I think it was WEDNESDAY and my phone rang.I was just stepping out of a consignment shop where I was cruising the VESTMENTS.Or INVESTMENTS of VINTAGE FINDS as I should say!
IT was THAT GIRL from NEW YORK who has arrived in LOS ANGELES to DRESS THE STARS!
TZIPORAH SALAMON OF ADVANCED STYLE FAME………………and BILL CUNNINGHAM of THE NEW YORK TIMES and LANVIN FAME!
Seems she was arriving in SAN FRANCISCO and was giving another one of her seminars and would I pass the WORD around!
Of course I would.
ALSO,there was an OPENING night PARTY in the CITY at FORT MASON could I meet up with HER to ENJOY a fabulous spread a place to be SEEN and SHOP!!
Just a TAD bit of PRESSURE I thought!!! But my reply was I will see what I can DO!!!
TRIBAL and TEXTILE brought visions to my mind.
I think I owned a few pieces worthy of the TEXTILE/TRIBAL LOOK!
I think I can DO THIS!
How DO I LOOK?
Trying to TAKE A SNAP of oneself is not easy!Especially when you want the entire length!
THANK GOODNESS the ITALIAN came home early to snap HIS BRIDE!
OH, that DOUBLE CHIN is killing ME!
I come by it HONESTLY…….it’s a FAMILY TRAIT!
LOOK past me……THE GARDEN…..it’s starting to BLOOM!!!!!!!I did get all 287 ROSES fed yesterday as well……….Now if that RAIN will come again I will be VERY HAPPY!
I was not certain of the ZEBRA with the DUSTER from the I.MAGNIN DAYS but I think it WORKED.
What a TREAT re~connecting with TZIPORAH.If you are on INSTAGRAM do FOLLOW HER.She never disappoints!HER CODE NAME THERE ALL ONE WORD…….tziporahsalamon.
Is this NOT A VISUAL FEAST for the EYES and HEART?The colors, the patterns, the STYLE!
I have some exciting NEWS to share with YOU…….seems TZIPORAH will be in a TJ MAXX promotion!LOOK for a RED CURTAIN………….then PINCH yourself as you saw HER HERE FIRST on THE VINTAGE CONTESSA.NET!!!!
AT every turn WE ran into an old CHUM.This man was from NEW YORK…….I understood TZIPPY has a few GOODIES from his old shop!Note to GALS that took her class with me!She is wearing the CHINESE P.J.’S she spoke of in CLASS!She has not ONE but TWO hats on her head……….VINTAGE Maybe……………. ANTIQUE for certain!
This was in the RUNNING as a possible PURCHASE.
THE HAT…………..fit HER like a GLOVE!I have to say I saw HER try on a few hats and everyONE made a STATEMENT!
MORE OLD FRIENDS……….from HER BERKELEY DAYS!!!!!!
Seems they were in a THEATRE GROUP TOGETHER A LONG time ago!What a small WORLD!
I ADORE running into PEOPLE from MY PAST……….DO YOU?
By the way TZIPORAH your skin ALWAYS SPARKLES……….what PRODUCT are YOU using?Could YOU share with us in the comment section?You truly have FABULOUS SKIN………..I have noticed each time I have had the pleasure of your company!Somehow, I always FORGET TO TELL YOU!
A NECK piece that caught MY EYE………….these are shells which you may not be able to tell from my photo here.
The BUY of the NIGHT!
THAT ROSE and DAISY bit of FABRIC is a HAT!Guess who LOOKED quite BESPOKE in it!
IT CALLED TO US……….
A Memento of the night.
Here WE are……….ready to WALK The SHOW.I must THANK MY DEAR FRIEND JENNY for that neck BIT I had on as she gifted that to me a few years back for my BIRTHDAY!It is a PAUL SMITH RUNWAY piece……….that made it’s way into my COLLECTION!
LUCKY Me.
I can honestly say it was such a JOY to walk the show A FEAST for THE EYES.
TO be HONEST I think the TWO of us were a FEAST for a FEW OTHERS……….
We were SNAPPED quite a few times by ADMIRERS!
BIG NOTE:Not only is this LADY doing commercials………..she has signed a contract with RIZZOLI. A BOOK will BE LAUNCHED NEXT APRIL……………who wants to go stand in LINE with ME for a signed copy!!?I do BELIEVE WE need to go to RIZZOLI headquarters so that means a TRIP to NEW YORK CITY……………who’s GAME?
Lets get a GROUP and GO……………what FUN would that BE?!!!!!!
I’m tickled PINK with this idea………..I MEAN IT.
NEW YORK ~ NEW YORK……….here come the CALIFORNIA GIRLS and I promise WE will be DRESSED to the HiLT!!!!
auntie andy says
Loved reading this and seeing the photos!!!!!
contessa says
THANK YOU for following the instructions on FACEBOOK!!!!!!!!!
HOW ARE YOU AUNTIE ANDY?LONG TIME NO SEE!!!!!!
XX
Tziporah says
My dearest Contessa,
How I love thee. Let me count the ways. What fun we had last night. How delightful to be in your company. And how lucky am I to benefit from
your generosity and BIG HEART. Thank you for gifting me with that beautiful floral hat from the 1800’s – an early birthday present from
you, my bestie.
And what do I use on my face ? Jurlique products. I love the smell and they are all natural.
contessa says
SO,
HAPPY WE found each OTHER!I am SO excited FOR YOU and ALL the GOINGS ON that are SURROUNDING you at this time in your LIFE!!!Keep that AURA percolating because SO many of us ENJOY your personality and VISION.
I am coming to NEW YORK for the BOOK SIGNING and PARTIES!!!!!!!!!YOU will show me YOUR HAUNTS and I will take you to dinner!
The YEAR cannot go by FAST enough for ME!YOU better plant yourself in LOS ANGELES and get INVITED to the ACADEMY AWARDS give a few pointers to those STARS.
YOUR Book will be a BEST SELLER……………. NO DOUBTS HERE!
THANK YOU for your invitation………….and I will be scanning the TJ MAXX commercials now with INTEREST!!!
XO
Sandra Sallin says
Nobody does it better! Who else could have put that outfit together.You look fabulous!!!! and the two of you together make such a statement. It blows everyone out of the water.
New York to sign a book? With you? You betcha! I’ll walk 5 steps behind you and carry your train! Ha!
contessa says
YOU WILL WALK RIGHT BESIDE ME!CAN YOU imagine YOU and ME in NEW YORK??!!!!!!!
WE SHALL GO!!!!!PLAN ON IT!
XO
'Nelle says
A delight for the eyes and the soul.
contessa says
NELLE………..so appreciate your words!
GRAZIE!
Molly o says
Love all the prints on prints on prints. You look powerful xxo
contessa says
POWERFUL enough to get that BANKSY in my CAR??!!!!!
THANK YOU……..I SO LOVE it when you leave me a comment!
HUGS TO YOU!
XO
D. A. Wolf says
It IS a feast for the eyes — and a delicious one at that! You, her, the amazing textiles — all of it!
contessa says
HAPPY I MADE YOU FEAST for a FEW moments!
WE need to catch UP!
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:Stunning colors and prints! Makes me happy to look at such beauty.
Loved our lunch together beautiful friend.
contessa says
THANK YOU!I enjoyed seeing you as well!XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Beautiful as always! I love New York!
Angie Neely says
You Are Absolutely Lovely as Always! I Loved Reading your Blog Tonight! Your Rose Bushes are getting leaves already!And are those Red Bud’s that are in Bloom?Love your Shoe’s! And Absolutely Love the Rose and Daisy Hat!Looks & Sounds Like you Ladies had a Fabulous Evening!
contessa says
WE DID INDEED!
THOse BUDS are PINK and they are WILD PLUM TREES IN my BACKYARD!I will be POSTING MORE of the GARDEN as SPRING ARRIVES!
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED ANGIE to get my POSTS?GO TO my site THE VINTAGE CONTESSA.NET and sign up on the LEFT SIDEBAR!
PS. WE just found out BANKSY dances if music is on!!!!!!!!!!!
Lillian Plummer says
I am sure you ladies must have turned heads at the party. Wonderful combination of textiles, what a fun night. Will be keeping an eye out for the book signing event details, you never know I may join you. xx
contessa says
I WOULD LOVE THAT!
YOU are the FIRST ON MY LIST!!!!!!!!!!
XX
Joy Moos says
Oh My! What a glamorous pair you two make! The colours!The clothes!The jewels! The total picture….pure heaven! Did I mention your pure poetry? Your descriptions make my eyes dance!
contessa says
MY DESCRIPTIONS make YOUR EYES DANCE!!!!!!
I L O V E THAT!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU have added JOY to my DAY MS. JOY!!!!
GRAZIE MILLIE for your comment…………..I really appreciate them as I spend so much time putting this ALL together it’s like my VALIDATION if I can spur one to comment!AND I HAD SUCCESS WITH YOU!
THANK YOU!
XX
Leslie Harris says
Oh you’re so right, her skin does look so flawless I’m going to google her skin products right after this. And you both look absolutely stunning!! Loooove your outfit—how do you put those pieces together? The colors, jewelry, textures…no wonder people were taking photos of you two!
contessa says
IT Just HAPPENS……..really NOT MUCH thought to layer THE BOD!Perhaps it’s a GIFT from above I don’t know but some days I know IT WORKS other days NOT SO MUCH!THose are the days I put a KIMONO on and stay HOME!
I MUST GO GOOGLE TOO……..what did you find out!?
Leslie Haws says
YOU rock, Missy!!
contessa says
I thought of YOU YESTERDAY!
AND HERE YOU ARE!
HOW IS YOUR SON?I shall ring YOU!
Jeanne @Collage of Life says
Just LOVED, LOVED this post Elizabeth. Two stylish women on a mission and what fun they had! Thank you for taking us with you! xxx
contessa says
I enjoyed it VERY MUCH JEANNE………….THANK YOU for saying something!XX
Jenny says
Contessa, I think you’ve met your match. The pictures of you and Tziporah together are priceless. Looks like you enjoyed a great textile adventure, as recited in your wonderfully descriptive and colorful blog. And, yes, loved the rose / daisy embroidered hat.
contessa says
My outfit came together because of the GIFT you so GRANDLY GIFTED TO ME that NECK PIECE!Not to be forgotten either those TASSEL BLACK EARRINGS!YOU Know what I ADORE and can WEAR!Have NEVER met another person WHO GETS ME LIKE YOU DO!
XO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Dear Elizabeth:
Greetings from incredible INDIA! How I wish I could join you and your tribal chic fashion brigade! you know this is RIGHT up my alley! Thanks for sending the inspirational pictures. You and Tziporah inspire the best in me. Believe you me I am in hot pursuit of my own tribal chic elements over here, some ready made, others in the making.
I am so pleased to read of your forays into this fun fashion world. Keep it coming!
love, Andrea
contessa says
I PROMISE to keep it coming!
I signed up for the announcements so next year perhaps YOU can join us as TZIPORAH and I have sworn to an annual SOIREE there!
KEEP SHOPPING……….I LOVE Those bangles I bought at CHRISTMAS TIME…….MORE COLORS?
XO
Anita Rivera says
GOOD MORNING! I am late here….school you know…..
BUT! I am thrilled. How can I explain the “feeling” I get behind the screen when I read a post that is so personal, JOYOUS and inspiring? All I could say is that I wish I could attend an event like this, meet YOU, DRESS UP the way I WANT and join in on the fun. This is what I love to see: older people loving themselves and enjoying all the fun. FUN does not just belong to people under 50!!!!! I just love the theme: TRIBAL and TEXTILES. You did it, as usual, for your statuesque form is a great beauty that never fails. I LOVE ANIMAL SKIN PRINTS!
Enjoy yourself dearest Contessa and your garden is an Italian dream!!!
contessa says
YOU are NEVER LATE here to my site I ALWAYS welcome your BEAUTIFUL comments ANITA!YOU will meet me…………CARMEL this summer RIGHT?Is that still the plan?I do hope SO……….I will DRIVE TO SEE YOU!
I am going through a LEOPARD phase at the moment…………having TWO footstools and a headband done up!I shall send YOU a photo or THREE!!!!!!!
SEIZE the weekend!
XO
Taste of France says
Fabulous outfit. Every item shown here is fabulous. And fun! If I ran into you on the street I would try to conjure up a reason why we should go have coffee (or, more likely, wine) at some sunny cafe so I could hear your undoubtedly wonderful tales. Sometimes you CAN judge a book by its cover, and in your case (and Mme. Salamon’s as well), you ooze with personality, vivacity, fun. Classy yet what the French call “espiégle”–a little roguish or naughty in a harmless way. Not boring, in other words!
contessa says
AND I would accept with PLEASURE!Especially for a glass or TWO of VINO!
Yes, I have TALES and I adore meeting NEW PEOPLE.
THANK YOU for YOUR BEAUTIFUL comment!You made my morning!
XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Girls booking my flight to come shoot you!!!! Love both of u!! Xx
CARLA COULSON…………(YIPPY!!!!!!!!!!!says the CONTESSA!!!!)
Kathy L says
Fun post and pics! Your post has reinforced that I am the most boring dresser. I need to get out there and jazz up my wardrobe and accessories.
contessa says
IT IS EASY………..REALLY!
TRY IT and then come back and tell me how many compliments you received!It will put a smile on your face………….and other people LOVE to see others DRESSED WELL.Believe ME!
Heather in Arles says
Oh my goodness, this absolutely made my day. And you know how much I need a smile right now and yet you did it! You two make a mighty fine pair. You looked absolutely “en pointe” as the younger ones are saying. 😉 And Tziporah is always an inspiration. Plus, you are right, that skin! But it is the shine in both of your eyes that makes you so exceptional.
With much Love
H
PS. I am pretty sure that the necklaces with the shells on them were actually forms of money. I saw them at a gallery in New Caledonia. Quite rare. From Papua New Guinea maybe?
contessa says
I did not read the CARD but could have VERY WELL HAVE BEEN from NEW CALEDONIA!I was trying to keep up with TZIPORAH…………at every booth she knew someone OR someone KNEW HER!
EN POINTE………I like that. IT sounds like a ballet term so EN POINTE ME AS LONG AS WE ARE YOUNG!!!!!Which means FOREVER!!!!!!!!
Good to know I cracked a SMILE for YOU!
BIG HUGS,
XOXO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Looks like you had a great time.
Andrea@WellnessNotes says
Sounds like a magical evening! You both look absolutely stunning and radiate such warmth & joy!
contessa says
THANK YOU ANDREA……..we did ENJOY the event very much.
anita@letshavelunch says
Jurlique is an Aussie company Elizabeth……..all organic and natural.
No wonder Tziporah’s skin looks amazing!!!
I can see why many people snapped you both.
You made an impressive dynamic duo.
Always a delight to read what you’re up to my sweet……….always so much fun.
xx Neat xx
contessa says
WELL, then I better JUMP on the band wagon!
JURLIQUE……….here I come!Looked it up and they even have a shop in SAN FRAN!!!
XO
contessa says
VIA FACEBOOK!
You do tribal as well as baroque and barnyard. Essence of renaissance!
DIANE
Karena says
Dear Elizabeth, what an occasion!
You are both absolutely stunning and the fabrics are incredibly gorgeous!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Loree says
You both looked so fabulous and regal. I think you look really tall. I wish I was taller. Clothes look better on a taller person. It looks like you both had a wonderful time. Ah, New York. I wish I could join.
contessa says
FIVE FOOT eleven inches……….I am!
Katharine says
And THEN….. a book on LA CONTESSA ! I think that will be FABULOUS as well.
You rock, girl !
Love from Italy…..
contessa says
A BOOK……………what pretel will I write about!!!?
MEETING YOU would be the BEST PART!!!!!!!A PARK BENCH in the CASCINE with a bunch of babies!!!IN the middle of FLORENCE,ITALY………………..or discovering Greek yogurt to use in place of Sour Cream?Or how about the time I bought a SALMON for Christmas and it was over $100.00 and Then the stove was too small to cook it!!!!!!!!! IS that what your talking about BOOK MATERIAL???I don’t think there are enough STORIES YET!I need to come back and PLOP myself in ZONA FIRENZE CENTRAL and make some new ones!
I just tried to SKPYE YOU………….BOY I hope I did not send a video!I couldn’t get that camera to TURN OFF!
XOXO
Susie Craig says
You look as if you belong in the pages of a 19th century Russian novel, so exotic with colours, patterns, textures and such gorgeous necklaces!
contessa says
YOU are so GRACIOUS…………I LOVE THAT DESCRIPTION!
THANKS for popping over from “DOWN UNDER!”
XX
Katie Clooney says
You ladies look positively STUNNING!!! I agree with Susie… you two belong on the cover of a sexy RUSSIAN NOVEL!!! Have a wonderful week, Contessa!!
contessa says
VERY FUNNY!
IT IS OFF TO A GOOD START……….HAD LUNCH with another BLOGORESSA and swung by the HAY& GRAIN for the CHICKS!Made a purchase in between!
Julie Russell says
A VISUAL FEAST INDEED!
RebeccaNYC says
Wait a minute…YOU MET BILL CUNNIGHAM!?? You so casually mention that, and he is a real superstar! Even my photojournalist husband, who photographs all the fashion shows, is gaa gaa when he sees BILL CUNNINGHAM!! oh now I am really jealous. What a wonderful night that must have been! Thank you for sharing it with us!!
contessa says
NO NO NO!!!
TZIPORAH has met BILL and been photographed for years by him.Now, I need to go back and proof read what I wrote,but then again I am looking at the time you POSTED this and am thinking your POOPED from the PERFORMANCE.
IF I MEET BILL I WILL TELL YOU!!!!!!!!!!
YOUR HUBBY DOES THE FASHION SHOWS!!!!!!!!!NOW< that is exciting to ME!!! XX
RebeccaNYC says
Oh my. I can get off my fainting couch. Here’s what I read “IT was THAT GIRL from NEW YORK who has arrived in LOS ANGELES to DRESS THE STARS!
TZIPORAH SALAMON OF ADVANCED STYLE FAME………………and BILL CUNNINGHAM of THE NEW YORK TIMES and LANVIN FAME!” so I assumed you met Mr. Cunningham. phew!
Actually, Steve has met Mr. Cunningham many times, we have a photo of them together, and it was a real thrill for him. Steve also has taken photos of Tziporah, as all of the photographers who run into her do…of course they do! She is remarkable.
Sadly for me, Steve did not do fashion week this year. It’s a real pain in the neck now that the shows are all over town instead in one place as it used to be. So he opted out and I did not get to see all the photos…oh well. That’s what the internet is for. xoxoxo
RebeccaNYC says
oh, and at 8:34 I was at work. Our performances normally go until 11pm or later. And you’re right…afterwards I am POOPED! and have to get back up the next morning for rehearsal at 10am. Such a glamorous life I lead!!
contessa says
I was thinking the 8:34pm was CALIFORNIA Time not NEW YORK CITY time!
YOU ARE A STAR TO ME TO DO WHAT YOU DO and I THANK YOU!Now, off I go to tell TZIPORAH YOUR husband has photographed HER!I LOVE THIS SMALL WORLD STUFF!
SO, I will be there a year from APRIL…………..I would like to come sooner.BUT put ME On your CALENDAR for APRIL 2017………..tour and dinner or lunch what ever WORKS with your schedule!Maybe your husband will snap OUR PHOTOS together!!!
XX
RebeccaNYC says
April 2017? I’m clearing my whole calendar!!
cherie says
Ok, now this is fabulous!!!!! You two look so great together with all of your prints and textures and colors and baubles. What a treat to meet her and hang with her. Since she and I had tea, she certainly has entered a new realm – Rizzoli book, commercials, T.J. Maxx, wow! And you were rubbing elbows…YES, COME TO NEW YORK!! When is this book signing? BTW, fabulous layering Contessa!! XOXO
Style Nudge
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
contessa says
NEXT APRIL 2017!!!
I HAVE TO MEET YOU TOO…………….SO PLAN ON IT!
I would love for you to come and “HANG” with me for a day or two and show me your HAUNTS!
PS.Picking up two antique footstools I had done in LEOPARD because of YOU TODAY!CAN HARDLY WAIT TO SEE…….I will send you a photo!
XO
Jen says
You look marvellous!
Graciela says
Wow, I love your website! I love your style and passion for the “Grandeur of the past”. You are one beautiful Contessa young lady,
Elegant and full of beautiful spirit in your soul. YOU ROCK!
Hope to see you soon!
contessa says
YOU WILL………..THANK YOU especially for “YOUNG”!
recknruin says
Wow I knew you were special, when I first started reading your posts !! And you have shown such qualities that are gifts to a human , not everyone carries these , its something that you were born with , Presence!! I have enjoyed seeing you in all your photograph’s and will look forward to reading your blogs .,, if more people were like you , what a fantastic interesting world this would be ..
contessa says
I think YOU just MADE MY YEAR!!!!!!!!!
I am FRIENDLY and that is unusual in TODAY’s WORLD.I like what you do and therefore I WILL ADORE YOU!
THANK YOU BELLA……..or are you a BELLO!!?I think a BELLA!
Graciela says
Yes, you are one Bella Contessa inside and out! Love your website!
contessa says
MY THANKS AGAIN!I am collecting BAGS FOR YOU!!!!!!SEE YOU SOON!
kim says
Contessa, How did I miss this post? How fabulous you ladies got together. You not only have similar style, but she seems as kind and wonderful as you are. I hope you do the NYC trip! New York is always fun. You will both make an impression! Love the last picture of you both! I’d love to go to her next talk here! xo Kim
Lisa says
Of course YOU CAN DO IT! And, you DID! <3