Mature Fashion: Base Capsule: Gray

Base '3'

Greetings, Stylinistas

I am presenting in this runway one of my own color capsules.

Although this capsule has been years in the making, the elements apply to any person (woman or man of any age) who is just beginning to acquire a wardrobe, changing a core color, or converting from a closet of 'outfits' to a totally cohesive capsule wardrobe. It does not matter if one is just beginning a collection or has been doing so for many years.

A capsule begins with three 'must have' items; a top, a bottom, and a garment that can be used as a jacket.  (if worn in a conservative professional environment, fabric should be in the same shade and material). She must also have a good pair of neutral shoes and handbag and very basic jewelry (a watch, a neck chain, and a pair of small stud earrings will carry the day).  Of course, these accessories should compliment in some way your chosen color. (or cohesive element such as material, etc.)

Actually, if using color as your capsule theme, just these three items worn with any appropriate existing items in your closet can be mixed to create very stylish "outfits".  This is where styling comes into play. Depending upon the occasion and what you already own determines how many garments you will need to add to your capsule.  All you have is tee-shirts, you say? T's can be worn under an  open blouse or a jacket to create many looks with just the addition of simple jewelry , a small scarf, a tie, macrame fringes, etc. How many different combinations can you make with the items you already have?  Granted, they are all centered in the same top and bottoms until you can afford to make your next core purchase. Simple shirts, and the ubiquitous white button down can also be combined for a unique look.  This is the time for the imagination to soar.

Additional garments can be added one by one over time, but each addition must contain some element of the same color and tone.  Each capsule garment should be cut in a timeless and classic design to coordinate with the top and bottom already purchased. These base garments can be enhanced each season with inexpensive trendy garments and accessories.

The concept works best when you choose at least one other capsule color for your wardrobe.  My core capsule colors are gray and navy. You will note many of the garments shown in my grey capsule also blend with navy. Over the years I have also added a basic neutral top and bottom in cream, black, chocolate, camel, plum, hunter green, and red to extend my wardrobe indefinitely.  I also have basic accessories such as shoes and handbag in each of the neutrals.  Future posts will deal with my basic mix and match strategies.

As I mentioned earlier, I have been collecting this capsule for many years.  I actually have more garments that are not shown such as coats, sweaters, more scarves,  etc. that are not shown. Any new piece I purchase, other than a disposable trendy item must coordinate with at least three garments I already have. The bottom picture illustrates five 'trendy' garments that will most likely be replaced at the end of this fashion season with more trendy items.

I love the core capsule concepts; I literally never have to be concerned if I have an appropriate outfit for any occasion; I know I do.  I am always able to keep my wardrobe fresh and within my clothing budget.  I also have fun styling for each upcoming season and anticipate the great looks I can created with new fashion trends.  I hope that you do, too.

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

Mature Fashion: Fall/Winter 2016

Hello Stylinistas;

As you know from past posts, I eagerly await the seasonal Fashion Week runway shows in order to plan my clothing purchases and wardrobe storage updates.  The shows began on February 11th, and I have been copiously taking notes, printing off inspirational pictures, etc. 

Although Fashion Week is not over yet, I am confident in my evaluations of the shows. (Isn't it wonderful that we can sit in front of our computer and have front row seating for every designer who has a collection on the runway?).  This fall/winter season has fashion desirable for absolutely EVERYBODY !  Vogue has catagorized 43 different fashion trends!! (BTW, I recommend any serious stylinista watch at least one or two to give you inspiration on the "look")

I am simply catagorizing my closet collection under the umbrella titled "Decades", and will have updated looks from the 20s,50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 

Almost all of the elements from this fall (2015) are still going strong; leather, suede, animal prints, textured hose, transparency, lace, cut-outs, black and white, fantastic prints, clunky boots, etc, etc, etc.  Colors are bolder than ever, pouring over into fun furs.  Lace up boots, flat and heeled, a return of the Courreges (sp?)  style white boots of my early twenties. Angelina Jolie slits, layers of garments so thick it reminds me of "homeless dressing".  The narrow belts used in past seasons have given way to wide belts and the rows of buttons have bigger buttons this coming fall. Turtle necks are bigger than ever with heavily textured sweaters.  Jewelry items were almost non existent but scarves and embellished pointed collars and dangling ribbon type ties were used by many designers. Oversized clothing and men's look comfortable shoes abound.!...so do over the knee boots and slip dresses that really look like vintage slips!

The large fanciful prints were just plain fun!! Very Alice in Wonderland, or rather Haight Ashbury of my youth.  Many of the small prints heavily used in the collections reminded me of a modern Gunne Sax dress, especially when worn with the updated boots and textured hose. A-line filmy skirts were worn with leather jackets (more moto than the fringed suede of the 70's but there was some of that too) to give an updated vibe to the styling.

The one "must have" garment that simply stands out is the Navy style pea coat or reefer. If you don't have one, I suggest you might want to add it now; it is a classic. 

I am almost finished with the viewing, etc. and am beginning the task  of creating my own closet collections for next fall and planning any purchases I may have to make. I already know I want the white boots!!

Happy styling.......I will be sharing my own fall 2016 closet collections shortly......

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

Mature Fashion: S/S 2016: Release #6 "Glam Grams"

Hello, Fashionistas and Stylinistas;

Here is my new "golden girl" outfit.  I certainly do not feel frumpy in this ensemble.

Here are the gold gladiators I would not wear with the party dress I showed in my holiday collections.  Although I do have a dull gold leather handbag, I think I like the bronze metallic leather better with the dull gold faux leather pants (same one I wore in "grunge".  The Heavy Gold Embroidered blouse is worn over a satin slip top camisole.  I have accessorized with the gold hoop earrings, and the white jade jeweled drop, and multiple gold, pearl, and diamond rings. Glamorous, and oh, so comfortable!! Gold top was on sale at Ross for $9.00.
All other items; in the closet.

This outfit is one of the types I most like to style; I am using classic pieces in almost everything I am wearing but just

adding a few touches with the accessories update the look immediately. Of course, the heavy lace textured hose and beaded suede pumps raised the volume of up to date fashion without cluttering the classic glamour look.  For this combination I accessorized with a classic silver and cabochon garnet Maltese cross pin on the collar and a gold and crystal station neck chain worn under the collar of the classic deep blue silk satin shirt.  I belted the overlapped slit skirt (all the way to the waist-the skirt will show a bit of leg but the hose are so heavily textured I will be decent) 

Not visible are gold, diamond, and pearl rings and black spinel and gold hoop earrings.  Another look I made with the same items except I eliminated the headband and wore a thin feathered toque around the neck and trailing down the back (feathers are also a fashion item for spring) The band and toque were both crocheted with feathery yarn as a present.  Lucky me!!
Total cost for this ensemble; $12.00 for the tights.

The third combination I am showing really makes me think of an old time movie. It is black crushed velvet jacket trimmed in black satin and embroidered with a lovely subtle satin rose pattern.  I have combined it with a pleated front heavy cream satin blouse and black satin tuxedo pants.

To give it a more modern touch, I have worn a drop antique Florentine chain with an amythyst and ruby antique bar pendant.  I am showing it with a textured pattern black fedora hat and a feathery/furry large handbag trimmed with Kathy V trademark crystal and silver fobs. I will also wear a selection of mixed gold rings.  All items are already in my closet:  Total cost for all three looks; $21.00

I think I am going to amp it up a bit more when I really wear it by changing the gold and beige metallic shoes for black crystal encrusted evening shoes (I think the gold looks a bit too relaxed, but it will actually depend upon the occasion.  

All these photos will go in my style book to await the time when I will actually wear them; one benefit is the ability to make a tweak or two to the styling before I wear the ensemble; it also saves me a lot of time when I get dressed because I can gather all the items quickly.

Happy Styling, Stylinistas;.........Geneva...........Rockmyages@aol.com

Ooop!!

Merry Christmas
               Stylinistas and Fashionistas;





For some reason there is now a mix-up in the released post for "Global Grandma"; Release #5 is posted before release #4.  Please scroll past #4 (Beyond the Boudoir) to view #5(Global Grandma).  Pictures are also not lined up accurately in #5 and I am unable to de-bug at this time.

Please accept my apologies and have a happy holiday........

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

Mature Fashion: S/S 2016: Release #4 Beyond the Boudoir

Hello Stylinistas:

I have to admit I wore this outfit for several hours the day I modeled it.  It was so comfortable and I felt so elegant wearing it. I had already taken my photo of  the laydown so the belt is not shown. 

When I put it on, I thought of the cinch belt.  I also substituted the high vamp heels for the sandals. I think I will be wearing this one quite a few times this summer; it will be just right for several occasions, work included. The sheen of the fabric is distorted because of the design. These pajamas were bought (never worn) at a local thrift store for $12.00.

This lavender outfit is also very comfortable, however, I won't be wearing it in my work role at the patio store.  This look is just a little too "fashion forward" for the type of work that I do; also the fabric of most pajamas with the 'luxe look is just not appropriate for the kind of work that needs to be done.  It would snag on everything.  I will wear it to a Sunday brunch, or certainly an "at home" role. I had the pajamas tucked away in a drawer and have only worn them a few times. The silk camisole I have had for years; total cost, none.



I love this look; once again the outfit is very comfortable and just right for the spring
and summer climate.  The tailored black satin pants compliment the kimono look lingerie wrap.  I am wearing it open, but the garment can be tied from both inside and out.  I am showing the tail in the laydown, but when I am wearing it, it is tied in back and dangling; another little touch that was common in the runway shows. (you had dangling narrow scarfs, belt ties, etc.) The black satin pants and camisole I have had forever.  I purchased the black satin kimono top for $5.00 at Goodwill.  Total cost for this look was under $20.00.

The outfits I have shown are very conservative as suit the roles I play in my lifestyle.  Slip dresses and shorter slips worn as tunic heavily embroidered in statement designs were very noticeable in the collections.  If I had the figure for it and less aged skin, I would certainly wear one to an evening function. No doubt there will be a lot of controversy over the wearing of lingerie as a fashion statement.  I have already had one friend tell me that "she doesn't believe in wearing lingerie in the daytime', as though it made a difference if the fabric is cotton or polyester satin or the lace is more embroidered.  There go those "rules" again!! I am going to love seeing women who are flattered by this look wear the garments.  I think they will be lovely.

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

Mature Fashion: S/S 2016: Release #5 "Global Grandma"

Hello Stylinistas;

Note:  Please excuse the layout of this post; I have not been able to make it all line up properly (the previews show it correctly, but not the release-still having difficulties with some of the technicalities of the programs-It has also shown up out of order in posting date.)

The silk Polynesian jacket is worn over an elbow length sleeve black and white stripe tee and black polyester wide legged cropped trousers. Black open toed patent pumps and a black satin straw handbag complete the ensemble

All garments in this look were already in my closet.  No cost; new outfit

This mature global stylinista just returned from Spain where she took in all the latest fashion. Whether it was Madrid, Toledo, or Sevilla, she loved the traditional flamenco wear she saw in clubs wherever she went.

She re-interpreted that look with this stylish combination for her S/S 2016 wardrobe. She mixed a red lace mock turtle poly-cotton overblouse, a poly cream/taupe polka dotted skirt with a flare, and sturdy heeled leather Mary Jane shoes. The drop earrings and necklace were black onyx and silver and gave the right vibe.  This was paired with a faux fur, silver emblemed black leather handbag.  All Items were already in her closet; just recombined to give a slight Spanish flair.

As you have no doubt notices, this is the same skirt, blouse, and tee from "Natty Nauticals".  I just used a different purse, shoes, and hat to cast an East Indian flavor to the ensemble.  The shoe colors are an exact match to the colors of the skirt and tops (a current fashion no-no, but very much a Geneva style) I wanted to keep 3 patterns working. (the stripes, statement handbag, and the two toned shoes subtlety update a look that could be ho-hum).  Elephants, monkeys, and a continued use of snakeskin adorn many of this season's garments.  All items except the purse (obtained at a thrift store for $6.00) were already in the closet.

Total cost for the entire global "closet collection" was $6.00.

I can style more outfits just using the theme handbag; One outfit I am imagining is all about denim and cream.  I will show this in one of my s/s 2016 posts. Of course, I am also envisioning some safari linen ensembles, but I haven't added them to my stylebook yet.

Happy Styling, Stylinistas; ........Geneva.............Rockmyages@aol.com

Its the little things:

Remember, accessories are your best friend; them and the way you put them together is what creates authentic style.  The bonus part is most accessories take up little space, you can usually obtain them at your price point, and often they last forever. 

Mature Fashion: S/S Spring 2016::Release #3 "Grandma's Grunge"

Hello Stylinistas;


This mature grandma (actually, great-grandma)is wearing her "Abbey Road" tee-shirt over a white long sleeved cotton tee-shirt.  The shirts are paired with cotton poly slim legged trousers and accessorized with boyfriend watch, moto boots, and a leather cap. Heavy hardware give an interpretive moto look to the white cream handbag.
Abbey Road tee cost $10.00.
All other items were already in the closet. 








The plaid polyester blouse is matched with a dull metallic faux leather pants, camel ankle boots, and a dark green and gold bucket bag, picking up the colors of the plaid stripes.

 A camel felt Indianna Jones hat will be worn if working out in the sunlight.
The shirt was purchased for $9.00 at Ross.  All other items were also in my closet. I love my camel ankle boots with the look, but if it is too warm, I have a pair of neutral croc patent clogs that will also look good.

Two cotton polyester shirts are worn, a plaid and a gingham, one on top of the other.  The under layer is a mini-lavender gingham 3/4 length sleeve; the top shirt is a raspberry lavender plaid with cuff facings that blend with the plaid.
Another nod to the continued blending of multiple prints.

Depending upon the warmth of the weather, one can simply remove the top shirt.  Here in the Bay Area, we usually need to be prepared for cool mornings even on the hottest day.

The shirts are worn over wide legged ankle cuffed blue jeans that I have had forever (they will also be useful for the Nautical look).

I am showing them with both the white skimmers and matching blue denim wedges.  Should I have an errand to run the wedges, a wine colored fedora hat and a puce leather basket weave handbag will complete the ensemble.  All items for the ensemble were already in my closet.  Total cost for all three season updates is under $20.00. I can also  create at least ten more "grunge" looks using other shirts , caps, pants, shoes, and tee-shirts from my closet without any additional spending.....If you are a "grunge" gal, plaid are very big this season; also a variety of sturdy boots and clogs, and the ever popular dark blue denim.  The prevalence of light weight denim is just in time for the spring fashion season.

I would love to read about some of the combinations you find in your closet. 

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