The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy.
Welcome to The Vivienne Files! If it’s your first time on the site, you may find it overwhelming. This page is designed to guide you to the content you want to read. But first, you’re probably wondering ‘what are these files and who the heck is Vivienne?’
What Are The Vivienne Files?
Back in the ‘90s, I got to travel a lot for my job! I spent a great deal of time in Paris, which is where I met Vivienne. She worked at my favorite hotel, and as we became friends, she taught me a lot about a completely different way to shop and to construct a wardrobe. Even though we’re no longer in touch, I continue to build on her ideas about deliberate wardrobe planning, and I share my thoughts with the world on The Vivienne Files.
Who is Behind the Vivienne Files?
I’m Janice, and since college, I’ve been fascinated by wardrobes – “how much is enough?” “What is a classic piece of clothing?” “What are the “must have” items each season?”
I’ve always rebelled against the rules I was told. There has to be a better way to shop and to construct a beautiful wardrobe. So without any art training, and no real background in fashion (except for retail!), I’ve found a way to plan a wardrobe and a way to visually share my ideas.
Now, I work full-time on The Vivienne Files, hoping to encourage women to buy less, spend more, think harder, and look better!
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
The wardrobes you see here on The Vivienne Files are primarily what is known as a Capsule Wardrobe. This term was coined in the 70s by Susie Faux, a London boutique owner and popularised in 1985, by designer Donna Karan. The theory is to have a wardrobe of minimal, classic pieces that mix and match to form a wide variety of outfits.
By choosing classic, well-made wardrobe items as a neutral base, you can change your entire look by adding a few simple accent pieces. A capsule wardrobe helps you define your personal style while making both shopping and getting dressed in the morning much easier. Not to mention this minimalist outlook is better for the environment and our wallets.
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe from Scratch Step by Step
If you’re ready to dive into the world of capsule wardrobes but aren’t sure where to begin, I’ve written a number of article series that walk you through the process step by step.
- How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch, First Steps in beige, olive, rust, and teal (Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5)
- How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Starting From Scratch – First Steps in navy, khaki, pink, light blue and white (Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, Stage 5)
- For a full walk-through in 20 articles of building a capsule wardrobe from scratch visit the Starting from Scratch Page.
Capsule Wardrobe Color Palette Inspiration
With an endless spectrum of colors to choose from, it’s hard to know how to choose a color palette. I draw my capsule wardrobe inspiration from things I love – art, nature, scarves, and other beautiful objects. To see this in action, visit the following sections:
- Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art
- Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Nature
- Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with a Scarf
Travel Capsule Wardrobes
I love to travel, and that means packing. Capsule wardrobes are ideal for travelling light because all of the clothing items mix and match. Here on The Vivienne Files, you’ll find a variety of sample travel wardrobes and packing lists for different locations and climates. Here are a few to get you started:
- Tote Bag Travel Capsule Wardrobe in Teal and Jade
- Packing Outfit by Outfit: Pink, Maroon and Black, for Business
- Warm Weather Travel in Brown and Pink – Step by Step
- See the Packing section for even more travel capsule wardrobes
There is plenty more to discover on The Vivienne Files, from casual capsule wardrobes to clothing for a night on the town, from business capsule wardrobes to my favorite fashion finds each season. Dive in and enjoy and if you have any questions feel free to comment on a post or email me.
love,
Janice