Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature
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
December 20, 2013 Many of you ask me about incorporating a brightly color blouse or shirt into their neutral wardrobe, particularly for evening events. So I'm using the same basic "suit" type garments that we've seen before, and bringing in bright red, emerald green, and ruby... Note that, while it's tempting to echo the color of the accent in shoes or another accessory, it's not strictly necessary. So long as your accessories are festive, your look will be coherent and beautiful. More tomorrow!
love, Janice ... View the Post
December 18, 2013
When combing through your wardrobe for something to use as the "key" piece in a day-to-night transition, remember that most of the focus will be on your face, especially if you're sitting at a dinner table. Look for the key ideas of shine, sparkle, shimmer, any kind of texture-y interest, and don't forget that sleeveless often conveys a sense of occasion...Velvet pants are among my favorite garments - I wear them all fall and winter, for regular days as well as festive moments. This mix of brown and black is a great opportunity to wear smoky quartz jewelry...
A beautiful lace blouse is comfortably businesslike under a knit blazer, but can stand alone with feminine dash after business ... View the Post
December 17, 2013 If you know you have to go straight from work to a nice dinner, it's easy to plan ahead so that you can look special without having to do a complete change of clothes. First off - even if you wear jeans, a nice silk tee shirt can spend the day under a cardigan and a scarf, but then can stand on its own with a gorgeous necklace and festive, but still comfortable, shoes.
A beautiful blue blouse (that matches your eyes?) looks perfectly serious and businesslike under a cardigan during your business day. But lose the cardigan, pop on some dazzling earrings, and a slightly dressier shoe, and you're ready to go. If you have any reason to believe that you're going to have to ... View the Post
December 16, 2013
You probably remember that we started last Friday with a core of six garments that would be suitable for a long weekend, and then on Saturday, I expanded the capsule travel wardrobe to a 12-pack, for cooler weather. Now I'm going to do basically the same thing, only oriented toward a much warmer visit...Again, six carefully-chosen garments:
Shorts - I like white, but you could easily choose black or petrol. A great printed tee shirt that includes all three of your colors. A beautiful fluid top in your accent color, and A skirt that combines your accent color and either of your neutrals. Another top - dressier than a tee shirt - that can be worn with either of your neutrals, and A ... View the Post
December 14, 2013
Yesterday we packed six garments, for a short week or long weekend, and for uncertain weather.
Today, I'm assuming that we know our trip is going to be longer - up to two weeks or more, and that we know that most of our weather exposure is going to be colder. So in addition to the original six garments we packed, I'm adding six more carefully chosen items, and a few accessories. The clothing items are chosen in pairs - sort of like adding outfits, but with an eye to being sure that we can use each item in a variety of ways.
Another pair of pants is very important in cool weather, so black jeans are my first addition. With the black cardigan, it's a long line of black that can have ... View the Post
November 29, 2013 Always my favorites!
If you're staying an extra day:
love,
Janice ... View the Post
