September 23, 2020
Oh my, did I find a new artist for us!
You’re Going to WHAT???
Yes, she’s going to the Oil Industry Convention thing… She’s a mineralogist, but her big specialty is showing the damage that’s done by fracking…
These guys, and they ARE mostly guys, don’t love her…
Still, it’s her responsibility to try to find a little bit of headway, an occasional conversation, that will keep environmental concerns visible in this crowd. It’s not easy!
So she takes the soft power route…
Yes, her scarf is a breast cancer fund-raising item…
Happily, she only needs to dress up just a wee bit, for the dinner the last evening. The other 2 days are seminars, and LOTS of meeting and greeting types of things…
Since they’re meeting in a fairly secluded rural location, nothing is going to be too fancy, and a good warm sweater or scarf is perfectly appropriate.
She’s not nervous, exactly, but she takes a certain comfort and confidence knowing that she’s at least got the packing part of her trip MASTERED!
She talked to a handful of women who have braved this in the past, so she’s quite comfortable with her travel capsule wardrobe. No matter what a schedule change might throw at her (local TV station interview? bring it ON!), she knows she is prepared:
At least once in your life, you MUST attend a conference at which you are completely unwelcome, but still treated beautifully.
It’s a conundrum!
love,
Janice
p.s. Four years ago, our heroine channeled some classic Cubism, in a wardrobe featuring brown and black!
Isha says
Oh this is so feminine and beautiful ? It makes me want to change my colour pallette. It seems I’m also into the pink colours, but this Heather blue was always a firm favourite. And just this morning I was thinking I need more colour in my life!
Thanks Janice for brightening my day
Beth T says
Love this wardrobe ?? Though I’m a bit surprised she hasn’t got something a bit dressy for the conference dinner.
Last winter, I bought a grey velour lounging suit – cowl neck tunic and elasticated waist trousers. This week I bought a pale pink set from the same shop. Strangely, they were in the nightwear section. However, I wouldn’t wear a deep cowl neck in bed! I also bought a pink slouchy cardigan and a soft blue ribbed poloneck. Now that I know that I’m going to spend more time at home, working just one day a week, I just want to be relaxed and comfy. Soft blue, greys and pinks evoke that ideal.
Sally in St Paul says
Beth T, agreed on the cowl neck. I recently bought a long t-shirt nightgown that I am wearing as a house dress. It has pockets on the front…who needs pockets in bed?!
Beth T says
To keep your hands warm in the depths of winter? ?
Sally in St Paul says
Fair enough! I have been known to wear fleece gloves to bed on occasion. :)
Gail says
I love the soothing shades here and feel like switching out my few blacks for grey. This wardrobe is gorgeous. Keep them coming.
Eleanor says
When I started following this blog a year or so ago, I was just trying to bring some coherence to my wardrobe in a hectic time. I didn’t realize that I would be renewing my art education as well but what a fantastic side benefit. I particularly appreciate your attention to female artists, past and present. Off to look up Elizabeth Magill before I start my (virtual) day. Thanks!
Janice says
Oh, she’s WORTH looking for! If you see other paintings by her that inspire you, and that would make good wardrobe inspiration, let us know!
hugs,
Janice
Janet says
Today’s artwork made me think of the fires out West. This is indeed a soft power play, similar to the 80’s mauve and grey in the work world.
Linda in Bluffton says
Thanks for continuing to post through your discomfort! Nice story. Loved the look back also – the autumnal colors were fun to see there. Any chance you could do a new post with some of those colors soon?
Sheila says
how about a revisit to the foxes?
Janice says
Oooh good idea… I’m assuming you mean the Franz Marc painting?
hugs,
Janice
Sheila says
OMGosh.. so beautiful. What a lovely way to take a bit of work break from tech issues and see these pretty colors. The cape is outstanding, and I see it comes in a variety of colors. I bought a similar red one last year and didn’t wear it much, but now I’m inspired. I can’t imagine all the work it must take to pull all these things together. Thank you!
Sally in St Paul says
This is such a lovely palette. I do prefer seeing these soft colors with grey instead of black. And our heroine wisely sidesteps the “how do I get my grey tops and bottoms to work together” conundrum by not bothering with grey tops! She’s a woman who picks her battles…perhaps a key to her career successes. Even in a small capsule, there are so many stand-out accessories: the brooch, cape, and floral bag are all double-taken selections.
MamaSquirrel says
I could live out of this woman’s suitcase. Well, you know what I mean.
Elizabeth says
Love, love, love this wardrobe. The colors are so beautiful. I could wear this all and be very happy!
AK says
Now, you’ve got me really interested in Elizabeth Magill! Also have to say I think grey is a fantastic neutral. Have you noticed how you can wear black, navy, tan and (of course grey) shoes with it. And the range of accents you can wear with grey makes me so very happy!
Liz says
That bird brooch is absolutely darling and so perfect for this wardrobe. I wasn’t sure at first about that cape so I took a closer look: seeing different views made me go “oh this is a power statement!” -The cocktail hour will be held outside around a fire since they are rural, and I can just see her swirling with drama down the path towards them in this cape!
Beth T says
My sister made me a half sleeved cape last year by stitching two fleece capes (burgundy and grey) together. Its edged with faux fur, reversible and very warm for sitting at my desk. Perfect.
lauramaureen says
This wardrobe is fantastic, but the story is even better! I love this heroine. I live in oil country, and I think her attitude and wardrobe are exactly right. She will get the respect she deserves, I think. In my personal wardrobe I trend more toward the darker blues and purples of this painting and a lighter version of the grey. And I agree with the others that the painting is stunning and the artist a lovely find.
Linda P says
Hi Janice ! Thank you for a compelling story. I have walked in those boots. You chose a great color combo and professional yet ‘approachable’ clothes.
Abigail says
People need to be aware that the lovely L.L.Bean gray coat is unlined and very itchy according to comments. However, I have two Bean corduroy shirts that I love. Right now they are available in some very pretty colors.
SShaw says
This set is providing some great inspiration for the coming cooler weather. I am especially taken with the little bird brooch!
nancyo says
Gray is such a great neutral, especially for cold weather. My latest travel capsule features a gray core with denim, white, black, and a couple of accent tops in solids and prints. – nancyo