The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Archives for 2011

2011 - Page 9 of 16

Paris shopping: Clif Shoes

I'm rather drawn to accessories that have a menswear flair - especially in shoes. Men's shoes are timeless in their styling, and their quality is unparalleled.  Clif leather goods are beautifully well made, and they seem to emphasize the quality and the beauty of leather.  It's hard to explain;  just go there if you get a chance and see if it makes more sense to you!

My last wardrobe addition, from our trip in March:

I adore them. ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: the bonus add-ons for Navy and Gray

Now, I'm assuming with some confidence that you've already realized that if you owned the two eight-piece wardrobes from the last 2 days, you would find that there were dozens of ways that just those 16 pieces could be combined, a la the Winter White and Camel from a couple of weeks ago.

So these four pieces are a bonus - these would bring your wardrobe up to the 20 piece "French Chic" wardrobe (minus the 3 pieces of outerwear).  The possibilities multiply geometrically when you put these four pieces in the mix!  enjoy... ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: Gray

Jacket – DKNY , Cardigan – The Row, Long-sleeved shirt – Chinti and Parker, Tee shirt – DKNY, Dress – L’Agence, Sweater – Pringle of Scotland, Pants – Michael Kors, Skirt – Lanvin  

1. Pumps – Miu Miu, Scarf – Hermès, bag – Sissi Rossi   2. Brogues – Robert Clergerie, necklace – Francoise Iberl, square stud earrings - Meadowlard   3. Pumps – Jimmy Choo, scarf – Liberty of London, flower brooch – Judith Jack   4. Flats – Giuseppe Zanotti, ring – Alexis Bittar, bracelet – Alexis Bittar  

5. Flats – Stuart Weitzman, scarf – Hermès, bag – Dolce & Gabbana   6. Flats – G by GUESS, Labradorite earrings – Monica Vinader, necklace – Citrine by the Stones   7. Slingbacks – Asos, scarf – ... View the Post

A brief rant on “replica” or “knock-off” items

One of the coolest things about having a blog on Blogger is that I have tools to see what other websites have mentioned The Vivienne Files (and boy am I grateful).

But I'm REALLY REALLY angry to see that recently, sites which sell counterfeit merchandise have been a source of traffic to this blog.

Counterfeiting is a crime.  Period.  The people who make and distribute fake fashion accessories are the same unsavory lot who make and distribute fake prescription medications, baby formula, automobile parts and airplane parts.

If you can't afford an expensive handbag, then don't carry one.  In no way is your personal style diminished because you're not wearing a bunch of visible logos - quite the contrary.  But don't ... View the Post

Sumptuous scarves – Kathy Murphy Childs

I spent last weekend in Florida, but I was thinking of you all while I was walking through a street market in the beautiful town of Celebration.  The scarves above are just a very few of the BEAUTIFUL assortment of hand-painted scarves made by the very talented Kathy.  She encompasses every color in the rainbow, and I'm sure would be willing to put together specific color combinations if you asked her nicely!  And these scarves are VERY reasonably priced - I don't remember seeing any that were more than $50 (US dollars), and many are under $30.

She can be reached at [email protected]  She's lovely, pleasant, and tremendously gifted;   if you don't feel comfortable with traditional square Hermes-style ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: Casual winter wardrobe in Black

Lest anybody assume that the eight-piece core wardrobe is only for a dressy office environment, I offer up a core wardrobe that is pretty much my standard uniform through the winter.  To this mix you can toss in an argyle cardigan, a couple of white tee shirts, and a black and white striped sweater, and that covers me (literally) for anything outside of work except the most extraordinarily dressy dinners.  Enjoy!

I'm toying with the idea of how a wardrobe would be built around one garment - a statement or investment piece.  Any requests? Just leave me a comment!  love, Vivienne ... View the Post