The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

The Vivienne Files - Page 256 of 262 - Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

Not so crazy eights: Casual winter wardrobe in Black

Jacket – Barbour, Cardigan – Sonia Rykiel, Turtleneck – John Smedley, Tee shirt – Proenza Schouler, Jeans - Wranglers, Sweater – Bottega Veneta, Pants – Calvin Klein, Skirt – Ralph Lauren  

Lest anybody assume that the eight-piece core wardrobe is only for a dressy office environment, I offer up a core wardrobe that is pretty much my standard uniform through the winter.  To this mix you can toss in an argyle cardigan, a couple of white tee shirts, and a black and white striped sweater, and that covers me (literally) for anything outside of work except the most extraordinarily dressy dinners.  Enjoy!

1. Boots - Nordstrom, Scarf – Pucci, tote bag - Missoni  

2. Brogues – ... View the Post

Wardrobe: sky, sunset and pewter

 

Cardigan – Kain Alva, Blue linen shirt – Aubin and Wills, Orange tan – Topshop, White tee shirt – Vanessa Bruno, Orange Linen pants – J. Crew, White linen pants – Marc Jacobs, Silk skirt – Bruce II, silk scarf - Hermes  

 

The wardrobes just keep getting harder!  The request for this wardrobe was: "I am a short, graying brunette in her early 60’s woman who lives in the South (think 4 seasons with an emphasis on hot & humid but occasional snow/ice). I think Katherine Hepburn with more colors would be my inspiration. Casual, few skirts/dressy itesm, but chic. I love the colors of the sunset and sky plus silver/pewter jewelry with black, charcoal or dark jeans as the ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: Ivory

Jacket – Christopher Lemaire , Cardigan – Unger-Fashion, Long-sleeved shirt – Alexander McQueen, Tee shirt – Warehouse.co.uk, Dress – Maxmara Studio, Sweater – Bally, Pants – 3.1 Philip Lim, Skirt – Kelly Ewing  

1. Pumps – Stuart Weitzman, Scarf – Hermès, bag - Fendi   2. Brogues – Dorothy Perkins, necklace – Kate Spade, earrings – Kate space   3. Pumps – Rupert Sanderson, scarf – Robindira, bee brooch – Kenneth Jay Lane   4. Flats – Melissa, ring – Lola Rose, bracelet – R. J. Graziano  

5. Flats – Henry cuir, scarf – Hermès, bag – Gucci   6. Flats – Church’s, earrings – YlKara Ross, brooch – 1928   7. Slingbacks – Stella McCartney, scarf – ... View the Post

Not so crazy eights: Camel

Jacket – Miu Miu , Cardigan – Paul & Joe, Long-sleeved shirt – L’Agence, Tee shirt – Ralph Lauren, Dress – The Row, Sweater – Ralph Lauren Black Label, Pants – Miu Miu, Skirt – Miu Miu  

I know that nobody can go out and buy twenty new items of clothing, so I've been trying to think of how someone would begin the process of building a curated, distilled wardrobe.  Of course, it really has to start with some serious thinking!  But once you've chosen a core color from which to work, you could certain do worse than carefully acquiring a basis of eight garments upon which to build.  This is how I see it taking shape...

1. Pumps – Kate Spade, Scarf – Hermès, bag - ... View the Post

Things Europeans own: Longchamp Sac Pliage

July 26, 2011

Of course these aren't exactly rare in the United States, but I first was exposed to them in Europe and so I always think of that when I see someone with one of these bags.

They are particularly handy when you travel; the first thing into any suitcase of mine is my folded and snapped Pliage, which I then use to accumulate all of my purchases and receipts along the way.  Then I use the bag as my carry-on for the return trip, so everything is in one place on that rare chance that the Customs people will want to inspect my newly-acquired treasures.

And online, you can order CUSTOM Pliage bags, specifying the length of the handles, the size of the bag, the finish of the metal fittings, AND!!! the colors of ... View the Post

Wardrobe: soft and warm spring

Blazer – The Row, Cardigan – Chloe, Blouse – Chinti and Parker, Tee shirt – Witchery.com.au, Pants – Martin Grant, Skirt – Paul Smith, Hazel jeans – MiH, Scarf – Hermès      Ashley in Switzerland, among many Anonymous requests, asked me for a wardrobe of warm hues.  I've been working on a general "spring" wardrobe for a while so I thought I'd share this one with you.  I hope you enjoy, and don't forget, if you have a specific wardrobe request, leave me a comment!  I'm particularly enjoying the requests based on specific paintings or scarves - maybe someone has a beautiful piece of pottery or china upon which I could design something?  It may take me a few weeks to ... View the Post

Wardrobe: ORANGE!!!!

Jacket – Missoni , Cardigan – Acne, White tee – Vince, Silk blouse – Marlo, Black pants – Missoni. Skirt – Piperlime, White jeans - Levis, Scarf - Hermès  

I really love you all.  Seriously.  You take time every day to read my writing, look at my work, and give me feedback and challenges.  What else could I ask from total strangers?

I particularly enjoy the wardrobe requests I get.  This one was AMAZINGLY difficult:  "I'm a gold jewellry wearer and love to wear orange which I think always goes well with black or white depending on the season. I would love your suggestions for a core wardrobe for a femme d'un certain age." 

This is my best effort - I threw some ... View the Post

Wardrobe: things you will never see

I spend a LOT of time looking at clothing, shoes and accessories, and I've noticed that I have certain ABSOLUTE biases about what I will or will not include in the wardrobes I build for you.  If you particularly love any of the following items, you'll have to find them on your own!  There's no good explanation for these aversions except just my personal tastes...

platform shoes - Olive Oyl is NOT a fashion icon open-toed boots - I just don't see the logic visible logos - only if a garment is absolutely perfect in every other way would I consider including a visible brand name.  Unless you are compensated appropriately, do NOT endorse any company. Baby-doll garments.  I'm an adult, and I will assume that you are ... View the Post

Wardrobe: gray, plum and sea green

Blazer – DKNY, Cardigan – Etro, Silk blouse – Paul & Joe, Silver short-sleeed top – Jason Wu, Pin-striped pants – Moschinol Skirt – Lanvin, Jeans – J. Brand. Scarf - Hermès   A very appreciated reader in the UK asked for "My colouring is "Summer"; style "Full Classic"; bodyline "Straight". A little more info on colour - My 100% Neutral is Dark Blue Grey; 100% Basics - Deep Sea Green, and Plum, and I suit the deep and smokey colours of my palette."  This is what I chose for her...  

Blouse – Dolce & Gabbana , Trench Coat – Alberta Feretti, Charcoal coat – Jaeger. Dress – Rick Owens,   

Pants – Etro, , Skirt – Max Mara Studio, Sweater ... View the Post

I’ve got good news, and I’ve got bad news…

Good news:  I started a temp job.  It's two weeks, with a distant possibility of turning into a permanent position.  I'm not yet convinced that I want it to be permanent, so I'm just doing my very best, being my normal charming and mellow self, and the chips (chimps?) will fall where they may.  If I do all I can, and it doesn't work out, I have no regrets.

BUT...  I'm going to have to post a few of my "older" wardrobe schemes, as I'm not able to devote as much time to customizing things for you all.  I have a few custom wardrobes under my belt, as well as some of my earlier brainstorms, and of course a few of Vivienne's rants.  Those of you who have so kindly asked for wardrobes - I beg your patience ... View the Post

Vivienne Veto: Struggling Strapless

Strapless garments can be very attractive.  What is not attractive is watching you (every FIVE minutes) readjusting the balcony to be appropriately covered.  

If the garment does not fit properly, do not buy it.  Constant wardrobe readjustment is neither appealing nor elegant.

More wardrobes are on the way - I appreciate your patience.  (some of these take a while!)   And please, if you have a theme or leitmotif in mind for a wardrobe, leave a comment and let me know!  I'm particularly loving the idea of working from a scarf, a work of art, or a particular garment.  Leave a link in your comment if I'm going to need a point of reference. And thanks so much for the really cool requests I've ... View the Post