Vlog: Not Getting What I Expected; Louis Vuitton Speedy 30, Camel Trousers, Brown Sweater Set OOTD; Lunch, Bayside Seafood Grill, Naples, FL

(ABOVE) Lunch overlooking Venetian Bay, my OOTD, and a lesson learned.

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November 8, 2023, 2023 / Video Post Notes

UNMET EXPECTATIONS; AND MY “NEW” SPEEDY 30

The Gift Of Unmet Expectations (That I Thought I Wanted)

The day of this video, my plan was to arrive at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay early so that I could do some filming before I met a girlfriend for lunch.  I don’t remember exactly what song played on the car radio, but it could have been Phil Collins’ A Groovy Kind of Love. The 80s had some wonderful music, and it always puts me in a cheery mood.  I also was grateful that I had given myself plenty of time to film before going into the restaurant and that my eye makeup looked better than I thought it would; plus, I was happy to be carrying my newly refurbished Lous Vuitton Speedy 30 that I purchased in the fall of 1994.

I pulled into a tree-covered spot in the parking lot and gazed up through the windshield. A putty-colored sky stretched out everywhere–not a single spot of blue–and my happy feelings dissipated under the growing realization that, without a bright and shiny sun, my Youtube video and blog post photographs were all going to look grey and gloomy.

Had I not been filming, I would have liked the weather, because the temperature was pleasant (77 Fahrenheit). The problem was, my viewers would not feel the pleasant temperature, but they would see how grey the sky was. So, I reminded myself–like I almost always do before I begin filming a video–that the imperfection of the videos and photographs I publish are a reflection of my real life. I don’t use filters, nor do I photoshop my wrinkles, dark circles, sagging skin, blemishes, or grey skies. I show the real me and my real life–including the weather that’s in my real life. So, I shut off the car engine and tapped the red filming button on my iPhone. My plan was to chat with all of you on camera for a bit while I walked across the parking lot to The Bayside Seafood Grill.

I opened the door, got out of the car, and the roar of construction cranes boomed all around me. Raised 15 to 20 feet into the air, men in bright orange metal baskets worked away at something in the trees, and all I could think was how on earth will my viewers be able to hear me with all of this horrible noise in the background?

Then, I noticed something–that the men were not repairing something; they were wrapping the palm trees with hundreds and hundreds of twinkling, white Christmas lights. And, because of the overcast day (that I had worried would look so gloomy on camera), I could see all the lights glittering away like happy, twinkling fairies perched on thin black swaying wires hung from tree to tree and wrapped around tall, lean palms.. It was fun to watch.

One thing that I love about November and December in the U.S. is the Christmas lights–or holiday lights, whichever you like to call them. They mean something sweet and magical and unique to almost everyone, it seems, which makes them just that much more wonderful. Whether shining brightly on Christmas trees inside cosy homes or outside on houses and barns and stores and high rises. On light posts, fishing piers, in the city and in the country.

I didn’t realize that one of the men in a basket had noticed me filming him, and in response he gave me an enormous, beaming smile. I saw it when I played the video back on my desktop computer, and it was such a wonderful, beautiful surprise. It still makes me smile today.

My (Refurbished) Louis Vuitton Speedy 30, Purchased in 1994

My handbag in this post looks new, but as I mentioned earlier I actually purchased it and a separate leather shoulder strap at the Louis Vuitton that was in Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, Florida, in the fall of 1994 (I was 34). During my 30s and into my 40s I carried this bag everywhere, and all the time. It was the first luxury bag I ever bought.

However, by the mid-to late 2000’s–due to the humidity that’s naturally occurring in our subtropical locale–the brass hardware on my Speedy 30 eventually developed verdigris, causing green goo deposits on the leather and fabric (the zipper, zipper pull, top-handle rings and studs, and the strap buckle and clasps). Even with the verdigris I continued to carry the bag for years (see this post here, here, and here). However, eventually it was getting so unsightly I decided it was time to take it to Louis Vuitton and have it refurbished, and I am thrilled that I did. I won’t go into all of the details here, but the leather and hardware were replaced, and the original monogram canvas remains. I also purchased a new Louis Vuitton shoulder strap to match the new leather on the bag. If you would like me to go into more details, including a review of the bag, what I did recently to preserve the leather, why I chose it as my first luxury handbag purchase (and would I choose it as my very first luxury purchase all over again), let me know.

For photographs of all of these items, as well as the items in my handbag and what I’m wearing, simply scroll down the page.

Thank you so much for visiting my blog, and happy November

~ Janis

Janis Lyn Johnson
Classic-Style Lover. Happily Married. Born in 1960. Fan of Understated, Timeless Fashion and Healthy Living.
Editor
JLJBackToClassic

Previous Posts:

Vlog/Timeless Style: Gucci Padlock GG Small Shoulder Bag, Tan Cardigan, White Ruffle Blouse, Black Ankle Pants; Lunch Bricktop’s, Naples, FL
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Timeless Resort Style: Ralph Lauren Collection Grommet Tote, Navy Pinstripe Button-Down, Drawstring-Wasit Pants
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Timeless Fashion: Ferragamo Gancini Mini Crossbody, Ruffle Neck Blouse, Gingham Pants
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Timeless Fashion: Louis Vuitton New Wave White Multi Pochette Bag, Aqua Linen Top, White Denim Skirt, Slingback Kitten Heels
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Timeless Fashion: 10 Classic Navy Essentials That Never Go Out of Style
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Vlog: SLGs In My Prada 2005 Re -Edition Handbag, Button-Up Shirt, A-Line Skirt OOTD; Lunch Brambles Tea Room, Naples, FL
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Vlog: SLG’s in My Louis Vuitton Trouville; Shirtdress OOTD; Lunch Campiello, Naples, FL
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Vlog: Fendi Selleria Mini Peekaboo, Tan Tunic Sweater, White Jeans OOTD; Lunch The 239, Naples, FL
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Vlog: Christian Dior Lady Dior Bag, Leopard Top, Ivory Trousers OOTD; Lunch Ridgway, Naples, FL
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Vlog: Louis Vuitton Vernis Alma BB, Pink Cardigan, Ruffle Blouse, Grey Pants OOTD; Lunch Sante Fe Cafe, Waterside Shops, Naples, FL
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Vlog: Louis Vuitton SLG’s in My Ralph Lauren RL Handbag; Striped Oxford Shirt, Ankle Jeans, Cardigan; Lunch Grain de Cafe, Naples, FL
Blog Post, YouTube Video

Timeless Fashion: 10 Classic Wardrobe Essentials That Never Go Out of Style
Blog Post, YouTube Video

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Scenes From The Video

Christmas Lights Going Up at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay

(ABOVE & BELOW) I arrived at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay early so that I could do some filming before I met my girlfriend for lunch. (BELOW) Initially I assumed the crew of men in bright orange metal baskets were performing some sort of repair work, but then I noticed that, actually, they were wrapping the multiple palm trees in the parking lot with hundreds and hundreds of twinkling, white Christmas lights! 

 

Lunch, Bayside Seafood Grill, The Village Shops on Venetian Bay

(ABOVE & BELOW) Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while know that whenever I will be ordering a salad at a restaurant I bring my own homemade dressing (2 tablespoons Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tablespoon Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Himalayan Chef Himalayan Pink Salt to taste; in 4-oz Glass Leak-Proof Bottle). This dressing is free of  seasonings that are allergens for me.

(ABOVE) I ordered the Greek Salad and asked our server to add cold shrimp, but leave off everything (allergens) except for lettuce, onions and olives. See the lunch menu here.

Bragg Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Bragg Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Himalayan Chef Himalayan Pink Salt

4-oz Glass Leak-Proof Bottle

(ABOVE) My friend ordered the Cheeseburger and ate half the bun and a small portion of the coleslaw. See the lunch menu here.

 (ABOVE) After lunch, on the way back to my car, I noticed this GEM 6-Seat Electric Vehicle and thought it was cute that the owner had put a Ferrari emblem on it. (At least, that’s what I am guessing, because the GEM on-line site doesn’t mention a Ferrari model.)

 

What I Wore

Brown Crewneck Long-Sleeve Tee (Ralph Lauren, Talbots)

Dark Brown Ultra-Fine Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater (12% off all purchases, use code JLJ12; 15% off all purchases over $280.00, use code JLJ15)

Beige Baby Cashmere Sweater (12% off all purchases, use code JLJ12; 15% off all purchases over $280.00, use code JLJ15)

Brown Cable-Knit Wool and Cashmere V-Neck Sweater (12% off all purchases, use code JLJ12; 15% off all purchases over $280.00, use code JLJ15)

Camel Pleated Trousers 

Dark-Brown Suede Leather Block-Heel Pumps

Dark-Brown Leather Block-Heel Pumps With Gold Horsebit Detail

(ABOVE) About these cute Sunglasses: I was able to choose both the frame and the lens color, and I received two pairs, along with a tiny keychain screwdriver, soft pouch, and cleaning cloth, all for under $20 at Amazon. Such a wonderful value.

Two Pairs Sunglasses, Black and Leopard (2 for under $20; more combinations available)

Patent Leather Tortoise Belt

Dark Brown Pebbled Leather Covered-Buckle Belt

14K Gold Hoop Earrings

Michele Gold Round-Face Chronograph Watch (also Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s)

Boucheron Quatre Large, 18K Gold Diamond Ring (preloved Fashionphile)

David Yurman 18K Gold and Diamonds Classic Cable Spira Bracelet, 3mm (David Yurman, Neiman Marcus)

David Yurman 18k Gold and Diamond Crossover Bracelet (David Yurman, Saks Fifth Avenue)

Roberto Coin 18K Gold Diamond Bangle

(ABOVE) I purchased this Animal-Print Saffiano Leather Top-Handle Bag at Talbots last month (it is now on sale), and I think it is so ladylike and pretty. Although I don’t show it here, a matching detachable, adjustable shoulder strap comes with it. I think this bag would work well with the outfit I wore in this post.

Animal-Print Saffiano Leather Top-Handle Bag (now on sale; comes with adjustable, removable shoulder strap)

 

My Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 & Shoulder Strap

(ABOVE) My Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 looks brand-new, but actually I purchased it (and a separate leather shoulder strap) at Saks Fifth Avenue, Waterside Shops, Naples, Florida, in the fall of 1994. I had it refurbished by Louis Vuitton two years ago. The monogram canvas is the original canvas, but the leather and brass hardware are new, as is the shoulder strap.

Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 (preloved Fashionphile)

Louis Vuitton Adjustable Leather Strap (preloved Fashionphile)

Dark-Brown Pebbled Leather Boston Bag (with adjustable, removable shoulder strap)

Animal-Print Saffiano Leather Top-Handle Bag (now on sale; comes with adjustable, removable shoulder strap)

 

Inside My Handbag

(ABOVE) See what I carried inside my Louis Vuitton Speedy 30  below.

Bracelet Buddy

Black Faux Pebbled-Leather Tissue Pouch for Purse

Louis Vuitton Recto Verso Card Holder (preloved Fashionphile)

Louis Vuitton Monogram Key Pouch (for my salad dressing; pre-loved Fashionphile)

Louis Vuitton Monogram Key Pouch (preloved Fashionphile)

Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette (preloved Fashionphile)

(ABOVE) This Louis Vuitton Mini Pochette is one of my favorite small leather goods. See what I carried in it below.

Mineral Fusion Lipstick, Ruby (on cheeks and lips)

Chanel Dual-Sided Mirror With Pouch (pouch not shown in this photo)

10 ML Glass Hand Sanitizer/Perfume Spray Bottle (I put hand sanitizer in one of these bottles for my purse)

BPA-Free 3-oz Mini Cosmetic Jars (I put hand lotion and purified petroleum jelly in 2 of these jars for my purse)

Retractable Dual-Ended Lip Brush

(ABOVE) I put this Bracelet Buddy in my handbag to remember to tell all of you about it. It’s helpful for putting on bracelets that have challenging clasps. (BELOW) My David Yurman 18k Gold Crossover Bracelet you see here has a lobster-claw clasp that is difficult to latch without help. I use the Bracelet Buddy to hold onto the ring side of the bracelet while I use my other hand to open the lobster claw clasp, and attach that clasp to the ring. It is an amazing tool. I bought this one and another one for my mother 10 or so years ago. It is indispensable. 

(ABOVE) This Bracelet Buddy bracelet helper is so useful. I bought one for my mother and one for myself  10-plus years ago and use is so very much when my husband isn’t available to help me put on a bracelet. I wouldn’t be without it.

(ABOVE & BELOW) All the makeup I am wearing is from clean cosmetic brands. See each product below.

Gabriel Powder Foundation, Light Beige/Bamboo (Gabriel, Amazon)

Mineral Fusion Lipstick, Ruby (on cheeks and lips)

Retractable Dual-Ended Lip Brush

Gabriel Eyeshadow, Chocolate Brown (Gabriel, Amazon; the one I’m wearing is no longer sold; I wear this similar one, too; it’s a brown/neutral matte)

Honest Beauty Primer & Mascara, Black (Amazon, Ulta, Target, Walmart)

RMS Beauty Unpowder Powder (to set eyeshadow/liner; Amazon, Nordstrom)

 

Triple Purified, 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly (applied to cuticles and to cheeks and cheekbones as highlighter)

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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.