The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Start With Art: An Interior from Architectural Digest

February 25, 2014   This photograph was sent to me as a suggestion for a wardrobe - and what a great idea.  This photograph prompted, in me, ideas of wood, stone, natural fabrics and textured fabrics.  While I'm going to start with mostly colors in the beige/brown/grey families, there are definite hints here of green, blue and orange that would be great accent colors here.

  Another question I've been asked is about the possibility of purchasing garments one at a time, so this is something we're going to try here.  And the idea of not matching colors exactly - the colors in this wardrobe (with one exception) won't be identical matches...   So here we go!  First off, wouldn't you like to be sitting ... View the Post

Start with Art: Abstract by Nicolas de Stael

February 15, 2014   This beautiful work is Abstract, by Nicolas de Stael, and these cool, subtle colors are amazing for the upcoming summer.   First, I'm looking for a neutral from within this painting. If you're comfortable wearing white, or if you have a good relationship with your dry cleaner, I would start with the crisp clarity of white for the initial four summer garments. Sandals that pair white with silver, and some silver loafers, might be all the change you need to update your existing wardrobe in this direction.   If you're nervous about wearing this much white, substitute the deepest petrol blue...  

  If you've got budget and ambition to add to this summer wardrobe, look to the cool ... View the Post

Six Days of a Navy Suit

February 7, 2014   Many people ask me about what to do with their interview suit after they've interviewed... so I'm going to show a week of work attire that uses your suit as separates.  Just as the daily crossword puzzles become more difficult during the week, these outfits become progressive more casual...   Two notes:   (1) I'm working with a palette of navy, grey, beige, pink and white.   (2) I'm going to show the same shoes repeatedly, just to emphasize the utility of a few pair of good shoes, rather than my usual unique shoes for each outfit.   Monday is our dressiest option - use your suit jacket over a contrasting dress, or use your skirt as a base for a tweed jacket and silk ... View the Post

Start With… a Plate? A Great Blue, Green and Beige Idea!

February 1, 2014    One of the best questions I've ever received...  One of my friends really loves this plate, and wondered if it would be a good basis upon which to choose clothes.  Heck, if you can use a painting, you can surely use a beautiful piece of pottery...  Look for beautiful shades of blue and green, with beautiful soft white (or brown) neutrals...  

 

 

  love, Janice

  ... View the Post

Start With Art: The Breakfast Room by Childe Hassam

January 30, 2014   My life - wardrobe-wise - is now an interesting contrast between being in gym clothes, or leisure clothes, for much of my time, and then every now and then I have to look like I belong in a business meeting or a dinner party...   Apparently I'm not at all alone, because many people have asked me about how to have a coherent wardrobe strategy when you dress for such a wide variety of activities.   So I chose one of the very beautiful paintings suggested to me, and went to work.  This painting is an innovative combination of accent colors, some interesting asymmetry, and a wide range of grey through beige and taupe neutrals.   First up - the gym!  Being able to use grey as a neutral is ... View the Post

Build a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting With a “Difficult” Scarf: Liberty London Ianthe Scarf

January 27, 2014   Yes, I was going to take the day off,  but I had this post finished...   Liberty London makes this scarf is a variety of colors, some assorted sizes, and at least two different fabrics that I know of, but no matter how it's done, the Ianthe scarf is a popular classic. But this scarf is subtle, understated, and challenging...   I really honed in on the subtlety of the coloring, and determined that very muted, dusty or milky colors would blend best. The overall curved patterns combine to form a starburst feeling, which I wanted to hold in the back of my mind, and the very fine detailing meant that I was going to be watching for small stones in jewelry, fine but visible textures in fabric, and ... View the Post

Wearing a Classic Burberry Scarf All Year: July through December

January 17, 2014   Let me explain a bit of the "step by step" of how I would envision the use of a scarf as a unifying theme within a wardrobe.  Starting with July - let's say you've decided that you want to get an entire new outfit in July, and you want to exercise the discipline implied by using a single scarf as your inspiration. You're working with four colors, and an overall sensibility and aesthetic of right angles, with woven textures.   July = hot, in the Northern Hemisphere.  But it also means work for many of us, so a dress is the plan.  You spot something solid red, in the world's most forgiving silhouette, so that choice is pretty straightforward.  But you don't want to add on red accessories; ... View the Post

Wearing a Classic Burberry Scarf All Year: January through June

January 16, 2014   These scarves are wildly popular, and I've been asked a couple of times if someone who loved them could use these colors as the basis of an entire wardrobe.  Camel, black, white, with accents of red?  What a wonderful idea...   Are we tired of seeing scarves, or art? I get lots of specific requests, but I've had one rather strongly-worded objection to these posts.  Since I write for you all, let me know what you think.  

  I thought that by the time warm weather rolls around, you're not going to wear the scarf all that often, but there's no reason to forego a touch of the traditional plaid on your tee shirt...  

    love, Janice

  ... View the Post

Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: MacCallum Lake by Lawren Harris

January 15, 2014   I'd never heard of this artist until just a few days ago, but I'm so delighted to have been introduced to his work. This painting made me look for warm textury shades of russet and rust, as well as wavy misty greeny/bluey tan clouds in the sky. Basically I made up some words, but the potential within this painting is amazing.  

  I love the range of possibilities offered when you look at these outfits as separates, combined into a wardrobe...  

  love, Janice ... View the Post

Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Woman in Hat with Pompoms and a Printed Blouse – Picasso

January 7, 2014   Many readers asked me to work with a Picasso painting, and I happily oblige.  These outfits are based on beige, just as the painting is literally on a beige background.  Accents of red, orange, yellow, a touch of green, and you're set for almost anything!   My guiding adjectives for this project were warm, saturated, and clear, with unexpected bursts of bright against the toasty neutral.  

     

  This is a wardrobe that could see someone through much of the summer!  

love,

Janice ... View the Post

Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: “A Mysterious Hand Leads to Another Path” by Jan Toorop

January 3, 2014  

This painting is currently at the Art Institute of Chicago, as part of the Celia and David Hilliard Collection exhibit.  I'm not sure if it's oil - I suspect it might be pastel - but it captivates me immediately...My impressions from this were of warmth, and simplicity - clear lines and powdery soft colors, with matte finishes.

“A Mysterious Hand Leads to Another Path” – Jan Toorop, blue topaz ring – Zayd Makarim, blue linen tee shirt – Isabel Marant Etoile, natural linen shorts – Comme des Garcons, denim blue sandals – Popet  seafoam linen dress – Paul Smith, scarf – U-NI-TY, silver sandals – Dr. Scholl’s    

 

“A Mysterious Hand Leads to Another Path” – Jan ... View the Post