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