September 6, 2016
I see this painting frequently, and am always riveted by the impact that two colors can provide:

Portrait of Pablo Picasso by Juan Gris
Class Reunion/Homecoming Weekend
Earrings – Black; dress – Eleventy; boots – Madden-Girl; cardigan – Lands’ End; scarf – Ralph Lauren; watch – Emporio Armani; nail polish – Dior in “Junon”; tote – Under One Sky
“I don’t know if she’ll make it – knowing her, she’s probably living in an ashram somewhere…”
Blouse – Peter Cohen; earrings – Ippolita; ring – Geraldine Valluet; necklace – Wild Lilies; marled sweater – M.I.h Jeans; blue sweater – Roberto Collina; pants – Fabiana Filippi; scarf – Nordstrom; skirt – Lands’ End; clutch – Edie Parker; jeans – Armani; ballet flats – Me Too; loafers – Steve Madden
“Maybe… but I think she became a writer. You know all of those murder mystery novels that just became a television series? I think she’s the author…”
“Are you sure? I thought I read on LinkedIn that she was running an art gallery in Berlin…”
Doesn’t it occur to these guys that all of these facts might have been true, at one time or another?
love,
Janice
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Holy moly! Somebody who showed up in that first ensemble would be sure to turn heads! It's so understated in color, but so artsy/daring/bohemian with those low boots (note I did not use the -ies word), that dress, that nonchalant cardigan, that scarf and those dangling earrings! The kind of person who speaks barely above a whisper and, rather than be ignored amid the noise, gets everybody else to stop talking and listen. Force of personality. Yet low-key.
And baby blue nails as the only color? Wow.
I'm going to print this out and stick it on my closet door to remind myself of how easy it can be.
Am loving your college reunion!
Gorgeous!
That is so inspiring! My suede skirt (beige) with my low boots (beige) with blue sweater and nails. Such a stylish but understated look!
That suede dress is so pretty! – nancyo
Love the first ensemble. I'm duplicating it in burgundy – already have the ankle boots, just clicked through and bought the cardigan (and a matching knit top), and will really have to save up to buy a suede shift dress. Or maybe think about sewing one? Waiting already seems like torture. As soon as the weather turns cold, this is what I want to wear.
I missed the blue nails, such a great touch. And real suede. I know it is not considered ethical by some people but it is so lovely.
Another great character from your imagination.
Deb from Vancouver
Janice,
I am loving this color combination, as well as the repetition of some of the angular features from the painting ! All in brownish tones, except for the blue as an accent — right up my alley, thank you !
I love the tight discipline of the colors. One neutral, one color, but in all these subtle shades and textures. I could never do that for a full wardrobe (I have three neutrals and two accents right now — or maybe it's two neutrals and three accents, depending on your definition) but I've tried this for trips before and it makes things very simple.
I love the two colours together. I have never worn blue with browns. Another beautiful skirt!
That suede dress!!! WOW!!!!!!!! I love it! Way out of my budget, but so pretty!! I'm going to two reunions this month! I changed high schools my senior year. (Yes, it was horrible!) 40 years……..I have not seen some of the people in that long except on Facebook! I don't think anyone will be wearing a dress, but if that suede dress wasn't so expensive I would be! LOL! Love the look of this travel wardrobe very much!
That soft blue is calling, calling, calling … I do like the way the different shapes in the painting have inspired all the different shapes and textures in the clothes. I get stuck on preferred shapes/cuts/styles; this is such a good reminder that there are other possibilities out there!
This is a very enjoyable series. As with the 1st of the month one, I'm now wondering who I will want to be when I grow up tomorrow.
Robyn in Tasmania
And just to explain, my Goo identity has morphed from Coco to Ragged Ivy. Underneath, I'm still Robyn.
I am going to have to get that Land's End boot skirt. Their picture of it on the model on their website is hideous though. It makes the poor model look chopped in half!
Is considering texture something that I should have done from the beginning? This post makes me think that I should have. Prints is one thing, but mixing fabrics to help me with my fear of color columns is something that I had not thought of until now. Time to do more research!
Brittany
Los Angeles
nice
Great idea building a colour palette by referencing a work of art. The example is inspiring
I’m revisiting this 2016 post in August, 2020. These items remain relevant and oh so beautiful. This is an inspired post, Janice, and I love it!
Thanks for letting me know! Maybe I need to revisit that work of art…
hugs,
Janice