It is an EXCITING DAY when you are going to head to the BIG CITY and meet the YOUNG MAN who is behind the RESURRECTION of the OLDER DAME!
Not only has ARI SETH COHEN made young girls want to BE OLD quickly he has made the BEAUTY of becoming an OLDER WOMAN more ACCEPTED.
I bow to HIM and his VISION!
Ari produced a BOOK called ADVANCED STYLE a few years ago.He moved from SAN DIEGO and went due EAST to NEW YORK where he would approach older women on the STREETS to photograph.Seems he was on to SOMETHING!
Not only did he publish a book there is also a short film on the WEB that he has participated in.Actually, there are Two films.One on WOMEN and another documentary on MEN with STYLE!
He STANDS for LA CONTESSA who HE knows via INSTAGRAM as ANTIQUE GODDESS!
He was ever so polite.
I had brought MY BOOK for HIM to sign.
He wrote………”TO THE ANTIQUE GODDESS,
I LOVE FOLLOWING your STYLE ADVENTURES!
STYLE and SPIRIT ADVANCE with age!”
ARI COHEN
We had a lovely chat about a FRIEND of mine HE had met a few weeks prior to meeting me!
Can any of you REGULAR READERS guess who that might be?
PENELOPE BIANCHI!!!
What a small WORLD.
IF you are not a regular to my comment section( and you need to click on the title of the POST to see that)you will see that PENELOPE LOVES TO COMMENT……..in fact some of HER COMMENTS are better then my POSTS!
As you can SEE I got behind the TABLE VERY FAST!Poor MAN I was not checking what he was writing I was Talking a mile a minute……………and NOW I am seeing for the FIRST TIME the cards on the TABLE!!!!
This is where I find OUT he met PENELOPE!
By the way if you are admiring the KIMONO I am FEATURING in black and white it came from a GORGEOUS BOUTIQUE in SAN DIEGO where ARI’s MOTHER has SHOPPED FOR YEARS!!!!!!!!!They will be outfitting HER for his NEXT BOOK SIGNING!The shops name is LE BEL AGE BOUTIQUE and I believe they are located in MISSION HILLS on LEWIS STREET!
I have never been there and do my shopping VIA TEXT MESSAGE!
Valerie is kind enough to send me a few photos of the NEW KIMONO’s and I pick from that assortment.
A NIGHT To remember………………I adore HIS RUFFLED TUXEDO PROM SHIRT!
A SAN FRANCISCO couple that I spied back in OCTOBER at the FALL ANTIQUE SHOW.I got reprimanded for POINTING them out from my 81 years old STEP MOTHER!I nearly BOUNCED out of my seat after them as ARI had featured them on his blog just days before!I was told” NEVER POINT!!”I was just SO EXCITED as you do NOT SEE STYLE like this in my HOOD! So,SORRY JOYCE!
DEBRA RAPOPART taking time to sign my BOOK!Do you know she went to U.C. BERKELEY!!
Me asking about the CUFF CLASS that she will be teaching next MONDAY in BERKELEY!She makes BRACELETS out of TOILET PAPER ROLLS………….A BIG RECYCLING LADY and the BEST is she and HER MAN Love to THRIFT!The necklace in WHITE was a gift from a woman who is working with some of the REFUGEES.The necklace is made of THREADS!!!!
ONE STYLISH DAME………..in my opinion!
IT was a night to REMEMBER.
I would like to THANK MY PHOTOGRAPHER…….MY DEAR FRIEND PAT!
Who happens to WORK AT A BOOK SHOP in my NEIGHBORHOOD!I hope WE can get her to STOCK the NEW ADVANCED STYLE BOOKS when they DEBUT!
I will LET YOU ALL KNOW WHERE TO ORDER WHEN THE TIME COMES!
MY MESSAGE TO YOU……………
SHOP SMALL STORES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!
I had a SMALL SHOP ONCE UPON A TIME……………..
ARI…………what is the TITLE of the BOOK do WE KNOW YET?
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE……….this CONTESSA is OFF and RUNNING as SHE is SO BEHIND!…………….XO
PS.TO those FANS who are thinking will ARI photograph the CONTESSA?That is a NEGATIVE!I’m MUCH TOO YOUNG…………but HE assures ME He will KEEP TABS ON ME!!!!
What a GIFT YOU have given ME MISTER COHEN!
GRAZIE………MILLIE GRAZIE!!!!
Penelope Bianchi says
Love it!!! I want a kimono!!!
Sandra Sallin says
Me to Penelope!
contessa says
CALL HER UP and she will DELIVER!
Valerie, is on FACEBOOK TOO under Le Bel Age Boutique.See her kimono tying demonstration……..multiple ways to WEAR one KIMONO!!!
XO
Sandra Sallin says
I meant to say “Me TOO Penelope”.
That will teach me to type without rereading.
Coulda shoulda woulda says
How fun to have met him – I met him once too with a few of the ladies in London and it was so lovely and he has a great energy – he’s also doing great work!
contessa says
HE IS……….and I remember when HE ZOOMED off to LONDON!
Sandra Sallin says
Oh, how he’s missing the boat and limiting himself. You’ve got so much style that needs to be exposed to the world!!!! You look fabulous and I didn’t rezlize that you were wearing a kimono. Love your way with pearls. No one like you. I try but fail. You know how to rock style. Never silly only creative and unique. You just keep on doing what you’re doing! Because you do it the best!
contessa says
I think I NEED TO HIRE YOU!
I think I have said, that BEFORE!
THANK YOU BBF!!!!
XO
Merisi says
La Contessa nel paese delle meraviglie!
Fantastic outfits all around. Mamma mia, such style.
I’ll go hide under my stone,
Merisi
contessa says
NO STONE HIDING ALLOWED!Then how would we see all those FAB photos YOU SHOOT in VIENNA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GRAZIE BELLA………..AUGURI!!
XX
The Style Crone says
A wonderful post about meeting the revolutionary Ari Seth Cohen! You express the joy that so many of us feel about the movement that he’s created. How exciting that you met Debra! Love the photos and your kimono!
contessa says
NOW I MUST MEET YOU!
ON MY BUCKET LIST!
XX
Donna says
It was so wonderful to see you over the weekend! I so love your blog and now know how to leave a comment.
contessa says
BRAVA!!!!
I ADORED seeing YOU TOO!
Once JANUARY comes around I will get going on the ESCAPE for the 1980’s EXHAUSTION CLUB REUNION!!!!
XX
Loree says
That’s a wonderful compliment to be told that you’re much too young. You definitely stand out in the crowd my dear Contessa. I have never met anybody quite like you. Keep on being your sweet self.
contessa says
How will the island of MALTA react when I ARRIVE??!!!
I don’t think there are MANY people like ME with MY CAPS and outfits and layered LOOK!If YOU find another I would SO want to MEET HER!Let’s keep OUR eyes peeled!!!XX
Kim says
Wow you are always up to fun!! Love him. You look gorgeous and I want a kimono too!
xx Kim
contessa says
TREAT YOURSELF………..go on FACEBOOK to see how she ties them!Many LOOKS from one BIT!
LE BEL AGE BOUTIQUE!!!Tell her the CONTESSA SENT YOU!I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MINE…………I think I have FOUR NOW!!
XX
Cynthia says
Oh my gosh! You look FABULOUS! And all those gorgeous people. . .WOW! You are so right about Mr. Cohen making older women so beautiful and fashionable. It is so wonderful to see that I don’t have to become an “old lady” in my dress. So liberating to see this! Ohhhh. . .that kimono is to die for!!!
contessa says
THANK YOU CYNTHIA!!!!!
Do you have his book…….?
Google ADVANCED STYLE MOVIE and his documentary should POP UP!!
D. A. Wolf says
Truly fantastic! And you, as always, look magnifique!
xo
contessa says
FUN FUN FUN………….I AM HAVING LOADS OF FUN!
XO
Karena says
Dear Elizabeth you are always where it is happening! I adore Ari and all he has done for the mature woman!! I stayed at a friends in Mission Hills San Diego just a year and a half ago !!Must go to that boutique next time!!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
More Books for The Holidays!
contessa says
SEND the FRIEND………I bet SHE already knows about them!!
I received my BUY in the mail yesterday from INDIA HICKS!!
THANK YOU REP…………….I think you have a good product there!!!
XO
DUCHESS VALERY says
What a time you are having……it’s a natural high??
contessa says
IT IS INDEED…………….I need to climb down and GET GOING with MY ELF DUTIES!!XX
Brenda Welch says
BRAVO!!!!!! So elated you met Ari Cohen…..& your photos are fab!! La Contessa……YOU look divine & so STYLISH!!!
contessa says
Coming from YOU is a REAL COMPLIMENT!
THANK YOU!
XX
Katie Clooney says
All I have to say is..you looked STUNNING!! You wear your title of CONTESSA with STYLE and GRACE!! Have a fantastically ROYAL weekend!!
contessa says
ROYAL WEEKEND NO!
More like GET DOWN TO BUSINESS WOMAN………………
The TIARA will have to wait until the 24th now!
THANKS……….I love your humor and the FACT YOU SO GET ME!
XX
Andrea@WellnessNotes says
I always love it when an Advanced Style blog post pops up in my reader!
How exciting that you got to meet Ari Seth Cohen! And thank you for sharing your excitement with us! Reading this post, I felt I was there with you for just a second!
You chose a wonderful outfit for the event – simply stunning!
LA CONTESSA says
MILLIE GRAZIE ANDREA…………………I ADORE the word STUNNING and your words are so TOUCHING!!XX
Miss Mary says
Never a dull moment for you! Your enthusiasm and STYLE really shine in the photos. Thanks for taking us along! <3
LA CONTESSA says
ANY TIME!!!!!!
I try to find the FUN PEOPLE!!
XX
Deborah Peterson Milne says
What a marvelous experience Contessa. I bet people who attended where thrilled to meet you & be inspired by your exquisite style!!
Big hug to you,
Deb x
LA CONTESSA says
I Received a FEW compliments!!!!!!XX
Ari says
Advanced Style Older and Wiser. Great to meet you. Thanks for the beautiful post.
LA CONTESSA says
OH< TERRIFIC……….people this is the NAME of the NEW ADVANCED STYLE BOOK which WE all should pre-order!!
ADVANCED STYLE OLDER AND WISER!!!!
THANK YOU……..ARI !!!!
XO
Vickie Lester says
Not only a Contessa, but a PhD in pizzazz! Keep up the advanced work, beautiful!
LA CONTESSA says
I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!
READ YOUR BOOK last night until my eyes shut…………just a few more pages!!!NOW HE ISNOT DEAD!
XX
Leslie Haws says
YOUR opera coat please! Just divine. What fun this had to be! Bought the book when it was first published….He had me from page one!
LA CONTESSA says
OF COURSE HE DID……………I ADORE The lady on the COVER………..ARI if you POP Back over here to check on the comments can you tell me is she still with us?HER NAME TOO PLEASE.
The coat my lovely SISTER IN LAW purchased years ago for me as a gift!We saw it in an consignment shop……….it is VINTAGE like ME!The BEST part SHE SURPRISED ME with it!!!I seldom get to wear it……….as I tend only to go to SAFEWAY so I thought it deserved an OUTING to the city on a cold wintery night!
XX
Linda says
Festive and fabulous! Correction to last photo caption – TWO stylish dames.
LA CONTESSA says
OKAY!
IF YOU SAY SO LINDA……………..!!!!!!
GRAZIE!
XX
Diane says
Wow, Santa came early! A feast for the fans as much as for LaContessa!
LA CONTESSA says
NO!
The pearls I am LUSTING AFTER ARE BAROQUE……………..NO SANTA YET!THIS ELF is OUT the DOOR SOONEST!
XX
Anita Rivera says
Oh I am so late! I was at a fun event last night after a LONG DAY AT WORK! Now this is style….Where do I begin? YOu always looks fabulous, and I am proud to be a part of an invisible community of us older women who take much care to look our best but most of all, FEEL OUR BEST! Whether we are donning an elegant dress or jewels, we are artists and it effects our moods. I tell ya, part of my strategy to survive the teaching day is STYLE. YES! I wear my best (including HEELS) so I can literally put my best foot forward on the job. Once young student years ago had commented on all my jewelry and I told him, “I need to sparkle every day.” TRUE!
HAIL TO THE GRAND DAME OF TODAY! What an event. I sure wish I could attend one….I’m old enough! Much love dear and you no longer have your Blue Door shoppe? Anita
LA CONTESSA says
ANITA………..I work at the BLUE DOOR one day a week.I Owned MY OWN SHOP for 12 years.It was called HEN HOUSE a mix of ANTIQUE and VINTAGE STUFF.Only STUFF I LOVED.If you ever get to my home you will UNDERSTAND!
I totally get how you DRESS to SURVIVE!IT truly does HELP………if you look GOOD you FEEL good.ONE TENDS TO RADIATE…………….which has an OVERFLOW button to another person just walking by!You can see the smiles and hear the comments that make you SING.Keep DONNING the ATTIRE and ABSOLUTELY the FAMILY JEWELS!!!!XX
Jo Perkins -joakers says
You look like a member of his entourage, already….Your attire coordinates perfectly!!!
But, not surprising. Every space you grace is complimented by your style and personality.
You look smashing!
contessa says
I ADORE YOU!
Hope YOU KNOW THAT!
XX
Celia Becker @ After Orange County says
Thank you Contessa for this lovely post. I need all the inspiration I can possibly get for growing old gracefully. I’m glad somebody appreciates us older ladies. xxx
contessa says
We will DO it with GRACE and ELEGANCE!!!
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL: You and the ladies are legends.. So very proud of you.. great photos.. xx
FROM: CARLA COULSON my PARISIAN PHOTOGRAPHER!
contessa says
YOU were the FIRST TO DO THE RED OPERA COAT PHOOT SHOOT WITH ME in PARIS!
I am still SAILING FROM THAT EXPERIENCE!
Do you remember the SON yelling at me in the GARDENS as I couldn’t HEAR YOU from the ROAR of the TRAFFIC!”MOM STOP DANCING AND FEED THE CHICKENS!!”I will NEVER forget THAT DAY!XO
Lisa says
You have found your Kingdom, where you are clearly land-owning Aristocracy! I imagine Ari as the Pontiff, albeit an agnostic one;). Your kimono is absolutely brilliant. I imagine the most advanced I’ll ever get is wearing glasses with a slightly heavier frame. However, that doesn’t mean I fail to appreciate the Brilliance That Is Our Contessa!
contessa says
MY KINGDOM awaits MY ENTRY…………………as you see I am MUCH TO YOUNG to enter this WORLD of FABULOUSNESS!
WHAT should I be doing NOW is the question that HAUNTS ME!If you have any IDEAS please feel free to get in TOUCH!
XX
Andrea Serrahn says
Congrats to be part of the Advanced Style Club and mindset. You are a most deserving and lucky lady to have met THE Ari Seth Cohen. He carries the torch for all of us–whether we are aging (or not!) Style is a way of life, an adoption of visual principles that suit US, not the fashion industry. I love your BRAVADO, your presence, your contributions in the style world. Carry on!
contessa says
WILL DO!
THANK YOU for coming to comment
STYLE is a way of LIFE!!!!!!!
I have definitely GONE DOWN THAT PATH…………..and have NO REGRETS.
Now, how do I get a BIGGER CLOSET?!!!
SEE you soon in your SHOP on COLLEGE AVE.SERRAHNA where the colors and jewels will DAZZLE!!!
XX
Susie says
What a fantastic read this morning on waking. I love your zest for life, it inspires me. Your Irish spirit shines through. Think you should be on the cover of Ari’s book when you get older!!!!! Divine thanks for shinning xoxo Susie Sydney Australia
contessa says
SUSIE,
I can see YOU TOO have a ZEST for LIFE from YOUR photos on INSTAGRAM!
Better WE are ZESTY than PULP!
I Adore YOU left a comment!
THANK YOU!
XO
Marsha Cannon says
Well I adore Advanced Style and I adore your style! I first found you through your comments on Ellie’s Blog, have some decorum, and have been following you ever since! Have a wonderful weekend!
contessa says
MARSHA!!!
SO, happy YOU found me………..
How I need OUR ELLIE.Her writing HER TASTE……….HER STORIES…….THE PEOPLE SHE KNOWS……..ALL full of FACTS and SUCH FUN!XX
Julie Russell says
Ari is wonderful and you are FABULOUS! Yes, it is I. Recovering from a whirlwind few months and – FINALLY – getting caught up with my favorite bloggerista’s. Of course, now the holidays are upon us so out of the frying pan and into the fire. I will call you next week as am dying to relay how your seven words of wisdom set the Russell household on a new course. 🙂 Hugs and kisses my darling Contessa.
contessa says
I CANNOT WAIT TO HEAR!How MY words made you pack up and move STATES!I have NO IDEA what I said…………..PLEASE CALL!!!XX
French Basketeer says
Love this post, you are always loving life, my Dear Contessa!!! Did you know that meeting Penelope is on my bucket list? We are Holy Child girls, both of us. And I think we all need to make the pilgrimage to see Valerie and her kimonos…XX A
contessa says
I did KNOW THAT……………when you go to LOS OLIVOS you need to make a PIT STOP.She would LOVE To meet YOU and YOU will ADORE HER DOGS!!!Let me know when you are traveling NORTH and I can ARRANGE IT from a far!Never mind HER house is like being in the SOUTH of FRANCE!You may never get back on the 101!!!XX
Heather in Arles says
What?! How can I be so unfashionably late to such a great party?? My Contessa PLEASE FORGIVE ME because you are so beautiful, so talented and so all around wonderful. I am very proud to call you my friend!!
I love Ari’s sweet, real smile…He knew that he met a kindred spirit in you for sure even if you most certainly are WAY too young to be photographed by him.
And everything about your look is divine…
With much Love
H.
contessa says
THANK YOU HEATHER………..YOU are MY TREASURE and I cannot wait until I teach YOU to DRIVE!XO
Catherine says
Contessa…you look AMAZING…such style and grace and you met the man himself, fabulous!
I’m so sorry to have missed your call today…I am beyond busy…I’m in a ‘cashmere bubble’ and so pleased you’re loving your socks. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas…we will talk, I promise.
Sending you lots of love from London xx
Wendy Barrett says
Another divine post Contessa, with fabulous visuals and interesting people. On the strength of your post I trotted off and bought Mr Cohen’s book online. I will think of you when I’m reading it!
Have you thought of producing a book yourself with all the most stunning photos from your blog – you would be hard pressed to choose from amongst them of course as they are all so stunning!
contessa says
I HAVE………thats WHY I like the comments……..I can pull from them!
MANY THANKS for you comment!I know it is a BUSY time of year!
XX
Silver says
In A Well Styled Life you wrote too instead of to. The spellings have different meanings.
contessa says
I AM AWARE OF THAT!!
THANK YOU!
I think FAST TYPING was at fault HERE!!!!
anita@letshavelunch says
Bonjour Elizabeth!!!
I knew that Ari Seth Cohen would have you in mind.
Love that you’re not old enough to be one of his girls yet.
You must have been the most stylish women in the room and the photos confirm that.
Yesterday I was looking through Mr. Cohen’s IG page and saw that amazing looking BoHo Hippy couple that you’re so excited about and can see why.
I really identify with their style.
Lastly Elizabeth, thank you for your blog this year.
You make everyone smile with your fun photos and witty narrative.
Will look forward to more of the Contessa’s travels in 2016.
Thanks Mate.
Happy Christmas
xx Neat
LA CONTESSA says
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU my MATE DOWNUNDER!!!
SO< happy YOU like my RAMBLINGS…………..
No plans yet but if I do you can be certain I will TELL YOU about it HERE!
XX
Jennifer says
I did NOT get this post via email!!! Call your techs immediately. What a fabulous meeting. Ari has missed his mark not photographing you. You are a total original.
XXJennifer
LA CONTESSA says
MANY THANKS JENNIFER!
SAJ says
Let’s see if WordPress likes me better today…
You look fabulous, and what a fabulous gathering!
My big question is, however, one of logistics. How did that show stopping robe fit into your Fiat?!
contessa says
When there is a WILL there is a WAY!!!!
USE The same initials to write a comment next time as I have approved them.I think you had used your name before…….That may be the PROBLEMO.Why the FAMOUS WORDPRESS is SPAMING YOU………I have NO IDEA…..THEY should KNOW BETTER!
Molly O says
Ahhhh-mazig. I love advanced style! Looks like a fun night.xxo
contessa says
GO see what I made today with one of the woman from ADVANCED STYLE FAME!ON INSTAGRAM!CUFFS………a total RECYCLED BRACELET!XO
Leslie Harris says
This post made me so happy! What an exciting afternoon, I truly enjoyed hearing all about it and seeing your pictures—and thank you for introducing Ari to me. He sounds wonderful and I can’t wait to buy his book. Love the whole concept of advanced style—and you’ve definitely got it Contessa!
contessa says
DID I just find out YOU are in LONG BEACH?For some reason I thought YOU were back EAST!
THRILLED TO MAKE YOU HAPPY!!My goal this year was to laugh MORE!ARI, is in your BACKYARD Now……..he moved to LOS ANGELES!He has a book out already so check that one OUT TOO…………. TOOT SWEET!XX
cherie says
You are too young my dear!!! What a wonderful event, so exciting that you were able to meet and talk with him. I met Deborah at a NYC book signing for Alyson Walsh, who was doing a book tour for “Style Forever”. She is lovely. I received your beautiful Christmas card today – what a beautiful family you have. Thank you so much for thinking of me!! I don’t think I will have my act together to send any this year. If I don’t talk with you in the next week I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.
XOXO,
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com/
contessa says
YOU are SO RIGHT!
DEBRA is a lovely person…………..
I have ALYSON’s book too!
MY PLEASURE!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
XO
Barb says
I am so THANKFUL I headed over to visit. Love your blog, your style…..I’m gushing!
Pat is a great photographer too. Loving the pics.
I will find the book…I am of a very advanced age-61!
Thank you for an enjoyable read.
contessa says
THANKS BARB…………..YOU are the PERFECT AGE for ARI.
On INSTAGRAM………thefrenchelements!!!
Jody Brettkelly says
You’ll be next in the book and the doco! You have the style baby
jill says
finally, finally have a moment to read the latest posts. I think Ari will definitely be looking to you in a decade or two!! the kimono and opera coat combination was divine, to say nothing of the even better necklace assortment! I’m sure he was as thrilled to meet you as you were him!!!