The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Chic Sightings: Navy and Green

Navy and green summer outfits - some for quite warm weather, and others that I saw in the more spring-like transitional coolness a couple of week ago.  All of them were fresh, pretty, and stood out in the crowd.

I don't know if anybody noticed, but if you liked the way these colors looks,replicated a few of these outfits in your own wardrobe, and were a little bit rigorous in  sticking to one shade of green, you'd have a pretty nifty capsule wardrobe, or a pretty organized suitcase full of clothes: ... View the Post

The ABC’s of Chic Sightings – Appropriate, Balanced, Comfortable

Lots of people ask me how I choose a Chic Sighting - and I don't really do any choosing - they just happen!  But I've devoted a lot of thought to what makes (or breaks) a Chic Sighting, and in my typically orderly fashion, I've tried to assign my observations to an alphabetic analysis.

First are foremost, you have to be appropriately dressed for your environment, both physically (the weather), and socially (no strapless dresses at rugby matches).  No matter how stunning your little dress and sandals might be, if it's SNOWING and you're just wearing a dress and sandals, you are not a Chic Sighting.

Balance is an elusive concept, but the absence of balance seems to show either dubious taste, or a lack of planning. ... View the Post

Chic Sightings: Black with Metallic Accessories

There were lots of black dresses on the streets of Chicago yesterday, and lots of all-black outfits. But a few really stood out from the crowd by virtual of their carefully chosen metallic accessories. From the young lady in the spikey necklace and woven flats to the executive with her Ferragamo shoes and bag, (and great silver sunglasses), black and silver caught the eye.

The first woman I saw who really got me noticing the all-black outfits with metallics was wearing a simple sleeveless top with shorts, but her accessories really elevated what might have been a very stark outfit. Right behind her was a lovely person in a sleeveless dress with gold flower jewelry - uncluttered, but very charming.

In the Loop, I saw a couple of ... View the Post

The Fundamentals of Chic Sightings

When I woke up this morning, it was snowing.  April 13th, in Chicago, is a little bit late for it to be this cold, but a bit of patience will make this all better - tomorrow the high is to be in the 70's F.

What does this mean for Chic Sightings?  That we have to be flexible, and well-informed.  I can't begin to count the number of women I saw during this past work week who were wearing sandals, in near-freezing temperatures.  Not going to a club, and not about to catch a plane for the Caribbean - these women were going to work.  (Note, I did not see ONE man in sandals...)

The first day of third grade, I wanted desperately to wear a new outfit that had been purchased JUST FOR ME for school - a sweater, plaid ... View the Post

Parisiennes: White Jeans in October

Women of all ages were still wearing white jeans, without seeming to even consider that they might be "out of season".  Except for avoiding slush and puddles, why NOT wear white jeans all year 'round?  The ban on white is sort of archaic, isn't it?

We saw LOTS of short boots and ballet flats.  And how to wear your pants?  Rolled up a notch or two, exposing ankle, socks, or tights...

                        ... View the Post

Chic Sighting: Black Top(s)

And yes, I saw TONS of canvas athletic shoes, worn with almost anything.  Lots of Toms, lots of ballet flats, plenty of espadrilles, and endless flat sandals.  Very few tall platforms, and those people were terribly conspicuous because they had to walk SO SLOWLY... ... View the Post

Chic Sightings: Black & White Stripes

Please note: I have NEVER accepted merchandise, nor money, from ... well... anybody, in exchange for my work on this blog.  My meager earnings come from Google, if and when anybody clicks on an ad on this site.  At this stage, my earnings per hour are a few cents...  So when I choose an image to represent in my vignettes, it is chosen because it is the best image I can find to express my ideas and dreams.

That said, if Yohji Yamamoto wants to give me that striped and dotted skirt in the first frame, I'd like the largest size available... ... View the Post

Chic Sighting: Burlington Massachusetts Mall

Sigh...  My trip wasn't really fruitful, in terms of Chic Sightings.  Midway Airport in Chicago is NOT the place to look for fashion icons...

But I was in the Burlington Mall on Sunday, and saw a lovely young woman - long blond hair, no makeup, radiant smile, and this colorful ensemble.  She looked comfortable and happy, and it didn't hurt that she was with a very attractive young man! ... View the Post