so today she want to be certain that she has enough accessories. She’s not mad about having tons of stuff, but it is pretty important to have at least some appropriate shoes! Her color palette looked like this when she was finished:
She thought for a bit, and chose gold as the metal color for her jewelry (maybe just for this season – who knows?)
And she’s going to rely a bit on navy as a “cooling” influence on her
wardrobe, as she moves away from those warm olive-ish greens that made her feel drab. So she drafted a 2nd color palette, like this:
Now
that her colors are all settled, she things for a minute about what
she’s going to look for in her closet, and then buy if she comes up
empty-handed at home…
For reference purposes, this is her spring wardrobe:
beige cardigan – L.L.Bean; plaid shirt – L.L.Bean; beige sweater – L.L.Bean; striped polo shirt – Lands’ End; floral shirt – L.L.Bean; green cardigan – L.L.Bean; white tee – L.L.Bean; beige tunic – L.L.Bean; green sweater – L.L.Bean; aqua 3/4 sleeve tee – L.L.Bean; mint tee – L.L.Bean; ocean tunic- L.L.Bean; chambray shirt – L.L.Bean; navy pants – L.L.Bean; jeans – L.L.Bean; beige shorts – L.L.Bean; white shorts – Lands’ End; beige pants – L.L.Bean; striped dress – Lands’ End
After a bit of digging, and a little bit of patient shopping, she was able to assemble this:
Just to make sure that she’s okay with her newly assembled accessory wardrobe, she collects her Spring wardrobe into “clusters” and then accessorizes them:
Now she’s truly prepared for the coolest days, or a warm and sunny spell – if only Spring would get here SOON!!!
love,
Janice
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Beautifully chosen accessories. I'm always amazed at the impact that such accessories add to the overall look.
I like how you emphasize shoes rather than jewelry as accessories. It depends on the person, of course, but simple jewelry seems most appropriate for a casual wardrobe.
This is a thank-you note.
Yesterday, I had what I've been calling a 'Vivienne Moment' for which you deserve much of the credit. I was in a hurry to get to the grocery store, so I threw on some clothes without thinking at all about what I was putting on. I was in the cat food aisle (seafood paste or chicken chunks?) when a total stranger came up to me and said she loved my 'outfit' and that I looked 'so cute' (I'm 71). I was taken aback because I had put no thought or effort into looking nice. I must have looked shocked because she then said that I should be very proud. It was lovely of her, but I was mostly bewildered. It's one thing to be complimented when you have made an effort, but quite another to receive a compliment out of the blue.
When I got home and thought about it, I realized that what I was wearing did look coordinated and intentional. That was completely due to my diligently studying your blog and editing my wardrobe so that everything in it is easy and comfortable, but it all works together. So that when that moment arrived at the grocery store yesterday morning, I looked quite put together without any effort or thought, in complete contrast to my former mismatched bag lady style. My sister compared the incident to Stefon Diggs miraculous football catch – he had been working hard toward that catch for many years, but when it happened it seemed like a miracle. (I am asportal and I had to look the catch up, but it's a good metaphor so I'm keeping it. )
Therefore thank you. I find there's always something to be learned by studying your blog. Even when the colors/styles/ lifestyle needs etc. are different than my own, I can always extrapolate your ideas to my own life and wardrobe. Keep up the good work!
Wow, this is inspirational, The Bride! I'd love to know what the heck you were wearing in that cat food aisle… (and of course, which won out–seafood paste or chicken chunks??) I think you can now call yourself "Vivienne"! :-)
Blog posts like this remind me that even casual looks are greatly improved by putting some thought into accessorizing. Big things are big things, but it's the details like jewelry, scarves and color coordination that make some people's outfits look polished and intentional. I hope to be one of those people…on most days, anyway.
-Sara K.-
Janice,
I was not aware of the impact of accessories until you came into my life ! The difference is all on the details ! I’ve always thought that belts add to a look of polish, but sometimes it’s hard to find garments with belt loops anymore . I’ll have to look for the stretchy kind — maybe at Chico’s ?
I hope you’re feeling better, Janice.
Like an above commenter, I have learned much about organizing my clothes into a cohesive wardrobe. Its funny how different our climates are. I live in South Carolina, and this “spring” wardrobe reflects “winter” wear to me! ?. February is the beginning of spring for us- temperatures in the 80s. I know we will still have a few cold days here and there, but I am ready to chuck my long sleeves. ?
On a second study, I see plenty of warm weather clothes in this wardrobe. I think my eyes saw the long sleeves and I had a sweaty reaction. ?
Janice, I really love how nicely you illustrated the color scheme and identified target color(s) for various accessories before digging in to 'the search'. Well done!