For Clare Vivier, founder and designer of Clare V., getting dressed in the morning is an almost self-care ritual. It’s a time to check in with how she’s feeling that day, embrace the feeling of play, and spark creativity for the day ahead. As Claire takes me on a tour of her beautifully organized closet filled with colorful clothes and accessories, it’s clear that the art of dressing is rooted in her love of storytelling. This passion guides all her endeavors and is especially evident in the cheeky messages embodied in many of her designs. Her clever fusion of French and colloquialisms in her beloved garments embodies a cultural mash-up that is entirely her own.
Our team spent a recent Thursday morning with Claire at the home she and her husband live in Silver Lake. Feminine and classic, it’s filled with books, family photos and collected tabletop objects that tell the story of a family full of life experiences. Originally from Michigan, Claire is soft-spoken and confident enough to put you immediately at ease—a founder who leads through the power of her unique vision. Read on to find out how Clare Vivier starts her day and lives it in unique style.
A conversation with Claire Weevil
What has been your biggest achievement in the past year?
I have to schedule more time than before. Especially at work, I have to schedule time away from meetings so I can get real work done. As a company grows, there’s more to do… which leaves less time to actually work!
In a few words, describe your personal style?
men and women
How Clare Vivier does it all
What does a typical day look like for you?
- 6:30 am: Roll out of bed, put on a robe and let my two puppies, Paco and Cockett, out into the backyard.
- 7:00 am: Make coffee then go upstairs to shower and get dressed
- 8:00 am: Walk out the door and drive to work.
- 8:30 am: I make breakfast, usually an espresso, and sit down at my desk.
- 9:00 am: The meeting begins.
- 1:00 pm: Make lunch and take a walk along the LA River (did you know LA has a river?). Our office is located in Frogtown, just off the river path.
- 4:00 pm: I make myself a snack, usually popcorn or some nuts and chocolate.
- 6:00 pm: I packed my things and went home.
- 6:30 pm: Chatting with my husband and cuddling my puppy before dinner. My husband loves to cook and usually prepares dinner for me. What a blessing.
- 8:00 pm: Watch a show together while folding laundry or doing some cleaning.
- 10:00pm: Head upstairs to start my nightly skin routine, which includes my Shani Darden products. Sometimes I pack for the next day’s trip. If not, I’ll be in bed reading at 11pm.
Clare Vivier’s morning routine
What morning rituals can help set you up for success?
I make a pot of coffee, listen to a podcast, then go upstairs to shower and get dressed. My closet is my happy place. Sometimes it’s clean, sometimes it’s full of clothes and bags.
This time it was my morning routine to try on clothes in my closet.
Describe your morning beauty routine:
My morning beauty routine is very simple. I use Japanese Curel Cream, Devon’s REL Blush Cream and Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. That’s it. The time spent on beauty is almost zero.
What do you have for breakfast?
On the weekends, I’ll put an egg on a Guerrero tortilla with salsa from my cousin Nikki, her company is Hot Mama Salsa, and everything she makes is delicious.
What can we always find in your refrigerator?
some french cheese and chilled red wine
What is your favorite book?
Lately, I’ve been enjoying Miranda July’s “All Fours” and Paul Murray’s “Bee Sting.” I’m currently reading “The Jungle Book” by Liz Moore and I’m loving it.
What is always on your nightstand?
An eye patch, and a few books I’m reading.
What is your favorite prep soundtrack?
I listen to podcasts in the morning. I will listen on Monday not smart. I listen every Tuesday and Friday pivot. Wednesday and Thursday are a bit less available, but that’s usually the case with Kara Swisher.
Do you exercise in the morning?
On weekends and on vacation, I’m always hiking or running. I also take tennis lessons once a week.
Claire Vivier’s Personal Style
What is your daily uniform?
Gosh, I don’t really have a uniform. I dress differently every day depending on how I’m feeling and what’s going on that day, but I often wear a shirt with a tie. I love “Paris Prairie” and “Claire V”.
I wear flats to work – a few of my favorites:
What one or two things do you do every day to live a happier life?
Come meet my kid Oscar, he’s in college at CalArts. Playing with my dog.
If you could boil your success down to one thing, what would it be?
my parents. They always instilled in me the importance of independence, creativity, hard work, and giving back to the community.
Sentence terminator:
I never leave home without:
…an extra set of clothes in case I want to change.
If I had more time in the day, I would:
…go hiking every day.
One thing I want people to know is:
…be a kind and supportive mother, partner, friend, company leader.
One of the things I fear most is:
…fail
When I feel fear, I:
…do something creative
One of the qualities you need to be successful in life is:
…and persevere.
