Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature
Sometimes we're confronted with an invitation that strongly suggests that we get super dressed up. EEEEEK....
If you're sure that it's absolutely obligatory that you dress to the teeth, just brace yourself and go shopping. But if you are pretty certain that you just need to be dressy, maybe a simple dress with some well-chosen accessories might be just the ticket! ... View the Post
It's an absolutely unbreakable rule for cleaning out your closet - you're supposed to take EVERYTHING out of your closet, pile it somewhere like on your bed, try EVERYTHING on, and then sort things into piles for things to keep, things to donate, and things to "work on".
I can picture that chez moi:
Open bottle of wine. Take all clothes out of closet and put them on the bed. Look at stacks of clothes and feel a terrible combination of shame, panic, and sense of being completely overwhelmed by the situation. Drink wine. Try on a few of my favorite garments, and put them back in my closet. Take another drink. Throw up my hands in despair and put things back where they were...
I'm sure that some of you have done this the proper way, and ... View the Post
Pastel silk tunics can go undercover during the work day, but look gorgeous after work. Some dressy earrings, a small bag, and some dressier shoes, and you're all set! ... View the Post
I don't see a lot of bracelets in the world, and I think that's too bad. Bracelets elevate any outfit to something much dressier, and they're particularly effective at the dinner table. Make sure that you're choose bracelets that aren't too bangy or clinky or clanky - you want to be beautiful, but not to the point of distraction!
For all of these outfits, I've shown a very simple 3/4 sleeve ("bracelet" sleeve) top, in a color matching the pants, and for day I've topped them with a cardigan that makes sort of a statement, and some simple loafers. Then after work, in addition to pulling on your bracelets, I'm suggesting some shiny shoes - always flat and comfortable though! A change of flat shoes is easy to carry in ... View the Post
Another one of those unexpected, but really eye-catching, uses of accessories to breathe life into dark outerwear, on dark days. ... View the Post
Every day, not just today, look for ways to inject more love into everything you do.
Every conversation.
Every interaction.
Every email.
Every glance at a stranger.
Become the person known for radiating love (and therefore peace) to the world.
I love you all, and appreciate everything you bring to the world,
Janice ... View the Post
Sometimes, the easiest way to prepare for an evening out is to take a moment behind closed doors, slip out of your blouse or tee shirt, and button your cardigan (not quite all the way up!) over bare skin. If your cardigan is lightweight, not at ALL scratchy, and buttons up far enough for you to be comfortable, it's a great option to consider wearing it on it's own. Add more festive footwear, and some beautiful jewelry, push up your sleeves a bit, and smile!
Even if you are a VERY casual person, sparkly shoes and a serious necklace will elevate your jeans to an evening-appropriate ensemble. ... View the Post
Men have worn camel and grey together since... forever? but I don't see women wearing camel very often, and very seldom with grey. It stands out in the oceans of black that I see this time of year, and looked very chic on the cold streets of Chicago! ... View the Post
Some people just don't feel comfortable wearing bright colors, or colors that extend much beyond their chosen neutrals, and they've been despairing that there was no way for them to be sufficiently dressy for after-work activities. My suggestion - don't underestimate the effect that a metallic colored or finished top can bring to your everyday clothes!
These, again, are three of the "suit-like" looks that I used a few days ago. (I am NOT doing this because I'm lazy - I'm trying to show the inherent versatility in neutral basics. Some people think I'm taking the easy way out...)
Starting with the cardigan or jacket, and the pants, a neutral pair of comfortable work shoes are all you need for day. To switch to evening, add ... View the Post
Many readers ask me about incorporating a brightly color blouse or shirt into their neutral wardrobe, particularly for evening events. So I'm using the same basic "suit" type garments that we've seen before, and bringing in bright red, emerald green, and ruby...
Note that, while it's tempting to echo the color of the accent in shoes or another accessory, it's not strictly necessary. So long as your accessories are festive, your look will be coherent and beautiful.
More tomorrow! ... View the Post
Too much stuff!!! I'm plagued by it... I want to sell these four scarves, to start... Send me an email at theviviennefiles@gmail.com and we'll talk...
What actually got me started on the selling was a recent decision I made NOT to buy the charcoal grey skirted leggings that I'd been coveting for weeks.
When I was getting dressed, just a day or two ago, I grabbed my wonderful grey wool pants from Pendleton. I've had them for quite a while, and they're wonderful, classic, high-quality, and I don't wear them nearly as often as I should...
And then I realized that I also own a pair of grey "slouch" pants from Eileen Fisher. Wonderful pants...
AND, I have a grey wool Pendleton ... View the Post
When combing through your wardrobe for something to use as the "key" piece in a day-to-night transition, remember that most of the focus will be on your face, especially if you're sitting at a dinner table. Look for the key ideas of shine, sparkle, shimmer, any kind of texture-y interest, and don't forget that sleeveless often conveys a sense of occasion...Velvet pants are among my favorite garments - I wear them all fall and winter, for regular days as well as festive moments. This mix of brown and black is a great opportunity to wear smoky quartz jewelry...
A beautiful lace blouse is comfortably businesslike under a knit blazer, but can stand alone with feminine dash after business hours...
Don't forget ... View the Post
