April 17, 2020
Happy Birthday to my amazing mother!
What a beautiful piece of work THIS is:
She Doesn’t Think Anybody Noticed…
But she’s been pretty… slack… about getting ready to telecommute each day. So she’s turning over a new leaf – out of bed, SHOWER, do NOT put the clothes back on that are on the floor beside the bed. Earrings. Maybe a dash of lipstick. She needs to look (and more importantly, FEEL) like she’s working…
This is her inspiration:
Her sweetheart isn’t working, so she creeps out of bed at the appropriate time, and gets dressed from clothes she’s now stashing in the hall closet!
Scarf – Aspinal of London; earrings – Banana Republic; top – L.L.Bean; cardigan – Gibson; watch – MVMT; linen pants – L.L.Bean; socks – Darn Tough
It doesn’t much matter from the waist down what she wears, but anything that’s going to show when she’s teleconferencing should at least be clean and coordinated. Not like she’s going to put on a suit, or even a silk blouse, but a headband, and some earrings, will go a long way toward looking like she’s in control. (her hair? Dear oh dear… many of us are going to need haircuts urgently…)
So she ordered a few new things (treats are important!) and sorted out a few things she already owns, and she’s got a week of nice, casual, coordinated clothes out in the hall, waiting for the workday!
Hooded sweatshirt – Lands’ End; earrings – Nareerat; grey tee – Uniqlo; teal cotton sweater – L.L.Bean; plaid shirt – L.L.Bean; print scarf – Nordstrom; metallic headband – Lele Sadoughi; necklace – Tipa; grey scarf – La Fiorentina; socks – L.L.Bean; pants – L.L.Bean; tee shirt – L.L.Bean; slippers – Haflinger
With everything hanging or folded neatly into a basket on the floor, it looks pretty splendid, all together:
Now she has enough variety for a week:
She already feels more prepared for work than she has in weeks; it’s amazing how much looking good can change one’s view of so many things…
Imagine if she has this wardrobe, and another one closely related, and she switches off on alternate weeks! Eighteen garments for her entire work wardrobe, until the weather warms up and she has to make a change!
So what are you doing that keeps you feeling like a member of society? I still get up every morning and put on “real” clothes and EARRINGS!!!! (I wear four earrings, so it’s not like it’s just a 30-second process to get them all in the right holes!). My clothes are a little bit oddly chosen sometimes; I’m trying to decide what I’m keeping vs. donating for warmer weather, so I’m dressing in spring clothes each morning – sometimes a dress, sometimes silk pants and a top.
It’s a little bit odd, but it makes me feel like life continues….
love,
Janice
p.s. 4 years ago, I shared window display photographs from Paris. What I wouldn’t give to be spending April in Paris…
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I hope your Mum has a happy birthday even though you can’t be together. We have a family tradition of singing down the phone to our relatives far away.
It’s my 27th wedding anniversary today. We normally take the day off work and go somewhere. This year, we had thought about a long weekend to explore further afield….
This is a perfect combination and one of my favourites. I add light teal into the mix as well. I’m very tempted by the teal snake print scarf.
It would be interesting to see which ‘closely related wardrobe’ you would put this with to extend it. Please would you consider doing that with different colour combinations for us to consider. One of my favourite combinations is teal (light to dark) and grey with all shades of purple.
I also like to feel put together even at home. I wear jewellery every day – a ring, bracelets and necklace or beads. but don’t bother much with earrings unless I’m going out for an occasion. Perhaps I will today. I’m also desperately in need of a hair cut.
This is my palette too! I also use navy.
Happy Anniversary !
These are great colors. Not too difficult to find, either. As a retiree, these posts about being at home yet still looking put together are are really useful. A gold mine of ideas. And the sources you feature are some of my favorite places to shop.
I laughed at “In Transit”. So thank you for that!
I love this. During the second week of quarantine I moved my work clothes to the back of the closet and hung a capsule of what I’m actually wearing in the front. Fleece lined leggings, long sleeve workout shirts, a few hoodies, and fuzzy fleece tops I wear under a vest. Not very fashion forward but workout clothes make me feel active and it’s easy to pop out the door for a walk (sorry to rub it in!) or get down on the floor for stretches and Pilates. I do my hair and makeup every work day so I look decent for zoom. Last week I ordered a hoodie in a new color (this green, actually!) and it was very exciting! I’m in Milwaukee and live a half mile from the lake so it’s going to be cold for awhile.
Hang in there and thank you for your posts!
Happy Birthday to your mother. It is also my Birthday, 79, the first one totally on my own as my husband, the love of my life died five months ago today. I would love it if I could see family today as I am sure you would love to see your Mom today too.
Happy Birthday , Gail , and big big hugs ! I have been in your shoes .
Dear Gail, A big hug to you from another reader. How sad that your birthday coincided with your husband’s death five months ago. I hope you’ve shared warm wishes from your family and can look forward to seeing them eventually. It will have been a lonely winter. May Spring bring you some moments of pleasure.
Evidently it’s a banner day for birthdays! It’s my birthday, too. We’re at home but not cooking. We will get carry out from a favorite restaurant this evening. I have on a new sweater I bought in March but waited until today to wear. And a new scarf is in the mail, arriving next week. Life is good, even with restrictions. Janice, birthday wishes to your mother from another April 17 baby. ❤️
Dear Gail, A big hug to you from another reader. How sad that your birthday coincided with your husband’s death five months ago. I hope you’ve shared warm wishes from your family and can look forward to seeing them eventually. It will have been a lonely winter. May Spring bring you some moments of pleasure.
My mother’s birthday is next week and she is a little sad, she will be 83 and she misses playing cards and going to lunch with her friends.
I get up the same time every morning, yoga, shower and get dressed. I’m layed off, not working, but I always like to get dressed. I am also using this opportunity to go through my closet. I have everything on a portable rack with shelves in my bedroom and I am slowly putting things back in my closet. This might take weeks but I’m in no hurry. I have started a short list of things I want to get, but again, I’m in no hurry.
I just love teal – this is so pretty and inspiring!
I’m very fortunate to still be steadily working – our company was already in the process of adopting Zoom remote capabilities, and quarantine just accelerated that process. I do my best to look put together every day – I have a workout routine in the AM, hit the shower, get my son fed, and then get to work by 9am, just like any other day. I dress casually, but in accordance with my company’s “Dress for your Day” policy (jeans are ok if you are not client-facing!) Jeans make me feel a little more “dressed” than yoga pants, and it’s chilly still, so my open cardigans are great to look nice and stay warm. My boss sent me a lovely scarf yesterday as a pick-me-up, so I am going to wear that today on our leadership call to thank her :-)
The bracelet is stunning, although it’s not in my colors!
I’m also changing into “real clothes” every day. I’ve streamlined the process: I pick a random pair of comfortable pants (joggers or soft pants, life’s too shirt to wear jeans right now), a sports bra, a t-shirt that I think looks good with the pants, and a cardigan or unbuttoned shirt.
I’ve recently started adding a necklace to each outfit, which is just for my (and my SO’s) sake since I don’t have to participate to teleconferences. I’m starting to hate my overgrown, shapeless hair, but at least I have a new cute headband that matches my favorite cardigan and some of my pants.
Getting dressed has never been so easy! I’m definitely working towards creating similar “uniforms” for when we’re free to go out. And I’ll definitely be better with keeping up with my laundry…
Life’s too *SHORT, of course :D
I just adore teal, even though there’s not as much of it as I would like in my closet :) I went back to work this week, so have been dressing in my casual work clothes. Our building is very cold, so I’m layering up. Even before going back to work I made the effort to “dress” because it just made me feel better. Earrings, always. Pants, tops, sweater. Getting rather bored with all my red tops though.. the perils of a small spring/summer capsule. Thanks again for your posts. I just love starting my day with you.
I had a thought (two actually) about our accessories. 1) Would it be possible to start including an accessories only slide in these gorgeous wardrobes? I often read this on my phone and it’s hard to properly appreciate them in the everything photos. 2) I wonder what the jewellery equivalent would be to, for example, the neutral trousers with which you start from scratch….silver or gold hoops? Would a string of pearls be equivalent to the little black dress (mine is, of course, navy)?
Good thinking!
hugs,
Janice
Thanks! A happy birthday and many happy returns to your mother! xoxo
You know, I’ve actually been toying with the idea if a ‘neutral basics’ line of jewelry to reflect the neutrals Janice uses in her wardrobes…
Janice,
Happy birthday to your mother ! Last Friday we celebrated my husband’s 80th via Zoom family calls. No cake, but I had managed to sneak in some ice cream on a grocery run , and ordered a book from Amazon that he wanted to read .The internet sure does broaden our options !
Love this post , but would need to sub out the gray for either navy or tan , or use both alternately . I’ve packed away most of my teal pieces for Autumn wear, but converted 2 of the tops , of which I had too many, to at home every day wear. I need to pull a cardigan back out — we still have days in the 40’s !
I have “ graduated “ from sweat pants to jeans , tops, and toppers that color coordinate. I have an eye on a printed LL Bean top that combines 3 neutrals , and since the stock market is showing signs of up improvement, I plan to snap it up, as my finding of prints that I like is one of my challenges .
As I work through my wardrobe, I am trying different color pairings that I have not used before to see if some of the items that I had considered as orphans were “ keep worthy” if I could only figure out what to wear them with ( yes I am ending a sentence with a dangling participle) . I am reluctant to quickly donate an item when I figure that it is rather my limited mental vision , rather than the garment, that is preventing me from utilizing it !
I forgot to add —I see that the corona virus icon has managed to find its way to this post !
Good eyes!
hugs,
Janice
Hi Shrebee
I too have some orphans – mainly plain coloured tees that aren’t precisely the right colour to go with other things of the same colour group. For example I have a couple of mid to dark blue-violet and periwinkle tees which don’t go with rest of the blue or purple clothes in my wardrobe. But I love the colours.
My solution is to wear them with an inverse/reverse neutral core or ‘matching suit’.
As my orphans are mid to dark tones, I shall wear them with pale or mid tone grey trousers (or a skirt) and cardigan which match. The grey doesn’t compete with the blue-violet colour.
Likewise, with a pale orphan, I would wear them with a mid to dark tone trousers and cardigan.
Hope that helps. Beth T
Beth T,
You described my orphans exactly ! The colors are just a bit off from one another to create twin sets , so your idea of “ suits” using neutrals , or an inside column, with the “off “ color as the accent color , is the ticket for how to get wear from them ! Even though I often don’t wear twin sets together, unless they are both lighter than the the darker neutral bottom piece, my perfectionism prefers that they match so that I am not endlessly buying more pieces in the same color family in the hopes that I can create a matching set !
Oh how the brain works , eh ?
I share your nostalgia for an April in Paris! What I wouldn’t give to go there, and for all this to be a bad dream….
Hi Janice! I love these colors. For the one outfit, I would love some idea how people would wear a scarf with a hoodie? I can’t picture it. A visual would be very helpful! I am scarf challenged as it is :)
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/322640760776264868/
One of my favorites images ever from the Sartorialist….
hugs,
Janice
That’s fantastic and I never in a million years would have thought of it. Thanks so much!
Thanks for asking, Sara. I wondered the same thing. And thanks for the answer Janice!
Thanks! I was about to ask this question and luckily read the comments! I even Googled it and got some weird images of long scarves tied outside the hood while up and tied inside the hood and draped down the front. I like this idea better. Thanks, Janice, for all you do, especially the daily posts these days. They are a day brightener!
Many years sgo, when I had my pre-wedding”color analysis,” teal was described as one of the colors that is universally flattering to all. Love it!
Thank you for the cheer you bring! And happy birthday to your mom!
I remember that! Teal, coral, turquoise and maybe some shade of rose? I’m not sure on that 4th one…
hugs,
Janice
I’ve read on one colour style website that blush pink is universal plus taupe, teal, navy, true red, and a colour called eggplant (aubergine).
I applaud our heroine’s new attitude toward getting dressed every day. Separating the capsule out to make it easier is just good sense. As mentioned by an earlier commenter this post is great inspiration for me as a retiree too. Someone else mentioned only her SO seeing her attempt at being more pulled together. Who more in the world do we want to see us at our best?
I like the idea of another related capsule. How about pulling colors from that awesome forest scarf? My first choice would be the fox rust. In general I really like the idea of two related capsules based on the same scarf. Maybe you could go back and revisit some other posts based on multi colored scarves and pick different colors?
Dawn,
I agree — perhaps a cream or ivory, rust and teal combo ?
I love the teal but although I have a few bits of it, I don’t look good in grey. Can’t wait to put on smart clothes again but each day at 11am I climb the stepladder I have put against the fence between my 80year old neighbours property and my garden and we have coffee together. She sits on her patio to talk to me and as I am the only person she sees each day this is more important than looking good. I do try to look nice on the top half of me. The bottom not so much so.
Cherry, kudos to you for keeping your neighbor engaged. I feel for people living alone, especially older ones.
I have been attempting to act mostly human during this time – getting showered and dressed in comfortable but decent clothes taken from my normal “casual Friday” or “weekend errands” wardrobes. I added a couple of new tops and a new pair of jeans In theory to give me more options, but in reality as a pick-me-up. Haven’t done makeup but expect I will have to as I have some high profile meetings coming up where I am speaking. The hair, though … ugh. I got some dye to do the roots myself and it is about passable color-wise, but I normally have a short precision cut which is not exactly precision at the moment. I have ridiculously wavy and thick hair which at the length it is now is totally uncontrollable. A hairband wouldn’t look right though it might work in about a month. I wish snoods were a work-appropriate accessory!
Your posts have been a bright spot in my day and I so appreciate how you are meeting us where so many of us are right now.
Early on in the spring I saw a column on “Advice for Working from Home,” which included “wear clothes with buttons and zippers” and “turn on the lights even during the daytime.” I am semi-retired now but in years of working freelance from home and a few bouts of unemployment I would’ve found that to be excellent advice for my younger self. While not all this wardrobe has buttons and zippers, it’s definitely a step up from my current yoga-pant-&-t-shirt attire and I should probably follow your lead in a wardrobe like this which I love.
I’ve been working from home online with clients since 2009, and as an early adopter of this ‘lifestyle,’ I can say that the psychological effect of semi-defined clothes and makeup is necessary to feel pulled-together and professional, even if neither of us is using the camera. But I had a client earlier today and I’m not wearing anything fancy, just a pair of navy cotton pants and a nice t-shirt. I would have worn those pieces anyway, but it’s putting my makeup on that changes how I feel about the day. I am much less likely to make any real effort if I don’t go through that process. As for needing a haircut! I am in dire need. I went through four months of Shingles which I came out of just as we were told to stay away from others. By the time I get my hair cut, I will probably cry and kiss the hairstylist’s hands from gratitude. From inside my face mask, of course.
Oh, I love that scarf! It would be fun to create a wardrobe of teal, burnt orange/brown, cream, and pink to go with it. I’ve been drawn to the combo of teal and orange the last few years.
I began the comments this morning, so I might be the last.
I was so inspired by this post, Janice, that I wore teal and grey today. I wore a favourite teal and white floral and bird patterned blouse with dark grey wide leg trousers and a teal cotton jumper with an interesting waffle texture across the shoulders. Pale duck egg green socks.
I went to the supermarket in the afternoon to get our shopping and for my in-laws (fun activity for my wedding anniversary!) It was chilly so I wore a pale grey suede biker jacket (warmer than my silver grey raincoat) with a grey snake print chiffon scarf (taking a que from this post). My jewellery was a jade colour flat bead and abalone shell necklace with matching bracelet. A silver ring and abalone shell earrings (it being a special occasion). Grey suede shoes. It was great to be fully co-ordinated.
I went to the big supermarket which I haven’t been to for over a month since witnessing the shocking panic buying before lockdown.
Whilst there, I lwandered through the clothes department which was still open (are clothes essential?). I’m glad I did for there I saw a teal, grey/black and white lightly brushed cotton shirt! An unexpected find and useful purchase. I can wear it most of the year because it has sleeves that roll up and fasten with a button and it’s a light brushed cotton.
Sometimes you find the perfect garment when you’re not looking. . Maybe I had it in mind because of the plaid shirt in this post – talk about subliminal messaging!
At home, I put this new garment in the middle of the rest of my grey and teal clothes and accessories. I added a white tee shirt as well. It was all very pleasing on the eye.
Bet T,
Some of my best finds have been when I wasn’t actively looking !
As for hair….
I just cut my bangs. Didn’t do a bad job, either. Huge improvement from shaggy dog look.
Well done. Mine was due for a cut when we went into lockdown. It’s three inches longer now.
My daughter keeps offering to trim my hair. Whilst she does amazing things with her own hair…. So, I’ve suggested she practices on her Dad – he has less to lose!
My hairdresser sent me a text yesterday. She is hoping that she can reopen after the three week UK extension has ended in May. Even if she can only offer one-to-one and disinfect between customers.
Beth T,
Does your stylist commute ? I’m in the USA !
Happy Birthday to your Mom. Love this column, and the commentary. I am an occasional reader, but finding a bit more time to organize my wardrobe now. Thanks for all the tips!!
Hi Janice – I am a fan because of the unexpected color combinations that really work!
Hi Janice,
I found your site a few months ago. I love it, and I’ve learned a lot. I’ve noticed that you usually stick to 2 or 3 colors per wardrobe. My opinion is that most people don’t notice details of other’s clothes. “Oh, she’s wearing that teal top again.” Most of your wardrobes have neutral bottoms. Mix up the colors of the tops. There’s no reason they need to go with each other.
BTW, this color combo of the fox scarf is my fave.
Pauvre dame having to sit at home in comfort in front of her computer and feels the need to dress elegantly for her online meeting lest her staff feels she has ‘gone to the dogs’…my choice everyday? The black scrubs or the gray? Maybe the navy with the print top? Will it clash with the mask? Will I feel too hot under the isolation gown? My hair, no worries it’s pinned up and away so I won’t touch my face to brush it away. I have an excellent coiffure so seven weeks later my style looks great but the temples are greyed…anyway who sees it covered up?
Your little story is very pretty and I am sure your readers find comfort and escape in the scenarios, I wish at this time I could too.
Hi ainsivalavie
Your comment is sobering and true. I’m replying for myself and I hope others do too.
Yes I can look through rose-tinted glasses and dream of life after lockdown. I’m working at home and my activities will be resumed at some point in time.
However, I am all too aware, that if I did get this disease, I would be dependent on medics and nursing staff like you – for my life. I doubt that I would be bothered whether my hospital issue socks matched the gown.
I cannot begin to think how stifling the isolation PPE must be and it can’t be pleasant wearing it.
In the grand scheme of things, the colours I choose to wear or the organisation of my wardrobe, are of minor practical import. You have no choice over your scrubs. Perhaps, all these designers willing to make them might be able to expand the range of colours or improve the look of them?
What I’m doing whilst I’m at home is not as crucial as your job trying to save lives and learn to deal with a terrible new disease.
However, I have taken the serious responsibility to stay at home and observe the UK government lockdown rules. It might not save lives directly but I believe that my actions will be one small step towards slowing the spread. I’m doing my bit to do what’s right; that’s all I can do.
You are doing a job, I know that l couldn’t do. I salute you and hope you stay safe and well.
Best wishes
Beth T
I wish you could too – I don’t have anything except deep admiration, gratitude, and the love of someone who has never met you. I can’t imagine what your life is like right now, and if I could do anything that could divert you, or amuse you, or offer you some comfort, I would do it.
My skills are limited.
love,
Janice
Thanks! I was about to ask this question and luckily read the comments! I even Googled it and got some weird images of long scarves tied outside the hood while up and tied inside the hood and draped down the front. I like this idea better. Thanks, Janice, for all you do, especially the daily posts these days. They are a day brightener!
I love the “in transit” idea!!
I find that I’m wearing very few items. I am online for meetings 2 days a week because most of my job just can’t be done remotely. It did make a BIG difference when I decided to dress up for the webcam. I was more professional and serious and productive those days. You don’t realize that you’re in a funk until you jolt yourself into a new routine.
I look forward to bringing my spring clothes from the attic. I think I will finally be able to part with clothes that haven’t gotten much attention in YEARS.
Stay safe.
I am just reading many posts from March and April. We are blessed to have a lake home to get away to and I have been there for 25 days. I will head back tomorrow for another two weeks. BUT I have no internet so I am in catch up mode. My mom turned 93 on April 17th. Her first birthday in years without my dad who passed away 4 weeks ago. Fortunately my sister has been with her. It is difficult to have missed both a funeral and now a birthday. Can’t wait to travel from my home in TX to hers in IN. Everyone of her grandkids and great grands FaceTimed “Happy Birthday” to her. I think better days are coming. Thanks for all the fun stories.
Your mother’s birthday is on the same day as my mother’s! We’re sisters! Or something like that….
Stay strong, and know that better times are ahead for us all. We’re here to share the waiting, and keep each other diverted and loved…
hugs,
Janice