The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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From Desk to Dinner Party: More Silk Blouses

December 18, 2013

When combing through your wardrobe for something to use as the "key" piece in a day-to-night transition, remember that most of the focus will be on your face, especially if you're sitting at a dinner table.  Look for the key ideas of shine, sparkle, shimmer, any kind of texture-y interest, and don't forget that sleeveless often conveys a sense of occasion...Velvet pants are among my favorite garments - I wear them all fall and winter, for regular days as well as festive moments.  This mix of brown and black is a great opportunity to wear smoky quartz jewelry...

A beautiful lace blouse is comfortably businesslike under a knit blazer, but can stand alone with feminine dash after business ... View the Post

Petrol, Black and White: A Twelve-Pack for Uncertain, Mostly Cool, Weather

December 14, 2013

 Yesterday we packed six garments, for a short week or long weekend, and for uncertain weather.  Today, I'm assuming that we know our trip is going to be longer - up to two weeks or more, and that we know that most of our weather exposure is going to be colder.So in addition to the original six garments we packed, I'm adding six more carefully chosen items, and a few accessories.  The clothing items are chosen in pairs - sort of like adding outfits, but with an eye to being sure that we can use each item in a variety of ways.

Another pair of pants is very important in cool weather, so black jeans are my first addition. With the black cardigan, it's a long line of black that can have anything (or nothing) under the ... View the Post

Petrol, Black and White: A Six Pack for Uncertain or Changing Weather

December 13, 2013

Maybe the question I am asked most frequently - how do I pack when I'm not sure what the weather will be, or when I know that I'm going from cold to warm (or warm to cold) temperatures?Things to keep in mind:

Avoid any garment that's overtly "one climate" - like a bulky cable knit sweater, or a filmy linen tunic. Try as much as possible to choose what you pack from that middle-ground of transitional clothes.  Consider:

merino sweaters (or cotton, or silk, or a blend of these), cotton blouses and tee shirts, pants in flat finish fabrics like crepe, twill or gabardine, and dresses that can be layered under a sweater or worn alone.

Plan around a color scheme that will be equally appropriate in ... View the Post

How to Pack for a Long Weekend: Yellow and Grey

November 27, 2013

If you can wear yellow and grey well, I must heartily encourage you to do so - these colors are always so delightful to see together.  The citrine jewelry is particularly fun, and not blindingly expensive.  Sunshine and clouds together...As always, if you have trouble with the links, PLEASE let me know.  I'm not always sure what goes wrong, but I'm always eager to fix things!

I'm pretty sure that this is a man's sweatshirt, and I'm also pretty sure that gender is not really important in sweatshirts...

love, Janice   ... View the Post

How to Pack for a Long Weekend: Navy and Camel

November 22, 2013

A classic cabled cardigan is always a good starting-point for this travel outfit.  After I tossed in a striped top, I thought that a solid scarf with a little bit of embellishment might be a calming touch.  This scarf is one of those things that you could wear forever... and if you want jewelry made of genuine stones that don't break the bank, take a look at Novica.  You know that these aren't investment-grade gems, but they aren't glass or synthetic, and the unique designs are delightful.

I love this sweater... I have a thing about cable-knit sweaters, I admit!  And this dress is cut in such a way that it would forgive a holiday dinner without giving away the secret.

A couple of ... View the Post

How to Pack for a Long Weekend: Grey and Navy

November 21, 2013

I love these travel vignettes, and I'm going to share the step by step thought process I go through to build them. Once you have your two core neutrals chosen, the  rest just falls into place.  It gives you a great deal of ease in life to have a nicely-chosen wardrobe that is focused...First off, choose your travel outfit using any combination of the two colors.  I usually opt for a cardigan and pants that are the same color, and then use the 2nd color for shoes and a coat.  A printed tee shirt, and a printed scarf, that include the 2 colors, finishes off your travel outfit. Your watch and your bag will of course be in one of your neutral colors, and a simple pair of stud earrings give you some dressiness and finish, ... View the Post

How to Pack for a Long Weekend: Cranberry and Grey

November 20, 2013

It's that time of year, when many of us have to put in a beautiful appearance with family and friends.  Packing light, and smart, is a good way to begin.  And cranberry is such an appropriate color for autumn holidays...

And if your weekend is longer than most, or if you absolutely can't bear the thought of traveling with only 4 pieces of clothing, consider adding these:

 

love,

Janice ... View the Post