The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Build a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Approaching Storm by Eugene-Louis Boudin

I hope these ladies don't have to sprint too far to escape the storm; they're not dressed for the 100 yard dash...

But it's a beautiful painting, and it so vividly evokes that feeling when the weather is about to turn. I was particularly drawn to the simple, neutral color scheme:

Other Things on Her Mind

She travels with a lot of gear... 

Actually, she's ALWAYS carrying bags and bags of photography equipment, even if she's not traveling. Photography is what she does, and she does it well.  

So she decided ages ago that she was going to be very disciplined in her wardrobe. Not drab. Not boring. Just in control. For example, she wears jeans. Only jeans. If someone thinks she needs something else to wear, ... View the Post

A Six Pack Travel Capsule Wardrobe: Red, White and Blue for Uncertain Weather

Sunday, when B and I went out for our usual breakfast and Art Institute visit, we wore jackets and gloves. Yes, May 15th, we wore gloves! I felt terrible for the people who had scheduled an outdoor wedding, and also for the hundreds of tourists who were caught completely off guard by the record-tying coldest May 15th in history. So I'm going to reiterate, one more time, that no matter WHERE you are going, no matter WHAT time of year, you should always include a few essential items. Closed-toe shoes, a pair of socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt might never make it out of your suitcase, but if you encounter the kind of weather that we've had here recently, you'll be endlessly glad to have them. If you're coming to Chicago to see ... View the Post

Build a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with a Scarf: Pigs on the Wing by wrq.e.d. Version 2

While the first colors that I saw in the scarf were greys and black, there's definitely enough beige and brown here to work with; maybe I see black and grey first because that's my personal capsule wardrobe focus? But this time, this is the color scheme. I like giving myself the full range of the blues and browns as options, I think it works well with the scarf, and makes the blending of different shades of one color possible. While there are a few colors that need to be matched pretty closely, others can blend all over the place and work well - I think brown is one of those!

I didn't mention this, but the border of this scarf reads:

my song was out of tune, my voice was cracked, but at least no chorus can ever sing it back.

Imagine ... View the Post

Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: The White and Green Hat by Georgette Agutte

How did I make it so far into my life without knowing about Georgette Agutte?  She was French, and she painted some really wonderful paintings; I encourage you to look her up. You're going to be seeing more of her on The Vivienne Files, I can promise!

Someone suggested this lovely painting - she seems like she would be a kind and gentle friend, doesn't she?

As with most paintings, there are a variety of ways to approach the colors, but I've gone this direction:

"Doesn't she look like Grandma?"

Your sister said, and just like that, the whole idea got started...

So now, you and your older sister are going on a road trip, starting with the town in which your grandmother was born. The stated goal is that you're going ... View the Post

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step 4: Jeans and a Shirt

From the very beginning of this capsule wardrobe project, some of you have been clamoring for a pair of jeans.  (actually, someone sent me a shockingly rude email when I didn't start with jeans; nobody should care so very much about what a blogger suggests...)

So now we're going to find a wonderful pair of jeans in our first neutral - yes, this gives us a core of four, which I consider to be a great starting point for a wardrobe. 

When you're looking for jeans, try on lots and lots of them.  And don't worry about price - more expensive jeans aren't automatically anything special, and inexpensive jeans might fit you beautifully.  Just don't compromise on the quality of the denim, nor on the construction.  After ... View the Post

How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: An Interior from Architectural Digest

 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 in this room with a good ... View the Post

How to wear Floral Jeans – Version Pastel

I'm going to look at two or three different floral jeans in the next few days - these are pastel, but I'm going to try to find some brighter ones, and some in warmer tones too...

My first thought was to choose a soft, flattering color from within the print, and pick a top in that color:

Neutrals are an obvious possibilities. Accessories can echo the whole flower theme: 

Something that seems basically summer could work for transitional spring days, if paired with a sweater that has a spring color but a colder-weather weight. 

A top that includes two of the colors of the print is an obvious choice (but PLEASE unbutton a couple of those buttons, please!!!). And your favorite beige tunic will definitely be a happy choice - ... View the Post

How to Wear Pink Jeans…

The conversation about red jeans quickly turned into questions about jeans in other colors... so here I've played around with a pair of pink jeans, to explore the possibilities.

And may I just rant for a moment about the ubiquity of "skinny jeans"?  In a civilization in which obesity and weight issues are so common, I find it absolutely bizarre that it's nearly impossible to find plain old regular jeans.  Not "mom" jeans, but not leggings, either.  Do you really want to look like an egg balanced on toothpicks?  sigh... ... View the Post

Red Jeans & Warm Colors

It has been very politely brought to my attention that, while I did discuss the utility of red jeans back when I purchased my own pair of them, I have not addressed the possibilities of wearing red jeans with warmer colors.  Since red is positioned on the color wheel precisely between yellow and blue, it has the charm of being neither a warm color nor a cool color, and thus can "swing both ways", in wardrobe terms.  And for those of us who don't care to wear bright colors too near our faces, for a variety of reasons, a brightly colored pair of jeans or trousers is an interesting option to consider. ... 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