September 25, 2020
Another wonderful artist…
Untitled by Svejna Deininger
Pulled in SO MANY Directions…
It’s what life has been, for quite a while. But she has a chance to get away for just a few days – it’s her turn to go take anything she wants from her great-aunt’s home…
She has always allowed herself just a little bit of “all for her” in her life, and in her wardrobe. A wise, careful woman can do great things with a black, camel and cream wardrobe, of course.
But someone who needs to express herself, just a wee bit, is going to grab an occasional accent color!
Black sweater-blazer – J.Crew; necklace – White House Black Market; earrings – Kendra Scott; cornucopia brooch – Talbots; black tee – L.L.Bean; handbag – Talbots; sneakers – Dansko; toasted coconut jeans – L.L.Bean
This isn’t going to be a case of rummaging through dusty stacks of worthless debris… her great-aunt had some amazing costume jewelry, beautiful scarves, and some books that are worth finding!
Earrings – Gorjana; dark plum rose turtleneck – L.L.Bean; paisley scarf – Etro; saddle heather cashmere crewneck – L.L.Bean; mask – Banana Republic; round earrings – 2028; ivory tee – Lands’ End; striped scarf – Missoni; flannel shirt – L.L.Bean; scrunchie –Ganni; black denim skirt – Uniqlo; socks – Banana Republic; tights – J.Crew; driving loafers – Aerosoles; ballet flats – Clarks; corduroy pants – Lands’ End
Nobody else had any input at all into what she might bring back – this is ALL for her… A couple of days in a lovely B&B, a nice dinner out, and ONE box of souvenirs from a beloved relative…
As she climbs into bed, she nudges the door of the armoire open, so she can admire her travel capsule wardrobe:
Some people fall asleep by counting sheep; this heroine falls asleep plotting her various outfit possibilities!
And then she drifts off, thinking about vintage Hermes scarves that will still smell of her aunt’s perfume… And books! Her aunt could read French…
love,
Janice
p.s. This has nothing to do with ANYTHING in this post, but you have to go look at the listings from Vintouch Italy on Wolf & Badger. Their model looks like she comes straight from a Pre-Raphaelite painting!
p.p.s. Four years ago, we investigated the possibilities of A Bit of Bright Blue, mixed in with olive, grey, camel/light brown, navy, brown and black!
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The pink paisley scarf is gorgeous. I have one in a similar shade but mine also has bright turquoise in it but it looks lovely on a bright winter day with my silver grey long wool coat, bright pink leather gloves and faux fur grey hat. A sparkly brooch on the coat lapel would finish off my outer layer.
When I saw this painting, my first thought was how neatly it would expand on the rose and blue accents in yesterday’s post. My preference for the dark neutrals would be shades of dark blue and rose brown in skirt or trousers. However, I continue my seemingly fruitless search to find any bottoms in rose brown, let alone styles that suit me. The green is a great third accent though mine would veer towards light jade.
Thanks for brightening up my day again.
I could easily assemble a wardrobe based on this lovely painting- last spring I even knitted a sweater for myself in that exact shade of light green! I hadn’t thought of wearing with my chinos, but yes, that could work VERY well indeed…so once again, thanks for inspiration!
On my monitor, the black in this painting looks actually like a very dark green. Not an easy color to find, but how fun (and unusual) would it be to play with these two greens?
I agree. It looks like dark forest green to me, which would look lovely with the camel and the pale green. I have an afghan my grandmother made for me in these two shades of green and it has always been a favorite, but then again, green is my favorite color!
Wow! You are spot on about the hunter green! I hadn’t even noticed it. Beautiful wardrobe, Janice. How about expanding it and using the light blue and light green?
You are spot on about that model!
I was gobsmacked when I saw her! I had to share…
hugs,
Janice
I hope the great aunt had the forethought to share the stories behind her jewelry and scarves. I am left with a jewelry box of mysteries. Share the stories today people.
Yes, yes and yes again. My sister and I are also left with so many little ‘mysteries’ now we are the only ones left in the family.
Perhaps you might find photographs of her wearing different pieces.
I also saw dark green and thought it was just my slight color blind issue playing tricks. Lily, as I was looking at my vintage jewelry the morning and thinking ahead, I was wondering if I should somehow list which pieces in my box are “real” and which are just costume, or vintage. Seems like Karma you should mention doing just that. And yes, Janice, when I mentioned the Foxes the other day I was referring to the Franz Marc piece. I don’t know that I’ve ever thought of combining pink with camel – although I don’t wear camel, so that could be part of the reason – It’s very nice. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
DEFINITELY mark these things – one of my closest friends and I spent HOURS getting all over her mother’s jewelry tested. Some of the things that we thought were literally worthless trash turned out to be antique, 18K gold, and very valuable…
hugs,
Janice
My niece THREW AWAY gold pearl earrings her grandmother gave her. She thought they were just faux costume pieces.
That model is so Pre-Raphaelite. I’ve got some Pre-R coasters and she looks like one of the paintings. Your post also reminded me that I have a pink paisley scarf from the Diwali store near the Sorbonne.
I might need the pink turtle neck. I’ve got to sort my fashion jewellry this winter.
I really do need to sort out my everyday jewellery and try and wear some other pieces rather than my go-to faves. I find most of my vintage jewellery in charity shops and collectors fairs. I have inherited a few pieces from my Grandmother and my aunt. However, you do have to be careful, as you say, because very old jewellery is rarely hallmarked and stones were cut and polished a different way.
I’m continuing to appreciate that your travelers are wearing masks as part of their ensembles. Thank you for the subtle nudge and being cognizant of the realities in which we are functioning.
I’m now trying to co-ordinate my mask to my outfit. Is that vanity?
I do love your little stories Janice. I am in one of my own at the moment. We have managed to get away to the coast for the first time this year – and the weather has been atrocious so a lot of my packing will be wasted! Luckily, ‘The Vivienne Files’ has been my saviour since retirement when I completely lost the plot with my wardrobe, so at least everything I can wear goes together!
I love these colors together! My travel capsules often are based on black, tobacco, and white. I usually have denim in there, which is what I’d do with that blue in the painting. That dark pink is lovely, and what’s not to like about an Etro scarf? Sigh! – nancyo
I so enjoy your stories! I can not wear this blue but I love the style of this capsule. I thought you might find it interesting to know. Because I don’t wear pants I always just change your pants into skirts styles that go very nicely with your capsules. Do wish you would include more skirts though. I was a buyer but I find you work very enjoyable. Thank you for all your time!
Just read this and it was so apt as my sister and I sorted and shared Mum’s jewelry yesterday. My mother has gone into a home and only wanted to take a couple of pieces. I hate to think how emotional it would have been if Mum had died and this way we can tell her about our choices and thank her.