The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Shopping with a Painting, or What I Bought, January 2014

January 20, 2014   For quite a while, I've described my personal style as LaValise de la Garçonne, aka The Tomboy's Suitcase.  I try to remind myself that I really don't need clothing much beyond what I would pack for my next trip, and that as much as I'd like to be a classy, elegant, lady-like creature, I'm much more likely to be the person who climbs up the ladder and fixes the broken gizmo than I am to be the prim princess with the clipboard supervising the process...I've just recent stumbled upon the perfect painting to express my colors and overall feeling that I want to accomplish in my wardrobe: Two Sisters with a Cello, by Marie Laurencin.  I can't actually SHOW you the painting, because I can't afford to buy rights ... View the Post

From Desk to Dinner Party: Take off a Cardigan, and Add Some Bracelets!

December 27, 2013  

I don't see a lot of bracelets in the world, and I think that's too bad.  Bracelets elevate any outfit to something much dressier, and they're particularly effective at the dinner table.  Make sure that you're choose bracelets that aren't too bangy or clinky or clanky - you want to be beautiful, but not to the point of distraction!For all of these outfits, I've shown a very simple 3/4 sleeve ("bracelet" sleeve) top, in a color matching the pants, and for day I've topped them with a cardigan that makes sort of a statement, and some simple loafers.  Then after work, in addition to pulling on your bracelets, I'm suggesting some shiny shoes - always flat and comfortable though!  A change of ... View the Post

From Desk to Dinner Party: Incorporating Metallics in a Neutral Wardrobe

December 21, 2013  

Some people just don't feel comfortable wearing bright colors, or colors that extend much beyond their chosen neutrals, and they've been despairing that there was no way for them to be sufficiently dressy for after-work activities.  My suggestion - don't underestimate the effect that a metallic colored or finished top can bring to your everyday clothes!These, again, are three of the "suit-like" looks that I used a few days ago.  (I am NOT doing this because I'm lazy - I'm trying to show the inherent versatility in neutral basics.  Some people think I'm taking the easy way out...)

Starting with the cardigan or jacket, and the pants, a neutral pair of comfortable work shoes are all you need for ... View the Post

From Desk to Dinner Party: Incorporating a Gem Tone into Neutrals

December 20, 2013   Many of you ask me about incorporating a brightly color blouse or shirt into their neutral wardrobe, particularly for evening events.  So I'm using the same basic "suit" type garments that we've seen before, and bringing in bright red, emerald green, and ruby...   Note that, while it's tempting to echo the color of the accent in shoes or another accessory, it's not strictly necessary.  So long as your accessories are festive, your look will be coherent and beautiful.   More tomorrow!  

  love, Janice     ... View the Post

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

Neutral Accessories: Scarves, Part 1

December 11, 2013  

As much as I love to use a scarf as an accent to an outfit, once the weather starts to get cold, I find that I often turn to my black, black and white, or grey scarves.  A little bit of texture, a subtle print, or a pattern can lend a lot of interest to a monochromatic outfit.Tomorrow, I'll show you scarves from the other 8 neutral colors - I'm now including rust and teal as neutrals!

  love, Janice ... 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!

Cardigan – Uniqlo,  earrings – Novica,  pants - Hallhuber, tee shirt- Uniqlo, watch – AX Armani Exchange, scarf – Nordstrom,  loafers – Mazzarina, Coat – Mint Velvet,  bag – Briggs and Riley    

Flannel shirt – Frank and Eileen, sweater – Uniqlo,  scarf – terracotta New ... View the Post

How to Pack for a Long Weekend: Rust and Grey

November 25, 2013   This was today's inspiration - bronzy rust leaves with overtones of grey...    

 

Cardigan – A.F. Vandevorst,  earrings – Novica,  pants – Societe Anonyme, tee shirt- Diellequ, gloves – Acne, scarf – Hermes,  loafers – Tods,  Coat – Uniqlo,  tote – Tumi  

Brown sweater –Kristina Te, grey  sweater – Uniqlo,  scarf – Missoni,  dress – Edun,  necklace – Maria Xuan,  jeans – Paige, earrings – Novica,  flats – Kork-Ease  

Blouse – Diane von Furstenberg, tee shirt- Rag and Bone    

love,

Janice ... View the Post