(ABOVE) A classic white shirt, cotton cardigan, and black wide-leg pants can easily take me to a meeting, lunch with the girls, or dinner out with my husband.
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October 25, 2017 / Video Post Notes
MY CARDIGAN & WIDE-LEG PANT OOTD; WHAT BEING A LADY MEANS TO ME; TALBOTS’ GIFT-CARD CONTEST
Three Classic Pieces, One Versatile Look
When I think of a classic, timeless fall ensemble, I often envision a cardigan, white button-front shirt, and black pant. Style icons have been putting together those pieces for ages, because the outfit is lovely and wearable for a lifetime.
That’s why I recently picked out the three items you see me wearing here, courtesy of Talbots. As soon as I saw them on line, I knew they not only would look wonderful together but that I could also easily mix and match them with so many other items in my wardrobe.
To confess, I did already have one great plain, white shirt–from J. Crew and I love it–but I wear it so often that I wanted a backup, and this Talbots shirt was perfect, so I got it.
I also already had a plain, black pant. But, I wear it so often that I wanted a back-up for it as well. The last time I planned to wear it, I couldn’t, because I forgot I hadn’t put it in the laundry after my last wearing. Ugh. So, I’m relieved to have found a great Ann Taylor pant that I’ll be showing in an upcoming post and video.
I also nabbed this gorgeous Talbots pant, because it’s cropped and wide leg. This creates such a soft, feminine look that’s so flattering–and entirely different from my other black pants.
As for the cardigan, yes, I already have quite a few, but not in this beautiful color. 🙂
Because I was going out to dinner with my husband (and he would be dropping me off at the front door of the restaurant), I paired my ensemble with heels. (I love heels, but they are so hard to walk in!) These happen to be several years old, but I found many similar ones on line, and I’ve listed them at the bottom of the page. Same goes for my Kate Spade bag, which is from last winter. I found several pretty burgundy/wine bags, too, and listed them below. Burgundy and leopard with black is a fun combination, and both help to soften the edges of a black and white outfit (as does a softer shade of cardigan).
(If you are interested in getting any of my items,Talbots credit card holders can take advantage of the Talbots 30% Off Everything Friends & Family Event going on right now. For a limited time, starting tomorrow, Thursday, October 26, 2017, the sale is open to non-card holders, too.)
What It Means to Be A Lady: What Do I Think
I love this outfit because it’s not only comfortable (without the heels), but it’s also what I consider ladylike. For me, being a lady has more to do with my actions than how I dress (I talk about this more in my video). However, I’m also aware that the way I dress has consequences. What’s wonderful about classic, understated style is that it doesn’t purposely try to offend or shock others. It’s respectful and appropriate, and at most, it pleases or inspires.
Of course, if someone unwittingly dresses in an inappropriate or offensive manner, and yet her actions are kind and thoughtful, she is still ladylike. After all, the true essence of a lady is what is in her heart.
…and What Do You Think?
On the topic of ladylike, many of you probably have seen some of the ads that are part of the Talbots Campaign, #BecauseImALady. (Also see an Adweek article about it here.)
Each is about a modern woman redefining the term for herself, in her own unique way. All of the ads are fun to watch, but my favorite is the woman who dumps out the entire contents of her handbag in pursuit of something inside (that is so me!).
As part of the campaign, Talbots and I want to know what Being A Lady means to you. And, if you’re feeling adventuresome, three of you each have an opportunity to win a $100 Talbots Gift Card.
The Talbots #BecauseImALady Contest Guidelines
To be eligible to win the Gift Card, you must be in the United States and have a U.S. mailing address. Here are the guidelines:
1.Send either a) A Photo (.jpg format), or b) A 1-Minute-or-Less Video (cellphone, camera or iMovie type format), or c) A 250-Words-or-Less Essay/Story expressing what it means to you to be a lady. I will be judging the contest entries. I’m not looking for perfect or professional entries. I’m looking for entries that come from the heart and show your personality, so have fun and be yourself. Selfie photos and videos taken with cellphones are acceptable. You do not need to hire a professional photographer. For more information about the #BecauseImALady campaign, click here.
2.Include the hashtag #BecauseImALady somewhere in your photograph, video, or essay/story.
3.You do not need to purchase a Talbots product, show a Talbots product, or refer to Talbots in any way in your photograph, video, or essay/story.
4.Include a U.S. return mailing address (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable). This will be kept confidential. If you are one of the three winners, this is where your Gift Card will be mailed.
5.Send your single contest entry to janislynjohn@gmail.com. Put #BecauseImALady Contest Entry in the Subject line,
6.Contest entries must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, November 4, 2017. I will let you know by return email if I received your entry.
7.Contest winners will be chosen before the end of November and featured in an upcoming JLJ Back To Classic post and video.
If you have an opinion about what it means to be a lady today, even if you don’t want to enter the contest, I hope you’ll leave your comment below–or on my Instagram or Facebook pages or in the comments section under this video at Youtube. I’d love to know what you think.
Here’s to the lady in all of us!
~Janis Lyn Johnson
P.S. Neither my video nor this post was sponsored by Talbots. I simply loved the idea of sharing what it means to me to be a lady, and offering three of you the opportunity to creatively do the same; plus each win a gift card, too, courtesy of Talbots. Thank you, Talbots!
(ABOVE & BELOW) 100% Pure Truffle Lip Caramel and Blackest Creamy Long Last Liner. (Note: After I applied the eye liner, I smudged it with the Small Smudge Brush from the EcoTools Cruelty-Free Six-Piece Eye Set and then applied a dusting of foundation powder on top of the liner to both set and soften the color.)
(BELOW) 100% Pure Truffle Lip Caramel swatched on my arm outside. (Note: Although the lip gloss color is brownish mauve in the tube, it is brownish wine on me because of my skin’s yellow undertones.)
MY CLOTHING
(If you are interested in getting any of my items,Talbots is currently having their 30% Off Everything Friends & Family Event . But only for a limited time.)
COTTON CARDIGAN: Talbots, Almond Heather, c/o (Also Animal Print, Classic Argyle; Similar Halogen, Ann Taylor, J. Crew) / MATCHING COTTON SHELL (Not Shown): Talbots (Similar J. Crew) / SHIRT: Talbots c/o (Also in Navy; Similar J. Crew) / PANTS: Talbots , 26″ or 22 1/2″ Inseam, c/o (Also in Donegal Tweed; Similar Brooks Brothers; More Black Wide Leg Pants Nordstrom).
MY JEWELRY/ACCESSORIES
STATEMENT NECKLACE: Alternative Nordstrom Here, Here / TORTOISE CUFF: Similar Talbots, Nordstrom / INITIAL BRACELET: Bronzo Italia / BAG: Kate Spade (Alternative Wine/Burgundy Bags Talbots here, here; Also Nordstrom, Rebecca Minkoff; Gigi New York) / SHOES: Banana Republic (Similar Sam Edelman,Talbots ; More Leopard-Print Here, Here).
MY MOISTURIZERS/MAKEUP (All Natural/Organic Ingredients)
FACE MOISTURIZER: Nourish Organic Face Lotion / LIPS/EYE AREA MOISTURIZER: Nourish Organic Shea Butter / FACE MAKEUP: 100% Pure Healthy Flawless Skin Foundation Powder, Creme and White Peach / CHEEKS: Gabriel Apricot Powder Blush / LIPS: 100 Percent Pure Truffle Lip Caramel / EYELIDS: 100% Pure Blackest Creamy Long Last Liner (Smudged with Small Smudge Brush from EcoTools Cruelty-Free Six-Piece Eye Set) / LASHES: 100% Pure Ultra-Lengthening Mascara, Black Tea.
100% Pure Is Also Available Here: 100% Pure Europe, 100% Pure UK, 100% Pure Canada.
(Some links in this post are affiliates. More information here.)
YouTube Video
Talbots Cotton Cardigan (Other Colors, Patterns Available)
Talbots Matching Cotton Sweater Shell (Other Colors, Patterns Available)
Halogen 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan (Other Colors Available)
Talbots White Button-Up Shirt (Other Colors, Patterns Available)
Talbots Wide-Leg Pants, Black (26″ or 22 1/2′ Inseam–I’m Wearing 26″)
Talbots Wide-Leg Pants, Donegal Tweed (26″ or 22 1/2′ Inseam; Also Black–I’m in 26″ Black–or Navy)
Brooks Brothers Wool Blend Flannel Culottes
Sam Edelman Leopard Print Pumps (More Leopard Shoes Here, Handbags Here)
Talbots Haircalf Leopard Bow Mules (Also Pumps, Loafers, Handbag)
Talbots Haircalf Leopard Pumps (Also Mules, Loafers, Handbag)
Talbots Pebbled Wildberry Leather Shoulder Bag
Rebecca Minkoff Small Love Dark Cherry Leather Crossobody
Nordstrom Leopard Haircalf Crossbody
Nordstrom Burgundy Haircalf Crossbody
Gigi New York Wine Pebbled Leather Personalized Tote
Talbots Crocodile-Embossed Statement Bag
Nordstrom Faux-Pearl Statement Necklace
Bronzo Italia Yellow Bronze Initial Bracelet
My Favorite Places To Shop
NATURAL & ORGANIC MAKEUP
BOOKS, ORGANIC FOODS & MORE
CLOTHING STORES
DEPARTMENT STORES (ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING, JEWELRY & HOME DECOR)
DISCOUNT DESIGNER ACCESSORIES, CLOTHING, JEWELRY & HOME DECOR
HANDBAGS & LEATHER AGENDAS, CALENDARS, ACCESSORIES
HANDBAGS, WALLETS & SHOES
TheRealReal (Authenticated Luxury Consignment)
HEALTHY-LIVING COOKWARE
HOME & PATIO DECOR, TABLEWARE, FURNISHINGS
HOME ORGANIZATION
HOME OFFICE ORGANIZATION (AGENDAS, BINDERS, CALENDARS, PLANNERS & MORE)
JEWELRY (COSTUME & FINE)
TheRealReal (Authenticated Luxury Consignment)
WATCHES (DESIGNER)
#BecauseIAmALady I have the malleability of gold, the softening quality of a pearl to dull sharp roughness, and the delicate intricacies of fine lace.
I so enjoyed reading ‘How l define being a lady….’
In modern times, with casual dressing came casual manners both in appearance and behaviour .
The epitome of a lady is our own gorgeous Catherine Duchess of Cambridge. She dresses and behaves in a manner befitting her rank but even more so as mother and women of today.
We are so very proud of her.
Just my thoughts
You are a true lady, both in actions and appearance. I always enjoy yours posts and your videos. My husband was commenting the other day that there don’t seem to be as many ladies around. I think he was referring to the dress, hose and heels image. very Mad Men. You have shown that a lady can dress very feminine and ladylike without the 1950’s style. As you pointed out in your video, it starts inside, in our attitudes and behavior. Thanks, Janis, for the post and the encouragement!
Janis, I love the entire outfit. You are a true lady!
I love your sense of style.I feel uncomfortable defining “a lady”, however in the spirit of the question I will try to give a definition.
A lady has an emerging sense of self…She is not perfect.
A lady strives to have peace, love, and openness in her heart.
A lady awakes everyday with the desire to learn more.
Stay blessed and have a light filled day.
Oh Janis you have always been a true LADY as long as I’ve known you. I think I’m a lady because I’ve always tried to be kind, thoughtful, selfless and a good listener which I believe are ladylike qualities. I don’t always succeed, however, but I do keep trying. AND I have so many outfits in those color combinations! Who knew they went together?! I love them. Thank you for another great vlog!
This is such an elegant and comfortable outfit. I have wide legged long trousers which I wear often but I bought a pair of black 3/4 length ones and had no idea what to wear with them.
This outfit is perfect!!!!! I have plenty of white shirts, a few white sleeveless tops and a merino wool, cotton mix cardigan the same colour more or less. For me, what really makes this outfit pop is the shoes. I have the same style of shoes with the same size heel as yours from a UK company Hobbs so I will be wearing them much more often with your outfit suggestion.
Love the wine colored bag with chain. And the lip gloss color.
Didn’t get to enter contest, but enjoyed the video. Procrastinaton developed since menopause.?
Your videos are always so lady like!
Wound up lightening my hair from grey. Saw myself in pictures per your suggestions, decided best for now.
You’ve helped me find my “style”.
My husband actually commented I look a lot like you. Especially since my hair has gotten longer. Love it!
Thanks for continuing after the hurricane recovery, too. Would’ve missed you.
-Reggie in NY
Reggie, I’m so happy you’re happy with your lightened –and longer– hair, and that you feel you’ve found your style. That’s terrific. Thank you so much for letting me know about your style success. I’m thrilled for you!! Hugs, Janis
Hello my name is Lillian I will be 60 next month I’m blonde but going gray (it looks great).Thank You .I’m always enthusiastic about looking good. I need to go shopping , you have definitely inspired me. Girls rock! My husband always compliments me when I put a little makeup on .
Hi, Lillian. Thank you so much for leaving your comment. I so appreciate it. Please stay safe. ~ Janis