The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Archives for July 2011

July 2011

Wardrobe: sky, sunset and pewter

The wardrobes just keep getting harder!  The request for this wardrobe was: "I am a short, graying brunette in her early 60’s woman who lives in the South (think 4 seasons with an emphasis on hot & humid but occasional snow/ice). I think Katherine Hepburn with more colors would be my inspiration. Casual, few skirts/dressy itesm, but chic. I love the colors of the sunset and sky plus silver/pewter jewelry with black, charcoal or dark jeans as the neutral."

So I focused on the colors of the sky and the sunset...  enjoy!

Some cool, roomy linen pieces, a couple of dressier options, and always a sweater for colder weather...

A request:  someone asked me for a wardrobe based on the painting Down on His Luck ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: Ivory

This is rather the same idea as yesterday's core wardrobe, but think what happens if you have already built yesterday's eight items, and then you add on today's eight items...  The options expand exponentially.  Toss in a couple of items in a warm peach, a few things in a soft mossy green, and you're all set forever.

I have to put a note in here - I select the clothing in these wardrobes on the basis of their overall look, and the quality of the photograph.  I am under NO illusion than most of us are going to go running out and replicate these wardrobes exactly as shown.   Believe me, these looks can be adapted to pretty much any budget.

And if you're one of the true environmental heroines who patronizes thrift ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: Camel

I know that nobody can go out and buy twenty new items of clothing, so I've been trying to think of how someone would begin the process of building a curated, distilled wardrobe.  Of course, it really has to start with some serious thinking!  But once you've chosen a core color from which to work, you could certain do worse than carefully acquiring a basis of eight garments upon which to build.  This is how I see it taking shape... ... View the Post

Things Europeans own: Longchamp Sac Pliage

 Of course these aren't exactly rare in the United States, but I first was exposed to them in Europe and so I always think of that when I see someone with one of these bags.

They are particularly handy when you travel; the first thing into any suitcase of mine is my folded and snapped Pliage, which I then use to accumulate all of my purchases and receipts along the way.  Then I use the bag as my carry-on for the return trip, so everything is in one place on that rare chance that the Customs people will want to inspect my newly-acquired treasures.

And online, you can order CUSTOM Pliage bags, specifying the length of the handles, the size of the bag, the finish of the metal fittings, AND!!! the colors of the sac itself. ... View the Post

Wardrobe: soft and warm spring

Ashley in Switzerland, among many Anonymous requests, asked me for a wardrobe of warm hues.  I've been working on a general "spring" wardrobe for a while so I thought I'd share this one with you.  I hope you enjoy, and don't forget, if you have a specific wardrobe request, leave me a comment!  I'm particularly enjoying the requests based on specific paintings or scarves - maybe someone has a beautiful piece of pottery or china upon which I could design something?  It may take me a few weeks to fulfill your request, but I will definitely get to everybody! ... View the Post

Wardrobe: ORANGE!!!!

I really love you all.  Seriously.  You take time every day to read my writing, look at my work, and give me feedback and challenges.  What else could I ask from total strangers?

I particularly enjoy the wardrobe requests I get.  This one was AMAZINGLY difficult:  "I'm a gold jewellry wearer and love to wear orange which I think always goes well with black or white depending on the season. I would love your suggestions for a core wardrobe for a femme d'un certain age." 

This is my best effort - I threw some blue into the mix because I adore it with orange, black and white, and I think it keeps the whole package from going too "Halloween-y" on us.  Enjoy! ... View the Post

Wardrobe: things you will never see

I spend a LOT of time looking at clothing, shoes and accessories, and I've noticed that I have certain ABSOLUTE biases about what I will or will not include in the wardrobes I build for you.  If you particularly love any of the following items, you'll have to find them on your own!  There's no good explanation for these aversions except just my personal tastes...

platform shoes - Olive Oyl is NOT a fashion icon open-toed boots - I just don't see the logic visible logos - only if a garment is absolutely perfect in every other way would I consider including a visible brand name.  Unless you are compensated appropriately, do NOT endorse any company. Baby-doll garments.  I'm an adult, and I will assume that you are ... View the Post

I’ve got good news, and I’ve got bad news…

Good news:  I started a temp job.  It's two weeks, with a distant possibility of turning into a permanent position.  I'm not yet convinced that I want it to be permanent, so I'm just doing my very best, being my normal charming and mellow self, and the chips (chimps?) will fall where they may.  If I do all I can, and it doesn't work out, I have no regrets.

BUT...  I'm going to have to post a few of my "older" wardrobe schemes, as I'm not able to devote as much time to customizing things for you all.  I have a few custom wardrobes under my belt, as well as some of my earlier brainstorms, and of course a few of Vivienne's rants.  Those of you who have so kindly asked for wardrobes - I beg your patience ... View the Post

Vivienne Veto: Struggling Strapless

Strapless garments can be very attractive.  What is not attractive is watching you (every FIVE minutes) readjusting the balcony to be appropriately covered.  

If the garment does not fit properly, do not buy it.  Constant wardrobe readjustment is neither appealing nor elegant.

More wardrobes are on the way - I appreciate your patience.  (some of these take a while!)   And please, if you have a theme or leitmotif in mind for a wardrobe, leave a comment and let me know!  I'm particularly loving the idea of working from a scarf, a work of art, or a particular garment.  Leave a link in your comment if I'm going to need a point of reference. And thanks so much for the really cool requests I've ... View the Post

A Travel Capsule Wardrobe with two suits

I was asked for the following: I'd love to hear your thoughts on a travel wardrobe suggestion for this autumn, where a black suit and a gray suit can expand to accommodate four days working at a conference, through: educational sessions, miles of walking and schlepping stuff, and the occasional networking reception. The caveat is that I can't wear any cotton career shirts!

My thinking was to provide a couple of optional garments that could be worn if the conference turned out to be either more or less dressy than anticipated, and to include a touch of color so that during networking activities, the wearer would be a bit more memorable and stand out in the crowd. 

Travel wardrobes fascinate me - if you have one in mind, please ... View the Post

Wardrobe: Hermès Ferronnerie in burgundy

Easily the hardest wardrobe to date - I was given the scarf in the first vignette as the basis upon which to build this wardrobe.  It doesn't help knowing that the requester is VERY beautiful; it was tough picking items that were worthy of her!

And for those who have asked - I build these vignettes in Microsoft PowerPoint!  It's very flexible, and easy for me to archive all the information for the book which might be in our future! ... View the Post