March 15, 2016
There are so many different ways that this painting could be interpreted, but I kept seeing denim blue…
Jimson Weed/White Flower No. 1 (1932) by Georgia O’Keeffe
Of course, I can always revisit this painting, if you’re interested….
The Closing?
She’s flying out to close on the new cabin. Everyone’s horrified…
Coat – Norma Kamali; crossbody bag – Phase 3; earrings – Judith Jack; socks – Polo Ralph Lauren; loafers – Cole Haan; jeans – L.L.Bean; sweater – Iris and Ink; scarf – Mosaique; watch – Movado;
duffel bag – Norma Kamali
It’s tiny. It’s simple. And since she seems to have sold or donated about 90% of her possessions, it’s going to be empty!
sweater – J. Crew; silk blouse – Bouchra Jarrar; striped top – J. Crew; bracelet – Fallon; scarf – Hinge; denim skirt – L.L.Bean; square silk scarf – Leona Lengyel; ivory cardigan – Twin-Set; denim pants – Uniqlo; boots – Blondo
She prefers to think of it as simple. She wants to see the lines, the colors, and the textures around her. Not a bunch of stuff…
And yes, she plans to wear jeans to the closing, which she prefers to think of as “the opening.” The opening of a new life. The opening of her mind, and her heart…
She’s retiring in her own way, with her own style. This is what she worked for, and it’s going to unfold JUST as she has dreamed…
love,
Janice
Thank you, thank you! I'm so excited seeing this today, it's beautiful – you even included a waterfall cardigan which I wear (but you wouldn't know that) and I know that they're in your bottom 10. And I love the story too, nearing retirement. One question though, what colour tights/leggings would you put with the denim skirt – blue or black?
You asked if anyone was interested in revisiting – yes, I certainly would be – you're a genius.
Dear Irene,
I actually now own a waterfall cardigan! I saw one that really stuck in my mind, and I realized that I could wear it without looking really droopy and saggy and sad. So you have to stay open minded, I've learned!
hugs,
Janice
I really like your interpretation of this painting to develop a denim based wardrobe- it all fits together really nicely.
From Margie in Toronto – what a lovely dressy casual wardrobe – just love the combinations and the colours – so relaxed looking.
Beautiful colors!! Yes, would love another wardrobe based on this painting!
Do you have a correct link for the Hinge scarf? A black scarf came up not the beautiful greenmulti one pictured. Thank you!
It's the right scarf, but Nordstrom's website always defaults to the black one, for some reason! Check on the right side of the page, where there are options for other colors, and you'll see the pearl one.
hugs,
Janice
I made the same mistake; the multi green scarf is linked farther down…Leona Lengyel
Love this group of clothes, and the story that goes with it! The ivory cardigan and denim coat are really special. I have the LL Bean denim skirt in denim and also white. It's very well made, comes in regular and petite sizes. The pearl cuff bracelet is beautiful. Talbots has a simple pearl and gold cuff that is pretty and very affordable.
Love the painting..I am off to my closet inspired by your post!
Janice,
What irony in the timing of your story ! Yesterday, while I waited for my eyes to dilate in my eye doctor's office, there was a segment on HGTV about a retired single mother of a college aged son, who decided to move from a 4000 square foot house to a tiny 200 square foot all inclusive house on wheels ( not a trailer home as we know it ). Her son talked her into looking at larger models,which cost more — $35,000 for 200 sq. ft., and $62,000 for 350 + sq. ft., but the latter also had a sauna ! Unfortunately, I don't know what she chose, as I was called back into a room before I could find out, but this wardrobe would have been perfect for her !
She chose the very small one!
Roberta
You KNOW I love anything denim! ;-) Thanks as always!
Oh that Leona Lengyel scarf is gorgeous! And it comes in purple too!
Another wonderful story! I have seen a bunch of jeans posts around: Vicki Archer, Cup of Jo, and of course, way last fall, Garance Doré (always ahead on style). All are about higher-waist styles, especially Levis 501s. Denim is so great for travel because it really doesn't show the dirt….
Love Georgia, love denim! Once again, casual and put together… a tricky combination. Thank you for showing the way. Mary
Love these colors! And love that you used socks as an accessory! Makes me think. ……..
Love these colors! And love that you used socks as an accessory! Makes me think. ……..
Oh another wonderful post. A romantic story to match a romantic selection of clothes/accessories to match a glorious painting about womanhood. I really like lace when it is more "roust" like the scarf yesterday and the cardigan today.
Deb from Vancouver
That is supposed to be "robust"
Deb from Vancouver
Bravo, Janice, for the story line and the wardrobe. This one really touched me.
Your clothing picks are always lovely and your eye for color superb. But I almost enjoy your little stories around the clothes more! I hope your fictitious denim and green lady loves her new simple life!
The painting itself would make a wonderful scarf! Carol S
Beautiful wardrobe for the beautiful woman in your story.
Love this heroine–and the clothes are just right for her.
I really loved that story AND all the clothes. What a fun wardrobe. I have learned a lot from your different types of wardrobes. First the colors, now the mix of clothes. My wardrobe is becoming amazing. I just went on a trip for work and what I packed was perfect!!! I wanted to make up a romantic story to go with it.
I am enjoying my wardrobe more too. I am plus sized so I now buy patterned tops, toppers and tunics to break up the 'space'. This reins in my love of patterns to a more logical level. If I am buying plain (no pattern) clothing items they will more likely be in neutrals. So I have more choices. My sister now has a lot more neutrals in her wardrobe and she is very happy too. Carol S
I'd live in jeans if I could. This is a gorgeous casual grouping. I also vote "yes" to revisiting this painting – the color palette is just wonderful.
Your blog is great, informative and now I am writing for help. We will have the wedding of my son in July (Europe – nice weather – hopefully). And I, as a mother of the groom, have no idea what should I wear. Wedding will be "civil", no church, in capital city, and as my daughter pointed out …" mom, I hope you will buy some "summer" something, this is no funeral. Usually I am wearing little black dress (or skirt, pants) and some simple little bit more colorful jacket over. Jacket usually grey, black and white, or light pink or blue. That´s it. So please it would be nice to see some options for what to wear as mother of the groom.
Have a great Spring.
Jana
I love the way your 'Start with art' series go so far from the beginning. We start with a painting (and thank you for introducing me to lovely images), we are given a dream, and we see a lovely but always practical way of dressing for it. That can lead to thinking of ways to change/enrich our own lives … Do more with less. The blog has become an important part of every morning – real inspiration. I can do this! (I'm also delighted by the idea of continuing to wear jeans as I get older, especially now that it's easier to find flattering styles again.)
Robyn in Tasmania
Haven't worn a denim skirt in years…just ordered one to update my spring/summer capsule! A simple concept that I'm sure will pay off in weekly wearing since I live in jeans and wear them to work almost daily. I'm also getting excited about owning a pair of Chuck Taylors again! Used to wear maroon ones back in the day with two sets of shoestrings – one gold, one white. Puts a smile on my face to think about doing that again.
This post makes me wish green was a good color for me! I love the story so much and want to know more!