March 1, 2021
Hurray! February is OVER….
Let’s check back with our 6 heroines who are assembling wardrobes loosely along the guidelines of Start From Scratch, and trying to stick to color palettes suggested by 6 scarves.
The guidelines in Start From Scratch suggest finding a core outfit in the 2nd neutral in our wardrobes, as well as an accent top and scarf…
Starting here!
This heroine has neither grey pants, nor a black cardigan! And a tee shirt that almost matches her pink oxford will give her a chance to layer the 2 together. Filling in those gaps gives us something that’s not really an outfit, but more a group of useful wardrobe additions:
Chrysalis silk square – Echo; black cardigan – J.Crew; grey chinos – J.Crew; Falling Floral scarf – Echo; pink tee – J.Crew; loafers – Aerosoles
It makes more sense when you see the 8 garments, plus accessories, that she now has:
Sometimes filling in gaps isn’t beautiful, but it makes a ton of sense!
Now the first of the 2 patchworks:
Until now, this wardrobe has been all about yellow and lighter beige… she decides to warm it up a bit!
yes, you’re going to see these blazer-cardigans until you’re sick of them, because I have one, and I LOVE it… They’re just that nice!
and this Floral Tree scarf is so beautiful…
Patchwork Painted Floral silk square by Echo; cardigan – J.Crew; chinos – L.L.Bean; Floral Tree scarf – Echo; rose wash tee – L.L.Bean; loafers – Naturalizer
Her wardrobe now has some rose to balance the yellow… I suspect that next month we’re going to be all about blue…
Ah, the plaid ruana in purple – how is it that I have resisted buying this???
Lofty plaid ruana – Echo
This heroine needs some grey in her wardrobe, and there’s never a bad time for yet another purple tee shirt!
Lofty plaid ruana – Echo; cardigan – H&M; scarf – Echo; loafers – Michael Michael Kors; violet chalk tee – L.L.Bean; pants – L.L.Bean
This wardrobe is madly efficient, and yet also really pretty…
The 2nd patchwork scarf, and a chance to add some more olive green to this heroine’s wardrobe!
The tiger scarf just couldn’t be resisted…
Patchwork Painted Floral silk scarf – Echo; olive cardigan – COS; warm clementine tee – J.Crew; Tiger in the Grass scarf – Echo; sneakers – Sperry; jeans – Lands’ End
This wardrobe is starting to come together really well in my humble opinion!
Every year, when I take on the “6 Scarves” project, I choose a scarf that is such an… unusual color combination that it makes assembling the wardrobe equally… unusual. This year, I’m trying to work with brown and grey, knowing that finding brown clothes might make me pull out my (purple-highlighted) hair…
But I embrace this challenge, knowing that there’s a world full of people trying to sort conflicting colors in their closets. Maybe we can learn something from this exercise?
First lesson: when your heroine doesn’t have ANY luck finding a scarf, she realizes that what she wants is an “around the neck accessory” and she chooses a delicious necklace instead!
Chrysalis silk square – Echo; cardigan – Whistles; ultra violet tee – Colorful Standard; amethyst and moonstone pendant – Neeru Goel; loafers – Donald J Pliner; heather graphite pants – J.Crew
There are certainly quite a few possibilities in this wardrobe, but I think it will all come together better when we can find a great brown cardigan or jacket to add!
And finally the wardrobe of denim and softness… this heroine is ready to add some grey to her wardrobe (as has been the case for so many of these wardrobes this month; I’m still surprised by how many people have asked me for wardrobe with grey as 1 of the neutrals!).
What a relaxed yet composed outfit…
Mountain View Wrap – Echo; grey cardigan – L.L.Bean; tropical coral tee – J.Crew; Cabana stripe scarf – Echo; suede sneakers – Taos Footwear; jeans – H&M
I could take off for almost anywhere with this wardrobe!
Does the introduction (or reinforcement) of the 2nd neutral change your mind about which wardrobe you are drawn to the most?
love,
Janice
p.s. No flashback today, but 2 things I want to ask: First – what is your take on the whole “bare ankle” thing? Even in the absolute worst weather, I have seen women (bundled up like they should be!) with an inch or 2 of exposed bare ankle. I find it dumbfounding, but I’ve HAD frostbite…
p.p.s. This is awkward… I changed one of the links on the main blog page to read “Supporting The Vivienne Files”. The page gives you generic links to retailers who pay me a small commission on your purchases. If you wish to see other online retailers added to this list, let me know!
I hate talking about money, but I spend at least 40 hours a week working on The Vivienne Files, so it’s my only source of income…. (cringe…)
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The Mountain View wrap started as my favorite and remains so. The brown and grey chrysalis has jumped to second place with the addition of grey. As to bare ankles, while it looks good on some people for me it looks like my pants shrank. So, not a fan.
Hello Janice & everyone!!!
I’m in Spain, so usually I read you before someone has posted anything and get a bit shy… This time couldn’t resist to tell you how surprised I am to like the patchwork scarf wardrobe… But no the blue and navy, the olive one!! It’s a bit of a shock since I love navy and don’t have but an olive vest in my closet, but it all looks so nice!!! I’ll try to include it as a second neutral for summer, which won’t be hard because this year it seems navy will be more difficult to find in summery items, at least for now. On the other hand, what a nice idea to get all the links in one place! I wish that soon you can do that for stores abroad.
Hugs yall!!
PS. Note on the bare ankle thing, I’m with you 100%, wish all women would be free from dressing for a trend instead of for ourselves… and weather appropriately. How many times have I stopped myself from rubbing with the thickest moisturizer available those young-yet-so-sore bareankles in cold weather!! Arrrghhhh!!! And do they know spring will eventually be here? Will they wear heaters or long socks through spring and summer? And what about this year’s item, the cropped puffer jacket… Seriously? LOL!!
I am so glad that you have added a link directly to retailers who give you a commission. I enjoy your blog immensely and have purchased specific items mentioned in your posts but usually it is many months later. I always have difficulty going back through posts to find the link. Now, I will just go through the direct link to the retailer.
Your last comment reminds me that, about ten years ago, the young interns ans staffers in Washington DC actually DID wear a stifling trend in summer! The young ladies donned knee-high leather boots with their summer dresses. If you’ve ever been in DC in summer, you’ll know that it’s like walking around inside someone’s hot breath. At least they didn’t wear ultra warm UGGS and wore summer dresses or skirts! The trend didn’t last long as you can well imagine.
XD now THAT made me laugh!!! Thanks ak!
I am with you on the cropped puffer jacket! If it is cold enough to wear a puffer, I want my waist and butt warm, too! (Of course, I fell for a cold shoulder sweater. Even indoors I was freezing…)
I am loving the last one still. Crazy is all I think when I see women with bare ankles in the snow together with the puffer jacket and beanie! I was wondering if the maybe have nude knee-highs underneath maybe! I would also love a capsule with light grey as a neutral, my wardrobe seems to be going that way.
Purple still my favorite – followed closely by Mt. View scarf. It’s taken me years to get used to idea of ankle length pants, and I still won’t wear them if it looks like they flare out and give a bell-bottom effect. I’m not exactly short at 5’5″, but I feel like they make my legs look stumpy. I only have maybe one pair? and if I wear them during the cold I wear black knee socks underneath and my high ankle boots to cover the ankle. Nope, no bare ankles here in the cold. I have a coworker that seems to pull it off, but not for me.
Ditto this entire comment! Except I have no ankle pants at all.
The purple is my abiding favourite but I am also enjoying the variety of silver flats you have found this month…they’re on my wish list and I have a birthday coming up :) I am so pleased that you have added the generic links page as I tend to wait for sales and/or have to shop the petites section. Two requests. Would it be possible to add the Canadian links (it’s just a bit of a sticker shock when one lands on the American side) and if Old Navy pays you a commission, I know they’re uneven on quality but they have petites, talls and plus sizes and have been a place where I have often found success for things that I expect to wear hard in any case.
I love the versatility of having 2 neutrals – or 3! My closet right now has gray, olive and navy and it just works.
I’ve never bought into the cropped pants look and bare ankles in the winter are just silly. Believe me, its not easy to buck a trend that is so pervasive.
I’ve suspected cropped trousers is a way for manufacturers to avoid offering appropriate inseam lengths since trousers already have so many fit points. Only offering cropped lengths just eliminates one and keeps the price point down. I’m not usually a conspiracy theorist, but I know business well enough…
Speaking of business there is nothing to feel awkward about pointing out how to support your site. I’m glad you put the generic links in a convenient place – thank you! You put in a lot of time – and you should be compensated for the work and expense involved in creating content week after week.
Maybe it was unusual a few years ago to monetize a blog, but not anymore!
Best wishes and take care –
Agreed on so many points.
1 -love having multiple neutrals :) (My current favorite is the first scarf – but i’m waiting for the rest of the accent colors to make an appearance!)
2- Ankle pants- i love your conspiracy theory, and think you might be on to something. In general, i dont mind ankle pants… in the summer! when i have to wear pants for work, and they let me *feel* a bit summery at least. Winter? no way. i prefer a bootcut silouette anyhow, so it took me a while to get used to ankle pants (skinnier leg); no way i’m cutting into full-trouser time.
3 – Compensation. Janice, you put an extraordinary amount of time, care and effort into creating a beautiful and useful and inspirational blog. You do so in a classy manner, and rarely point out the compensation aspect. i think it is absolutely fine to be compensated for your work; i appreciate that you put a general link to retailers. most of us want to support you, and if we can do so by buying things we were going to get anyhow (not being wasteful, not spending extra, not just buying for the sake of buying – all the things you stand for), then we are happy to do so! And appreciate your help in the matter :)
Cheers, and happy March!
These are all beautiful in their own way. Being a devotee of grey neutral, I’m ecstatic about your selections. It looks incredible with those beautiful, bright accents! As fore the bare ankle look in cold weather: gaaaaah!!! I’m pleased that you’re getting a commission for all of your hard work. Your ability to find clothing that is beautiful, durable and functional is so appreciated.
Hello,
Re: Finding brown: As a person with extreme warm coloring, (I can’t go anywhere near blue, denim, gray, or black), I am always on the lookout for all things brown. If I find it, I usually have to stock up. Macy’s brand Style n Co and Charter Club usually have brown denim:https://www.macys.com/shop/product/charter-club-lexington-straight-leg-jeans-created-for-macys?ID=10223941&CategoryID=3111&isDlp=true&isDlp=true
https://www.macys.com/shop/product/style-co-curvy-fit-skinny-fashion-jeans-created-for-macys?ID=11070747&CategoryID=3111&isDlp=true&isDlp=true&swatchColor=Dark%20Chocolate
JJill has also been doing some brown for the past few spring/summers
https://www.jjill.com/product/luxe-supima-a-line-tunic?color=738
Happy hunting!
Gwen,
As a fellow “ warmie”, I appreciate the links, thank you !
The purple wardrobe has my top vote as I have everything to hand in purples, grey and navy. I could even get dressed in the dark, if necessary, and still put an outfit together!
By the way the link to the paisley scarf doesn’t work and I can’t find it on either the Macy’s or Echo websites, which is a shame.
The grey H&M cardigan is a lovely style as I like loose sleeves. The styles this season seem to be harking back to full sleeves, frills, lace collars and broderie anglaise. This cardigan also has pretty buttons that lift it out of the ordinary. A lesson to be had if a cardigan seems boring – jazz it up with new buttons which is a cheaper and individual way of getting a ‘new look’. By the way, can you supply a link to H&M UK?
I love the amethyst and moonstone pendant that you featured in the brown/grey Chrysalis.
My second favourite is the Mountain View wardrobe with the lovely soft blue-greens, blue-greys and coral pink. So in my mind, the mountains are a backdrop to a deep blue sea. I am moving away from very dark navy in my wardrobe and trying out lighter navy, marine navy, teal blue, and dark blue-grey with names such as Ocean Blue. Shell pink, coral pink and oyster pink that I already have look lovely with these softer blues, which surprised me.
The patchwork blue doesn’t work for me with camel but it occured to me that it might appeal to the heroine from last week who was moving from navy to camel and from brights to warmer colours. However, I might put together a light navy, stone/taupe with mint green/aqua and coral mini-capsule.
I don’t know why but I love the patchwork orange. It was the same with the orange and olive wardrobe you had last year. I can’t wear these colours, mores the pity, but they do go so well together. The tiger scarf is amazing.
As for bare ankles? Bare limbs in winter is madness. They look OK in summer if you have slim ankles. I never bare my ankles unless it gets really hot and only under long skirts. There was a craze (might still be a thing) for girls to wear black tights with pale denim shorts, sometimes with UGG boots as well….
I agree with your comments regarding the mountain view scarf as I am also moving toward those same colors. I am also drawn to the coral and olive patchwork. Despite not being able to wear those colors, I have also been previously enchanted with the olive wardrobes of past.
Janice,
I read everyone of your posts. As with, I believe, all of the previous commenters, I see nothing wrong in you informing us about the business side of things. I’m a habitual Talbots shopper, so I am more than happy to support you and them via your link. Hopefully I will always remember to go through you. Probably should practice a little so it becomes a habit. ? I’ll start today. Thanks for creating this lovely space I look forward to seeing. Have a great day!
Chrysalis and plaid ruana wardrobes are the ones my eyes are drawn too instinctively. Beautiful and practical all around! The third wardrobe I’m drawn to is the mountain view scarf set. Not colors I would normally pick but I love the casual, soft pretty feel to it. It feels “right” to me somehow.
As to ankle pants in winter, that’s a big “no” for me as a Northeast resident. Although I would agree with the comments about manufacturing conspiracy, it does seem that brands offer a lot of cropped pants.
As to the vendor links, there’s no reason to feel awkward about taking care of your business and yourself. You work very hard and with passion to make this blog a creative source of fashion inspiration for all of your readers.
Kudos!
Janice,
We’ll done on all of these wonderful wardrobes ! And that tiger scarf ! It’s beautiful in both color ways!
*well, not we’ll — iPad autocorrect is not so correct
Ankle pants ? Not with these ankles !
Janice,
I bought the Tiger in the Grass scarf through your link to go with the Passion Flower Patchwork scarf , I bought for the olive wardrobe. Both are beautiful. Thank you for showing the Tiger in the Grass scarf again. I have been thinking of it for awhile, but seeing it with the other Echo scarf instantly made up my mind. More Olive, please.
The link to the beautiful paisley scarf, which is a humble $29…
https://shopstyle.it/l/bsfjm
Enjoy!
love,
Janice
Thanks Janice. Sadly all I reach is Macy’s page that says it doesn’t ‘ship to my country’. I then go through to the Macy’s website to ‘continue shopping’ but I still can’t find it under ‘scarves’ or ‘Echo’ or ‘paisley’ or even ‘purple’ ☹
All I want to do is to look at the colours in it…. I have had this before with things that are on the Macy’s website.
Just discovered that if I click ‘Ship to US address’, I can see it – lovely. Though it’s not on the Macy’s International site as far as I can see. ?
My friend, if you could get a deal with White House Black Market for a commission link, I would greatly contribute to your next Paris or Ireland trip with my yearly purchases ?. I also like the company because they regularly design wardrobe collections in brown and olive green. I believe you offer a type of consulting service on your site so that deserves some type of reimbursement.
I don’t like my ankles exposed in the winter, but I do like the trend of wearing booties with ankle pants. I was just realizing something the other day about exposed ankles and thought how just a little over 100 years ago exposed ankles were considered immodest and inappropriate ?
There’s now a link to White House Black Market on the Support The Vivienne Files page…
I love any woman who knows what store she wants to support!
hugs,
Janice
My favourite this month is the olive and beige wardrobe. I don’t wear either of those colours, but I feel that this wardrobe hangs together so nicely!
The bare ankle decision is climate/season dependent, but I can’t see it as a reasonable choice for outdoors when temperatures are below about 45 F. Now I have been known to wear nude trouser socks/hosiery with ankle pants, which could be mistaken for bare ankles, but I usually wear noticeable (and interesting) trouser socks with ankle pants during the cool parts of the year. Pants of any length are rare for me between about mid-Nov to mid-Apr in MN, so I have taken advantage this stay-at-home winter of wearing ankle pants and ankle boots (with very short socks), showing a bit of bare skin.
I like the look of ankle pants and own a number of pairs. I don’t let being plus sized and in possession of strong, sizeable legs stop me from wearing them (though to each their own). They are easy to wear, since the length isn’t as futzy as with long pants (a benefit to the consumer as well as the manufacturer and retailer) and you don’t have to commit to a single heel height. They are much more practical to wear outdoors than long sweeping bootcuts, which are really only viable when you are confident there will be very dry weather conditions with no snow, no rain, no slush, etc. I think for practical reasons alone, skinny pants or ankle pants are here to stay no matter how the trendy silhouettes may change over the fashion seasons.
And YES to supporting TVF! If you have affiliate links to Zappos or Macy’s, those would be handy on your support page.
Links to Zappos and Macy’s are on the Support The Vivienne Files page…
hugs hugs hugs
Janice
Hi Janice. I’m not a fan of pants that expose my ankles any time of the year.
I also would like you to link up J Crew please as I do shop there.
Thanks for all you do!! I love reading your blog & learning how to best dress for
my colors and having a great wardrobe to do so. You have taught me many things!!
I appreciate you & your time.
I’ve got to weigh in on the bare ankles – I don’t care what the weather is, I much prefer bare ankles. However, when it snows for what feels like WEEKS in Chicago, I’m forced to add socks because I’m forced to wear boots. The hardest thing every year is putting on that first pair of socks. But, once removed, stay off until the next snow xoxoxoxox
I’m exactly the same – but for me it’s about being “barefoot in my shoes”; the bare ankles are more of a side effect! In fact, I’m already sockless during the day :-D
Now for the wardrobes…
1) The black/grey/pink one is just gorgeous as a group and I would happily wear every single individual piece. If I had a high value contrast appearance (dark hair and eyes), I would be all over it.
2) The beige and navy patchwork additions for March were a little muted for my taste. For me, this palette calls for colors that are a bit brighter…coral instead of rose, for example. But I’m looking forward to the aqua blue to punch things up.
3) The purple ruana wardrobe is stellar. Navy and grey are so great together, and that scarf (a steal at $29) is perfect for this wardrobe. This one is worth going grey for.
4) The olive/red patchwork set is exceeding my expectations. Sperry sneakers, that tiger scarf, and an orange T in just the right color…wow. The whole wardrobe is wonderful…varied yet cohesive. This one is my favorite to look at.
5) The brown/grey hasn’t gelled for me yet. I’m also struggling with the pumpkin orange since I just flat don’t like it and it looks off to me with grey. Seeing the pumpkin and pink t-shirts together makes me cringe! Now I’m dreading seeing the orange added to the black and grey wardrobe! It’s not too late to switch to green instead, just sayin’ … ;)
6) The soft Mountain View wardrobe has gotten EVEN BETTER with the addition of that wonderful soft coral color. I love that t-shirt and scarf together. At an outfit level, the white on the laces and soles of the cute grey sneakers is just enough to integrate those white stripes (though obviously a pair of modern pearl earrings would be a perfect addition), and think how cute the T and scarf will be in warmer weather with a white denim skirt or jeans. There is such a feeling of variety here, but it all works together beautifully. Again, I would wear every single piece. If I were starting from scratch, I would order one of each (or as close as I could get in plus size). I’m also looking forward to the addition of the green; I think it’s going to look absolutely terrific!
Janice – I think you should add your templates to the newly titled Support the Vivienne Files page, too!
And would you consider posting some ebooks for sale? I’d love to see a series to choose from like Packing for __________ (Ireland, Paris, NYC, Europe, the Caribbean, a Cruise) in the ___________ (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter). The ebooks could be maybe 12 to 16 pages with a sample wardrobe, a template to follow to build the wardrobe, and then pages of sample outfits to wear for different activities and occasions. I’d be willing to pay to simplify and improve my packing efforts while reducing stress levels.
And I’ve seen other blogs that have a link to “Buy me a coffee.” I love those! If I’ve just read a particularly interesting or informative post, I often tap the coffee mug to show my appreciation. It’s not a major commitment, just a couple of bucks here and there, a friendly gesture that makes me feel good about supporting someone I’d like to encourage to continue blogging.
These are lovely ideas – thank you! I’m thinking about ebooks – I don’t have legal permission to use the images that I use here, so I’m about to approach a friend of mine about doing the illustrations!
hugs,
Janice
Glad you’re pursuing the ebook idea!
Janice,
YAAAAAAAA !
Bare ankles? You bet, but I live in TX, so except for SNOVID two weeks ago it is usually warm enough. I mean seriously yesterday it was 80! It’s only 58 today but still not dreadfully cold. When it is I wear socks! What I don’t understand is flipflops in cold rainy weather. But then again I consider them beach/shower shoes. Love all your hard work Janice and you should get paid. I don’t find that I have a favorite yet. As always it makes me think through my own wardrobe and create. Really loving putting together monthly groups. I’m doing gray, purple, white, black, and orchid. It helps me use all my closet plus I can see if I really like something or am just hanging on to it. Thanks Janice and to all you other readers.
Hi and yay, Janice! I’m happy that you have put those links up. It feels so nice to support someone who has provided me with so much enjoyment! Awesome! And I second the idea of “buy me a coffee”…how fun!
No bare ankles for me in the wintertime…it’s so silly, unless you’re in a warm location! I just don’t understand it…you rarely, maybe never, see men in suits with ankle pants, because it’s dumb!!! And you especially never see it in winter!
I always love the black-based wardrobes…and this series is no exception!
Thanks a bunch!!!
Young men with cropped or fashion trousers and bare ankles – particularly if they have hair poking out of the bottom…..
Our postman always wears shorts, even in winter, but then he runs everywhere!
Bare Ankles – I think they can look pretty cute or sexy, depending on the ankle and the shoe. That said, I generally only sport bare ankles when it’s warmer.
Favorite Ensemble – I really like the additions to the brown chyrsallis and the warmer-toned patchwork.
Commission – I’m so glad you made the choice to offer us a more convenient way to support your work!!! You’re providing an excellent example to young women: your passion and business can go hand-in-hand … and always “make the ask”!
The questions first:
Don’t cringe a second about links that give you a well earned commission! Your time and energy that you give so freely deserve compensation, and more than a tiddly commission at that tbh. The kind of people who would question that are undeserving of any of your efforts.
Frozen ankles; I’m Canadian- I don’t see that except in silly foreign students shivering at bus stops trying to still dress like home I suppose. Give them time, they’ll grow a brain cell and a decent appreciation for winter.
Which group? Still can’t decide between the first one- Chrysalis and the last one- mountain view. I love them both equally.
I was busy not doing laundry today day dreaming about what I’d pack for a tropical cruise. I’d just fixed up a pink, black, grey and white capsule when I wondered what you might have posted today. It fits with the Chrysalis but tomorrow I might want Mountain View and be off on an Alaskan cruise in my Walter Mitty moments.
Hi Janice and Everyone! My fantasy favorite is the one with the purple ruana. I especially love the colors of the t-shirts.
I was just revisiting the tiger scarf as my color combination for my 21 pc wardrobe challenge for March. Based on what I have in my closet, I would have to make a 5 piece pie with black, olive, yellow/gold, orange family hues, and white. I am thinking in terms of what I currently have with a) how many 2d layers (sweaters), b) how many coordinating turtlenecks, and c) how many long-sleeved layers. I would keep camel but I wore through all those clothes with navy during February.
My bare ankles would turn blue in 1 cold minute in our 6 month winters. I have something in my feet all year, even slippers in summer. I applaud those of you who can wear ankle pants. On me it would look like my pants shrunk. (LOL “men don’t wear them cause they’re dumb”!)
Thank you Janice for your links for One Stop Shopping ?.
I also get fed up with manufacturers thinking that cropped trousers will do instead of petite. Conversely, petite lengths that have a 30 inch inside leg?
I have a question about commissions. If we click a pop-up ad on your site and make a purchase, does that count towards your commission?
I know I *have* ankles. I see them from time to time prior to putting something on my legs to stay warm here at the 45th parallel. I remember them from last summer, which lasts 3 weeks from July through August, or September if something goes awry in the upper atmosphere. Now, in terms of colors, you had me at the purple cape, but I’m not buying it because I already swapped out the Echo scarf of preference (with jewels) cause I’m not trying to build my wardrobe anymore. As for links, I do buy through you (more often than I should) but, speaking as someone who also makes money from a blog, might I suggest you decide what opinions you’d like to share with others and charge them per hour to have a consultation, and/or classes? You’d be a great person to consult with. You know stuff. ;-)
I do not do ankles at any time of year. I’m still traumatized from growing up extra tall and never finding pants long enough. It doesn’t matter what current fashion says about pant length, I always wear them long enough to break on the top of my shoe.
Good for you for adding the support page. And feel free to post reminders to us! You generously give of your time and talent; it’s only right that we should give a tiny bit back. And thank you for including a wide range of retailers. I have a very, very limited budget and rarely buy clothing, but having a list of Vivienne favorites in the affordable price range is great for when I can.
I totally agree with Katrina. I’m 5’10” tall. I refuse to wear ankle pants regardless of the fashion of the day. It looks like my pants are simply too short. With the pandemic it’s been almost impossible to shop online for bottoms as I need to try them on for fit. Can’t wait to shop in store again. We’re still in a stay at home order in Toronto. Love this blog and all the ideas!
I don’t know if the Old Navy link would work for continuing on to the sister sites; if not, I’d love a link to Banana Republic and Gap. – nancyo
Guess I am the odd one out but I love ankle pants. And yes, I do wear them all winter with sneakers and flats and no show socks. And yes, I do live where it is cold in the winter..Connecticut, USA.
LOL, and yes, my husband comments on the look all the time with a “aren’t your feet cold?”
Ahhh…I love summer!
Hi, I’m new to your site but really love it. I’m a big scarf fan.
Love grey as a neutral (my other two are navy & olive), then plain linen colour in summer.
I don’t know if your shopping sites will be UK friendly but I’ll give it a try and am happy to support.
I am opposed to the bare ankle in winter trend – why should women have to be cold or uncomfortable? Ditto the ‘cold shoulder’ sweater, what is the point….I feel the same way about zip front fly trousers. These were clearly designed for men, not women, yet at some point women’s trousers started being made the same way rather than with a side zip or elastication.
Oh I do agree with you Meredith. Bring back side zips which make trousers and skirts fit so much better round the female waist.
However, I suspect the reason for front fastening zips is more to do with different cloth cutting and tailoring techniques which would then increase manufacturing costs. Perhaps there are dressmakers reading who might be able to elaborate?
I’m also in the UK, so I would definately support Janice if she gave links to UK websites she uses, like Marks and Spencer or Lands End. I see she has provided a link to the H&M UK website. Now that is so tempting…
Ankle pants in the winter? Look there are three types of fashionistas, intelligent/practical, slave-like devotees, and just plain stupid. I reside in Alabama, specifically North Alabama. We had 5″ of snow a week or so ago and wind chills in the single digits or below zero. The other day it was 74. This time of year it’s tricky deciding what to wear. Layers are your friends. Being from Central NYS, winter means cold. Bare skin results in frostbite, no thank you. If I were to wear ankle pants or roll my jean up to clear ankle boots, which I do, I wear fun socks that, of course, coordinate with my outfit. BTW, I love your sock selections!
Never shrink away from promoting your work! Now I just have to decide what I need, thank you for pointing out that tab. I look forward to your posts and generally have my morning tea reading them! Have a lovely day.
I don’t wear ankle pants since I’m short, but I have bare ankles as late into the fall/winter and as early in the spring as I can get away with without freezing, and I grew up in Buffalo. I don’t believe that makes me a slave-like devotée or plain stupid. Some of us run hot and/or hate for our feet to feel confined or restricted (more than they already are in shoes).
Yes I would like all the links. I read your Facebook page every morning. Most ties helping my decide what to wear everyday. However some things are too expensive, maybe adding links for similar items at
lower cost.. Thank you!
Please consider also opening a Patreon account. Many of us, I’m sure, would be so very happy to support you more directly. I do not buy online (second-hand except for the occasional sundry), but I do directly support people whose work I admire (such as you!).
Just a quick note to encourage you as you do me on many occasions with your fashion inspiration! I would be happy to contribute to this blog! Are you saying if I click on the side panes (for instance, right now I have something for” razr”, the” NEW ICON” on my screen and cascade dishwashing cleaner). Is this what you mean by links or are those unrelated to your site since they don’t have to do with clothing?!?!?!
You are usually very clear and I apologize for the technical question but please clarify.
Also, I am at a loss to find well made clothes. I wear things forever and don’t want “throw away fashion”. I’ve used some of your suggestions but would look for more ideas, not necessarily designer or status but investment types of clothing.
Thank you!
Dear Pam,
I don’t pick the ads that show up, but I am compensated a little bit for their presence on The Vivienne Files. So if you actually ever click on one of the ads, it doesn’t directly benefit me but it does reflect well…
The links that actually generate direct income for me are the ones that are under each image, which take you directly to the product shown.
All that really matters is that you come here, read, comment, enjoy, (tell your friends), and come back tomorrow. All the rest of just details of business!
hugs,
Janice
I live in Texas so I wear short pants, lol, in all but the coldest weather. Being a really short petite it is the only way I don’t have shorten even petite pants. I’ve been following the blog for years, but this is the first time I bought a scarf and am trying to follow along. I LOVE the idea of being able to support you! By all means please continue to add links. Any chance you could add Lane Bryant and Avenue?
Ladies, I love the navy and camel wardrobe with peach, yellow, and turquoise. I am a pure Spring and these are great colors for me. I only wear skirts but this isn’t difficult for me to to convert over into my wardrobe needs.
My big problem with ankle pants is proportion. To my eye, it makes ones legs look shorter with the change in color where the pants stop.
Absolutely yay on the links page, and yes in the coffee button. I do try to use your links when it’s something specific, but now I can just use your page as my one stop shopping default! Ooh, and how bout adding the Met and maybe other museum stores (if they also provide a commission, of course)?
I just added the Met – I’m going to have to see if any other museums offer me anything useful!
hugs,
Janice
Hello!
I LOVE the plaid ruana and Mountain view groups. Grey is my favorite neutral year round! Charcoal for winter and lighter grey for warm weather.
I like wearing ankle pants, but I tuck them in my boots when its cold outside.
I shop at lands end and llbean frequently so I will check your kinks first from now on.
Your blog has inspired a whole new fun feminine way of dressing for me. I had gotten stuck in minimal neutral territory and lost my spark for a bit. So thank you for stirring up my joie de vive! Big fan!