The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

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business travel Archives - Page 6 of 10

Solid Clothes with Patterned Jewelry in a Capsule Wardrobe

March 12, 2015

I'm often asked about the possibility of wearing only solid-colored clothing - nothing patterned. Because I show stripes and flowers (and every other kind of print) so often, some people seem to be concerned that wearing only solid colors is somehow prohibited.

First off, let me make it perfectly clear that, in my opinion, you can wear anything that makes you happy. So long as you don't get arrested, or fired from your job, go for it. Let your preferences shine through. Express your personal preferences, your inner nuttiness, or your freak flag - it's only clothing, and as long as you are truly, deeply happy with what you wear, the rest of us can just accept it. Ultimately, it's up to you!

Another request I recently ... View the Post

Start with Art: BLUSH, with Rose by Ansel Adams

March 9, 2015  

The all-grey wardrobe based on the photograph Rose, by Ansel Adams (see it here) prompted lots of excellent questions about using that wardrobe as a base for accent colors. Oh yes, I could think of at LEAST 10 accent colors that would work beautifully with these grey items...   I chose this vaguely named blush, peach, apricot, whatever color to show the possibilities. I kept the core grey jacket, trousers, skirts, dresses, shoes, and even a couple of tops, but I swapped out the jewelry for the warm "rose gold", and tossed in a few lovely scarves.   An accent color changes everything, doesn't it?  

  love, Janice ... View the Post

Start with Art: Version 2 Lake and Red Tree by Tom Thomson

March 7, 2015   A couple of days ago when I first worked with this painting, someone suggested substituting black for the brown that I used. Since black appears in the painting, this wasn't a misuse of the painting, and it produced some lovely ensembles.   I kept the same sweaters and blouses, in order to use the identical accent colors, but I substituted everything else. The accessory theme today is flowers!

 

 

love, Janice

                            ... View the Post

Start with Art: Rose by Ansel Adams

March 6, 2015   Not everybody wants a monochromatic wardrobe, but for those among us who find this idea comfortable, and even exciting, the opportunity to experiment with texture is irresistible...  

This woman has been in business long enough to be in charge. Long enough to love her grey hair. Long enough to know the power of simplicity...

If you have a moment, note that many of the accessories have a circle theme; that's the kind of thing I love to do!   Our executive packs fearlessly for a long trip. She has people who handle her bags...  

   

love,

Janice ... View the Post

Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Lake and Red Tree by Tom Thomson

March 5, 2015  

These colors made me want to create outfits for a woman who was strong, confident, and who could stand up to the vividness with appropriate exuberance. This is a woman who considers red boots to be a neutral... oh yes, she likes boots!  

The neutral beige can come in handy on a day when one wants to be a bit less confrontational, or at least settle into the background more than usual. 

If you're struggling to find a scarf that combines particular colors, check out Valezhki on Etsy. While Etsy is rapidly becoming yet another dumping ground for mass-produced Asian junk (think of ebay...), there are still some talented crafts-persons to be found there.

  And while ... View the Post

Start with Art: Version 2 of Peripheral Vision 2 by Elis Cooke

February 26, 2015   As soon as I did the earlier version of this painting (found here), people emailed me asking that I use a different mix of colors, and that I do a business travel version of a wardrobe. So I'm combining requests here - I hope it works out!  

  I kept many of the elements of the original travel outfit, just swapping out the sportier tee shirt with something just a smidge dressier, and then coordinating earrings and a scarf with this new top.  

  love, Janice ... View the Post

Start with a Scarf: Hermes Maroon Shawl

February 24, 2015   Someone sent me a photograph of this delectable item - a shawl, no longer available, from Hermes - and asked if it would be possible to build a little something beautiful around it. Ooooh, yes, this is DEFINITELY possible...  

First up, a color scheme, as always. Using camel as the neutral, there's a whole range of maroon, dark red, bright red, and hints of yellow here - lots of possibilities!

  My imagination called this transition season dressing - either spring or fall. Maybe for business, or for pleasure. One dress, for a splashy night out, and otherwise dressy but not fussy separates for business or elegant sightseeing.   (Note that the accessories are either angular, or have a ... View the Post

Start with Art: The Hunters in the Snow by Pieter Brueghel the Elder

February 19, 2015   I love this painting! And I still marvel at how many decidedly winter-themed paintings have been suggested to me in the last few weeks!   Any other paintings you want to see? Leave a comment, and I'll do my very best.  

You could certainly include a warm, dark golden brown here, and rust as an accent...

 

  For these colors, I was thinking of someone who had to travel overnight for a special dinner. Not necessarily a work event - possibly a family fete? But this is definitely ideal for some cold travel in order to get to a lovely festive occasion. (note that in defiance of the cold, I included a floral-trimmed scarf, and floral ... View the Post

Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Ice Skating on the Moat by Esias van de Velde

February 9, 2015  

Yes, three DIFFERENT readers sent me links to three different paintings about ice skating. What are the odds? (100%...)   Some people have mentioned that they (a) don't wear cardigans, (b) want to have as many outfit options as possible from a 4-Pack, and (c) have to wear a skirt or dress for travel because they go directly to their work obligation upon arrival.  I've tried to address all three of these concerns here, while at the same time giving a feeling of coziness to help with the inherent chill of winter business travel.    

 

Square scarf – Hermes, earrings – Giuliana Valz-Gen, turtleneck – Brunello Cucinelli, skirt – Tulchan,  watch – Skagen,  tote bag – ... View the Post

Building a Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Winter Photograph by Kris DaPra

January 30, 2015   I love winter, and sometimes a perfect photograph will convey what my feeble words never can about the beauty to be found in this austere, crisp and bracing time of year.  

  I strongly suspect that either of these button-front shirt would look quite nice under the grey dress. It's a look that a little bit gamine for some women, but for others it can be charming.  

  love, Janice ... View the Post

Brown Capsule Wardrobe with Accessories in Light Blue, Brights, and Brown

January 23, 2015  

Brown can be so beautiful, and surprisingly versatile...And speaking of versatile, I find that I keep using and using the bright accessories. When I assembled that family of items, I didn't honestly expect that I would get so very much mileage from them!

 

 

 

 

  love, Janice ... View the Post