No, I’m not changing any thing here at The Vivienne Files. But I am still, after all this time, adjusting to the fact that I work from home.
I’ve had all kinds of interesting and amazing jobs, and they all required me to get out of bed every morning and put on “grown-up” clothes. But now that I work for you, I can work in my jammies, or in my gym clothes, or in whatever I’m going to wear for my lunch or evening plans.
Thus, I have too much stuff, and the wrong kind of stuff, to boot!
The clothes are gradually getting sorted out. Some have been donated, some have been migrated into my more casual life, and some are on probation.
But holy screaming handbags, Batman, have I got a lot of accessories!
So starting yesterday afternoon, you will see, at the top of The Vivienne Files page, below the photograph of my feet (in Paris!), a row of Page Titles. The first one is a new one, called Shop My Stuff. It’s exactly that, photographs of things that I am selling so they will get into the hands of someone who will wear them and love them, and get them away from Chez Moi. I’d much rather have my things go to one of you than try to haggle with the cold and heartless world by selling things on Ebay…
Thanks, so much, for being here,
love,
Janice
You have beautiful stuff. I have admired your taste in clothing/accessories often.
I can relate to this. Last year I "retired" from going in to work. And also lost 50 pounds. Now I help my husband by doing presentations and writing marketing materials from home. Except for the occasional speaking evenings. I wear just anything. My wardrobe is all new due to the weight loss and is minuscule compared to before. But I really love it this way. Still too many shoes, too much jewelry . It's hard to part with these. But I did recently purge all the handbags I'm not using after realizing I always reach for only two of them! So I kept 5! Ha! But I may want to purchase some accessories from you. My taste has changed due to your influence. I buy or make items that are quality. will last for a long time and have classic "forever" style. You have been such a wonderful inspiration . Janice Collins Washington, DC .
You have lovely things. I followed a '5 steps to style' or similar just a couple of years ago. One of the most enlightening tasks I carried out was to list out my lifestyle (work, medical appointments, gardening etc.). Then to put down a percentage of your time (something like this) that you spend doing these lifestyle things. I love fancy, soft, pretty business wear but I am now retired so my clothes requirements have also changed. The occasional medical appointment or a milestone birthday party. I have learnt to buy for the lifestyle that I now have and not for what I did have. Hard lesson but a good lesson. Thanks again and I am sure you goods will go to great homes. Carol S
What a great idea! I know you will get to your ideal and comfortable level of clothing and accessories. – nancyo
Janice, I also have several lovely pins, or brooches..but rarely wear them..I would like to, could you perhaps give us a short tutorial on ways to wear them, that so we don't look so…dated. Thanks PS, love the one with the blue stone!!
Janice, I also have several lovely pins, or brooches..but rarely wear them..I would like to, could you perhaps give us a short tutorial on ways to wear them, that so we don't look so…dated. Thanks PS, love the one with the blue stone!!
You might wear a pin on a beanie, a brooch on the shoulder of a sweater (instead of the lapel of a blazer). Scale counts, too- if the pin is too bitsy it looks lost, so wear them in clusters (three floral pins for example) or all the Maltese crosses shown here. See this example: http://www.blogher.com/dress-your-basics-pin-or-three
Well, wow, you had me slightly agog when I read your headline. It is a big relief to know you are not going anywhere!!
Deb from Vancouver
Your jewelry brings back memories! I grew up in Rhode Island when the main industries were costume jewelry and artificial flowers. Coro was a big employer.
I definitely have too many expensive purses for a retirement/travel lifestyle. My weekly wardrobe, thanks to you, is fairly simple and interchangeable but I have quite a lot "on probation" in storage. I have too many accessories as well and need to address
my jewelry boxes.
I was scared when I read your blog post title today! Whew! You have helped me so much and I don't want you to stop blogging. OK, time to go drink some tea and read your post.
I can see a Maltese Cross on a sweatshirt, a circle pin on a beanie- to give the clothes you like the stamp of individuality- so perhaps you might keep one of each category?
I admire your dong this, Janice. Accessories are the hardest wardrobe bits for me to part with.
I have always admired your taste in jewelry, and look forward to seeing your collection morph into only the exact right pieces for your life now. : )
When I went from working in a corporate city office to our own retail store (which is much more casual) I decluttered all my skirt- and trouser-suits. Thankfully when I transition to work-from-home at some stage in the next year my more casual wardrobe will work there too.
Is that blue one on the bottom left of the second picture still available? I don't see it under "shop my stuff"…
Is that blue one on the bottom left of the second picture still available? I don't see it under "shop my stuff"…
Nope, it's sold. But I still have a blue brooch with pearls around it available…
I admire your dong this, Janice. Whew! You have helped me so much and I don't want you to stop blogging. OK, time to go drink some tea and read your post.