August 10, 2013
A few simple accessories will help you get into the autumn mood… While the tote bag I show is technically supposed to be a beach bag, it’s so incredibly well designed that I wanted you to see it! It could easily be used through most of the year – where did we get the idea that we could only use certain materials at certain times of the year? If you’re not a scarf person, you might want another necklace or two; if jewelry isn’t your thing, then you can go nuts with scarves… To each her own very personal and beautiful preferences!
bag – Mary and Marie, scarf – Kirsten Gilder, scarf – Alva-Norge, boots – Kickers, necklace – Maria-Xuan, bracelet – Vivienne Frank Designs, earrings – LeJu, flats – Born
love,
Janice
This is so beautiful. I would look and feel good in any of these outfits. As a matter of fact, my one small quibble with EF's clothes are that she does so few in browns and other earthtones. Off to pack my bag for my trip. I can't believe how few clothes I am taking. I will love it or hate it, but at the very least I will feel very organized.
I'm going on a trip in September and have learned so much on this site about how to get the most mileage with the fewest garments. We'll be flying and away for 8 days. I plan to pack in a rolling bag that I can carry onto the airplane. Thank you Janice!
Amazing. Love. I'm trying to create a whatever's clean/333 in my own colors, using pieces I already own, for the first few months of the school year. I wish you were here to hold my hand!!
I love your more colorful wardrobes, and even black looks sharp and strong, but this is so subdued. To me the person wearing this wardrobe lacks character and creativity. Some of the elements are beautiful on their own, but the outfits need some spice!
I was thinking these outfits need a redhead!
These sorts of combinations are ideal for someone with low contrast coloring, who looks washed out by high contrast vivid color wardrobes… I have soft blue eyes and taupe/grey hair, and look terrible in the sort of black/chartreuse/fuschia combinations that look wonderful on my little sister, with her dark brown eyes and hair. Some folks look better in subdued color, some the opposite – doesn't reflect on their character and creativity, just on their inherent coloring of eyes hair and skin tones… BTW, I am an artist and no one has ever accused me of lacking in creativity or character, my family has always called me "quite the character" :-)
If I knew someone who had this wardrobe, I would know she has the following character strengths: persistence and prudence (because that's what it takes to put together a collection of clothes and accessories that work so well together), integrity (because she takes care to present her authentic self to the world through her wardrobe), vitality (because looking good every day takes zest and energy), and appreciation of beauty and excellence (even though some will disagree with the beauty of the clothes, and the excellence of LL Bean's clothes).
Oh dear, I really love each look here. I'm afraid I'm not much for neon spandex and feathers.
I like this wardrobe. I, too, am not a fan of black, and think it actually works best with other neutrals. But I see a lot of black + colour with no thought as to whether or not it flatters the wearer. I like brown, cream, cognac and dark brown. But I would never wear a tone on tone wardrobe of mostly cotton separates. I need colour and contrast but I think texture helps too. But , I love the idea of it, "whatever's clean" and it was fabulous for me when I was recently ill.
Beige and brown can be quite dull, as can black and grey. It's how they are chosen and worn that makes them seem dowdy or diva! It's the wearer not the clothing, to a great extent. LL Bean clothing is great but it is not sophisticated.
Cornelia, I'm with you! I wish EF did more browns and earth tones, as I'm a redhead.
Thanks again, Janice, and especially for choosing brown tones for neutrals.
Christine xo
FABULOUS…as an "assisted" red head with blue eyes. Sometimes subdued is elegance. I really like the website you are using for the accessories.
Deb from Vancouver
Love the browns!
Question: What kind of earrings jazz up an outfit but fit a "simple" style?
The only accessories I wear are earrings. I'm not much for things on my arms and around my neck. I am growing tired on simple hoops and need to lift my outfits like you illustrate.
Love this.
It interests me how individually and passionately we all react to color. As Janice has taught us better than anyone, not only color but shades of color, muted or not, are profoundly personal, the very essence not only of style but somehow the inner self too. Seeking beyond fashion to this coherent and affirming signature of self makes this site so much more than a clothes blog.
Thank you Janice for your ideas. I am busy planning a 10 day London trip and will use many of your ideas for packing lighter than usual. I have started to use the plan to pack half as many bottom pieces as tops. A new top each day makes me feel fresh but re-wearing slacks/skirts is easy and they are usually more bulky to pack. I hope to use your scarf accessory ideas! Easy to pack! I look forward to your posts!