February 15, 2018
I’m so happy that this post is so high on this list – I really did start writing The Vivienne Files in order to encourage women to buy less clothing, and to spend a little bit of time listening to their hearts, and less time listening to advertising. Nobody else knows what you want or need, and don’t let them tell you otherwise!
The image shown, from 4 years ago, is so easily replicable today; I don’t still have the original grey dress, but everything else there is still with me, and still in my regular rotation. That makes me feel like I’m not destroying my budget, nor my planet…
Here’s an updated version:
pearl earrings – Majorica; striped scarf – Eileen Fisher; opaque tights – Madewell; tassel loafers – Trotters; dress – Eileen Fisher; earrings– Alexis Bittar; floral scarf – Ted Baker London; hosiery – Wolford; pumps – Butter
If you choose simple, classic pieces, and use a little bit of imagination, you don’t need a ton of clothing…
love,
Janice
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And this will look good 4 years from now.
I'm buying that dress immediately.
Also, I hope you are feeling better. Flu is so miserable.
Congrats on a great blog!
I was looking at your shopping fast posts from last year.
I wonder how it went?
I introduced a friend to your blog this week. She needs a wardrobe update (the basics)
after years of prioritizing children's needs. I know she will learn a lot from you!
Thanks!
This blog has clarified and honed what I felt, but did not know exactly what I was feeling — too many clothes, too many "10 Items You NEED" directives, too many outfits that just didn't feel like me. Now not only is my closet trimmer and more focused, but I'm more confident in staying true to my sartorial self. Thank you for all you do, and I hope you're feeling better.
Ditto Taste of France. Congratulations, Janice, on a successful blog that has and will remain, relevant for so many of us! Hope you’re feeling better – Chris from Indy
Well your daily posts point so many into trying out many more variations with what they already have, and it helps to clearly identified what's missing in the wardrobe. So you are doing well in achieving your mission, Janice. Hugs, keep warm, drink water and get well soon, x.
And these types of posts are why we all love your blog!
You continue to be an inspiration to all of your readers!
XO
Smiling out loud as I read this post, because I'm wearing my own version of that grey knit dress, a scarf, black tights and flats today! Thanks for the reminder that style doesn't have to be complicated. I'm almost 60 and still trying to follow my own instincts more than those "10 must have" lists, but it's a work in progress. Focusing on building fewer but better outfits has been a huge lesson for me, and I continue to find inspiration daily on your site. Hope you're feeling better soon!
I have essentially this exact outfit in my closet right now, and it's one of my favorite things to wear. I feel completely comfortable and stylish when I wear it, which is the standard I'm putting all new purchases against. I learned that from this blog, which I am soooo happy I found. I hope you are feeling much better and well on the road to recovery.
Also, Ted Baker can do no wrong with scarves. : )
I just purchased a dress like this a few days ago to complete my core of black. As soon as I had it home I tried it with other items in my wardrobe and was thrilled that it looked and felt fabulous with cardigans, jackets, scarves, necklaces, ankle boots, tall boots, pumps, flats – just about everything pulled from my closet created a new look that I'm excite to wear. It's taken me time to figure out just the right pieces to add to my core, but it is so worth the time and effort. Your blog has been inspirational on a daily basis!
Thank you for your inspirational posts! I hope you’re feeling better.
Your blog has made a wonderful difference in my own wardrobe. With lovely pieces that go together in different ways it does seem like I have far more than I do. It surprised a friend who saw my closet and said, "This is it? But where are the rest of your things?" :)
There is this strange idea that "current" is a look that changes every year. This blog proves that this simply is not true. One can choose to dress timelessly, wear her favorite colors and accessories that match her personality. First it may be challenging to find the perfect things, as trendy clothes are marketed so heavily (stores have to get rid of them before the next trend rolls in, after all), but in time it becomes easier. This blog continues to be a wonderful resource to anyone who wants to spend less time and money buying stuff and getting rid of stuff -and still look like a million dollars.
I'm glad to hear you are getting better.
Sara K.