Mature Fashion: Seasonal "Transition"

Well, it is that time of year again where I am choosing to clear the clutter from my closet by ridding myself of garments that I do not plan on wearing in Spring/Summer 2017.  Although the runway shows will not appear until the week of September 21st, I will begin my transitional "fall" dressing just after Labor Day, and want to be sure I have the appropriate garments. I do this because the weather is still so warm during September and October that I need to choose "summer" fabrics in the fall colors, etc.  Frankly, by September 1, I am totally sick of summer weather!

I am ridding myself of more fashions than usual because I styled too many selections from the 2016 seasonal "looks" to demonstrate on the blog (Not So Old Glory, Beyond the boudoir, Glam Grams, Grandma Grunge, Global Granny were the "looks" I chose to shop my closets and wear this past spring/summer). 

I plan on ridding myself of the blouse and shoes from the first and second pictures, the matched pajama sets from pictures 3, four and five, the sweater from six, overshirt, pants, and shoes from 7, blouses from 8 and 9, sweater from 10, overblouse from 11 and 12, and the striped top from look 13. I eliminated the entire outfit in 14, and the pants from 15.

 These selections were made because (1) I thought the look had either topped its fashion season, (2) did not fit comfortably enough when actually wearing the garment, or (3) was showing signs of too much wear and need to be replaced. (4) The roles in my life have changed enough that I need to eliminate excess garments that are no longer applicable (5) I just got tired of the garment in some cases.

For example, the large anchor on the sweater and the Disney shirt were both "fun" the first two or three times I wore them, but I tired easily of that look-one of the reasons a stylinista wants to keep a core of "classic" garments.  If you will note, most of the garments I am removing are passing "fads."  An exception is the striped top in look 13; I just have a lot of stripes in the closet and may have to make a choice or two.  The jury is still out on all my striped tops as I have a lot of them.

I have removed these garments from the closet, some have already been disposed of, some I will retain until after the fashion shows to make sure I don't want to use them in a fresh "new" look for next Spring. (Don't you just hate it when you just get rid of something and then find you wish you hadn't?)

Obviously, I will continue to "curate the closet" over the next few weeks, both before and after the shows and make plans for purchases for next Spring.  I know that I will still have to eliminate more garments that serve more formal roles, both in my social and employment roles.

As you know, I try to put a price point on my investments.

I try to spend no more than $1.00 per wearing on any garment that I purchase.  I am very pleased to say that I have essentially stayed within that budget on each of the pictured stylings.  I got good use of the items this season, so I feel I have got my "money's worth".

All of the fashion magazines are on the shelves of the stores now; I am pleased to say that I already have all of my purchases made.  Spring/Summer is over for my wardrobe selections..I do have to admit I have already been wearing some of the fashionable trends for fall; that is also another reason I begin the "curating" process a bit early..

Happy styling, everyone;  I will probably post some of my personal runway inspirations next month, time permitting.  Keeping the blog really DOES help me stay more organized.

Mature Fashion: Look # 6: The Steampunk Circus

I classify my fashion personality as a moderate classic with overtones of artistic sophistication with a touch of whimsy !! (how is that for a mouthful!!) Seriously, I have developed my own personal style and am comfortable with it.   I do feel great every time I style an outfit that I know is uniquely mine and presents the vibe that I want for myself and to present to the world.  I accomplish what the great Beau Brummel (first great arbiter of fashion?)  Consequently, I usually find at least one fashion trend that I can blend that seriously allows me to have a bit of "fun" and freshness to my wardrobe; this F/W 2016, I call the trend "the steampunk circus". (Back in February I posted how delighted I was with the fantasy feel of many of the runway shows, and am pleased to see some of those same themes carried through the couture shows.)

Although I am usually NOT a devotee of Victor and Rolf fashion style, I found their runway this season ideal as an example of using a styled fashion as inspiration for my own closet.  Look #31 of the 40 models (Vogue.com F/W couture 2016) is what I used for the following "costumes".  I also think it is a perfect example for stepping a bit out of one's comfort zone to continually advance and refine my personal fashion style.

Once again, I already have everything in my closet to create the look right under the Viktor & Rolf model, but "would I have THOUGHT of combining the clothing in this manner without seeing the styling of Victor & Rolf?"-I think not, and that is the whole point of fashion "inspiration" and freshness in combining the same articles of clothing season after season.

In fact, I will make two further modifications to the styling before I wear it this fall.  I will layer a thin white turtleneck t-shirt under the ruffled collar (it was just TOO hot even with air conditioning to put another layer under the Brooks Brother ruffled shirt and the Urban Knit v-neck cashmere sweater for this picture).  I will also dangle a fob watch and Fossil Key (from one of my original keyed handbags-now collector items) from the waistband and ending at my hip just below the hem of the shirt.  I expect this will add to both the steampunk and men's wear vibe.  It will also provide the "feel" of all the dangles from the waistline without the bulk and "over the top" styling for a woman of my age.

I also chose these (I originally styled the outfit with jeans but they were too blah-( what you think?)), patterned pants to give the same feel in a more subdued manner than the Viktor & Rolf model.

I will wear only a discreet pair of over/under dangly earrings and my ring.  I feel the bows, dangles, patterns, etc. are enough embellishment for me. (I admit, if I were in my 30's, or even 40's, I would consider the jeans and a bit of embellishment such as that shown above.  

The height of this hat does not make the outfit look too "costumey", but provides the same effect with the blue, yellow, and red patterned Elaine gold scarf worn in my finished example; the pants are Chaps Denim and the men's buckled oxford are by Tahari (a steal at DSW for about $10.00 last year-already worn at least a dozen times-, and, oh, so comfortable!)

I might "trade up" the hat for a higher crown should I find just the right one at a low price.  I would be content with this one if I do not find it-my hat will be good forever.  A higher crowned "steampunk" version would certainly be just the right touch, but trendy; I would not pay more than $5.00 for a replacement.

I have not decided which handbag I will use, but I have plenty of time to do so before the weather is cool enough for wearing it.  In any event, I am pleased to add this bit of whimsy to my personal style for this fall's wardrobe.

This look is likely to be the last I will adopt for the season.  I posted back in February that there were actually over 40 "trends"; no way do I wish to incorporate more than these six. Besides, in most of the "looks", I will be incorporating more than one trend (not too many, usually no more than two), i.e., men's wear and ruffles with steampunk, painted boots with patterned and textured hosiery, colored fur with leather, etc.

Mature Fashion: Look # 5, Painted Leather

 Leather is still trending for F/W 2016; as usual with a bit of a twist.

My Fossil bucket bag I bought about six years ago is going to fit right in with the off-white/cream, pearl gray, and camel colors that are part of the fall and winter 2016 palette.

Decorated leather boots are a fun item to add to the almost Fantasy Land looks for the season.  The patterns are appliqued, painted, or stamped with whimsical or graphic patterns.  The Fossil will remain in my permanent accessories collection but the boots will soon be dated.  Using the current designs as inspiration, I painted (not completed yet!!) an old pair of boots and a black leather purse (purchased at a thrift shop for under $10.00) that I am also in the process of painting in coordinating colors. These items alone will give an up to date look to my fall wardrobe.  I cannot wait to wear them!  I also have two Ed Hardy painted leather belts that I expect to wear a lot..

For additional examples of items shown of this seasoan trned, view Vogue.com , Fendi  #23, Armani #44, Rebecca Taylor, numbers  #2. #3, and #6

Mature Fashion: F/W 2016 Look # 4 Animal Prints

Animal prints are still going strong for F/W 2016.  To the far left is the royal blue at home ensemble I wore quite a bit in FW 2015.  This was one of my favorite outfits and  I will continue to wear it well into FW 2016.   I will change the hat to the Black reversible leopard shown below and exchange the moto boots for the black Munro ankle boots I invested in FW 2014. (They look somewhat brown in this picture but they are really black). 

This is a good example of a simple change in accessories freshening a look.  It is also a prime example of why I keep a rather large selection of accessories. 

The cap is totally reversible and can be all black or all leopard should I choose to wear it that way.  I do have leopard boots also, and as you can see, a leopard handbag.  My personal styling preferences would prevent me from wearing any more than two items in my ensemble with this print, but I might opt to wear the leopard vest and boots and a solid black handbag and cap.  I also have leopard bracelets and earrings, all tucked away for the appropriate ensemble.

I swear by Munro shoes;  they are the most comfortable footwear. They are the absolute perfect heel; high enough to add sophistication and length  to my somewhat short legs, and low enough to wear all day.  I have several pair of Munro shoes, and I love them all.

I mentioned earlier that animal prints are continuing the trend through out the fall and winter. I have also seen a few looks in Resort wear 2017.

I do not have much in the way of colored animal prints (1 pair of red snakeskin narrow legged pants) but I do have a lot of the neutrals.  I do enjoy the animal prints and treat them as a classic; they always return to style, and most of my animal prints are conservatively cut. (I do expect the rage to die down within a season or two and lay dormant until the rage again re-appears).

As you can see, I keep a few accessories in animal prints.  In addition to the pictured items, I also have the brown leopard in a silk fabric.  I also have the black and white tiger print in silk.

Of course, I have to have a leopard handbag.  It has paid for itself many times over the years.  I will probably always love it as a statement look with all black pieces; the same is true of the Kors grey snake skin handbag.  I always love it with my grey capsule pieces

My personal "looks" were inspired by the
F/W 2016 runway shows viewed on Vogue.com.:; Veronique, #27 and #28, Topshop #2, Bottega Veneta #4, Dries Van Nolen #1, #9, Emanuel Ungaro #9 and #10, Givency #3, and REbecca Minkoff #8

Once again, thank you, Vogue

Mature Fashion : F/W 2016: Look #3 Funtime Fur

 Before anyone starts in about animal furs, I want t to let you know right up front that all the fur you see to you left is artificial fur!  The manufacturing process today is so good that most of the "fur" is so luxurious it feels as good as the real thing, and actually wears a whole lot better, and does not have the care or the expense ( I remember when women had to pay a refrigeration service to keep the furs cool in summer).

Notice that I have three different fluffy fur collars; one in black, one in greyish-white,  and one in a lovely cocoa brown.  I plan of wearing them with sweaters and blazers this fall.

To the left I found a golden beige that I spiked with black, crimson, and a royal blue (doesn't show up too well in the picture),   Of special note are the colorful furs of fall dyed in wild colors that present a whimsical carnival atmosphere.

 To your left you see the reproduction white fur clutch shown on the runway this spring. I was able to create my own version for far less money .  The purse I got on sale at DSW. Including the cost of the fabric dye, I spent less than $20.00 for my own take on this fall/winter fashion.  I plan on wearing it with my white quilted parka...of course, I have not tried on these ensembles yet, but that is my plan (It is too darned hot to try these outfits on now, and you know I am behind on my styling....but, at least I can show you what I have in mind...) 

You will also see two of the combinations I wore this last winter,  They transition beautifully into 2016 fashion.  I will "tweak" the looks by exchanging the turban for a Basque army beret (larger then the French classic) and the Greek sailor cap for the classic beret.  I will also exchange the moto boots for ankle boots but the rest of the outfits will remain the same. Both these looks will continue to get a lot of wear this fall; my favorite kind of outfit; comfortable, flattering, can be worn almost anywhere (and are), practical, and economical...what more can I ask?

Mature Fashion: Look #2; Noveau Neckwear

Accessories trends for the fall seasons emphasize
many funtime neckware accessories, especially when worn with layered collars. Anything with a tassel is very trendy.  Turtlenecks are still going strong for fall as well as heavily embellished pointed or "Peter Pan" collar shapes.  One difference in the embellished collars is that they are frequently not attached to a blouse but are worn over a complimentary neckline shape and tied at the throat. 

In this picture, I am wearing two crocheted collars, one on top of the other, both layered over a crew neck lightweight sweater..

















An embroidered lace bib and drapery tiebacks worn loosely over any collar, and a bowtie attached to a corded necklace are some fun new accessories I added to my closet for FW 2016.

The unisex men's look is still going strong for F/W 2016. A selection of fun ties will be worn with the classic collared shirt.  You may recognize the green tie from my Lagerfield Lady "goth" Look #1; obviously inspired by Karl Lagerfield's embellished ties-the epitome of his elegance, and downright fun for me!














I decided to be a little crafty with some of my accessories this season.  I purchased a animal print blouse and a black satin blouse at the thrift store (each were priced under $5.00) and cut off the collars.  I purchased a roll of ribbon for the animal print (1.99 on sale), and used some on hand black satin ribbon to make my own un-attached collars.  I also wrapped the metal "slave necklace" in black grossgrain ribbon and pinned on the bow tie.  My total expense was under $15.00 as opposed to some collars I have seen for over $40.00.  I still have to apply the sew-on beads to the black collar. (cost on sale $2.99)  I am thinking about adding some beads to the orange tie, also...just thinkin'..

For inspiration  for my neckline looks, I reviewed  the fall 2016 runway shows on Vogue.com.  I give credit to Dolce & Gabana, looks 25, 56, 71, and 88; Diane Von Furstenberg look 5, Chanel look 56, and Brunello, looks 2, 4, and 7.  Thank you again, Vogue.com for the best seats in the house!!  

Mature Fashion: F/W 2016: Look #1 : Goth a la Granny

Although Spring weather has just turned the corner (well, almost), it is actually time to begin wardrobe strategy for Fall.Winter 2016.  Hopefully, all stylinistas (and fashionistas, too) have cleared the closet of any items that needed to be replaced or which no longer serve her needs, and have organized her closet (s) for the summer.

One way to begin early shopping your closet for  Fall/Winter is to consider Pre-fall ensembles that are light weight  but have elements of the coming fall/winter season incorporated. One example is choosing a color palette that will meld from summer to fall. Cream, camel, and gray are still going strong this fall and winter; so is black and white and dark wash denim.  I am choosing to wear camel with forest green and wine toned purples as well as a lot of winter white. (Here is California it is often very weather well into early November).

Back in February I mentioned the 2016 season had a bit of something for everyone (43 different "trends" identified by the show reviews!!).  Obviously, most of us do not care for all the different fashion trends, etc;  that would be diversifying a bit too much for most of us more mature folk.  For my 2016 Fall/Winter "Closet Collections", I am going to try something a little different.  I will be demonstrating examples of my favorite looks compiled from my closet and refer you to the runway photos that inspired each look.  Each of these photos are courtesy of Vogue.com runway website.  I cannot show the picture (copyright infringement, etc.) itself, but I can tell you where I got it.  These photos are still available as of this date.

One of the strongest trends for the season is the layered influence in neckwear; all types and layers. The thin turtleneck is a "must have" for those who can (or want to) wear them.  They are being worn with a variety of plain and embellished pointed collars and as layers under crewnecks. The trend toward unisex dressing is still going strong.  Biker and construction boots with flat and/or heavy soles and heels is very much in the fashion mainstream, often worn with the dark edgy look of a modern day Goth. 

My first ensemble is inspired by my all time favorite elegant Goth, Karl Lagerfield.  I loved the tie with the lovely embellishments shown in Pre-Fall 2016 Chanel, photo #88; Fall/Winter Chanel, photo #94, and Fall/Winter 2016 Fendi, photo #46.  I fortunately spied the deep green floral decorated silk tie in a thrift shop for $3.00.  I already had the St. Laurent blazer, the green riding pants, and the transparent shirt with the heavily embellished collar in my closet. In fact, I also had the black turtleneck, velvet fur edged hat, gray/green handbag (hardware, dull brass) gray/green ankle boots, and dull gold belt in my closet (I changed out the gold belt for  a Ralph Lauren dark green with gold hardware).  Once again, I styled a great new look right on trend using my existing wardrobe and a $3.00 tie!!

The extremely elegant Mr. Lagerfield always looks superb.  I also used him as inspiration for my Fall/Winter 2015 Goth collection.  I am sure to wear the black ensemble again for the upcoming season just tweaking it a bit to update the look.  I will probably wear the same thin black turtleneck under the red neck scarf; I may also ditch the whimsical gauze peace symbol scarf (but maybe not?) I will substitute the Cossack fur hat for a black fedora hat (or a black beret) and wear the black buckled men's look shoe. (I do like the Dracula look! ) This update will cost me nothing as I still have each garment in my closet-serendipity; new look, no cost!!
I am sure you see the advantages of looking at the shows held during Fashion Week.  You will not see these trends displayed in fashion magazines, etc. for many more weeks (Probably August).  I have already made most of the purchases I want to make, and for a fraction of the cost when these items appear in the boutiques and fashionable department stores. 

Obviously, I cannot show you all examples of each trend, nor am I displaying all the different trends identified for the season.(You can see a list of the major trends on my previous posts Feb 16/2016)) I also have posts on Rockmyages.blogspot.com, if you want more detail on the trends and details of Fall/Winter 2016.