Blazer – Maison Martin Margiela , Cardigan – Ralph Lauren Black Label, Silk blouse with merlot cuffs – Stella McCartney, Tee Shirt – J. Crew, Pants – Maison Martin Margiela, Skirt – A.L.C., Jeans – Levis, Scarf – Hermès
Silk blouse – Aces, Trench coat – Derek Lam, Winter coat – Vanessa Bruno, Dress – Balenciaga, Corduroy jeans – J. Brand, Skirt – Diane von Furstenberg, Sweater – Stylebop, Black wool jacket – Alexander McQueen
Dress – J. Crew, Cardigan – Crumpet, Purple tee shirt – Debenhams, Tee shirt – J. Crew, Cashmere v-neck – Ralph Lauren, Pants – John Lewis, Sweater – See by Chloe, Sleeveless blouse – Marc by Marc Jacobs
Square scarves – Hermès, Handbag – Alexander McQueen, Gold hoop earrings – Lord & Taylor, Chain necklace – Kenneth Jay Lane, Enamel bracelet – Hermès, stone necklace – Blu Bijoux, Garnet ring – Torrini Dany, Garnet stud earrings – Brian Danielle, Gold and green diamond stud earrings – Ileana Makri, Garnet drop earrings – Reena’s, Watch – Michael Kors, Tall boots – Frye, Flat sandals – Down to Earth, Gloves – Forzieri, Paisley muffler – Crumpet, Burgundy suede pumps – Rupert Sanderson, Kitten heel mary janes – All Black, Bordeau horsebit loafers – Gucci, short boot – Sam Edelman, Athletic shoes – Converse
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!
Hello, I asked elsewhere, could you do a spring colours ward robe for a size 14 curvy type of medium height?
With greetings from Europe.
I love the scarves in this wardrobe. Beautiful!
You MUST do a book…you are beyond gifted when it comes to putting capsule wardrobes together. Do it do it do it!
Wow, another stunning collection.
Mme UK
Hi!
I'm in LOVE with your blog. As a long-time lurker, this is my first comment ever! PLEASE turn this into a book! I have two ideas for wardrobes:
1. A casual "mom-on-the-go" wardrobe. Jeans-based. (Refer to Angie at "youlookfab" if you need mom on the go defined.)
2. A sports "inspired" wardrobe. I ride horses. Dressage, specifically. I love Hermes scarves because they are "horsey". I enjoy equestrian references in my clothes. However, you could do the same with golf, biking, etc.
Finally, a request. As I mentioned, I love Hermes scarves, but I find they are looking "dowdy" on me. I lived in them in the 90's and I just can't seem to make them look 2011. I live in scarves as my neck is always cold, but my beautiful Hermes scarves are gathering dust. :(
Any ideas on how to wear them is appreciated.
Thank you again for taking time to create your beautiful blog. It is now the first I check when I log in!
Can I second a request for a "spring" colour wardrobe? I'd love to build on chocolate, ivory and golden brown with gold, turquoise, maybe an almost royal blue…
WOW !! that is amazing!! great selections.. I'm going to check out some of your other posts .. visiting via Adrienne's blog… xo HHL
Ok just came from visiting Vivienne's blog .. WOW is all I can say .. what a beautiful wardrobe ensemble she has pull together for you! BTW .. your scarf gorgeous!! xo HHL
I am putting in my request for a signed copy of the book.
If you are looking for another inspiration…I love the late Caroline Bessette Kennedy's capsule wardrobe. She had a minimalist approach, and she seemed to wear nothing but black, khaki, white and denim. Those striking colors worked with her bleached blond hair (her natural color was a beautiful mousy-honey) and red lipstick.
Do you think black and tan could work on someone with fair skin but with more honey-colored hair?
Thank you, thank you. I am beyond impressed with your selections for me. I would have never considered the plum, khaki and olive shades to wear with my scarf.
I can hardly wait to start shopping again. And will use this fantastic wardrobe as my guide.
How can I ever thank you enough?
Warmly and with gratitude,
Adrienne
Tres, tres bien! I love it and Adrienne will look so belle in these combinations. Wow!! xxBliss
I just bought my first scarf (it's a coach overprint signature 27×27 in denim, you can find it here ) and I wanted to know if you'd be able to put together a wardrobe for me. Maybe with some khaki, grays, peach, white, and black? I'd really appreciate it, if you were willing to! :)
Everything you post on here is amazing!
Dear Els – you're on the list! Once you start wearing scarves you'll be hooked forever…
thanks for visiting! Vivienne
I LOVE these colours! Put me on the book list too …
I'm wondering if you might want to add specific figures to your compilations. Is there a formula you stick with – 4 bottoms, 8 tops, etc.? I suppose I could go through all the illustrations and count, but it seems to be variable from grouping to grouping.
I target 20 pieces of clothing, with 3 pieces of outerwear, and 1 scarf – and I mostly stick to that formula because it blends the original French Chic essentials with the "add-ons" that I evolved.
But as a rule of thumb, I think everybody needs enough bottoms to get through a solid week without repeating, and at least 2 tops per bottom. I always include at least 1 blazer/jacket type garment, and at least 1 cardigan, because I think these 2 items lend authority to many looks, and are very versatile.
At the end of the day, you've got to figure the arrangement out for yourself, of course. I think my general guidelines are pretty widely applicable, but your own life is your best guideline.
thanks for being here,
and for your very thoughtful comments!
Vivienne
Thank you so much for the clarification. You are doing impressive work here, thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge.
WOW, I am speechless. My favourite so far.