June 2, 2023
One of my favorite days!
I thought that before our heroines went shopping today, they should each take a good look at what they currently own. This might direct their shopping in some way…
First, let’s look at this heroine’s wardrobe by showing all of her garments arranged by function:
I frankly don’t know that any heroine will see too many gaps in her wardrobe when arranged this way, because she’s been really careful to be certain that anything she has purchased so far can be worn in a variety of ways.
Maybe let’s see how things look when arranged by color:
This is actually pretty great, but I think maybe she wants something else in denim blue? Yes, it’s not a color in her palette, but I think we’ve determined that most of our heroines are going to wear jeans of some sort!
Some day, this heroine will find something in a print that she loves; right now she is pretty content with solid clothes, accented with scarves or jewelry.
And I’m also thinking that she could use a bit more navy; I like to have a good solid base in the dark neutral for a wardrobe!
Since I love this twinset so much, I thought that this heroine might like it too!
I got this cardigan and vest in pink, and it is LOVELY…
Cardigan – Alex Mill; necklace – Arms of Eve; hammered cuff bracelet – Talbots; vest – Alex Mill; socks – Able Made; chambray shirt – J.Crew
Please note that our heroines choose accessories based on what catches their eye and strikes their fancy…
Now, our heroine’s wardrobe doesn’t look much different – a nice assortment of navy garments, and a chambray shirt which can be worn with everything!
And her accessories are so tempting:
As always, when our heroine gets home, she tries all of her new pieces with things she already owns…
Let’s next check in on our pastel-loving heroine!
This heroine is interesting in that she has all different kinds of 2nd layers and tops – variety, within a VERY tight color palette!
But she originally thought that she would have FOUR accent colors with her ivory core, and she has only used 2 so far…
So when she saw these soft sage green garments, she knew what her June wardrobe additions would be!
Jade earrings – Gemondo; long-sleeved shirt – BP.; print tee – Caslon; narrow scarf – Lost Pattern NYC; pants – Caslon; sandals – Jack Rogers
She thought that gold sandals would be more practical than green…
Now, her wardrobe is still soft, but offers her another accent option!
And her accessories are still so pretty….
A long time ago, she learned from her Rothko-loving friend that she should try EVERYTHING that she buys when she gets home, to make sure that anything new deserves a spot in her closet!
Time to check in with our more dramatic heroine, who loves Ludwig Kirchner... (this painting might be the most calm, relaxed work he did!) And no, she doesn’t mind that the women depicted here are prostitutes…
As with her friends above, her wardrobe is functionally pretty well balanced. It’s not like she has 45 tee shirts and only 1 pair of pants…
Here, however, we can see a wardrobe orphan, as well as a relative shortage of black neutral pieces, and not really enough white! Also, she needs to consider some more casual garments – life isn’t as dressy as it used to be…
Her friends have always assured her that – dressy as she is – she would be able to get a TON of use from a chambray shirt. Her pants are denim, but not casual jeans! And she might be most delighted with the bracelet that she found; she has a scarf that is very much the same colors…
Earrings – Talbots; bracelet – Ebru Jewelry; denim shirt – L.L.Bean; white shirt – Alex Mill; pants – J.Crew; leather sneakers – Cariuma
She could still use a few black basics, but that’s not a pressing issue…
Her accessories are really where the fun starts:
When she gets home, she’s not certain that her purchases are going to work! But her friends come over, they get some adult beverages, and she starts trying on outfits:
Which heroine is most like you, this month? I have to admit that our last heroine is living in my sweet spot right now…
love,
Janice
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One of my favorite days too! and now I have to wait two days for the other half! I love what you’ve done this month with taking a look at each wardrobe for color gaps. WOW, what a difference just a couple of additions make. Especially noticeable (to me) in the last one. I’m so glad the Rothko was in the first installment this month as it turns out that’s the one I’m following most closely. I started out following the Renoir, but over the past month or two have switched. Interesting. Thanks so much and happy weekend everyone.
I’m amazed that these heroines’ friends give her such sound fashion advice. The last time I shopped with a friend, I bought a dress that I will rarely wear. The last wardrobe is my favourite, but I am also partial to the first wardrobe. I do think that first heroine needs more shorts, or a casual olive skirt. She would have very little to wear in a heat wave.
I have a hunch that their July shopping is going to be “hot weather-oriented”!
hugs,
Janice
My favorite has switched from the Kirchner capsule to the Paul Klee capsule. Even though I love and wear saturated color, the pink items in the Kirchner capsule look too strident to my eye. I also love the more casual nature of the Paul Klee items.
Somehow you always find the most perfect accessories! Today I especially like the first necklace.
As for the three wardrobes, they are all really shaping up. I am very visual, so seeing them each broken down by color was interesting and helpful to me. I find myself most relating to the style of the first one and the color palette of the 3rd. That last wardrobe, I agree, needs more black basics as well as more of the illusive purple! I also think they could all use some prints to liven things up.
Your accessory finds are amazing. Also, the addition of a gold or silver shoe/sandal or belt (depending on a person’s preference) is so very versatile!
Janice, you’ve taught us well how important the concept of keeping to my palette can be. It’s pretty thrilling to get home with a new purchase and find it creates 4-5 new outfits with what I already own.
For those of you who don’t do color analysis, but have a well-defined palette of preferred colors, here’s a little trick: find paint swatches at your nearest big box hardware store to match your favorite cardis or blazers, trousers, skirts, etc. put them together in some sensible way to carry in your purse. Get better matches when you shop. Then you’ll be even happier with your purchases when you get home!
Kirchner all the way! I love that you have divided the wardrobes into their colours both neutral and accent. It really hits home visually where the gaps are and exposes those orphans. Agree with ak’s idea of using the paint samples as there is so much selection to be had. Someone ( maybe Janice?) once suggested carrying embroidery threads in one’s preferred colours. Both ideas are great for those who struggle with coral vs peach or the multitude of navy blues on offer. Most importantly if you carry samples of your neutrals it does help when choosing accent pieces.
Great post!!
I love what you’ve done by laying out the clothes in their colours. It makes such a visual impact and somehow makes it easier for me to see the wardrobe as a whole and what’s missing and what’s not. Brilliant.
The Klee and Kirchner additions make so much sense to me, as does the chambray shirt in the Rothko. These choices are lovely, practical, and do a lot to expand the options in the capsules. But man, the navy wool twin set makes me wonder where that heroine lives, haha! I know the vest can technically be worn as a sleeveless top, but it’s hard to imagine that being a thing I’d reach for in June. I would 100% have delayed that addition to October and given our heroine some straightforwardly summer-suitable items instead!
That color palette has been aided immensely by the addition of the chambray (a lighter/softer alternative/complement to navy), but it still seems very dark for summer. There’s already a lot of dark navy in it, so I probably wouldn’t add more of it at this point. I think a white/ivory/cream (whichever suits her best) T would be really helpful here instead of the vest. Subbing for the wool cardigan, I would be interested to see what an item in a lighter shade of olive/moss/sage would do to blend tonally with the dark olive while lightening up the wardrobe a bit.
I love the Rothko but only see it as a fall/winter capsule. Perhaps because I live in a warm climate. All are beautiful in their own way and I agree with everyone that laying the wardrobes out in colors, visually helps see where there are gaps. I think I’m going to try this. Thanks Janice.
The pastel wardrobe is so soft and pretty. I love the sage green additions. I also like the layouts, both per type and per colour. I have to do that soon.
The Vocal Fabric by Klee and the Normandy Train by Monet remain my favourites. I wear variations of these tones and love them.
I really enjoy the soft green addition to the Klee capsule. Balances the pink and blue, works with the soft white. Love it!