The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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Archives for November 2013

November 2013 - Page 2 of 3

Simple Kindness

This is a sign on one of the food vans that's always parked outside of the Field Museum in warm weather.  I know that Kim and Carlo have to get extra quarters from the bank every day, in order to have enough to offer them to anybody who asks.  But this kind of little gesture can make all of the difference in the quality of someone's day... ... View the Post

Scarves for a Six-Pack – Grey, Pink and Black

November 15, 2013

 

Cardigan – Uniqlo, skirt– Uniqlo,  watch – Movado, tee shirt – Uniqlo,   opal earrings – Novica,  boots – Vaneli, scarf – Alva-Norge, tote - Tumi  

Bracelet – Novica,  Black and grey pants – Uniqlo, grey sweater - Uniqlo,   skirt – Wunderkind,   dress – Emilio Pucci, shirt – John Lewis, pumps – Isaac Misrahi, pink sweater - Jil Sander    

  love, Janice   ... View the Post

The Shopping Sweet Spot

I live within walking distance of TWO Nordstrom Racks.  Two.  For those who don't share my good fortune, those are the stores where everything that didn't sell at Nordstrom goes to be flogged off at discount prices.  While the store is mostly filled with dreck, there are almost always a few unspotted (but soiled) gems lurking around - especially if you're a fan of the kind of clothes that look sort of "meh" on the hanger.

So recently, I wandered into one of the stores and spotted a couple of grey Eileen Fisher tank tops, in her signature fabric that drapes beautifully, wears like iron, and flatters everybody!  And my first thought:

"I could use that!"

Sigh...  The world is full of things that could be ... View the Post

Three Neutral Colors – An Amazing Range of Possibilities

Realistically, it's quite easy to work with three neutral colors as a solid wardrobe core.  And starting with the fourteen rather arbitrary neutrals that I isolated yesterday, combinations of three start to pile up QUICKLY.  Note that these THIRTEEN pages of color combinations are only those that include black as one of the colors...      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    For reference purposes, these were my fourteen neutral colors... 

  Interestingly, one of the most popular posts I've ever written was one which I built a wardrobe around six neutral colors  (see it here).  And I've finally ... View the Post

Two Neutral Colors – Dozens of Options

I get a lot of emails from people who are concerned about building a wardrobe around neutral colors, because they're worried that they will end up looking like everybody else.  If you devote yourself to black, and you live in a major city, that is certainly a valid concern!  But I think that there are more neutral colors around than you immediately think of, and that if you can focus on two colors as your predominant theme, you have dozens of options.   First off, let's choose a palette of possible neutral colors.  This palette is NOT exhaustive, and the colors as they are shown here are NOT intended to reflect the beauty and the depth that the color actually exhibits in three-dimensional garments and accessories. ... View the Post

Chic Sightings: Brown and Blue

November 8, 2013

Jacket – Fairly,  Suede jeans – Mother,  scarf – Hermès, loafers- Adam Tucker, silk blouse – Maliparmi, earrings – Novica,  skirt – Lover, boots – Steve Madden  

Sweater – Stella McCartney,  scarf – Pierre-Louis Mascia,  Skirt – Nomad,  ankle boots – BP,  necklace – Novica,  dress – Stella McCartney,  slingbacks - Perlato  

Blouse – Aglini, bracelet – Julia Failey, white jeans – Proenza Schouler,  flats – Cole Haan, sweater – Marika Charles, earrings – Betsey Johnson,   trousers – Rochas, oxfords - Munro  

love,

Janice ... View the Post

Avec Style: The 10 Rules for Subtracting 10 Years

I have never longed for a more youthful appearance...  will it eventually happen?

The 10 Rules for Subtracting 10 Years

1.  Take an interest in current events, in fashion, yes, but also in art, music, food and decor.  Stay connected!

2.  Add a touch of folly to your appearance, with star accessories, daring prints or lively colors.  (Louise Labrecque is a big fan of star accessories...)

3.  Don't be afraid to visit trendy boutiques.  They are for you too.  Who knows, you might find a scarf in the colors of the season, an amusing tee shirt, or a pair of extraordinary shoes?

4.  Are you dynamic?  Your clothes should reflect this!  Look for details that lend some personality ... View the Post

Avec Style: The 10 Rules of Color Harmony

  November 5, 2013   Color is often the first thing to be addressed when fashion and personal style are the subject...   The  10 Rules of Color Harmony   1.  Limit the number of colors in your outfit to no more than 3.  You will in this way create a visual harmony.   2.  A print will often include more than 3 colors.  In order to create balance, focus on the color which is most prominent in the print when finishing your outfit.  Example:  A black jacket is a good complement to a dress of multicolored flowers on a black background.   3.  To lighten your silhouette, it is preferable to wear lighter/brighter colors on the top half of your body, and darker ones on ... View the Post