Clothes
Here are direct links to some of my favorite stores; any purchases made through these links will generate small (TINY…) commissions for me, which help defray the costs of running The Vivienne Files. I’m very grateful for your support…
Amazon – if you need it, they have it… What else can I say?
Anthropologie – this site is NOT too young for you – some of their things are lovely – whimsical and off the beaten path.
Athleta – I’ve heard amazing things about their clothes – some day when I upgrade my gym clothes I MUST try them…
Banana Republic – classics for work, but don’t neglect their lovely leisure wear…
Chico’s – I often see things here that are SO appealing… and their costume jewelry is often amazing!
GAP – you know them, you used to love them. Give them another look when you have some time!
H&M and H&M UK – I was always skeptical, but my dear friend (and most elegant role model) Slim finds things here. Never say never….
J.Crew – a million colors of cashmere, or tee shirts! And I’m smitten with their sweater blazers…
J.Jill – an excellent place to look if you love Eileen Fisher but find her too expensive. Their linen pieces are excellent, and I wear both their ponte knit skirt and ponte dress frequently… And if you get their credit card, you get a 5% discount on everything, as well as an additional discount during the month of your birthday!
Lands’ End – for years this was the best place on the internet to buy cashmere. You have to be pretty picky these days – if you get something substandard, SEND IT BACK, but my last purchases have been lovely… Also, if you struggle with swimwear, this is the place to look; they take real pains to fit everyone, with comfort and flattery.
Lane Bryant – I’ve never shopped here, but this site is VERY popular with readers of The Vivienne Files…
L.L.Bean – NOT stodgy and boring… Some of the best-made tee shirts, jeans and sweater in the world…
Macys – used to be great, still pretty good. Their proprietary label things are quite nice, and as with most major department stores, they carry an exclusive assortment of Eileen Fisher…
Nordstrom – the original go-to for shoes! While it’s not the least expensive place in the world to shop, you truly can find everything you need here. They carry an exclusive selection of Eileen Fisher, too!
Novica – Jewelry, accessories and decorative object made around the world by artists and artisans far from the world of designer logos and brand names. Amazingly reasonable prices for some unique and completely lovely things. Some of my most treasured pieces of jewelry are from here.
Old Navy – a good source of low-priced basics. If you want to test-drive a new silhouette or color, this is a good place to look!
Soma – I’ve never shopped here, but a few of you have asked for a link to the site, which makes me think it must be pretty great!
Talbots – a great stand-by for suit separates, shoes, and some lovely scarves… Never forget their jewelry too!
The Met Store – lovely, one-of-a-kind items that support The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York… Members get a discount!
Uniqlo – Japanese based, so the sizes can run small, but things are moderately priced and of very acceptable (but not amazing) quality. If you want something to wear constantly through summer, or if you want to experiment with a new color or shape, this would be the place to go. And if you have children or grandchildren for whom you occasionally buy clothes – Uniqlo has MORE novelty tee shirt (unoffensive ones, hallelujah!) than you’ll ever need.
Universal Standard – They carry sizes up to 40. Support that!
White House Black Market – yes, they carry things that aren’t just black and white…
Wolf & Badger – Sometimes, you need something amazing. A handbag, a piece of jewelry, or a scarf that you won’t see anyplace else. This is where to look! The people are lovely, their stuff is out of this world, and the service is great. You’ll be thrilled…
Zappos – if you’re in the mood for shoes, these people are your new favorites!
The Most Important Single Summer Garment!!!!
These little “skimmies,” also known as slip shorts. If you have… thigh issues…. in hot weather, these will change your relationship with dresses forever. Trust me!
I hope you find something you love…
love,
Janice
Thanks, Janice. You do know where to shop! But you forgot Uniqlo. I'd never heard of it until you referenced it. I even checked out the Fifth Ave store the last time I was in New York. Thanks for all you do. Yours is the first thing I read every morning.
I read The Vivienne Files first thing every morning, too!
I am new to the vivian files. I have saved many on pintrest. But would luv to go back to the beginning and read all. How do i do this? Also people say tgey read your blig every morning. How do i do this. Please help. I luv vivian!!!
Go to the Starting Here tab at the top and take it from there! Enjoy!
I tried but cannot find your link to undies that you suggested for under skirts in summer. Please share again! Thanks, Lorna
I put it right up top! I'm well supplied with these for now, and I forget how really critical they can be for hot weather comfort…
hugs,
Janice
Thanks! I'm traveling soon and want to wear skirts– I'm understanding that shorts aren't appropriate in some places in Europe. I want to be comfy!
Lorna
None of the J. Jill links are working for me. Love the blog!!
I think all of my J.Jill things are sold out for the season – I'll update next spring as soon as they bring their linen back.
Thanks for letting me know!
hugs,
Janice
Hello Janice,
Could you make some recommendations for inner wear? I am struggling in that department.
Do you plan to add links to winter basics?
Dear oh dear, I really need to!
Thanks for the reminder,
big hugs,
Janice
Will you be doing a Hermes scarf 12 mos of wardrobe with different neutrals again for 2018?
Ruthie
Thank you. Happy New Year!
Ruthie
It start Monday!
Happy New Year hugs,
Janice
Let's talk winter boots. I'm in northern Indiana and we are being pummeled with bitter cold fluffy stuff! I know you've said you walk in Chicago a lot, I imagine you know a bit about the bitter cold fluffy stuff. What do you suggest?
Bogs. I think Nordstrom carries them, or you can order directly from Bogs. I'll put a link to them here soon…
hugs,
Janice
I am really impress with you for the selecting of new and unique topic and also well written article on it. Thanks for sharing with us.
Online Shopping
I’m going to Paris, Normandy and the Loire Valley the first 2 weeks in May. What should I take to wear?