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Home » Start with Art: Building a Travel Capsule Wardrobe based on The Swan No. 21 by Hilma af Klint

Start with Art: Building a Travel Capsule Wardrobe based on The Swan No. 21 by Hilma af Klint

April 1, 2020

Yes, this should be the “Six Scarves, 12 Outfits” post, but I forgot that I was working on a post for the first day of April! Frankly, I’m thrilled to see the end of March – aren’t you?

I will get that post for you tomorrow, I promise…

Our heroine had hoped to see the Hilma af Klint exhibit in Malmö, but she might not make it…

But she’s still a massive fan of the artist!

Now that she’s free to travel, she’s going to Stockholm for a long weekend to the Moderna Museet, to see some art! This is going to be her color palette for her travel capsule wardrobe:

She has decided that she’s beautiful. After spending so much time alone, it’s finally dawned on her that her body has done wonderful things for her, through her entire life. The idea that she will have low self-esteem because of some external standard of attractiveness is just absurd…

earrings – Gorjana; black linen cardigan – Halogen; scarf – Nordstrom; watch – Timex; rose gold bracelet – Kendra Scott; tee shirt – Uniqlo; suitcase – Kenneth Cole Reaction; crossbody bag – Hiva Atelier; socks – Smalls; loafers – SAS; black cotton pants – Eileen Fisher

Now that she has finally found the confidence that was really always hers to claim, she feels so happy wearing pink, and flowers, and all sorts of lovely indulgences…

Opal earrings – Chan Luu; black and pearl necklace – Effy; pink tee – Banana Republic; black floral scarf – Phoebe Grace; gold & pearl earrings – Goossens; pink tourmaline bracelet – Emma Chapman Jewels; ivory cardigan – Pendleton; evening bag – Rosantica; plaid shirt – Treasure & Bond; black sleeveless dress – Eileen Fisher; black shirt – Banana Republic; pink border scarf – The Met Store; stone cotton pants – L.L.Bean; slingback pumps – Bella Vita; gold loafers – Seychelles

When she was packing, and assembled all of her travel wardrobe in 1 place, she felt a warm delight to see the loveliness of her choices…

She knows that she will not have any trouble getting dressed each morning, no matter the weather. Whatever she’s going to do, and whatever she feels like wearing, she’s going to be happy:

When we’re able to be out and about again, I’m going to go to The Art Institute of Chicago for about a month or six weeks….

What do you miss?

love,

Janice

p.s. 2 years ago, we were in the process of building six scarf-based wardrobes; April was sweater, pants and flats month!

START WITH ART_ BUILDING A TRAVEL CAPSULE WARDROBE BASED ON THE SWAN NO. 21 BY HILMA AF KLINT

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04.01.20 37 Comments

Tags: black, pink, Six Pack, Start with Art, travel capsule wardrobe
<<Start with a Scarf: Building a Travel Capsule Wardrobe Starting with the Cloud Rainforest scarf from KlementsApril 2020 Six Scarves, Twelve Months, Twelve Outfits>>

Comments

  1. Karen says

    April 1, 2020 at 5:59 am

    I love every item, come on warmer weather!

    Reply
  2. Isha says

    April 1, 2020 at 6:00 am

    This is so pretty and feminine! I love it. I might change the stone pants for pink denim pants, or exhange the ivory items with light/silver grey. I could live with this colour scheme all summer (and perhaps even winter too). Thank you so much for brightening a cloudy day in Ireland. I miss walks on the beach.

    Reply
  3. Lena says

    April 1, 2020 at 7:55 am

    This would work well as a minimal business casual spring wardrobe. The selected pieces offer enough variety to wear a different outfit every day for at least a month before repeating. That’s real value and reason to invest in the best possible clothes that fit within your budget. I’ve saved this post for future reference.

    Reply
  4. Cathy T says

    April 1, 2020 at 9:01 am

    What a sweet capsule! Although it doesn’t fit the art, brown is be a better choice than black for me. I would join your heroine for her weekend and we could share our stories of how we finally got to this place.
    Love,
    Cathy

    Reply
  5. Shrebee says

    April 1, 2020 at 9:05 am

    Janice,
    Oh that pricey and dainty little clutch ! Make the black pieces a taupey tan and we’re set !
    The scarves that you are picking are so beautiful ! I am especially smitten with the pale pink bordered one , I can almost feel the silkiness of it on my shoulders !
    Speaking of scarves, I’ve been watching Dr. Deborah Birx’s daily variation of scarves and tying them . I look forward to seeing them as much as I look forward to hearing what she has to say !
    I like to analyze your travel posts by counting the number of each type of garment, so here I see 2 neutral bottoms, light and dark ( thank you — my preference ), 2 outer toppers, light and dark, 2 tees and 2 shirts, plus one dress . In lieu of a dress, I would use a dressier pant and top or topper.
    Last night I dreamt that I was on a trip to a tropical climate with my husband and a group of people. Bearing in mind that I don’t wear dresses in real life, in the dream I wore a tropical floral sheath dress with possibly a dark blue background and my second sheath dress was clearly a solid teal . Now I know — I dream in color ! Am I having packing and wander lust ?

    Reply
  6. Vancouver Barbara says

    April 1, 2020 at 9:16 am

    What a beautiful reminder of the Hilma af Klimt show at the Guggenheim last year. The painting you chose is divine and your wardrobe selection equally so.

    Reply
  7. Suzyn says

    April 1, 2020 at 9:34 am

    “She has decided that she’s beautiful.” What a breathtaking statement!

    Reminds me of this poem:

    The most beautiful part of your body
    is where it’s headed. & remember,
    loneliness is still time spent
    with the world.
    —Ocean Vuong

    And I love love love that pink!

    Reply
  8. Carol says

    April 1, 2020 at 9:57 am

    This is gorgeous! And is causing me to rethink my current selections. I’ve been doing a much more saturated pink, but I may keep that for winter now and do a lighter pink for spring/summer.

    I’ll meet you at the Art Institute for a week. Perhaps dinner later at the Russian Tea Time just down the street?

    Reply
    • Janice says

      April 1, 2020 at 10:30 am

      Is their remodel finished? I’ve NEVER been there – can you believe? So many things to catch up on after we’re able to be out and about!
      It’s a date!
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  9. Beth T says

    April 1, 2020 at 10:17 am

    Pink and ivory but I wear it with grey rather than black.

    So lovely to dream. I’m yearning for the hills, dales and moors of Yorkshire. Walking on the tops in brilliant sunshine with a summer breeze and the best views in England.
    (my opinion).

    Reply
    • Shrebee says

      April 1, 2020 at 9:36 pm

      Beth T,
      You just presented a marvelous mental picture — it stirs a memory from a trip down through the UK several years , starting in Edinburgh seeing the the Royal Military Tattoo, down through the Lake Country with a stop at Hadrian’s Wall, on to Wales and Caenarvon Castle ( spelling) and finally down to London and Windsor Castle over a 10 day period. My favorite part is the area you just so aptly described ! I have the mental image of stone walls and lots of tupped sheep !

      Reply
  10. Beth T says

    April 1, 2020 at 10:22 am

    I’m also living your choice of accessories – delicate jewellery, pretty shoes and dainty bags – so light and feminine after six months of wearing boots, carrying roomy bags and chunky beads.

    Reply
  11. Jewel Wey says

    April 1, 2020 at 11:42 am

    Very glad that March is over……My husband forgot my birthday on the 28th, but to be fair he has been very busy working on our house. Yesterday we had an earthquake in Idaho. What I miss? My grandkids.

    Reply
    • Janice says

      April 1, 2020 at 12:05 pm

      Oh that has to be difficult! And an earthquake too – that’s just TOO much…
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  12. Rachel says

    April 1, 2020 at 12:31 pm

    I just wanted you to know that I look forward to each post you make. You brighten my day every day in these difficult times. You create wonderful wardrobes and ideas and when it’s all over I will travel to the far corners of the earth confident that I have an appropriate wardrobe. My holiday in Tajikistan in September is in doubt but where ever I go and whenever I can be sure you have the ideal wardrobe for me, Many thankd

    Reply
  13. CeCe says

    April 1, 2020 at 1:45 pm

    Thank you so much for taking time to research all of this info and to post for us 5 days a week for now to comfort, inform, and educate us on clothing, accessories, capsules, and great heroine stories. Hopefully you know how much your efforts mean to all of us! Much ?

    Reply
  14. Barbara G. says

    April 1, 2020 at 1:46 pm

    This was to be my summer of travel. Bonaire in June,Oberammergau and Germany in July finishing with Seattle and Canada in August. Will any of it take place? I do have my travel wardrobe packing list all ready to go. Just waiting . . .

    Reply
  15. webb says

    April 1, 2020 at 2:08 pm

    Oh, JAnice! You’re singing my song in my pallet! Have already ordered the Uniglo T-shirt! Everything in it is just perfect. (Thankfully, I’ve got most of it already from several years of learning from you.)

    Stay home, stay safe, stay well!

    Reply
  16. Bee says

    April 1, 2020 at 3:31 pm

    It’s a lovely wardrobe, Janice. If it were mine, I would choose a deeper rosy pink. Thank you for including that very expensive evening purse. I do enjoy a bit of fantasy.

    I live in Florida and had hoped this month to visit the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens. Instead I find myself living out of a suitcase while caring for an elderly loved one. I miss being able to visit gardens, museums, restaurants, shopping malls…

    Reply
  17. Robyn says

    April 1, 2020 at 5:10 pm

    A new painter for me – thank you for the introduction. I do like the flowery accessories and that soft pink, which could work with lots of neutrals, I think. I’m missing a weekly walk with my hiking club, the smells and birdsong of the Tasmanian forest. (Our parks are all closed now.)

    Reply
  18. Heidi says

    April 1, 2020 at 5:40 pm

    I LOVE these travel wardrobes and stories, especially during these uncertain times. Thank you for the beautiful clothes and inspiring thoughts. We need this right now!

    Reply
  19. Carla says

    April 1, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    Janice, thank you for doing these so often. Please take care of yourself. Carla.

    Reply
  20. Andrea says

    April 1, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    Beautiful painting. Will have to look for more of her work. Soften those blacks and i could do this. Those opal earrings are divine!

    Reply
  21. Catherine Smith says

    April 2, 2020 at 9:19 am

    As always, I’m blown away by your ability to replicate art/scarves into gorgeous clothing combinations. Unfortunately, the scarves are usually beyond my budget. Today’s art is very appealing to me and after searching it out, found sites that will reproduce various sizes. Can you specify the what the coral/pink color is; Maybe relate it to something tangible. Thank you so much for posting outfits that I can wear without second guessing my choices!

    Reply
    • Janice says

      April 2, 2020 at 9:26 am

      I think light coral or pale coral is how I would describe this color. If you’re familiar with RGB (Red Green Blue) colors, this one is 246, 194, 188. I don’t know what that MEANS, but if you go to an RGB color generating site, and enter those numbers, you’ll get the color!

      And thanks for the compliments; working alone day after day is fine, except for a shortage of in-person feedback!

      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
    • Janice says

      April 2, 2020 at 9:27 am

      Look at the site convertingcolors.com for some interesting tools…
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
    • Janice says

      April 2, 2020 at 1:32 pm

      ALWAYS check used clothing stores, and resale sites online, for scarves. They are often very deeply discounted when they’re second hand, and only rarely are they truly “worn.” Many of mine were not purchased retail…
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
      • Catherine Smith says

        April 2, 2020 at 2:13 pm

        Thank you for all the sources you suggested. I’ve never hear of those (except the used clothing store of which I’ve scored some great bargains). I’ll try them and hope to come up with a color that will work; trying to coordinate the art with a chair fabric.
        I appreciate the response and stay safe. ☺️
        Catherine

  22. Louise K. says

    April 2, 2020 at 9:42 am

    I really love this black/gray/rose pallet. The pale rose really softens up the black. I’ll consider this for my next travel wardrobe, whenever that will be.

    I would so love to go to Stockholm to see art! And Viking ships!

    Reply
  23. Linda in Arkansas says

    April 2, 2020 at 9:57 am

    Beautiful wardrobe! I love “She has decided that she’s beautiful.” What great freedom! I miss going to church and most of all hugging my grandchildren! Thank you so much for helping us dream of perfect trips with perfect wardrobes!! We all need a little dreaming these days!

    Reply
    • Janice says

      April 2, 2020 at 1:31 pm

      Hugs are such a necessity, aren’t they?
      big digital hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
  24. Anne says

    April 7, 2020 at 8:22 am

    Thank you! I love this feminine black and pink color combo.
    Question: Would you consider dating your posts? If I find them on Pinterest, I am unaware if it is an old or new one, until I scroll down to the comments.

    Reply
    • Janice says

      April 7, 2020 at 9:46 am

      I’m going to figure out how to do this – maybe if I just put the date at the very top of each post, in the content, it will work?
      hugs,
      Janice

      Reply
      • Anne says

        April 7, 2020 at 9:55 pm

        Maybe put the date as part of your title in smaller print, but same color and font, last line? I love all posts, new and old. Thanks for considering.

      • nancyo says

        April 14, 2020 at 10:52 pm

        I think the date is included in each post’s url. – nancyo

  25. Rita says

    May 7, 2020 at 10:17 am

    I have been enjoying your posts for several years now. Many favorites, but this one is really lovely causing me to reply my 1st time. The painting is not my style, but the colors are perfect for my color “loves.” I noticed some light blue in the bottom ‘box’ lines as well as some greenish-yellowish in the top one which would give me lots of options. Thank you for some wonderful wardrobe suggestions. In fact, your posts and 4×4’s have revolutionized my packing. I enjoyed not having to check my bags last year when going to England for grandbaby #5’s debut. As far as what I miss, I miss shopping, the rare haircuts I get, travel to see my grands that are far away, my “independence” to do what I like, but most and primary, my church family and being in service every time the doors open. And, hugs. The hardest hit are my elderly father and autistic son who can’t understand “staying at home.” But, we are all still surviving in Texas! Blessings to all!

    Reply
    • Janice says

      May 7, 2020 at 10:42 am

      Oh hugs…. How I miss hugging people! I’m pretty profligate with my hugs, and I’m missing the love…

      I cut my own hair yesterday – THAT was interesting! But my hair has no straight edges or clear cut lines, so it turned out fine…

      Much love to all your family; I’m so fortunate that everybody in my extended tribe seems to understand what’s happening. I have a handicapped great-niece who has accepted the “lots of people are sick and you might catch it” explanation!

      hugs to everyone,
      Janice

      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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