(Photos courtesy of Jenn Martin)

Generations of Fashion

By Jenn Martin

Generations… I asked the Lord what to write about this month, and that word stuck out to me. I knew pretty quickly that I would then write about those who influenced and nurtured my love of fashion. That begins with my Grandma Caroline. That’s her, top center, in her 20’s, wearing the classic style of the time. Can you believe she used to do her own hair and she ALWAYS was dressed to the nines!   She is also pictured at the bottom right corner – she was 90 there – as we dressed for a tea, celebrating her.

Allow me to bring the subject to myself, just for a little added background. In the picture, I am holding up a dress. I was maybe 6 years old. As a young girl, I loved how I felt wearing a pretty dress. Can’t really explain why – I just knew I felt marvelous! In our home, it was just me and my older sister, Rhonda (top right corner). My sister was my first fashion inspiration. I can remember always thinking she was the prettiest gal I had ever seen. From middle school on, I always tried to emulate her style of clothing and makeup. Growing up in the 80’-90’s, my sister never fell victim to too many trends, but she had a great sense of what looked good on her and what clothing lifted her confidence. She definitely swayed me in some of my style early on. She continues to have the motto “go big or go home” when it comes to accessories.

My Auntie Gigi (she is in a few of the photos, but is shown by herself bottom row, middle) continues to be one of my fashion gurus. As far back as I can remember, she was THEE coolest. She rocked trends and had such amazing style and class before I even knew what any of that meant. She has always been a cool mix of classic and avant-garde style. She was also the first person to buy me and my sister braided headbands. The epitome of cool in the 80’s! As I got older, she picked out all my dresses for every special occasion – from Christmas (which she still does for my kids), my 8^th grade graduation (which was a super cool floral bubble dress), and my high school graduation (early 90’s pink short suit, ala Melrose Place!) and every formal I ever attended (which she did for my daughter too). My Auntie has got the eye for fashion! She manages to look smart and chic in everything from clothing purchased at TJMaxx, to her super cool outfits from Yohji Yamamoto. I can even attribute my career to her, but that is for another story…

Both my Gram and my Aunt have been a major influence on most of the women in our family. You can see in the photo, middle right, three generations of family and our different styles. That’s my daughter, shown with me, bottom left. She would never admit it, but I see so much of my style in her choice of clothing. Sure, there are differences (like her wearing sneakers, which I don’t do!) but fashion definitely is an enjoyable part of our relationship.

When shopping, I have learned so much from my Gram and Aunt. They have a classic style but are never afraid to take risks. This doesn’t mean we spend millions on our wardrobes, we were just taught how to accessorize and put our outfits together to create clean, posh looks. To be thoughtful of the pieces we purchase. And according to my Gram, if you spend a little more on your handbags and shoes and don’t buy too trendy – it will never go out of style. At 91 years old, my Gram continues to show elegance in what she puts on, from her classic haircut, her slender polished nails, down to her fashionable ballet flats. She has given me so many tidbits and advice about how to dress. Here are just a couple more-

• wake up and put on your makeup. You never know who you will see in the morning.
• when stepping out of your home – it is ALWAYS better to be overdressed than underdressed.

I feel like the Lord would give the same fashion advice. He IS a God of order and beauty after all!

Psalm 100:5 says, “For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations” (NKJV).

Growing up, we all have influences in how we live our lives, and, for me, how I learned about style. I praise God, for He has been good to me and my family. I can see His hand in all the phases of my life. Each woman in this article is a testimony to His goodness and mercy. Each of us has a personal relationship with Him. And that, along with our style, HE is exhibited in our lives; I pray His Truth surely will endure to all generations.