The Vintage Contessa

It is a tantalizing array of frou-frou and advance stages of decay.

You are here: Home / Posts / AGELESS STYLE ~ FiFi O’NEILL

in Posts

AGELESS STYLE ~ FiFi O’NEILL

It is THAT time of MONTH for CINDY HATTERSLEY and MY AGELESS STYLE POST!

IN case you are NEW to the BLOG let me explain!

Both Cindy and I pick a woman with some FASHION APPEAL and ask her 13 questions.

She answers and we post photos to share her unique style.

After reading HERE you than GO to CINDY’s BLOG and see who she has FEATURED!

To do that click HERE ON TO CINDY’S BLOG!

I HOPE YOU  ENJOY FIFI O’NEILL and HER WORLD of MAGAZINES AND BOOKS!

 

Fifi O’Neill has become synonymous as the single-most editor, and best-selling author known for perpetuating inspired lifestyles. She produces elaborate features on home decorating, food, gardening and design for numerous American and European publications.

Fifi is also a book author and creative director-photo stylist for the best-selling books: Romantic Prairie Style, The Romantic Prairie Cookbook and Prairie- Style Weddings.

She is the founder and editor in chief of nine national magazines: Prairie Style, Romantic Country, French Country Style, Tuscan Home, Boho Style, Modern Country, Classic Home, Classic Home Garden, and Classic Farmhouse.

Fifi’s multi-faceted body of work reflects her extensive experience developed, early on, while growing up in Paris, France, and then, with career endeavors working and living in Switzerland, Canada and eventually, in the United States. As she notes, “The people, events, and cultures, inspire a surprising level of beauty, design, and creativity.”

Fifi continues to produce work globally based from her charming, fishing cottage located in Sarasota, Florida.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

I don’t fit into a ‘mold’ (never have) and never follows any trend.  Not because I want to be different or difficult but simply because I like to do my own thing. Maybe that’s the French in me! That being said I do borrow from various look: a little romantic, a little bohemian, and a little romantic.

People always ask where I buy my clothes and I am happy to share my sources: TJ Maxx, Free People, Dillard’s, Macy’s and, when I am on the road, little boutiques and vintage shops.

 

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?

I am very attracted to soft colors, flowing forms, intricate trimmings, natural fabrics, and feminine styles.

 

 

 

WHAT ACCESSORY CAN YOU NOT DO WITHOUT?

Jewelry!! Though I don’t wear any when I am on shoots I do wear necklaces, bracelets and rings when I am home. Nothing of great value. Mostly fun pieces.

 

 

 FAVORITE COLOR?

I do love more than one, especially: white, blush pink and blue.

 

 

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?

People describe my ‘style’ as ‘romantic’ but it’s not because I wear ‘froufrou’ clothes. I believe they are referring to pieces trimmed with a bit of lace or because everything I wear tends to be feminine.

 

WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS?

Imagination, individuality and not caring about rules.

 

DO YOU HAVE A STYLE ICON?

I adore Ralph Lauren. Always have and always will. Though his beautiful clothes are out of my price range I must admit that they do have a great deal of influence on the way I put things together. And so does Karl Lagerfeld’s designs.

 

WHAT ARE THE BEAUTY ESSENTIALS YOU COULD NOT DO WITHOUT?

Taking great care of my skin is essential to me plus I really enjoy the morning and evening rituals. AND I NEVER go to sleep without taking my make up off regardless how tired I am or how late it is. These are my can’t-do-without favorites:

Clinic All About eyes, Clinique Moisture Surge. Clinique Overnight Mask. L’Oreal Rosy tone Mask. L’Oreal Age Perfect Cream Cleanser. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. Blistex Conditioning Lip Serum

DO YOU HAVE REPEAT OFFENDERS IN YOUR CLOSET? IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY?

Boots!!

I know it sounds odd since I live in Florida but I own around 30 pairs. I always take a pair or 2 on shoots.

Jeans and leggings also rank high on my must-have list because both are very comfortable and versatile based on what you wear them with.

 

WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50,or 40?

Regardless of age one can be fashionable but I do feel that as we advance in years mini skirts and low cut and sleeveless tops or dresses need to be avoided.

DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY?

 Only wear what makes you feel good and confident regardless of what’s “in”.

  Fifi gathering props on my SPANISH STEPS surrounded by Jasmine

 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE SOURCES?

I don’t shop online a lot but when I do I go to Free People for new clothes. Though much of their clothes are geared for young women they do offer pieces suitable for just about any age as well, and Posh Mark for resale. Posh Mark has a huge array of brands and prices range from reasonable to expansive depending on the brand and authenticity.

 

 

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DESIGNER YOU ARE DRAWN TO?

Ralph Lauren, Karl Lagerfeld, Alberta Ferretti. For jewelry I love Betsey Johnson’s whimsical pieces.

 

Fifi O’NEILL and MARK LOHMAN shot my home back in 2011 …………she was looking for Houses to shoot and SO I CALLED HER!I called from my shop which was called HEN HOUSE and that came up on her phone as the person on the other end.I recall her saying” THIS SHOULD BE INTERESTING!”WE chatted on the phone and a few months later FIFI arrived with MARK LOHMAN the photographer!

ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OF MY LIFE!

They spent the day…….rearranged the sofas which I loved and ended up having dinner with us!

I WAS EXHAUSTED!

AND

I WAS JUST WATCHING!

 

They were SO TAKEN with my husbands lamb chops and other FOOD offerings I thought we would NEVER sit DOWN at the TABLE!!AS The camera came back OUT and PHOTOS were taken of the FOOD which ended up in FIFI’s Cookbook called THE ROMANTIC PRAIRIE COOKBOOK.Our recipes are listed in the back of the cookbook with photos as well.I have added the LINK to PURCHASE THE BOOK!

SEE BELOW.

PS.YOU may find this hard to BELIEVE but I learned HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT MASHED POTATOES FROM THIS BOOK!I was NEVER ABLE to make a GOOD MASHED POTATO before this BOOK came out!

Just ask my FAMILY!!!!!

 

 

CLICK FOR COOKBOOK.

I took this photo of FIFI and my BUNNY HARRY which she ended up using as her EDITOR SHOT in ONE of her magazines.

THRILLED ME TO BITS!

 

Would you BELIEVE me if I told you FIFI has a BIRTHDAY in MAY?

Would you believe me if I told you she is in her 70’s!!!!!!!

 

A FEW OF HER MAGAZINES BELOW!

IF YOU KEEP MAGAZINES LIKE I DO I AM IN THE WINTER 2011 edition of this MAGAZINE ROMANTIC COUNTRY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

MY HOME IN ROMANTIC COUNTRY!

 

Here you can see the sconces I spoke of in the LAST POST Mounted on wood!

 

 

 

FIFI has a DEEP PASSION for animals and is publishing an ON LINE BOOK SOON.

 RESCUE ME -The Love Affairs between Humans and the Pets they Saved.
SHE HAS formed a nonprofit organization with the state of Florida under RESCUE ME ANIMAL CHARITIES. That way if/when people want to donate to the charity their donation is tax deductible!
NEEDLESS, TO SAY FIFI HAS A BIG HEART!
I will let YOU ALL know when her on line BOOK is available to VIEW……….rumor has it some of my 4-legged creatures will be Featured in it as well.
I think this WOMAN DESERVES A STANDING OVATION for her MAGAZINES and BOOKS and she has a BIRTHDAY NEXT MONTH!!!
MAY 17th………………I think perhaps, we all need to SKIP to the CLINIQUE and L’OREAL counter!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIFI!!!!!
THANK YOU for your wonderful magazines that have kept us all DREAMING and DECORATING over the years!!!
YOU are the EPITOME of AGELESS STYLE TO ME!!!!!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Love that she is true to her brand with her fashion choices as well! I so agree with her about Free People as a good source as well. Other than Artful Home most of my clothes come from Ebay!! Thanks for introducing us to Fifi. She is charming!

    Reply

    • She did an article on our house in Montecito too!! I think it was in a magazine about French Country Style! And the darling Mark Lohman was the photographer! She did my friend Renee’s house also!

      Sheesh! I wonder if she even knows about the debris flow/mudslide. 75 tons of mud on our property! But Renee’s red chair survived…as did our house! Mud only in the guest house and garage!

      Fifi is one of a kind…..Ageless Style indeed!!!

      Reply

  2. Thank you my Contessa for the lovely post (and for making me look good)!
    I just need to clarify that the rescued pets book will be available in hard copy. And though it will be available for purchase on line it is NOT a digital book. All the proceeds from the sales will go to animal charities.
    I am so happy to be including all your darling pets in it. The book will feature between 200-250 rescues and their stories. I am planning to have it ready for purchase by the end of October. Perfect timing for those who will be looking for a Christmas gift for family, friends, and all animal lovers.
    Thank you again! Love ya! xoxoxo

    Reply

  3. She is inspiring in managing to create a unique style from such well-known stores. (Inspiring because they’re where so many of us shop and possibly despair when not wanting to look like everybody else–she shows it’s possible!) She has a good sense of her aesthetic and manages to go past all the mass-market stuff to home in on what’s right for her. Her clothes and her photography convey such romanticism.

    Reply

  4. FIFI is gorgeous and she looks and sounds like she is a vibrant and healthy woman living a beautiful and rich life. What an inspiration.
    And to think that she is in her 70’s…truly stunning.
    Thank you Contessa!

    Reply

  5. What a luscious choice. Fifi is fab! Love her creativeiy. Love her life. Love her generosity. Just all around home run in your choice. I must go to the Clinique and loreal counters with her choices in hand. Love how her style is reflected in her books and magazines. I will be back to reread everything. Love it! Great choice.

    Reply

  6. All that style, and and ANIMAL LOVER! I would have expected no less. We love our “rescues” 🙂 A great post with lots of delicious content. YAY you!. <3

    Reply

  7. Fabulous post, Contessa! Fifi’s blog was one of the first blogs I ever followed. I’m headed to the Clinique counter asap!! I love her sense of style! Great write up in Romantic Homes. Have a wonderful weekend, dear Contessa.

    Reply

  8. FIFI FABULOUS! WOW! I was completely enchanted from her first word to her last. Gorgeous pictures and incredible interview. I will have to get that cookbook….the one with the Italian’s lamb chop recipe! Adore her soft, floating style and turquoise-sky-blue beads. The picture of FIFI and Harry the hairy hare is just as adorable as it can be. Off to check out the books…..Thank you for another lovely interview!

    Reply

    • YOU are so welcome you PAST AGELESS STYLE CONTENDER!!!!!!!!
      Clever you with HAIRY HARE!He had a BROTHER named WILLIAM!Wonder where those names came from?……..SPEAKING of names do we know THE NAME of the LATEST ROYAL BABY???
      I know you will enjoy the BOOKS!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  10. Fifi is so fab and inspiring! This was such a fun post. What a talented gorgeous woman Fifi is! Love her style and her romantic interiors. Oh the colors! So soft and pretty. Another success Contessa! This was a joy to read!

    Reply

  12. I would never have guessed that Fifi is in her 70s. Wow. If I’m not mistaken I had seen her featured on a blog called Dear Daisy Cottage, quite a few years ago. Unfortunately the blog is no longer updated and I can’t remember the name of the lady that wrote it. She was really sweet, like you. Thanks for sharing Fifi with us. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply

  13. I wasn’t familiar with Fifi, but over the years I’ve bought her magazines! Now I can appreciate them even more since I know something about her and her personal style. How fun for you, the Italian and your home to be featured in her publication. Quite a coup! Fifi makes nearing 70 more bearable. She’s beautiful and accomplished. Loved your interview Elizabeth! XOXOX, Brenda

    Reply

    • MERCI BRENDA…………..she was an easy VICTIM!So, many pretty photos to pick from and her Love of animals is DELICIOUS!I am thrilled her book will be hard cover!!!I hope she tosses herself into as well with her furry BEASTIES!!!!!!!XO

      Reply

  14. I enjoyed Fifi’s profile – thank you for featuring her. And I love Free People boho tops – often at TJ Maxx in my neck of the woods.

    Reply

  15. What a beautiful woman! Thank you for the article on her.. she also appears talented as well as beautiful…and she’s an animal lover!
    Perfect!

    Reply

  16. Beautiful and very stylish woman! She looks very sweet, too. Love her style! She’s definitely got her own style. Btw, you look so fantastic in yellow!

    Love, Karenxoxoxo

    Reply

  17. What a beautiful post! I loved reading about her. Her style couldn’t be more different from mine, but I love seeing her wear it so well. She looks like a lady who has never met a flower she didn’t like… or animal, which makes me love her even more. xx

    Reply

    • A while back she was an EDITOR Of a GARDEN MAGAZINE SO YOU NAILED IT LISA!
      She is a TOTAL ENCHANTRESS!!!!!!!
      I love how we can ADMIRE Other STYLES even if we do not wear them!This social media stuff has given us THE JOY to meet and SEE others……..and it really is a JOY!
      XX

      Reply

  18. Another amazing profile, so inspiring. I just love these Contessa, you write so well it’s as if we’re part of the conversation.
    Fifi’s energy and absolutely PRETTY style just leaps from the screen. I’m sorry but that must be a typo, in her 70’s?
    Hope you’re well Dear Contessa XXX

    Reply

  19. Thank you for the wonderful post. I have been reading Romantic Country for a long time.
    Now I know about the editor. She sure seems like a sweet person. Beautiful too, as is her
    magazine. Thank you for this interesting and fun filled blog.

    SKP from Missouri

    Reply

  20. Yes, FIFI is quite remarkable in so many ways…..an inspiration to live life on your own terms….never caught up with trends or convention…like you Elizabeth! Love to read your blog….xo

    Reply

    • Well HELLO NELLA!!!!!!!!
      I Thank YOU so VERY MUCH.Sometimes I wonder why I do this but I do enjoy meeting people and capturing things on my camera so it gives me a creative OUTLET!XX

      Reply

  21. Love your choice. Fifi has a romantic and very feminine style which I adore. Am going back to re read and linger over the pics. Such amazing creativity and talent.

    Reply

    • There is no man in her life now as he PAST.WE make our own NESTS and THANK GOD we are ALL NOT A LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!
      I have BOLD COLORS in each room which drives a few people MAD!
      The white wall isNOT FOR ME EITHER unless I had a BEACH HOUSE and EVERYTHING was WHITE!How gorgeous would that be?But with BLACK LABS 25 years ago and one eyed cats and a house full of little BOYS WHITE nor PASTEL would have worked for me!I found the TRICIA GUILD BOOK and THAT was MY GUIDE!!!!!!
      THANK YOU for ADORING ME!!!!!!!!
      Not many like me!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  23. What an amazing woman and an inspiration to us all. She has such a sweet look about her and I love it that she admits to NOT buying high-end clothing. Of course it is a bonus that she loves animals. No one has said anything about her fabulous hair – I would love hair like that and I am somewhat younger. I wouldn’t mind looking like her now, much less when I make it to my 70s. Happy Birthday, Fifi. Now, as to fashion rules. I totally disagree that a woman over 50 should not wear a sleeveless garment or an above-the-knee skirt; provided she is in good physical shape, that is. I am over 50 and do both. I go to the gym several days a week and one of the benefits is that I get to wear these “forbidden” items as a result. I don’t like low-cut garments, but maybe I am old fashioned or modest. I love Fifi’s tops and lace. One look that I wish would go away and never come back is ripped jeans. Please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t wear these. That is only my opinion and people can wear whatever they please, I just don’t “get” the aesthetic. Thanks for another great feature, Contessa. Glad I discovered you.

    Reply

    • THANK YOU!
      If you feel good in it WEAR IT!I happen to agree with FIFI………after a certain AGE the KNEES and the ARMS tell a STORY.There is a small percentage in my opinion who can do it!I also realized recently that the EAST COAST WOMAN do wear the short dresses and skirts which I NEVER see in the San Francisco Bay Area!Perhaps the weather too has something to do with it!
      We are a VERY CASUAL STATE!!!!!!!
      EXERCISE PANTS and MORE EXCERCISE PANTS……..is really ALL I SEE.I sometimes wonder who is BUYING all the clothing and jewelry in the stores as you NEVER see it on anyone!
      Where do you LIVE just curious what STATE?
      CONGRATULATIONS for being INFORMA!!!!!!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

    • Elizabeth, I live in Tennessee. In the winter I sometimes wear knee-length (just above the knee) dresses and skirts with tights. I am 5′ 5″ and would look like I was standing in a hole if I wore hemlines below the knee. In the summer, same thing but with sandals. I love sleeveless garments due to the heat. If I didn’t work out, I could not get away with this. And we have the exercise pants problem here as well! Not a good look for most women, if you know what I mean. The cropped ones are especially popular, which adds to the, um, unflattering aspect. There should be a law restricting these to the gym!

      Reply

    • SO, YES I GET IT!
      SLEEVELESS is the way to GO!
      DO you know I was in Tennessee earlier this year for the ANTIQUE SHOW?!!!
      I MUST COME BACK!
      Sounds like YOU know HOW TO DRESS!
      XX

      Reply

    • I wore patched ripped jeans in the 60s, but that was because I bought them by the pound at the Goodwill store outlet and they were actually ripped. Now those jeans cost, what, $100? I really prefer to buy new clothes in good shape, and wear them out myself. But I often buy second hand clothes and change them, which is great fun. I live in France, so the market is somewhat different, my favorite is the man at the weekly market with a huge table of one euro clothes ….
      bonnie in provence

      Reply

  25. Elizabeth,
    A great feature! I can see many inspirations from Fifi’s romantic prairie style with barn wedding receptions, cowboy boots, and ruffled floral dresses – all endearing, charming, and timeless.

    I join you in the standing ovation for Fifi, she is lovely and OMG 70? Happy Birthday

    Reply

  27. AHhhh what a darling lady,,, love her femininity, she carries it well along with her love of animals. So glad you introduced her to us Elizabeth. Totally shocking that she’s in her 70’s. Her birthday is a day before mine so I’ll be thinking of her. Must buy her magazines too !! As always you’ve managed another great blog post!!! And I happen to love your bold bright colors !!! Xoxo

    Reply

    • She would LOVE YOUR PAINTINGS!I suggest YOU send her one VIA instagram on her BIRTHDAY!ARE you FOLLOWING her there?Search her name and SHE shall POP up or I can send to YOU when I see her in my FEED!!!
      YOU two are a MATCH!
      XX

      Reply

  28. Ciao Contessa!

    Goodness what a busy woman she is. I’d love to have half her energy even now! You do have some fun get-togethers with the Girls. I didn’t know about the Prairie Style – very romantic … When I think of prairies, I think Little House! Who didn’t love “Little House on the Prairie” growing up?

    Thank you for stopping by at my blog today! Baci!

    Reply

  29. Loved meeting the lovely lady behind these great magazines! Some of my favorites! It is so wonderful to be inspired by these fabulous women you share. She is rocking her 70’s. I can only hope! Love your home and love that you shared the magazine photos. Thank you for all the hard work and love that you put into each of your blogs!

    Reply

  30. Absolutely LOVE these posts from you and Cindy! FiFi’s style is so sweet and so HER. Adore her for her love, concern and efforts on behalf of precious animals. Cannot wait for her hard cover book to be published – you will alert me – and to see your adorable family members featured. I had no idea about your fabulous shoot with Fifi and enjoyed reading the resulting article. When I hit send on this comment I’m heading straight to my online Clinique and Loreal counters! Great post . . . so fun!

    Reply

  31. Fifi is adorable and elegant… she reminds me of the PASTEL version of you! So admire her passion for animal rescue, and how fun that your darlings will be featured in her new book (they are all STARS just like their mama : ) Photo of Fifi and Harry is scrumptious… actually all the photos remind me of beautiful confections… like gorgeous swirls of pink and blue cotton candy. And such fun to see your home featured in her magazine~ I have always thought it looks like a magical castle. Love that Fifi is a writer and lives in FL… if by any chance she has a shop, I would love to know where it is!!

    The women you are profiling are all fabulous and truly exemplify AGELESS!! We are so lucky to meet them!!

    Reply

    • NO SHOP………..when would she have time for that!!!!!!!!!!?HA!
      YOU are in Florida as well…………are you close?
      Perhaps I need to arrange a little cuppa coffee time!She would LOVE your BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!
      I’m on it!!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  32. Brilliant post. I also share her love of Ralph Lauren and Free People and I agree that actually their clothes do suit all ages. Most of all I just love her unique and individual style and her wise words, ‘only wear what makes you feel good’ because this is so so true, when we feel good in something we hold ourselves differently, we stand a little taller and walk with an inner confidence. Hope your dinner party is proving a huge success xx

    Reply

  34. Fifi is a doll, I wonder if that’s the name she was born with. Its certainly the right one. She’s an inspiration, and a kind person. That’s enough!

    Reply

  35. What an Incredible artist and soul She is! I think this is one of my favorite posts! There is so much romance and creativity that is overflowing throughout. Did you know that my Lola is a rescue German Shepherd? Every rescue animal has such a special and unique story. This is just a very heart filling post!
    XOXO
    Baci,
    Zingara

    Reply

  36. Love this so much! How wonderful she got to experience your home. I think it needs to be shared more. I just love it! xo

    Reply

  38. What a lovely article featuring a lovely lady. I’ve been a fan of her style for years and have all of her books!
    Living in Europe I can’t always find her wonderful magazines, but when I do, they stay with me for years.
    I’m always inspired by her decorating and I think that shows in my own decorating (my blog http://www.decojadore.com), you’ll see I use her tones in my home.
    I’ll be featured in the next L’Esprit Déco magazine here in Europe, if you can get a hold of it somehow you’ll see what I’m talking about 🙂
    Catherine

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

contessa_and_her_pig

La Contessa
Her musings and passions.What Inspires and Dazzles.Loving all things Worn and Rusted.AGE.The Grandeur of The Past.
Bottom line Contessa Chatter!!!
Copyright © 2022 · The Vintage Contessa | Designed & Maintained by TheTechnology-Therapist
%d bloggers like this: