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 » Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with A WALL?? Pulling out all the stops, in Grey, Burgundy and Gold

Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with A WALL?? Pulling out all the stops, in Grey, Burgundy and Gold

July 11, 2015
 
Seriously. I was waiting for a friend at his gym yesterday, and I noticed that the walls in the entrance areas were painted in a mottled (maybe sponged?) pattern of shades of grey and burgundy – mostly dark – accented with metallic gold. Unexpected. Eye-catching. And it got my mind wandering…
 
 
Color scheme of grey, burgundy and grey, taken from a wall in a gym in Chicago.
 

“I view marriage as a merger of financial statements…”

 
Two weeks before graduation, he drops this little bombshell on you, and breaks your heart. He’s always made it clear that he doesn’t think your chosen work is going to be lucrative, but you didn’t realize quite how much the money mattered to him. I guess that’s a bullet dodged, but it still hurts.
 
…
 
25 years later, you get the email about the Alumni Committee meeting regarding the Endowment Funds, and you see his name. Sigh….
 
In 2 weeks, you’ve got to spend the weekend on campus with him. This might be the time to haul out every luxury item you own, and to show him just what he missed when he “called off the merger” with you.
 
Cool-weather travel outfit in grey and burgundy.

Cardigan – Thakoon, trousers – Vanessa Bruno, blouse – Glanshirt, earrings  – Argento Vivo, bracelet – YooLa, scarf – Alexander McQueen, boots – Tod’s,  tote bag – Charbonize

 
Your school colors are burgundy and gold. Most people will wear this with navy, and look ultra-preppy. Not you… You’re more subtle than that!
Four-pack in grey, burgundy, and gold accessories, for cool weather.

Hermes “Collections Imperiales” scarf, earrings – Kasturjewels, grey jeans – Mother,  knit scarf – Etro, sweater – Sea, bracelet – Annoushka, loafers – Tod’s, necklace – Vaubel,  silk top – Glanshirt, clutch bag – Milly, dress – Ralph Lauren Black Label, pumps – Prada

 
Why yes, conventional wisdom  would  have you wearing silver jewelry with grey. You say differently. After all, they asked you to serve on this committee because of your new approach to situations and problems.

 

Clothes for an autumn weekend, in grey and burgundy, with gold accessories.
 
He’s got a pot-belly, his hair is making a quick exit, and he’s kind of annoying…
 
You, on the other hand, are elegantly gorgeous.
 
Three autumn weekend outfits, in grey and burgundy, with gold accents.
 
I don’t have many revenge fantasies, but I sure as heck want to be dressed to the nines if I ever get the chance!
 
love,
Janice
Tweet
Pin55
Share
55 Shares

07.11.15 26 Comments

Tags: burgundy, cool weather, Four Pack, gold, grey, jewelry, Start with Art
<<Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Version 2, Bright Women in Front of the Hat Shop by August MackeBuilding a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Portrait of a Girl by Marie Laurencin>>

Comments

  1. KimM. says

    July 11, 2015 at 10:50 am

    Oh, Janice, you made me laugh this morning! Love your stories and this is a really pretty vignette.

    Reply
  2. suzynjgonzalez.com says

    July 11, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    I love the story as much as the clothes!

    Reply
  3. Shrebee says

    July 11, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    Great selection of clothes and —-ha-ha-ha !

    Reply
  4. Rainbowsandglories says

    July 11, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    Revenge is a dish best served cold. Funny story, wonderful look.

    Reply
  5. Rainbowsandglories says

    July 11, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    Revenge is a dish best served cold. Funny story, wonderful look.

    Reply
  6. Mary OK says

    July 11, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    Great story! Thank you for a great start to my morning!

    Reply
  7. Lorrie says

    July 11, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    Love the stories and the clothes to go alongside. Great idea to pair gold with grey.

    Reply
  8. Gail says

    July 11, 2015 at 3:04 pm

    Clearly, dressing well is the best revenge! Love this!

    Reply
  9. Anonymous says

    July 11, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    I really wondered where you were going with the first line of your novella but you came through with flying colours!! Love the collezione and yes, your heroine looked great and probably felt great too. This is a very regal colour palette.

    Reply
  10. Dragonfly says

    July 11, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    The very best part is that at the end of the weekend you realize that it really doesn't matter anyway. Looking back, your clothes were for you, not for him. You're so far beyond caring what anyone else thinks about you. Let him be him. You can be your gorgeous, glorious you!

    Reply
    • Monica Reid says

      July 11, 2015 at 4:30 pm

      Amen!

      Reply
  11. Queenofmaye says

    July 11, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    Oh yes!

    Reply
  12. Scottie says

    July 11, 2015 at 5:38 pm

    Fantasy revenge that includes fashion ROCKS!

    Reply
  13. SewingLibrarian says

    July 11, 2015 at 5:56 pm

    Like the story, love the clothes. Everything is luxurious but not "in your face." Of course, it may be wasted on a guy who knows the cost of everything but the value of nothing. I agree with Dragonfly's comment. ��

    Reply
  14. Doré Way says

    July 11, 2015 at 6:12 pm

    The best revenge is living well….and love the collection.

    Reply
  15. Jan says

    July 12, 2015 at 3:21 am

    The blouses from Glanshirt aren't available in more than a couple of sizes and only in one store. Any ideas where else to find them or anything like them. They are fabulous! Love this collection…as they say….living well is the best revenge!

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      July 12, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      I've searched for them, and they appear to have sold like hotcakes in the last few days – I can't find they anywhere! Does anyone know of a good source for a silk blouse with a simple jewel neckline in beautiful, rich colors?
      thanks!
      Janice

      Reply
  16. Amy says

    July 12, 2015 at 4:39 am

    Love the "revenge" fantasy. Lovely wardrobe as usual.

    Reply
  17. Elsabeth says

    July 12, 2015 at 8:21 am

    I used your 3×3 packing system today to prepare for a conference trip this week. I feel really prepared for the time away knowing I can mix and match anything and with the addition of two scarves and a necklace I can dress up or down as needed.

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      July 12, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      Excellent! Now you 're free to concentrate to the tough stuff!
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
    • Elsabeth says

      July 15, 2015 at 12:10 pm

      The conference was amazing and I was dressed perfectly for every situation, the best bit was bypassing the long queue waiting for baggage when I got home I just walked out the door and kept going home to my family!

      Reply
  18. Duchesse says

    July 12, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    I'd say old BF was a little underdressed in the heart department, back then. But, it is just the kind of jerky comment a male can make at that stage in his life. Yes, look great, and where there was once passion, bring compassion. He is unlikely to have had an easy sentimental life, even if he has learned some things along the way.

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      July 12, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      You always remind me that kindness is the best answer!
      thanks,
      and a big hug,
      Janice

      Reply
  19. Anna-Marie Viljoen says

    July 13, 2015 at 5:25 am

    Well done! The gold with the grey just shows him, thanks Janice!

    Reply
  20. lrlincks says

    July 15, 2015 at 9:02 pm

    Ha ha, fabulous! Yes, compassion is the answer but who said you can't look stunning at the same time??? Love it!!

    Reply
  21. Nina T says

    April 26, 2021 at 10:26 am

    This is gorgeous and I love it! I have enough luxury appearing office clothes gathering dust, because work from home…I’m about to be fabulously looking going to the market!

    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

  • First Half of Six Paintings, 12 Months - February 2023First Half of Six Paintings, 12 Months – February 2023
  • Accessories! Project 333 based on Morris GravesRain by Kay RussellAccessories! Project 333 based on Morris Graves/Rain by Kay Russell
  • wardrobe of the Week 03WOW Wardrobe Of the Week – January 22 – 28, 2023
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Dazzling Theme theme by Restored 316