April 6, 2026
I saw one of these in England! I think – it was at a distance, and I might have been dreaming… does it count if one sees something in a dream?
I’m quite sure that our heroine has seen one of these. Although she’s not the person actually sitting out in a blind somewhere counting birds, she IS the person who takes all of those essential numbers and compiles and analyzes them. She must get out once in a while to actually LOOK at birds. I hope!
For whatever reason, she has chosen this bird as her style model, and is building her wardrobe around these simple but striking colors:
At the end of March, our heroine had 16 garments in her wardrobe. That’s not a lot – all of this would fit in a medium-sized suitcase. But because these things were carefully chosen, she has a wide range of options each morning when she gets dressed:
For April, our heroine thought that a couple of short-sleeved tee shirts would be a sensible start for her wardrobe. She’s enjoyed wearing her black dress so much that she felt that a black skirt might be equally useful and enjoyable. If white is in your wardrobe, a really nice white cardigan will get a lot of wear, though much of the year.
Sandals are essential for many of us in hot weather, and a summery – but still neutral – bag will be carried every day in the summer.
And why not some bracelets???
Black linen tee – J.Crew; brown linen tee – J.Crew; bracelets – Nordstrom; white cotton cardigan – L.L.Bean; linen skirt – J.Crew; bag – The Sak; sandals – Easy Spirit
For an overnight trip, our heroine could just pack her new pieces!
This is what our heroine’s wardrobe looks like with the addition of these four items:
So far, our heroine has been quite faithful to her wardrobe template! This doesn’t always work out so neatly…
Once our heroine is out the door to work, she doesn’t generally think about what she’s wearing much at all – unless it’s to avoid brushing against fresh paint or something dirty!
But when she’s shopping? She thinks it all through VERY thoroughly…
How do you feel about brown? Every time I see brown clothes, I’m more attracted to them. And that’s interesting, since my hair is not really brown anymore…
But my eyes will ALWAYS be brown. That counts, right?
love,
Janice
If you want to see the posts in which we started this wardrobe, they can be found here: Christmas Eve Preview, January, February, March
p.s. Ten years ago, we looked into a wardrobe based on one of my favorite paintings, which goes REALLY well with today’s heroine’s wardrobe! Black, brown, ivory, shades of deep orange…
p.p.s. I’m just going to throw this out there because I need to share it with someone; I don’t care if I NEVER heard the words viral, influencer, or obsessed AGAIN IN MY LIFE. Talk about a lack of vocabulary imagination!
Like this wardrobe? Save it to Pinterest!
Of all the wardrobes this year, this painting is the one that feels like home to me. It’s just a practical wardrobe for a variety of careers. It’s also perfect for those of us who live in a true 4 season climate. While I tend to have more clothes than I surely need, I could easily recreate this from my closet.
I have a (several seasons ago) red sundress from Talbots that would fit into here perfectly. It doesn’t have skimpy straps (as many sundresses do), but offers full coverage on top and is made from red eyelet. So, I admit I’m partial, but I’d love to see a red sundress for this heroine for summer events…garden parties, outdoor weddings, upscale BBQ’s.
Well done, Janice!
I don’t like brown clothes. Cognac accessories are fine. I have brown hair and eyes. That said, I do love that this wardrobe is so coordinated and cohesive. I agree with Ellen that a red sundress would be perfect for summer.
I can’t believe…I actually found the dress I have on Poshmark. I think I bought it new about 3 years ago. It’s a great dress!
https://poshmark.com/listing/NWT-Talbots-Red-Eyelet-Embroidered-Midi-Dress-4P-Fit-Flare-Sleeveless-Summer-69a57c5bc24a6d293e0c14b0?utm_source=gdm&utm_campaign=19897432782&campaign_id=19897432782&ad_partner=google&gskid=pla-2649167471672&gcid=789023638475&ggid=197182770864&gdid=c&g_network=g&enable_guest_buy_flow=true&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19897432782&gbraid=0AAAAADwcDC_qqw3AKoOmnRZjZNDet8Np7&gclid=Cj0KCQjws83OBhD4ARIsACblj1-TCFL4YQLY5L8RyuD84XwaVJJPZp43jqfKp7_Slfccxfwra8M9QmcaAiDHEALw_wcB
Ellen st,
It is a pretty dress. I have a different Talbots sundress in red. Mine is a scoop neck with wide straps and an eyelet hem. It’s perfect for summer. I think mine is from 7 or 8 years ago. It’s holding up nicely.
This is too limiting for me as I like lots of different accents. However, as a scheme with two neutrals and one accent plus white/ivory, it is ideal for a short trip. I would consider an alternative brown shoe/boot for the summer as the ones bought in winter look a bit clumpy in Spring, unless she is walking though woods bird-watching. I agree that a red dress and/or a matching blouse/skirt combo in summer would be ideal for summer parties.
i like a red-ish cognac brown, i’m not totally crazy about a really dark almost black brown but it probably would be a useful color.
i do love saddle and cognac shoes and bags though
It’s entirely possible you DID see a shelduck.
The common shelduck is common around the coastline of Great Britain and Ireland (where it is simply known as shelduck), where it frequents salt marshes and estuaries. It frequently nests in rabbit burrows. Sightings of this bird are rare in North America and are reported as infrequent visitors to the U.S. and Canada.
Well, I sat for hours by an estuary near the east coast, so I’m sticking with my firm belief that I indeed saw it!
love,
Janice
You asked about brown. I find brown much more flattering to my skin tone than black. Once I began locking in brown basics: casual pants, dressy trousers, tees, jackets shoes, purses, I then realized just how many beautiful accents I can pair with It’s more popular than you’d think. The associate at my local Talbots told me the brown items fly out the door. And I’ve noted that they sell fast on certain websites where we are likely to find classic clothing.
I personally think there are so many shades of brown, one could find something that would be complimentary. I dont know if camel is considered beige or brown but this suits my fair colouring and works well with darker shades of brown and navy.
Totally agree Janice, one gets tired of hearing these three words over and over again.
Hope you all had a lovely Easter.
This year, every store here has plenty of brown in all shades.
I’m still trying to find a summer skirt.
The capsule collection is gorgeous so far. It definitely needs white and cognac-colored shoes/accessories.
❤️🤍🤎🖤
I’d recently decided I need more brown in my wardrobe. I’m happy to hear good things about it!
Camille
Add “hack” to that list!!!
Happily!
love,
Janice
Please also add “fresh, current, modern and polished”, to the list.
This picture and resulting colour scheme has always been my favourite right from the first time you used it all those years ago. I cannot bear so much white though, or any light colour for that matter. I understand the need for a bit of light in a wardrobe but for my colourings I prefer to keep my colours deep and clear and do slivers of white. Maybe a white shoe, or a white racing stripe on a bag strap, white tuxedo stripe on a trouser or the peak of a white collar. I do occasionally wear a white linen shirt but that is it and it is mostly layered under a jumper or jacket. I no longer have brown hair but I do have brown eyes and I like to wear dark brown. I find it complements my eyes nicely. Love it with navy and also teamed with black. I do find I need that sliver of white I mentioned when I wear it with black though.
How about a spectator style shoe in cream and saddle brown? I have a pair in those colors that was custom-made when I was in Ecuador. They are wingtips with shoelaces and a wooden heel, bought them for contra dancing. But you could find a version in a pump, flat or even a sneaker. Would jazz up the wardrobe in a fun way.
If there’s brown, I’m in!
I laughed when I read your comment … really, is there a more cringe-worthy word than “influencer?”