July 15, 2015
I’ve really admired scarves from textile artist Yuh Okano for a while, but it wasn’t until I held one in my hands that I realize how truly wonderful they are. Her scarves have that beautiful reflectiveness and iridescence that’s characteristic of organza, but they’re not “crispy” or difficult to wear… I’m smitten!
scarf – Yuh Okano
Beautiful color schemes are possible here:
scarf – Yuh Okano
Three words that should NEVER be in the same sentence:
- Leaving Friday, after a day of meetings. Friday night on your own (hallelujah for that!)
- Saturday will be spent doing “team-building” exercises; if that term doesn’t make you cringe, you just haven’t worked in the right environment!
- Saturday late afternoon everyone may avail themselves of the pool and other amenities (that should bring out some really scary looks…).
- Saturday night: a “dressy” dinner. You just KNOW that someone is going to show up in a strapless dress. You just know… sigh….
- Sunday is brunch and a review of who won the “team contests” from the day before. Be still my beating heart, eh? And then, you’re free!
Since you’ve got real business on Friday, your travel outfit is going to look like a pretty normal work day, with a pair of gorgeous opal earrings, and your favorite scarf to add a spark to a simple outfit.
Opal earrings – Jamie Joseph, scarf – Yuh Okano, linen blazer – Joseph, watch – Emporio Armani, suitcase – Briggs & Riley, loafers – Nicholas Kirkwood, tee shirt – Marc by Marc Jacobs, linen ankle pants – Joseph
Linen long-sleeved shirt – Frank & Eileen, earrings – Eina Ahluwalia, bracelet – Gorjana, white linen tunic – Majestic, clutch bag – Lacambra, green tee – Dsquared2, white tank – Splendid, swimsuit – Speedo, white pants – J. Crew, violet dress – Planet, pumps – Prada, gold and white sandals – Joie a la Plage
That's a beautiful scarf. I could see it becoming a Classic favourite for many years.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! the reasoning behind the capsules makes me laugh. I guess some things are universal.
Gorgeous scarf! Today's story really makes this introvert cringe — thank goodness I work with three other introverts who feel the same way about forced togetherness!
My boyfriend has dubbed these events "forced corporate fun."
Ohh, the scarf is glorious as I already own this wardrobe (apart from the gold pumps). And even better, it's long, always my preference over square scarves. I imagine you dreaming in colour and waking inspired each morning.
It is a beautiful scarf! Whether I win or not, I'm checking out her wares right now.
I second Tricia's comment! However, the wardrobe and scarf are wonderful.
Lesley
I absolutely adore the scarf. Just looking at it soothes my spirit after a day at work I had today. Staff weekend retreat, indeed shudder – only to be equally matched by the horror that is the directors' strategic planning meeting in which the hopes, dreams and best advice one can give goes to the board and returns back bloody and bruised, eviscerated – a mere former shadow of the confident,, robust, carefully planned and meticulously researched report that left your hands just a few days earlier…
Really enjoy your blog. Thank you for your time in preparing these thoughtful posts. You inspire me to keep it simple. I enjoy your packing posts. The scarf is lovely with colors and the oblong length that works best for me. Agree with previous comment that it could be a classic for years. marywyatt
Love the scarf and your blog.
Beautiful scarf, Janice. Love these colors. Your weekend scenario makes me shudder – so glad I'm retired! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us. Diane
Love your wardrobe inspiration, and love that scarf!
Sue in WI
Both the scarf and the capsule are wonderful. I had a beloved "soft suit" years ago with a print skirt and plain top , and the colourway of the print was very like thatof the scarf. Ah, happy memories. And the colours are still with me today, so I would just love to win the scarf.
Very elegant
That is one gorgeous scarf. One of my own favorites is made of organza — it ties beautifully into complex-looking-but-actually-easy knots. I often wear it as a multi-knotted necklace, which lets me use it in hotter weather.
I've never had to attend a staff retreat (thank the heavens!!), but the words made me cringe all the same. The scarf is lovely, Such restful colors. Thank you for the chance to own it =)
Beautiful summer weight scarf and I love the colours. Staff retreats are a drag but if you go with this you would be getting envious glances!
Take Care, Beth
Love the scarf and selection of clothes to go with it. It is a happy marriage of the sea and (jewel)rock.
Gorgeous! Would love this!
Karen in Indiana
"The richness of colour gives you full bloom in your heart." according to the artist. Love the colour scheme and pleased that We are wearing a one piece swim suit! Last Christmas I gave my sister an rich green opal pendant in a similar shape of the earrings. Carol S
Dear Janice,
Did you choose the colour scheme of the scarf? Because it is just gorgeous. Am I the only one who sees that blue rather as purple? I'l go great with my jeans and my purple polo shirt…
By the way, I think you found your voice. These stories are getting better and more addictive. And it is interesting how I can picture instantly in my head the woman you are talking about… Please, keep going!
Best,
Arte
Four years ago I moved from a spacious 3 bedroom house, with every closet full of my clothes(husband had 1/2 closet), to a 300 sq ft RV. I also totally changed my work environment from an office setting to working at home. This required totally changing my relationship to clothes. I started on the journey alone, but your blog really helped to fine tune the process. Pam
The scarf is absolutely beautiful. I love the way you coordinate a wardrobe from a picture or a scarf.
Nothing like a fabulous giveaway to being out the comments! I just looked back at my files, and I've been "collecting" your dailies since the very beginning. And I always learn something wise, funny, and useful. This scarf is just utterly lovely, and I covet it. So, dear Janice, here I am…Thanks for everything.
Hugs, Swissy
OMG, do I love this scarf today! It has all the colors of my current wardrobe and I like the pattern of it too. I am loving all your stories that you are weaving around the vignettes. So fun to read. Thanks for all you do, Janice.
Dear Janice, I love this scarf! I work in a very casual office, but I started wearing scarves after discovering your blog. I receive the nicest compliments when I am wearing something as simple as blue denim jeans and a white t-shirt because, from you, I have learned that accessories make the outfit. Love always, Patty G.
What a very lovely scarf. Like others, we all share a learned aversion to these events. Love your take on them!
I'm intrigued by the texture and Monet like palette.
Love the scarf. Thse are definitely my colors. I suffered through more team building exercises than I care to remember in both my military and civilian careers. They were painful, since I am a real introvert, and most of them were a total waste of time.
Being retired means never having to attend a "team building activity". The colours of the scarf are lovely.
Janice. I've been enjoying your blog for a number of months. I find your blogs to be both entertaining and informational and I love the clever ideas you come up with. It's tough to keep blog content "fresh", but it seems that you've found the formula! Keep up the great work.
Dear Vivienne, I always enjoy your packing capsules they open my eyes to so many possibilities while reminding me that a great wardrobe is not big but beautifully curated. Today's colours happen to suit me well and that scarf is utterly dreamy. So I could be tempted to rethink my summer wardrobe altogether! (It is darkest winter here in Tasmania right now.) And as for those weekend work retreats, ugh, I am so with you, sister! Thanks as always for your hard work and inspiration. Robyn xxx
I've been to those events! For some reason they always include a sauna and/or an outdoor jacuzzi. And I work in IT so usually it's 10 men for every woman. Normally I don't have a problem with that, and I don't have a problem with showing myself in a swimsuit either. However, being squashed with the CEO in a hot tub is not my kind of fun.
Team building exercises can be so painful! But a beautiful scarf could at least make it a palatable exercise. That is a gorgeous scarf – absolutely love the colours. Lyn
I love this scarf! Thank you for the link to her shop – I now have two others under consideration. I am addicted to color; try as I might to create a capsule wardrobe, I am finding it impossible to settle on two or three accent colors. Love your blog, and love the switch to storytelling. :)
Better team building than endless hours of lectures and sermons in cold, cold rooms while the flowers, birds, and waterfalls of the state park waited just outside the door. Of course, if I had been wise enough to have had a warm jacket or cardigan, I would have been less miserable! Your colors suit me very well and I love the scarf.
Favorite colors here…beautiful scarf!
Really lovely. And appropriate!
Right now, I'm extremely thankful that the executives at my software company started their professional lives as engineers. That deep-seated horror of "team-building exercises" keeps them from making such suggestions. The closest we get to a staff weekend retreat is a day spent at a local Habitat for Humanity build. House building and team building. The scarf is lovely.
Beautiful scarf! I could wear that every day! — Liz Y.
The colors are beautiful! I appreciate the ever-creative ways you mix colors and styles.
What a beautiful scarf – I have mosaic opal earrings in just those colors! I have been through those dreaded team building exercises. The idea of seeing some of my former co-workers in bathing suits – ugh! Modest and beautiful and head and shoulders above the rest of them – LOL! I love your vignettes, some of them just make me laugh out loud!
I'm too low on the totem pole for anything other than team lunches–and those are bad enough. Great story and gorgeous scarf.
Gorgeous colours!
Dear Janice,
your blog is as ever inspiring and of course I´d love to win the scarf- the colours are in my swatch, apart from the green.
Thanks for blogging
Anja
What a lovely scarf! It would pair nicely with my navy linen tee shirt and I can easily see it draped over an aqua dress. What a great way to emphasize ones blue eyes. You have a creative flair for pulling together lovely practical and elegant outfits. Thanks for sharing that with us!
Beautiful scarf! I also love your wardrobe selections to go with it.
Beautiful scarf! Blue is my color and I love this wardrobe. The story is great, I have been fortunate to have escaped corporate
America and team building exercises. However, I have gone to my share of conferences accompanying my husband and so appreciate your sage packing advice. In fact, I've got to pack for one this weekend. Would love to have that scarf with me!
Retreats and team building….. not only did I attend, I frequently led! The only thing missing for me in this very well selected group is a caftan or longer tunic to wear over the bathing suit. That would have been an absolute must for me in this type of work situation. The blues in this selection are really speaking to me, love those opal earrings. I was quite happy when I went to the site and noted they weren't available… saved me some decision making.
Deb from Vancouver
Well HONKS – they were available last night!
I just can't keep up – beautiful things sell quickly….
hugs,
Janice
The colors in the scarf are so pretty. I especially love the aqua. This scarf would go with many of my spring and summer tops. Thank you for all the inspiration you give us.
The scarf is beautiful, and would coordinate with so much already in my closet. Thanks for sharing your gift, Ann
Love the scarf!!
I laughed when you said if the term "team-building exercises" doesn't make you cringe, you haven't worked in the right environment. Right on! :)
The thought of wearing this scarf to a staff retreat would make the weekend bearable. Thank you for your lovely ideas.
My summer colors this year are this scarf. I also enjoy the back stories, Janice. My office is small enough that I've never been required to attend team-building weekends. Lucky me! As lovely as my job and co-workers are, I would despise spending my weekend in such a useless way. My family time is very precious. Deb in KY
that scarf! Gorgeous!!! I am all about the blues!
Okay, enough exclamation points. But really, it's gorgeous. Whoever wins it will be a happy camper.
The scarf is gorgeous–my favorite colors. Your blog and my other favorite, Recovering Shopaholic, are now intersecting. Love it.
My favourite colours! Like the packing as well, although I'd replace gold with silver. Love your blog. /Anne
Strapless dress comment cracked me up. Love the scarf, too!
Beautiful colours, beautiful scarf. It reminds me of the colours of the Mediterranean.
Thanks for the chance to win such a beautiful piece!
Such a beautiful scarf! And thanks for making me feel grateful I work in a public school, where there is no money for things like weekend retreats:)
Beautiful scarf- thank you do making this possible.
This scarf looks like it would work well with 2 wardrobes from earlier this month; start with art, JMW Turner and Tamara de Lempica.
Thank you for your generosity.
Louise P
What a beautiful scarf; the colors make me think of the ocean. Your description makes it sound like it feels luscious, too!
Boy, you hit all my favorite colors with this scarf! It's a beauty!
What a beautiful scarf! You always find such beautiful things to feature on your blog. And I agree with you completely about teambuilding and team retreats — I find them to be painful experiences. I'm the least introverted member of a team of introverts, and we are terrible at these exercises.
Susan
Thanks so much for the chuckle – it's good to make fun of these trying events!! Am loving that scarf – was looking for something to tie my green purse in with my navy and gray "wardrobe" (ok, at the moment it's becoming a wardrobe again – I'm a professor turned stay at home mom for a special needs daughter and my closet mainly contains t-shirts and jeans. Working hard at feeling attractive and put together again, in practical and versatile (and above all easily washable) clothes ;)
What a beautiful scarf. I Iove the accompanying outfits as well.
What a lovely, fresh travel combo — and the commentary is priceless!
Sue G
Janice, you've done it again! Beautiful scarf, beautiful colors, beautiful clothes. And another amusing scenario. (Reading these short short stories is almost as fun as looking at the clothes.)
You bring joy to foggy Cali morning…..thanks! d And, gorgeous scarf too.
I just recently subscribed to your blog and really like it. I love seeing how colors are coordinated in clothing, homes, gardens, whatever. Color coordination fascinates me. That scarf is beautiful, just the colors I like to wear.
I agree with the last post–I love the stories you make up to go with the clothing. I especially love today's color scheme!
This scarf is in my colors – It's absolutely beautiful! Thankfully I haven't had to go to a retreat like this one – only all-day seminars.
Really enjoy your blog. And the scarf? speechless!
Have a lovely day!
What a stunning scarf! I your blog is a real treat, I love it!
Janice, thank you for this morning’s smile and memories of past work retreats. Your capsule colors are beautiful and as always, I love the way they are displayed. Love, love, love the scarf … those are my accent colors! Mollie
That gorgeous scarf is like an oasis in the desert of a "staff" "weekend" "retreat"! I would wear it as protection from corporate inanity. The color scheme and hilarious vignettes are just too wonderful, Janice. Do you ever tire of hearing that we all consider you an international treasure? Linda T from Okemos
Oh, what a beautiful scarf! It goes with at least half of my wardrobe. I'd love to have it! I enjoy your blog so much, it's been very helpful to me.
Nita in Charleston
That scarf is perfection. I've also admired this artist's work, but hesitated to purchase due to the possible "scrunchiness" you describe. I've attended a few staff retreats, but none on the weekend, praise be. This scenario sends chills down my spine.
Love this post and love this scarf! I have a lot of blue in my wardrobe but not much green though I would like to introduce a bit more green for autumn/winter. If I won this scarf it would be a perfect start! If I win and it's not open to international readers, then I gift it to you dear Janice!
Beautiful scarf…I'd wear it with a purple top in the same tone as the blue and green.
Oh my goodness my coffee almost made it onto the computer screen. I have worked and attended team building with strapless dress girl!! Thanks so much for my morning chuckle and that scarf is beautiful, I particularly really love the green in it.
And "too short shorts girl" and "skimpy bikini girl"
I was also thinking about the inappropriate "man" bikini on one gent that I can never unsee, LOL as I read your comment. Not a pretty visual
It took me a full 15 minutes to calm down from the mere thought of team building in order to realize what a lovely weekend wardrobe you created. Not my normal pallette at all, but I'd like every piece … well, except the bathing suit. No swimsuits in front of coworkers EVER!! And, thanks for sharing.
The scarf reminds me of Monet's waterlilies. And the outfits you put together are so nice that they kind of make me miss my days of corporate retreats. Or not.
Even my home decor is comprised of blues and greens. Love.
What a beautiful scarf! All my favorite warm colors.
The scarf and color palette are beautiful!
Beautiful. Blog is always an inspiration.
What a beautiful scarf! The colors would go perfectly with my wardrobe. I love checking your blog daily. You never know what treasures you'll find! Thank you for the chance to win!
The scarf is gorgeous, the colors are some of my favorites. Thanks for all you do!
Smitten indeed. I am loving the scarf and the more primary colors you used today. My wardrobe has and is still transforming because of you. Thank you so much for that!
Those are just my colors! Beautiful scarf, great wardrobe. Nancy
Some of my favorite colors in the scarf and in your mini capsule!
As soon as the page loaded, I thought …wow what a great scarf….thanks for the chance to win it.
As soon as the page loaded, I thought …wow what a great scarf….thanks for the chance to win it.
I love this color combination they are beautiful together Please enter me in this giveaway Ive learned alot from your blog Thank you for your efforts
linda m
I echo Cynthia's quote – except for the first sentence :)
Be still my heart…. I would love that scarf, pet it, and squeeze it. But not call it George. :)
LOL Beffyann! Thanks for that blast from the past…
Beautiful scarf. Hilarious story. These just keep getting better, Janice!
The scarf is beautiful and feels could much a lot of clothing . It has all of my favorite colors. Nice choice!
Oh, what a gorgeous scarf! I love that combination of colours.
Just the right weight for Arizona temps!
This colour scheme really speaks to me. Love the scarf! Great wardrobe for a weekend.
Those colors would be fabulous with my red hair! Thanks for your wonderful work. I've been able to share your site with many friends, including a group I just vacationed with in Paris. They all said they learned a lot from you :)
Ah, my post didn't go through.
I did say that the colors in the scarf are beautiful and would inspire a wardrobe.
LindaC in AZ
Lovely scarf and great clothing choices for the dreaded retreat. Carla.
Very beautiful, colors and clothes!
Karen
Beautiful scarf and wardrobe. Your stories just get better and better – I'm not sure which I look forward to most!
Oh Janice – You peeked into my wardrobe with this one! Loved your description of the weekend, haven't had to do one for a long time but you just can't get some images out of your mind! In the middle of a cold (for us) Melbourne winter and those colours just make me happy.Thank you!!
This scarf is so my mother. Her maiden name was Pond, and she has the bluest eyes (next to Paul Newman). She loves blues, greens, and scarves. I'm sure she's never had one as nice as that one, though. I'd love to win it and give it to her, then "borrow" it on occasion.
Lovely scarf and a lovely summer color scheme
Gorgeous scarf; this would definitely usher me into regular wearing of scarves.
This is my first comment,…..(I am shy!) The Vivienne Files are my daily no calorie treat. On indulgent days I review all the historical posts. My skills at dressing have improved immeasurably. My favorite posts are the "common wardrobe" and "start with art."
I tell all of my friends about my secret addiction to the Vivienne Files!
Would definitely complement blue-green eyes :-)
Say Team building one more time…. That scarf is lovely; navy is one of my neutrals! Love this collection.
reason #937,453 why I'm glad to be back home ….
The scarf is drop dead gorgeous. I'd love to win it!
Absolutely gorgeous scarf and wardrobe – and in my colors!
organza is so magical. I think it is a good choice for working in, understated flash as you will. trebien.
Long time subscriber and always enjoy your inspiration! That scarf looks like it floats! Di
I would love to win this scarf! I enjoy your blog so much!
OMG, Janice, these are my favorite colors! I recently lost 50 pounds (I'm only 5'1") and recovered from cancer nicely and now I'm getting a whole new wardrobe based on your system, particularly the 4-4. This scarf would be so perfect for my planned wardrobe of navy, golden tan, aqua/turquoise and various shades of blue and green! Also, Janice, I LOVE your new posts full of fun and imaginative vignettes. You're a great writer! When is your book coming out?
Next school holidays, my husband is determined to take our family to Lightning Ridge (Australia) – opal country. We will be searching for opals. The scarf certainly works well with opals.
many thanks
Irene
I am touched by the comments of Jancie Collins. I feel greedy for even thinking that I wanted the scarf. I hope she wins. I am grateful for my health. By the way I thrift most of my clothing but the instructions on HOW to dress are what I really needed and need. I have no daughters to keep me from looking foolish only sons and my mother is not with me any longer so The Vivienne Files are my fashion conscience that sometimes screams don't wear that or whispers nice job.
Gorgeous scarf! I would love to win it! I am building a "starting from scratch wardrobe," and love the whole concept. I've struggled with clothing my whole life, and never could figure out why some looked so put-together. Now I get it. Thanks for what you do.
Definitely suits the strong light we have here in Queensland, Australia. I love wearing brighter colors and love the posts you do with those. All of your posts are very thought provoking and informative. The scarf would definitely make my eyes appear bluer and silk is so sensual to have around my neck. I would love to win it to make it the focal point of my spring ( Southern Hemisphere) wardrobe. Thanks for all of your hard work with these posts. I look forward to them all of the time.
Love this color palette which is similar to the one I want to use on my upcoming vacation abroad. As for the corporate meeting…take an iPad and play games on it but do so with a very serious face. People will think you are working and terribly invaluable to the point that you have to work while on the corporate retreat. It works.
Thank you for your generosity in everything that you do. I am amazed how I am able to apply the assorted wardrobe configurations you present in my own day to day life. Packing has become so much more pleasant and logical and I love to ponder your posts after reading. With huge respect and appreciation, thank you!!!
Oh Vivien, every scarf you show, I want!!! Oh, this one is tres beautiful… How can anyone go wrong with this color way? Hmmm…must devise a good excuse for the hubster to purchase another Vivien-recommended scarf ��. He's asking why I do have so many. I ask him why he has so many tools (which I do use BTW)…
Ooh love the colours of this scarf! I always find it a little difficult wearing the lighter weight scarves? Not sure the best way to tie them! Thanks for the chance to win, love your blog and beautiful wardrobe ideas ?
How I wish you were around 30 years ago when I was a young fool in those situations, wearing those cringeworthy items you mentioned. I really needed wardrobe guidance then, but there was nobody around to help. However, I've survived, older and wiser, and thanks to you I am learning something valuable every day. I have improved so much, that I am now getting compliments on how smart/chic/elegant/well put together I look. You have done a great job! Many thanks. That beautiful scarf has exactly my colours, and I love that it's long, as I am tall and straight up and down, and need something flowing to break it all up. I have many items that will marry with it wonderfully. Thanks again for your gorgeous ideas.
What an inspiration for my next capsule wardrobe!
What a beautiful scarf! The perfect accessory for a summer wardrobe. I can picture it with a simple white dress or shirt. Great color mix!
Just lovely! Thank you for sharing such wonderful discoveries with your followers Janice.
I've shied away from organza scarves, but you may have convinced me to give it another go with this one….you had me at "not crispy, and easy to wear"!
OH! This is my color scheme, and I LOVE the scarf! maybe I will be the lucky one!~
I view your blog first thing every day ! I love it. You have really helped me with my wardrobe options. Keep up the good work. Thanks
Beautiful scarf, though I'm not sure it could make up for a very painful-sounding weekend! I'm so glad to be retired.
Funniest email ever! Been there, done that! yes, the scarf is exquisite. thanks for the opportunity to make it my own!
Those are my colors! I would love to win it.
The scarf is gorgeous! My favorite colors. I have also attended way too many of these 'meetings'. Always stressful trying to figure our how to dress. Love receiving your emails in my inbox!
I just discovered your site today and absolutely love it (not to mention the gorgeous scarf!). I have already uncovered so many great tips and can't wait to read more.
Gorgeous scarf and frighteningly accurate scenario.. I really like the casual/work appropriate line this set of clothes balances on.
Perhaps a novel is in your future? That would be a treat! Sending grateful hugs for your words, vision, and work!
This scarf makes my heart sing
This is a beautiful scarf! I enjoy following you and have found inspiration for my wardrobe. Thank you!
This story had me chuckling. I've been fortunate enough to have switched careers and no longer have to attend staff retreats. Thank you for offering up a beautiful scarf. I look forward to reading your posts every day.
Truly beautiful scarf, color scheme and clothes! I want them all…
What a beautiful scarf. I wonder how close I could get to that effect with a silk scarf blank some silk dye and a pipette dropper?
What a beautiful piece of art! I'm in the process of streamlining my wardrobe using your capsules as a guide. Blue and green are the two accent colors that are definitely staying.
I have been to many team-building sessions and learned a great deal from most of them. I depends on what exactly the activities are, and who leads the event. A cynical, too-cool-for-this attitude is as pointless once you've checked in. Yes, weekends are precious personal time but given the comments I hear from shopping buddies who are supposedly "at work" while they try on things in the change room, not everyone respects the boundaries.
I just LOVE the colors you picked for this — right up my alley! Those beautiful shades just "pop" and work so much better with my personal coloring than the soft, pastel colors or warm tones you have posted as of late. Love it! :-)
Evie
The scarf is BEAUTIFUL. I was never much of a scarf person but now that I see what you can do with one and how easy it is to tie an outfit together, I'm hooked!
Lovely scarf; lovely wardrobe! Sorry if this posts twice. Having issues with gmail.
beautiful colors!
beautiful colors!
Ugh. Don't like this story….too accurate! Gives me an upset stomach. But I LOVE the colors and the choices. I think I might adopt the wardrobe without the story! ;)
These are my colors! The scarf looks beautiful. And lots of good outfit ideas.
I've attended quite a few forced corporate fun events! LOL! Love that title! This is a great assortment of garments. Love the scarf!! Thanks for the opportunity to own it! :)
Ah, that's gorgeous! Thanks so much for doing all this so faithfully.
I like navy blue dress!!!
http://www.pinkqueen.com