The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Archives for 2014

2014

An “All-Black” Capsule Wardrobe

While I was away for the winter holidays, I received two requests from women who are required to wear "All-Black" for their work, asking about ways to accessorize their limited palette. (if you're not a rugby fan, please be aware that the All Blacks are the New Zealand national rugby team, and the current world champions. If you enjoy looking at handsome, fit young men, I encourage you to look them up!)

This is a really interesting question for me because my capsule wardrobe migrates more and more each month toward unrelieved black. Also, I know a few women here in Chicago who have this same work wardrobe requirement; a surprising number of different organizations ask their "front of house" staff to dress in this way. You'll see it in ... View the Post

It Seems Terribly Soon To Plan Spring & Summer’s French 5-Piece Wardrobe

but resort wear is now in the stores, and it might be time to starting planning this Spring/Summer's "French 5-Piece Wardrobe." Don't freak out completely, quite yet. I fully acknowledge that the weather is still winter in the Northern Hemisphere, with much of the worst of cold weather yet to come in Chicago. But excellent personal style is the purview of those who plan ahead, and who aren't stuck on the first warm day trying to find a pair of sandals. By mid-April, a lot of the excellent stuff is sold out, or only available in limited and eccentric sizes... But most of all, if you have a plan, and you start looking now, you can know EXACTLY what you're going to buy when you finally get around to shopping. The weird new styles will ... View the Post

In Praise of “Not Quite Perfect”

It comes as a surprise to nobody that I am not a spring chicken; Dwight D. Eisenhower was President of the United States when I was born... so it also won't surprise you to hear that I have a few... marks of experience and character about my person.

And frankly, it doesn't bother me a bit. I'm not going to dye my hair, nor shoot dubious chemicals into my face in order to try to look younger. After everything I've done in my life, I look pretty fabulous! (your preferences may vary - do you own thing!)

I'm coming around, more and more, to feeling that way about inanimate objects too - particularly scarves and jewelry. Small spots on silk, or tiny scratches on metal, don't bother me much - most people around me can't even SEE the flaws... ... View the Post

Looking back…

Looking Back:

2013: From Desk to Dinner Party: Take off a Cardigan, and Add Some Bracelets! 2012: Lavoisier and your luggage, or folded versus rolled 2011: When was the last time...? ... View the Post

Looking back

Looking Back:

2013: From Desk to Dinner Party: Cardigans go Solo 2012: will you be in Chicago January 5, 2013? (an invitation to a group tea; anytime you're going to be in Chicago, get in touch with me and we can have breakfast/coffee/lunch/tea together!)

    ... View the Post

I’m off…

I'm away for the week; there are a couple of posts scheduled for the upcoming week, but I won't be able to respond to comments. Have a wonderful week - I'm back soon!

love to you all, Janice

Looking Back:

2012: What to wear with a scarf: Hermes Concours d'Etriers 2011:  Michigan Avenue Style Lab: brown and blue, twice ... View the Post

Four Pack Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Green and Camel

One last look at this idea - substituting green for the burgundy with which this travel capsule wardrobe was originally presented. Other colors that would work well with camel would include rust, coral, peach, other shades of green, pretty much a whole bunch of shades of blue... lots of choices!

I think by now we've all figured out that these four garments would get you through 3 or 4 days pretty easily...

Looking back: 2013: From Desk to Dinner Party: Incorporating a Gem Tone into Neutrals 2012: Two sides of the whole "color" system question ... View the Post