Clare Vivier’s Chic Morning Routine: Style, Ritual, and Creative Living
Discover how designer Clare Vivier crafts her day with intention, from self-care rituals to personal style and inspiration.
Clare Vivier, founder and designer of the beloved Clare V. brand, is renowned not just for her vibrant, playful designs, but also for her uniquely intentional approach to daily living. Every morning, she crafts moments of creativity, self-check-in, and style—revealing a philosophy that blends comfort, confidence, and everyday luxury. Join us for an in-depth look inside her routines, inspirations, favorite things, and the gentle discipline that frames her creative day.
In Conversation with Clare Vivier
From the quiet of her Silverlake home to the bustling energy of her Los Angeles design office, Clare Vivier’s day is a tapestry of thoughtful rituals and creative flow. We sat down with Clare to discuss the lessons she’s learned, the core routines that shape her mornings, and how she uses daily habits as a foundation for her brand and personal success.
Biggest Learnings from the Past Year
Time management emerged as an essential lesson for Clare as her company grew. She realized that as responsibilities expanded, so did meeting schedules, which left less uninterrupted time for the actual creative work she loves most. “I have to schedule more than I did before—especially at work—I have to schedule time to not be in meetings so that I can get actual work done.” This insight led Clare to fiercely protect certain windows of time in her day, ensuring space for focus and productivity.
Personal Style in a Few Words
How does a celebrated designer describe her style? For Clare, it’s “Masculin/Feminin“—an elegant melding of masculine structure and feminine nuance. This duality is a defining theme in her designs, closet choices, and even her home decor, evident in every corner of her day-to-day routine.
How Clare Vivier Gets It All Done: A Day in Detail
- 6:30 AM: Clare rolls out of bed, dons a robe, and lets out her two little dogs, Paco and Coquette, into the backyard.
- 7:00 AM: Coffee is first on the agenda, followed by a relaxing shower and time spent getting dressed—a ritual that doubles as creative self-care.
- 8:00 AM: She heads out, starting her commute to work.
- 8:30 AM: At the office, Clare makes breakfast and enjoys an espresso at her desk, readying for the day ahead.
- 9:00 AM: Meetings commence, occupying much of the late morning.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch—often followed by a walk outside along the Los Angeles River, as her office is serendipitously located on the scenic Frogtown river path.
- 4:00 PM: An afternoon snack: popcorn, nuts, and sometimes a bit of chocolate.
- 6:00 PM: The work day winds down, and it’s time to head home.
- 6:30 PM: Evenings begin with conversation with her husband, plus a cuddle with her dogs before dinner, typically cooked by her husband—a cherished daily joy.
- 8:00 PM: Clare enjoys a show with her husband, often multitasking by folding laundry or tidying up their home.
- 10:00 PM: Time for nighttime skin care and, if needed, packing for trips. By 11:00 PM, she’s in bed, reading and unwinding for a restful night.
Clare Vivier’s Morning Routine: Rituals for Success
For Clare, the morning is an essential reset—an opportunity to check in emotionally and creatively. The act of getting dressed becomes more than practical necessity; it is a window into her mood, a chance to express herself visually, and an anchor for the day ahead.
- Coffee and Podcasts: Clare always starts by brewing a pot of coffee and listening to a podcast, creating a gentle, uplifting start to her morning.
- The Closet as Sanctuary: Her closet, organized and abundant with color, is her sanctuary—a space for play, experimentation, and intuitive creativity. “This time in my closet, trying on clothes, is my morning ritual.”
- Spontaneous Dressing: Rather than planning outfits in advance, Clare lets inspiration strike in the moment, choosing items based on her mood, the day’s agenda, and even a single standout accessory.
Morning Beauty Routine
- Japanese Curel face cream: A favorite for lightweight hydration.
- REL cream blush (shade: Devon): Adds a natural flush to her cheeks.
- Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions mascara: Clare swears by this for easy, effective lash definition.
True to her minimalist approach, Clare spends “almost zero time” on beauty in the mornings, opting instead for quick, simple care that highlights her natural features.
Clare’s Beauty Picks: Essentials for Every Day
Effortless beauty is the name of the game in Clare’s morning routine. She prefers a focused, quality-driven regimen, which allows her to enjoy more time for creative inspiration and self-expression through fashion.
Breakfast Favorites and Morning Fare
- Weekday Mornings: Clare usually waits until she arrives at the office to prepare her breakfast—a small gesture that blends routine nourishment with the energy of the workday.
- Weekend Mornings: She enjoys an egg on a Guerrero corn tortilla, elevated with her cousin Nikki’s “Hot Mama Salsa” hot sauces, products she loves for their bold flavor and family connection.
Inside Clare’s Refrigerator
- French cheeses—a nod to her fondness for French culture and simple, elegant food.
- Chilled red wine—another staple that reflects her taste for effortless, everyday pleasure.
Fitness and Healthy Living
- Outdoor Activities: On weekends and vacations, Clare prioritizes hiking and running—enjoying nature, clearing her head, and recharging for the week.
- Tennis Lessons: Once a week, she takes tennis lessons, infusing her wellness routine with movement and friendly competition.
Books, Inspirations, and Nighttime Rituals
Favorite Reads
- Recent favorites: All Fours by Miranda July and Bee Sting by Paul Murray for their depth and narrative flair.
- Currently reading: God of the Woods by Liz Moore, a novel she’s currently enjoying.
Nightstand Must-Haves
- An eye mask for quality sleep.
- A rotating selection of books—always at hand for nightly reading.
Podcasts, Music, and the Soundtrack to Getting Ready
While some reach for music, Clare gravitates towards podcasts in the morning. Her go-to schedule includes:
- Mondays: Smartless
- Tuesdays & Fridays: Pivot
- Wednesdays & Thursdays: On With Kara Swisher—”a little bit out there,” she admits, but always inspiring.
These audio companions accompany her from the first cup of coffee to the moment she steps out, seamlessly blending learning, laughter, and topical conversation into her mornings.
Style as Self-Expression: Clare’s Approach to Getting Dressed
Dressing for Clare is more than an obligation—it’s a form of storytelling and a reflection of her identity. She describes the process as a blend of practicality and play: “It can start with anything. A pair of red cashmere socks. Then, what shoes can I wear? What pairs with those? It’s about feeling, expression, and spontaneity.”
- Dressing is rarely planned in advance, unless travel or a major event calls for it.
- This practice makes each morning fresh, instinctive, and attuned to the mood of the day.
- Getting dressed becomes an act of joyful experimentation, not a burden or stressor.
- Her closet is described as a “happy place,” sometimes tidy, sometimes full of creative chaos, but always a source of inspiration.
Key Elements of Clare’s Closet
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Color and Pattern | Vibrant hues and playful patterns reflect her cheerful, creative design philosophy. |
| Accessories | Bags with cheeky messages, inspired by her love of French language and American colloquialisms. |
| Organization | Carefully curated, but never rigid—sometimes neat, sometimes creatively disorganized. |
| Storytelling | Each outfit tells a different story, often influenced by mood and intuition, rarely pre-planned. |
Home Life and Environment
Clare’s home in Silverlake, shared with her husband and two dogs, is feminine, classic, and lived-in—a collage of books, art, family photos, and tableware collected over years. These surroundings serve as both sanctuary and muse for her morning and evening routines. There is an emphasis on comfort, warmth, and authenticity throughout the space—reflecting the same honesty and beauty found in her design work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does Clare Vivier stay motivated and inspired, day after day?
A: For Clare, staying inspired is woven into her love of self-expression. Getting dressed, organizing her space, tuning into podcasts, and spending time outdoors all act as continual sources of creative energy.
Q: Does Clare plan her outfits in advance?
A: Rarely. Clare prefers to dress spontaneously, using her closet as a space for mood-driven creativity—unless she’s traveling or packing light, when some advance planning is necessary.
Q: What is Clare’s top priority in the mornings?
A: Taking time for herself, enjoying her coffee, listening to a favorite podcast, and creatively expressing herself through her outfit choices set the tone for the day.
Q: How does she balance her growing business with personal well-being?
A: By protecting her schedule, prioritizing windows for non-meeting work, and maintaining home rituals that restore her energy and creativity.
Q: What role does fitness play in Clare’s life?
A: Fitness is a source of joy and self-care, especially on weekends, when she enjoys outdoor activities and tennis.
Takeaways: Living with Chic Intention
- Intentional routines provide a sense of calm and set the stage for productivity and creativity throughout the day.
- Allowing room for play, spontaneity, and creative expression—whether in getting dressed or designing a handbag—fuels both work and well-being.
- Minimalist beauty and healthy habits make space for what truly matters: clarity of mind, energy, and authentic connection with self and others.
- Surrounding yourself with objects and rituals that tell your own story creates a home—and a life—full of meaning and inspiration.
Clare Vivier’s approach to mornings is an artful blend of structure and improvisation, establishing a rhythm that makes space for creative inspiration, grounded living, and personal style. Her daily practices—rooted in joy, intention, and self-expression—offer a blueprint for anyone seeking to start their own day with a bit more beauty and purpose.
References
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/morning-routine/wake-up-call/clare-vivier/
- https://laviedeclarev.substack.com/p/get-dressed-with-clare
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/morning-routine/wake-up-call/page/2/
- https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-10-17/sunday-funday-clare-vivier-things-to-do-los-angeles
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/morning-routine/wake-up-call/
- https://view.ceros.com/domino/clare-vivier-september-2024-ceros?mobileHeightOverride=27083
