I have been caught up in the WHOLE ADVANCED STYLE MOVEMENT since I first heard about it.
I think ARI SETH COHEN’s idea was BRILLIANT!
To receive a call that HE was doing a book signing in LA JOLLA made ME jump for JOY!
I had an INSTAGRAM meet up in place and NOW A BOOK SIGNING AS WELL.
Needless, to say I was like a LITTLE KID anticipating the EXCURSION SOUTH!
Here WE are waiting for THE DOORS TO OPEN.
SANDRA on the LEFT,YOUR CONTESSA,VALERIE and her MOTHER MICHALA.
Then what do my BABY BLUE EYES SEE……….
MISTER ARI SETH moving towards us with his ENTOURAGE.I thought HERE HE comes and the doors areNOT OPEN YET!!!!!!!!Let’s not GO there as it is BAD DECORUM and it gets me all in a TITHER.
They managed to OPEN just as HE ARRIVED.
First DUTY was to get the BOOKS I purchased in ADVANCED only to find out WE had SEATS 1,2,3,and 4.THAT MEANT FRONT ROW SEATS!
HAPPY YES!!!!!!!!!
SO
it is time for
MEET & GREET
and BOY was I surprised when SARA- JANE ADAMS came up to me and said,”AREn’t YOU the CONTESS……NO GODDESS…gosh I’m terrible with names!”YES, I said “YOU are close enough!”
What a DELIGHT she is!
SARA & ME
PINK HAIRED LADY……
In DEEP conversation these TWO!
Cousin on the RIGHT friend on the LEFT.
I THINK!
Here I thought his SUIT was VINTAGE!
Come to find out it is a MISTER TURK.
FOOLED ME!
Valerie’s Mother with DOLORES.
BARBARA makes jewelry and HER husband throws POTS.
On a KILN!
She was SO lovely and her HUSBAND sat next to SANDRA….
Trivia FACT he was a POLICE OFFICER in LA JOLLA in the 1960’s.
Now, indulge me for a moment as I could have shown you just ONE photo but the SEQUENCE of this is SO MARVELOUS I decided to make you SMILE.
I sent SANDRA to CHAT with HER as she was all alone waiting by herself………
Sandra is GOOD in that way as SHE DOES WHAT I SAY!
With a little PUSH I might ADD!
The Introduction.
How it ALL began.
WHY ME?
(I’m just guessing at the conversation here!)
So,touching.
Look at ME NOW.
I feel SO HONORED to be HERE.
This woman is 83……..she was as ELOQUENT as she is PRETTY.
ROBERT GARZA
What a story he told……he starting working in the cotton fields at age 7.He realized at an early age that dressing up was a way to get respect.
Plus, he LOVED DOING IT!
I adore this PHOTO of the THREE of us
Our personal PAPARAZZI snapped this JIMMY FERRARI.
TAMERA ~VALERIE~CONTESSA
ADVANCED STYLE HERE WE COME !
Second GENERATION in the MAKING!
Not only has HE made the PUBLIC AWARE of the OLDER generation He has CREATED an EXCITEMENT to AGE with STYLE and FLAIR.
ARi’s GRANDMOTHER’s were HIS INSPIRATION.
My GUESS Is they couldNOT be MORE PROUD of what HE has DONE and WHERE HE is GOING!
ARI SETH COHEN is 33 years OLD.
His FIRST BOOK came out FOUR YEARS AGO.
ADVANCED STYLE.
The BOOK is FULL of PHOTOS.May I suggest BOTH of HIS BOOKS.
They are a FEAST for the EYES!
SANDRA and ARI
Waiting for the TALK to START.
By FAR the YOUNGEST one in the BOOKSHOP!
The DESIGNER of CHATEAU BEL AGE BOUTIQUE’s KIMONO’s.
THE LEGS…….
This woman DELORES has a shop on the island of CORONADO in SAN DIEGO.
A REAL DELIGHT!
OKAY……. BEGINNING THE CHAT!
Time to SIGN the BOOKS.
Love this.
The SON -IN-LAW PAPARAZZI took this TOO I think!
Here IAM HAPPY as a CLAM.
We had a GREAT conversation……AND WHAT A MEMORY HE HAS!
If I was HAPPY at the BEGINNING of the EVENING I was THRILLED when I opened my BOOK to READ THIS.
I hope if YOU are a WOMAN who has Has Hit Middle AGE you can take INSPIRATION from these BOOKS.
It does not take much to ADD a few ACCESSORIES or a HAT to block the SUN as YOU spin about your DAY ENJOYING your errands!
I BET YOU RECEIVE A COMPLIMENT from a COMPLETE STRANGER!
JUST DO IT!
DRESS for YOU!
Quotes taken from ARI’s NEW book ADVANCED STYLE OLDER & WISER.
“I have always BELIEVED that LIFE is Performed.We can write original stories or we can accept the scripts that others have written for us.”
LYN SLATER,62
The splendor and majesty of a grand symphony lie within the presence and participation of its myriad components.The “plus-agees sect”are the violins of the orchestra.Their music is fanciful,fearless,feisty,and fun.Their flair has its own form of beauty and majesty, and they have a right to be visible,viable part of the world in which they live.
COLLEEN HEIDEMANN,67
Andrea Serrahn says
WOWZER! This was THE event! So much inspiration and genuine beauty! I love the copious amounts of photos that bring me there over and over. Congrats to you all for being in the presence of each other. And YES! We need to TALK about the CORONADO SHOP owner! I feel we have MUCH in common!
LA CONTESSA says
YOU DO………….and I DELIVERED TODAY her INFO!LOvely to SEE YOU and PEEK at ALL The WONDERMENT YOUR SHOP has to OFFER………….I will BE BACK SOON!XX
Taste of France says
That outfit of Sara-Jane Adams is to die for. OMG. She is so fabulous! Short pants, long jacket, plus in pale green! And looks stunning. I love her hair, too. Will have to try that messy up-do, very glam and romantic.
And who is the Shoulders Woman? If I had shoulders (and upper arms) like that, I’d bare them, too. It is a point of despair, considering how much time I spend doing Pilates, that my upper arms are not suitable for general audiences. What does SHE do? (BTW, her shoulders put to shame those of that far younger woman you snapped in the museum not so long ago).
Besides M. Ari’s photos, I love his commentary. I remember one time, he asked “do you think less is more, or do you think more is more?” Then he added something along the lines of, “here, we love both!” How can you not adore a guy like that?
So jealous that you got to meet him!
LA CONTESSA says
I CANNOT remember her name BUT SHE IS IN THE BOOK!THE SHOULDERS WOMAN.Very nice TOO…………..she signed my book but I cannot make out the signature.It could be MARIA!Terrible of me NOT to remember……….it’s my LATEST SIGN of AGING!
I know I do PILATES TOO and the under arms areNOT worth FLAUNTING!!!BUT WE MUST CONTINUE!
XX
Sandra Sallin says
Oh, you so captured the event. All the fun and excitement. Regarding me doing What ever you say…you’re right. If you told me to go jump in the lake I’d do it because I sure I would find a treasure there. As to talking to Barbara ( god I hope that’s her name.) That was so kind of you. She was sitting alone and you asked me to speak with her. You know for as brash as I am I’m also a little shy. Well, you put the two of us together and it was synergy. We made a better whole than the two of us separate. Lovely woman. Memorable 23 hours! Great capture of a fun, fun event!
LA CONTESSA says
SO, HAPPY you TWO CHATTED……….as I ADORE MY PHOTOS OF THAT LITTLE CHAT!IT was a REALLY GOOD DAY!
XX
stephanie says
you’ve done it again!! SUCH a fun post! the photos really make you feel you were there – which i SO wish i had been! needles to say, you looked lovely!
i envy all your girls’ thick hair!! if i still had it, it would be pink, like the lady’s in the photo.
i also love the outfit sarah was wearing; beautiful!
wonderful that you posted so many photos!!
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU……..it’s GOOD to hear there areNOT TOO MANY!It is hard for me to PICK and CHOOSE sometimes from all the PHOTOS I snap.I want to SHARE ALL OF THEM which is TOO MUCH!!XX
Doré @ Burlap Luxe says
What an event for the Contessa Goddess….
A whole lot of energy in this room. Thank you for the sharing of what beauty truly looks like in the world of past and forward.
You stun my dear.
Xx
Doré
LA CONTESSA says
OMG!YOU have GIVEN me another NAME!!!!!!!!!!!LOVE IT!
YOU ARE SO SPOT ON……..the ENERGY was on OVERDRIVE!!!!!!
XX
Coulda shoulda woulda says
You look like you had a ball and I can feel your excitement from here!!
LA CONTESSA says
I WAS AND YOU CAN IN LONDON!!!!!!!!!!THAT IS A VERY GOOD THING!XX
Graciela says
Bravo Contessa! Beautiful as ever thank you so much for sharing your day!
LA CONTESSA says
YOU are SO welcome!
Loree says
Who would have thought that a 33 year old would know so much about advanced style? You and your friends all look gorgeous. I love the colour of your kimono. It looks fun and summery.
LA CONTESSA says
HIS GRANDMOTHER’s are the ONES WHO INSPIRED HIM……………..he found a VOID in the MARKET!He was in his 20’s when he moved to NEW YORK and began photographing people on the STREETS!
I am wearing an AUSTRALIAN CAFTAN/KAFTAN here………..BUT THANK YOU!!!XX
contessa says
VIA EMAIL:
It was great to see you!! Thanks for the beautiful post and I’m so glad you liked the book. Yes I’ll send to Barbara!
A
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU ARI!
XX
Jen says
What a fun get-together. You all look fantastic!
LA CONTESSA says
UN BACIO!
XX
Catherine says
I want to be Sarah Jane Adams. O.M.Goddess! That ensemble is worth my getting an eating disorder just to fit into! I have to say though, You, and Ms. Adams are the most fetchingly beautiful of the group! I LOVE your caftan. I’ll admit some of the outfits some of the Advanced Style women wear border on costuming. However, part of that could be my penchant for classic dress and my old Catholic School uniform look. (I’m wearing Madaras plaid shorts as I type this).
BUT (you have me writing in caps now!) I will say that this post has me SMILING FROM EAR TO EAR! It is the happiest post in a long time and just puts me in a happy place.
WE NEED MORE TRIBUTES TO US OLDER WOMEN!
Rock on Contessa. Rock the eff on! XOXOXOXO!!!
LA CONTESSA says
WILL DO MADAME!!!!
WILL DO…………………………and THANK YOU!XX
Ms. Mary says
He’s right- you ARE a STUNNER!
So glad you had a fabulous time, and thanks for taking the effort to share it with all of us.
<3
Tara Dillard says
In addition, there is some seriously gorgeous silver hair at this event !!
XOT
Anita @ Vue at Jindivick says
Lots of beautiful photos of some very beautiful ladies…….Sarah Jane’s pale green outfit is a standout.
Definitely……….. you’re the Stunner Elizabeth………….and in Airllywood too……….Ari Seth’s next top model me thinks!!!!
Have a great weekend Mate.
Neat xx
LA CONTESSA says
YES, I hope YOU shared the POST with your dear friend AIRLLYWOOD!!!Lots of compliments on the KAFTAN.Wasn’t that NICE of HIM TO WRITE THAT……….MADE MY MONTH!MANY others who are OLDER and MORE DESERVING of HIS ATTENTION………….I’m JUST A CHEERLEADER!!!
You are a DEAR FRIEND!
XX
Valerie Lee says
We had so much fun! So much inspiration! How lovely is women were and how gracious!
Ari Seth Cohen has created such a wonderful platform to highlight and share all of these magical and amazing creatures! For every woman who says when I grow old, I’m going to dress like that , the answer should be, what are you waiting ? Do it now ! Thank you Elizabeth for coming along for all the fun and the adventure of Kimonos and Cocktails at Château Bel Age and the book signing in La Jolla !
LA CONTESSA says
TOOK ME long enough to get down there………………But NOW that I have visited you may SEE me SEASONALLY!!I had a WONDERFUL ADVENTURE…………..I WILL BE BACK!XX
Heather in Arles says
Just phenomenal. And you looked so gorgeous, all of you! I can’t wait until he trains his lens on you…but not yet…you are FAR too young!
Thank you for taking us along…
xoxox
Anita Rivera says
Contessa my dear, what a bevy of true beauties! I only wish I could be there! I would qualify, n’est-ce pas? I’m 58! OHHHH THE FUN YOU MUST HAVE HAD! Everyone looks fabulous and ALIVE with color and personality. One day, I’ll get there!
Jeanne Collage of Life says
Fabulous!! I loved tagging along, looks like you all had a wonderful time! Next outing??
Sending big wave from Tahilla Farm… xx
contessa says
NEXT OUTING is coming TO ME!JUST YOU WAIT……………….STAY TUNED YOU WILL LOVE IT!!!!!
BIG WAVE BACK AT YOU AND THE MISTER………I don’t think he is there YET!!!!YOU MUST BE PINCHING YOURSELF!!!XX
LA CONTESSA says
THAT would be LOVELY……………….YOU have created a FOLLOWING!Have you THANKED THAT DAUGHTER who hash TAGGED ADVANCED STYLE????LOOK WHAT HAS HAPPENED……..YOU ARE A STAR!I would LOVE To see the FIRST PHOTO of YOU ARI TOOK…………….will I find it on your INSTAGRAM?Me thinks maybe YES!I will go have a search for it……………SAFE TRAVELS back HOME until WE meet AGAIN!!!!XX
Lillian Plummer says
Not enough superlatives to describe this adventure. The older woman is no longer INVISIBLE!
contessa says
BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!XX
Eric Cortina says
Wonderful blog and I’m sure a wonderful experience. I think it’s great to see so many showing the world what style is…on a daily basis. Look forward to seeing you soon. It is now one of my goals!!!
contessa says
ONLY AN HOUR AWAY by AIRPLANE!XX
Pat says
You are stunning…but we always knew that. I’m smiling just reading about your adventure!
contessa says
Because YOU KNOW me so WELL!!!!XX
Lisa Clifford says
I so enjoyed this POST!!!
What fun, I felt like I was there with you sharing in all the fun.
Bravissima and keep it all COMING 🙂
Lisa from Florencexxxx
contessa says
CIAO BELLA……………….SO happy to see you are READING ME!I haven’t forgotten YOU or FIRENZE…………..I WILL GET THERE one day!!!XX
Leslie Haws says
Looks like a GRANDE time was had by all!
Katie Clooney says
I need to LIVE in your beautiful COLORFUL life. YOU always have so much FUN!!!
contessa says
My LIFE is pretty MUNDANE………….BUT when I get the OPPORTUNITY I RUN FOR IT!I SO ENJOYED this OUTING I caNNOT even BEGIN to DESCRIBE IT!I FOUND MY TYPE of PEOPLE…………..in a CLUSTER!!!!XX
Jennifer says
What an amazong time! Ari has done so much to support and encourage older women to shine. I love it. You of course looked amazing. Sandra looks stunning in her leopard coat too. What a great set of photo’s…heading back up for another peek. Bravo you!
Jacqueline says
What a whole lot of fabulous men and women …. so colourful and magnificently dressed ! XXXX
Mithra Ballesteros says
I can’t believe Monsieur Ari is only 33. He obviously enjoyed a previous life of a woman who lived live at full tilt til the very end. Because how else did he come by such an appreciation for we invisible ones? What a lark to meet him twice! He must feature you. He must!
contessa says
HIS GRANDMAMA’S…………were HIS BEST FRIENDS!!XX
RebeccaNYC says
I have been reading Ari’s blog since he started it. I found such inspiration there, and such respect for women who are normally ignored because they have passed their “sell by” date. I will always be grateful to him for that! You look like you are having a blast, what could be better?
contessa says
MEETING YOU might BE JUST AS EXCITING!!!
LET”S HOPE ONE day I can SWING BY NEW YORK!
XX
The Style Crone says
An absolute joy to read your post about Ari’s book signing. Excitement and enthusiasm leap from the screen. Great photos! Looks like you had the time of your life!
LA CONTESSA says
I DID STYLE CRONE…………I DID!!!XX
Leslie Harris says
Elizabeth I saw your IG photos and I have been dying to get over to see more pictures and hear about your advanced age book signing. I just love that entire concept and these photos all exude that vitality and energy and unique beauty of this concept. Everyone looks positively glowing–must be the company :)–and so chic too. I would love to catch him if he comes to SoCal. What a charming man and so young too to be so wise about women. BTW–Loved your black and white photo on IG with your pearls and cute Banksy. is that who that was? I get your pets mixed up but I am a animal lover so I’m thrilled with you show them in your home. I am so glad you encouraged me to join IG, I am really enjoying this whole other way to connect.
xo
Leslie
LA CONTESSA says
YES, that is BANKSY HIMSELF………LESLIE.
What a GOOD MEMORY you have!I had him for the weekend………..and was SAD to see him GO yesterday.
ARI, is from SAN DIEGO so I would think there will be MORE book signings……….the shop I visited CHATEAU BEL AGE is hoping to have one!Contact them and have them put YOU on the A~LIST!
Do you find you look at things with a different eye for IG?I DO!I SEE PHOTOS EVERY WHERE NOW and have to control MYSELF!
THANK you for taking the TIME to POP over I know you are VERY BUSY!!
XO
SAJ says
I love Delores’s hair!! Love it love it. You ladies all look lovely.
LA CONTESSA says
I better TELL HER YOU DO!!!!!!!!!!XX
Tamera Beardsley says
An absolutely wonderful recap my dear! It’s like reliving that glorious evening … that went far to quickly! Always such a true pleasure to spend time with your marvelous self!!
xoxo
Tamera Beardsley
LA CONTESSA says
IT DID INDEED……………all TOO quickly!
Lovely seeing YOU and your HANDSOME husband.
XX
cherie says
You look like you had a wonderful time Elizabeth! Such a gathering of stylish women and men. I have to say that I love your outfit, everything, your glasses, your necklaces, bangles! I need to get that book. It is so nice to see women who have personalities and aren’t afraid to show them.
XO
cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
STYLE NUDGE
Janice Dauksch says
LOVE ALL THE PICTURES
I just love seeing all the encouragement to dress to the hilt at our age
Love all the very festive Colors on all the ladies
You are all so beautiful
contessa says
JANICE………….why THANK YOU and it is VERY FESTIVE to see any woman who DRESSES!IT enhances your DAY to be surrounded by color and BEAUTY NO?THANKS for your visit!!!
Amy W. says
I accidentally stumbled upon your blog while reading “The Rich Life In Wine Country Blog” tonight!
What a super great accident!
I’m 50 plus in age…a bit shy as can be, quiet, have just been blessed with a first grand-child and wondering where did my life go!
In my younger years, I worked briefly in the Palm Beach, Florida Saks Fifth Avenue….and even as quiet as I was back then….had a blast with all of the trunk shows and the different types of fabulous fashioned minded designers and people I met and worked with.
YOUR BLOG Brought Me Back To It All! 🙂
Loved the story you posted in which I read tonight!
YOU are the INSPIRATIONAL SHOT in my arm which I’ve desperately needed for quite a while now!
Am looking forward in the days ahead to exploring and reading more of your blog!
I’m on a mission and determined to find the book your post was all about!! 🙂
Wishing you the very best of summers!
Take care!
contessa says
AMAZON will have it or your local bookstore can ORDER I would think!He has done TWO BOOKS BOTH WORTH READING!There is also a couple of Documentary’s……..you can GOOGLE!
I worked at SAKS FIFTH AVE for a short time years ago………….
WE ARE About the same AGE 56 on FRIDAY I AM……….
WORKING ON MY NEXT POST……….STAY SUBSCRIBED!!!
XX