(ABOVE) Lace, pink and transparency: three of the trends for spring/summer 2018.
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March 31, 2018 / Video Post Notes
WHAT’S NEW THIS SPRING
Lace Clothing
One of my favorite trends this spring is lace, and I’m smitten with the navy bell-sleeve lace top I show in this post. It was gifted to me by Talbots, and I chose it because I thought it looked so feminine, refined, and versatile. It’s from Talbots’ RSVP line, which is the their collection of dressier pieces.
I like browsing the RSVP collection when I want to find something for a date night with my husband or a party, wedding or special-occasion lunch or dinner like Mother’s Day. Some of the other pieces available that I think are so pretty are this Magenta Sheath Dress and this jewel-embellished navy clutch.
Transparent Clothing & Accessories
Another of my favorite trends is transparency. You’ll see it in everything from clothing to accessories, but it definitely isn’t anything new–not even in shoes. I have a pair of clear vinyl sandals by Michael Kors Collection that are about 12 years old, and another all-clear pair by Sole Society from last summer. In this post, I rounded up several just like them that are available on line today (there’s a wonderful selection at Nordstrom). I love them with skinny jeans, sundresses, and cotton or linen skirts and pants. I talk about this more below, but to keep the look more understated, the key is to choose a style that is more traditional. The block-heel style is so comfortable!
Wicker Bags
Wicker handbags are back this season, too, and they are a tried and true classic. I love my Kate Spade wicker handbag that I’ve had for three or four years. It’s perfect for making an outfit feel more like summer or resort. I found several on line that are available now and are so cute, too.
Pink Clothing & Accessories
If you love pink like me, you’ll be happy that it has come back strong this season. I found an adorable blush shoulder bag and a bright-pink statement bangle that comes in a variety of other colors (both are on sale).
Classic-Home TV Series
Speaking of pink, I’m excited to tell you that interior designer Holly Holden is featured in this post as well (she loves pink as much as I do!). You might remember I talked about Holly’s book, The Pretty and Proper Living Room, in my November 2017 Favorites post. Now she has a new PBS Television series titled You Are Cordially Invited. Holly was kind enough to send me a DVD containing episodes one and two, and it’s wonderful. For more about it, see below!
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog, and if you celebrate it, Happy Easter!
~Janis Lyn Johnson
1. YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TELEVISION SERIES
(ABOVE) You Are Cordially Invited DVD ( Highclere Castle and Blenheim Palace).
American interior designer Holly Holden–see my review of her most recent book in my Favorites, November 2017 post–now has a television series titled You Are Cordially Invited. Airing on U.S. public television stations, the series features masterpiece houses and focuses on designing, collecting, and entertaining.
Episode one opens the series with Highclere Castle, the filming location for the television series Downton Abbey. The second episode highlights Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill and the only privately owned palace in England. This episode focuses specifically on its private apartments, which have never been shown on television before.
I enjoy the series, because each episode introduces us to the family in residence and focuses on the very personal aspects of the home’s grounds and interiors. Plus, I learn so much from Holly’s knowledge of classic interior decor and furnishings.
AIR DATES: To find out when You Are Cordially Invited will air in your town (it began airing across the U.S. in February 2018 and runs through June 2018), visit Holly Holden’s air-date page here. If the show has already aired in your town, a dvd of both episodes is available on shop.pbs.org.
(BELOW) Scenes from the new PBS Television series You Are Cordially Invited, available on DVD (created by Holly Holden, pictured left below).
2. ENAMEL STATEMENT BANGLE
(ABOVE & BELOW) Talbots Striking Pink Enamel Statement Bangle and Talbots Ivory Enamel Statement Bangle (more colors available).
Enamel bangles are a fun way to bring color into my wardrobe, and these truly make a statement with their contrasting stripe and large size. Absolutely love them!
Talbots Striking Pink Enamel Statement Bangle (More Colors Available)
Talbots Ivory Enamel Statement Bangle (More Colors Available)
3. WICKER BAG
(ABOVE) Kate Spade wicker bag, old (similar Kate Spade here, here; Frances Valentine; Serpui here, here; Patricia Nash); similar earrings Kate Spade.
Every spring, I’m so happy to begin carrying this wicker bag again. It’s such a fun, cute, summery item. I’ll never forget what a fad wicker bags became several years ago, when Pippa Middleton was spotted carrying Kate Spade’s Delavan Terrace Little Nadine wicker Bag . See her various outfit photographs here.
I carry mine for casual and more refined looks like that shown below. The bags come in a variety of sizes and pair beautifully with sandals and espadrilles.
(BELOW) Kate Spade wicker bag, old (similar Kate Spade here, here; Frances Valentine; Serpui here, here; Patricia Nash), similar shirt 1901, Treasure and Bond; similar skirt Talbots; similar white sandals Michael Kors, Jeffrey Campbell, Talbots, Steve Madden; Michele Watch.
Frances Valentine Wicker Basket Shoulder Bag (More Colors Available)
Serpui Circle Basket Crossbody
Serpui Wicker (Rattan) Satchel With Shoulder Strap
Kate Spade Wicker Picnic Basket Bag
Patricia Nash Wicker Frame Bag
4. BLUSH SMALL SHOULDER/CROSSBODY BAG
(ABOVE) Kate Spade Elliot Street Mini Sima Bag, warm vellum, on sale (also similar here, here, here); similar earrings Kate Spade.
I love all things pink, especially pastel and blush tones. Because of the rhinestone and bow detail, I thought this bag would be fun for dressing up casual outfits and, of course, pairing with dressy looks. It isn’t very big, but it will hold my iPhone 6, along with my credit cards/cash, lipstick, keys, and tissues.
Kate Spade Crosshatched-Leather Bow Shoulder/Crossbody Bag, Warm Vellum (On Sale; More Colors Available)
Kate Spade Crosshatched-Leathert Shoulder/Crossbody Bag, Warm Vellum (More Colors Available; Other Kate Spade Crossbody Bags Here)
Kate Spade Pebbled-Leather Shoulder/Crossbody Bag, Warm Vellum (More Colors Available; Other Kate Spade Crossbody Bags Here)
Kate Spade Pebbled-Leather Shoulder/Crossbody Bag, Warm Vellum; (More Colors Available; Other Kate Spade Crossbody Bags Here)
5. TRANSPARENT SANDAL
(ABOVE) Sole Society sandals, last summer (similar Steve Madden here, here; Charles David, Fabulicious; more Nordstrom); similar earrings Kate Spade.
I love these transparent sandals for creating a nude foot. Because of the high heel, they make my legs look like they extend all the way to the tips of my toes.
How to create an understated, traditional resort look? Make sure to choose an understated, elegant shape, like those I show here. Stay away from this kind of sandal, because it’s more exotic dancewear than classic resortwear. Emphasis is on “resort,” meaning simple sundresses and white cotton or linen skirts, pants or jeans, for example.
(BELOW) Kate Spade Elliot Street Mini Sima Bag, warm vellum (on sale; similar here, here, here); Similar Tee; Caslon cardigan (similar); ; Talbots Skinny Jeans/Jeggings (also similar Vince Camuto; more white skinny jeans Nordstrom); Kate Spade Earrings, old (alternative); Talbots bangles, old (alternative Kate Spade; more gold stacking bangles Nordstrom); Sole Society sandals (similar block heel sandal here; similar stiletto heel Steve Madden, Charles David, Fabulicious; more Nordstrom).
Caslon Drape Collar Cardigan, Navy-Ivory Marl (More Colors Available)
Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee (More Colors Available)
Kate Spade Crosshatched-Leather Bow Shoulder/Crossbody Bag, Warm Vellum (On Sale)
Steve Madden Block-Heel Sandal (3.75″ Heel; More Nordstrom)
Steve Madden Transparent Stiletto Sandal (4.5″ Heel; More Nordstrom)
Charles David Silver And Transparent Sandal (4″ Heel; More Nordstrom)
Fabulicious Gala Sandal (4.5″ Heel, More Colors Available; More Nordstrom)
Nakamol Design Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
Kate Spade As Good As Gold Bangle
6. DARK-BLUSH PUMPS
(ABOVE) Steve Madden Patent Pump, dark blush patent (also here; more colors available); similar earrings Kate Spade.
I bought these pumps for when I want to create a nude look on my foot, but with pink rather than with transparency or beige. I love this color paired with gray, black, navy, white, chocolate brown, and other blush pinks. When I ordered them, I thought they were leather, so I was initially disappointed to find they were faux. However, after seeing how they looked on my feet–and how surprisingly comfortable they were–I decided to keep them. They’re so pretty! (The heel height on my shoes is 4.5″, so when I say “comfortable”, I mean as comfortable as a traditional pump can be at that height.)
I normally wear a size 10 narrow shoe, and this pump only comes in medium. However, as the on-line reviews state, this pump runs slightly small, so that might be why the size 10 medium fit me. So, if you normally wear a medium, you might size up from your normal shoe size.
(BELOW) Ralph Lauren sweater, old (alternative Brooks Brothers); similar tee; Talbots Skinny Jeans/Jeggings (also similar Vince Camuto; more white skinny jeans Nordstrom); Kate Spade Earrings, old (alternative); Talbots bangles, old (alternative Kate Spade; more gold stacking bangles Nordstrom); Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Bag (alternative Madewell) ; Steve Madden Patent Pump, dark blush patent (also here; more colors available).
Brooks Brothers Supima Cotton Cardigan (More Colors Available)
Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Pocket Tee (More Colors Available)
Vince Camuto Skinny Jeans (More White Skinny Jeans Nordstrom)
Nakamol Design Freshwater Pearl Drop Earrings
Kate Spade As Good As Gold Bangle (More Gold Stacking Bangles Nordstrom)
Madewell Leather Metallic Crossbody Bag
AG The Legging Ankle Jeans, Misty Mauve (Other Colors Available)
Vince Camuto High-Waist Crop Pants
Steve Madden Patent Pump, Dark Blush Patent (Also Here; More Colors Available)
7. CARDIGAN 8. SHELL
ABOVE) Talbots Scalloped-Edge Cardigan and Talbots Charming Shell, clover; more colors available (I’m wearing size extra small in the cardigan and size small in the shell).
I find it difficult to resist sweater sets, and the combination of clover green plus scallop detail on the front and the three-quarter-length sleeves won me over. I mix and match them with other tops and bottoms for refined casual or dressy looks.
(BELOW) Talbots Scalloped-Edge Cardigan and Talbots Charming Shell, clover (more colors available), Lilly Pulitzer alligator necklace, old (similar Kendra Scott White Agate Necklace, on sale), Michele Watch, Ann Taylor skirt (similar J. Brand, Talbots), Sole Society sandals (similar block heel sandal here; similar stiletto heel Steve Madden, Charles David, Fabulicious; more Nordstrom).
Talbots Scalloped-Edge Cardigan, Clover (More Colors Available)
Talbots Charming Shell, Clover (More Colors Available)
Talbots Tipped Shell, Clover (More Colors Available)
J. Brand Tie Waist Denim Skirt
Talbots Canvas Faux-Wrap Skirt (On Sale)
Kendra Scott White Agate Necklace (On Sale)
Steve Madden Block-Heel Sandal (3.75″ Heel; More Nordstrom)
Steve Madden Transparent Stiletto Sandal (More Transparent Sandals Scroll Up)
9. LACE BELL-SLEEVE TOP
(ABOVE & BELOW) Talbots Bell-Sleeve Lace Top, c/o, indigo blue (also ivory).
Isn’t this lace top adorable? I chose it because I thought it looked so pretty with the bow details and three-quarter bell sleeves–my bracelets and watch can show. Yay! 🙂 Plus, I love when I can find a top that doesn’t need to be tucked in and looks flattering and refined worn out (it’s a loose, cropped fit). I originally ordered size extra small, but it was a bit large on me, so I sized down to a petite.
The sleeves are unlined, which is perfect for our hot weather, but the body is lined, so I don’t have to worry about anything showing underneath. It is a popover silhouette, but has an invisible zipper on the left, as well as a small opening at the neck on the back, so it’s easy to get in and out of.
Pair this top with white jeans and navy flats, and it’s a cute and casual look. Or, wear it with bright-pink silk cigarette pants, gold-metallic high-heel sandals and pearls and it’s perfect for a summer cocktail party. I know I’ll be wearing it for years to come; it’s so pretty and classic.
(BELOW) Talbots Bell-Sleeve Lace Top, indigo blue, c/o (also ivory); Talbots Skinny Jeans/Jeggings (similar Vince Camuto; more white skinny jeans Nordstrom); Lilly Pulitzer earrings, old (alternative Badgly Mischka); Talbots Ivory Enamel Statement Bangle; Vaneli Sandal, silver or black, available in narrow, medium, wide widths (alternative gold sandal Talbots, Tory Burch; more metallic gold leather sandals Nordstrom); Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Bag (more colors available).
Talbots Bell-Sleeve Lace Top, Indigo Blue (Also Ivory)
Vince Camuto Skinny Jeans (More White Skinny Jeans Nordstrom)
Salvatore Ferragamo Vara Bag (More Colors Available)
Tory Burch Wedge Sandal (More Colors Available)
Talbots Gold-Leather Sandal (On Sale)
Vaneli Sandal (Also Black; Available in N, M, W Widths)
Badgly Mischka Earrings, 1.78″
10. HEMP ORGANICS LIP COLORS
(ABOVE & BELOW) Hemp Organics Rose Petal Lipstick and Hemp Organics Rose Lip Tint on top for more shimmer. (Also above, similar earrings Kate Spade.)
Both these lip colors are pretty alone and are moisturizing, but I like them paired together for a little bit of extra shimmer and shine.
Besides their pretty color choices, the reason I like this brand is because the base of all their lip colors is organic, to which they add natural color pigments.
Hemp Organics Rose Petal Lipstick and Hemp Organics Rose Lip Tint
MY MOISTURIZERS/MAKEUP (All Natural/Organic Ingredients)
FACE MOISTURIZER: Nourish Organic Face Lotion / LIPS-EYE AREA MOISTURIZER: Nourish Organic Shea Butter (under eyes, top of cheekbone) / FACE MAKEUP: Bare Minerals Matte, Golden Fair 04 and Golden Medium 14 (applied with Sigma Beauty F88 Flat Ankled Kabuki Brush; also available here) / Gabriel Vibrant Pink Powder Blush, applied with EcoTools cruelty-free Stippling Brush / LIPS: Hemp Organics Rose Petal Lipstick and Hemp Organics Rose Lip Tint / EYELIDS: Gabriel Charcoal Eyeshadow (applied with brushes from EcoTools Cruelty-Free Six-Piece Eye Set) / LASHES: 100% Pure Ultra-Lengthening Mascara, Black Tea.
100% Pure Also Here: 100% Pure Europe, 100% Pure UK, 100% Pure Canada.
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Hi Janis,
Beautifully done! Since I subscribed to your blog, you have inspired me to try out new things and get excited again to shop. Thank you!
Warmest, Paola
Paola, I’m so happy you feel inspired to try new things and be excited about it. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive energy with me!! Cheers ~ Janis
Hi Janis
Thank you for all amazing timeless info you always spoil us with.
Loved all your outfits bags tops make up ?
Thank you for info on the dvd about beautiful homes.
For those who will never get their can at least be part of the tour. ?
You are absolutely adorable one very sophisticated gracious lady.
Thank you always.
Kind Regards
Bernadine
Hi, Bernadine! I’m so happy you liked what I presented in this post. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog and for telling me how you felt! ~ Janis
Love your ideas. You are beautiful. Who is your photographer?
Hi, Sue! Thank you so much! I take my own photographs, using a tripod and Canon 70D or iPhone 6 camera. I used both in this particular post. Hope you’re having a peaceful Monday. ~ Janis
HI Janis, love watching your videos and reading your blog…… my hair looks so much healthy since switched to natural shampoo.. love your approach to health and natural way… big Thanks to you:) Alicia
Hi, Alicia! Thank you so much for watching my videos and reading my blog! I’m so happy for you that you’ve found a natural way to care for your hair that not only works but is healthier for you. Yay! Big thanks to you for being here 🙂 ~ Janis
Janis, I’ve been following your blog for awhile now and I really appreciate your timeless, classic style plus your love of all things natural! I just read this post again, and sadly just after learning of Kate Spade’s passing. I have always been a fan of hers! I’m sure you are just as upset. I’ve wanted to reach out to you because I recently became an Ambassador to India Hicks, who you probably know is the Goddaughter of Prince Charles (she was a bridesmaid to Princess Diana) and the daughter of Interior Decorator David Hicks. She now lives in the Bahamas on Harbour Island and her lifestyle products combine British Heritage with Island flair! She designs bags, accessories, jewelry, fragrance and an organic natural skincare line. You can see more at http://www.indiahicks.com/rep/bethanyhissong. I started an Instagram after being inspired by you too: @stylesettersafter50 and I really think you would love what India is doing! I would love to talk to you about it!
Hi, Bethany! Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment! Oh my gosh, I agree it’s so sad about Kate Spade…amd Anthony Bourdain as well. Two people with so much to offer the world, now gone much too early.. Senseless…I’m aware of India Hicks and her lovely designs. I’ve been a follower since she first offered her scented products through Crabtree and Evelyn. When Waterside Shops first opened up here in Naples, they had a store there. She’s so very talented! Hope you’re having a sweet start to your week! ~ Janis