WELCOME TO MY CASTLE……………..
I WANT IT I PROCLAIM to the DEALER and my friends.You see we were “WALKING” the antique show that comes to my neck of the woods three times a year!The man said, he wanted only $15,000.00 for it.Which I have to agree is a GOOD price…………..my problem is I do not have a WALL BIG ENOUGH to display it properly and the dogs would sleep on it if it dragged on the floor.
NEVER MIND the ITALIAN would have a BIG FAT FIT if I had made the purchase…………..I wonder if my credit card would even accept that kind of TRANSACTION,guess we will NEVER know!
So, we snapped a photo instead.
MOUTH OPENED AND ALL……….
MY START to the day consisted of washing my SINUSES as I am having a HECK of a time this year with ALLERGIES!I thought I would snap a photo of MYSELF before the day got away from me as that is what WE DO NOW A DAYS……………….(GOOD GRIEF whats to come?) wish I had zipped that handbag!
One of my FAVORITE BOOTHS………..I call them THE FRENCH GUYS.They ALWAYS have the MOST AMAZING STUFF.I have decided they have a VATICAN CONNECTION………so MUCH fabric and priest robes and trims………..it’s enough to put me in hyper ventilation mode!THEIR DISPLAY is ALWAYS A jaw dropping OPERATION!
TRIM ANYONE…………….
Think of the POSSIBILITIES of WHAT YOU could do with this………PILLOWS ANYONE?
VELVET…………….spots,or rips who CARES!!!!!!!!IT has a HISTORY and how I would LOVE to make up a story to go with this fabric once it became a STAPLE in my HOME.
MORE OF THE SAME……….HOPE I’m NOT BORING YOU!
NOT every house needs one of THESE but it sure would GO IN MY ABODE!
MORE BITS AND PIECES…………
There that LITTLE MAN who RAN an EMPIRE………I know someone who has a piece of him!You may too ELLIE at HAVE SOME DECORUM.She landed a piece of his wallpaper when he was in prison at AUCTION!I guess the GRIMALDI’s of MONOCO ROYALTY had A LOT of his STUFF!
This frame was $1250.00………..STERLING I would assume I asked his BEST PRICE as these larger frames are HARD to come by.He went down to $600.00………..NO I DIDNOT MAKE THE BUY!
These bowls were $1800.00 for 14 of them. I will DO the MATH for YOU as I have my TRUSTY SMART PHONE handy!That would be $128.57 a dish………………..hand wash OF COURSE as they are all HAND PAINTED!You wouldn’t believe the color difference in some of them more pink then red but then I can show you with my photo………………a big difference in color do you think these were a set or two sets mixed?
I was thinking of those PINK PLATES I HAVE……………………these bowls would be a SMASH!
WOULD YOU AGREE with me…………these are my PLATES.
The pink plates looking empty and SAD awaiting THOSE BOWLS…………will NEVER happen but A GIRL can DREAM!Plus, the ITALIAN would need to build me a BUTLERS PANTRY for all the CHINA.
THEN There was this SET…………….all I remember is THREE THOUSAND AND SOMETHING……..all hand painted with a different PORTRAIT on each ONE!I LOVED The MONOGRAMS……………I think we could make out LA MAMA CONTESSA there??Who cares……THEY SPEAK TO ME!
A close up so YOU can make out the initials…………..
NO, these did NOT come home with me either………….
THE RING MASTER………THIS GUY HAS JEWELS………..I especially like the PRICE STICKER.
YES, he was a MAN and YES he was a CHARACTER.
Well, thats it from HERE………I hope you all have a lovely week.If you are wondering about my outfit I can tell you this much.The necklace was a GIFT from a VERY special LADY . It is a STELLA MCCARTNEY.The Kimono is from THAT BOUTIQUE down SOUTH that I found on INSTAGRAM.
LE BEL AGE BOUTIQUE:
-
1607 W Lewis St
San Diego, CA 92103Mission Hills
in SAN DIEGO and the pants are from CHICO’s this past week!The LUCITE bracelet is ANOTHER MAGICAL GIFT and the white cuffs were a $3.00 BARGIN I picked up from a shop going out of business.The white shirts from THE FISHER PROJECT and yes that is a BLACK bra underneath……….I was keeping in THEME!
The leopard headband was made from a REMNANT I had leftover from my footstools………..I now feel IAM part of the LEOPARD TRIBE that I see all through out the magazines and the WEB.
DO you own a piece of LEOPARD………………tell me what you own?
I may NEED to COPY!
Sandra Sallin says
Thanks for the trip to the Antique Show. You saved me lots of money. Love that tapestry. Perfect hanging for your house if it was a castle. I adore antique plates and antique linens. Hate the skimmpy polyester ones you see everywhere. Your outfit is divine. Look how you put the pieces together. Meant to be. Leopard? I have a leopard (fake) coat but have not had the guts to wear it. I need some Contessa guts! Keep on inspiring me.
contessa says
I WILL……………and you live in a MUCH WARMER climate then ME!
Penelope Bianchi says
Sandy! You have the guts! All you need to do us USE them!!! After the first time; it will become increasingly easy! People will compliment you….and you will like your reflection!! It is FUN!!!!!
Polyester linens (they aren’t even linens); should be banned! water beads up on them……YUCK! Paper is better!!!!!
RebeccaNYC says
I am soooooo sad that the pink plates did not come home with you! Even if you had just bought 2 of them…! But I suppose he was just selling them as a set? (Although I tend to think that the pink and the red were two different sets, as you suggested.) So pretty.
And cute outfit! No, I don’t own any leopard…I am a minimalist at heart and rarely wear prints, or color, or anything interesting. In my own clothing, that is. I have no say over my costumes, they put me in what ever they want. Recently it seems they want to put me in baggy ugly clothes. Even my boss laughed when he saw my latest outfit with the men’s pants and oversized shirts accessorized with a beret and a cigarette. Your life is much more glamorous than mine! xo
contessa says
DARLING…………..GLAMOROUS,only because I try on a daily basis to make the MOST OUT OF MY DAILY DOINGS!IT’s NOT every day this CONTESSA has her head in a turban and a full length KIMONO!YOU should see me NOW!Good thing you canNOT but just saying………..
I only choose to SHOW you the BETTER DAYS!
Who cares what YOUR WEARING!!IT’s what comes OUT of YOUR VOICE that WE are TAKEN WITH……….LUCKY YOU to be ONE of the SELECT few to preform at THE MET!!!
WE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK TOO……………XX
RebeccaNYC says
you are the sweetest person on the planet!
Sandra Sallin says
You sing at the Met??? Oh Joy!!!!
Kathy L says
What an enjoyable day at the antique show. I love antique hand-painted china. I could look at it all day. Thank you for highlighting your favorites.
contessa says
KATHY you and me BOTH.THE CHINA and crystal at this show was TERRIFIC!
Thanks for popping by!
Taste of France says
I once was invited to dinner at the domaine of a friend’s family in the Belgian countryside. Multigenerational evening, in three languages. I was the odd one out, speaking only two. And there was a ginormous tapestry on the wall that had probably been there for generations. I would love one for our renovation, but they are hard to find. There is a woman who sometimes works on one, in public, on the main pedestrian street in Carcassonne. It makes me appreciate them more, seeing how much work is required.
BTW I adore your outfit!
contessa says
MERCI………MADAME…………MERCI.
YOUR dinner SOUNDS FABULOUS!I Loved BELGIUM the few times I have been there……..I have fond memories about A COUNT and an ANTIQUE/GARDEN SHOW.Then there was the visit to AXEL’s CASTLE……………the BIG DECORATOR.
I agree it does make YOU appreciate when you see the work that goes into the detail.I think I see a POST from YOU today in my INBOX!!!OFF I GO to read……………
stephanie thonet says
you look smashing contessa!!! you really know how to put yourself together! really easy on the eyes! (love that expression!)
i agree, one MUST have at least one leopard print object in the place! i have two: a pillow and a lampshade.
the red&green toile de jouy tablecloth is beautiful! and i want a dining room/kitchen JUST like yours, with all the gorgeous windows overlooking green!!!!! (which i am with envy) xx
contessa says
SO many compliments in one PARAGRAPH!
How do I say THANK YOU in GERMAN?DANKE………………..
What a treat to SKYPE with YOU this week!
YOU will just have to find your way over to see this kitchen/dining room!!!
XX
Pat says
I think THE ITALIAN would happily build an addition onto your castle with a wall large enough for the tapestry AND a butler’s pantry!
contessa says
WRONG!!!!!!!
I Already had ASKED for a BIGGER KITCHEN!!!
Jen says
I love me some leopard. I have a favourite velvet leopard cushion, a doctor’s satchel bag, and a pillbox hat from the 60s. Such a fabulous accent pattern!
You always look like you are having a wonderful time. Your enthusiasm jumps off the screen!
contessa says
I hear THAT A LOT…………MY ENTHUSIASM which always makes me SMILE.
THANK YOU.
VELVET LEOPARD CUSHION…………………oh BOY!!
DOCTOR’S SATCHEL, I would LOVE to see that!!!
PILLBOX hat I have THAT TOO!!!
Penelope Bianchi says
Contessa has the great gift of optimism, enthusiasm and FUN!!!! She is every bit of what she seems to be! Laughing and loving and enjoying life! And her family and her animals!!
Everyone who has anything to do with her is LUCKY!!!!
She is someone who digs for the positives; and makes things positive all around her!
She had an aunt who lived near me; and who was so much like her; I cannot tell you!
Lucky us who are her friends!!! And you should hear her beautiful, musical laugh!!!!
Coulda shoulda woulda says
I love eye shopping with stuff like this. I love everything and thank you for being a great guide!
contessa says
ANY TIME NAOMI……………anytime!
Katie Clooney says
First of all, Contessa, you look MAAAVELOUS in every picture! Secondly, I would LOVE to go antiquing with you some day. Perhaps this SUMMER when you come to see your SON!! Love your PLATES!!! I have a WALL big enough for that gorgeous TAPESTRY!!! Can you pick it up for moi and I’ll PAY you back!!!! Have a wonderful WEEK!!
contessa says
OF COURSE YOU have a wall in that OLD ancient AMERICAN FARMHOUSE on the EAST COAST!!!
Show ended SUNDAY!
NO CAN DO but I will KEEP my EYES OPEN!
D. A. Wolf says
What fun! All of it! And that kimono on you is scrumptious.
Leopard? Always a nice touch! (I have leopard peep-toe pumps. They will need to re-emerge when Spring arrives.)
xo
contessa says
MERCI…………..we need to CATCH UP!!!!
Mdm. Tortoise says
Wonderful eye candy. I have a wall which could use a smaller tapestry: the large one was breathtaking. So wish we had antique shows such as this here but then I would be selling pencils on a street corner to provide sustenance. You look gorgeous as ever….
Jaw remains dropped as I say hope you have a good day.
contessa says
HELLO GOOD DAY MADAME TORTOISE…………………
I do not want YOU on ANY street corner.
SO,LOOKING WORKS!!!!!!
XX
Ruth Yunker says
What a great day I just spent at the Antiques show with you, and I didn’t even have to get in my car (or out of my pajamas) to go there!
Fabulous! So fun! I can feel your energy and sense of humor all over the place!
Okay, those pink dishes. I loved them, because I love everything pink. But the different shades of pink would have irritated me in the end, and I would have started believing the dealer knew he had two separate sets and was trying to pull them off as one…much as I love antique dealers!
The tapestry. What can I say. Loved it. Wish I could have it. Will cry now.
You looked fabulous! As I have a feeling is always the case!
I’m so glad to have met you on IG, and now here. And one day it will be in person, I’m sure!
contessa says
After reading YOUR Books I feel I know YOU too pretty well!
I doNOT LOOK FAB every day of my LIFE…………..just for your information!
WE will meet………..when I do not know but the SOUTHERN part of the STATE calls to me and then I GO back for a walk down memory lane.
foodiefan says
Nothing better than dreaming when window shopping or in your case ‘antiquing’. Did love those monogrammed plates which would have looked fab at your table! I’ve never owned any leopard but I don’t have your pizazz to pull it off – you wear it so well! I used to visit this very exclusive shop, Le Louvre with my bridesmaid’s mother in the 1970’s which had a leopard covered chaise lounge we would sit on while the clothes were brought out one by one….the owner Lil Whiteman was always dressed in an ocelot coat and was renowned in Melbourne as the queen of style.
contessa says
Wish I could have seen THAT WOMAN in ACTION!!
Penelope Bianchi says
ME TOO!!!!
Anita Rivera says
Hello there, beautiful! What a show. I could only dream and smile that I would have had to the chance to enjoy such REGAL BEAUTY! I could never, ever buy anything in a place like that, but it sure is fun LOOKING! And, you look fantastic. Did you ever model professionally? What tapestries, what PLATES! Yes for sure, those pink plates speak out royalty, LA CONTESSA!
contessa says
I sent you a TEXT the other day………….with my MAKE UP as you requested I do not think you received it!
NO, I never modeled.TOO busy trying to be a BALLERINA!!!
Lillian Plummer says
OMG I so love all of those plates, the ones with the cameo and monogram are magnificent. Your pink plates are just wonderful too. Thank you for the tour, how lucky you are to have such such exposure close by…..everything looked divine! No wonder you looked so happy I would be in heaven! Think the Vatican may be selling more of its contents soon to pay their dues!
Keep it coming. Best Lillian xxx
contessa says
I was HAPPY that DAY Lillian as the SHOW was a pure delight!Everywhere you looked was something to BUY!That does not happen often with me!I did come home with a few more glasses!!So, the day will not be forgotten!!
XX
Susie Nolan says
Oooooooh that red velvet and all the Bishops Robes my eyes were crossed eyed. Such treasures. I just bought a kimono just like yours it’s a Camilla. Would adore to live near you. I’ve run out of space xoxoxo
contessa says
OH, Susie me too……..the closet is a major problem HERE!I want to buy the house across the street to HOUSE my clothing!
HA!
The JOY of clothing and THINGS BEST NEVER LEAVE ME……………….XO
Donna says
Elizabeth, What a show that was! How long was it in town? I would have had to go all the days. The tapestry was pretty fabulous and that chandelier caught my eye. Can’t imagine the price on that. Those pink bowls would have really added something to your pink plates. So much eye candy to take in. When do they come back……..??? Hugs, Donna (Faded Velvet)
contessa says
The show comes THREE times a YEAR!
Next one end of APRIL!I have been going to this show for about 30 years………………..
IT’s THE GOOD STUFF……………….
HAPPY TO SEE YOU HERE!
Penelope Bianchi says
I know those French guys I think! I think they come to SantaBarbara too! To the “CALM
” antique show!
They have all those treasures…..and that metallic embroidery..vestments…you are right!!!
I think I inherited the same pink plates you have from my mommy! I have to photograph them at my daughter’s!
XXOO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
I just read your post and LOVED it.
I am so happy after reading about your adventures, finds, jewelry and more.
Your leopard print stool and pillow on top of your chaise + pillow is heavenly.
You are heavenly too!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this adventure and yourself!
You made my day.
xo
Mindy Rosenberg Design
Penelope Bianchi says
Everything is fantastic!! Especially YOU!!!!!
Angela Muller says
Please Contessa, I’m trying to simplify my spaces…and wouldn’t you know I have the wall for that tapestry, but not the $15,000…pheww! China and glassware are passions, and those green goblets next to those plates, I do have room for those. Beautiful photos, great ideas. I’m always reluctant to buy beautiful old fabrics because I never know what to do with them…pillows!! Why didn’t I think of that. Thanks for all this eye candy.
contessa says
ANY TIME ANGELA…………….the glassware was DIVINE TOO!
GOOD EYE!
PILLOWS,curtain details………….DOG BED!!!WE can find many things to do with this old fabric!I even know a lady who makes lampshades from the bits!!
Penelope Bianchi says
practically all of my lampshades (on sconces and lamps) are made from “bits” of antique fabrics….and a couple with decoupaged divine copperplate prints! Never throw away a scrap of old fabric! (if it is special)!!!!!!
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Leopard Print Items:
1. Calf hair leopard print flats…lined in red leather
2. Leopard print faux fur long scarf….about 3 feet long…or more
3. Leopard print faux fur fluffy collar with black silk ties
4. Leopard print faux fur slouch hat for very cold weather.
5. Leopard print sleeveless light weight knit top
6. Leopard print long sleeved silk blouse.
7. Leopard print gloves…..I lost one and finally threw the odd one away….so sad….and looking
for replacement pair.
I am sure I have more tucked away, but can not recall them now.
All of the above bought at different times and none of the leopard prints match each other.
My inspiration was my Aunt Maria who wore leopard print the entire time that she lived. As a child I was allowed to sit on the floor of her closet and try on her fancy shoes and touch her beautiful clothes. She had a black suit that I thought was wonderful. The buttons were all covered with…..what I hope…..was fake leopard skin.
This was probably in the early 50’s.
I enjoy reading your musings. J
Penelope Bianchi says
I need your address! I have a pair of leopard print gloves to send you! I dont need them in Santa Barbara!
XXOO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
Ciao La Contessa!!! Your photos are amazing & the TAPESTRY is breathtaking!!!!
How are you??? Am I crazy……OR weren’t we going to talk a few weeks ago?!?!???
Allergies are rampant this year……I have my 1st appt with an allergist tomorrow. For 3 days I haven’t been able to
Take any Benadryl, singular or Zantac for hives…….AAAAAGH!!!!
I ALWAYS love seeing your posts!! Keep’em coming!!
Hugs,
Brenda
Susie Craig says
I loved the tour of the antique stalls and I adore those plates. You carry off the patterns and colours so beautifully. You need to keep an eye out for an antique leopard skin for your floor. I am in love with the fabrics and tassels but running out of space for any more cushions. Susie
contessa says
ALWAYS Lovely to hear from YOU!I know what YOU mean about SPACE!!!
suzanna says
WOW, Love this…you look FAB….been awhile since I committed..too long, long year! But, I always
visit when I get your notifications! I just gotta have that leopard purse in the 2nd photo of you and
those pink dishes…so much is SO GORGEOUS……I can’t be a hog here…..ha ha ha….YOUR PIG
is getting BIG! xoxox
contessa says
CHICO’s SUZANNA………….CHICO’s!!!!!!!!
XO
Diane says
Cheapest (and most divine) vacation, your antique fantasies and whimsy. Gorgeous and grazie, Contessa…
contessa says
ANYTIME!
Loree says
You are just so sweet. I love your outfit. It makes you stand out and I am sure it was your intention 🙂 I don’t think I can ever be as brave as you – although I do like to wear quirky stuff every not and then. All the items at the show look really lovely – and expensive but sometimes it’s bets to invest. Certain treasures will only increase in price with time. My only leoprard item is a kind of tank top that I usually wear under my sweaters. But I do like animal prints too.
contessa says
My intention is NOT to STAND OUT………believe it or NOT.I dress for ME, no one else.
YOU are RIGHT about the VALUE…….
Does that TANK TOP ever see the LIGHT of MALTA????
XO
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
OH Contessa …I pray you and the italian never get bed bugs or fleas or any mites !!! Think of the cost to fumigate all in yr beautiful abode !!!! xxx
contessa says
THIS MADE ME LAUGH SO HARD!
LETS HOPE NOT…………thanks for your comment!
Arell says
Such beautiful things at the Antique Show you attended! I would have loved to hear your commentary and wheeling and dealing with the owner’s firsthand! I must tell you though, out of everything you showed us, I loved your own pink dishes in the picture you posted the very best!!
LA CONTESSA says
GRAZIE, ARELL……………MANY THANKS!I too found those at an ANTIQUE SHOP many years ago and had to have them!I can wheel and deal but at this SHOW I would never put the GAS on high!
anita@letshavelunch says
I think you were the stand-out at the antique show.
I’m sure no one was dressed as elegantly.
Those plates were so beautiful and matched your set perfectly but you probably made the best decision to leave them.
As you’re still in the States you obviously didn’t get to the Duchess of Devonshire’s auction.
Now that would be one place you wouldn’t have been able to restrain yourself.
Ciao Bella
Neat xx
LA CONTESSA says
NEAT!
THE AUCTION STARTS TODAY……………………..
YOU ARE SO RIGHT!
I have HER PHOTO on my wall………….and I have the VISION of OSCAR DE LA RENTA coming to dinner at CHATSWORTH where she had the dining table staged with LIVE chicks under glass domes!YOU know a GAL who would have loved that!The only thing those domes better have been Enormous or I would have been letting them OUT for AIR during the meal!!!!!!!!I wonder if the domes are UP for sale…………….??!!!!!THATS WHAT I WANT!XX
Taste of France says
I just had to come back to tell you: I’m reading about luxury-goods markets as I’m researching a speech and lo and behold, how do they illustrate luxury goods? A woman wearing a leopard-print dress! And sunglasses. And her hair is in a chignon. (And she’s young, with only 1 chin, but we won’t hold that against her.) It shows her left hand, and she’s holding a clutch, but not wearing a watch, nor any other jewelry. I thought watches and jewelry were big luxury goods. Anyway, it was nice to see that, officially, leopard print = luxury.
I actually think the print might be cheetah rather than leopard. Cheetah spots are solid black. Must know one’s felines!
LA CONTESSA says
OH MY…….thanks for THE REPORT!Only one chin………..gosh darn.How will I make the DOUBLE CHIN FASHIONABLE!?
As for watches I think they are done for meaning with the time on the phones NO ONE has to bother with a watch anymore!I feel bad for those ancient Luxury watch makers!
Now, do you have a BLOG?
Are you on Instagram?
Give me the ANSWER so I can follow along!!!!!!!!!!
XX
Penelope Bianchi says
The one plastic surgery I recommend…..a neck lift. We do not need multiple chins. Best thing I ever did. And at 54. wish I had done it earlier. Now; at 69; I think I need it again.
Seriously; best thing I have ever done. Not one person noticed. (If my husband had not taken me and picked me up….and helped me) he wouldn’t have noticed either. But; boy, I sure did!!!
I highly recommend!
ps I did not let the surgeon do anything to my face. Scary stuff; faces. Just personally.
Muffin Malherbe says
How wonderful do you look in that leopard headband. Muffie Cape Town. Love your blog. Just saying
LA CONTESSA says
MUFFIE of CAPE TOWN………….hello!I have been to your CITY and LOVED it!I actually have two GOD DAUGHTERS there now!
I had that headband made from scraps from my footstools!It has a bit a stretch in it so I think it’s a KEEPER!
THANKS for your comment!I LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!YOU Keep me writing and POSTING………if I don’t get many comments I feel NO ONE has enjoyed the POST!
Penelope Bianchi says
Contessa! Your “Auntie Mame’s” house……(real name Katherine Abercombie) was my very favorite house in the WORLD!! (I sometimes exaggerate….but I am not exaggerating about this.)!
I saw that house first when I was about 25; Jack Warner had just bought it; it was full of contemporary furniture……I saw beyond that…..the most gorgeous house in the best spot….I had ever seen…..and still…..it is ….now 45years later! It is “South African Dutch Colonial”!! Absolutely! Amazing this woman from South Africa discovered you! tell her about that house!!!!
XXOO
Loreen Attridge says
Love everything you do!! I too love leopard! Have a little something in every room! Pillow, lampshade, ottoman! No such as too much for me! Would love to share a glass of champagne with you sometime!! I’m in southern ca.. So maybe I can tempt you! Remember this life of ours is no dress rehearsal!!
LA CONTESSA says
LOREEN,
WE have met TWO times at FRENCH BASKETEER’s……….RIGHT?Or am I confusing YOU with another DIVINE person?I would LOVE to have a glass of CHAMPAGNE with YOU maybe TWO and chat away!You know I lived down there years ago………..fond memories.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your quote!”REMEMBER this LIFE of OURS is no DRESS REHEARSAL!”
Let’s see if I can sneak away from the ITALIAN for a couple of nights and GET DOWN SOUTH!
XX
Penelope Bianchi says
Where are you? We must get together! Contessa is so good at this! Yikwa!
Eric Cortina says
I think I might have been 15,000. poorer!!! That’s was stunning.
Still waiting to find the perfect leopard pillow!
Wish I was with you…
LA CONTESSA says
Had YOU been with me………would have made the day PERFECT!
XX
Julie Russell says
Oh, yes, leopard is essential if one wishes to be au currant. I recently acquired a divine Joie leopard print sweater – gray with black and blue spots. Creative license? Yes!
Enjoyed the tour through the antique show and swoon over those bowls. Particularly the pink variation. They would be fabulous with your pink china. Surely the Italian would agree.
xoxo
LA CONTESSA says
If I bring ONE MORE DISH or piece of STEMWARE home he will LOOK at me SIDEWAYS!
Let’s catch up soon on the telephone!
XO
Jennifer says
Simply fabulous dahling! Leopard is required patterning five the truly chic. I love this my friend. Great seeing you last week!!
XO Jennifer
Jennifer says
FOR the truly chic. //(**)\\
LA CONTESSA says
Guess I AM CHIC NOW!
How could I have been OUT of this circle for SO long!!!!!!!!!?
Karena says
That tapestry!
It reminds me of the one Andrea has hanging in the dining room of her home in France!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Charlotte Des Fleurs says
Hi Karena, Hmm – thought that looked familiar! BTW. Are you going to be attending Andrea’s French Food Camp on March 19th?
Smiles from Charlotte
contessa says
VIA EMAIL;
Loved seeing all the gorgeous goodies!.
Libby
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
My Dear Vintage Contessa,
I heard about you yesterday from my internet guru. And it is now 18 hours later and I am compelled to write.
Your blog feels like home! I am blown away by your creativity, your gorgeous style, your beautiful stature, and of course, your chickens! How have I existed without you in my blogosphere?
I thought you would get a kick out of my still life with chickens. And the book I reference, The Egg and I, is a hoot. You might love it. In fact, if ever I come across a vintage copy, I’ll send it your way.
Looking forward to joining you — virtually — on some internet adventures!
A new fan,
Mithra
Jacqueline says
What beautiful pieces Elizabeth although, they are a bit pricey !!!!!! I need to start getting rid of things rather than buying more !!
You look wonderful in your black and white …. I LOVE that first photograph of you !!!
As for leopard print, I don’t have any only because I’m not a lover of animal print but that’s just me !! XXXX
contessa says
I hear that A LOT in my line of work…………THATS where WE folks who can NEVER have enough usually find a BONANZA SALE!
Thats A OKAY as it leaves MORE for me to find!YOUR LOOK Is very CLEAN and GORGEOUS!
XX
cherie says
One of my goals is to get to your home to eat at your fabulous table with the beautiful pink plates, and I want to sit in that pink chair at the head of the table with Banksy to my right sitting on the bench! OK? Welcome to the Leopard Club, once you go leopard you never go back…
XOXO
cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
contessa says
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!
Although, BANKSY may have to be on the FLOOR as the bench wouldNOT be to COMFY for his petite status!!!!!!!!
SO, LOOK FORWARD to the DAY!
XO
Jeanne @Collage of Life says
You sure do know how to shop Elizabeth…I would love to join you! I have a few faux leopard pieces..shoes, handbag, shirts and have a chair and a few pillows too. Easy to love…. I LOVE your style Elizabeth….keep it coming! xxx
kim says
Contessa, The antique show must be fun with you! You always find wonderful things. I think you need that monogrammed china…That was my favorite. Your outfit is beautiful. I’m crazy for the necklace and the lucite bracelet! So pretty. You manage to mix so well. I wish I could. I love leopard, but all I have is a J Crew button-up, a sweater, and wedges in leopard (grey). Perhaps I need more. I’ve always coveted vintage leopard coats. Faux of course. I used to use an old leopard box tote with tortoise shell handle that was my mothers in the 60s as my college book bag. One day it just fell apart. Still wish I had it!
I was so excited you may make it to my Trina event. I am sending Dana a note about the caftan.. It’s gorgeous isn’t it? I’ll see if they have it and get back to you. Love to see you! xo Kim
Marion Hartwich says
Just wanted to tell you I LOOOOVE all your posts! This is a just a heavenly blog!
Love from Newport Beach
contessa says
MARION…………….Sending YOU a BIG HUG and THANK YOU through cyber space!XX
cindy hattersley says
I am so glad I wasn’t there I could have gotten into a lot of trouble!! Thanks for the highlights…some of those fabrics are magnificent!!
contessa says
THE BEST CINDY!
Leslie Harris says
What a fun tour Elizabeth! I feel like I was truly there alongside you, drooling at those gorgeous plates–and yes, the pattern DOES look suspiciously like your beautiful pink plates which I am now fixated on…I LOVE that photo of you with your wonderfully textured table. I have to ask you the history of those pink beauties, where did you find an entire set like that? There is so much to enjoy about your antique show—as far as the leopard goes you look so chic with your head piece. I could never carry that off, although I do have a leopard sweater and leopard heels. And I just recently bought my first leopard pillow for the living room couch. I must be the last person to own one but I do love the little zing it adds to the room. Happy Thursday my friend!
contessa says
PETALUMA………….a town North of me chalk FULL of antique shops!!!
They were my VALENTINE gift one year!I couldn’t leave the SHOP without making a CALL!!!
XX
Charlotte Des Fleurs says
Hi Elizabeth – haven’t read the Ballard Catalog lately but at one time they featured a lot of leopard paired with jungle green. Something as exotic as leopard should be used in small splashes. Your leopard turban is perfect!
I got a bit carried away once by making a leopard patterned dust ruffle for my 15 year old son’s bed! He had huge Tommy Bahama styled British Colonial furniture in his room and actually, it was perfect. His bedspread was a very wild floral from Colonial Williamsburg with lots of jungle green. His male friends thought it was “cool” and he kept it until he got married.
I have a leopard scarf that I occasionally tie onto a camel colored, French style tote and a leopard collar that goes on a sweater. However, I don’t wear them at the same time. Hubby says they look “fine” but he doesn’t “get” why women like to wear leopard. ??? It’s just fun.
I would have loved the antique show but have enough trouble controlling myself with Craigslist and my local vintage shops. One in particular, Vintique Alley, on Elizabeth Street (don’t you LOVE that) in Riverside, CA just gets better and better every time I go in. It is impossible to escape without buying at least one thing, usually more.
Remnants of the Past sounds like fun. We have a wonderful show called the Vintage Marketplace coming up this weekend in Temecula. I try to stay away because I really don’t need more stuff, but I hear it calling me…
Smiles from Charlotte Des Fleurs
contessa says
HELLO,
Yes, Ballards is still featuring it!!I have never been to the TEMECULA MARKET but have seen it advertised.YOU BEST GO and do some LOOKING!!!
Lovely to hear from YOU!
Your SON’s room sounds GRAND!I would have adored that!
XX
Sarah says
Adore your blog! Please tell me more about this fabulous Antiques Show that is 3 times a year. Where is he show? Happy Easter!
Sarah
Boca Grande, FL
contessa says
Close to SAN FRANCISCO!
The show has a NEW name but was called HILLSBOROUGH ANTIQUE SHOW………..I do not recall the new name!