In honor of the season (in the Northern Hemisphere) of the ripening of all delicious things, I give you the “Tuscan inspired” capsule wardrobe of wine, olives, and gold that was sent to me a few days ago.This reader really goes all out – she finds photographs and paintings that illustrate the colors that she likes, and builds me a little collage that is my reference material. I need to find out if she’d mind if I showed the illustrations here – they’re really beautifully chosen and constructed, and serve as a glorious inspiration to my already hyper-drive imagination!
And yes, I did choose that bracelet because it reminded me of olive trees and grape vines…

Earrings – Alexis Bittar; tee – J. Crew; scarf – Mosaique; wine stud earrings – Janna Conner; leather and metal bracelet – Brooks Brothers; twigs bracelet – Diane von Furstenberg; sleeveless shirt – Equipment; draped-front sleeveless top – Prabal Gurung; watch – Movado; cardigan – J. Crew; draped georgette top – Tome; necklace – INC International Concepts
For easy reference, here are the original 12 garments, that are really getting a workout!
Stone metallic cardigan – J. Crew; natural cardigan – Uniqlo; nude tee – Need Supply Co.; heather wheat tee – J. Crew; brown tee – J. Crew; tan linen top – Maison Rabih Kayrouz; ivory sleeveless shirt – J. Crew Factory; shorts – Loft; dress – Ter et Bantine; skirt – Maison Rabih Kayrouz; ankle pants – Uniqlo; jeans – Lafayette 148 New York
And the core, neutral accessories without which these ensembles would never be possible. I find it interesting that these 3 pairs of shoes are just as happy with strongly colored accents as they were with pastels. While I would certainly be all over a pair of olive green ballet flats in this wardrobe, you can clearly see that, if you have your neutral items, you can go a long way!
Gold stud earrings – Kendra Scott; hoop earrings – Marco Bicego; antler and brass earrings – Ralph Lauren; bangle bracelets – David Aubrey; fabric wrap bracelet – Swarovski; infinity love bracelet – JCPenney; wristlet – Purse Power; ring – Arabel Lebrusan; gold wedge sandals – Isola; ombre tote – Cole Haan; ballet flats – Athena Alexander; beige flat sandals – Charles by Charles David
As always, there are lots of possible combinations, and a wide variety of occasions for which you can be perfectly attired:
Just in case:
Tomorrow, I am taking a very exciting break from these neutrals to share a “travel to Chicago” post, that is a partnership with the very lovely Susan of Une Femme d’un Certain Age. It’s pretty humbling to be able to work with a blogger of such high reputation and devoted following!
Saturday, I’m back with these neutrals for one last visit (I think); we’re bringing in shades of sea green and blue…
love,
Janice
How lovely – I feel as though I'm "Under the Tuscan Sun" with this capsule wardrobe!
Perfect! Thanks for demonstrating how my favourite 'autumn' colours can translate into a lovely summer capsule. As a bonus, i'm trying to move away from (too many) stripes and sharply tailored pieces towards a more relaxed organic feel – so it's a style inspiration as well. Very interesting how the colours suggested the style. I'd love to see the collages!
Alice
Janice,
What amazes me is how you can provide a wardrobe illustration of colors that are clearly adverse to your own personal coloring choices.The themes that the colors express, from a seaside day and seashells, to the warm Tuscan sunny landscape are amazing ! Your versatility is what truly retains my interest ! I don't wear black, it's too harsh and draining for my coloring, but I still learn so much from your "black posts " !
This post is exactly what I would wear if I had these pieces –love that draped top !
Thank you again for your creativity and sharing it with all of us whom you and your illustrations inspire !
Hear hear!
Robyn
How lucky I feel that your blog is in the world, Janice. The hours and hours you put into this show–but what especially shows is your absolute genius for thinking about color, texture, mood…This is an absolutely gorgeous fall wardrobe.
Beautiful! I can hardly wait for the blues and greens on Saturday!
Gwendolynn
This really makes the collection pop! Nice :)
Yesterday's colours are beautiful and I appreciate them aesthetically. But today, it is exactly what i would wear for sure. And more treats for Friday and Saturday. How can we say thank you in a meaningful way?
Deb from Vancouver
Recommend me to your friends! The more people who read and love The Vivienne Files, the happier I will be!
big hug,
Janice
Loving these past several days color combinations. I look better in warmer colors versus the cooler ones and appreciate the fact that you posted these. I'm new to your blog and have read just about every past post that you have done concerning putting color combinations together. They are truly inspiring!!! Now for the closet cleanse!!!!
The link for the Mosaique scarf takes you to one listed for $240.00 but then on the same page there's a link to the SAME scarf for $62.00 plus a discount. Just one more reason to look around and not settle for the first find!
The beautiful shades of green, gold and wine make the neutrals come alive. I would feel right at home in these combinations. Thanks for all the possibilities!
Gorgeous accent colors for these neutrals. None of them would suit me, but I love, love the look.
I love your blog…I have posted a link to your blog on my blog "This And That" on my site "NJ in the City" at njfranks.simplesite.com
Thanks so much – I appreciate the support!
big hug back at you,
Janice
Another beautiful wardrobe! Thank you so much Janice! I learn so much from all of your posts!