The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Packing for Ireland…

Over at my favorite other blog - A Femme d'un Certain Age.

If there's anything I know about, it's how to dress in Ireland!  If you're going next week, you'll want to lighten this assortment up a little bit.  But if you're going to be in Ireland in the autumn, which is UTTERLY beautiful, expect sunshine, rain, wind, and to be cold most of the time...

On a different note - does anybody have a favorite scarf, piece of jewelry, garment, etc. around which you would like to see some outfits suggested?

Or, how about a favorite painting???

Post a comment, or send an email to theviviennefiles@gmail.com. ... View the Post

A Four by four Capsule Wardrobe: the entire summer

So if you remember from yesterday, we had these garments in our Four by Four capsule wardrobe, planned for a trip to the shore:

After finding that these items worked really well for our specific needs, it was determined that the entirety of the summer wardrobe would be purchased with the same guidelines. First, a little something in darker colors, just so our jeans don't get lonely in the laundry!

And then a really pretty color, just because it's summer, and because it goes with our three neutrals:

Some more tops, in a variety of colors, and a few more essential summer accessories...

With these 24 garments, your summer is pretty much handled... And NO, I AM NOT TELLING YOU TO GO BUY YOUR ENTIRE WARDROBE FROM ... View the Post

A Four by four Capsule Wardrobe: summer at the shore

When I see the ocean, it is NOT at the beach - it's more Humboldt County, California, or the west coast of Ireland, or the coast of Maine.  Warm, sunny days, cool evenings, and a gray and damp day every now and then, where you spend the day sitting by the fireplace...  This Four by Four Capsule Wardrobe gives you options for any kind of shoreline...

Yes, our rental house DOES have laundry facilities....

Throw in a little bit of color....

 And essential accessories.

I'm not necessarily saying that you need to run out and buy your entire summer wardrobe from L.L.Bean - I use these clothes as an example of what's possible.  But if you're a sturdy New Englander, with a fondness for classic, ... View the Post

Building a Capsule Wardrobe: by Fours

People ask me every day how to build a capsule wardrobe.  There are as many different approaches as there are women in the world, but one of my favorite ideas is to work in "pods" of four garments.  Find a color and fabric that really REALLY appeals to you - one that sings to your heart, and either buy or have someone make for your four core garments - two tops and top bottoms.

Seamstresses are going to be very useful friends...

And note, everything in this entire post is from L.L.Bean. I love them, and they've never (yet!) given me a single piece of clothing in exchange for shamelessly promoting them...

Immediately, you have four new outfits: 

But no matter how much you love nautical red, you can't live in ... View the Post

12 ways to wear a blouse: Hot Tips by Frances Patiky Stein

Actually, she included 24 ways to wear a blouse, but some of them were a bit... unusual...

Blouse and matching skirt:

Blouse and pencil skirt:

Blouse over tee shirt with matching skirt or shorts:

Blouse with trousers, or AGAIN with a matching skirt:

Blouse as a jacket over a tank top and trousers, or with white trousers:

Blouse with matching trousers, worn as a jacket over a striped or a solid tee shirt:

I'll be away for a few days at a family celebration, so I won't be posting, or responding to comments and emails. Rest assured, I'll be back here Tuesday late morning, after my ridiculously early work shift!

love, Janice

PS - If you are looking for more color inspiration, check out the latest Pantone Color Planner and other ... View the Post