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November 26, 2021
She Has Complete Confidence…
The weekend is going to be pretty much ALL parties. Well, after almost 2 years, everybody wants to get together. They won’t all be full-on “parties” with decorations and centerpieces and such, but they will still be festive gatherings…
There once was a time when this kind of trip would fill her with dread; she would pack 2 big suitcases, and bring a huge chunk of her wardrobe with her. Even then, she never felt that she was dressed appropriately.
It weighed on her mind, on her confidence, and on her self-esteem.
Woodrose cotton turtleneck – L.L.Bean; earrings – Vintouch Italy; scarf – Talbots; iced quartz cashmere sweater – J.Crew; ponte knit skirt – Donna Karan; watch – Shinola; flats – Talbots; tote bag – Ted Baker London
But after being away from EVERYONE for so long, she’s learned a lot. Mostly, she’s learned to have confidence in her own tastes and preferences!
purple earrings – Giani Bernini; black sparkle headband – Tasha; Gemstone bracelets – Fierce Lynx Designs; cardigan – Cable Stitch; black turtleneck – L.L.Bean; black & white earrings – The Met Store; pink earrings – Tishavi; purple turtleneck – Banana Republic; black sequined top – J.Crew; black velvet pants – Eileen Fisher; Eagles scarf – Debbie Millington; black knit pants – L.L.Bean; patent flats – Aeyde; beaded evening bag – Simitri; boots – Camper
She took her time packing, and made certain that she was giving herself enough options to be able to get dressed quickly and easily for whatever the long weekend threw into her path:
From casual pants and loafers to velvet pants and a sparkly top, she is optimistic that she’s going to be happy and beautiful, no matter what odd descriptions her friends give her for the event. (“Festive business?” “Holiday home-wear?” “Seasonal sparkle?” bah…)
Mostly, she has learned that her friends really want to see HER, and not just what she’s wearing. If she shows up in jeans and a sweatshirt, she will be greeted with hugs, kisses, more hugs, and the occasional teary exclamation about how much she has been missed.
She’s very optimistic…
love,
Janice
p.s. Just four years ago, I pondered on what one might do to dress up a Common Wardrobe in ivory and shades of beige for the festive season…
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What a pretty capsule! I would even pair the Eagles scarf with the multi- colored cardigan, or at least try it out. Something tells me our heroine will wear that cardigan a lot, at home or traveling.
Extraordinary! I have both these colors in my wardrobe. Having called my son’s girlfriend to come help me weed out my closet, I started a preemptive strike yesterday. I sorted some clothes I definitely want to keep and some clothes that are definitely going out. The rest are on my (absent) son’s bed awaiting her feedback. She’s coming in a couple of weeks. Maybe I can have decisions on some of it by then, but they’ve made it through every weed thus far. And on some I’m not sure why :) Have a great day everyone!
PS I love the dancing people borders!!!
A particularly gorgeous wardrobe and a beautifully apt tale — perfectly paired with a bracelet called “Fierce Optimism”! This one is quintessential “Janice”!
I like her confident attitude!
I was all excited to buy these Eileen Fisher velvet pants — until I went on the website and saw they are ankle pants!!! Who would wear dress ankle pants — in the winter? Aaargh! The search for velvet pants with pockets continues .. . .
Dear JS try Lands End they do velvet “ankle” jeans and depending on your height they are a perfect length, for me anyway. I am 5ft 5ins tall. Or see what leg length is on website.
I too was excited about the EF velvet pants, but they were quickly dismissed when I saw they were ankle pants. Such a shame.
Dear Mary,
It really depends on how tall you are – I order regular sized ones (rather than Petite) and they’re a perfect length for me. Ankle pants can be maddening….
hugs,
Janice
I will look at Landsend. Thank you.
Love the look-back entry with the warm neutrals– my language! And thank you for NOT being the person who bombards us with Black Friday sales. You always inspire!
Thank you Janice! This is a perfect holiday wardrobe for my deep winter coloring and confidence!
Lovely lovely – more holiday inspiration please! Happy Thanksgiving!
I agree! More holiday inspirations please.
This is such an Interesting wardrobe combining warm and cool shades together. I have both these colours in my wardrobe. However, one needs a bridge piece to wear them together. The purple and pink cardigan is striking but not a design I would wear. A scarf would work or even some jewellery in the right tones. Perhaps, Sally in St Paul could come up with a multilayering necklace idea?
This wardrobe and the look back show that one can look relaxed over the festive period just by choosing clothes in luxurious materials – velvet, satin, sequins, lace, faux fur, metallic thread to add a bit of sparkle.
I love ankle pants. At 5’5″ I do not have to shorten them! Lovely coordination in the items presented. I am new to your blog and love it!
Thank you! That black sequined sweater is perfect for our company Christmas party. Festive and “appropriate”. I ordered it before I finished reading the post. About 12 years ago, one of the group brought a girlfriend that wore a top with a V-neck that dropped nearly to her waist; we still talk about it occasionally :)
I love it too… totally caught my eye as a fun but practical celebratory top… the open neck allows for great scarves and jewelry too.
I’m enjoying the pinks and purples fir the second winter. Since you introduced The Fierce Lynx. I’ve bought 3 bracelets. They make ordinary home days a bit special.
Black and ballet pink have been one of my go-to combinations for winter travel for a years. Having family in both Sweden and Ireland, I’ve spent a few Christmases in very cold weather and would recommend packing a set of silk (or other lightweight fabric like bamboo) long underwear. They make great layering pieces to keep warm and are easy to hand launder and dry quickly.