The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Articles
    • Starting From Scratch
    • Common Wardrobe
    • Packing
    • Start With Art
    • Project 333
    • 4×4 Wardrobes
    • Weekly Timeless Wardrobes
    • Archives by Date
    • Archives by Categories & Tags
  • Support The Vivienne Files
    • Books, Clothes & more
    • Templates & Color Planners
  • Contact
Home » The Perfect Clothing/Slot Machine /Backpack

The Perfect Clothing/Slot Machine /Backpack

April 26, 2014
 

I’ve been in the live-in caretaker role for quite a while now – since we got back from Paris, I’ve only been home a handful of days…  In order to uncomplicate my life, I just put some clothes into a backpack and hopped on the train, hoping for the best. Turns out that my instincts were great – I was wearing three garments, I packed six, and there was literally NO combination that wasn’t wearable.  I felt like my clothes were a perfectly weighed slot machine upon which I couldn’t lose…

These were the clothes that I had with me: (okay, these aren’t exactly the same garments.  My cardigans are from Lands’ End, and are years old.  My denim shirt is from J. Jill and is no longer available. Everything else is Eileen Fisher…)

argyle cardigan – Apt. 9, chambray shirt – Nili Lotan, black jeans- Eileen Fisher,   black cardigan – Jaeger, tee shirt – Mint Velvet, black pants – Eileen Fisher,  sweater- Marc by Marc Jacobs, turtleneck- Majestic Filatures, skirted leggings- Eileen Fisher

 
I’m not kidding anybody here – this is a pretty monochromatic wardrobe, and nobody who saw me frequently was fooled into believe that I had traveled with steamer trunks full of clothes.  Of course, that wasn’t really the point.
 
Having this kind of versatility accomplished a lot for me:
 
  1. Whatever was clean could be worn;
  2. I didn’t have to think about it;
  3. If a garment become unwearable for some reason (torn, stained, etc.) it didn’t really matter, because everything else I owned could still be worn in the absence of any 1 piece.
It didn’t hurt that I had 3 scarves with me, and a whole mountain of jewelry… the accessories were absolutely critical to changing up my appearance and giving my poor patient a little bit of variety.
 
These were the options that I had:
 

I could have gone further with this concept – a grey cardigan, grey tee shirt, grey pants, a white shirt, blue denim jeans…
 
This isn’t a travel solution for most people, but in a pinch, it’s nice to know that you can grab the right handful of clothes and be set for a few days.
 
love,
Janice
Tweet
Pin16
Share
16 Shares

04.26.14 17 Comments

Tags: black, chambray, packing, Wardrobe Slot Machines
<<What Shoes Can I Wear with Navy Clothes?18=216, in a really big, perfect wardrobe slot machine…>>

Comments

  1. Cornelia says

    April 26, 2014 at 11:17 am

    You are pure genius, Janice. And I happen to think most people's travel,would be a whole lot less complicated if they would take your packing strategies to heart. Hope you have a restful weekend. :)

    Reply
  2. Sara says

    April 26, 2014 at 11:48 am

    Brilliant!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    April 26, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    Agree with Cornelia and Sara. You are pure genius and this simple collection is brilliant.

    Also, you say that "this is a pretty monochromatic wardrobe." Quite true, of course, but that's probably the main reason that it works so well. And, for what it's worth, I've read that Angelina Jolie always wears black when she travels. (Probably when she's not traveling as well.)

    kris

    Reply
  4. frugalscholar says

    April 26, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    I kind of disagree with your assessment on travel–one goal for me en route is to look good but quite unobtrusive. Actually, that's my goal most of the time! Is that wrong??

    Reply
  5. Virginia says

    April 26, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    A long-ago co-worker held a position where she could be sent to a client's site on less than a day's notice, for an undetermined amount of time. ALL of her clothes followed this principle (professional attire of navy suits and coordinating separates). She always had a carry on bag packed with toiletries and personal items at the ready. When the call came, she just grabbed whatever was clean and could be at the airport in minutes. She looked professional, stylish, and calm (due to the lack of panic packing).

    Wishing your patient improved health and circumstances. Bless you for stepping into the care-giving role. It is not an easy job.

    Reply
  6. Duchesse says

    April 26, 2014 at 3:24 pm

    The clothes look calm, that's important- caregiving is hard work, and emotionally draining. Hoping for good results so you can return home. How we look when caring for a loved one is pretty far down the list of requisites yet you have done so well here!

    Reply
  7. Anonymous says

    April 26, 2014 at 10:33 pm

    I'm a daily reader who looks forward to your work every day. When I realized that you were continuing to post even as you care for someone who is very sick, it's even more impressive. I second the Duchess: here's hoping for improvement for you and your loved one.

    Reply
  8. SE says

    April 26, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    I love these posts- so helpful for someone who just does not have the patience to stand in front of the closet and wonder what to wear. And it makes me realize that I really do need a few basic, key pieces. My problem is the opposite of most- I convince myself I have enough when I don't.

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    April 26, 2014 at 10:59 pm

    Janet, I am making another assumption and might get this wrong ….. but I hope the one you are caring for (shingles?) is improving. Just another thought …. but at some point, arranging for some professional care or perhaps another close friend or relative to come in for a day or two may be necessary for you to get some real rest. Caring for someone who is in pain is not for the faint of heart. I have the greatest admiration for you; bless you. Susan in WA

    Reply
  10. Sandi says

    April 26, 2014 at 6:30 pm

    I love this idea! What would you put together for a warm weather slot machine?

    Reply
  11. Madame Là-bas says

    April 27, 2014 at 6:29 am

    What a simple way to dress in a time of extra stress! I hope that your family member is recovering well and that you will soon be able to return to your home. I am finding grey and navy to be my staples during this trip. With your scarves and jewellery, I'm sure that you always look attractive and calm for your patient.

    Reply
  12. Linda says

    April 27, 2014 at 10:08 am

    Perfect for the situation. This capsule wardrobe is to clothing like mac and cheese is to food – comfort clothing!

    Reply
  13. Gail says

    April 27, 2014 at 1:43 pm

    Janice, there will be stars in your crown. Not only are you unstinting caretaker for loved ones in need, you give unceasing aid and counsel to everyone out here in cyberspace who needs to put garments on every day. Thank you for your generosity!

    Reply
  14. cheryl :) says

    April 27, 2014 at 6:41 pm

    Sending get well wishes and good thoughts. Your travel capsule looks put together yet comfy and I am all about comfy.

    Reply
  15. Bea says

    April 28, 2014 at 1:25 pm

    Don't forget to take care of yourself!

    Reply
  16. Coach Factory says

    September 25, 2014 at 1:38 am

    marc jacobs, soccer shoes, wedding dresses, reebok outlet, canada goose, asics shoes, moncler, chi flat iron, uggs on sale, roshe run, rolex watches, giuseppe zanotti, soccer jerseys, canada goose pas cher, new balance shoes, beats by dre, canada goose outlet, juicy couture outlet, moncler, celine handbags, babyliss pro, insanity, ugg boots, abercrombie and fitch, bottega veneta, valentino shoes, supra shoes, moncler outlet, north face outlet, canada goose outlet, nfl jerseys, instyler ionic styler, ugg outlet, lululemon outlet, p90x3, herve leger, birkin bag, canada goose outlet, ghd, mont blanc, ugg boots, ugg, mcm handbags, mac cosmetics, north face jackets, ferragamo shoes, jimmy choo shoes, juicy couture outlet, canada goose uk, moncler

    Reply
  17. Coach Factory says

    September 25, 2014 at 1:41 am

    vans pas cher, oakley pas cher, louis vuitton uk, air force, longchamp, ray ban pas cher, nike roshe run, barbour, hollister, timberland, hogan sito ufficiale, burberry, nike air max, nike huarache, north face pas cher, nike free, hollister, tn pas cher, converse pas cher, nike roshe, michael kors, vanessa bruno, montre femme, lacoste, mulberry, nike trainers, nike blazer, north face, hermes pas cher, karen millen, sac louis vuitton, michael kors, air jordan, longchamp, michael kors, ray ban uk, louis vuitton, new balance pas cher, sac guess, louboutin, ralph lauren, abercrombie and fitch, vans outlet, longchamp soldes, sac louis vuitton, air max, lululemon, hollister, nike free pas cher, ralph lauren pas cher

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

logo
The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

STAY UP TO DATE

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • Build a capsule wardrobe starting with a bracelet in aquamarine and amberBuild a Travel Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with a Bracelet: Forget-Me-Not Bracelets by Fierce Lynx Designs
  • Build a Warm Weather Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art Wagen in Silberner Strasse by August MackeBuild a Warm Weather Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Wagen in Silberner Strasse by August Macke
  • Japanese 24 Seasons of the Year – Shunbun – Vernal EquinoxJapanese 24 Seasons of the Year – Shunbun – Vernal Equinox
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 The Vivienne Files | All Rights Reserved - Built with ♥ by RockFort Media

THE VIVIENNE FILES IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES.