Was a budding success!
AS YOU CAN SEE THE PINK HYDRANGEA HAT WON OUT FOR DAY ONE!
HERE I AM WITH THE DELIGHTFUL OWNER OF THE WILLOW NEST IN SAN LUIS OBISPO.SHE HAD LOVELY CLOTHING FOR SALE ALONG WITH VINTAGE GOODS.
I OF COURSE, BOUGHT THE TOP I AM WEARING FROM HER ON SET-UP DAY!
THE DELIGHTFUL RACHEL ASHWELL CAME AND SIGNED HER NEW BOOK FOR ABOUT FOUR HOURS.SHE STOOD IN FRONT OF A BREEZY DOOR AND COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE GRACIOUS WITH HER ADORING FANS TAKING TIME TO LISTEN AND AUTOGRAPH EACH AND EVERY BOOK.
HERE I AM SITTING ON THE ONE THING I WANTED TO SELL MORE THEN ANY OTHER ITEM.MY PINK SLIPPER CHAIR………..I THOUGHT BY DAY TWO MY HOPES WERE DASHED WHEN MY GORGEOUS NEIGHBOR TO THE LEFT SAID TO ME,”THAT CHAIR IS SO MY FRIEND MARY!”SHE THEN SNAPPED A PHOTO AND SENT OFF VIA TEXT MESSAGE AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW SHE ANSWERED YES,I WANT IT!I SOLD A LOVE SEAT AND THE PINK CHAIR WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF EACH OTHER!
THAT MEANT ONLY ONE TRUCK HAD TO COME AND LOAD ME UP NOT TWO!
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW HAPPY THAT MADE ME!
Let me introduce you to Tricia of ROUGH LINEN.She has an online shop where she sells bedding and aprons.I of course purchased TWO aprons and I do think I need it in black too now but will wait just a half a second before contacting her.I think what I really needed was the sheets……………..I must have been having a senior moment.After cruising her web site http://www.roughlinen.com I am totally taken with the idea.I too had read about her before…………it all came back to me upon seeing her video talk.It truly is a small world.
Here is my neighbor………..who also purchased a few aprons.Don’t you just love the LOOK of this.As Tricia said to me you can wear it as a top and you have a pocket for the cell phone!There is no zipper or buttons.I am sorry I did not get a photo of the back bit as it crosses and is so very chic!
Then came my FUN, FUN FRIENDS from exercise class!They had seen me on Instagram with my hats and decided to show up in their hats of total WHIMSY and surprise me!Did you hear my shriek of JOY!!!
It was loads of fun to meet NEW people and old clients from the HEN HOUSE and meet people like BARBARA and GAYLIN who follow my BLOG.It was very touching for me too to meet an Instagram Follower.I was very touched by all the folks that came by and said something to me!
Even the man who complimented me and my outfit and then asked if I was COMFORTABLE in it!!A quick pause as I thought and responded ,YES,I AM!
The gal behind me was late in set up.I did have curtains behind me Ellie…….I did look a tad bit BETTER then this!Eiderdowns were my biggest sellers…….I think I SOLD four of them and came home to find one more I had tucked away………..thats OK as I need a few for my chilly days too.
The MANNEQUIN SOLD as did the footstool……darn still left with the silver dome!That will just have to come home with me!!!!!NO PROBLEM there.
This is what I Looked like after set-up.Most everything you see in this photo SOLD.All my BIG furniture, in fact I had to bring a kitchen chair for day two!This round garden table I could have SOLD three times over……but NOPE NOT FOR SALE, I stated as I had brought that back from LUCCA , ITALY in my luggage almost 30 years ago!I need to hang on to it!!!I PUT IT IN MY LUGGAGE PEOPLE………………THAT was an AMAZING FEAT!
More PRETTIES………..fun story I SOLD the necklace to the right to a GAL who works in an ANTIQUE store in town.Funny thing is I think I bought this necklace THERE at that shop where she works many moons ago!
Oh, and then there was SWEET MAGNOLIA with ALL her TREASURES……..I have been known to do damage in her shop from time to time especially in the chandelier department!
The woman from WILLOW NEST who’s husband makes DOVECOTES!!!
More GOODS to make YOUR EYES POP!
I know who TOOK this GUY HOME!He had my attention upon entering!
Me with the HAT that was VOTED by my INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS to be the one I wore on day ONE!They couldn’t have been more SPOT ON!Everyone LOVED my HAT!
Day TWO with my favorite WORKER BEE…… HELEN.She helps with set up and assists JUDY of REMNANTS of the PAST with all the behind the scenes.She actually uses silver domes to keep HER kids food warm if they are not at the table PRONTO!I loved hearing that…………
As this GAL was leaving I called out!”Just one more photo PLEASE!”I really expected her to say NO, but she did not and was gracious enough to allow me a photo with her.I could not stand in line and get her autograph, but Helen arranged that for me and I was most grateful.
I sat in my garden on SUNDAY and read HER book from cover to cover…….I LOVED it!She told HER STORY and how she came to be and how she was inspired and how she went down hill and how she is coping and making a come back!I was really impressed and if you do not know who I am talking about her name is RACHEL ASHWELL the founder of SHABBY CHIC!!!!
French Basketeer says
Your hats are fabulous and so was the show it seems!
contessa says
OUI……….SI………and YES!
Eleanor says
I would have loved to work your booth with you. You looked fabulous in those hats! Everything looked wonderful in your booth. Bravo!
contessa says
I would LOVE to work a BOOTH with YOU ANYDAY!!
Tricia Rose says
I am so delighted to have met you Elizabeth, you are a fabulous neighbor! We installed the slipper chair in Mary’s dressing room (she calls it her bordello room !) and it looks perfect, thank you!
contessa says
LOVE THE NAME OF THE ROOM!
D. A. Wolf says
Love, love, love the hats! AND the scads of pearls. (And… the site looks fantabulous!)
contessa says
MERCI!!!!!
Katie Clooney says
My dear CONTESSA… You look MAAAAVELOUS in all of you hats! Of course you sold most of your wares… you have EXQUISITE TASTE!!!!! Love the apron. I will definitely check on your DARLING SON at the CAPE. Email me the specifics. I adore food trucks. They have the BEST food!!! Have a FABULOUS week!!!
contessa says
MAAAAVELOUS ~ EXQUISITE TASTE ~DARLING SON ~BEST ~ FABULOUS all done in CONTESSA like CAPS!!!!You are MY soul MATE!
I will get you the details…………..PRONTO!
Miss Mary says
So glad you got some relaxing time in the garden on Sunday. You deserved it. Working a two day show, including the set-up/tear-down is exhausting. But, one return truck instead of two- that means you did well! BRAVA!
Really LOVE the new look of the BLOG- very chic- so YOU!!!!!
Turtle-dove #2 returns from France this Saturday-This Mama can’t wait! She only has a 12 day turn-around before she leaves for a summer internship in Dallas. Turtle-dove #1 is driving there with her to help her get settled.
Sending love and hugs to all your house-mates (furry and otherwise) – from the whole turtle-dove family. 🙂
contessa says
How EXCITING to be ALL together once again!Even if it’s a short time………BUT what an opportunity for HER!
THANK YOU SO MUCH we send HUGS to all of YOU!!!
Leslie Harris says
I love your style! Your hats and your gregarious personality are utterly charming! I’m so happy to meet you Contessa–and to have discovered your beautiful blog. I wish I could have gone to the show looks like a blast.
xo
Leslie aka Gwen Moss
contessa says
I would ADORE to meet YOU TOO MS. AKA: GWEN MOSS!
kim says
Elizabeth what a super show you had. You looked amazing in all your hats. I’m sure everyone was enchanted to meet you. Wish I could have gone! Next time for sure. You are so lucky to get to meet Rachel. I have all her books except this one and I didn’t know her story so I’ll have to get it. Love the photo of you both. Yay for just one truck. xxoo Kim
contessa says
YOU MUST GET THE BOOK!!!!!!!!
Suzanne says
Oooh…that is just my kind of show!
LOVE the hats! I just made two of my own this past weekend…not nearly as extravagant as yours though.
bisous
Suzanne
contessa says
I am certain YOUR HATS are beautiful and VERY practical!!!
Nita says
Thank you for the invitation! Beautiful show! Beautiful photos! Loved seeing you in your element 🙂
contessa says
CHECK…….CHECK……..CHECK………Now WE must find YOU a TABLE!!
Loree says
What a truly great time you had. One day I have to make it to one of these shows! And you had to go and mention Lucca. I adore that place. When we visited there was an antiques show going on. I could have bought half the things that were on show. But I just got some jewellery because it’s easy to fit into a suitcase – not like a table:)
contessa says
My TABLE came from THAT Antique SHOW!IT’s a once a month SHOW.Lucca is REALLY LOVELY………….the wall,the city……………….ahhh what’s NOT to LOVE about ITALY!
Barbara Costa says
Your hat caught my eye as soon as I turned the corner and I knew exactly who would be wearing it! It was truly a pleasure meeting you, wanted to get back for a chat but the crowds descended and you were swamped…lucky you!! It was a beautiful show….
contessa says
OH, SORRY……….I would have loved to have had a chat!THANK YOU for coming and introducing yourself!
anita@letshavelunch says
Hello Bella,
Your stall looked amazing. You looked amazing. Wonderful, happy photos of the day. Elizabeth, I love the apron that lass is wearing. It would be perfect for the garden too. Those deep pockets for bibs and bobs and of course plenty of space for the mobile……got to get Instagram updates!!!! Will check the online link.
So your back home now, exhausted but happy after such a successful event.
Time to smell the roses.
Sending love from Down Under
xx neat
contessa says
I will get YOU an APRON!WHAT color…….black,white or flax?Size too………
It is TIME to smell the roses and finish the BOOK you sent me!!!
It’s my FAVORITE Time of YEAR!!!
XX
Dianne D. says
I was so excited to meet you at Remnants on Saturday. I was the one wearing the green blouse. I read your great blog and you are just so flamboyant and fun!!
contessa says
Dianne…………The GREEN blouse is KEY!I can remember YOU!THANK YOU for searching me OUT!!!!Lovely to meet YOU!Hope you found some goodies!!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
You are AMAZING. It all looked such fun & THAT hat a great marketing tool!! So glad you are back Well done much love Ros xx
contessa says
Wonderful to hear from YOU ROS………XX
Alberto says
Hi Elizabeth what a Great show. I wish I coul have been there. When is the next one. You look amazing as usual. It was great seeing you the other day at ND WC say Hi to your Hubbie
contessa says
THANK YOU for YOUR COMMENT ALBERTO!
I adored seeing YOU TOO!You must come find me next time!!
Anita Rivera says
WOW! There you are with Rachel Ashwell, and there you are in all your grand beauty, Contessa! Hello my friend!
Your hats, your colliers….stunning. You remind me of my aunt: tall, regal, stylish, fabulous.
Well, time is ticking away and I will be in your neck of the woods soon. I can’t wait to maybe meet you?
What a grand event this must have been! Lovely articles, great people! Sweet friend, you light up the space, I am sure of it. So good to see you and receive this awesome new blog post of yours with such a lovely new style. LOVE IT! Anita
contessa says
WAITING for YOUR ARRIVAL………………..I Need to give you a call!
XO
DaniBP says
Oh my gosh I am wearing a Rough Linen apron as I type! I adore them I wear them every single day. I’m wearing the white just now it still looks pristine, all stains come out when it hangs up in the sunshine on my clothesline.
What a fabulous sale I wish I could have been there. Your hat is beyond fabulous!
contessa says
LOVE LOVE LOVE that YOU have TRICIA’s aprons!!!!I plan to wear mine TODAY!
Have you tried HER sheets?
THANK YOU!
Jody Brettkelly says
How neat that you met her. what a cornucopia of fabulosity in those hats. can’t decide which one I love the most – like picking your fave child! i love how your friends from exercise class came down and surprised with their hatson too!
contessa says
WE must TAKE JOY in every day and these TWO certainly DO THAT!I do believe you are right up there with them!
Catherine says
Oh my gosh, you in your gorgeous hats and your booth both looked fantastic AND you met Tricia from Rough Linen! I have one of her pinafores in natural linen, and wear it all the time for gardening. (I’ll send you a pic – still owe you one of the black & white cows…) I love it, and want one in black and one in white…
I’m so happy your technical glitches have been fixed, and your posts are landing in my email once again!
xo, Catherine
contessa says
Why am I the last to DISCOVER TRICIA!!!!She lives practically in my backyard and here you are on the EAST COAST donning HER aprons!!I will NOW NEED the photo of the cows down the street from you and YOU in your apron!
Thrilled about my glitches and my NEW LOOK TOO!
THANK YOU!I have another commenter to THANK FOR THAT!
XO
Tara Sayers Dillard says
Watched a Jane Austen film years ago and loved how the women would walk from their cottage, into the garden. Grabbing an apron on a peg by the door as they went. EXACTLY.
Love these.
And your hats.
Hooked on my Stetson, wish I had known its qualities sooner. Aside from weight, don’t like a hat weighing the tops of my ears, the brim folds just up, giving clear range for spanning a garden, or calf and keeping the sun off.
Garden & Be Well, XO T
this house stuff is giving me nites of hard tired slumber !!! much more packing…..taking to thrift store too. no time too sell the merch. Glad you had a delightful sale.
No amenities at the new garden. Delightful !!!!
contessa says
LOVE that YOU are enchanted with your NEW HOME and the idea of starting OVER………..PHOTOS PLEASE on the BLOG of the NEW / OLD DIGGS!!I do believe I will be VERY JEALOUS of what I am about to SEE……………….XO.
Good thing they left the Bricks as requested!!!!
Eric Cortina says
FLAWLESS!!! I would have bought the silver dome…and maybe the goat too!
contessa says
I still have the silver dome and perhaps could arrange to deliver……………
The goat will be FOR SALE at another shop close to me!
YOUR word takes the CAKE!
May I COPY you?!!
Sandra Sallin says
Fabulous!Fabulous! Fabulous! Please give us a tutorial on how to make hats. Even though my husband says it’s “not my best look.” 🙂
Love those pinafores. I can see one in my future. Love the look.Here’s to next year in Santa Barbara!
contessa says
SANDY………..YOu do not have to wait an entire year as the SHOW will be in SANTA BARBARA in NOVEMBER…..the 11th and 12th.Perhaps a birthday outing for YOU!With a stop by to see PENELOPE!!!!!I of course would arrange that!
I would be HAPPY to get you a PINAFORE!!!
Yes, the ROSE queen needs a TOPPER for her sun hat we can DO THAT UP TOO!
XO
cherie says
I LOVE IT ALL!!!! Being surrounded by all of those beautiful things is right up my alley. If I were there I would have wanted the lounger (for sure!), all your hats (if I could only wear hats) and the rough linen jumper or apron. And, what a treat to meet Rachel Ashwell. I adore her things.
Congratulations on your successful show Contessa! Oh, and link up with SHOE and TELL those leopard espadrilles I spied on your feet in one of the photos!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
contessa says
I know the SHOW Is RIGHT up OUR ALLEY!!!The chaise was pretty GORGEOUS and did not sell.That belonged to another GAL…………
I will TRY…………LOOK for my FEET on your next link UP!!YOU are becoming a STAR!Can’t wait until FRIDAY!
Gaylin says
It was such a overwhelming pleasure to meet you! I should have had a quick picture with you and your amazing hat!
Wish the darling foot stool had not sold so quickly! I sure would have brought home the silver dome had it been on my budget!
contessa says
I LOVED That FOOTSTOOL…….it did GO to a BEAUTIFUL WOMAN from EUROPE!The Dome YES, is a bit pricey but thats the WAY the BALL bounces as I paid a lot for it too.It would make any room STAND OUT and say LOOK AT ME!
THANK YOU for coming and finding ME!!
Heather in Arles says
Ah! I read this late before falling asleep last night and am late to the comments party. 🙂 But everyone has already said it perfectly – you came, you saw, you conquered! And looked gorgeous while doing so. Bravissima!
contessa says
MERCI………….MERCI……………never too LATE for me to hear from YOU!
XO
Jeanne McKay Hartmann says
But it was your hat that was BEST IN SHOW. Love it, love it, love. Glad it was such a success! XOXO
contessa says
IT was the ONLY HAT in SHOW!!!!
THANK YOU………you are a gorgeous thing!
mary jo says
I’m SO glad the show was a success for you – nothing better than selling BIG furniture! I adore your aprons and think I need one in flax. I can’t wait to get home and get all my linen sheets out of storage…have missed them! Loving everything about the show and am such a fan of Rachel A. – have all her early books and was so sad for her when she left her shops but glad she’s coming back!
xoxo Mary Jo
contessa says
I have the FLAX apron on NOW as I type!
Love it!
Yes, you the painter MUST get one or THREE!!!!
XO
Cheryl says
The show looks like it was a ton of fun ! Wish I could have have been there …….Glad too you sold all the big stuff !
c
contessa says
THANKS!!
I hope your show too was a success!!!
Sunday Hendrickson says
Oh, Bella Contessa,
Your bloomin’ millinery puts the finishing touch
on your sweet personality!
contessa says
I ADORE YOU!!!!
YOU KNOW THAT!
Deborah Montgomery says
I have the Rough Linen sheets and love them. You won’t be sorry. I want the apron and the towels, too!
contessa says
LOVE THE APRON!
foodiefan says
Looks like it was a fabulous success! Can you believe this…… I just looked up Rough Linen website on the weekend! I’m looking for linen sheets and doona covers for our new place. Had no idea that you would be in the same venue. Love Tricia in the apron and she is right, it would make a great dress. xo
contessa says
I can mail to HARRY Then you can take back to AUSSIE!!!!!!!!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
You superstar… Love seeing these pics and you are such an inspiration… sending love xx
Karena says
Ah the most enchanting Elizabeth! I love everything you had in your shop and what a successful sale!!
You inspire me endlessly!! I wish you could come down to Andrea’s for her May event. After this winter I need a getaway so much and cannot wait!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Giveaway from The Enchanted Home!
Charlotte Des Fleurs says
Yes, Yes! Contessa, PLEASE come down to Andrea’s on May 16th for the French food Camp. It is the last one for a while.. Andrea will be in France goofing off (ha!) for June, July and August.
As you know, Andrea’s French Food Camps (The French Basketeer) are beyond marvelous!
A bientôt j’espère, Charlotte
contessa says
NOT in the cards now………enjoy!
Catherine Robinson says
Congratulations, Contessa…sounds like you had a wonderful time and looking amazing, as always…I love your story of the necklace; it has seemingly returned home 😉
xx
contessa says
DA VERO……………it has return HOME!I liked that TOO………..
Seems you have a new PRINCESS to look after!
I adore her name…………….Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.Could not be more perfect!
Jennifer says
Fabulous overload!! I’m so sorry I missed the show. It looks and sounds amazing.
Do you have a budding career in hat making? I would say YES!! You look tres chic and stunning, as always.
xoxoxo
contessa says
NO, and THANK YOU!
I do not feel TRES CHIC all the time………………XO
Town & Country House says
Your hats are incredible! And I would have loved to have shopped in your booth. How you fit that table in your suitcase is a story I’m sure! Where there’s a will, there’s a way! (I should know since I brought a painting and antique easel home from Paris!) I hope you are wearing one of your luscious hats to a Derby Party today!
contessa says
You are a LADY after MOI!If there is a WILL there is away!!That table just had to come home with me as 30 years ago they were a fortune to buy here in the States!I have since brought another back too in my luggage; a much smaller cafe table……….I bordered the train with it in my hand!Saying CAFE anyone!!
I look forward to seeing your window boxes in a few months time!!!!
suzanna says
Hi Elizabeth, your site is looking fantastic. Reaching out as I am a bit sad as I didn’t get a card to you for Ellie. I didn’t know how!
LA CONTESSA says
I left my address three times on her comments………….
NEXT YEAR!!!
suzanna says
Merci ~ i have been a bit out of pocket here and there ~ certainly my oversight….
Joy to your weekend !
cindy hattersley says
Darn I am so sorry I missed it!! It looked like so much fun and the best part would have been meeting you!!
Sunday Taylor says
This looks like it was so much fun! Thanks for sharing.