IT’s not every day you meet up with an AMERICAN who lives in PARIS!
Well, thats what I did on WEDNESDAY.
I was driven to LOS GATOS, California by THE STYLE MD in her little sport car where I only put the brake on THREE times.You would know her in the blog world as Jennifer of A WELL STYLED LIFE HERE.However, her car plates state she is the STYLE MD.
We arrived to a SHOP full of white CHRISTMAS DECOR and glitter.It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL.Too bad the HELP did not have the same effect!We arrived before the AUTHOR………the lovely TISH JETT and I in my way asked WHERE IS THE LADY FROM PARIS?The woman looked at me as if I was a MORON and how could I not know she wouldn’t be there until 11:30am…………….SO, we looked around.Not a problem.
They had sent a car to fetch my lady from PARIS and she did ARRIVE.A few of us BLOGGERS were there and SO delighted to meet HER.We pounced on HER before she could take off her coat!
Here we are KILLING TIME before TISH ARRIVED!
KIM from Northern California Style.com ~ YOUR CONTESSA ~Jennifer fromA WELL STYLED LIFE.com
JENNIFER admiring the gorgeous decor.I had those glittered crowns in my shop years ago the deer too.Must still be HOT sellers……..going on TEN YEARS NOW!They are pretty……..and as glitter ages it ONLY gets BETTER.Dull, tarnished…..perfect PATINA.
Now you can ADMIRE Us…….Kim’s gorgeous bag, My gorgeous necklace and Jennifer is wearing a vintage HERMES scarf.ARE WE NOT the EPITOMY of NORTHERN CALIFORNIA STYLE……….in MY WORDS SMASHING??
Waiting for TISH to sign a few books…………………featuring a Catherine Robinson cashmere shawl from LONDON.If you do not follow CASHMERE LOVER you should as she always shows beautiful people in beautiful clothing and WONDERFUL quotes.Her posts are ALWAYS short and perfect.Then I might add you should head to her SHOP HERE.I can VOUCH for the GOODS…….they are DELICIOUS.TRY THE SOCKS!I have them on NOW as I type.
This lady came all the way to LOS GATOS to meet ME!She is one of MY READERS (as you are)and we had a delightful time.Chatting and lunching getting to know each other a bit more.She had purchased the portrait lady necklace on ONE’S KING LANE and decided it did not suit HER.So, she wrapped it up and sent it to ME!Can you IMAGINE?What kindness is still out there……………..thank you LESLIE!
Her shoes I spied instantly!Don’t you ADORE them……………I DO!!!
THE BOOK.
A perfect size gift book for one of your girlfriends……………if she doesn’t already own it!
I can say I finished it in bed this morning!
I zipped through making personal notes especially the part where she met MARISA BERENSON!I adored her as a TEENAGER!
Here is the rundown of the BOOK.
If you are over 50 and need a LIFT this just might do the TRICK!
If you are under 50 YOU BETTER TAKE SOME GOOD NOTES!
I adore her adjectives here.
STYLE
SIMPLICITY
INTELLIGENCE
GENEROSITY
JOIE DE VIVRE don’t WE all WANT TO HAVE THAT?I know I DO!
SO,after reading THE BOOK I have the LITER and a HALF bucket of WATER on the kitchen sink.
I am blotting my foundation with the PALMS of my HANDS.
I am in search of SELENIUM.
I have WAY to much clothing in my closet. I may have to re-think that.
I like the fact FRENCH WOMEN have FUN when they exercise……so DO I!
I LOVE THE FACT FRENCH TELEVISION tells people NOT TO SNACK BETWEEN MEALS
!MY ITALIAN HUSBAND has ALWAYS SAID THAT TOO.
A piece of DARK chocolate instead of the whole BAR……………UGH that will be hard!
But I am trying OUT all the TIPS I have learned here.
SO, what do you think?
How do I look TODAY?
To think I dressed like this and did not even step outside today………..I think I may have gotten the MESSAGE of the book.DRESS for your own enjoyment!It will do MIRACLES for your self esteem and maybe just maybe WE together can get THOSE women OUT of their exercise clothing AFTER they par-take in a bit of FITNESS!
Let’s START a REVOLUTION.
GET DRESSED each day for YOURSELF and BE A PAINTING!
DRESS FOR YOU.
Do your part in making OUR WORLD more beautiful.
Will you JOIN in the FUN?
I sure hope so……………..
THANK YOU TISH your book was a lovely escape for me these past three days.
It gave me FOOD for THOUGHT and I LOVED MEETING YOU!
XO
PS.Don’t forget to deliver that HUG to that REDHEAD from ME!
Andrea@WellnessNotes says
Sounds like you had a great time! It’s great to connect with people whose blogs you read or who comment/connect with you via your own blog.
I just started reading Forever Chic, and I love it!
And I love your message to dress better! I am a college instructor and do most of my work (grading, prep work, email, etc.) at home. I have recently made a serious effort not to change out of my “work/teaching clothes” and into way too casual clothes. Well, it can be casual, but it still has to be well put together and real clothes! It really makes a difference in how I feel! And, yes, I do dress for me!
contessa says
GOOD DAY ANDREA!
I have seen YOU over on A WELL STYLED LIFE and some other fashion blogs?
Thanks for the visit and even MORE thanks for joining my little revolution!IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN HOW YOU FEEL……..I too have noticed this.
Next you will be counting compliments from STRANGERS!!
BRAVA……..keep up the A PLUS WORK!
XX
Karena says
Elizabeth, this is so wonderful! I met Tish here in Kansas City at Nell Hills, a fabulous boutique and bought two of her books for gifts!! Wish I could have been there with you ladies as well!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Carrier and Company
contessa says
SHE is a DELIGHT!
A REAL PERSON……………..
Instantly CLICKED.
IT is RAINING as I type……………………HOORAY!!!!WE NEED THE RAIN SO BAD!
XX
Jennifer says
It was such a grand day!! I always love meeting other bloggers and Tish was just a hoot! I’ve been trying that water as well and find it does make a huge difference in my skin. Her skin just glowed!!!!! I do have a bit of a lead foot. Sorry if I scared you:)
XX
contessa says
I get SCARED no matter who is driving!IT’s a part of MY DNA…………always HELPING OUT I AM!
GRAND INDEED………..A WONDERFUL get a way for the two of us.Beautiful people and a beautiful place.
XX
jess cossentine says
hello-i have seen you on other blogger’s sites, so decided to visit. have enjoyed perusing your posts! absolutely love the pictures taken in paris. looking forward to seeing more. so wished i had seen HEN HOUSE.
contessa says
JESS!
WELCOME………….I hope you subscribed!Tell me are you in my area?The HEN HOUSE was around for 12 years……..hard for me to believe that but it was.The PARIS PHOTOS were ONE of the BEST things I have EVER done!With the left over $$ from the HEN HOUSE I might ADD!!
A BEAUTIFUL memory for me………and the SONS I HOPE!
XX
RebeccaNYC says
You have fun when you exercise? I don’t exactly have fun DURING, but I am so proud of myself afterwards! I guess that’s fun. I keep going back, and I guess that’s what counts! I think you have fun no matter what you are doing!
Heather in Arles says
That is so true, Rebecca! I bet she does. 🙂
contessa says
I DO HAVE FUN as I ADORE ALL FOUR INSTRUCTORS…….
I do THE REFORMER so it’s only 4 people MAX on “THE BEDS!”
I can feel a difference in the legs and arms……………….so I keep on going!
XX
Loree says
You are looking great, as always. I probably could do with a few tips from this book. I think we all need a bit of glamour in our lives. I tend to dress down a lot because everybody seems to do it. I feel that I still haven’t quite found my style. Love the boho look and also the Audrey Hepburn look. Kind of hard to mix them together.
contessa says
BOHO by DAY!
AUDREY by NIGHT!
There you GO………..I have figured OUT your style for YOU!As you age you will DO more AUDREY!
I think!
I was a PERSONAL SHOPPER at NORDSTROMS before I had my first BORN!!!
I still remember my employee number which I always TOSS out there……at NOrdie’s 48105
They are into 10 digits now.
It’s been 29 years!!!!!!!
XO
Stephen Andrew says
You look fab and I love your shawl. I love a cape/shawl/opera coat in any form. Just not a poncho.
contessa says
I AGREE!
Good thing we are on the same page!
Paula says
What a wonderful recommendation and fun day. You look fab, and I am off to find/download the book! Happy Sunday!
contessa says
What page are you on?Hope you found it!
Deborah Peterson Milne says
What a fun, fun day all around. I have followed Tish for years & admire her very much. You ladies looked fabulous, but of course!! I know we are all different, but I too can’t feel full of life unless I’m dressed up; even if it’s a wee bit. I’m not a jewelry girl but I live vicariously through you and Tamera, ha!
Thanks for sharing your spectacular day. x Deb
contessa says
Well, if YOU live through TAMERA and I you are SET!
How goes the remodeling?
One day I may show up and SURPRISE YOU!
XX
Anita Rivera says
I so love this photo of you. I saw it on IG today and commented that you look JUST LIKE Lady Grantham from Downton! AND, when I was in France, I loved hearing on the radio the announcements to remind people to not eat too much McDo and other treats! Love the French. AND how exciting that you met Tish! Have a super week, Anita
contessa says
This just keeps getting BETTER……….McDO?!!!I have NEVER heard it called that!I have to admit out of ALL the fast foods Mc DO was ALWAYS A favorite!!Another note as I am GLUTEN FREE I CAN EAT A McDO BUN without the side effects!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What does that mean?Not made with wheat?!!!
I must GOOGLE the LADY as I have only seen one episode of that lovely series………….I KNOW!!!
YOU TOO have a wonderful week ANITA……………XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
What a treat to read.
Rae
Tish Jett says
My tres, tres chere Contessa,
You are, in a word: DIVINE. I so loved finally meeting you and making plans for Paris and gossiping and laughing and saying wonderful things about our favorite redhead.
Didn’t we have fun?
Our world of bloggers is a wonderful, wonderful place to be n’est-ce pas — you, Susan, Lisa, Jennifer, Kim. . . Lucky us!
Our nascent friendship, to be continued. . .
xo,
Tish
Heather in Arles says
You two were MADE to be friends. Truly, this was meant to be!
contessa says
YES!
To be continued……………………..XO
French Basketeer says
Oh how I love these first few pics…three of my very favorite ladies together!! Missing you three!!!! It looks like a very fun day and a wonderful book! Love to see a pic of you and Tish??
contessa says
Well,yes there are photos but not TOO becoming of either ONE of us SO……………!!!!
Sandra Sallin says
Loved the post. I missed the water thing. I did press my palms on my face after putting on my makeup and I do have the skin cleanser Tish recomends. Back to the book to read about the water. I do need to drink more. Water that is. I’m so envious of all the cool people you paled around with. Aren’t we blogger’s lucky to make such sweet friends?
Love your outfit for the reading. You’ve got style to spare. Today you look divine also. I’ve never seen you not look wonderful! You would make a paper sack stylish!
contessa says
YOU are my CHEERING TEAM no matter what!The water is what we all know and I NEVER did as I do not like water!We need to drink 8 glasses or a liter and a half of water a day!The last TWO days I have done it.I had more then half downed by late morning which felt good.I have a BIG measuring cup that is 8 cups EXACTLY.I fill it and put on the counter with some sliced lemon and ITALIAN PARSLEY!!!!So, it LOOKS PRETTY and as I go about my DAY I STOP and drink!
Now, I am NEED of a coffee………….SO off I TROT to the BAR in LA CUCINA!
THREE MORE DAYS UNTIL YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!!!
HAVE you made plans???
XO
Lisa says
You are a grand dame and an even grander person. Yes the shop people were boobooheads but we had fun anyway;).
contessa says
BOOBOOHEADS……………..LOVE IT!
We DID but can you imagine the business they could DO if they smiled at YOU and answered with enthusiasm?I was told to BUY my books over there and when I added another object by the counter I asked is it TOO LATE?She rolled HER EYES gave a deep sigh and said NO under her breath.VERY STRANGE to me.
You have noticed I did not mention the shops NAME!
GRAND DAME!Yes, I have been referred to as AUNTIE MAME a few times in my LIFE!!!
Beautiful objects………THEATRE………and above all a GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR go along way in my BOOK.Lovely to see YOU again!
XX
Diane says
Contessa~ No one walks the talk like you. Tish can now write about the American Timeless Beauty…
contessa says
Very Funny!
IT IS RAINING !!!
CAN YOU HEAR IT????
OH the garden will be SO very HAPPY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XX
kim says
Lovely recap Contessa!! I am still reading my book and loving it all. It was so fun meeting Tish and she did not disappoint! Adored her. Meeting your reader Leslie was wonderful too. So many nice ladies. Jennifer is a blast. She’s zippy for sure! Lol. Well, I agree with you that we all need to step it up and dress to feel good. You always inspire me! Loved our day and I think we all have Northern California stylishness. xoxo Kim
contessa says
GOOD.
SINCE YOU ARE THE QUEEN BEE OF THAT DEPARTMENT!
Lovely seeing YOU……………..XX
Doré @ Burlap Luxe says
Oh Contessa Elizabeth, How divinely you wear your designs. Love that necklace, but I happen to love all your jewels 🙂
So nice to see that you have enjoyed your visiting, and this books sounds like a book I need.
The first picture with that tree and the nested chandelier is amazing, I am sure a true experiance to visit and better the company you keep.
Thank you once again for this wonderful read!
Looking forward to all Novemeber will inspire from you.
Soon my sweet fun friend.
Xx
Dore
contessa says
THE COMPANY was D I V I N E!!!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS DORE………HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
XX
Doré @ Burlap Luxe says
Oh Ps, I too have a vintage Hermes Paris silk scarf, beautiful grey background with grayish white Persian Cat pattern…..Rolled hand stitched hem and divinely large. I adore the attention it gets from savvy women who want to touch it. Did you know the antique H/scarves are in big demand, the company president has events and they will purchase them back from you, I was offered a lot due to how rare this one of mine is. There is nothing like that silk up against your neck 🙂
See you soon beautiful.
Xx
Dore
contessa says
KEEP IT!
XX
Catherine says
Such a fabulous post…it sounds like an amazing time was had by you all; such fun…stunning, smiling, happy ladies! Thank you again, dear Contessa for showcasing my cashmere so exquisitely…I’m sending you a very big hug from London 😉
Have a great week xx
contessa says
ANY time……………did I tell you I did not take it off ALL DAY as it was the perfect weight to a sun filled but CRISP CALIFORNIA DAY!
BOY, do I ADORE THE SOCKS!!SLEEPING IN THEM.
XX
cindy hattersley says
This sounded like such a fun day! You ladies looked gorgeous! So sorry I wasn’t there to purchase the book and meet the three of you! One day!
contessa says
I look forward to THAT DAY CINDY!
Miss Mary says
Another stylishly fun-filled outing! Your life has such adventure-we are lucky to tag along!…and you looked beautiful, as always.
Thank you for the great post! <3
contessa says
THANK YOU miss MARY……………do you think we should explain the POWER symbol and the 3 or keep people guessing?!!!
Miss Mary says
SURE! Before I had a smart phone, my computer savvy children taught me that I could make my own EMOJI:::When you add the < and the 3 together- it makes a little sideways HEART! <3 <3 <3. I think its cute, so I continue to use it. Sending you <3 today, sweet Contessa.
Heather in Arles says
I teared up at that last photo. Happy tears! I will take that hug already. And I am truly and utterly grateful to have two such beautiful women in my life as friends. I am beyond thrilled that you have met – you both have such incredibly generous hearts – it is perfect that you have hit it off and now you have another reason to come back to France! Hooray!!!
contessa says
I DO………..but my GOAL is to TEACH YOU TO DRIVE!
SO, YOU are MY MAIN PRIORITY!!!!!
Fabulous to know I now can call Tish as I jet in and out of that CITY of LIGHTS!!!!
XO
D. A. Wolf says
You all look incredibly chic, which I’m sure Tish must have loved — and what a fun time!
xo
anita@letshavelunch says
Forever Chic……….could be the title of your memoirs my friend
I don’t think you could possibly have learnt anymore about being and looking fabulous!!!
You’re right about the health notices on French TV.
Every food commercial has, down the bottom of the ad, the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables……every ad.
Last week I was waiting for a take away coffee and there was a tray of muffins in a display cabinet. With calculator on my phone,I converted the kilojoule content to calories. 700 calories Elizabeth…..in a muffin……madness!!!
The French should be commended for taking the stance they take.
Yesterday, on my doorstep, there was a package, with stamps from the USA on it. I wonder what’s inside???
You are a treasure chic one.
xx neat
contessa says
SAVE FOR THE BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XOXOX
michele says
I’m smiling!!
contessa says
GOOD!
ME TOO!
GUESS who is HOME?!!
Kathy says
What an enjoyable day you all had!
I love your idea about the 8-cup container of water w/lemon sitting on your counter until you finish it. Changing out of my exercise clothes after exercising and avoiding snacks are my biggest challenges. In my defense, I have several longer jackets and tops to wear over my exercise clothes once I leave the health club (and usually head straight home). I love Reformer (and Pilates mat classes) too!
contessa says
YOU and ME both KATHY!Long tunic like tops and jackets are PERFECT!They do the TRICK!
Eric Cortina says
FLAWLESS- It’s a state of mind!
contessa says
Now you make ME SMILE!
XX
coulda shoulda woulda says
I hope this comment goes through because wordpress hates me…
But I was just on Kim’s blog and will repeat that you all look like you had so much fun. It’s nice to have these connections and I am sure you bring many people together as I have read in the past. Your enthusiasm for life is infectious I must say!
contessa says
WORDPRESS accepted YOU my traveling LONDON LADY!Somehow, I feel you do not walk around in gym clothes!!?Am I right?
More importantly have YOU read the BOOK?
Did YOU do a recap on your BLOG?
SOMething tells me I would have enjoyed!
Catherine says
Elizabeth, how lucky to have been able to meet Tish Jett in person. I ordered the kindle version of her book some time ago, loved it! Your post is a reminder to re-read it and reinforce incorporating her tips into my daily routine. Especially about dressing well at home. With my office at home, unless I am out seeing clients it’s too easy to fall into the bad habit of starting my day at my desk in unstylish (but comfortable) clothes. Or even worse, pajamas. And finding I’m still in them at noon… not good!
xo, Catherine
contessa says
A review is good…………..especially if we hi-light a few major points.Then we can go back and read those.IT really lifted my MOOD.
I am guilty of staying in the PJ’s too…………somedays just call for that!
How are you?I was thinking about our “EFFORT” just yesterday!As I was cooking out of INA’s BOOK!
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
You always add beauty to the day with your impeccable style Contessa! Thank you for sharing this experience with us.
Jan
vicki archer says
What a wonderful time.. I adore Tish and would love to have been there to meet you and the other amazing women… what fun to be together… 🙂
Next time in Paris.. we must! xv
contessa says
I would LOVE that MRS.ARCHER!
XO
cherie says
Last to comment again, Contessa! Oh well. As I recently said, FABULOUSNESS follows you or you follow it! What a lovely day you had and what a spectacular necklace you had on. Is that a cameo pendant? Also, loved those black and orange slipper shoes! Do you know the brand? I am off to Amazon to buy that book too. Send me a photo of you with the gold tote, I want to feature on the blog!!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
contessa says
I think the neck piece is BAKELITE.
The shoes my guess are STUBBS & WOOTTON they belonged to LESLIE!
Yesterday was at the VET I had YOUR BAG and gold espadrilles on.TWO people commented on both.I had not even realized I was SO coordinated!
I don’t mind that YOU ARE ALWAYS LATE!AS I adore your comments…………and YES, will try and have my friend snap a photo of me and the GOLD BAG TODAY!I NEED A DAUGHTER LIKE YOU !!!
XO
Libby Wilkie says
I’ve been meaning to order the book and will go right to Amazon now! I would say, perfect for my upcoming plane trip….except that we may not have that in our near future. We are very much “on the fence” about leaving this week. Just not sure. To be continued………
LA CONTESSA says
I can IMAGINE!!!
Keri says
You look wonderful.
I, for one, am ALL FOR getting rid of workout clothing worn outside the gym. Yes, please!
contessa says
Keri, it will be OUR MISSION to make that happen!
Thank YOU!
MARSHA @ SPLENDEROSA says
so angry you guys didn’t tell me about this! I would have come to support Tish! Seriously. Everyone on the planet knew about it except me? very sad for me, I think.
contessa says
I knew about a week before……………I guess it was on her BLOG but I was not getting any BLOG notifications at the time…………I had to re-subscribe to ALL again with my OLD email address.SHE IS LOVELY…………she is in CHICAGO NOW.Maybe you need to POP up there!!CONTACT HER!!!