louis-vuitton-empreinte-montaigne-bb-review-peasant-top-skinny-jeans-ootd-JLJbacktoclassic

(ABOVE) In our hot and humid Florida weather, these not-too-tight cotton skinny jeans and a loose-fitting gauze top keep me comfortable and cool. (I love the look of pastel pink with pastel blue.)


For YouTube Video & Outfit/Makeup 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.)

 

July 28, 2020 / Video Post Notes

MY CROPPED JEANS OOTD & LOUIS VUITTON MONTAIGNE BB REVIEW

My Cropped Pastel-Blue Skinny Jeans & White Gauze Top OOTD

I’ve had lunch with a girlfriend since I last checked in with you. We dined indoors at Bricktops in Waterside Shops. All the staff wore masks, and so did patrons when entering the establishment. That was a month ago, and I enjoyed catching up with *CSG. However, I’ve not been socially active since then, because Florida experienced a spike in Coved-19 cases. In fact, after talking on the phone, we both decided it was best to hold off on lunching again for a while.

If I was going out to lunch though, this outfit is definitely what I would wear. Our weather is hot and humid, so these not-too-tight cotton skinny jeans and this loose-fitting cotton-gauze top are perfect for it. Because of the pandemic, it took about three weeks for me to receive both items, so if the top is no longer available in your size by the time you read this, I found several more white gauze tops on line that are very cute, too (here, here, here, here, and here).  The jeans, by the way, come in a variety of colors. (I love them so much that during the past three or four years I’ve purchased them in white, burgundy, black, gray, dark-blue wash, and medium-blue wash.)

It was supposed to rain the day I filmed this, so in this post I also show how my outfit would look if I switched out of my leather thong sandals and put on waterproof flip flops (white) and a light-weight rain coat I also bought recently (in the pastel-blush color Canyon Rose). It’s so light, in fact, it can fold up into a small zip-up pouch that comes with it. I absolutely love it. It has a removable hood, a tie to cinch-in the waist in back, and comes in a variety of colors.

My Louis Vuitton Montaigne BB in Rose Poudre Empreinte Leather–One Year-Plus Review

When I first saw the Empreinte Leather Montaigne handbag at Louis Vuitton on line, I was immediately attracted to the understated monogramming of the imprinted leather, the gleaming gold hardware, and the pastel-pink Rose Poudre color. I also loved that it had both a top handle and a removable shoulder strap long enough for wearing crossbody, plus gold-metal feet on the bottom of the handbag to keep the leather away from possibly dirty surfaces. (Louis Vuitton calls these clous, which is French for nails.) Unfortunately, the shoulder strap is not adjustable.

I preferred the look of the smaller, BB, size (11.4 x 7.9 x 5.1 inches), because something about its proportions made it seem more cute to me than the larger MM (13.0 x 9.1 x 5.9 inches). Also, the BB looked like it easily could be styled as either dressy or sporty–unlike the MM, which seemed more work appropriate.

In May 2019 I went to  the Naples Louis Vuitton at Waterside Shops to see it in person. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the Empreinte Leather BB Montaigne, only the Monogram Canvas BB Montaigne. Trying it on, I could see that the BB was the perfect size and style for me, but my one concern was that the monogram canvas bag I held in my hands was a bit softer and more pliable than I wanted. Since the MM Empreinte Leather Montaigne in the store was more stiff and structured, I crossed my fingers, hoped the BB would be, too, and ordered it.

Review/The Structured Shape: Thankfully, it did not disappoint. The Empreinte Leather BB Montaigne definitely is a more structured handbag than the canvas version. I’m not saying the canvas is floppy, but it is just a little more pliable and soft. Actually, some people may not even notice the difference, but I did, and I knew that it would bother me. Today, more than a year later, my BB Empreinte Montaigne still retains its original structured shape, thanks to the stiffer leather, and I love it. (Not that I don’t also love Louis Vuitton coated canvas, because I do. I have a Monogram Canvas Speedy 30, Damier Azur Speedy Bandouliere 30, and Damier Ebene Neverfull MM, and in these particular styles I prefer the softer, more pliable look and feel of the coated canvas.)

Review/The Open Top: There are, however, a few things about the BB Montaigne that some might consider negatives. For one, the Montaigne is an open-top handbag, which means most of your belongings are visible. I say “most”, because there is a slim center zipper compartment in which to conceal a wallet or anything else you don’t wish on view. However, the largest two compartments are open for all to see. I corral most of my items in pouches–several are pastel pink and one is a coated-canvas key pouch in a pretty mauve-pink faux-snake print. I don’t mind these showing, because they’re cute. Still, the openness of this handbag may not be for everyone. (Scroll down the page to see photographs of the pouches in my handbag.)

Review/Small Size: Something else to consider is that it is a smaller handbag, which limits the number and size of items you can carry . If this is an issue, the larger, MM, size is a good option. It currently is available in several colors. Unfortunately, at least on line, neither size is available in this pink color any longer.

Review/Top Handles Attached To Inside of Handbag: Something that takes getting used to, but for me isn’t really a negative–I accepted it as part of what makes the bag look unique–is that the top handles are hooked onto rings inside the bag, rather than on the outside. Therefore, they tend to fall toward each other and onto the contents of the bag. If you know you are prone to often wanting to quickly get something into or out of a handbag, this might become an irritation for you.

Review/Top-Handle Belt: The handbag does come with a small, matching pebbled-leather belt to hook around the handles and keep them upright–which Louis Vuitton calls an attache poignet (translates to wrist strap). I do use this, because it works well and looks cute on the bag. However, you must slide it over to the side of the handles to get into the bag, or take it off completely (and put it in the bag, so you don’t leave it behind somewhere). Again, this may be a nuisance if you often are in a hurry, so you might want to leave it at home and not use it.

Review/Key Bell: Other accessories that come with the bag are a lock, set of 2 keys, and what my client advisor told me is called a key bell. This is a leather strap with a small, open pouch that contains/conceals the two keys and can be attached to the outside of the handbag as decoration. (I’ve also heard this called a clochette.)

Although this little accessory looks adorable when it stays in place, it also sometimes highlights a definite design flaw of this handbag. Here’s why: The key bell cannot lay flat on the front of the bag as it should, because the top handles are attached to the walls of the inside of the purse, and the only place to attach the key bell is to one of these handles. As a result, because the handles tilt inward and away from the sides of the bag, the key bell is left to dangle over the top edge of the handbag and loop outward, before dangling down toward the front of the bag. This, combined with gravity, causes the key bell to occasionally slide onto the end of the handbag, instead of staying nice and flat against the front.

It’s a small detail, but an important one, because it affects the overall look of the handbag. Had I known this from the beginning, I still would have bought this handbag, because the issue doesn’t bother me that much. Plus, I do have several options. For one, I can leave the key bell at home and not use. Or, I can purposely lay it on the end of the bag that tilts down. It looks fine there, if that’s where you prefer it, but it does get in the way of the zipper when you want to unzip the center compartment. For this reason,I now place the key bell on the side of the handle that is closest to the back end of the back. I do this, because typically I tilt my bag toward the front end, and I found that this keeps the key bell tilted away from the back end of the bag, and makes it stay (for the most part) on the front, where I want it. It took a while to figure this out, but once I did I didn’t have an issue with the key bell any longer.

This probably is much more detail than anyone ever would want to know about a silly key bell and its placement, but it just goes to show you what a nut I am about handbags and their many details. In fact, if you have gotten this far in my post, it must mean you are a handbag-detail girl, too. If so, I’d love you to leave a comment and let me know if you have any pet peeves about a bag you love, luxury or not. I’d like to know if there is anyone else out there like me.

Reveiw/Pre-Loved Version of the Leather Montaigne BB: As I mentioned earlier, this particular color, Rose Poudre, is no longer on line at Louis Vuitton. However, a good alternative is the pre-loved market. There are a variety of pre-loved Empreinte Montaignes, as well as Monogram Canvas Montainges at Fashionphile. (I ‘ve bought several luxury handbags and small leather goods here, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Fendi.) It’s a great site for not only saving money but also for locating certain colors and styles of bags that are no longer available at the merchant’s stores.

I hope you all are managing to stay positive, healthy, and happy through this challenging time for our planet.

Thank you for taking the time to visit me here, and take care.

~Janis Lyn Johnson

*CSG: Camera-Shy Girlfriend


 

louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-cropped-jeans-peasant-top-Janis-Lyn-Johnson

classic-style-over-50-louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-cropped-jeans-peasant-top.

classic-style-over-50-talbots-cropped-jegging-pastel-blue

louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-rose-poudre-empreinte-review-what-fits-outfit

classic-style-over-50-louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-David-Yurman-spiritual-pearl-bracelet.

(ABOVE) This 18k gold and pearl bracelet is adjustable, and therefore can be worn with a variety of sizes of other bracelets and watches. The hammered 14k-gold bangle is an heirloom from my mother, given to me in the 1990s, and is circa 1982.

louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-rose-poudre-empreinte-leather-review-what-fits-outfit

classic-style-over-50-louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-Cole-Haan-Raincoat-Blush.

classic-style-over-50-louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-Cole-Haan-Raincoat-Blush

classic-style-over-50-louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-Cole-Haan-Raincoat-Blush

classic-style-over-50-louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-Cole-Haan-Raincoat-Blush

classic-fashion-over-40-50-kate-spade-annika-56mm-polarized-rectangular-sunglasses

(ABOVE) I’ve had these Kate Spade 56mm Polarized Sunglasses for several years and love the rectangular shape and tortoise color.

Bernardo-Miami-demi-heel-Sandal-White

(ABOVE) I have several pairs of Bernardo Miami sandals (also available here), in a variety of colors and heel styles–flat, wedge, demi-heel. This white Bernardo Miami Demi-Heel Sandal is my newest acquisition. All Bernardo Miami sandals are leather from top to bottom, and the footbed is cushioned. It’s the most comfortable thong sandal I’ve ever worn and I highly recommend them.

lindsay-phillips-rubber-flip-flops

(ABOVE) I’ve had these Lindsay Phillips Sandals for years. They’re fun, because the decoration clips on with snaps, allowing you to change the look of the sandal. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and are  perfect for the beach, poolside, or rainy days. I think these current sandals are very cute.

louis-vuitton-montaigne-bb-rose-poudre-empreinte-leather-review-what-fits-outfit

(ABOVE & BELOW) My Louis Vuitton Montaigne BB in Rose Poudre Empreinte leather, purchased in May 2019. Currently, the handbag comes in two sizes–BB (11.4 x 7.9 x 5.1  inches) or MM (13 x 9.1 x 5.9 inches)–and can be purchased in monogram canvas or several different colors of imprinted leather. It’s no longer available at Louis Vuitton in this pink shade, but I do sometimes see the Montaigne come up in the pre-loved market. A good place to keep checking is Fashionphile. They have a large selection of luxury designer handbags, and I’ve purchased several items from them in the last year, including a Fendi Medium Peekaboo Handbag, Louis Vuitton Monogram Key Pouch, and a Chanel Classic Card Holder, all of which had been kept in excellent condition by their previous owners.

Louis-Vuitton-Montaigne-BB-Rose-Poudre-Empreinte-Leather-What-Fits-Inside

(ABOVE) I don’t mind that you can see inside this handbag, because I like the look of the pretty things I carry inside.

Louis-Vuitton-Montaigne-BB-Rose-Poudre-Empreinte-Leather-What-Fits-Inside-Zoe-Wallet

daisy-rose-key-pouch-coated-canvas-pink-snake

Pink Faux-Leather Key Pouch  (24 Colors Available)

daisy-rose-key-pouch-coated-canvas-blue-and-cream-check

Blue-and-Cream Check Faux-Leather Key Pouch (24 Colors Available)

markandgraham-leather-tassel-zipper-pouch-small-can-be-monogrammed

Blush Small Leather Tassel-Zipper Pouch (16 Colors, 2 Sizes Available; Can Be Monogrammed)

chanel-classic-small-mini-pouch-caviar

Chanel Mini/Small Classic Pouch, New (Similar Pre-Loved Fashionphile)

louis-vuitton-zoe-wallet-damier-azur-rose-water-eau-de-rose

Eau de Rose Louis Vuitton Zoe Wallet, New (Pre-loved Fashionphile)

my-Speck-Presidio-Clear-Glitter-Case-iPhone-11-Pro

Speck Presidio Glitter Impact-Resistant Case for iPhone 11 Pro (More Clear Speck Presidio Glitter Impact-Resistant Cases Here; My iPhone Is Rose Gold)

classic-clean-beauty-over-50-100-Percent-Pure-Pretty-Nake-II-Palette-Foundation

(ABOVE & BELOW) Sixty-four to 100% of what we put on our skin is absorbed into the body, which is why I only wear organic skincare and organic/all-natural cosmetics. On my eyes: 100% Pure Bronzer,  Cocoa Glow, and Splendor and Vivid Eyeshadows  from the 100% Pure Pretty Naked II Palette. Also wearing 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Foundation, Creme and White Peach, and 100% Pure Bronzer,  Cocoa Glow, with Afterglow Blush  from the 100% Pure Pretty Naked II Palette. On my lips: Ilia Color Block Lipstick, Wild Rose (also Nordstrom). On my lashes: 100% Pure Ultra Lengthening Mascara, Black Tea. For details on where, how, and what tools I used to apply these makeup products, scroll down the page to MY MAKEUP BRUSHES & MAKEUP.

clean-beauty-over-50-100-Percent-Pure-Pretty-Naked-II-Palette-Foundation

Ilia-Color-Block-Lipstick_Wild_Rose

Ilia Color Block Lipstick, Wild Rose (Also Nordstrom)

Ilia-Color-Block-Lipstick-Wild-Rose-Arm-Swatch

(ABOVE) Swatched on my arm: Ilia Beauty  Color Block Lipstick, Wild Rose (also Nordstrom). The primary ingredient in Ilia Beauty Color Block Lipstick is organic castor seed oil, which softens and hydrates. It is cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan.


 

MY CLOTHING

TOP: Talbots (more white gauze tops here, here, here, here, and here) / RAIN COAT:  Cole Haan, Canyon Rose (more colors available) / JEANS: Talbots, Mineral Blue (more colors/lengths available).

MY ACCESSORIES

EYEWEAR: Kate Spade (more tortoise-frame sunglasses Nordstrom) / BAG: Louis Vuitton Montaigne BB in Rose Poudre Empreinte leather, purchased in May 2019 (pre-loved Fashionphile) / POUCHES: Blush Small Leather Tassel-Zipper Pouch (available in 16 colors and two sizes–small or large; also can be monogrammed); Pink Chanel Mini/Small Classic Pouch (similar pre-loved Fashionphile) / KEY CASE: Pink Faux-Snake Coated-Canvas Key Pouch (24 patterns/colors available) / WALLET:  Louis Vuitton Zoe Wallet, Eau de Rose (similar pre-loved Fashionphile) /PURSE PHONE CHARGER: MyCharge Portable Phone Charger / PHONE CASE: Speck Presidio Glitter Impact-Resistant Case for iPhone 11 Pro (more clear Speck Presidio Glitter Impact-Resistant cases here; my iPhone is rose gold). / LEATHER SANDAL: Bernardo Miami Demi-Heel Sandal (more available Amazon, Nordstrom) / WATERPROOF FLIP FLOP: Lindsay Phillips Flip Flop, old (cute gold pair here).

MY JEWELRY

WATCH: Similar Michele Diamond Watch (more Michele Watches Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom) / BANGLE: Hammered 14k-gold bangle, circa 1982, heirloom from my mother, given to me in the 1990s (similar David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Precious Cable Petite Bracelet, faux-gold cuff Saks Fifth Avenue / PEARL BRACELET: David Yurman 18K Gold Spiritual Pearl Bracelet / NECKLACE: Similar Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Station Necklace, Ross-Simons 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Station Necklace; more similar 14k gold necklaces Ross-Simons; also Roberto Coin 18K Gold Diamond Dangle Necklace, Ross Simons Sterling Silver Diamond Station Necklace, Saks Fifth Avenue Bezel-Set Crystal Stationed Necklace).

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: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Powder Foundation, Creme and White Peach, applied with Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki 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: Splendor Eyeshadow from the 100% Pure Pretty Naked II Palette, applied to the lid and crease with Sigma E62 Cut Crease Brush, and under lower eyelashes with Sigma E21 Smudge Brush. Then, with tip of Sigma E21 Smudge Brush, applied Vivid Eyeshadow from the 100% Pure Pretty Naked II Palette to outer corner v of my eyes and under outer one-third of lower lash line. Next, lightly applied 100% Pure Bronzer,  Cocoa Glow, to crease, using Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush. Then, blended eyeshadows under lower lashes with the Smudge Brush from the  EcoTools Cruelty-Free Six-Piece Eye Set and softly blended the darker and lighter eyeshadows together in my crease with the Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush (which I had cleaned off using an Always Off Reuseable Microfiber Makeup Cloth). Next–although I forgot this step–to keep the shadows from smudging/transferring I usually now apply RMS Beauty Un-Powder onto lids and under lower lashes with a clean Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush.  (NOTE: I didn’t use it this time, but you can use a Makeup Guard Card as a guide to keep eyeshadow line straight and clean and to create a slight wing effect) / CHEEKS: Afterglow Blush, from the 100% Pure Pretty Naked II Palette, stippled onto cheeks and top of forehead with Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Air Brush (also here). Ontop of this I stippled 100% Pure Bronzer,  Cocoa Glow, onto cheeks and top of forehead, using the  Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Air Brush (which I had cleaned off using an Always Off Reuseable Microfiber Makeup Cloth). Then, I lightly blended the colors on my cheeks and forehead with a clean  BareMinerals Flawless Application Face Brush (also available here). / LIPS: Ilia Color Block Lipstick, Wild Rose, applied with Sigma L04 Detailed Lip Brush / LASHES: 100% Pure Ultra Lengthening Mascara, Black Tea, combed out with Folding Eyelash Comb With Metal Teeth / FINISHING-SETTING SPRAY: Purified Water, spritzed from glass, fine-mist spray bottle (2-ounce  or 4-ounce size).


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.


 

kate-spade-annika-56mm-polarized-rectangular-sunglasses-brown

Kate Spade (More Tortoise-Frame Sunglasses Nordstrom)

michele-sidney-classic-diamond-watch-two-tone

Michele Diamond Watch (More Michele Watches Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom)

david-yurman-spiritual-bead-bracelet-pearls

David Yurman Spiritual Pearl Bracelet

david-yurman-18k-gold-cable-spira-bracelet-with-diamonds-3mm

David Yurman Cable Spira Bracelet

david-yurman-18k-yellow-gold-precious-cable-petite-bracelet

David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Precious Cable Petite Bracelet

gas-bijoux-liane-open-cuff-bracelet

Saks Fifth Avenue Faux Gold Cuff

roberto-coin-18k-yellow-gold-diamond-station-necklace

Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Station Necklace

ross-simons-1ct-tw-14kt-yellow-gold-diamond-station-necklace

Ross-Simons 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Station Necklace (More 14k Gold Diamond Station Necklaces Ross-Simons)

bernardo-miami-demi-heel-sandal-white

Bernardo Miami Demi-Heel Sandal (More Available Amazon, Nordstrom)

lindsay-phillips-rose-dress-sandal-gold

Sandals With Changeable Decorative Snap-On Clips (More Colors/Styles Amazon)

streeze-womens-white-stretch-belt-gold-buckle

Woven Stretch Belt (10 Colors Available, No Pre-Determined Holes)

talbots-flower-embroidered-gauze-top

Flower-Embroidered Gauze Top

soft-surroundings-moonflower-white-gauze-top-and-tank

Gauze Top and Tank (Also in Washed Coral)

karen-kane-white-gauze-crossover-hem-top

Crossover-Hem Gauze Top

ellis-gauze-button-down-top-white

Button-Up Gauze Top

velvet-by-graham-and-spencer-julia-ruffle-sleeve-white-gauze-top

Ruffle-Sleeve Gauze Top

1.state-smocked-yoke-white-gauze-top

Smocked-Yoke Gauze Top

talbots-jegging-crops-mineral-blue

Cropped Jeans/Jegging, Mineral Blue (More Colors/Lengths Available)

cole-haan-back-bow-lightweight-packable-raincoat

Light-Weight, Back-Bow Packable Raincoat, Canyon Rose, Mauve (I’m Wearing Canyon Rose; More Colors Available)