Clare V. is synonymous with a certain set of chic, bicoastal, jet-setting professional women, so when we heard that Clare Vivier herself was heading out on a whirlwind work trip from LA to San Francisco to Boston and back in just four days, we had to know what she packed. Luckily she obliged, and her packing list nails that sophistication-with-a-wink style that we know and love her for.
THE TRIP
A four day coast-to-coast trip from LA to San Francisco & Boston in mid-November.
This bicoastal trip centered around two speaking engagements on fashion and design at the deYoung Museum and Harvard.
First stop: San Francisco, where I joined Lawrence Azerrad at the de Young Museum for a conversation about his book Supersonic: The Design and Lifestyle of Concorde—for which I wrote the foreword of the new edition. I spent over a decade in the Bay Area, so going back always feels a bit like returning home. Lots of dark skies, rain, and low temperatures meant layers, umbrellas, and Ubers (and reminded me of the atmospheric perks of living in Los Angeles now). Greta (Clare V.’s VP of Creative) and Katie (Clare V. Chief of Brand) joined me on this leg, and we took the opportunity to visit our shops on Fillmore St. & in Hayes Valley, and to have dinners with new and old friends.
Next: Boston. I was invited to Harvard to speak on an entrepreneurship panel at the Undergraduate Women in Business conference. I love speaking with and being around students—especially the passionate, curious, and tenacious ones. It’s not often that you get to step back into the college environment once you’ve left it, so I really enjoyed this opportunity. Plus, it’s great to meet the next generation of industry leaders.
Weather forecasts: Cold, dark and wet. San Francisco–torrential rain and mid-50s gloom; Boston–partly sunny, low 40s.
Fortunately, since the events were similar in both temperature and vibe, I was able to make various combinations of the same style elements, which meant packing light would be easier.
THE ELEMENTS
Pants
Levis Straight Leg White Cords: I got these at a vintage store in MN, and they’ve been a great addition to my fall/winter wardrobe.
Jamie Haller Waist Tape Trouser in Grey: When I ordered these they were sold out of my size, so I took a size a few sizes too big. Turns out I love a baggy men’s trouser, so it worked out.
Argent Straight Leg Trouser in Black: I didn’t know how much I would wear these pants because I don’t wear a lot of black, and black trousers can be waiter-y sometimes, but I LOVE these pants. They are comfortable and flattering (make my legs look super long). I’ve only had them a few weeks and have already gotten a good price per wear.
Tops
Wales Bonner Striped Shirt: A classic striped shirt with slight military vibes (two pockets and epaulets) and an oversized collar. I did not wear it on this trip.
Engineered Garments White Shirt: A crisp white shirt–I like to bring on every trip. I never ended up wearing it, but it is always a break-the-glass-in-case-of-emergency item to have.
Chava Studio Collar Shirt in Black: My friend Olivia Villanti moved to Mexico City and started this beautiful shirting company (they make more than shirts now). She came to LA and had a made-to-measure salon, and I went and ordered two amazing blouses–this is one of them. I LOVE an exaggerated collar.
Les Prairies De Paris Light Blue Shirt: This is a magical blue. I have many, many light blue button-up shirts but I keep coming back to this one time and again. It always makes me feel put together.
Les Prairies De Paris Merino Wool Grey Sweater: Classic lightweight wool crewneck. It is warm and I can wear it under jackets easily, and it looks great with necklaces.
Argent Fine Polo Sweater in Light Blue: A beautiful icy blue color. I get compliments each time I wear it.
Coats
Vintage Black Wool Coat (from France): I found this coat at a vintage furniture store in the Loire Valley–it has turned out to be one of my favorite coats over the last couple of years. Great cut, length, and decadent, slinky, black silk lining.
Isabel Marant Shearling Vest: A pricey purchase that was hard to swallow at the moment, but I have definitely gotten my money’s worth from this warm, slightly Western, slightly dramatic vest.
Hats
Clare V. Ciao Baseball Hat: Made of wool herringbone, this was perfect in rain and cold.
Shoes
Prada Patent Leather Black Loafers
New Balance x District Vision Sneakers
Jewelry & Accessories
Clare V. x Hansel From Basel Socks (in two colors)
THE LOOKS
De Young Evening: Black Argent trousers, Les Prairies de Paris grey sweater, Clare V. Herringbone Collar with assorted jewelry.
Store Visits: Levi’s white cords, Les Prairies de Paris merino wool grey sweater, vintage black wool coat, Clare V. Ciao hat, Clare V. Fleurine in Plumingo, Clare V. Sophie in canvas/leather, New Balance x District Vision sneakers, hotel umbrella.
Boston Walk-Around: Jamie Haller grey trousers, Les Prairies de Paris light blue shirt, Clare V. Herringbone Collar, vintage black wool coat, Isabel Marant shearling vest, Clare V. Kathryn in Plumingo, New Balance x District Vision sneakers.
Harvard Panel: Jamie Haller grey trousers, Chava Studio black collar shirt, Les Prairies de Paris grey sweater, vintage black wool coat, Clare V. Herringbone Collar, Clare V. Fleurine in Plumingo.
My Carriers: (For carrying things big and small…)
Clare V. Black Canvas Weekender
Bric’s Bellagio Carry On Suitcase in Cream
Clare V. Wallet Clutch in Black
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