Who wouldn’t want to win this?
Vintage Rose 90 cm silk scarf – Kathkath
One of you will win this glorious creation – just leave a comment to be entered to win! Kathkath are the NICEST people…
And I’m of COURSE going to do some wardrobing around this wondrous piece…
I wanted to think more about the idea of the “Whatever’s Clean 13” and different ways to go about creating a grouping that will simplify your life – at least when you’re getting dressed!
So I thought I’d dig WAY back into the archives of my brain, and The Vivienne Files, for the “Not So Crazy Eights” – the idea that owning eight garments in the same color might be the smartest thing you can do.
Let’s hypothesize that someone in the world is pretty committed to her black wardrobe, so the first eight aren’t terribly difficult. That said, she’s in a little bit of a pickle for the upcoming holiday season; her friends and family aren’t the strapless sequined crowd, but she should at least look a bit more festive.
And she’s hankering to include something more feminine in her life – a flowered scarf might be perfect start…
But first things first:
Quilted vest – J. Crew; zipped jacket – Uniqlo; cardigan – L.L.Bean; Tee – Lands’ End; turtleneck – Lands’ End; Midi skirt – MICHAEL Michael Kors; jeans – Madewell; cords – L.L.Bean
Simple, classic, well-made basics that give her a solid 18 outfits right away; some well-chosen accessories will make a world of difference here:
And yes, it makes perfect sense to own multiple tee shirts in neutral colors. Let’s not investigate too closely how very MANY black tee shirts are in my closet!
Now, let’s express her inclination toward the floral and the feminine with a few pieces of inexpensive jewelry. And it’s always important to make sure that you’ve got comfortable footwear in good repair, and a simple bag ready to go…
I made a point of not going over the top on these pieces of jewelry because of the tentative nature of our heroine’s foray into the floral. When she is more confident that this is a long-term style element, she can break out the big diamonds…
Brooch – The Limited; earrings – Kohl’s; necklace – 1928; Loafers – Børn; boots – Sam Edelman; bag – Street Level
Here’s where she has to make a serious commitment to test-driving an accent color. Although it’s entirely possible that she already owns a couple of these pieces, as she is drawn toward the flattering beauty of rose colors.
These pieces don’t all have to match, although once you find a skirt like this, it’s worthwhile to ensure that all of the shades of rose blend well with it. Unless you’re planning on wearing multiple accent garments together, they only need to be in the same color “family” and look good with your colored accessories, like scarves.
cardigan – J. Crew; turtleneck – J. Crew; skirt – J. Crew; oxford shirt – J. Crew Factory; tee – Lands’ End
Now, if she has these 13 pieces of clothing, and she adds some delicately floral accessories, she will be ready for almost anything that the upcoming winter holidays offer.
Is it enabling if I tell you that the pumps are on sale?
Scarf – Kathkath; earrings – Kate Spade; black cuff bracelet – Sara Bencini; Pumps – Sam Edelman; clutch – Sasha
Okay, the bracelet is sort of over the top – I could NOT resist showing it to you! But it’s the kind of piece of jewelry that can change an entire outfit…
This is her capsule for the upcoming season:
All SORTS of ways to put these pieces together:
And this is, indeed, a “Whatever’s Clean 13” of the best sort.
So remember to leave me a comment, so that you can have a chance to win the scarf from Kathkath. And if you want to treat yourself to something else from their site, you can use the code XMAS40 to get 40% (yes, FORTY PERCENT!!!) off of any 90 cm silk square on their site. The code is good until the first of December, so don’t dally…
I told you they were nice!
love,
Janice
p.s. Will “the Pouting Pensioner” please send me a note at theviviennefiles@gmail.com? You are the VERY lucky winner of the Yuh Okano Black Dahlia scarf… which is SO gorgeous… you are having a very good Friday!
I like the idea of having many different clothes (read function) in the same neutral. I think it focuses (grounds or some idea like that) the wardrobe. So I like that you have 3 different bottoms, two functionally different tops (and this could extend to singlets, shirts and short sleeved Ts) and three different toppers (vest, blazer & cardigan). There is always a place in my wardrobe for a vest. So it might be crazy 11's! We are in Spring here so some days I wear a T-shirt and if it is really hot I wear a singlet top. Pink and black are not for me so happiness to the scarf winner.
Carol S
Hi. I would love to see a black and grey capsule for my winter weekend in Chicago. Apologies if you have already done this. Margo
The scarf is lovely, and so are you for sharing it with a lucky member of your fan club!
Beautiful! So nice of you to share such a lovely scarf. I really enjoy your blog.
It is beautiful! I would love to win!
Beautiful scarf that would look so lovely in my own obsessively black wardrobe. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
wow, what a lovely scarf. Thanks for the opportunity to win and great whatever's clean wardrobe!
I don't often wear black and blush together, but I am inspired to today!
From Margie in Toronto – I love this colour combination and would love to win this scarf (and I've bookmarked the website and discount code – so thank you)!! I wear a lot of black but own 3 beautiful pink cardigans and always get compliments when wearing them. I've been looking for a scarf that picks up on the pink – and I'm looking for a few more pieces (t-shirts and I'd love a really dressy top for the holidays) so I'll be searching all the links that you so generously provide. Thank you.
You might want to check out Dress Barn as well as the links here. There's 3 locations in your town & if nobody you know shops there you'll have a one of a kind outfit for the season.
So gorgeous! 🙂
I only comment to bemoan the fact that I look hideous in pink, but I will check out their site. Thanks for the recommendation.
Soft pink can truly transform an all black wardrobe into the most feminine of looks. The fabulous roses on the scarf take it to a higher level. For those who hate pink, (I love it) they could consider the softest most subtle shade in the scarf.
Lovely, as usual. I think charcoal and rose would be beautiful, and less harsh with my skin tone. But inspirational, nonetheless.
This scarf is beautiful, and the wardrobe is lovely.
OOH. I love this scarf…and it would be a welcome addition to my wardrobe. And do I see some taupe in there, too? I'm just imagining the possibilities!
love, Patty
I love the colors. I could certainly do all black and pink.
Just beautiful!
Another stunning (and tempting!!) wardrobe.
Once agin, thanks for the chance!
Yes, I would love to have that scarf!
Not here for the scarf – not quite my style. But I love the flower accessories! And that clutch – so beautiful!
– Kaci
This scarf is stunning! And like your hypothetical woman, I have been worried about having something a little more "festive" for the holidays. Black, pink, and berries are my go-to colors, so I can definitely take inspiration from this wardrobe.
I love black and pink, as well as grey and pink – always have. And roses are my favorite flower. I would love to win this scarf! Many thanks to you, Janice, and to KathKath for their generosity.
I don't think there's anything wrong in accumulating more core pieces in a base neutral. I, too, have black tops in many materials, necklines, and sleeve lengths. Now I'm working on a similar collection for bottoms in black. Even in a base neutral, the proportions have to work or I look like a clothes rack fell on me. And a trendy shape can make all the difference when all the other pieces are timeless. Of course, some of my "newer" classics are 5 or 6 years old! I have searched far and wide for a pink and black floral scarf!
This is just lovely!!….Love pink, but it is difficult to find just the right shade, not too light or too bright.
"Not so crazy eights"? There's a concept I can get behind!
And that cuff? Opulent. Love it.
That scarf is gorgeous!
I would love to have some of these pink pieces in my wardrobe!
This is the scarf I bought the last time KathKath offered their discount on your blog!! It's a beautiful scarf, and I love seeing the wardrobe you've put with it!
Thank you so much for doing some more with black. I love reading your blog. If you featured bold colors more often I would be in real trouble. LOL I think I'll play around with this crazy eights/whatever's clean idea. I'd love to win the scarf.
Hi, Janice! This is one of my all-time favorite color combinations…I absolutely L.O.V.E. what you've done with it! Your Fourth Step accessories are absolute perfection. Please enter me for that gorgeous scarf, and have a wonderful day.
Two of my favourite colours. You always remind me how easy it can be to look lovely.
Crazy eights are wonderful. I tattooed that system to my brain when you first introduced it, and it's a guiding principle in my wardrobe now. I love any time you write about your various planning systems. I can't get enough of it. Combining Crazy Eights with Whatever's Clean 13 and Start With is so much fun.
Exquisite scarf and lovely ensembles – and amazingly like the roses outside my window in June – would be so thrilled to win this!
I would like to enter the contest too. Love the scarf and the pink..would prob wear with navy or charcoal though.
Gorgeous scarf and so nice of you to treat one of us with it! I always love your various planning systems Janice. Crazy Eights and Whatever's Clean are my faves.
You must be reading my mind. This year I added pale pink to my core of black, and I just love it! The pink softens the starkness of black. But I don't have a scarf yet! Hint Hint. As always, you inspire, challenge and delight me with your ideas.
Love the black and pink combination Everything is perfect linda m
This is a gorgeous scarf! I find I have to wear more black these days, this post is really helpful.
The roses are divine – and pink to brighten up the dreary wet day outside! I love it – thanks as always for your generosity!
please just pack it all up and ship to me immediately. I could live in this capsule for the rest of my life! Lovely … as usual.
Gorgeous, gorgeous scarf!! I think I have about 3/4 of that wardrobe up there this time. It makes me feel like I'm beginning to catch on to being "stylish"! : )
I think I could wear that scarf with a lot of my wardrobe. The roses really appeal to me.
This scarf would expand my wardrobe and I would love to be the lucky one! New commenter
And taupe and deep berry burgundy…ok, sign me up. I have that exact black wardrobe except for the vest. And various pinks. And adore roses. And…
Cheers,
River Girl
I have the black wardrobe and have been toying with the idea of the rose accent color. This gorgeous scarf convinced me that rose should be in my future!
Love, love, love this scarf! Please add my name to the hat for the drawing.
Janice,
While this is not my color scheme, I was just thinking in terms of 3 toppers instead of 2 for the "Whatever's Clean 13 " format. I am always cold and wear a topper of some type in cold weather, and I travel a lot, so the inclusion of a third topper in my travel wardrobe gives me more options, something I crave. Recently, I have considered 4 toppers, two neutral and two accent colors, with 3 bottoms, and 6 -7 tops, ( I know that makes 14 items, but I'd be wearing one ). I have done a "Not So Crazy Eights" in brown, with two accent colors plus varied brown patterns/textures for the tops. Bottoms usually weigh more than the tops, and even 3 bottoms for one week would be plenty, giving me room for one more top or an accent color topper. I am just tickled at how much more thought out my packing has become ! I still struggle with the impulse to over pack, but the other part of me gloats over making it just exactly right, thanks to you ! I also appreciate the "permission " of the accents not having to work together unless being used as a twin set or to match a color in a print . Your posts are the very best kind of addiction for me, thank you, thank you !
What a beautiful scarf! You always show the best combinations. Thanks for all the work that you do for the rest of us.
I love this scarf. It would be so nice with my beginning black wardrobe.
Mmmmm! I love this! Not sure about that much black. I think I want to adapt it for grey or navy. 🙂
This is a truly beautiful scarf. would love to own it.
Oh, I have resisted commenting on all of the prior scarf options….because as gorgeous as they all are, they just weren't exactly right….but THIS one is! Although my wardrobe is more grey than black, it is grey and pink with black accent and this scarf works perfectly with my floral jewelry. Oh, please let the Random Number Mojo work for me.?
Beautiful, glamorous scarf with a hint of mystery!
I love the idea of "Whatever's Clean 13" and this set is particularly appealing! I love the scarf!
Gorgeous scarf and what an easy wardrobe plan. I do have some of that luscious pink but would have to use charcoal rather than black. Thanks for the opportunity!
You are very generous,
Sue in Sequim
Yay, core of black! The stagehand in me rejoices. As for the pink, well, my inner ladylike side is also pleased. And oh, that cuff!
Gorgeous scarf. Love your blog and would love to win.
What a beautiful scarf! And I appreciate the core of black so much. I'm still in transition from black to grey, and it's a slow process.
I don't think I ever entered one your competitions but that scarf is so beautiful I just have to. It's so delicate, I love it.
Beautiful scarf and combinations! And every color suited to my wardrobe. Here's hoping… *fingers crossed*
— Karen D
Another beautiful scarf and wardrobe to dream about. Thanks for your generosity!
Oh, wow. What a beautiful thing – I love the combination of black and pink, so dramatic and pretty without being overly sugary.
Black and is one of my favorite combinations. Pink softens the black and makes the outfit more approachable.
I love black and pink. Black is so easy and pink cuts the harshness. Thanks for another great set
Oh my! Another beautiful black and pink scarf. Pick me! Pick me!
What a gorgeous scarf! I would love to wear it with my black. Thanks for giving all of us this fabulous oportunity.
Entering this contest, for sure! I just picked up some burgundy suede mid-calf boots, and they look fabulous with my black skinny jeans, but I need something "up top" to tie them together. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Love this scarf because tied it would show so many shades of pink and because it works well with black and gray, my basic core neutrals. I liked this selection of black items, I have every one of them! Love following your blog; it inspires me and makes life more fun and organized.
Beautiful scarf 🙂
The item below appeared in the American Bar Association's weekly email. You're having an effect:
Question of the Week
We want to hear from you
Do you have a standard 'work uniform'?
The notion of a "capsule wardrobe"–a smallish wardrobe entirely made up of pieces that can be worn together–has gained popularity in the last year or two. But some men and women see a minimalist wardrobe not as a passing trend but a success strategy.
In April, Saatchi & Saatchi art director Matilda Kahl wrote at Harper's Bazaar about why she has worn a near-identical outfit to work every day for years–even before Mashable's article last year about how successful men like director Christopher Nolan, designer Karl Lagerfeld and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg wear the same thing every day.
The Mashable article says Zuckerberg was asked at a Q&A about his gray T-shirt. He answered: "I really want to clear my life to make it so that I have to make as few decisions as possible about anything except how to best serve this community." Kahl and Nolan expressed similar sentiments: Deciding what to wear every day is a waste of energy.
So this week, we'd like to ask you: Do you have a standard 'work uniform,' (beyond wearing a suit every day if that's required)? Do you own multiple copies of the same item so it's always available if you want to wear it? Do you favor a single brand of clothing almost exclusively? Or do you only wear a certain type of shirt (like Steve Jobs' mock turtleneck)? Or only certain colors? If so, what are these items, brands, styles and colors, and why do you do it?
A wonderful scarf! Something about the combination of soft, romantic femininity and utter groundedness is captivating. (And btw, I'm delighted that you have connected with some of the Chicago sewists.)
Ooh, love this capsule!!! I was just considering a quilted vest in black or an accent….
I have just bought culottes in black and a lovely pastel pink cashmilon jumper as I cannot wear wool next to my skin, so the scarf would be oh, so very suitable with this outfit! Indeed, I'm now sold on this sort of capsule wardrobe. Pastel, or even rose, pink with black is such a classic combination.
Margaret P
beautiful! i want to win! thank you for sharing this!!
That bracelet…
I love this capsule wardrobe, the scarf ties everything together wonderfully.
That bracelet…
I love this capsule wardrobe, the scarf ties everything together wonderfully.
I have this whole core of black items, as I just purchased a quilted vest, based on an earlier post that you did. Love the vest, love pink and believe that scarf would be a fabulous addition to my black, grey and taupe wardrobe!
That bracelet is stunning. I like how the the scarf and bracelet match thematically and in colour, scale, detail–yet are each breathtaking in quite different ways. Pale pink plus charcoal with accents of silver and pearl grey is a favourite palette of mine. Unrelieved black with pink looks a bit harsh to me. I'd like this wardrobe even better if the black accessories were kept but the basic garments lightened to dark grey.
These are my colors! Love the scarf – it would go with so many of the pieces I own. Of course, I would need to buy that clutch, too …
Oh my! Yes please!
Carla.
I love it! It looks like a photograph. Hoping to be the lucky winner 🙂
I too adore this scarf. I am 56, and for the last year have been growing out my hair – its mainly white and i wear it in a medium length bob. I have fair skin, dark eyes, and my wardrobe is black and white with accents of grey, taupe, and burgundy. I only wear silver accessories. This scarf is exactly what i have been looking for! So many scarves with this pallete include gold instead of silver!
The scarf would be perfect with my gray and black wardrobe. Please include me in the giveaway.
I would love it if I could just transport all of these into my closet. My goal right now is to make that basic black wardrobe and then add accent colors later and I love rose. Add in a blue that goes well with it and that's my dream. That scarf would be a wonderful addition 😉
Fabulous! Continuing the colour scheme that I love, so thanks for more inspiration.
You've done so much for my wardrobe-even my husband has noticed! Love the scarf.
Anne M.
I want it! Must own this lovely lovely silk scarf! I am currently enjoying project 333 and would truly value this in my collection! Thanks so much xxx
Janice, I clicked 2011 (192) to look at monthly break down – got 2011 December but no break down. I did have a lovely time looking at 2011 posts. As expected they were insightful as they are now. I was trying to read your very early posts including your first. Carol S
Those colours are just so pretty!
Serendipity! Janice, your late June post of John Singer Sargent's "Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose" and it's inspiring feminine, flowing, floral wardrobe kept me on track all summer for my own navy, pink, peach and white wardrobe. Thank you! Since fall/winter has arrived, I have been searching for similar artistic inspiration for my black, pink and cream wardrobe with a likewise floral feminine feel. (I would stick with navy for my dark neutral, but for the impossibly difficult task of finding comfortable navy winter boots, hat, gloves, etc. Since my hair turned from light brown to silver 6 years ago, I've decided to embrace black, at least for winter.) Having no luck finding a painting with those colours and mood on my own, I was considering asking you and your lovely readers for recommendations on a piece of artwork or how to find it (I realize I've gone about this project backwards – starting with my colours and clothing mood before the art!). Now here you are with Kathkath offering this lovely scarf. Even should I not win it, just the beautiful picture of the scarf and your clothing choices will inspire me so I won't be "fashion sidetracked". Now also, even in the dead of winter, I can be reminded of my garden with my favourite pink Morden Blush and John Cabot climbing roses. Thank you, Janice! Nancy M.
Beautiful scarf and capsule! Lovely shades of pink.
Beautiful! Count me in! ~ CEB
The cuff! Yes, lovely scarf and very generous revision of Not So Crazy Eights plus Whatever's Clean. But that cuff is gorgeous. Since K&K's last special offer I've been wearing one of their delicious scarves every other day. Thank you for the link and negotiating the generous discounts.
Robyn in Tasmania
Pretty scarf…
What a lovely scarf! The roses look so real you can almost smell them. I love the various shades of pink. Don't add me to the drawing, but I just had to comment. –Photographer Friend
I LOVE the KathKath scarf I won last spring. It has such a luxurious feel. (again, don't add me to the drawing) This pink rose version is gorgeous!
Gorgeous! What fun it would be to win this beauty!
LOVE that scarf!
I have this scarf and it is WONDERFUL! The lovely Janice highlighted Kathkath a few months ago and I fell in love. 🙂
How lovely!
How lovely!
How beautiful–I happened on a combo of dark brown and blush, and this is the next logical step…
This is just perfect. Everything about this scarf and wardrobe. Love it.
What a beautiful scarf. The colors are stunning!!
Beautiful combinations black and pink. Love it. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway.
Exquisite scarf, thank you for the chance to win it. Happy Saturday. Debo
Black and pink is one of my favorite color combinations. Add a vintage vibe — ahhh perfection!
I would probably wear this scarf as often as possible — it's beautiful!
I've only recently stumbled upon your blog and am really enjoying it! I've found the information really helpful as I am trying to put together a wardrobe after having my last child, and nothing fits quite the same as it used to. I'd love to start with a lovely scarf – I've never worn scarfs before but can see how it they can really make an outfit. Thanks for the chance.
How gorgeous!
I posted a comment yesterday, which was comment #25, but for some reason it does not show on here now. Anyway, I have always loved pink and black, as well as pink and grey, and would love to own this beautiful scarf. Thank you, Janice and Kathkath, for this lovely chance.
~Melanie
Completely perfect!! And that scarf would slot right into my black and cream capsule wardrobe!
I want to play too. Jackie
Yet another amazing scarf. Thank you for offering it.
Black, shades of grey and denim are my neutrals. Pink, blue and shades of red are my accent colors. I would love to be put in the "lottery" for this scarf. Susan in WA
Love the scarf and wardrobe, please include me in the giveaway. And thank you for the discount code!
Absolutely LOVE this scarf. Wonderful ensembles you have created to showcase it.
Love the scarf, the color combination would be perfect with my new back to basic white hair. Please include me in the giveaway. SP Canada.
What a generous company!
Gorgeous scarf. I have been thinking about pink quite a bit lately. The scarf would be a great way to begin.
Just a note to say I love the 2 colour concept. I now feel OK with black and white…and a dash of Crimson. The scarf is beautiful but someone else shall own it. Chris. Australia
Love, love this color combination! Thank you for the opportunity!
I love it! Feminine but edgy too.
As my hair has silvered, I've been wanting to soften my wardrobe. This palette is exactly what I've been looking for.
I am working toward this wardrobe from the other direction, simplifying down to black and…burgundy and cobalt. Thank you so much for all the inspiration!
Lovely scarf, and what a lovely give-a-way gift!
I love the colors in this scarf!
Lovely scarf and capsule!!
Such a gorgeous scarf!! And I'd wear that bracelet all day, every day. ..
This beautiful scarf reminds me of fine English roses (David Austin's book on roses is a good example). Their smell is exquisite, heady and feminine. Just sums up the scarf. Love all wardrobe changes too. Love Beth x
Oh my I have all the crazy 8 itmes and pink items with one exception in each catagory. You have definitely been influencing my wardrobe choices !
I have the crazy 8 in my wardrobe already, although unplanned – this post has given me the tools to methodically put together a winter wardrobe that will leave me with absolutely no excuse in the morning (or evening). And the scarf would be the crowning glory..
The scarf is lovely — as is the capsule.
What a gorgeous scarf – thank you to both you and Kathkath for this opportunity. And I could definitely see myself in that capsule wardrobe. Brilliant! Lyn (in Vancouver)
So pretty, would love to win this scarf.
Agreeing that this is a beautiful scarf….thank you for offering it!
What a wonderful give away – I would so love to incorporate this into my wardrobe… Thank you Janice!
Such a beautiful scarf, I would love to win it as a gift for my mother. It would suit her perfectly!
Really lovely scarf. Am entering in hope, but the wardrobe is divine
I would soooo love to wear this scarf!
Stunning!!
Beauty!
Hi Janice,
I just wanted to chime in that this post to me is what is so amazing about what you do.
That you could take a post from years back (not so crazy eights’s) and recreate it to make it relevant again. It is an example of the value of timeless core classics. It is also why on any given day, one could spend hours going through any number of pages on your blog and gain new insight which I have done many times. A wardrobe is something we need and to have the knowledge to build one that works is priceless. I love the pink in the wardrobe…..it is beautiful against the black backdrop of the core! And of course the scarf itself, stunning and classic!
Thank you as always for the inspiration.
Susan
At Christmas I need some pink flowers around my neck! Lovely scarf 🙂 xxx
Love the scarf — this whole capsule screams me. Sorry I missed it, but I've pinned it to my "must buy" board.