I Love It Archives

Lots of Bright Summer Print – I Love It But Will I Wear It?

May 27, 2026

If you're going to indulge in florals, go big or go home! (I don't believe this, but the phrase "go big or go home" is an ongoing joke chez moi...)

I was very inclined to include the sleeveless top that matches these pieces, until I found that it's a DIFFERENT FABRIC. While I've chosen 100% linen garments, the sleeveless top is a linen blend. Would that wear the same way? Would it take on the same softness? Would it last as long?

Oh these retailers... but it's always worth looking for ALL of the matching items that might be available.

If you already have a stash of white clothes for hot weather, incorporating these garments into your wardrobe will be simple:

And if you like green, you're in luck - I ... View the Post

I Love It – But Will I Wear It? Navy Striped Blazer & Pants

May 25, 2026

I was looking for two-piece dresses - or tops and skirt that match. Two-piece dresses is such an odd term, isn't it?

And I bumped into this:

I often hear that "I don't want to buy a patterned suit" because there's a concern about being able to wear the two pieces frequently enough to make it worth the while.

I have ideas!

This is a relatively easy suit with which to work, because the print is classic; if it were floral, paisley, or a novelty print of tiny chickens, it might be more difficult...

I'm imagining a heroine with green eyes, for what it's worth. The accent color could be pink, yellow, purple, or even red. Red might be too "flag-like" for some of us...

The striped tote and multi-toned shoes ... View the Post

I Love It, But Will I Wear It? A Matching Shirt and Skirt

May 20, 2026 Yes, this shirt sort of feels like a pajama top... but tucked into the skirt, maybe with a belt...

I followed the same images that I showed on Wednesday, so a few outfits will look similar, and you may recognize some accessories too!

This is NOT done because I'm inherently bone-deep lazy (although I could make a case for that!), but because I really want everybody to grow accustomed to wearing things frequently. But better, buy less, wear the heck out of it!

First up - a white cardigan. Always so useful in warm weather. And pink pearl jewelry... big deep sigh of smittenness...

Roll the sleeves just a bit, and pile on the gold! If one was inclined to try to make it through a season or two without buying ... View the Post

Three Ideas for Two Dresses

March 18, 2026

I'm sitting here right now in a dress and a velvet jacket, with black "sneakerinas." For no good reason - I'm not going anywhere, and I'm not going to see anybody outside of my building. (which is not to say that my doormen aren't tremendously important to me!)

So I'm in a rebelliously "wear whatever you blinkin' well please" mood. And I think that almost every woman should have a fun dress..

How about something like this?

(I know, it's sleeveless. Your arms aren't perfect. YOU HAVE LIVED YOUR LIFE, AND YOUR ARMS REFLECT THIS. IT'S OKAY!)

I'm really on a rant...

First, it's easy to wear this dress with a classic cardigan and the normal accessories. This is the kind of outfit you ... View the Post

One Navy Sweater – A Dozen Ideas

November 28, 2025

I love this sweater, you can tell! Cables give a sweater a texture and richness that's appealing, and far from boring...

I was about to start working on this, with hunter green as the second major color, and gold as the jewelry and accessory metallic. But then I saw all of the comments about the red sweater, and made the changes:

Why yes, I'm still following the same overall structure from the first two sweaters...

This skirt is dressier than it looks at first glance - it's metallic! And the pendant is actually a wee magnifying glass. The Met Store has a bunch of pendants that are magnifying glasses - why don't I have one of these? Heaven knows I could use it...

Burgundy is such a lovely ... View the Post

One Heather Beige Cashmere Sweater – A Dozen Ideas

November 26, 2025 Please note, I'm NOT going to suggest gifts for you - I have no clue what your partner/child/best friend might want! And further, I'm NOT going to tell you where there are sales this weekend; assume that everybody in the world is marking things down...

If you wish to support The Vivienne Files as I refuse to play the Black Friday/Cyber Monday game, you can always click on the "Support The Vivienne Files" link at the top of each page (under the tiny clothes hanger!) and find links to retailers who will pay me a wee commission if you click and make a purchase. I won't get rich, but I am always grateful!

love, Janice

Okay!!! Many of you were interested in the possibility of adding a new sweater to your wardrobe, but ... View the Post

Want to Mix A Warm Accent into Your Cool Wardrobe? Another Look at a Camel Crewneck Sweater

October 20, 2025

One additional look at the camel sweater, for a heroine who wants to wear camel, but her entire wardrobe is cool colors...

Her favorite neutrals and navy and grey, and she wears white shirts regularly, so our color palette will look like this:

Jeans? Yes!

A great navy metallic skirt!

And OF COURSE navy cords....

If you want to introduce a warm color into a cool wardrobe (or vice versa), don't overlook the possibilities of "two-toned" jewelry. That combination of gold and silver can do wonders...

The right scarf can go a long way, too!

And the same lovely charcoal turtleneck and wool pants that we saw on Friday are perfect with our heroine's new sweater:

If, for ... View the Post