Classic Style: What’s In My Valentino Medium Rockstud Spike Bag & Long Cardigan and Camisole with White Skinny Jeans / Fashion Over 40, 50

(ABOVE) When would I wear this if we weren’t social distancing?  A date out with my hubby or a get-together with girlfriends.

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March 30, 2020 / Video Post Notes

LONG CARDIGAN, CAMISOLE, WHITE JEANS OOTD & VALENTINO ROCKSTUD ITEMS

A Change in Plans

I filmed this outfit a while back for a lunch out with my husband, but as time went by I wasn’t sure I wanted to publish it. What’s happening in our world now is so frightening, depressing, and heart-breaking that my blog posts and videos just feel trivial.

Sitting around and worrying about it, though, wasn’t doing me or anyone else any good.  Plus, I know that the best way to handle anything stressful is to focus on the things I can control (my own behavior), let go of the things I can’t control (everything else), and do healthful things that bring me joy, like being with my husband, painting watercolors, reading a new book, watching  movies and YouTube videos, taking walks, and creating fashion and beauty videos and blog posts.

At the very least, I hope my blog posts and videos can offer you a moment of escape and happiness, like they do me.

My Long Cardigan OOTD

So…about this outfit: My long cardigan isn’t new. I bought it three years ago. However, it’s brought back every year in this blush color (Pink Smoke), plus four other colors, too. I noticed that they shortened it slightly this year and took off the pockets, but otherwise it looks exactly the same. I wear this cardigan a lot because it’s so light weight. It’s just right for a hot day when you still want a bit of coverage. I’m wearing it with jeans here, but it’s the perfect length for white leggings, too.

Although my camisole was sold out immediately after I purchased it, there are multiple tops and bottoms in this gorgeous mauve-pink color. In fact, I also bought this cozy sweater and pretty print blouse. If you’re interested, have a look at all of the available tops and bottoms in Pink Smoke here and here.

My Valentino Medium Rockstud Spike Shoulder Bag

I can’t remember when exactly I first began noticing the Valentino Rockstud Bags and Shoes.  The collection debuted in October 2010, and I do remember it was the stiletto-heel pumps that first caught my eye. Oh my goodness, they all are so pretty! But, the price is so ridiculous I just couldn’t imagine getting them. Also, because of the extreme heel and metal detailing, I knew I’d be limited in how often I could wear them.

Still, year after year I couldn’t stop staring at them whenever I saw them on someone else or on line.  Then, I tried on these stiletto, grainy-leather Valentino Rockstud T-Strap Pumps (also available here) in a local department store, and I was immediately in love. (I show a picture of me trying them on down below.) Later I also bought these kitten-heel, grainy-leather Valentino Rockstud Slingback Pumps. (Note: I sized up a full size in both pairs of shoes.)

Granted, the multiple gold-metal pyramid studs are more edgy than I typically wear, but because the shapes of the shoes are classic–one is a t-strap stiletto and the other a slingback kitten heel–I think both are a lovely melding of old and new.

I feel the same about this Valentino Medium Rockstud Spike Leather Shoulder Bag (also available here). It’s a perfect combination of classic shape and modern, edgy detailing. I bought the bag before I bought the shoes–as soon as I discovered that both the top handle and the shoulder chain are removable. I love having that option. It’s definitely not an everyday bag for me, because of all the stud detailing and also because it’s made of lambskin, which is delicate. But then again, I don’t use any of my more-expensive bags for running errands in everyday life. I’d be too afraid of bumping them into a grocery cart or slamming them in a car door–or something equally as awful. I tend to be quite clumsy!

Shape and detailing aside, what persuaded me to finally purchase the bag and the shoes was the color. Valentino calls it poudre, and it’s a chameleon. Sometimes it looks like a light blush and sometimes it looks like a dark purple mauve. I find it absolutely mesmerizing and fascinating and love pairing it with other blush shades. It also looks gorgeous with ivory, white, dark navy, black, beige, and grey.

My Sunglasses

I have been asked if I have a favorite pair of sunglasses, and specifically a pair that doesn’t leave a demarcation line on my nose. Although I’ve never found glasses that don’t leave at least a small mark on my nose, I have to say the pair that are the lightest–and leave the least marks–is my Kate Spade Lucyann Eyeglasses. (Scroll down the page to see me wearing them.) I discovered these in 2015, and I love and wear them so much that I had one pair made into prescription sunglasses and another into prescription regular glasses (I am near sighted).

Another plus about these glasses is their size. They easily slip into smaller bags.

Thank you so much for being here. I can’t tell you how much I have always appreciated it, but especially do now.

Sending all of you wishes and prayers for health, peace, and safety.

~Janis Lyn Johnson

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(ABOVE)  Kate Spade Lucyann Eyeglasses. I love and wear these so much that I had one pair made into prescription sunglasses and another into prescription regular glasses  (I am near sighted).

(ABOVE) Chanel Classic Cardholder in black caviar leather with gold hardware, purchased pre-loved (listed in excellent condition) at Fashionphile, a partner of Neiman Marcus, fall 2019. See the same card holder in excellent condition in pink chevron quilting, pre-loved, here and in black here. Pre-loved Valentino Spike Bags here.

(ABOVE) Small Leather Tassel-Zipper Pouch in the color blush. This pouch comes with free monogramming, and is available in 16 colors and two sizes–small or large.

(ABOVE & BELOW) To keep my keys from scratching the interior of my leather bags (or the leather surfaces of other items in a bag), I would love to purchase the Louis Vuitton Key Pouch in the blue-and-white check Damier Azur pattern. Unfortunately, it never is available in stores or on line when I inquire about it. I also have been exploring Fashionphile’s Louis Vuitton Key Pouch selection to see if I can locate one  in like-new condition. In the mean time, I’ve been using this adorable Coated Canvas Check Zip Key Pouch that I found last fall. It’s under $20 and is available in 24 different patterns. It’s so cute, in fact, I may eventually let go of getting the Louis Vuitton version.

(ABOVE  & BELOW) Ovalet Lockable Purse Hook (available in gold and silver tone). I use this for hanging my bag on a table in a restaurant. Because it locks closed, it also is great for securing a bag to an airport luggage-cart handle or grocery-store cart handle. I love that it easily accommodates wide shoulder and top-handle straps.

Ovalet Lockable Purse Hook

(ABOVE) According to Valentino, the Valentino Medium Rockstud Spike Leather Shoulder Bag, left, measures 9”W x 6”H x 2.75”D, and according to Chanel, the Chanel Medium Classic Double Flap Bag, right, measures 9”W x 5.7”H x 2.3”D. My Chanel Medium Classic Double Flap Bag is in the color Light Beige. Pre-loved Valentino Spike Bags here. Pre-loved Chanel Double-Flap Bags here.

(ABOVE) Here, I try on  Valentino Rockstud T-Strap Pumps in the color poudre (also available here). I bought them after I purchased the bag, along with these pretty (and much more reasonably heeled) Valentino Rockstud Slingback Pumps. (Note: I went up a full size in both pairs of shoes.)

(ABOVE) On my lips: Gabriel Lipstick, Dune (soft platinum pink/cool frost). Gabriel cosmetics are made from 100% natural ingredients and are vegan, lead-free, cruelty free, and certified gluten free.

Gabriel Lipstick, Dune

(ABOVE) Gabriel Lipstick, Dune, a soft platinum pink/cool frost.

(ABOVE) From the Pacifica Coconut Infused Pink Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, I used Vapid, a deep rose (bottom row, far left), as a lid and crease shade. I used Madly Deeply, a reddish brown (top row, second from left), for the outer corner v of my eyes. All Pacifica cosmetics are 100% vegan and cruelty-free and are formulated without carmine, phthalates, petroleum, or silicone. NOTE: I used the Makeup Guard Card as a guide to keep my eyeshadow line straight and clean and to create a slight wing effect. (BELOW) On my lips: Gabriel Lipstick, Dune (soft platinum pink/cool frost). Gabriel cosmetics are made from 100% natural ingredients and are vegan, lead-free, cruelty free, and certified gluten free.

Pacifica Coconut Infused Pink Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

The Makeup Guard Card, Pack of 2 (I Used This To Keep My Eyeshadow Line Straight and Clean and to Create a Slight Wing Effect)

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MY CLOTHING

CARDIGAN: Halogen, Pink Smoke (more cardigans Nordstrom, Gap, Talbots, Ann Taylor, Brooks Brothers) / TOP: Halogen, sold out (similar here, here; alternative Pink Smoke Pleated-Neck Blouse, V-Neck Boucle Sweater; all Pink Smoke items Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack ) / JEANS: Treasure and Bond, old (similar high-waist skinny ankle jean Liverpool, Talbots; more white skinny jeans Nordstrom).

MY ACCESSORIES

EYEWEAR: Kate Spade Lucyann Eyeglasses (I had one pair made into prescription sunglasses and another into prescription regular glasses) / BAG: Valentino Medium Rockstud Spike Leather Shoulder Bag, Poudre NOTE: I ordered mine from the same link I give you here at Saks Fifth Avenue.  While the interior of the black bag is suede, the poudre bag is the same lovely smooth lambskin as the outside of the bag (same bag also available Nordstrom; more Valentino Rockstud Shoes and Bags Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom; alternative mauve/blush Gucci Marmont Matelasse Mini Bag, Fendi Kan U Leather Shoulder Bag, Mansur Gavrel Leather Tote, Kate Spade Pink Top-Handle Shoulder Bag, Dark-Blush Faux-Leather Top-Handle Shoulder Bag) / CARD HOLDER: Chanel Classic Cardholder, purchased pre-loved, listed in excellent condition, at Fashionphile, a partner of Neiman Marcus, fall 2019  (same card holder in pink, pre-loved, here) / POUCH: Mark & Graham Small Leather Tassel -Zipper Pouch / KEY CASE: Coated Canvas Check Zip Key Pouch / SHOES:  Halogen, old (alternative blush ballet flats Taryn Rose, Margaux NY, Topshop, Danskin; I also have these Valentino Garavani Rockstud 50mm-Slingback Pumps and Valentino Rockstud 101mm T-Strap Pumps, both of which I went up one full size).

MY JEWELRY

WATCH: Michele Deco Diamond-Case Watch (similar Michele watch, diamond case here, stainless steel here, two-tone here; more Michele Watches here) BRACELET #1: David Yurman Cable Spira Bracelet / BRACELET #2: David Yurman Barrels Bracelet With Diamonds and Amazonite / BRACELET #3: (similar 14K Yellow Gold Engravable Charm Bracelet).

MY SKINCARE/MOISTURIZERS  (All Natural/Organic Ingredients)

FACE MOISTURIZER: Nourish Organic Face Cream, Argan & Pomegranate / LIPS-EYE AREA MOISTURIZER: Nourish Organic Shea Butter.

MY MAKEUP BRUSHES & MAKEUP (All Natural/Organic Ingredients)

FACE FOUNDATION: BareMinerals Matte Foundation SPF 15 (Sephora, Nordstrom), Golden Medium 14 and Golden Fair 04, applied with Sigma Flat Angled Kabuki F88 Brush (as foundation all over face), and also with Sigma E62 Cut Crease Brush (as primer on eyelids, and as concealer on nose/chin discoloration), and with Sigma 3DHD Precision Brush (as primer under eyelashes and as concealer for darkness on inner corners of eyes), and with BareMinerals Flawless Application Face Brush (for light dusting on front of neck–brush also available here) / EYES: From the Pacifica Coconut Infused Pink Nudes Eyeshadow Palette, the shade Vapid, applied to the lid and crease with Sigma E56 Shader Brush, and under lower eyelashes with Sigma E21 Smudge Brush. Then, with tip of Sigma E21 Smudge Brush, applied Madly Deeply to outer corner v of my eyes and under outer one-third of lower lash line. Next, softly blended the darker and lighter colors together in my crease and under eyelashes with Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush. Lastly, set shadow on lids and under lower lashes with RMS Beauty Un-Powder, using clean Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush  (NOTE: I used a Makeup Guard Card as a guide to keep my eyeshadow line straight and clean and to create a slight wing effect) / CHEEKS: Gabriel Powder Blush, Willow (soft peachy-pink/cool), stippled onto cheeks with Sigma F80 Air Flat Kabuki Brush , then blended with Sigma F40 Large Angled Contour Brush / LIPS: Gabriel Lipstick, Dune / LASHES: Pacifica Aquarian Gaze Water-Resistant Mascara in Abyss, combed out with Folding Eyelash Comb With Metal Teeth / FINISHING-SETTING SPRAY: Mountain Valley Spring Water, spritzed from glass, fine-mist spray bottle (2-ounce  or 4-ounce size).

MY VLOGGING CAMERA/EQUIPMENT & SALAD DRESSING BOTTLE

CAMERA: Sony / CAMERA CASE:  Sony / BATTERY: Sony (I carry extras) / MINI TRIPOD/GRIP: Manfrotto / SMARTPHONE TRIPOD MOUNT:  Square Jellyfish / MY SALAD DRESSING BOTTLE: Glass, Leak-Proof, 4 oz (I carry my homemade salad dressing to restaurants in this).

(Some links in this post are affiliates. More information here.) 

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YouTube Video

(ABOVE) If you are seeing this message, then I have published the video and it should be appearing above. However, if for some reason the video isn’t appearing above–and you have refreshed your page and cleared your cache–you also can view the video at my JLJ Back To Classic Channel on YouTube.

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Michele Diamond-Dial Two-Tone Watch (More Michele Watches Here)

Michele Diamond-Dial, Stainless-Steel Watch (More Michele Watches Here)

Michele Diamond-Case Watch (More Michele Watches Here)

David Yurman Barrels Bracelet With Diamonds and Amazonite

Lagos Silver and 18K Gold Diamond Bracelet

David Yurman 18K Gold Bracelet

14K Yellow Gold Engravable Charm Bracelet

Kate Spade Prescription Glasses (I Had These Made Into Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses)

Chanel Classic Card Holder, Pink, Pre-Loved, Excellent Condition (More Chanel Card Holders, Pre-Loved, Fashionphile)

Chanel Classic Card Holder, Black, Pre-Loved, Excellent Condition (More Chanel Card Holders, Pre-Loved, Fashionphile)

Pink Smoke Linen-Blend Long Cardigan (More Pink Smoke Items Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack)

Pink Smoke Lace-Trim Silk Camisole

Shadow Grey Lace-Trim Camisole

Pink Smoke Pleated-Neck Blouse

Pink Smoke Fluffy Boucle-Knit Sweater

High-Waist Skinny Ankle Jean, Liverpool (More White Skinny Jeans Nordstrom, Talbots)

High-Waist Skinny Jean, Talbots (More White Skinny Jeans Nordstrom)

Ivory Wide-Leg Side-Zip Pant (More Winter-White and Ivory Pants Ann Taylor, J.McLaughlin, Talbots)

Spanx Nude Capri Shaper (also Amazon; I wear these under light-color, slim-fitting pants!)

Valentino Rockstud T-Strap Pumps (More Valentino Pumps Here)

Valentino Rockstud Slingback Pumps (More Valentino Slingback Pumps Here)

Taryn Rose Weaterproof-Leather Ballet Flat

Margaux NY Leather Ballet Flat

Topshop Woven-Synthetic Ballet Flat

Danskin Stretch-Knit Ballet Flat

Valentino Crackled Lambskin Medium Rockstud Spike Shoulder Bag, Pink, Pre-Loved, Excellent Condition (More Pre-loved Valentino Spike Bags Here)

 Valentino Medium Rockstud Spike Shoulder Bag, Pink, Pre-Loved, Excellent Condition (More Pre-loved Valentino Spike Bags Here)

Valentino Medium Rockstud Spike Shoulder Bag, Poudre (More Valentino Spike Bags Here and Here; Pre-loved Valentino Spike Bags Here)