" as a journaling exercise for myself as well as sharing of information with my readers.  I will let my readers know when I do post to this blogsite as well. I hope the information I have posted since the beginning of the blog has been helpful to you.  I know it has helped me refine my own style in many ways...........

Happy Styling........................Geneva..................Rockmyages@aol.com

Mature Fashion: St. Patrick's Costume

..And Top o' the morning, stylinistas.........

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, I have succumbed to a little 'costuming'!! I know, I know, almost every stylist I have read discourages holiday themed attire as being 'frumpy' and screamingly 'matron'.  I am aware of this, but once again, I find I must disagree that a mature woman cannot be stylish if she chooses to have 'a wee bit o' fun' with her wardrobe.

Before I go further, let me say that I do agree that such attire can underscore a woman's unsophisticated appearance, but I think it is an example of the 'chicken/egg' paradox.  If a woman is generally dressed in 'frumpy' style,  then she will strengthen the perception. However, if she puts a bit of thought into her 'costume'. I believe she can project style as well as amusement; a little 'whimsy' can only add to her stylish appearance.  I wonder how many of you agree?

In any event, I am dressed today for that wee bit of fun. I will also be going out to a casual dinner tonight with a friend after performing a little project this afternoon..  The jeans and overshirt are in an olive grey tone.  The rugby style translucent under shirt is a medium dark Kelly green and cream stripe, all topped with a grass green/orange/cream infinity scarf. Somewhat hidden are greyish ballet slippers with a dull metallic finish.  The ensemble is finished with a slightly studded bracelet, metallic silver handbag, and a quilted olive green jacket in the same tone as the pants and shirt.  I chose the orange/kelly green scarf because I have Irish heritage on both sides of the Irish fence and for just a touch of "pop". Additional Kelly green or orange would be a bit too 'costumy' for my personal taste.  I also believe the unexpected olive green is a more sophisticated combination and more suited to my age and body type than the louder green or orange.  

Today, my role is mostly social with a necessity for practical clothing that can stand up to a bit of wear and tear.  I hope you are having fun with the costume for your role on this St. Patrick's 2016, whether it be for a party, celebration with grand children, or just a corned beef and cabbage dinner at home!!

......................Genev.........................Rockmyages@aol.com

Mature Fashion: Rocking Cosmetics

Good Morning All;

In earlier posts it has been mentioned the importance of make-up in styling for a particular role in our play of lifestyle. A Fashion stylinista has to consider the whole package when putting together a complete look for herself. That means the garments she wears, the hairstyle she chooses, and the desired cosmetic application.  Rocking cosmetics is all about make-up that allows rocking ones age while at the same time being appropriate for the role we are filling at the time.

In this post I am not displaying pictures of myself as examples of make-up ideas because there are so many beauty bloggers who I think can do a much better job than I can.  I have mentioned them before in previous posts.  Twominutetips-a v-log series conducted by Sharon Danley accessed on YouTube offers superior advice on both make-up and styling (I never miss a new release). Tricia Cusden, also on YouTube, and Sharon Capehart are all excellent sources for the how-to of application and examples of make-up application and advice. My post merely re-inforces the necessity of addressing the importance make-up plays in personal styling.  In any event, all beauty sources recognize the fact that for the mature woman, the following beauty practices must occur to "rock our age". (unfortunately, the very young woman can ignore most of this and still look terrific-for a while).

Most women over 25 cannot look very good with thick plastered looking make-up.  The older a woman gets, the more important it is for her to give the appearance of flawless skin.  A more mature woman must have a look that radiates youth and good health; the skin must look smooth and even, the make-up foundation color must be flattering and provide a pleasing color. The skin must glow  and project the blush that suggests good health. A more mature woman must know how to contour the face shape to diminish sag and  provide highlights to give the face a "lift".

A woman over 40 must take special care to give the appearance of youthful eyes. Unfortunately, most of us over that age have some issues with sagging lids, red-eye problems, and the ubiquitous advent of wrinkles.  Fortunately, most of us can still look terrific, but it does take a bit of know-how.

It is also essential to realize the importance of framing the face(eyebrow definition and contouring).  Even young women who have too pale or poorly groomed eyebrows cannot look their best without paying attention to this detail; one which many women do not address.  As we age, our eyebrows fade and may thin.  Skin all over the face begins to sag as we may lose some fat in the face and gravity takes its toll.  Fortunately, both of these occurrences can be mitigated a bit by cosmetics.  Learning how to take advantage of framing the face is necessary to look our best.  I especially recommend Sharon's videos for the how-tos. (I recommend her especially because she does not push any particular product, just application.  Tricia's application steps are also good, but she also is selling a product and some of the application may be product driven).

Plumping the lips is also necessary to give the appearance of youth.  As we grow older, our lips usually thin a bit and lose color and definition.  All of this is aggravated by the wrinkles that may occur around our lips.  Some of us ex-smokers have more than our share of these fine lines that make an even lipstick application somewhat difficult.  In any event, if an older woman wants to project any type of youthful and healthy impression, it is vital to develop a regimen of cosmetic application to the lips.

All of the above is primarily directed at projecting health and vitality.  The type of make-up one would apply needs to be appropriate to the role.  The make-up that one wears to an upscale social event is usually not the same that one would apply when performing house-hold roles.  As the costume designer for our play, each of us would define the requirements for the costume we choose, but to 'rock it', is is essential to make the distinctions and make a conscious choice.  Personally, I prepare my face in the early morning with the base for any cosmetic application I expect to occur during the day.  I rarely wear any more make-up than I think is necessary during the day because of skin sensitivities that I have to deal with. I do use a more elaborate range of cosmetics for social and important business roles, usually in the arena of eye make-up.  My base guide line is no application of eye shadow unless I am wearing heels (of course!, there are exceptions, but it is unlikely you will see me in eye-shadow if I am wearing sport shoes)

.......................Geneva...................Rockmyages@aol.com

Mature Fashion: Spring/Summer at "The Shop"

Transitional winter to fall-jeans, cashmere cardigan
cotton shirt, chain belts, and soft desert ankle boots

Greetings, Stylinistas and Fashionistas;

Fortunately, I already have my stylebook prepared for this Spring/Summer/Fall season at a furniture store in San Jose (CA). We have had such lovely weather here lately that I expect to be called back to work very soon. (It is supposed to rain heavily this coming weekend, however, I suspect that may be the last serious rainfall for the year.  Of course, we really need as much rain as we can get to restore our water reserves but it is also time for "Spring to spring". I have to take special note because as a salesperson who will be working many hours during the next few months, I have to have a wardrobe that will fit several different requirements.

The 'costume' much match the role; this is a patio store that sells outdoor furniture.  As a sales person, it is sometimes necessary to move metal chairs, glass tables, patio umbrellas, etc.  Much of the furniture and accessories may be displayed out of doors in rather harsh weather conditions, etc.and it is necessary to wear garments that can take that kind of possible wear and tear.

Although we are very competitive on pricing, etc., this store would be considered a 'high end' retailer who handles quality brand name merchandise such as Tropitone, Brown Jordan, etc.  This means that as sales personnel we interact daily with persons who expect not only a broad base of product knowledge, but the confidence they are dealing with professional people who understand and exhibit the norms of the business world.  It is necessary for me to dress appropriately for my role.  Considering this is my eighth season in working for them, I have many reasons to know my employers appreciate my attention to an appropriate dress code.

Fortunately for me, the wardrobe for this role is very similar to my 'at home' role(s). I have posted some of the looks I will be wearing on 'Rockmyrunwaay' where you can see several of the 'costumes' I will be wearing for Spring/Summer 2016. I do have some other combinations I have created from looking at the Spring couture shows and Pre-Fall 2016. I am also double checking that I have all the accessories, etc. I want for the emerging season.

I have mentioned a few times that I have learned so much from preparing these blogs to demonstrate to readers some basic styling tools for consistent update of our wardrobe.  One of the most valuable things I have discovered for myself is a better way to create a stylebook that is more effective than the process I have been using for several seasons. I have printed out several inspiration photos from some of the fashion shows that represent new combinations of clothing that exists in my wardrobe.  This is much less time consuming than taking pictures of all my own combinations.  I just make notes on the photos.  I have not completed all my personal stylings for fall yet, but I am well on the way.

Mature Fashion: The Role of Hair Style

Just washed hair

      Drying hair with product added

Greetings, 


We have discussed face shapes in previous posts and how a haircut can be  important in flattering a particular face shape,  but a hair style does more. Styled and groomed hair provides a look of confident self-assurance and competency. Feeling good about the way our hair looks makes us feel attractive.

We all know the expression "a good hair day"; a statement that tells whoever is listening that we feel good about the way we look.  Have you ever seen someone actually cry because they felt they had a poor haircut?  I have seen it, and accompanied by rage.  Most of would feel that much emotion would be a little 'over the top', but most of us would empathize.

Our fixation with our hair is rooted in our ancient history. For thousands of years beautiful and styled hair was a status symbol; the oldest carved statue of braided hair on a woman is dated over 25 thousand years ago. Elaborately styled hair worn like a crown has always projected a regal and queenly appearance and elegant life styles.

Additionally, according to Dr. Vivian Diller, Phd in an article for Psychology Today, humans instinctively view babies born with thick hair as heartier than those born with little or none.  Luscious thick hair is often equated with female sexuality. We all view thinning or losing of hair as a sign of ill health or advancing older age. According to this same article, hair is the third most noticeable physical feature after height and weight.

Okay, all of this may be more than you ever wanted to know about ones hair, but the purpose of mentioning these facts is to stress how very important it is to find and maintain a hairstyle that makes us feel great about ourselves.  It also serves the purpose of reminding us that they style of our hair, just like our clothing, needs to be changed up to suit the role we are playing.

All too many older woman wear exactly the same hairstyle for whatever it is they are doing, sometimes year after year. Appropriate styles for our varying roles need to be explored.  Some hair stylists believe that most women need only three different  'go to' styles for the various roles they play, but they all believe mature women in general keep the same hair styles way past the time they should be updated. According to a stylist who wishes to remain anonymous, a woman needs one style for casual day to day relaxation, another for a more professional polished look, and a more formal type for "dress up".  Each of these styles should be updated at least every five years to not look "dated".

My hair is a challenge to me.  I have been working on developing a smoothly polished style that I can maintain with my frequently bleached dry and thinning hair without incurring a styling bill equal to the national debt and that does not require me to spend hours a week at a salon.  I have a particular problem with sensitive skin that prevents me from using many of the hair products that work for others.  I still am working on it...........

........................................Geneva...................Rockmyages@aol.com

 

Mature Fashion: More on Capsules

Greetings this morning of our bi-polar weather! I really mean it; the sun is shining brightly and it is raining and chilly (?)

Really, the weather is simply driving one crazy here in the Bay area.  We had record breaking warm weather for this time of year (low 80s in some places). The temperature is expected to drop to the very low 40s tonite (depending upon which announcer predicts the weather!).

Although I am working on my closet collections for Fall 2016, I am making the time to discuss capsule dressing in more detail.

Several retail type blogs are offering "capsules" of clothing that are represented as items that when mixed and matched, etc. will provide the wearer with out the door outfits sufficient to cover most or all of their wardrobe needs. I understand a few of you have been disappointed that what wsas offered was not complete, etc.  I have also noticed that most of these 'capsules' seem to be missing the point of what Capsule Dressing is meant to be, and the purpose it is meant to serve.

The idea of a color capsule is based on one of the most fundamental concepts of successful styling; the first concept being that every garment in the capsule needs to fit a woman's body perfectly, no matter what her role.  The second fundamental deals with the color itself; it must be flattering to the wearer.  The third concept is the 'statement' the wearer is wishing to make, i.e., who she is, and the last is the suitability of the entire look and the chosen garments for the role that is being played. The purpose of a capsule is to manage a wardrobe that will ensure each of these fundamentals are met within any woman's budget and storage space.  It is NOT to require a woman to buy a complete new wardrobe every fashion season. Most of the items I have seen in the retail capsules are more appropriately called accessory capsules.

A Color capsule is the type of capsule most stylists think of first.  In today's more relaxed fashion world, one could use another element on which to base a personal wardrobe capsule.  The element could be fabric, such as in a vintage St. John collection where you may have several colors that work together, but the garments are all of the same knit texture; for denim lovers, the material could be be denims of several shades and different styles, etc. but the fabric is always denim.  Whatever works for you, the point being to have cohesive garments that can be mixed and matched interchangeably, stand the test of time, and serve the needs of all the roles we are expected to play.  Color is only the most common because color is the element that should flatter the wearer and the classic garments should be fairly easy to obtain; the reason most color capsules are in neutral shades.  

You can visit "Rockmyrunwaay.blogspot.com for an example of a completed (almost) color capsule. The last two posts show outfits styled from this core capsule; the pictures in the upper left hand corner of this post show my timeless grey jeweled neck cashmere sweater worn with an old pair of matching trousers (Goodwill purchase for this fashion trend) shortened for the fresh cropped pants worn this fall and paired with suede ankle boots (ancient also), a faux fur striped jacket (also old) and a new (inexpensive tarjay) Indiana Jones floppy hat and the classic fur trimmed grey leather gloves that I have had forever.  I perked the look with the turquoise Kors purse and Navajo squash blossom necklace for a modern color combination and a touch of the Boho.  I also added a silky white sport long sleeved mock turtleneck top for a fresh look to old garments. Both me and my budget are happy...

..............................Geneva............Rockmyages@aol.com

Mature Fashion: Capsule Collection Mania

Greetings, Both Fashionistas and Stylinistas:

As you are aware if you have been reading this blog, I have been posting a lot about different ways to organize a wardrobe that cover all the roles in our lives, is versatile, and that can be easily managed within any budget or time constraints; ; I am also a big fan of the "capsule concept" and of "uniforms".  Unfortunately, I have not had the time to do much web crawling to keep up with the same subjects, and I am very disappointed with much that I see.

Once again, I find that either the author is advocating replacing an entire wardrobe every season or fail to see the disadvantages of most of the illustrated choices. Each of the "capsules" contained trendy fashions for foundation pieces, colors that are so current they will be out of fashion by next season, and dated elements for almost every single piece; there was no "timelessness" about it. Based on the visual screen imagery, most of these garments could not hold up for many repeated wearings without being replaced during the same season!  

The ability to acquire high quality timeless garments that are so versatile they can be worn season after season, if necessary is elemental to describing wardrobe role capsules.  What those garments must be depends entirely upon the role.  How they can be mixed and matched depends upon the wearers personal fashion style and her ability to re-imagine her wardrobe each fashion season.  She will pull in existing accessories and elements and wear garments in ways that give her wardrobe a fresh, new approach.  She will surely wish to add a touch or two of "trend" each season, but that should be all she needs to do.

Of course, a woman can go out every season and create a capsule of mix and match clothing for a single season.  Unfortunately, most of us can only afford one or two replacements for worn garments and add only one or two "fashionable" items.  Most of us cannot afford 20 or 30 new "capsule" items that are going to be suitable for a single fashion season.

Capsules will change with time as we grow older and our body or taste changes. Maintaining a high quality wardrobe takes a bit of financial planning for most of us. I fear that many of the posts I have been reading are simply inducements to buy more clothing rather than assisting the consumer in wardrobe planning.

As I mentioned early on in my postings, this blog is primarily for my own benefit; posting makes me keep in top of the things I need to do to keep me on track to "rockmyage" fashion wise.  I do like sharing, and hope that most of the tips I provide are beneficial to those who are interested.  I receive no financial compensation whatsoever, and have no desire to persuade any reader to live a different lifestyle than they prefer.  I, do, however, wish to engage with those who have the same interests and to whom authentic personal style matters....I hope you are one of them.

................Geneva.................Rockmyages@aol.com