August 20, 2013
love, Janice ... View the Post
Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature
I repeatedly make the questionable choice of including beige or khaki in my summer wardrobe... sigh... it's not a great color for me. So here, in addition to addressing the idea of moving toward warmer clothes, and buying with a purpose, I'm also showing a move from one color in a wardrobe to a different one.Remember, this was the summer Whatever's Clean wardrobe:
First, because I'm starting to really feel like beige isn't working well, the 2 beige pieces are going to take a back seat. And of course white linen pants aren't going to go too far into the fall...
Here's where grey takes the place of beige, and a pair of jeans will replace the white linen pants.
Second step: the ... View the Post
Quite a few people have asked me to show how to move from a beige and brown wardrobe into something with more brown.
The Whatever's Clean Summer Wardrobe in Brown, Beige and White
The first three garments to phase out are the sleeveless beige linen top, white linen pants, and the shorts. Remember, you can do these in whatever order you prefer, and that "phase out" does not have to mean "put in some inaccessible place for the next six months".
[/caption] In October, we can choose to find replacements for the white tee shirt, the beige linen dress, and the beige linen skirt.
[/caption] And in November, the last of the linen "bottoms" are due for a rest, and the white tunic is ready to take a ... View the Post
Hypothesis: You've had a lot of success with a small "Whatever's Clean" wardrobe, and you'd like to be able to make a seamless transition to cooler weather.
First off, shorts and sleeveless tops just feel wrong when school starts and the calendar rolls over to September. So these would be the first three items to phase out.
[/caption] In October, it might be time to give up linen pants and your simple white tee shirt.
[/caption] For November, these three are ready for a break:
[/caption] But of course you don't HAVE to put the nine replaced garments away - they'll still work well for layering. Except the shorts - accept that most of us can only wear shorts in November in the ... View the Post
July 12, 2013 These scarves are sufficiently beautiful that they would make a compelling focus for one's wardrobe. Even if you didn't wear the scarf every day, using the colors in it as a unifying theme for your purchases could be a brilliant idea...
Ruffled silk scarf – Anne Selby
Olive coat – Jil Sander, olive sweater- Ralph Lauren, Earrings – Georg Jensen, Silk top – Jil Sander, Grey cardigan – Tsumori Chisato, Taupe cotton velvet jeans –Brunello Cucinelli, Taupe sweater – Nina Ricci, Suede skirt – Jitrois, Bracelet – Gag and Lou, Bag – TSM The Swedish Model, Loafers –Geox, Pumps – RSVP, Grey jeans – BLK ... View the Post
June 11, 2013 So one of you recently purchased a very beautiful scarf, and now you're feeling.... stuck? unsure? It's a common situation, and one that's pretty simple to remedy.
This is the lovely object in question, entitled "Crack of the Whip". Striking graphics, and an unexpected juxtaposition of yellow in the middle of the purples and blues - those Hermes people are good... First thing you have to isolate is what color or colors drew you into this scarf? If it was the turquoise, for example, you might find that you already own the following items, to complement your scarf.
Further, let's assume that you own some version of The Common Wardrobe, a couple of simple dresses, and a ... View the Post
April 29, 2013 Someone suggested that the orange accents from last week might easily be substituted with turquoise blue. Entirely right, very simple, and very beautiful.
Cardigan – L.K.Bennett, sunglasses – Ray-Ban, pearl stud earrings – Dorothy Perkins, necklace – Mawi, blue flower earrings – Kate Spade, tee shirt – Warehouse, bracelet –Souffle, chiffon scarf – Liberty London, pants - Topshop, scarf – Hermes, flat sandals – Cole Haan, flats – Blowfish
love, Janice ... View the Post
Silk cardigan – Marni, sunglasses – Ray-Ban, pearl stud earrings – Dorothy Perkins, necklace – BCBG Max Azria, barrel hoop earrings – Michael Kors, tee shirt – Warehouse, bracelet – Good Charma, cotton scarf – Mapoesie, pants - Topshop, scarf – Hermes, flat sandals – Cole Haan, ballet flats – Banana Republic
love,
Janice ... View the Post
April 23, 2013
This was a special request from someone who LOVES, and looks good in, neon yellow. To her I say carpe the sweater; few of us can wear this color well. It's a great way to stand out in a crowd, and make a very cheery statement on even the gloomiest days.
Outfits including a yellow sweater and a dressy printed skirt
Sweater – Erica Cavallini, earrings – Tita, skirt – Sportmax, sandals – Marc by Marc Jacobs, earrings – Tita, skirt – Prabal Gurung, sandals – Frye
Outfits with a yellow sweater, solid jeans or trousers, and a patterned scarf
Sweater – Erika Cavallini, scarves - Etro, jeans – Ralph Lauren, sneakers - Keds, black linen pants – Vince, boots – Christopher ... View the Post
Pants – Brunello Cuccinelli, sleeveless top – Dorothy Perkins, cord bracelet – Dorothy Perkins, blush sandals – Marais USA, chalcedony earrings –NuNu, tunic – Mary Portas, lace ballet flats – J.C. Penney, tank top – Uniqlo, tote bag – Ted Baker, sandals - Balenciag
When you read those "10 wardrobe classics every woman MUST have", you'll often see a pair of khaki pants included as one of the ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED pieces of clothing...What utter tripe - there is NO REQUIRED GARMENT for any woman's wardrobe. (Yes, I firmly believe some women can live without a bra, and if you wear tights every day, then other undergarments might be optional too...)
That said, there is some logic to the idea of a pair of khakis are a core ... View the Post
April 19, 2013
Wear a bright green sweater with solid jeans or pants and a printed scarf
Sweater – J. Crew, scarves - Etro, jeans – Ralph Lauren, loafers – Marc Jacobs, khakis – Vince, flats – Repetto
Wear a bright green sweater with printed trousers and sandals
Sweater – J. Crew, necklace – Dries Van Noten, wide-leg pants - Kenzo, sandals – Madison Harding, earrings – Lori’s Shoes, pants – J. Crew, sandals – Sergio Rossi
Two outfits with a bright green sweater, white jeans, and a printed tee shirt
Sweater – J. Crew, tee shirt – Splendid, white jeans – J. Crew, espadrilles – Castaner, tee shirt – Top Shop, flats - Lanvin
Wear a bright ... View the Post
Cardigan – Orla Kiely, sunglasses – Gucci, drop earrings – Banana Republic, necklace – Georg Jensen, pearl stud earrings- Arosha Luigi Taglia, tee shirt – April May, bracelet – Lori’s Shoes, silk scarf – milleneufcentquatrevingtquatre, skirt –Cacharel, scarf – Hermes, flat sandals – Steve Madden, athletic shoes – Keds, suede flats – Dorothy Perkins
... View the Post