(Video) Favorites, April 2017: Classic Beauty and Fashion–Lip Glosses, Tops, Shoes, Bracelets, And More

(ABOVE) Among my favorites for April 2017 are espadrille sandals and all-natural pink and berry lip glosses (both of which I’m wearing here).

For YouTube Video and Makeup/Outfit Details Scroll To Bottom of Page

(NOTE: Some links that I provide in this post are affiliate links, which means if you follow that link and make a purchase I may possibly earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More information here.)

April 25, 2017 / Video Post Notes

Pink, Pink, Pink

Not surprisingly (for me), the color pink dominates my favorites this month. You’ll find a tunic-length raspberry-pink button up, an all-natural pink lip shimmer tint , and a monogrammed pink enamel bangle. Of course, there are non-pink items, too, including a terrific portable phone charger, shoes, and more.

Something else to love: The Talbots Friends and Family Event Preview is on through today and Wednesday. When you use your Talbots credit card, you’ll enjoy 30 percent off your entire purchase. That includes brand-new summer items, too.

Have a great week!

~ Janis Lyn Johnson

(ABOVE & BELOW) Toni Pons Caldes Linen Wedge Sandal in the color Stone (Also available in Black, Navy, or Red Linen). This same shoe comes in a suede ankle-strap espadrille sandal, too, (in the colors Black, Navy, Red, or Taupe).

Why I like them: (1) The mid-heel height means I can actually walk in them. (2) The ankle strap keeps them securely on my feet. (3) The cushioned footbed makes them comfortable. (4) The open sides give them a slim, flattering profile. (5) The nude color (Stone) blends with my skin color and helps to elongate my legs. (6) The 1/8″ rubber sole keeps the rope trim away from wet pavement.

Note: To protect and shore up canvas and linen shoes like these, I place flat cotton rounds in the top inside of the shoes, and my toes keep them in place. The cotton rounds provide a nice, cushioned barrier between my toenails and the fabric. (I’m wearing them in these shoes in all the photos in this post.)

(ABOVE) Slingback Flat Pumps are a wonderful alternative to ballet flats. These raspberry slingback flats are from Talbots. I also have them in yellow and metallic silver. (Similar Here, Here; Also Macy’s; in Suede Lord & Taylor; in Denim Lord & Taylor.)

What I like about this style: (1) Similar to a ballet flat, it provides a more refined look than a moccasin or loafer, so it works well with skirts and dresses. (2) Because of the open heel and sides, it creates a slimmer, more flattering profile on the foot. (3) The elastic (or buckled) heel strap makes it adjustable to the exact size of your heel, which makes it fit well. (4) Because the back strap moves up and down as the heel moves, there is less chance of heel blisters (a definite plus).

Lord & Taylor

Nordstrom

Macy’s

(ABOVE & BELOW) HUE Perfectly Bare Hidden Liner Socks or Hane’s Foot Liner Socks (Available in Black or Nude.) Additional

Why I like them: (1) Because the toe area and sides are lower on the foot, they can be worn with ballet flats and pumps, as well as moccasins and loafers. (2) The silicone patch on the inside of the heel keeps them more securely on my foot. Finally–a liner I can wear with lower-profile shoes. Yay!

HUE

Hane’s

(ABOVE & BELOW) C. Wonder Enamel Monogram-Initial Hinged Bangle, Talbots Tile Blue and Black Enamel Bangles, Talbots Black Stripe Enamel Bangle, and Talbots Hinged Gold Braided Bangle. All of these bangles are hinged and come in a variety of other colors, too. Talbots bangles are also available in other patterns.

NOTE: The Talbots Friends and Family Event Preview is on through today and Wednesday. When you use your Talbots credit card, you’ll enjoy 30 percent off your entire purchase.

Why I like the Enamel Bangles: 1) Whether solid or stripe, they provide color and interest to the wrist. (2) The narrow profile allows them to be easily stacked with other bangles, bracelets, and even a watch. (3) The bangles are all hinged, so they are easy to put on and take off. (4) The enamel work is well done, considering the reasonable price, and the faux-gold pairs well with real gold jewelry.

Why I like the Gold Braided Bangle: (1) The woven rope design is classic and interesting. (2) The size is just chunky enough to be attention grabbing but is still slim and understated enough to pair with other bangles or bracelets. (3) The faux-gold pairs well with real gold jewelry. (4) The bangle is hinged, so it’s easy to put on and take off.

Why I like the C. Wonder Monogram Bangle: (1) I love a monogram on pretty much anything, and the simple, clean design of the initial is lovely. (2) The enamel work is well done, considering the reasonable price, and the faux-gold pairs well with real gold jewelry. (3) The bangle is hinged, so it’s easy to put on and take off. (4) The size is wide enough to be attention grabbing but is still slim and understated enough to pair with other bangles or bracelets.

(ABOVE & BELOW) Isaac Mizrahi Raspberry Button-Front Tunic Blouse. (Also available in Black, White, Navy, and Green Umber.)

Why I like it: (1) It’s fitted in the shoulders and chest, but eases out softly over my lower curves. So, it has the comfort of a boyfriend shirt and the more fitted, ladylike look of a woman’s blouse. (2) The length more than covers my bum, so I can wear it with skinny pants and leggings. (3) The third button from the top isn’t too low, so that I can unbutton the top two buttons to reveal my neckline and any jewelry without worry of the shirt plunging too low. (4) It comes in five colors!

What I wish was different: I do wish the bottom part of the shirt was a bit more fitted. However, since it was bought for casual looks with skinny pants, leggings and jeans, it’s just fine. If I want it to have a more fitted look, I can tuck it in or tie it up at my waist (see photo below). In fact, I like this shirt so much that I also own it in white. See that post here.

(ABOVE & BELOW) Lilly Pulitzer White Anna Maria Shirt.

Why I like it: (1) The lightweight, filmy, soft fabric makes it look very feminine. (2) The gold buttons on the front and sleeves make it more refined than a typical button up. (3) It’s sheer enough to keep me cool in our hot Southwest Florida weather, but a nude bra underneath still works fine. (4) The drapey fabric makes it lay closer to the body and creates a slim silhouette.

(ABOVE & BELOW) MyCharge Style-Power Portable Charger 2200mAh. (Available in a variety of colors, including black.)

Why I like it: (1) It’s small and lightweight enough to carry in a clutch. (2) It’s ready to use right out of the box (no pre-charging necessary). (3) Pretty, fun colors available, and also plain black. (4) I bought it to charge my iPhone on location (vlogging uses up a lot of my phone battery), but I like that it also will charge a tablet, eReader, MP3, or BT Speaker. (4) It took only about 20-30 minutes to charge my phone battery 20 percent (I didn’t check the exact time, but I did it while eating lunch at a restaurant). (5) It can provide up to 1X extra battery. (6) I can easily re-charge the MyCharge by plugging the integrated recharging cable into any USB power source (wall outlet, car, computer). Four LED lights let me know when the MyCharge is fully charged.

MyCharge

(ABOVE) Hemp Organics Berry Lip Tint and Hemp Organics Rose Lip Tint. (For details about the rest of my makeup, scroll to bottom of page.)

Why I like the Berry Lip Tint: (1) An update since I filmed the video, it is now USDA certified 95 percent organic! The base is fully organic, to which is added natural and mineral pigments. (2) The color is not opaque, but it can be made fairly dark, depending on how much is applied. (3) The finish is moist, rather than glossy, so it’s perfect when wanting a more natural, understated look. (4) Even though it’s a tint, the color lasts quite long, as does the moisture. (After two hours, my lips still feel moist.)

Why I like Rose Lip Tint: (1) An update since I filmed the video, it is now USDA certified 95 percent organic! The base is fully organic, to which is added natural and mineral pigments. (2) The tint is a pink, frosty shimmer, which looks pretty on its own or added to another lip color, as I’ve done here. (3) It’s great for lightening/softening a darker lip color. (4) The moisture lasts quite long. (After two hours, my lips still feel moist.)