Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature
January 8, 2014 Belovedest requested that I work with this scarf - he's always loved orange and blue/green accents!
Yes, I've included three dresses in four months - partly to show the range of colors that are possible when using this scarf as inspiration.
The rest of the year tomorrow!
love, Janice ... View the Post
January 7, 2014 Many readers asked me to work with a Picasso painting, and I happily oblige. These outfits are based on beige, just as the painting is literally on a beige background. Accents of red, orange, yellow, a touch of green, and you're set for almost anything! My guiding adjectives for this project were warm, saturated, and clear, with unexpected bursts of bright against the toasty neutral.
This is a wardrobe that could see someone through much of the summer!
love,
Janice ... View the Post
January 6, 2014 In the hottest of hot weather, your scarf may just be tied around the handles of your bag, or around your ponytail...
Don't let your scarf get wet, but wearing it on a rainy day can brighten things up... And finding a print skirt in the colors of your scarf can be tricky, but when it happens you can have a lot of fun!
Tweeds that meld together the main colors of your scarf are a particularly interesting thing to look for - you can wear your scarf from the most conservative family or professional functions to the dressiest of business outings at the holiday season.
And after a year of using your scarf as the core inspiration for outfits, you have a relatively ... View the Post
January 4, 2014 I was recently asked if it was possible to wear this scarf all year 'round. (the scarf is Hermes Les Clefs - the keys - and it's only available second-hand) This scarf is particularly versatile, because in addition to black and white, you can wear this with camel, gold, or yellow. Camel suits the cooler weather very nicely:
Brighter yellow is perfect for spring - and gold is ideal for dressy activities...
Even when it gets warm, this scarf would make a great belt!
The rest of the year will be here on Monday - have a great weekend! love, Janice ... View the Post
January 3, 2014
This painting is currently at the Art Institute of Chicago, as part of the Celia and David Hilliard Collection exhibit. I'm not sure if it's oil - I suspect it might be pastel - but it captivates me immediately...My impressions from this were of warmth, and simplicity - clear lines and powdery soft colors, with matte finishes.
“A Mysterious Hand Leads to Another Path” – Jan Toorop, blue topaz ring – Zayd Makarim, blue linen tee shirt – Isabel Marant Etoile, natural linen shorts – Comme des Garcons, denim blue sandals – Popet seafoam linen dress – Paul Smith, scarf – U-NI-TY, silver sandals – Dr. Scholl’s
“A Mysterious Hand Leads to Another Path” – Jan ... View the Post
January 2, 2014 I had a few more variations of this floating around my computer, so for those of us who continue to party through the 12 days of Christmas, here are a few more suggestions!
This first look is low-key dressy, with a hint of sparkly cardigan, some serious silver earrings, a wee silver bag and a hint of silver trimming the shoes. All the accessories come from the same general family without being too matchy matchy. The 2nd ensemble features a wonderful ornamented cardigan, so I kept the earrings small, the cross-body bag a bit lacy, and the slingbacks (low-heeled, thank you!) have that touch of white that echoes the pearls.
Silver earrings – Oscar Figueroa, dress – Acne, ... View the Post
December 31, 2013 Sometimes we're confronted with an invitation that strongly suggests that we get super dressed up. EEEEEK.... If you're sure that it's absolutely obligatory that you dress to the teeth, just brace yourself and go shopping. But if you are pretty certain that you just need to be dressy, maybe a simple dress with some well-chosen accessories might be just the ticket!
love, Janice ... View the Post
December 30, 2013
It's an absolutely unbreakable rule for cleaning out your closet - you're supposed to take EVERYTHING out of your closet, pile it somewhere like on your bed, try EVERYTHING on, and then sort things into piles for things to keep, things to donate, and things to "work on".
I can picture that chez moi:
Open bottle of wine. Take all clothes out of closet and put them on the bed. Look at stacks of clothes and feel a terrible combination of shame, panic, and sense of being completely overwhelmed by the situation. Drink wine. Try on a few of my favorite garments, and put them back in my closet. Take another drink. Throw up my hands in despair and put things back where they were...
I'm sure that ... View the Post
December 28, 2013 Pastel silk tunics can go undercover during the work day, but look gorgeous after work. Some dressy earrings, a small bag, and some dressier shoes, and you're all set!
love, Janice ... View the Post
December 27, 2013
I don't see a lot of bracelets in the world, and I think that's too bad. Bracelets elevate any outfit to something much dressier, and they're particularly effective at the dinner table. Make sure that you're choose bracelets that aren't too bangy or clinky or clanky - you want to be beautiful, but not to the point of distraction!For all of these outfits, I've shown a very simple 3/4 sleeve ("bracelet" sleeve) top, in a color matching the pants, and for day I've topped them with a cardigan that makes sort of a statement, and some simple loafers. Then after work, in addition to pulling on your bracelets, I'm suggesting some shiny shoes - always flat and comfortable though! A change of ... View the Post
December 24, 2013 Sometimes, the easiest way to prepare for an evening out is to take a moment behind closed doors, slip out of your blouse or tee shirt, and button your cardigan (not quite all the way up!) over bare skin. If your cardigan is lightweight, not at ALL scratchy, and buttons up far enough for you to be comfortable, it's a great option to consider wearing it on it's own. Add more festive footwear, and some beautiful jewelry, push up your sleeves a bit, and smile!
Even if you are a VERY casual person, sparkly shoes and a serious necklace will elevate your jeans to an evening-appropriate ensemble.
love, Janice ... View the Post
December 21, 2013
Some people just don't feel comfortable wearing bright colors, or colors that extend much beyond their chosen neutrals, and they've been despairing that there was no way for them to be sufficiently dressy for after-work activities. My suggestion - don't underestimate the effect that a metallic colored or finished top can bring to your everyday clothes!These, again, are three of the "suit-like" looks that I used a few days ago. (I am NOT doing this because I'm lazy - I'm trying to show the inherent versatility in neutral basics. Some people think I'm taking the easy way out...)
Starting with the cardigan or jacket, and the pants, a neutral pair of comfortable work shoes are all you need for ... View the Post
