December 17, 2018
Ah, this heroine… The unintentionally conspicuous college professor who never seems to fade into the background! That’s just the way some people are..
Her favorite painting? This unique beauty:
From this, she was able to derive the most uncommon of color palettes for her wardrobe, as well a few phrases to help her keep focused:
Back in January, she traveled (for reasons we still don’t know!) with this very unconventional travel capsule wardrobe:
When she was away for a long weekend at a symposium, she packed the following travel wardrobe. She didn’t plan to speak or be on any panels, but I suspect she was called upon to contribute…
She’s also been invited to other schools to speak to their classes – it’s quite an honor, in a way!
Her work has been recognized so much that she’s been invited to be a guest lecturer at THE university, for a YEAR! She traveled there in the fall to negotiate the particulars of her schedule, and what her content will be…
This wardrobe isn’t for everyone, but for the right woman, this is a versatile and VERY “statement” way to dress:
I’m particularly smitten with her accessories; some of these scarves are amazing! (and 3 watches? She’s an adult – why not?)
But what to advise for her? I’ve been thinking and thinking about her upcoming work responsibilities, the way she might want to dress for them, and how this new gig might affect her day-to-day life. If, for example, she’s going to move into a flat near the university, her laundry facilities might be limited. This could mean that she wants a few more shirts and tee shirts to get her well through a week without needing to wash something at the last minute!
I wanted to lend her just a bit of authority; older, more conservative faculty members are going to be a bit startled by this bright and lovely woman in their midst! A blazer, and a skirt that works with it but doesn’t match (and that costs a FORTUNE), is my first thought…
And a bright sweater to wear under it! My memories of college campuses in the middle of the winter are NOT memories of being too warm!
While she could certainly use a couple more shirts or tee shirts, I thought that I wanted to get her some more of the gorgeous gold that she loves so much. Couple that with my undying love of cabled sweaters, and you can guess what else she’s going to buy!
Finally, some lovely boots, and a whimsical brooch. I love a good brooch…
blazer – Acne Studios; brooch – Banana Republic; skirt – Everly; gold turtleneck – Uniqlo; cabled crewneck sweater – Lands’ End; boots – Adam Tucker
Each of these garments blend in beautifully with her existing wardrobe, giving her a range of outfits that will be suitable for her new, temporary position. Every day she’s there is sort of like a job interview for a permanent position there, so if she finds it congenial she will want to consistently put her best foot forward.
Can you imagine how you would pack if you were going somewhere for a year? I would LOVE that…
love,
Janice
Like this article? Save it to Pinterest!
Question: what would I pack if I were going somewhere for a year?
Assumptions: the destination has shopping opportunities (both in variety and price points) and the weather is not so variable as to need extreme clothing (winter coats, swimsuits, etc)
Answer: I would wear a very versatile travel outfit and pack nothing but small clothes, toiletries, and one of the fantastic Vivienne Files wardrobe templates.
Excellent answer Virginia! I’d been thinking, “Oh, 12 months, well there goes the carry-on theory.” But you’re right, with a versatile travel capsule and a VF template (plus a credit card) a heroine would be well set up to build a well-curated wardrobe over time, that is appropriate for her new circumstances. I’m now dreaming of a year away somewhere . . .
This is a favorite.
I live in Brazil and could manage to dress with a little inspiration from this wardrobe post. Of course it’s hot as hack in here but I’m wearing brown shoes and skirt, a white Banana Republic shirt, a golden watch and ring and a silver necklace with a brown pendand. Turns out it looks great and I feel pretty.
I like this wardrobe but personally do not wear brown – it depresses me to wear it. I have, however been thinking of adding pink and yellow to a spring wardrobe – maybe with gray and navy? Could you work your magic on that?
You’re right when you say this wardrobe isn’t for everyone. So, readers, what do you think this woman looks like? -Lily
Golden blonde hair and warm brown eyes, with peach skin. Her hair is shoulderlength and wavy, and she has slight freckles all over her face.
I see a tall lady in her middle years with short, thick, wavy chestnut brown hair, piercing blue eyes and alabaster skin.
This is sort of how I began to picture her! I don’t really think too much – ahead of time – about what our heroines look like. I’m more likely to think about their lives, their favorites colors, their preferences and passions…
hugs,
Janice
Since this is a color palette I have worn, I think our heroin has medium to dark ash brown hair with hazel eyes and fair skin with a smattering of freckles. Given the amount of white in the printed sweater, she would need a a little bit of silver in her hair for that piece to work well with her coloring so she is probably in her late 30s to early 40s. I think she is at least average in height and given her preferences for higher necklines and that double-breasted jacket, she has a smaller bust. Her penchant for pleats in her pants and skirts tells me she has a narrowish waist and hips.
Lily-I envision a warm-complected redhead with a faint dusting of freckles.
U actually know a person who wears these colors:, shortish curly auburn hair, hazel eyes, medium height, trim athletic body. She wears lots of brown with other warm colors. Which look great on her. But I agree, this is not for everyone.
This is a warm comforting wardrobe with some lovely accessory pieces – unfortunately, not for me with my short stature and cool colouring.
Ah Lily the easy answer to your question is – it’s me! In my fantasy life I have lived in her suede jacket since April, and now most of the remainder of this wardrobe! Unfortunately in Australia right now I am melting and prostrate on the floor in front of the fan most of the day.
This palette is quite similar to the one I chose for myself! Incidentally, I somewhat fit in with the descriptions of this heroine that were left in the comments: I have an overall warm coloring (though not strikingly so), with medium brown (chestnut?) hair and eyes, wavy shoulder-length hair, fair skin.
I added black and purple to my palette, though, because they tend to boost my mood – wearing black with marigold is one of my favorite pick-me-ups! I sometimes also pair black with brown: I know some people seem to find it sacrilegious, but it kind of makes me like I’m a respectable albeit mysterious gentleman from 19th-century London, and somehow that feels very comforting to my 26-year-old female self…
Well I was a college professor and later an administrator. My wardrobe was not so well coordinated as this one at the beginning of my career. Lovely colors. I wear alot of that corally pink with a lighter neige. Im a warm fair golden blonde with tourquoise eyes. Tourquoise is my go to accent color but it has been years since it was “in”. I have nothing tourqouise that fits me anymore as I lost lots of weight.
I collected lots of coral when it was in style and now hunt vintage shops for it. A similar shade of pink I also wear …it is my preferred “red” eg to go with navy which is my “black”.
Yesturday I was at a thrift shop and found a golden yellow blazer for $17.00. I didnt buy it because I thought what will it GO with besides navy? And denim? I am going back there todayv later to see if it is thpere….I didnt think of khaki at all and I do have khaki bottom items and I have alot of camel for winter which should work too…til I saw this laid out,I just thought since it works just with navy and denim for me, it doesnt deserve space in my wardrobe but now you have shown me otherwise.
You are my go to personn for color combinations and wardrobe building…not so much for style as color. I DO have basic traditional items but Inalso. have a boho streak….reliving MY college days mostly via midi skirts and peasant blouses summers.
I think I couldn’t resist a $17 blazer if it was an accent color I could manage – especially if it’s a nice quality one! Blazers aren’t easy to find, and one that’s truly well-made and looks good is worth grabbing…
Let us know what you do!
hugs,
Janice