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Home » Start with Art: Southern Window by Louis le Brocquy

Start with Art: Southern Window by Louis le Brocquy

December 17, 2021

Not Feeling Festive…

It hasn’t been a festive year for her, and she is really struggling to get in the mood for her holiday trip…

But, assuming that she will be able to travel during the health crisis, she knows that she’s going to have to pack! Her family doesn’t do anything amazing for the holidays – she will spend a lot of days in the house with the older family members, and some time walking outdoors with younger people. Cooking, helping clean up, reminiscing…

Gold hoop earrings – Talbots; vintage pine tee – J.Crew; scarf – Saz Mifsud; cardigan – H&M; granite grey canvas pants – L.L.Bean; watch – Daniel Wellington; tote – Vince Camuto; boots – Thalia Sodi

She decides to pack mostly neutrals – grey, navy, brown, and ivory – with a couple of pieces in dark green. It will be an interesting challenge to mix things together, and will be somber enough to reflect her state of mind. This is NOT the year for Christmas tree light bulb earrings that light up, at least not for her!

Striped cashmere scarf – Nordstrom; reindeer brooch – Talbots; earrings – Chico’s; heather sand turtleneck – J.Crew; navy cashmere v-neck sweater – L.L.Bean; bracelets – Chico’s; gold link necklace – Talbots; ombre sweater – Orvis; striped top – Saint James; navy corduroy pants – L.L.Bean; Fair Isle socks – Talbots; navy print scarf – Treasure & Bond; rich coffee brown knit corduroy pants – Lands’ End; driving mocs – Minnetonka

Her wardrobe has a look of somber richness that pleases her; it reflects her feelings of seriousness, but also her feelings of abundance and good fortune:

Her family are not the kind to comment on what she wears unless it’s really outrageous. Still, she likes to be certain that she will be able to assemble outfits to her satisfaction:

At least she’s packing her reindeer brooch!

Many of us are NOT traveling for the winter holidays, but we will be merry, in our own quiet fashion…

love,

Janice

p.s. Eight years ago, I shared some of my ideas about how to wear a silk blouse to work, and then on to the after-work holiday party…

Start with Art Southern Window by Louis le Brocquy

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12.17.21 34 Comments

Tags: brown, cool weather, green, grey, navy, Start with Art
<<Weekly Timeless Wardrobe #39: A DressWeekly Timeless Wardrobe #40: A Light Neutral Cotton Turtleneck>>

Comments

  1. AK says

    December 17, 2021 at 3:29 am

    Start With Art is one of my favorite launching points.
    The striped T is wonderful.
    And, noted that Talbots has a superb collection of holiday brooches.

    Reply
    • Chris in Indy says

      December 17, 2021 at 5:34 am

      I have a small collection of vintage holiday brooches – mostly snowflakes. They make my outfit look festive regardless of the colors I’m wearing.

      Reply
      • Danielle says

        December 17, 2021 at 8:59 am

        I have quite a few rhinestone brooches inherited from my mom. Clustering two or three on my shoulder never fails to get compliments! There’s an appraiser on Antiques Roadshow (Rhinestone Rosie?) who wears outrageous jewelry with conservative clothes and looks great.

      • Janice says

        December 17, 2021 at 12:20 pm

        You have some lovely jewelry – I can vouch!
        hugs,
        Janice

  2. Lise says

    December 17, 2021 at 5:05 am

    I am loving this somber palette. Feels stable. I used to be all about brights but not so much any more.

    Reply
  3. Debra says

    December 17, 2021 at 5:19 am

    I find I’m craving a light palette this season. I’m finding it uplifting. Just received a winter white insulated coat from Land’s End although I’m not sure when I’ll wear it. It will be in the 80s yet again today. I think winter is skipping Central Texas this year.

    Reply
  4. Another Janice says

    December 17, 2021 at 5:45 am

    The wardrobe of a Woman of a Certain Age who has done some traveling and knows herself well — and may have majored in Art History. You’ve hit it out of the park, Janice.

    Reply
  5. Sandra Behler says

    December 17, 2021 at 6:40 am

    Thank you! This is my mood exactly this year. I won’t be traveling but will mine my closet for similar outfits. You are a blessing Happy Holidays to you!

    Reply
  6. lilbear says

    December 17, 2021 at 7:52 am

    ok, you just helped me crystallize my holiday wardrobe for the next couple weeks (lots of hanging out with various relatives who span a broad range of dressiness), which feels plenty festive to me without any reindeer whatsoever! some of us feel fancy in neutrals…. ?. those lookback posts on desk-to-dinner are genius!

    Reply
  7. Katherine says

    December 17, 2021 at 8:17 am

    It’s uncanny – this is exactly the palette I’m packing for Christmas with my family, and for precisely the same reasons. Nice to see it organized for me!

    Reply
  8. NATALIE K says

    December 17, 2021 at 9:03 am

    I found this to be such a interesting and exciting mix of clothing colors!! I LOVE this Travel Wardrobe!! I sooo wish you would do a large wardrobe like this!!!

    Reply
    • Sandy says

      December 18, 2021 at 4:12 am

      I agree

      Reply
  9. Lizette says

    December 17, 2021 at 9:51 am

    I’m so happy that you started with a painting that includes green in the wardrobe palette.

    Reply
  10. DMA says

    December 17, 2021 at 10:10 am

    This is the perfect winter capsule wardrobe. Add a denim skirt and a grey sweatshirt dress and this would be my go to for the winter. Thank you!

    Reply
  11. Sheila says

    December 17, 2021 at 11:19 am

    This is just lovely. I like the idea of it, and the colors. That being said, I’m just not sure I could do the dark clothing unless it was on a limited basis. My bright colors tend to cheer me up on dark rainy Seattle days, especially since we’ve been under modified safety protocols and not able to open our shades. :( Today I have on a mini-top hat with pink and red feathers, a pink reindeer, and pink and red baubles. Do I know how to cheer myself up or what? Have a great weekend everyone!

    Reply
    • Beth T says

      December 17, 2021 at 7:02 pm

      I’m intrigued to know what you mean by:
      “we’ve been under modified safety protocols and not able to open our shades”? Is this something to do with Covid or is the sun too strong? As I live in grey and gloomy Britain, where it gets dark by mid-afternoon, we are pleased to see the sun at this time of year.
      However your headgear sounds fun and will brighten up any day and bring a smile to people who you meet.

      Reply
      • Sheila says

        December 19, 2021 at 11:30 am

        Beth. Sadly, what I meant was due to threats (involving guns) against one of our students at the school we had to keep all the shades drawn so no one could see in. Yes, it’s a Middle School. The previous Friday we’d been under a full lockdown, last week it was “only” modified safety protocols. Still stressful.

  12. Linda says

    December 17, 2021 at 12:12 pm

    Emergency preparedness is on my mind. I think of it as somewhere between a weekend bag and 1-2 weeks. But how do you pack for changing seasons, but still have what you need if the time comes. I would love to see your take on adding this into my lifestyle. Possibly helpful is that my colours are based around medium denim with light sky blue, oatmeal and of course lots of basic black. And awkwardly navy lol. I truly enjoy your practical yet elegant way of looking at clothing.

    Reply
    • Janice says

      December 17, 2021 at 12:55 pm

      I think my plan is going to be to put a note on my calendar every 28th of the month (my birthday is on the 29th, but that would miss February) to double-check my emergency bag for tasty snacks that need to be updated, prescriptions that should be rotated out in favor of newer medicine, and more seasonal clothes.
      That’s the best I’ve thought of so far, but I’m really eager to know if there’s any other things to consider…
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
    • Margery says

      December 17, 2021 at 7:07 pm

      Linda if it helps I have the same few items year round in my emergency pack. Black pants, 2 white cotton T-shirt type tank tops and a thin black merino wool V neck pullover. I keep a pale cream & pale taupe striped scarf and a pair of “pearl” studs. My thinking is that I can coordinate easily with whatever pants, top and cardigan or jacket I’m wearing at the time. I wear similar tones to you.

      I use my kit as my spot for fresh spares of makeup and Rx meds. As I need a new one it comes out of the kit, and a fresh one goes in. Mascara, skin care and my thyroid meds have good turnover that way. A couple of times a year I go through and check for outdated over the counter meds.

      Reply
  13. Sally in St Paul says

    December 17, 2021 at 12:26 pm

    I have a question to throw out here to the commentariat: What do you guys think about pants lengths and heel heights? Our heroine has a pair of flat moccasins and a pair of ankle boots with a 3″ heel in her capsule. Will both pairs work with all 3 pairs of pants? When I clicked through on the links on the pants, I was surprised to see how short the models were wearing what appear to be intended as full length pants. Perhaps it’s old-fashioned…or a remnant of my personal history as a tall kid…but I think pants that are short enough for the mocs will look like high waters with the 3″ heel boots unless they are a skinny-ish cut or are clearly intended to be a cropped length. I’m also curious where you all land on pants lengths and heel heights generally.

    Reply
    • Sheila says

      December 17, 2021 at 12:51 pm

      A lot of women are wearing their hems higher than they used to. Personally, I like the longer lengths and feel a little uncomfortable with the ankle length pants. I think they “cut” the leg and make them look shorter (the legs).

      Reply
      • Janice says

        December 17, 2021 at 12:52 pm

        I still can’t fathom how someone wears a parka, mittens, a scarf, and then has bare ankles. It’s just illogical, regardless of how unflattering I personally find the look…

        That said, I never see a woman over the age of 40 with bare ankles! We are wise…

        hugs,
        Janice

      • Suzanne S says

        December 17, 2021 at 2:06 pm

        I’m 52 & the majority of my bottoms are ankle length skinny/slim pants & jeans and my ankles are almost always bare. I live in the south so I never wear a parka nor deal with mittens. The slim ankle length style looks best on my round body shape (no waist at all + my tops are 2 sizes larger than my bottoms). It’s nice that fashion seems to be going in a direction where there are styles for every body shape.

    • Janice says

      December 17, 2021 at 12:54 pm

      I have my pants hemmed to fall to the top of my heel in the back – i.e. they cover the leather “body” of the shoe in the back. When I wear loafers, they cover the back of my shoe, and my heel shows. When I wear boots, they cover the back of my boots, and the heels show. I’ve never struggled with this the way I know so many women do…
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  14. Rex says

    December 17, 2021 at 12:30 pm

    Every piece is my type of wearable. All I would change are the two navy pieces (I think the ombre is grey? If it isn’t I’d get one in grey) to a maroon/burgundy sort of red.
    I wouldn’t bother with the accessories, but that’s me.

    Reply
  15. Beth T says

    December 17, 2021 at 7:18 pm

    My family try to jolly me along at Christmas. I’ve just lost my love for it over the past 10 years as it is has become more secular, tawdry and marketed so we should all strive to achieve the “perfect Christmas”.

    However, this palette is a bit gloomy for me. I am wearing pastel colours as well as rich pinks, purple and teal. I also have several Christmas and seasonal brooches and various sparkly necklaces and bracelets. Inexpensive but they catch the light and uplift an ordinary outfit.

    After last year’s “cancelled Christmas” I’m not holding out much hope that it wont happen again as cases of this new variant are rapidly increasing and people rush to get boosters (I had mine today). So my Christmas dinner is in the freezer or will keep, just in case we can’t meet up till Easter.

    Reply
  16. Anon says

    December 17, 2021 at 8:25 pm

    Oh dear if this Debbie Downer appeared at my door as a house guest over the holidays I would pray that she leaves Boxing Day morn and takes that less than festive wardrobe with her. Maybe leave the accessories. If you don’t come to celebrate, Darling please stay home. The world is far too gloomy to inflict one’s ennui on others this season. Have a glass of champagne, a bite or two of foie gras and loosen up that corset!

    Reply
  17. michelle delloch says

    December 18, 2021 at 7:12 pm

    You know, on paper this does look a bit gloomy, but all the outfits work, and work well.
    They all look smart, and are practical for visiting relatives. No fancy dinner clothes, but perhaps these aren’t fancy people (like us)!

    Maybe the heroine has a really lovely ivory coat and hat…

    Reply
    • Sandy says

      December 19, 2021 at 6:00 am

      I agree. For a person who is soft and muted this would look lovely. On a bold and bright person it would look drab. And I like that it is a little bit cool and a little warm. Neutral. The ivory outerwear would work well. And I see a pair of elastic waist pants in case there is a big dinner.

      Reply
  18. lauramaureen says

    December 19, 2021 at 11:53 am

    Those of us with muted coloring recognize this wardrobe! I can’t do the brown in that shade—I need more grey in it—but I love the muted blue and green. I’m wearing my muted holiday cowl sweatshirt today to church, a lovely soft burgundy from LL Bean that I saw first on this blog and enjoy every year. I hope this heroine, and all of us, are surprised by more beauty than we expect this season.

    Reply
  19. anon(2) says

    December 26, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    I think those who say this is a gloomy wardrobe may not be making enough allowance for how different it looks on the page as opposed to on the person. Many years ago, when I was for various reasons at my parents’ house to support them, I asked my sister to pick up a couple of extra long-sleeve T-shirts from a supermarket on her way to visit. She kindly did so, but apologised on arrival that due to the limited colours available in my size, all she’d been able to get for the 2nd one was a light olive green. Our colourings are very different, but she was still staggered when I put it on: she said she would never have thought that colour would look good on anyone.

    Reply
  20. Anna Harris says

    December 27, 2021 at 9:37 pm

    I am intrigued by the mood implied in this colour combo, given that it’s my colour scheme for my 4 by 4 wardrobe. I don’t wear a light colour like ivory, so mine has a beige instead. I adore grey, but it only shows up as an accent. The other accent colour I include often is red – a colour that would have pepped up this dear ladies mood. I am aware that red can be bold, bright and overwhelming – which is why I only own one red dress and people accuse me of looking like Santa when I wear it. Thank goodness for all those other colours in the pallette to tone it down.

    Thank you so much for sharing these colours,… I’ve been watching your site for the longest time and needing help on this colour pallette. ?

    Much appreciated,
    Anna.

    Reply
  21. nina t says

    February 4, 2022 at 5:02 pm

    The “in transit” photo had me at a dead stop, clicking the link to that scarf before I could go any further. That one is absolute!

    Reply

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The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
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