MEET SALLY DRENNON
FOR AGELESS STYLE!
I would like to think of myself as a unique, modern woman with an adventurous style who is constantly reinventing herself!
I grew up in Ohio and went to Pine Manor Junior College in Chestnut Hill Mass, basically a finishing school for women. I graduated with a Mrs degree and married.
We traveled the world and he introduced me to Yves Saint Laurent who taught me the basics of what a woman really needed in her wardrobe. Needless to say, I was off and running in a glamorous world at the age of 19.
Fashion and style have always played a key role in my life. I opened a little boutique in the late ’70s in Palm Beach Florida.
Shortly after that I was with some ladies of Palm Beach shopping for their homes and was immediately drawn to the world of interior design. I’m completely self-taught in all these areas. I have had the privilege to work on many beautiful homes, yachts and even a private jet or 2 over the last 4 decades.
About 12 years ago I found myself pulling apart my own jewelry and started mixing and matching pieces with ethnic finds at flea markets and gem shows. I believe accessories are key when dressing! I’m extremely attracted to tribal accents, amulets, symbols, earthy treasures, and pieces with history and meaning. I’m drawn to the idea that there’s life in each piece before I give it a new concept in a fabulously chic and tangible way. I’m in my 60’s and one day at a time, I’m living my best life ever!!
1. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
Classical with a bit of an architectural edge and a tribal couture influence.
2. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
My mother left me with a legacy of style and grace. My moment of inspiration started in 1977 when YSL told me I only needed a few basics.
3.WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACCESSORY?
This changes regularly, but is always something that I’ve made. I prefer things that are ethnically informed and lend themselves to the tribal couture vibe that I love.
4.WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLOR COMBINATIONS?
Black and white
Neutrals are my favorite because they always work with my jewelry.
5.Do YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?
My eyeglasses.
6.WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS?
Consistency
7.DO YOU HAVE A STYLE MUSE?
No, not really. It’s more of a team of muses from various times and disciplines.
8. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS, AND WHY CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT THEM?
Estée Lauder private collection the original scent
Dr. Perricone no bronzer bronzer
Bonnie Bell lip gloss
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps
Terry Holy Black eyeliner
Guerlain terra-cotta blush
9. WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50?
Live your best life. Do it now. Don’t wait. If you like wearing something, wear it day or night.
Especially jewelry.
Break the rules.
Have fun.
10. DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY,OR DO YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK THE RULES?
I’ve learned all the rules, so I know how to break them correctly.
11. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE AND OR BOUTIQUE SOURCES?
Various vintage and flea market sources. I love the hunt, and I prefer shopping in person to online.
12. DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DIET OR EXERCISE REGIME THAT YOU FOLLOW?
No.
I eat what I want for the most part.
I have a very active lifestyle, and I don’t spend a lot of time sitting still!
A good night’s sleep is also crucial.
13. DO YOU HAVE ANY ANTI AGING FOODS AND OR SUPPLEMENTS THAT ARE YOUR GO TO’S?
FRESH FRUIT
THANK YOU SALLY!
I would also like to ADD she dresses mostly in BLACK every day or so OUR MUTUAL FRIEND TELLS ME!It is a GOOD DISPLAY COLOR for those JEWELS and TRIBAL BEADS you adorn yourself with!
To THINK YOU MET YSL at THAT YOUNG AGE………….
I have to TELL YOU I bought the GUERLAIN TERRA-COTTA BLUSH years ago in the PARIS AIRPORT DUTY FREE SHOP!I think I will re-visit that ONE!
THANK YOU for taking PART in our AGELESS STYLE SERIES.
Please do HOP over NOW to CINDY HATTERSLEYS BLOG for her AGELESS STYLE WOMAN this month!
ALL you have to do is CLICK on the LINK ABOVE!
TO FIND SALLY on INSTAGRAM search sallydrennon.
MORE JEWELRY THERE!
OR HER WEBSITE WITH HER JEWELRY DESIGNS.
Cindy is a DECORATOR here in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA.
She has a KEEN EYE and A GLORIOUS HOME & GARDEN!
Cindy is down in the CARMEL/MONTEREY area.
SHE COVERS EVERYTHING from GREY HAIR to DECOR to what TO PACK on a TRIP!
MAYBE YOU SHOULD SIGN UP FOR HER BLOG?
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR CINDY’s BLOG!
DON’t FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT FOR US OR OUR VICTIMS!!!
DIG DEEP LADIES………..ASK QUESTIONS!!!
WE ALL NEED TO SHARE OUR STYLE AND PRODUCTS.
WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER AND TO HELP EACH OTHER!
cindy hattersley says
I LOVE Sally’s style. I am always happier if I keep my clothes simple and basic and accessorize. I love anything with a tribal influence as well. What a fun interview. LOVE HER!!
LA CONTESSA says
OH GOOD BOSS I PASSED ONCE AGAIN!!!!!!!
I just LOVE THESE POSTS and seeing who WE BOTH have FOUND and their STORIES!
XX
Kimberly Frick says
Another fabulous gal that I would not have met unless I had you! Bravo Elizabeth! I loved meeting Sally!
LA CONTESSA says
SO HAPPY I MADE YOU HAPPY!
I see YOU found the right RED NAIL COLOR on INSTAGRAM!!!!!!!
GOOD JOB!
XX
Jimmy Cohn says
Sally looks so great in that bathing suit. She looks so stunning in black. I am going home to find some creme de Corp , I ll put 12 pumps all over my everything.
Sandra Sallin - Apart From My Art From My Art says
Well, Sally certainly has style! Beautiful ethnic jewelry. I adore those cracked crystal balls standing on standing napkin rings. Obviously Sally has a very curated life.
Love the idea of a no bronzer bronzer. I’m scared to turn out yellow or green.
Love this series. Keep it going.
LA CONTESSA says
FOR YOU OF COURSE WE WILL! PAST AGELESS STYLE VICTIM!!!!!
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Never Mind Donna says
Loved this post. Her sense of style is impeccable; knowing how to ‘break the rules’ is so important!
LA CONTESSA says
YOU WOULD KNOW BIG TIME WHOLESALE REP A FEW YEARS PAST!!!!!!!!!!!!XX
Ellie's friend says
I loved reading about Sally — what an elegant, beautiful woman. Many years ago my mother went to a New Year’s party at neighbour’s house where she discovered the neighbour was wearing a beautiful hand-blown glass Czech necklace. My mother and I went to the store where the neighbour had bought the necklace. It was all very reasonable so I bought several. That was the beginning of my round-the-world costume jewelry collection. Anytime any of my friends went overseas, she was asked to go to a bazaar and buy an inexpensive but ethnically authentic pice. So I love Sally’s collection. My Czech handblown necklaces were hidden in an attic during WWII in Prague –a jeweller’s stock in trade. Some thirty years later they were brought here and sold. I love them but one of my favourites is a Navajo amulet necklace of symbolic animals carved from different stones. So reading about Sally’s collections was fascinating to me. Great blog post.
LA CONTESSA says
SO HAPPY YOU COULD RELATE………..what a story you have shared!!XX
Ellie's friend says
Loved the post about Liz on Cindy’s blog, too.
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU SHE IS ADORABLE THAT LIZ!!!
I ENJOYED IT TOO!
XX
D.A. Wolf says
I ADORE Sally’s style. Adore. Black, black, black and some white with signature accessories. It always rocks. (And even works for munchkins like moi… you’ll see a little pic of me in my post today that Sally would, I think, approve of.)
How fortunate not to have to worry about food and exercise. (Sigh.) Sally, you’re a stunner and having fun with fashion shows!
Funny. Long long ago I knew Pine Manor girls, being from the area… Sally, your comment made me laugh!
I will definitely pop over and visit the site.
LA CONTESSA says
SMALL WORLD……………..I LOVE THAT ABOUT THIS BLOGGING FAMILY!!!!XX
A Woman Of A Certain Age says
You can’t beat getting style advice from YSL!
The more you know, the less you need.
http://a-woman-of-a-certain-age.com/
Andrew Kole says
Looking fabulous in her bikini, all I want to do is lay next Sally Drennon on that boat.
LA CONTESSA says
CAN YOUR BODY KEEP UP???!!!!
THANKS FOR THE COMMENT!
SHE IS THE BOMB THATS FOR SURE!!
Loree says
What an amazing woman Sally is. I love her ethnic vibes and tribal- inspired jewellery. I own a few pieces that are Native American made and I love them. The trouble is I never know what to wear them with but now I think that black or anything neutral would be the perfect backdrop. Thanks for always sharing such interesting women with us.
LA CONTESSA says
IT’s MY PLEASURE LOREE and you will get there…………….start a file of looks YOU LIKE or admire!
XX
David Miller says
Sally has always been a style icon and an absolute darling! And I’ve known her since she was almost a child! Los Angeles is very lucky to have her and you should all take good care of her!
We in Palm Beach would love to have her back!
LA CONTESSA says
I will pass that on to my Los Angeles friends!I’m up NORTH near San Francisco but good to hear she is so CLOSE!!
Lucky YOU knowing her all those years!
XX
May Quigley Goodman says
What an elegant & ageless beauty Sally is. She’s an inspiration. Her message of live now what are you waiting for resonates deeply with me. Her continual reinvention gives me hope. Thank you for sharing her story.
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENT!
SHE IS ABSOLUTELY SPOT ON WITH HER COMMENT!!!!!!!!
SO MANY PEOPLE ARE “STARVING TO DEATH”meaning they are NOT LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST!WHO SAID THAT……..AUNTIE MAME!
One of my all time favorite movies as a kid!
XX
Mary Ann Pickett says
Sally is gorgeous! This makes me want to tie my hair back sleekly like hers and play with all my jewelry. Such great style. As I pack for Mykonos…I wish I had Sally’s bikini body!
Great post, Contessa!
Mary ann
LA CONTESSA says
OH YOU ARE RIGHT THERE WITH HER……….YOU GREEK GODDESS!!!!!!!!
HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE AND I WANT TONS OF PHOTOS!!!
XX
Lori Dome says
Sally has been my style guru for 30 years, and I’ve yet to find that simple elegance that she was born with. I’ve been the lucky recipient of her suggestions and miss her dreadfully now that I’m in Sydney. My go to mantra is: “What would Sally wear?” And sometimes I almost get there.
LA CONTESSA says
LOVE THIS!
I BET YOU HAVE ARRIVED A FEW TIMES!!!!!!!
XX
Brenda Welch says
LOOOVE Sally Drennon & Her STYLE!!! She is Amazing & Every Lil Detail from her Jewelry Designs to her Home Interiors are Exquisite. And…….she’s a FUN Gal to hang out with you too! Good Choice LaContessa!!!
LA CONTESSA says
I HAVE YOU TO THANK FOR THIS VICTIM!!!!!
I did not realize she was in L.A. !!!
I have some MATCH MAKING TO DO!!!!!!
I LOVE putting PEOPLE in touch with others!
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Sally Drennon says
Please do!!!
LA CONTESSA says
YOU MUST MEET Sandra Sallin!
GO TO HER BLOG APART FROM MY ART!
SHE IS MY WONDERFUL ARTISTIC FRIEND WHO HAS MORE ENERGY THAN YOU AND I PUT TOGETHER!
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Robin in Umbria says
I think all three of you have more energy than most of us!!
David George says
“Ageless, timeless, lace and fineness, beauty and elegance…” Rod Stewart
LA CONTESSA says
SHE HAS IT ALL IN SPADES……………who said that?I have NO IDEA but its TRUE!!!
XX
No Fear of Fashion says
What a beautiful and privileged woman. I am a bit envious of her, especially of her ability to eat anything and still look so gorgeous in a bikini.
I chose to add more colour to my wardrobe but I totally get her love for black and white. It was my first love and it will never die.
Her jewellery is breathtaking.
Greetje
LA CONTESSA says
YOU AND I ARE COLOR BENEFACTORS!!!!!!!!!
HANG IN THERE GREETJE.
THE WORLD NEEDS COLOR NOW MORE THAN EVER……………
This week I have been on a search for “LOUD PANTS” for the ITALIAN as we are invited to a PARTY tonight where we are to come dressed as a SUNSET!Do you know I have searched every MENS DEPARTMENT from TJ MAXX to J.CREW, ZARA, H&M, NORDSTROMS, and Beyond for RED or YELLOW or ORANGE pants and its ALL BLACK AND GREY!!!!!!THIS IS SPRING SUMMER TIME and WHY ALL THE DARK COLORS?I found this to be a bit depressing MYSELF!!!
STAY TUNED for what I come UP with for TONIGHTS PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SUNSET COLORS AND BEYOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XX
lisa thomson says
Did you try Tommy Bahamas? 🙂 <3
LA CONTESSA says
YES!I DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XX
Lisa says
Who….a TEAM OF MUSES….I like that! Assembling a team of muses is brilliant! Incredible jewelry and a charmed life. Thank you once again for introducing your followers to another inspiring woman. You are the Goddess of the Garden and every bit as gorgeous as the flowers you find…in the garden and in your Ageless Style posts. BRAVA! Keep making the magic happen!
LA CONTESSA says
PROMISE as long as we do not run out of VICTIMS!!!
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Nita says
“Architectual edge and a tribal couture influence. ” I’m in and blown away! I’d now like that discription to reflect my entire lifestyle. Beautiful!
LA CONTESSA says
YES!!!!!!!!
YOU ARE NOW AEAATCI…..!!!!!!
THATS WHAT I WILL CALL YOU!!!
Hurry up with MY PORTRAIT I canNOT WAIT TO SHARE YOU WITH MY WORLD!!!!!!!!
HUGS and LOVE,
XX
1010ParkPlace says
I love Sally because she knows what looks good on her and she knows her style! So chic and her jewelry is to die for! Brava Sally! You’re one badass woman! xoxox, Brenda
LA CONTESSA says
SALLY, Check out the BLOG 1010PARKPLACE………….it’s a GOOD ONE!
Brenda resides in TEXAS.
XX
Victoria Thorp says
What a Gorgeous woman. Thank you for sharing her with us.
kim says
Sally is fabulous! You always find cool people. I love the mix of photos too- the family one how fab!! I clicked on her site and I amnestying crazy for her jewelry. Her style is so chic with the black and the cool jewelry which suits her well. Every time I read one of these style posts I am inspired to change things up! Popping over to Cindy’s now.. Thank you for sharing this lovely lady. xx Kim
Penelope says
I think Sally is just gorgeous, one of those rare women who become even more stunning and chic with age. I always enjoy these profiles you do. I am sure you will find and rock the sunset colors.
XO
Penelope
LA CONTESSA says
I NEED TO PUT YOU ON MY LIST OF PEOPLE!
YOU AVAILABLE TO BE THE AUGUST VICTIM?
XX
Michael W Hollingsworth says
An exquisite example of Classic, contemporary, and ageless in an example of a life well lived. Even the back grounds of this piece reflect the style we should all attain to. She’s right, her glasses do exemplify her style.
LA CONTESSA says
SHE HAS A BEAUTIFUL LOOK!
VERY CHIC AND CLASSIC as YOU STATED!
THANK YOU!
Fawn says
Sally makes black white & neutral pop like nobody. Her interiors are comfy classy and divine.
And her jewelry speaks forever and meant to be.
LA CONTESSA says
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE SOME OF HER INTERIORS!
THANK YOU for your comment!
DA Squires says
So love Sally’s common sense (fresh fruit) and elegant simplicity of dressing in black and white with statement jewelry (her designs are infused with a boldness that is SO attractive). I have always admired the ability to curate–edit– and staying true to a style that is uniquely one’s own (which YOU do so beautifully!!), but find hard to emulate. If I could, it would be a much simpler way to buy clothes!! But it would be so hard (impossible) to relegate color to the rear view mirror, as I know you would agree : )
Hurray for Ageless Style!! Thank you and Cindy for such an interesting and inspiring series…it is so much FUN to read!!! XOXO
LA CONTESSA says
I GIGGLE every time we do a POST as its a surprise for both of us to see who the other one FOUND!Many different styles which I just LOVE!
By the way we are enjoying your candle collage VERY MUCH!IT dines with us each NIGHT!
XX
DaniBP says
Thank you Dear Contessa, what a wonderful post and what a fabulous woman, stunning style! She’s gorgeous! xx
LA CONTESSA says
SHE IS!
ARE YOU IN EUROPE YET?
XX
lisa thomson says
Thanks, Contessa for sharing yet another wonderful woman with us. Sally is gorgeous. I adore that family photo. I love the chunky jewelry and I bet her own designs are amazing. I like her advice to break the rules and wear what you want, when you want! I don’t do that enough.
LA CONTESSA says
NOW YOU WILL!
IT’s NOW OR NEVER!!!!!!!!!
XX
Candace says
Wow! Absolutely loved the story on Sally Drennon, a fantastic profile & interview on an authentically gorgeous Inside & Out talent! Sally Drennon encompasses the grace, beauty, inspiration & courage that I aspire to have. Bravo to you for sharing!
LA CONTESSA says
SO HAPPY YOU ENJOYED HER POST!!
THANK YOU!
XX
debra @ 5th and state says
FASCINATING GLIMPSE INTO SALLY’S LIFE!
a can do spirit with fun & elegance
Sheila-Merle Johnson says
What a fascinating life Sally has had…and has today! She has that European elegance. Since one element of my style recipe is tribal chic, I love the jewelry she makes. I envy her simplicity of style – my wardrobe is more complicated, reflecting the varied facets of me and my life. Love, to you and thanks for another interesting style portrait.
Priscilla Taylor says
Sally is one of those people who will walk into a room and everyone will gravitate toward her … her style is classic and timeless..Her energy and smile is “ infectious “… her jewelry design and interior design are reflective of her personality… intriguing and strong… She is a special person.
LA CONTESSA says
SOUnds like YOU know her…….thanks for the insight!!Everything you have mentioned I can see from the PHOTOS!
XX
Taste of France says
No better teacher than YSL! She is absolutely gorgeous, and her best accessory is that 1000-watt smile. I would love to dress like this–bohemian with ethnic jewelry (which I have, collected during travels). I am going to revisit these photos for ideas.
LA CONTESSA says
I WILL NEED MORE PHOTOS !!!!!!!
XX
Lisa the Sequinist says
OH MY what a fabulous read! She sounds fascinating. I love her style… anyone who loves jewellery and dogs is perfect in my book. I can’t understand people who don’t wear a riot of colour, but it sure works on her with her tan to wear black and white. Every photo tells such a story. I really like all the quartz balls, wow!
Robin in Umbria says
Sally has great style and always looks as if she’s having. great fun. Such a find- you are the best, cara Elizabeth.
Baci, baci, Robin
LA CONTESSA says
YES, WE may need to start COLLECTING those BALLS!I have the napkin rings and the old cigarette vessels……
My problem is TABLE TOP SPACE!
XX
Robin in Umbria says
What do you need me to collect for you from deep Umbria, cara Contessa? I will go on the hunt… Ciao GP
LA CONTESSA says
QUARTZ BALLS……but they may be too heavy to MAIL!I do collect the ex-voto!!!AT my time in Italy they were about 10,000 Lire.What are they NOW?I have given you a JOB!!
Off you go to AREZZO or DOVE? To search……does SIENNA have an ANTIQUE FAIR?
XX
Robin says
OK- QUARTZ BALLS!! Will check in Arezzo. Antique shops in Firenze- malto costoso. Only 5 months to the next olive harvest. Berkley neighbors are here. Dan and Wendy. Ciao bella, Robin in Umbria
Caroline says
I love seeing a blog from you and this series of interviews is a bonus. Please continue to seek out interesting women. This one was a particular joy as Sally seems such a vibrant and inspiring woman. Her comment, “If you like wearing something, wear it day or night. Especially jewelry.” She is, of course, absolutely correct. Why do some of us still tend to save certain things for “special” occasions. Every day should be a special occasion. I feel totally energized by Sally’s comments. Thank you for introducing her to us.
LA CONTESSA says
” I FEEL TOTALLY ENERGIzED BY SALLY’s COMMENTS”….is a WIN WIN SITUATION!
This makes me HAPPY to hear!!!
This is what it is all about!
Getting Ideas and hearing how others DO THINGS!
XX
Eugenia Russell Hargrove says
Elizabeth,
Wow! Thank you for the introduction and fabulous Ageless Style interview with Sally Drennon. Sally’s jewelry and attitude towards fashion and style is commendable. And to meet YSL as such a young age, how impactful is that?
Juliet says
Contessa – I adore this series. You and Cindy introduce us to the most fascinating women. Imagine getting coaching from YSL at 19!!! Sally’s advice to ‘do it now’ and ‘don’t wait’ really resonates. Her style is impeccable … so French. xo
Karen Persson says
Love this whole post! Inspiring and beautiful woman!
See you next week!
Love,
Karen xoxo
Julie says
Hi! Julie here from IG
I regularly read your blog and must say the photographs are so beautiful, you are looking so well.
You will have my e mail address now and yoy will see the surname!!
Speak soon x
LA CONTESSA says
Millie GRAZIE BELLA…………..indeed I do see LA SURNAME!
MOLTO BENE!
WE ladies married to The ITALIANS must stay connected!!!!!!
XX
Rebecca Metrano says
I love this interview with Sally! She is a timeless style maven…she embodies simple elegance and elegant simplicity! She is bold and charming and I’m lucky to have learned from her and laughed with her for many years! Her interiors are beautiful and her jewelry is stunning! Brava
Tim Sullivan says
A wonderful tribute to one great chic broad! Thanks
Leslie Harris says
Elizabeth. What a great interview and a fascinating woman! I absolutely love Sally’s style and her jewelry line. I popped on her site and it’s quite amazing with its tribal influences. I would happily wear any of it. Thank you for introducing Sally to your readers, she is quite an inspiration. And now I suddenly feel better about all the black and white in my closet.
LA CONTESSA says
TERRIFIC!
THAT IS WHAT AGELESS STYLE SHOULD DO!MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER!
XX