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Home » A reminder…

A reminder…

love,
Janice

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04.13.17 14 Comments

<<A couple of interesting things…How to Choose Neutral Building Blocks for a Capsule Wardrobe>>

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  1. SewingLibrarian says

    April 13, 2017 at 2:29 pm

    I just finished reading her book – a very interesting memoir called I'll Drink to That.

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      April 13, 2017 at 3:09 pm

      I swiped this quote from the book, which I found very …. interesting, too. I'm not sure that I particularly like her, overall; she seems pretty callous to the life of ordinary people. But it was a fascinating glimpse into the world of a high-end department store – quite the departure from my years at Younkers in downtown Des Moines!
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
    • Duchesse says

      April 15, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      She also said she never told someone she looked good, to get a sale. She would not allow the customer to leave with something not right. How many sales persons do that? (And, she hated white jeans- said they made women look "like marshmallows".)

      Reply
    • webbygee says

      April 20, 2017 at 8:52 pm

      And I was planning to buy white pants for summer. I'll have to rethink that. I'll never get the marshmallow image out of my mind!

      Reply
  2. AndreaB says

    April 13, 2017 at 2:49 pm

    Ha! I was just thinking I should ask my husband's opinion on this vest I bought, but if I'm already doubting it when I look in the mirror, I should just return it! Thanks for the reminder.

    Reply
  3. Madame Là-bas says

    April 13, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    Those are indeed words of wisdom!

    Reply
  4. The Bride says

    April 13, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    Great advice. One of those things that sounds so simple and wise but is harder to put into practice than it seems it should be.

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      April 13, 2017 at 6:08 pm

      There are so many pressures on us when we go shopping, and when we choose our clothing and accessories – it's difficult to stay true to yourself. That's why the community of readers here at The Vivienne Files is so very precious!
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  5. Lena says

    April 13, 2017 at 10:16 pm

    I have two telltale methods for deciding whether or not to purchase something. First – does it make me spin. Silly, I know, but when I put on something that makes me very happy I find myself spinning like a little girl in a princess dress. The spin factor is always a yes purchase ( provided that's what I was shopping for in the first place!) Second – will I be disappointed or upset if I were to go back to purchase the item later only to find it is no longer available. In our house this is called "the purple doorknob. Long story short, the antique amethyst colored door knobs I fell in love with were NOT there went I finally decided they were worth the asking price. It's been 17 years and now my children are looking for the elusive purple doorknob. When something is that unique, rare or special – buy it.

    Reply
    • Anonymous says

      April 30, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      Lena,
      Awesome and awesome. Thank you for sharing this
      Sania
      xoxo

      Reply
  6. Unknown says

    April 14, 2017 at 2:19 am

    Since I am 6'1" nearly everything in my closet has been purchased via mail order/internet. I have the privacy of trying things on in my home and assessing how new items fit with my existing wardrobe. Nobody should be deprived of this luxury!

    I used to consider myself unlucky – can't shop at most stores. Now, I wait eagerly for the arrival of the UPS man (what can Brown do you you! Remember that slogan?!?!)! There are no fitting room attendants in my closet… If I need a different size, perhaps I ordered two different sizes, or perhaps I need to place yet another order….

    Ladies, give yourself the LUXURY of taking the item home to assess in light of your full wardrobe and familiar surroundings. And then, practice the DISCIPLINE to return the item if the"spin" factor is not present as Lena has aptly stated! I would love to be able to go to Nordstrom to buy pants… Or maybe I wouldn't!!!

    Reply
  7. hostess of the humble bungalow says

    April 15, 2017 at 1:58 am

    Love that Betty Halbreich quote…it makes total sense.
    I have some issues with my upper body…a rather larger balcony with some back fat make it challenging to find great tops that fit and flatter but do not look like sacks! Could you do a post on some options?
    I recently purchased a fabulous jacket with help from our daughter who has a very good eye for fit and fashion.

    Reply
  8. Duchesse says

    April 15, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    Love this! If I could count the times I stood in that dressing room, thinking, "If I just change the buttons…", or "Maybe I •can• wear a skirt this length". All those things turned out to be barely worn and donated.
    @ Unknown: Hear, hear, sister. Ever since I learned to respect the cost of my time and energy, I have calmed down about shipping fees (or wait for free ship offers).

    Reply
  9. Lana says

    April 16, 2017 at 9:28 pm

    How close do the beiges need to be to each other? Are any other neutrals easier or more difficult to blend with other pieces in that same neutral?

    Reply

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