The Vivienne Files - Page 213 of 262 - Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

“You’re So French” – the most recent addition to the Style Shelf

May 2, 2013

As soon as I saw this available for sale, I knew it was going to go onto the Style Shelf. Aside from the fact that I'm terribly tired of book covers in hot pink (every "chic lit" novel in Ireland had either a pink or a lavender cover, I swear...), this is an interesting addition to the wee library.So here, in my less than expert translation, is what the authors have to say about cleaning out closets:

ARRANGE YOUR WARDROBE

"We have a tendency to choose the first clothes that are on top of the pile. It's easy, one does not waste time, and takes no risks, and one gets dressed automatically. What a pity for all of those treasures which have been sleeping for years, and upon which you lavished such care ... View the Post

A Post-Travel debriefing

May 1, 2013

The best time to evaluate the success of your packing plan is the day after you return; theoretically you're not exhausted (ahem...) and you can still remember what choices and decisions you made on your trip.My results were very mixed on this trip:

I did NOT pack enough underwear. Don't ask me how this happened, but let's just say that it was really handy that I was visiting relatives. I've gotten so accustomed to assuming that my normal suitcase stash will be complete, that I didn't actually pull out my pajamas and undergarments and check them...

Two pair of black pants were perfect - one was cotton twill (which I wore for all of the yard work) and one pair was silk, which I wore for more ... View the Post

Capsule Wardrobe Packing from the 33 for a long weekend

I'm out of town right now - actually, I've been out of town since Thursday afternoon; the magic of the internet means that I can schedule blog posts ahead of time! I'm visiting a number of my relatives, which is the easiest packing; laundry is available, and borrowing clothes is always possible. I'm carrying the huge suitcase because belovedest and I are sharing the bag, and his clothes and shoes take up a LOT of space...

... View the Post

How to Accessorize A Simple Brown and Beige Wardrobe: Turquoise

April 29, 2013 Someone suggested that the orange accents from last week might easily be substituted with turquoise blue. Entirely right, very simple, and very beautiful.

Cardigan – L.K.Bennett, sunglasses – Ray-Ban, pearl stud earrings – Dorothy Perkins, necklace – Mawi, blue flower earrings – Kate Spade, tee shirt – Warehouse, bracelet –Souffle, chiffon scarf – Liberty London, pants - Topshop, scarf – Hermes, flat sandals – Cole Haan, flats – Blowfish

love, Janice ... View the Post

Navy and Turquoise: A Capsule Packing Wardrobe based on 2 scarves

Silk scarf - Hermes, linen wrap – Etro

Tee shirt - Hugo, cardigan – Jardin des Orangers, turquoise stud earrings- Jamie Joseph, watch – Kate Spade, pants – Lucza London, loafers – Brooks Brothers, bag – Saint Laurent, suitcase – Samsonite

Necklace – Stella and Dot, dress – Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, drop earrings – Sandra Dini, bracelet – Kelly Wearstler, pumps – Jimmy Choo, sweater – 3.1 Phillip Lim, skirt – Toast, cardigan – DKNY, silk blouse – Skunkfunk, sleeveless top – Prabal Gurung, ballet flats – Bloch

... View the Post

Does every woman need a denim jacket? Customizing the Classics

April 26, 2013 A couple of people have asked me about the widespread advice that every woman show have a denim jacket. Of course I disagree with this idea - I don't think anybody else can tell you what you should have in your wardrobe.

Traditional denim jackets can be really cool, but they're not always flattering:

There's nothing particularly wrong with denim; there are a variety of options in denim that could be a lot more flattering than the traditional cropped, narrow fit.

Maybe the cut is okay, but the color doesn't work very well; there are denim jackets in other neutral colors that might be a lot more useful for you.

Or you could get really radical and choose a ... View the Post

Do you want this in your closet?

April 25, 2013

I know, if we don't buy their clothes, they won't have jobs. I've heard that. I don't care. I don't want this in my closet. Happily, at this moment, absolutely NO retailer has admitted that they purchased garments from this factory. That seems unlikely, doesn't it? sigh...

love, Janice ... View the Post

A Simple Brown and Beige summer wardrobe, with orange accessories

Silk cardigan – Marni, sunglasses – Ray-Ban, pearl stud earrings – Dorothy Perkins, necklace – BCBG Max Azria, barrel hoop earrings – Michael Kors, tee shirt – Warehouse, bracelet – Good Charma, cotton scarf – Mapoesie, pants - Topshop, scarf – Hermes, flat sandals – Cole Haan, ballet flats – Banana Republic

love,

Janice ... View the Post

Now to wear a Neon Yellow v-neck sweater

April 23, 2013

This was a special request from someone who LOVES, and looks good in, neon yellow. To her I say carpe the sweater; few of us can wear this color well. It's a great way to stand out in a crowd, and make a very cheery statement on even the gloomiest days.

Outfits including a yellow sweater and a dressy printed skirt

Sweater – Erica Cavallini, earrings – Tita, skirt – Sportmax, sandals – Marc by Marc Jacobs, earrings – Tita, skirt – Prabal Gurung, sandals – Frye

Outfits with a yellow sweater, solid jeans or trousers, and a patterned scarf

Sweater – Erika Cavallini, scarves - Etro, jeans – Ralph Lauren, sneakers - Keds, black linen pants – Vince, boots – Christopher ... View the Post

Capsule Wardrobe Project 333: FAILURE, in the second week in my uniform

Well, not anything horrendous or drastic (let's be serious, last week wasn't a great week for many of us...), but when I woke up Friday morning to the sounds of SNOW HITTING MY WINDOW, I retreated to my jeans, which I had not included in my 33 garments. Of course, when I picked those 33 pieces of clothing, I didn't expect to have to dress for snow. Sigh...Monday and Tuesday were great, similar to last week, I started with a black "suit", chose a bright tee shirt, and added a scarf to tie things together and brighten things up. Tuesday was a core of black garments, with boots, a cardigan, and a cashmere scarf to keep warm,

Wednesday and Thursday were also very uncomplicated.Another core of black, ... View the Post

Must every woman own a pair of Khakis? Customizing the Classics…

Pants – Brunello Cuccinelli, sleeveless top – Dorothy Perkins, cord bracelet – Dorothy Perkins, blush sandals – Marais USA, chalcedony earrings –NuNu, tunic – Mary Portas, lace ballet flats – J.C. Penney, tank top – Uniqlo, tote bag – Ted Baker, sandals - Balenciag

When you read those "10 wardrobe classics every woman MUST have", you'll often see a pair of khaki pants included as one of the ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED pieces of clothing...What utter tripe - there is NO REQUIRED GARMENT for any woman's wardrobe. (Yes, I firmly believe some women can live without a bra, and if you wear tights every day, then other undergarments might be optional too...)

That said, there is some logic to the idea of a pair of khakis are a core ... View the Post

How to wear an Bright Green v-neck sweater

April 19, 2013

Wear a bright green sweater with solid jeans or pants and a printed scarf

Sweater – J. Crew, scarves - Etro, jeans – Ralph Lauren, loafers – Marc Jacobs, khakis – Vince, flats – Repetto

Wear a bright green sweater with printed trousers and sandals

Sweater – J. Crew, necklace – Dries Van Noten, wide-leg pants - Kenzo, sandals – Madison Harding, earrings – Lori’s Shoes, pants – J. Crew, sandals – Sergio Rossi

Two outfits with a bright green sweater, white jeans, and a printed tee shirt

Sweater – J. Crew, tee shirt – Splendid, white jeans – J. Crew, espadrilles – Castaner, tee shirt – Top Shop, flats - Lanvin

Wear a bright ... View the Post