The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

The Vivienne Files - Page 212 of 269 - Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

Silly shoes strike again…

State Street and Madison, yesterday afternoon.  She crossed again the light.  She fell. The oncoming car screeched to a halt to avoid hitting her.  And was promptly rear-ended by a bus...

She got up and walked away... ... View the Post

Four pack! Navy, Grey, etc.

August 23, 2013   One of my very longest-standing readers recently asked me about packing with only four garments - which of course is entirely possible.  She also requested a variety of colors, rather than my usual four by four of one color. This is easily enough clothing for a 3 or four day trip - even longer, if you have laundry facilities available, and you could easily pack in a tote bag.  Keep the 2nd pair of shoes light and flat, add just a few accessories to keep things lively, and make sure you've whittled your toiletries down to the absolute necessary minimum.  

Cardigan – Dear Cashmere, blouse – Isabel Marant, trousers –Dorothy Perkins, loafers- Rebecca Minkoff,, earrings – NightFox Jewelry, cashmere ... View the Post

Chic Sightings: Grey and Peach

August 21, 2013   I've left the grey garments the same as the ones that I used with shades of green last week, in order to really emphasize the degree to which these outfits shift in their mood and appearance based on the accent color used.  Here again, we see a successful pairing of warm and cool colors!  

Tee shirt – Dolce and Gabbana, shorts- Emma Cook, earrings - Cynthia Jones, sandals – Ferragamo, peach trousers – Ted Baker London, scarf- Terracotta New York,  loafers – Geox ,  silk top - Emporio Armani  

Sweater – Maison Kitsune, scarf -milleneufcentquatrevingt, cropped trousers – Moschino Cheap & ... View the Post

Packing a Four by Four Capsule Wardrobe: Navy, Tan and Coral

August 19, 2013   I've had a ton of questions from readers about packing for trips that include multiple cities, and a variety of activities.  And I've also had a few requests for packing navy, tan (or khaki) and coral.  So I endeavor to answer questions and fulfill requests with this post.   As usual, I like to start with the travel outfit that includes a couple of capsule wardrobe essentials - I'm always a fan of a cardigan, long pants, loafers, and a big scarf.  Simple stud earrings don't get caught on things when you're sleeping on the plane.  Dark colors are good because they don't show wrinkles or spills, and a cardigan gives you the layering option for when the plane is cold.  

Gold ... View the Post

The ABC’s of Chic Sightings: Timeless, Unique, Vital

I think one of the most striking things about seeing photographs of true style icons - Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis etc. - is that they could easily be seen on the streets of any major city in the world TODAY, and they would still look wonderful.  There's a lot to be learned from this.

Uniqueness isn't essential - you can easily conform to the current uniform of modern culture and blend in, but that's (1) no fun, and (2) not very chic.  You might have to do some thinking in order to figure out who you are, and what you want to convey  in your image, but if you want to live an authentic life, your personal image is an important thing to establish and refine.  

Walk with some energy.  Look interested in your ... View the Post

More about Preloved

August 16, 2013

A number of readers have been curious about my Preloved shirt that I bought a few weeks ago in Toronto.  Well, I adore it, and moreover, I really like the entire premise of the company...Even if you're not nuts about the idea of clothes made of multiple fabrics, Preloved has some wonderful things to consider:

A tote bag made of khaki pants, lace, and leather - I think this is SO beautiful.

A hooded sweatshirt for children - what a brilliant idea!

A couple of old tee shirts, made into a pillow.

I do not get commissions from Preloved; I support them enthusiastically because of their thoughtful solution to the endless global problem of garment waste.

love,

Janice ... View the Post

Transition: Phasing out a secondary neutral

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

The ABC’s of Chic Sightings: Polished, Quiet, Relaxed, Simple

You would never wear clothes that were dirty or torn.  So why do so many people wear shoes that are scuffed and run down at the heels?  Such a simple thing - looking better, and having shoes last longer too.

And of course polished has a larger meaning - attention to detail, and a certain "finish" about one's appearance.

Quiet, to me, means not screaming for attention.  Recently, I saw someone in a blouse which combined leopard print, paisley, flowers and appliqued rhinestones.  Trying too hard...

Relaxed is not synonymous with sloppy, or slouchy, or messy.  I think relaxed means being comfortable in what you're wearing - both physically and mentally.  And being able to move around without hindrance ... View the Post

Transition Summer to Fall: Tan and Brown Accessories

August 10, 2013   A few simple accessories will help you get into the autumn mood...  While the tote bag I show is technically supposed to be a beach bag, it's so incredibly well designed that I wanted you to see it!  It could easily be used through most of the year - where did we get the idea that we could only use certain materials at certain times of the year?  If you're not a scarf person, you might want another necklace or two; if jewelry isn't your thing, then you can go nuts with scarves...  To each her own very personal and beautiful preferences!  

  love, Janice

  ... View the Post