The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Archives for November 2013

November 2013

Plagued by the Muchness of Sameness

I don't imagine that it surprises you to learn that I look at literally thousands, if not tens of thousands, of garments and accessories each day.  Of course I peruse most of these online while I'm building beautiful vignettes to share with you, but I look at them nonetheless.Why do I have to look at so much STUFF every day?  Because the vast majority of it either (a) looks like most of the other things I've seen, or (b) looks cheap, poorly made, poorly photographed, and utterly unworthy of your attention.  Often, I see clothes that qualify for both (a) and (b)... the true losers of the wardrobe world.

What can we do to combat this infinite sameness?

1.  Don't give in to it.  Buying basics is wise and often a ... View the Post

Thanksgiving Irony

Today, in the US, we're supposed to take a day off and reflect upon our many blessings, and the abundance of our lives.

Tomorrow, we're supposed to go buy stuff that we really really need.

Maybe, tomorrow, try to remember how contented and comfortable you feel today, and sincerely question what you're buying.

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

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.  

Cardigan – Ralph Lauren,  earrings – Novica,  pants - Jaeger, cowl top – Phase 8, watch – Skagen, sparkle scarf – St. John Collection, loafers – Munro, Coat– Uniqlo,  tote – ... 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 probably be in one of your neutral colors, and a simple pair of stud earrings give you some ... 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

More Random Travel Observations and Appreciations

Well, my mother is securely and warmly ensconced in her new home, and I have logged quite a few miles - air and ground - in making that dream a reality.  As with all things in life, I think I learned a thing or two on my travels.  At a minimum, I have a newly warm appreciation for a couple of my wiser packing choices, and a refreshed dislike of Midway Airport.   Just to get this out of the way first - if you have a choice between the 2 Chicago airports, choose O'Hare.  Yes, it is bigger than some European countries, and you can walk yourself into a marathon getting around there, but at least it has clear signs giving you a clue about where to go.  And moreover, it has SEATS.  In a place where people have to ... View the Post