Gulf of Saint Tropez by Claude Matisse
And some people are embracing the bright colors that come with the warmer weather:
This Year, A Uniform
Earrings – Melinda Maria; cardigan – Theory; loafers – Tod’s; tee – Uniqlo; scarf – Eleventy; watch – Fossil; pants – Uniqlo; tote – Longchamp
They can call it a Jitney, but it’s really just a bus. A very crowded, and often very overly air-conditioned bus. And she rides it EVERY WEEKEND in the summer, to get to the shore. But this year, she is NOT going to go through a bunch of angst and constant pondering about what to pack into her tiny bag, that she always ends up holding on her lap. This is it:
necklace – Lauren by Ralph Lauren; green dress – Lands’ End; yellow tee – M. Grifoni Denim; red cardigan – L.L.Bean; scarf – Talbots; belt – Fossil; earrings – Karen Kane; bracelet – Vipin; handbag – Carlo Pazolini; shorts- Diesel; sandals – Calvin Klein; floral tee – Uniqlo; red dress – Uniqlo
If her friends get tired of seeing her 2 dresses at brunch, the heck with them…. If she destroys this pair of shorts somehow, she’ll buy another one just like them. She’s just not going to worry about clothes, this summer…
Now, if she can just figure out what she wants on her Kindle…
love,
Janice
The colors remind me of an Oscar de la Renta dress from spring 2013 (I don't buy this stuff–just admire).
I love that blue tote. The whole blue-and-white set is very appealing. Simple but not boring.
When I saw the palette, busy with so many colorsI thought, "she wouldn't!" And you didn't–you dished out the colors one or two at a time–not all at once. I should have known you would find a way to make bright colors classy.
Eagerly awaiting your travel tales!
From Margie in Toronto – How lovely and summery – especially since I've woken up to about 4 inches of snow and just horrid weather this morning – we've had an easy winter and a terrible Spring!
I was a wee bit nervous when I saw all those colours but as "Taste of France" noted, I should have had faith – lots of neutrals to balance things out.
I've just seen your Pinterest photos from Paris and even though it is grey, you have all those lovely Spring flowers in he Luxemburg Gardens – enjoy!
That is really clever! I particularly like the necklace too
Love these colors! And the painting! Have a great week, Janice!
I love the confident colors and so-what attitude! But it's the beach — doesn't she swim?
She might, but I haven't yet been able to find a good assortment of swimsuit images. Maybe I need to come back to this mid-summer, when she's gotten good and sick of a few pieces?
hugs,
Janice
These sunny pieces would make a beautiful summer wardrobe. And for those of us who wear warm colors well, several pieces would transition nicely to fall.
Wow, what a gorgeous painting, Janice. You are making me less hesitant to wear the bright colors my new husband wants to see. I've added yellow to my muted blue/green accent colors. I agree with the others that you just KNOW how to retain the elegance with bold colors. Love the green dress and surprised it is from Lands End! Your Paris pics make me homesick for that city where I spent summers long ago. The freshly baked croissants are making my mouth water.! Enjoy your stay! Janice Collins, Washington DC
Bright colors can be great fun, and really flattering, without being garish, if you stick with a neutral base. Red is just about the only accent left in my wardrobe, and it can be really overwhelming! but I keep it toned down a notch or two because I always wear it with black and white.
Indulging our loved-ones isn't always a bad idea; sometimes they see things that will flatter us that we don't see ourselves!
hugs,
Janice
Loving this group – the colors, the choices and the painting that inspired them. I especially love that tote bag.
I always include a sundress or two for summer vacations. They're cool and comfortable, good for daytime or evenings.
Ladies, help! I am going to be in Chicago this Wed thru Sun and i dont think this adorable, summery wardrobe is going to work (I'm from So Cal; it would work if I were staying home). How cold is it? What footwear do I need? Any input woyld be greatly appreciated; especially since Ms Janice is in Paris!!!
From Margie in Toronto – it's not looking very warm and being from CA you may feel it even more than we northeners.
Highest temp I saw for the time is 55F with lows just above freezing. You are going to need layers at least and a scarf and gloves. As for footwear – I'd say at least some sturdy walking shoes and perhaps some rain boots if you have them as it looks as though you'll get some rain with maybe a bit of wet snow.
Just pack like you're going to Tahoe in early spring ;-). The mornings and evenings will be very chilly and for 2-3 hours in the afternoons, you might get away with a light sweater.
Teresa and Margie, thank you so much! I will pack accordingly–Marie
This is my kind of wardrobe! I don't mind a navy or white neutral base, but my accent pieces are very strong colors. Hope you're having a fabulous time in Paris, and thank you again for all you do for us, Janice.
I just want to say the way you use art to color match and the clothing choices are brilliant! I love this site. You have given me so many great ideas for breaking out of my rut. Thank you!
I just want to say the way you use art to color match and the clothing choices are brilliant! I love this site. You have given me so many great ideas for breaking out of my rut. Thank you!
What a fun wardrobe! I love the painting! I love the Impressionists. Have always been my favorites. Love the purse.
I really love these wardrobes that include a range of different colours linked by a key accessory and a solid neutral. I love colour and reckon that having different colours makes makes the wardrobe seem much bigger than it really is and would keep boredom at bay.
That Longchamp Splash bag!!! I love it so much :D
Janice, any chance you can do a "don't sweat it" capsule? I'll be in Hong Kong at the beginning of May and I'm already dreading the hot and humid weather…
One of your best! Clear, bright, happy solid colors and white – what could be better for summer! Thankfully free of those giant floral patterns that are so unattractive because they make one look old and lope-sided.
What a bright and happy wardrobe! – nancyo
Still beautiful !
thanks for all your hard work especially in theses times
Irene sydney
I want to wear this wardrobe now! Dreaming of traveling and wearing a pretty green dress to go out to lunch with my friends. Thank you for the respite that your wonderful blog provides, Janice!