April 8, 2026
It’s a very good thing that our heroine loves all things medieval… Her favorite painting is this beauty:
Her color palette is thus:
At the end of March, our heroine has this 16-piece wardrobe. Versatile, elegant and a touch on the dressy side of life. Maybe still a touch dark…
Early in April, our heroine sat through some VERY long meetings with a group of people dedicated to the renovation of a very famous historic church near Paris. Included in the amusingly eclectic group of attendees was one woman dressed as a medieval nun, and another woman wearing a wimple…
As soon as she got out of there, she was determined to do some very 21st century shopping!
yes, there are people who dress in period costume for much of their life. I do not judge…
When our heroine saw green available, she decided to go nuts with it! And she debated the linen shirt for a hot minute; it includes red, green and white, so she was convinced. And she knows that some of her friends will be scandalized that she bares her late middle-aged arms. She’s not young, and she doesn’t even slightly try to pretend that she is:
broderie tee shirt – Boden; earrings – Karine Sultan; linen shirt – Boden; fresh green ponte knit dress – Boden; cotton cardigan – Boden; bag – Dolce Vita; sandals – Franco Sarto
Now, with the addition of her purchases on her wardrobe planning template, things are looking like they’re nearing completion! But she knows that her final wardrobe goal is 56 garments… Something’s got to give; I suspect an updated template will soon be revealed.
This wardrobe is still small enough that it could all be packed into one medium-sized suitcase. This assumes that you would wear the three heaviest/bulkiest garments while on the road/track/plane. For at least a few more days that’s a reasonable assumption:
It’s almost silly to ask if this heroine has a plan for how to wear her new clothes! She has lots of things planned; impromptu is an attitude she reserves for her very personal life…
I’m very smitten with this wardrobe, although I could see replacing green with purple! Maybe it’s just that I have a big girl crush on this heroine…
love,
Janice
If you’d like to see all of the earlier posts here on The Vivienne Files about this heroine’s current wardrobe, you can find them here: Christmas Eve Preview, January, February, March
p.s. OM MY GOODNESS!!! Ten years ago (well, plus or minus a day) we first met this heroine! What are the odds? Yes, the typo at the beginning of this p.s. is deliberate; we all need some meditation in our lives right now…
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Great collection so far, and not looking as Christmasy as thought it might look.
PS I also liked the linen shirt in the red ornate floret color.
I think Boden has pants or a skirt in that fabric too. If they’re still around in May, this heroine may be shopping there again…
love,
Janice
I have always enjoyed this heroine and referenced her various wardrobes when I needed a fix of fantasy. Her travel wardrobe from ten years ago would hold up well today. Although, I don’t think the sequined mini skirt would get much wear.
The T-shirt is pretty and if she really loves it, she can get one in white, red, or black as well.
I have a friend that dresses…differently from most of us. She thrifts antique dresses and sews clothes in brocades and lace. Even her denim work overalls have been spruced up with lace. The first time I met her, she greeted me wearing a tiara. It looked very natural on her. What would look like me playing dress up is just her on a typical day.
I am in love with this. As someone who has been mad for Boden since we before we could get it here in the US, I’m thrilled that there is so much of these beautiful clothes in this month’s installment. Thank you, thank you for including a gorgeous print too! As a 60 year old woman, I do feel self-conscious about my arms–to an extent. But, if it’s hot? I am wearing a sleeveless top. Honestly, people can get over what women of a certain age should (or shouldn’t) do.
But, Janice, I have to tell you, your backstories make my day each time. Just envisioning a woman, in Paris, at a renovation conference, dressed in full medieval nun kit made me laugh so hard, I spit my coffee out. I love the way the stories bring the clothes into a cohesive narrative.
Yes I think that I would prefer the shirt in the Ornate Floret (red and white) to fit with the minimalist tone of this wardrobe. This has too much “flower power”.
I find that most dresses are too long on me, even midi length. Shortening them provides extra material for sleeves to be made.
Next month – red?
Before I scrolled down to see the latest additions, my thought was more green! And you delivered. Really punches up this wardrobe.
Amazing, simply amazing ❣️
I love this green. My color palette is more on the cool side so I would have to adjust – it is the inspiration that counts.The style by itself is the most attractive one of all the inspirations. Clear lines, clear colors- this seems to be a very special heroine. Even the choices of 10 years ago are very beautiful and would be still great today. My compliments to your heroine and my compliments to you as well for choosing her🤩
… and I am already looking forward to the next months.
Catharina
I usually agree with Beth T on all things, but this time, I have to admit I adore that new linen shirt that was added to this capsule. It is indeed “loud,” but it speaks to me and I have no idea why because it certainly is not my “normal” style. I think I am going through a mini-style revision in 2026. Things that never appealed to me in the past are suddenly drawing my attention.
The gorgeous greens and the bold print shirt hit me where I live! I agree that the red and white version of the shirt would fit well with our heroine’s usual optic, high contrast choices, so perhaps that one will work its way into the wardrobe as well.
It will be interesting to see how the sumptuous vibe of the painting gets worked into the wardrobe as hot summer weather appears. Dresses, dresses, dresses?
Boden always sells out of their largest size so quickly (most of these are already gone) but never seem to get the message that they should expand their upper size range availability. But I suppose they save me a lot of money by not selling clothing in my size? I didn’t think that was their business model but okay… :)
I am also smitten Janice! I agree Beth T re the red/white shirt.
What a delightful read!! And I love the addition of the bold linen top. It makes her wardrobe much more interesting to me!
I love love love this.
I’m so excited about the new green pieces
and that the shirt is colorful.
LOL I really dislike that color green so it’s funny to read so many people saying they love it… thank goodness stores sell things for all tastes! I like the selection though, and can imagine a different color for the green…