The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

The Vivienne Files - Page 213 of 219 - Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

Sumptuous scarves – Kathy Murphy Childs

I spent last weekend in Florida, but I was thinking of you all while I was walking through a street market in the beautiful town of Celebration.  The scarves above are just a very few of the BEAUTIFUL assortment of hand-painted scarves made by the very talented Kathy.  She encompasses every color in the rainbow, and I'm sure would be willing to put together specific color combinations if you asked her nicely!  And these scarves are VERY reasonably priced - I don't remember seeing any that were more than $50 (US dollars), and many are under $30.

She can be reached at kathymurphychilds@gmail.com.  She's lovely, pleasant, and tremendously gifted;   if you don't feel comfortable with traditional square Hermes-style ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: Casual winter wardrobe in Black

Lest anybody assume that the eight-piece core wardrobe is only for a dressy office environment, I offer up a core wardrobe that is pretty much my standard uniform through the winter.  To this mix you can toss in an argyle cardigan, a couple of white tee shirts, and a black and white striped sweater, and that covers me (literally) for anything outside of work except the most extraordinarily dressy dinners.  Enjoy!

I'm toying with the idea of how a wardrobe would be built around one garment - a statement or investment piece.  Any requests? Just leave me a comment!  love, Vivienne ... View the Post

Wardrobe: sky, sunset and pewter

The wardrobes just keep getting harder!  The request for this wardrobe was: "I am a short, graying brunette in her early 60’s woman who lives in the South (think 4 seasons with an emphasis on hot & humid but occasional snow/ice). I think Katherine Hepburn with more colors would be my inspiration. Casual, few skirts/dressy itesm, but chic. I love the colors of the sunset and sky plus silver/pewter jewelry with black, charcoal or dark jeans as the neutral."

So I focused on the colors of the sky and the sunset...  enjoy!

Some cool, roomy linen pieces, a couple of dressier options, and always a sweater for colder weather...

A request:  someone asked me for a wardrobe based on the painting Down on His Luck ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: Ivory

This is rather the same idea as yesterday's core wardrobe, but think what happens if you have already built yesterday's eight items, and then you add on today's eight items...  The options expand exponentially.  Toss in a couple of items in a warm peach, a few things in a soft mossy green, and you're all set forever.

I have to put a note in here - I select the clothing in these wardrobes on the basis of their overall look, and the quality of the photograph.  I am under NO illusion than most of us are going to go running out and replicate these wardrobes exactly as shown.   Believe me, these looks can be adapted to pretty much any budget.

And if you're one of the true environmental heroines who patronizes thrift ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: Camel

I know that nobody can go out and buy twenty new items of clothing, so I've been trying to think of how someone would begin the process of building a curated, distilled wardrobe.  Of course, it really has to start with some serious thinking!  But once you've chosen a core color from which to work, you could certain do worse than carefully acquiring a basis of eight garments upon which to build.  This is how I see it taking shape... ... View the Post

Things Europeans own: Longchamp Sac Pliage

July 26, 2011

Of course these aren't exactly rare in the United States, but I first was exposed to them in Europe and so I always think of that when I see someone with one of these bags.

They are particularly handy when you travel; the first thing into any suitcase of mine is my folded and snapped Pliage, which I then use to accumulate all of my purchases and receipts along the way.  Then I use the bag as my carry-on for the return trip, so everything is in one place on that rare chance that the Customs people will want to inspect my newly-acquired treasures.

And online, you can order CUSTOM Pliage bags, specifying the length of the handles, the size of the bag, the finish of the metal fittings, AND!!! the colors of the sac ... View the Post

Wardrobe: soft and warm spring

Ashley in Switzerland, among many Anonymous requests, asked me for a wardrobe of warm hues.  I've been working on a general "spring" wardrobe for a while so I thought I'd share this one with you.  I hope you enjoy, and don't forget, if you have a specific wardrobe request, leave me a comment!  I'm particularly enjoying the requests based on specific paintings or scarves - maybe someone has a beautiful piece of pottery or china upon which I could design something?  It may take me a few weeks to fulfill your request, but I will definitely get to everybody! ... View the Post

Wardrobe: ORANGE!!!!

I really love you all.  Seriously.  You take time every day to read my writing, look at my work, and give me feedback and challenges.  What else could I ask from total strangers?

I particularly enjoy the wardrobe requests I get.  This one was AMAZINGLY difficult:  "I'm a gold jewellry wearer and love to wear orange which I think always goes well with black or white depending on the season. I would love your suggestions for a core wardrobe for a femme d'un certain age." 

This is my best effort - I threw some blue into the mix because I adore it with orange, black and white, and I think it keeps the whole package from going too "Halloween-y" on us.  Enjoy! ... View the Post

Wardrobe: things you will never see

I spend a LOT of time looking at clothing, shoes and accessories, and I've noticed that I have certain ABSOLUTE biases about what I will or will not include in the wardrobes I build for you.  If you particularly love any of the following items, you'll have to find them on your own!  There's no good explanation for these aversions except just my personal tastes...

platform shoes - Olive Oyl is NOT a fashion icon open-toed boots - I just don't see the logic visible logos - only if a garment is absolutely perfect in every other way would I consider including a visible brand name.  Unless you are compensated appropriately, do NOT endorse any company. Baby-doll garments.  I'm an adult, and I will assume that you are ... View the Post