Awhile back I asked, YOU MY READERS what I was suppose to do……………………now that I closed the shop.
Some of you left beautiful comments………….I especially liked the one about taking up an instrument. I Appreciated all of the COMMENTS very much.THANK ~ YOU.A special THANK ~ YOU to those of YOU who do COMMENT as it gives me the ENERGY To continue writing and posting my own photos.
Come to find out an antique shop I had frequented for years was looking for a new tenant.(She was following the blog too!)You see it is a COLLECTIVE.She had a space available.The work schedule is VERY flexible and is just a few days a month.
So, I jumped at the chance to get rid of my LEFTOVERS from the HEN HOUSE and keep my foot in the door of what I love to do.
This shop is in the HEART of LIVERMORE, California and has been operating as an ANTIQUE shop for 40 years!They do have a FOLLOWING…………
SO, I have set up SHOP once again.
Here are some photos so you can shop from HOME!
There are 11 people involved with this STORE.So, you have a lot of different tastes and interests…………I have ALWAYS found the pricing to be VERY REASONABLE.The shop is situated in an old BOARDING HOUSE.It has definite character like the HEN HOUSE Building , only this one I hope has a FOUNDATION.
Let’s step inside and take a LOOK at my space.
I have the front of the SHOP as you walk in to the LEFT.
I am still SETTING UP STORE and haven’t had the time I need to make it PRETTY………..
I am feeling a bit more liberated as JULY has come to an end and I have finished all my BIRTHDAY LUNCHES……..well almost I think I have a double celebration on the 26th.Kim I hate to tell you this, but I’M BOOKED That DAY!
Lets keep cruising……..
Plates,Frames,Florentine mirror………….
ANYTHING speaking to YOU?
Briefcase I got out of a DUMPSTER at my old storage facility,Hats that were owned by A MISS AMERICA runner UP in the 1940’s…………Red House Coat that I had dry cleaned then this is what happened when it came home with me for two years and lived in my closet!WRINKLE CITY………..ITs stunning and LONG for the TALL DAME.What else do you spy here………TRIM from PARIS in the case the gold and navy blue.ALL for sale…………….
W plates……..or are they an M?We can make them to be what ever YOU want them to be……..I do not recall how many I have but PLEASE Be my guest and call the BLUE DOOR at 925-449-2111.Remember if your calling out of state to put a ONE in front!
GLASSWARE…….that I would be HAPPY to take home if they do not FLY out the door.
I have a few of these left…………GOOSE EGG.REAL has been painted and glittered.Asking $12.00 each.I think I paid $10.00!!
Vintage HATS……….all GOOD CONDITION!
In PILATES we learned the name “BOB” for boobs over box…………..HERE we have BOO for boobs over……………and you fill in the blank!
Under that orange bedspread……….Yes I do BELIEVE that’s what it was many years ago I have an old POKER TABLE.Green Felt………wooded legs that fold.Yours for a mere $95.00.
This is PERFECT for a COFFEE CAFE you frequent as the wreath was HAND MADE with coffee filters……….YES,coffee filters.Do I have to say it again?The perfect HOLIDAY WREATH that will last as long as you care for it and do not SMASH it in an over used closet!The dress it sits UPON is only $20.00.COSTUME for HALLOWEEN?It actually is pretty darn gorgeous……did get stuck in my car door and needs a black spot NOT STAIN just a spot removed………..CINDERELLA has entered the room.
Gorgeous jacket and black velvet dress………..MY guess about a size 10.Those days are LONG gone for ME…………..Happy to pass on to a good Home.Asking price is $100.00 for the Dress and Jacket.
I adore Purple……………especially Purple and green……………here we have the BOO sign which is not VINTAGE just FESTIVE.
Such a SWEET FACE………but who ever was in CHARGE of HIS lips gets a C ~.
TIARA for the FALL months……..hand made only $22.00!
College Student Leaving HOME………….GIVE THE CHILD THIS!!!!!!!!!
There is THAT FRENCH RIBBON I just could not leave behind in PARIS……….IT was used for the MILITARY!I really do NOT want to PART with it.ANY ideas how I could use it?
Wendy Addison letters………….this is ALL I have left.Years ago I bought the entire alphabet to ADORN the CHRISTMAS TREE.Which I still have and over the years the glitter has darken and aged to perfection.A beautiful way to adorn a GIFT with ones Initial!
This is TINY………maybe MRS. BANDAGE of INSTAGRAM FAME could wear but NOT many others……A size SMALL and I mean SMALL.I. MAGNIN is where it originated.Mint condition………….the designer escapes me at the moment.
LOVE THESE BLACK SHOES about a size 5.Too bad I did not show YOU the rhinestone DO~DA’s on the shoe……….JUST GORGEOUS!I think that is my favorite word.GORGEOUS!
Just PAPER……………but OH, so Beautiful.Part of the AMBIENCE in my quarters.
Garden Hat and Vintage handbag…………
Old SEED CATALOGS framed……………….Nicely done. Only $50.00.Frame is gold color.
White wicker chairs there are TWO, old frame……………….
Perfect LIMONCELLO glasses for the LADIES……….and a perfect Limoge espresso cup……..
Plumes for HATS and any other whimsy you SO desire………….a BASKET FULL!
The SEA calls…………every size and shape.
Large BATMAN pins……………..someone MUST need one?!!!
Many BLUES ABOUND here in the this cabinet………….
Note the woman sketch behind…………SHE SPEAKS TO ME!!!
Fruit compote or ice cream dishes…………
GREAT DISPLAY slipper chair………….
As you can see there is a little of this and a little of THAT……..every day items leave with MORE coming through THAT BLUE DOOR.If you happen to live in the SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA it would be worth your while to swing by for a PEEK……..I use to buy a lot of my CHRISTMAS GIFTS HERE.What do I mean USE TO; probably will by MORE now then BEFORE!I like a gift with a STORY or CHIP……….means MORE to me then the NEW STUFF.
TREASURE………….Lots of GOOD old-Fashion TREASURE!
A GARDEN BOY……………….I may NEED him if YOU do not beat me as I only have BOYS in my Life!Even my SON’s TEA CUP pig is a MALE!
I hope the CALIFORNIANS out there READING this are conserving LOTS of WATER.
Do as this FROG says……………..and make CERTAIN you have a PRETTY STEMWARE glass to sip from!!!!
That’s an ORDER from this VINTAGE CONTESSA.Use STEMWARE for sipping water and wine.You feel better if you are like me you drink more water this way.Am I the only one who does not like to drink water?It makes me choke!
Thanks for Following……….if you SPY something that INTRIqUES you send me an email at [email protected] other wise do leave me a comment.It puts a SMILE on my face, plus it makes my ITALIAN Husband roll HIS eyes as I read each and every one to HIM!
He doesNOT GET this BLOGGING STUFF……………!
THE BLUE DOOR ANTIQUE SHOP is located at 321 N.L STREET
Livermore,Calif.94551
Monday ~ Saturday 10 to 5:30pm
Sunday 11 ~ 5
Mrs Badinage says
I’m a US 6 – I’m not that tiny, just small boned and small of stature, I’d burst those vintage seams!
That twenty dollar costume looks like something an awful lot more expensive, I thought it was vintage Balmain or something.
contessa says
IT is a MUCH more EXPENSIVE GOWN.I just need to see it GO BYE-BYE!!!SO, I am giving it away………I do that from time to time.Makes me HAPPY to see others HAPPY!
PS. YOU couldNOT BURST ANYTHING!
Eleanor says
I am so glad you are back into the swing of it again. This is definitely your calling. I love your whimsical mind. XOXO
contessa says
A BIG KISS headed your way…….VIA PROVENCE are you there??
Anita Rivera says
YOU are a joy to chat with, to READ, to witness as you share what you (AND I) are passionate ABOUT! Congratulations are in order first, and what a PERFECT NAME for an antique shop! And you know this place, you know the ropes, you’ve made your mark here…I am so happy for you. I hope that next year we will be back in that area once again. I need to see exactly where you are and plan accordingly. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE your descriptions of all the items..I laughed so hard with the face and THE LIPS – C- for the artist! HAHHAHAHAHHA
Oh dear, what would blogging or Instagram be without you. You are a gem.
Love all the goodies! And this was fun shopping before I head back to school tomorrow! NO!!!!!
contessa says
NO!
TOMORROW………….school………….it gets earlier each year to me.
Look what you have done!You went to CARMEL……YOU spoke with ME On the phone……..you bought oil paintings….had time with your BELOVED……..Discovered INSTAGRAM!!!!There has got to be LOADS more you accomplished this summer so FEEL GOOD about the RETURN To school…………it will be nice to have a routine!
XOXO
D. A. Wolf says
So. Much. FUN.
Treasure indeed! I would spend spend spend if I popped by your shop! (And you remind me I need to use my mother’s and my grandmother’s china and stemware in my antique cabinet! Why don’t I DO that????)
xoxo
contessa says
Because I hadNOT told YOU to DO SO………….tonight you shall sip your beverage from GRANNY’s glasses!Hope the SON is cooking!!!!!
XOXO
Ps. By day a stemware at your side with a slice of lime or lemon………..
contessa says
VIA EMAIL: Very enticing!
elliot says
My wife enjoys reading your blog……We are happy to hear you found something to do and that the job is a perfect fit for you!! Once an antique dealer, always an antique dealer. The slipper chair is nice…..
We look forward to a new posting.
S/E
Gaylin says
How fun! I live very close and go over to Livermore often to shop! But never seen the blue door!
Will stop in tomorrow 🙂
Cheers to your new space !
contessa says
OH FANTASTIC GAYLIN!!!!!!!!!!
Let me know if you found something that SPEAKS TO YOU!
Shireen Eckhardt says
Dear VC, I am so happy you have a new outlet to sell your fabulous goods! I first visited the Hen House a few months before you announced you were closing the door (I purchased a LARGE vintage hotel room service tray) – so sad to see it go! Love the new pictures! Best wishes from Pleasant Hill, Shireen
contessa says
I REMEMBER!!!!!!!!!!
Come see me in LIVERMORE.
PLEASE,
A reader in Tiburon says
I don’t know you but I love you! You always bring a smile to my lips and a chuckle to my heart.
contessa says
I Grew up in TIBURON!!!!
THANK YOU for writing this……you made my evening!
Marla in the OC says
I love that I. Magnin vintage dress! I miss I. Magnin and Joseph Magnin–they were the best! Cool little shop. I haven’t been to Livermore in ages. Next visit north, a detour and special visit may be in order. Congrats on your new venture!
contessa says
A SPECIAL Visit for SURE!I would LOVE that……………as you spied my 90 year old MOTHER on my INSTAGRAM we MUST meet since you knew HER!How small this world truly is…………and I agree the MAGNIN shops were some of the VERY BEST.
Sandra Sallin says
Well, where to begin. Let’s start at the door. I LOVE that blue. Beautiful blue. Then…where to begin. Just a wealth of treasures. Love your comment about who ever drew the lips on that man got a C-. Then drinking water from a crystal wine glass. The way I’ve made myself to drink more water is by putting a lemon in it and now I drink iced tea instaead of water. Great idea using those black boards to remind kids to call home. I think that that blue and white tin platter is the one that was never returned in Sun Valley after a picnic. So you and Giampiero “Save Water Drink Champagne”! Maybe it should say Prosecco. Great fun post. I can see where you’d have a ball creating little vignettes of treasures.
contessa says
Should I send that TRAY back TO YOU………MY TREAT!!!
Susan in Snelling! says
I see a road trip in the near future…..So many wonderful things!
contessa says
Where is SNELLING???I feel I have seen the sign for it!Let me know when you are headed to LIVERMORE!It’s by FRESNO……………I think!!!I think The ITALIAN husband had a JOB there once!
the gardeners cottage says
lovely things!
i’ve met mrs. badinage and she is tiny and gorgeous!!!
contessa says
YOU HAVE!Tell me every little detail…………….XX
Jo Ann says
ELIZABETH!!!!!!!!
tell me what days you will work and I will come and see you with a zany friend of mine.
hugs and smooches, Jo Ann
contessa says
OKAY!I would LOVE to see my old NORDSTROM co-worker!The more ZANY friends the better………..are you going to see TZIPORAH?I think YOU should!
Dianne D says
I live in Sacramento and shop in Livermore occasionally. I had no idea you had a shop there so will make a point of going to the Blue Door. For people that don’t know, Livermore has a beautiful downtown area.
contessa says
IT does INDEED.However, the BLUE DOOR is in the BURBS!Just about THREE Blocks from the MAIN STREET!Worth the little detour.PLENTY of PARKING TOO!
Penelope Bianchi says
Contessa! Stop reading them to him!! STOP! Just smile lovingly……and appear happy (because you are!)
You have to understand he doesn’t like it! (the computer; he doesn’t like any of it! (I know because my Italian husband doesn’t either!!!) Don’t stuff it down his throat! Drop it! Talk to your other friends about the comments….trust me. Don’t go to him .
He doesn’t like it and probably never will.
Be close to him in the other ways!!
XXOO
contessa says
GOT IT!
Karena says
Contessa!! This is perfect for you and you have the prime spot in the shop!
Adore so much, your stemware, the hats, the tablecloth/ bed-cover!!Gorgeous gowns!
Just don’t come home with more than you sell!! Ha!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Artist Nicoletta Belletti
contessa says
Never been TOO good about THAT…………….!!!
But many thanks for putting the IDEA in my HEAD!
XO
Penelope Bianchi says
EXACTLY!!!!!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL: Those gold plates are a W!! My maiden name was Whyte! (ask your husband what White means in italian)!
Anyway…..I love them! Not an M!
XXOO
PENNY
contessa says
GOOD GRIEF PENELOPE………..REALLY?I do not have to ASK I already KNOW!
Growing up you were a WHYTE and married to the ITALIAN you are a BIANCHI both are the SAME word!!!!!!!!That is TOO MUCH…….WHere is THE BOOK!?
XO
Mdm. Tortoise says
May I suggest that you read my dear friend’s blog. Her name is Virginia Bassett and the name of her blog is Bel’Occhio. You remind me of her both in style and the way you live. I think you would enjoy her photos and what she writes. She is very elegant and one who can do anything and do it beautifully. She and her partner used to own a French restaurant and now live on a farm a short distance from Vancouver, BC. which she has turned into a magical place. Please take a look and let me know what you think if you so choose.
Cheers,
Jill
LA CONTESSA says
I definitely will…………will report back tomorrow!!
theresa says
I’m with Giampy about the Blog-Sphere, but Contessa …you are an ADDICTION that is impossible to kick!!!!!! NOT that I have tried, mind you!!!! NEVVV~VAAHHH!!!!!!!!!
Tell Giampy to hop on that bike of his and let the wind blow out the fru fru. Plus this will leave YOU time for setting the stage for whatever FANTASTIC event you are planning……….Congrats on Blue Door-never heard of it before. Can’t wait to pop-in.
The slipper chair is wonderful!!! hmmmm……What is the little drummer boy with the messy lipstick??? An ornament? A cheeky doorman? A Hatpin? A Bookend? A Paperweight? Please do tell~ inquiring minds want to know.
LOVE your updates. Have not lost your #, will call soon.
XOXOX Theresa
LA CONTESSA says
JUST A HEAD needing a HOME…………..xo
Heather Lindstrom says
Treasures abound in your whimsical space! I am so happy that you found this delightful space–with only a few hours of commitment per month. Years ago I had a space at an Antique Collective here in Chico. I worked one Sunday a month-perfect! It was for that little space that I traveled to Paris, for the first time, to send home a crate from Clignancort flea market. I loved the whole experience so I can definitely relate. Cheers to you–love that red house dress!
Sweet dreams (I hope! 😉
xx, Heather
Jennifer says
I SAW how fabulous it all is!! I even tried that straw hat on :)) Loved it. You’re really in your element at an antique shop!!
XO
anita@letshavelunch says
Adore the name of the shop…….excellent choice and I love the Blue cabinet of curiosities, there’s even a nest in there!!!
Elizabeth, it must be impossible to work there without buying from another vendor………tell us what treasures you’ve found irresistible. I couldn’t control myself. I’ve seen 2 things already that I would have to have. You must so look forward to your day there. It’s really not work but your passion, isn’t it. xx Neat
contessa says
YES!
EXACTLY Anita………..I have left everyday with something mostly a few items!Frames,jewels,glassware…….a bit of everything!
XX
kim says
So our lunch date has a conflict ? Shoot okay I was just going to send you and Jen a note. Well, we must continue to extend the celebration, so we’ll make another date. Wow I would love to get up to your new spot. Looks like lovely treasures. I think that I.Magnin jacket is amazing, but I bet it won’t fit. The W dishes are pretty fabulous. Maybe I can make there trek up there once school begins…Freedom is imminent !! So glad you have shop again.The world needs more Contessa. xoxo Kim
contessa says
Sent you an email………hope we can dive in your pool and chit chat soon!XX
contessa says
Congratulations! I think “fulfillment is being back in a shop. Livermore needs you.
VIA EMAIL
barbara vasko says
I am SOOOO coming over the hill to see you! I live in Oakdale…The Cowboy Capital of the World. Just a hop and slip over the Altmont. Please let us know your days in the shop. This is exciting….
contessa says
BARBARA…………I should be there the first THREE TUESDAYS of each month.I will be there next TUESDAY if that helps!Look forward to meeting YOU!
Loree says
Now you’ve done it! I am going to be drooling over all that pretty stuff all day. I wish I lived somewhere close because I know I’d pop in and buy a few things. How big is that Batman badge? My husband might like that. Sigh. He won’t grow up ! 😉
contessa says
BIG!
Bigger then a coffee saucer………smaller then a salad plate.
Hope that helps!$22.oo each.
I would be happy to MAIL to MALTA…………..shipping on ME!
XX
cherie says
O.K. I want those python suitcases! Are you kidding me? Where did you find those? They have my name written all over them. $$$??? Love that you are back in business. Sounds like a perfect situation. You have a lot of leftover stuff, wish I lived closer I would be your best customer!
XO,
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
contessa says
Wish you lived closer too………I know WE could have fun times together!
I will check on the suitcases.
Maybe I will need to hand DELIVER!!!!
XO
Marsha @ Splenderosa says
Elizabeth, it is creativity which feed our soul. Never change. Don’t give up something you love IF you have time to dally even a little bit. Soulfood. We all need it !!!
contessa says
YOU are SO RIGHT!!!
THANKS…….XO
jill says
I am so glad you decided to go through with this!!! I wish I could make it down to Livermore on a Tuesday.. everything looks wonderful. 🙂 xx
Mdm. Tortoise says
What a wonderful collection of eye candy to provide joy on this dreary day in Vancouver. I am interested in the orange house coat as a possible gift for a dear friend. I would appreciate it if you would tell me a little more about the piece such as type of material price and if you mail to Canada. I expect it would be a good fit given that she is 5’10”. Thank you and best wishes with your new venture.
Cheers…
Mdm.. Tortoise
contessa says
Have sent YOU an email!
Cindy Hattersley says
When I get done caring for my critically ill mother, I need to make a roadtrip!,,
Penelope Bianchi says
I am so sorry you are going through that. I did too. Unfortunately; my mother was 68 when she became critically ill (it doesn’t matter) with Parkinson’s. I was 28. She died when I was 33. It is hell. Brava to you!
Penelope
Tamera Beardsley says
How lovely to hear you are back in business my dear! Hooray for you and your new flexibility!
When are you going to do a post on your exercise and health regime? Isn’t it time to share your secrets for staying so trim and supple my dear!!
Much love to you darling!
xoxo
Tamera
Penelope Bianchi says
I can almost answer ! And then La Contessa has to! Passion, flair, enthusiasm; and a DIVINE Italian husband!!!
Just a theory!
contessa says
THANK YOU PENELOPE!
NO, regime…………..PILATES, a good facial GAL,and The recipe above and very little sleep these days!Hoping that goes away soon!Or this CONTESSA with FLAIR and PASSION will be OUT of COMMISSION soon!
Coulda shoulda woulda says
Love this post BC I love stuff like this and I go browsing all the time. If I lived near you if be there in a flash!!! Such variety too. So jolly like you!
contessa says
SORRY YOU always end up in my SPAM.Lets keep at this and get it to RECOGNIZE YOU!
Wendy Barrett says
Hello, I have just discovered your divine blog via Loree’s Stories and Scribbles. How lovely that you were able to meet up with each other!
Your blog is a treat for the eyes – I almost swooned with delight when I saw your garden statue bedecked in pearls! I have signed up to be a follower so I can keep up with your world of opulent beauty and enthusiasm!
contessa says
OH,how EXCITING!Loree and I only spoke on the telephone when she was here in the STATES.I hope one day to visit HER in her abode and island!THANKS for FOLLOWING and I hope not to disappoint!WELCOME………
mieke says
I could get lost for days in your shop (& lose all my money as well, haha)- so many wonderful treasures! good thing I’m on the other coast.
contessa says
What a TREAT to have a fellow instagrammer come visit me!!!!
Anita Rivera says
CONTESSA! Hello there, you fabulous person, YOU!
Thanks for taking time to come and visit me. School has begun and it’s a crazy schedule, and I miss summer already. Sure was fun, and I hope to stay with IG but I won’t be so frequent in my posts. ENJOY time away from the computer AND I hope business is going well for you! XOXOX
Daphne says
Good Afternoon Contessa, It is lovely to meet you. I was taking a peek around the internet, as one does, and found you, and I am so pleased I have. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog and I loved all the wonderful ‘bits and bobs’ you shared.
I smiled at one of the photographs, as I saw there was a piece of vintage Coventry Ware on your shelf…. the little German boy. Well, my mother Phyllis has had the little boy and girl on her mantlepiece for a long long time…. too many years to count.
I have really enjoyed my vist and I promise I will return, as you are a breath of fresh air.
Best Wishes to you.
Daphne
contessa says
WONDERFUL……..thank you for taking the time to write!
Love your name as it is one of my MOST FAVORITE plants!
The fragrance is intoxicating!
Queen of trashy treasures says
How did I miss this???? What a fabulous space! Of course I love it all and would be one of your best customers if it were not for space… I have none and the fact that I live across the U.S.!!!!! So happy you can keep doing what you love! Your passion for beautiful things is evident. Thanks for the tour!!!
contessa says
You were too busy holding CATS and making mini BARS in the bedroom!!!!!!!XX
Leslie Harris says
How exciting! New beginnings are so invigorating for our spirit. And this looks like a wonderful new home for all your collections. I wish I lived closer I’d love to stop in.