(ABOVE) Black and white with sparkling gray for a festive winter holiday celebration
For YouTube Video & Outfit/Makeup Details Scroll to Bottom of Page
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December 26, 2024 / Video Post Notes
HOLIDAY DINNER WITH FRIENDS; BLACK & GRAY SPARKLY OOTD
Inspired By An Heirloom Bracelet
My outfit in this post was inspired by a cherished Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Bracelet that I inherited from my mother. I still can’t believe it was about 50 years ago when I went with her to the NYC Diamond District to buy it, and I share that memory and more in the YouTube video at the bottom of this blog post. If you are interested in finding something similar, you may want to have a look at this Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Bracelet with blue sapphires. (The Art Deco era spanned from 1920-1945.)
I mostly wear yellow-gold jewelry, but as I have gotten older–and my hair has grayed–I have become attracted to white-metal jewelry as well. I knew I wanted to wear this bracelet for our couples dinner with *CSG and her husband at Ridgway Bar & Grill a few days before Christmas, so my outfit was planned around it. I decided this Gray Wool-Blend Cardigan was the perfect piece with which to begin, because it works beautifully with silver (the buttons are even silver). Because the temperature was supposed to dip into the 60s Fahrenheit, I chose Black Faux-Leather Pants. They are so comfortable, I have been wearing them quite a lot, actually.
Once my outfit was planned, I liked it so much that I decided to also wear it to Sunday brunch before our dinner out several days later. (I often repeat outfits in the same week.) In the included video at the bottom of this post, I go into more detail about my outfit, makeup, handbag and what I carried inside it, and the history of my jewelry. I hope you like the video.
New Year Savings Codes
Before I close, I do want to let you know about savings that are available if you are interested in shopping at Gingiberi Jewelry, Goelia, LilySilk, or Ally Shoes:
Gingiberi Jewelry: Janis15, 15% off site-wide; free 30-Day returns. Janis15 can also be combined with any discounts, making it effectively 20% off, with the lowest prices of the year.
Gingiberi Christmas Event (12/2-12/31) : $15 off $300, $30 off $600, $50 off $900, $80 off$1200. Free gift wrapping, double G-Points.
Goelia (excludes discounted items): 10JLJ for $10 off order or 20JLJ for $20 off order over $169.
LilySilk (excludes discounted items): JLJ20 for 20% off or JLJ25 for 25% off over $/€/£480.
AllyShoes: JANIS10, 10% off first purchase.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I appreciate you so much! Wishing all of you a very safe, healthy, and happy, happy New Year in 2025!
~ Janis
Janis Lyn Johnson
Classic-Style Lover. Happily Married. Born in 1960. Fan of Understated, Timeless Fashion and Healthy Living.
Editor
JLJ Back To Classic
Previous Posts:
Timeless Style: Louis Vuitton Monogram Double Zip Pochette, Long Blazer and Ivory Sweater and Jeans OOTD
Blog Post, Tube Video
Timeless Style/Clean Beauty: Trying Jane Iredale Makeup, Plus Tools Used; And Classic Pearl Jewelry Unboxing
Blog Post, Tube Video
Timeless Style: 11 Resort, Winter & Holiday Outfits; Elegant Classic Wardrobe Finds
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Style: Ferragamo Sofia Bag, Ivory Ruffle Blouse, Ivory Jeans, and Pastel-Blue Cardigan OOTD
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Style: Refurbishing My 1994 Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 30; Plus My Brown Cardigan, Ruffle Shirt, and Khaki Pants OOTD
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Style: Nine Elegant, Understated Fall-Winter Outfits
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Timeless Style: Longchamp Leather Le Pliage XS Bag and Camel Sweater-And-Skirt Set OOTD
Blog Post, YouTube Video
Scenes From The Video
Holiday Time, Naples, FL
(ABOVE) On the porch at Ridgway Bar and Grill in downtown Naples, Florida, with the patio behind me. (BELOW) Photograph of patio courtesy Ridgway Bar & Grill.
(ABOVE) The Third Street South Christmas Tree. (Photograph courtesy Ridgway Bar & Grill.)
(ABOVE) Driving home after dinner, we enjoyed the Christmas lights along Fifth Avenue South.
(ABOVE) Here, I wore the same outfit for Sunday brunch, the weekend before our dinner with friends. (I repeat outfits often!)
What I Wore
(ABOVE, CLOCKWISE) Gray Wool-Blend Cardigan; Ivory Silk Blouse; Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Bracelet, Vintage 14k/18k Diamond Earrings; Black Slingback Pumps; Silver Metallic Top-Handle Bag; Black Faux-Leather Pants.
Sunglasses, Black (narrow, medium, wide widths; more colors available)
My Watch
(ABOVE & BELOW) I bought this Michele Diamond Watch in about 2008; I liked the dual-time-zone style and aged-metallic alligator strap. It’s quite fun, I think, and enjoy styling it with white-metal jewelry.
Michele Deco Madison Diamond Watch (also here)
Sunglasses, Black (narrow, medium, wide widths; more colors available)
My Bracelet
(ABOVE) About 50 years ago, I went with my mother to the NYC Diamond District to buy this Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Bracelet. The Art Deco era spanned from 1920-1945, so the bracelet is 75-100+ years old. I go into more detail about that trip to NYC in my video at the bottom of this post. If you are interested in finding something similar, you may want to have a look at this Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Bracelet with blue sapphires.
Platinum and Diamond Art Deco Bracelet, with blue sapphires
My Handbag
(ABOVE) I purchased this MCM metallic-pewter leather handbag in December of 2018. It is called the Fontanellas Park Avenue Milla, and it is actually a convertible backpack, but I carry it like a top-handle bag. I love it with fall and winter trouser outfits in particular. MCM is a German brand that offers beautifully crafted leather bags and small leather goods and for lower prices than, say, Louis Vuitton. My particular handbag is not currently available, however, this Silver Metallic Top-Handle Bag from Veronica Beard is a lovely alternative.
Croc-Embossed Leather Top-Handle Bag, Silver
Earrings & Makeup
(ABOVE) My 14K White-Gold Pearl- and Diamond-Drop Earrings were my mother’s and, because of the way they are made, appear to be from a bygone era. I really don’t know their origin, but the motif is delicate diamond-covered leaves. According to langantiques.com, until 1854 “the legal standards for gold were 18ct and 22ct. In 1854 these standards were broadened with 15ct, 12ct, and 9ct. In 1932 the 12ct and 15ct standards for gold were abolished in favor of the 14ct mark.” Because of this, I’m guessing my earrings do not date back any earlier than the 1930s. If you like the look of my earrings, you might also like these Vintage 14k/18k Diamond Earrings.
Vintage 14k/18k Diamond Earrings
Powder Blush, Rose (also here; on bridge of nose, cheeks, chin, forehead, brow bone)
Lip Gloss, Soft Berry (also here)
Gold Dual-Ended Retractable Lip Brush (for lining and filling-in lips with lip color)
Eye Pencil, Black/Brown
RMS Beauty Unpowder Powder (applied to eyelids before and after eye liner as primer/setting powder; also Amazon)
Makeup Brushes/Sponge/Case (to apply my face, eye, and cheek makeup)
Pacifica Mascara, Black/Supernova
Set of Four Portable Eyelash Combs, Pink (to comb out mascara)
Vaseline Triple Purified, 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly (applied to cheeks and cheekbones as highlighter; also Target)
1-Ounce Glass Jars (set of 6, for storing Petroleum Jelly, Shea Butter, etc.)
Organic Argal Oil (EWG-rated well/low toxicity/low allergies)
Hot Rollers (available in blue or coral)
Hair-Styling Mousse (listed 2/low toxicity at EWG Build Your Own Report and listed 1/low toxicity at EWG Skin Deep)
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.
Hello Janis,
As always, you look beautiful and festive for the season! Love your subtle, sparkling outfit! Your hair is the topping of the cake! Very lovely; like you!
Greetings from ice cold Boston! I hope you had a delightful holiday! We had a lovely Christmas. Not that long ago, we always hosted about 15 people for dinner. I recall sitting across my dad; who was a handsome man turning 81. I thought to myself, there was going to be a time where he would not be here. Well, that year he became ill and passed away about a month later. Now, our table is my sister and brother-in-law. It was the four of us. We had wonderful time, but, when they left, I became very melancholy. I said a prayer and felt better and Blessed. Many Blessings to you, hubby and your family in the New Year! Love and light, Sarah🙏❤🌟🍾
Dear Sarah, thank you for your beautiful comment. It feels like a letter from an old friend I haven’t seen in a long time. I am so sorry about your father’s passing. Reading your description of your last Christmas together brought tears to my eyes. It is so true how our memories can be bittersweet. Getting older is so humbling and a test of our emotional strength. Thank you for the reminder that through gratitude we are able to find peace, healing, and happiness again. Many blessings to you, your hubby and family in the New Year as well. Hugs ~ Janis
Hi Janis!
I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
I loved the video and of course my favorite part was about your S T U N N I N G estate bracelet..
What a gorgeous piece of history blended with such sweet memories from 50 years ago shopping for it with your mom.
I wear a lot of jewelry that my grandmother handed down to my mother and then to me.
It always makes me smile just putting it on.. as they are both admiring it from above.
Wishing you a very happy New Year and a 2025 filled with all good things!
Claudia
Dear Claudia, thank you so much for taking the time to leave your comment. I appreciate you sharing the memories recalled each time you wear the jewelry passed down to you from your grandmother to your mother and then to you. It reminds me of the sweet moments I experienced with my own loved ones through the items they gave or left to me. I’d like to think as you do, that they are pleased their things are bringing us comfort, appreciation, and happiness whenever we see, wear, or use them. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and safe New Year in 2025 as well. Hugs ~ Janis