Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature
July 15, 2024
So I'm going to probably take off the rest of July to wrap up loose ends.
I'm fine - I will miss you all!
much love,
Janice
p.s. At the top of this page, under the heading "Articles," there is a tab called "Archives by Date" - just in case you need a "flashback fix" while I'm busy...
... View the Post
July 12, 2024
While much of the world is getting ready for cold weather (I'm looking at you, Nordstrom!), some retailers are still introducing clothes for NOW. TODAY. Summer... (in the Northern Hemisphere)
One of you spotted this and wondered if it was a good base for a small summer wardrobe:
The three colors in the shirt are obvious for a wardrobe, and I decided to add white to the mix because... SUMMER! If you just don't do white, you can always substitute more navy, or denim, or chambray...
I started with simple navy classics, as well as a bandana, a sling bag, leather tennis shoes and a pair of earrings...
Then I looked at all of the "lake blue" things at L.L.Bean and chose a range of tops. Shorts and sandals ... View the Post
July 10, 2024
I think about the role of clothing in our lives A LOT. And I'm currently reading the best book I've read - maybe ever - about a woman and her wardrobe.
Yes, it's not cheap, but it's a big, long book, and it talks at great length about O'Keeffe's wardrobe, and the deliberate choices that she made to define her personal style. It also shows what a brilliant seamstress she was!
I particularly like that when the author talks about a photograph, or a garment, the image is either RIGHT THERE on the page, or very close, and clearly labeled. I hate having to stop and Google a painting while I'm reading...
Anyway! This book got me thinking about the things that have been essential to me this last few months - ... View the Post
July 8, 2024
Someone took a look at Saturday's post, and decided that they could easily replicate the wardrobe with an accent of pink! She's even got a scarf in mind:
Although it takes a while to find the perfect pink items, the overall idea for this wardrobe is very simple - remove all blue things - replace with pink!
Like this - same cardigan and pants, different top and accessories:
Please note - everything doesn't have to be flawlessly dye-lot matched! I try to come really close for The Vivienne Files, because all of the things appear quite close together on a small screen. It just looks better if they're a good match! But in the real world, your shoes are at the end of your legs (I assume...) and your bag is ... View the Post
July 7, 2024
Oh yes, she knew IMMEDIATELY that this was going to be hers!
She could see her color palette a mile away:
She goes to visit friends at the beach every weekend. Literally. If she visited the SAME friends, she could leave some clothing at their summer home, but she moves about and visits a variety of people...
If you're not reading Ninth Street Women, you should. One of the things that's really material to all five of their lives is the time they spend in the Hamptons. In case you think I exaggerate about everybody leaving the city to go to the shore every weekend...
Her first outfit just sort of fell into her lap...
And then - NOTHING. Any turquoise item she found either cost $500, or didn't come in ... View the Post
July 5, 2024
I like to think that every human being who's reached a certain age of responsibility has, at least once, failed to complete all of their "assigned" tasks.
Maybe it's a family thing.
Maybe it's a health thing.
Maybe it's just taking on too much, and realizing that there are limits.
Today, I've reached my limit. What should have been today's post - about a lovely new Echo scarf - will be released tomorrow...
Many of you know that my household is busy and full of caregiving, and ALL of you know that this caregiving is more important to me than anything else. As it would be for you, and as it should be for all of us.
That's why I don't lose sleep on these days when I have to postpone...
much ... View the Post
July 3, 2024
Let's drop in on our other three heroines... First up, my second-favorite wardrobe, maybe....
Ah, there was a day when I would have worn the daylights out of this wardrobe:
And the accessories... sigh...
For no good reason that she can identify, this heroine found herself (1) wanting some grey, calm, almost inconspicuous clothing, and (2) wanted to grab some of the good winter things now that it's JULY and they're starting to arrive in stores...
seriously, if there's something for which you particularly hanker for the winter, start looking soon...
L.L.Bean is where she found herself, and this is what she chose:
How can you resist a scarf that reminds you of your favorite painting?
Her new ... View the Post
July 1, 2024
And just like that, the year is half over! We're past the longest day of the year, if not the hottest... Change is the only thing upon which we can rely, but it still never ceases to surprise!
Our first heroine is being very intelligent, careful and disciplined this month...
Her painting inspiration is this:
And the very complete and coherent wardrobe with which she starts the month is this:
With these accessories:
Even though I haven't worn navy since (literally) the 80s, I could cheerfully toss all of this into a bag and travel for a long, long time...
Our heroine looks at what she has - very carefully - and realizes that she owns neither a simple navy & white tee shirt, nor a pair of ... View the Post
