The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Build a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with a Scarf: Vintage Rose by Kathkath

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!

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Comments

  2. 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.

    Reply

  10. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  14. 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.

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  15. Lovely, as usual. I think charcoal and rose would be beautiful, and less harsh with my skin tone. But inspirational, nonetheless.

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  17. 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

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  22. Not here for the scarf – not quite my style. But I love the flower accessories! And that clutch – so beautiful!
    – Kaci

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  23. 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.

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  24. 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.

    Reply

  25. 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!

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  27. 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?

    Reply

  31. 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!

    Reply

  32. 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.

    Reply

  33. 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.

    Reply

  35. 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.

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  36. 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.

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  37. 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.

    Reply

  45. 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

    Reply

  46. 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!

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  48. 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 !

    Reply

  53. 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.?

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  56. 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

    Reply

  59. 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.

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  61. Beautiful scarf and combinations! And every color suited to my wardrobe. Here's hoping… *fingers crossed*
    — Karen D

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  68. 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!

    Reply

  69. 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.

    Reply

  71. 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.)

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  73. 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

    Reply

  77. 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

    Reply

  78. 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!

    Reply

  79. 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.

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  83. 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!

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  86. 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 😉

    Reply

  91. 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

    Reply

  93. 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.

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  97. 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

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  107. 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!

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  108. 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.

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  110. 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

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  114. 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

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  119. 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

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  128. 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

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  130. 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..

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  133. 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)

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  135. What a wonderful give away – I would so love to incorporate this into my wardrobe… Thank you Janice!

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  141. 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

    Reply

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