HERE I AM BACK IN YOUR INBOX with a BUNCH OF OTHER WOMEN YOU WILL LOVE!
I HOPE YOU HAVE TIME TO SIT AND READ http://hesca.net/xanax/ AND LEARN AND CRITIQUE ALL THAT YOU SEE AND HEAR!
WE ARE ALL OVER 50 and live all over THE USA!
A few of these CHIC WOMEN have been featured on MY AGELESS STYLE POSTS!
Just click on the LINKS below to ENTER THEIR WORLD AND LIFESTYLE!
If YOU enjoyed what you see here perhaps you can FORWARD to a FRIEND who might enjoy our RAMBLINGS.
I can guarantee, I will be THE ONLY ONE with a TOPHAT ON FESTOONED with FLOWERS!
I like TO SHARE especially in this social media world we live in today!
SHARING IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL!
IT gets your creative juices FLOWING and gives YOU NEW IDEAS and sometimes you just WANT TO COPY EXACTLY WHAT SHE IS DOING!
Which should be a BIG COMPLIMENT TO YOU!
THIS AGE THING WE ARE ALL IN; well most of us, it is a TIME to SHARE PRODUCT, PLACES and RESOURCES plus a recipe now and again!
SO, if you NEED a GOOD
Anti Inflammatory Salad for after ALL THAT EATING YOU DID CLICK HERE!
I AM DELIGHTED TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU!
Diana writes a BLOG about cooking the ITALIAN WAY!
DO REMEMBER TO COME BACK HERE TO FINISH READING MY SHARES!!!!!!!
WE ALL HAVE FABULOUS BLOGS if I do say so myself and we are all INDIVIDUALS meaning NOT one of us dresses like the other!
SO, YOU will find at least ONE GRAND DAME HERE who you can Relate too!
I do believe the AGE RANGE HERE is 53 to 79!
I hope that will make your DAY!
I SO WANT TO PLEASE YOU MY DEAR READER!
When I was first asked to participate in this I thought WHAT WILL I DO TO FEATURE
A COLLECTED LOOK?
(MY HOUSE as YOU KNOW it already has THE COLLECTED LOOK from years of DUMPSTER DIVING and ANTIQUE SHOPPING as I owned a little shop called HEN HOUSE and I loved what I did!
It’s MY PASSION and I will NEVER GIVE UP THE ITEMS I HAVE SAVED OR RESCUED!
THERE IS GREAT JOY in finding a BARGIN for me or saving an ITEM from the LANDFILL.
Kind of works THE SAME way with my closet!
I rarely LET ANYTHING MOVE ON and if I DO there is ALWAYS A STORY BEHIND IT!
SO, I ASKED THE ITALIAN about what to feature!
HE NAILED IT……….he said YOUR KIMONO’s and CAFTANS!
I DO HAVE A COLLECTION OF THOSE ALONG WITH COSTUME JEWELRY THAT I HOARD!
I only wear FLAT SHOES.
is my BEST RESOURCE, I ADORE for FLATS!
I know you have heard me CHAT about THAT SMALL COMPANY before!
South African and SO DEVINE in ALL THEY CREATE!
HAND ~ MADE TOO!
ARTWORK IS MORE LIKE IT!
I have a GIRLFRIEND who has gone to HEAVEN and she would have LOVED THESE SHOES!
I think of HER every time I slip my 8.5 foot inside!
These are up and off the floor as THEODORE, my GATTO FANTASTICO conquered a RAT and left body parts and stains in one shoe!
Plus, THAT PIGGY LOVES FLOWERS and I am afraid he might try and EAT a FEW HERE!
SO THEY ARE A VISUAL in my BEDROOM with the CASSEROLE Holder holding court with some of my scarves!
I like to SEE what I HAVE so I can GRAB and GO!
Paintings on the walls, chandeliers hanging in the kitchen, photos plastered to the refrigerator!
Recycling can within VIEW that BANKSY and WINSTON check periodically!
Does this ALL WORK for THE COLLECTED LOOK?
VINTAGE HATS on CANDLELABRAS.
ENCRUSTED JEWELS “JUST HANGING AROUND” on Velvet Perches?
A FEW BOOKS tucked in to ELEVATE ANOTHER LIGHT FIXTURE THAT HOLDS VINTAGE HATS?
OLD ITALIAN CHEST.
I found here in the STATES for a ridiculous LOW PRICE.
Had no room for it but I MADE IT FIT!
“When there’s a will there’s a way!”
CAFTANS and KIMONO’S are MY STAPLES in MY CLOSET!
I sleep in CAFTANS……….specified for that duty!
I put on rain boots and MARCH to the local SUPERMERCADO to grocery shop in CAFTANS!
I use the KIMONO’s to COVER UP MY EXERCISE ATTIRE when I head to PILATES REFORMER CLASSES. If there is ONE THING I CANNOT STAND is women running around in THEIR EXERCISE PANTS!
I AM GULITY of it TOO!
AS once OUT of the house its hard to run errands and change but a long flowing CAFTAN or KIMONO slipped over your WORK-OUT CLOTHES is the easiest thing to do!
OR
A LEOPARD DUSTER from JENNAFER GRACE will do the trick TOO!
These Kimono’s can be made shorter just by tying a KNOT under your BOOBS or a little lower.
WATCH MY SHORT VIDEO’S if YOU NEED HELP in that department!
My video’s are always GOOD FOR A LAUGH!
IT’s HARD being the stylist, director and cinema photographer!
Or KNOT the Kimono at the bottom and slip over your HEAD!
SEE BELOW!
Carla Christoph CAFTAN matched with a Jennafer Grace Kimono!
If you click on JENNAFER GRACE above it will take you to her WEB SITE!
BEWARE!
YOU MAY GET LOST IN THE BEAUTY THAT RESIDES THERE!
CARLA had a SALE RECENTLY!
I may have been a BAD GIRL……………….but where else can you get made to measure FOR YOUR BODY TYPE a CAFTAN that HITS THE FLOOR and swishes to YOUR BEAT for $100.00!!
MACHINE WASHABLE I MIGHT ADD!
I think I may have REDUCED THE INVENTORY THERE!
There are some short TOP’s available and a couple CAFTANS STILL AVAILABLE in her SALE ROOM.
Perhaps,
YOU need TO RUN YOUR FINGERS THERE to
I can think of a few of MY FOLLOWERS THAT WOULD LOOK GREAT IN THESE!
I AM SHARING MY FINDS WITH YOU DEAR READERS…………….!!
I HOPE THAT AGREES WITH YOU!
A VINTAGE FEATHERED HAT TO COMPLETE THE ENSEMBLE!
(YOU KNOW THOSE BAD HAIR DAYS!)
HALLOWEEN PARTY……………HOLLYWOOD GLAM LOOK or OLD WORLD PARTY!
ONE NEVER KNOWS WHEN ONE MAY NEED A VINTAGE HAT!
DO you remember OUR MOTHERS wore BATHING CAPS in the POOLS with rubber feathers like this hat?
They also wore THAT underwear that took forever to pull up……..A GIRDLE!
I have got to fix that FRAME around the light switch!
THE BOOK SHELF that needs some undivided attention!
I’ll get there.I like the MESS I have created looking for specific books!Plus, the EARTHQUAKE in OCTOBER didNOT HELP!I lost the mate to the GREEN PARROT which these belonged to my Grandmother.In all MY YEARS NOTHING has ever fallen off shelves or walls………….
THAT WAS A FIRST!
The earthquake of 1989 was the worst…………I had two sons and one was only 17 days old!
MY ITALIAN came through that part of the FREEWAY that collapsed just minutes before it ALL CAME DOWN!
SOME ONE was watching out for US!
WHAT ever YOU collect ENJOY IT!!
WEAR IT!
USE IT!
DISPLAY IT IN YOUR HOME SO YOU CAN SEE IT!
NOW HEAD OVER TO THESE OTHER BLOGGERS
TO SEE WHAT THEY CALLED THEIR COLLECTED LOOK!
I AM CURIOUS TOO AS WE ARE ALL SO DIFFERENT!
I THINK YOU WILL FIND ME THE MOST THEATRICAL!
“LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU!”
WHO SAID THAT LONG AGO IN A WONDERFUL MOVIE?
WE recently saw CIRQUE DE SOLIEL which I loved.
I think I missed MY CALLING…………The THEATER has always Moved me and brought tears to my eyes.
This GAL was a STAR of the show……..her FLOWERS, Her DRESS and her Pantomime were all sensational!
Wish I had a better photo to share but the ITALIAN was telling me to put THE PHONE AWAY!
He was RIGHT of course, BUT BUT BUT!!!!
I WANT TO BE HER ONE DAY……………….I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT HER!
MY collected LOOK for the THEATER…………Flowers on FLOWERS!
WHO knew the main character would be A FLOWER GIRL!
NOT ME!
Cirque de Soleil is worth every penny………
BUT YOU CAN SKIP THE TEN DOLLAR BAG of POPCORN!
Your tummy and pocketbook will THANK YOU!
BANKSY AND I SEND YOU GOOD WISHES FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR A HEAD!
KEEP COLLECTING!
YOU HELP THE SHOP OWNERS, DESIGNERS AND THE LANDFILL!
PLUS YOU MAKE YOUR HEART SOAR!
WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN THAT?
XXXX
Kisses from the TWO of US to ALL of YOU!
PLEASE BE SURE TO VISIT SOME OF THESE OTHER BLOGGERS!
Don’t forget to sign up to follow them!
THANK YOU FOR VISITING!
Val says
YOU are a HOOT!!!! Who said ” Let me entertain You?” Natalie Wood in “GYPSY” circa 1962 with Rosalind Russell as Mother “Rose”. P.S. OH GOD!!!!- mouse parts in your Shoes-NOOOOOO!
LA CONTESSA says
GYPSY ROSE LEE!
YES!!!!!!!!
WE HAVE A WINNER HERE!!!!!!!!!
XX
cindy says
Now why would you assume that I wouldn’t be wearing a hat festooned with flowers? This topic was made for you. I do have a collection of horn bracelets similar to yours. However if I wore as many as you they would be up to my shoulders. You can rock the collected look like no other, that’s why I love you so much! That pic with all the shoes is pure art! Thanks for joining us. Your posts alwasy bring everyone so much joy, just like you!!
LA CONTESSA says
ANOTHER WONDERFUL COMMENT!
YOU MADE ME SMILE EAR TO EAR…………..THANK YOU!
XX
Sandra Sallin - Apart from My Art says
Well, no one can rock a caftan like you do. I mean your whole life is a collection. You were made to collect. Love each and every one of your pieces. I’m so glad you raised your shoes. I’m your worst nightmare. I love wearing cozy jogging pants, hoodie and fabulous bracelets all day. There’s no one like you where style is concerned. I do think if I was as tall as you I could pull it off. But you were made for all these looks and it’s just a treat to see. Love them all. I’d never be able to make a decision as to what to wear in a day. So many fabulous choices. Love all the looks and the videos too!
LA CONTESSA says
I thought YOU wore BOB’s t-shirts!!!
Well, I may need to come down there and GET YOU DRESSED in BW!!!
They have casual wear!!
HOODIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THATS A NEGATIVE!!!!!
A BIG SWEATER like JANET wears which she calls her HOME SWEATER is BETTER!
GIVE THE HOODIES TO GRANDCHILDREN PRONTO!!!
YOU ARE A GLAMOROUS GRANNY living in HOLLYWOOD!Don’t LOOK like the other STARS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XOXOI say this with laughter in my voice and lots of LOVE!
Leslie Lord says
You might be right about being the most dramatic and entertaining blogger! Your kimonos and caftans lend themselves so well to your elegant style. The shoes are works of art too!
I enjoy your passion for fashion hope you are doing well and feeling energized.
LA CONTESSA says
I have FUN with it………and live OUTSIDE the BOX so to speak!
I ADORE THEM and I ADORE THE GAL who makes them!
NOT quite there yet in the HEALTH department but am hopeful!HAVE A NEW LEAD as of Friday!
XX
Rena says
I just remember the earthquake of 89 even though I lived in KY at the time. My son was about 9 months old and I was watching the World Series. That bridge collapse had to have been terrifying (I’m claustrophobic). Your husband is a very lucky man! I would love to walk through your home it must be like the best of museums.
LA CONTESSA says
NO one died from the BAY BRIDGE collapse but the double decker freeway DID and MY ITALIAN had just come through that with concrete above him!IT’s a BLOODY MIRACLE……………my LIFE would have been VERY different had I lost HIM that DAY!
MY oldest was almost TWO and was shaking the salt shaker on his rocking chair!For years he thought he could make the room MOVE by doing the SALT THING!Nothing came down in my CONDO that year…………
I hear often”OH,YOU would NEVER imagine what is in here from the outside!”
ALL done with passion and DUMPSTER DIVING!!!
XX
Diana Amato says
I love ALL your Looks and Collections!! I think the best part is the story of mouse body parts all over the floor!! I would keep my shoes elevated too. I am a Chateau Bel Age clothing collector, most certainly! (along with many other unique things) Thank you for mentioning my heart healthy Anti Inflammatory Salad and the link to my Blog. I will be visiting all of these beautiful women throughout the day!
LA CONTESSA says
RAT BITS IN MY SHOES with blood stains still!!!!!!!
I have yet to make it but am on my way to THAT SUPERMERCADO SOON!
THANK YOU for sharing!It sounds like a GOOD SALAD TO EAT!
MANGIA!
XO
Kathy L says
Your home is a feast for the eyes, and you share it with us with all your fun photos.
The golden yellow kimono with white flowers is my favorite, especially on you.
You had a close call with the 1989 earthquake. Living on the east coast, I never think about earthquakes… until my son moved to Silicon Valley.
LA CONTESSA says
They are OVER before you realize what is happening!
That is what I like about them………..one rarely feels the AFTER SHOCKS!
I hope your SON and DIL are enjoying the peninsula!
Kim of Northern California STYLE lives in their neck of the woods……..MAYBE you should FOLLOW HER?!!!YOU will learn about shops and tips as she was a cosmetic GAL at NORDSTROMS years AGO!
XX
Annie Diamond says
Elizabeth! Your home and your fashion are both a feast for the eyes! And the way you write about it all has so much excitement and enthusiasm it’s hard not to “feel” it through the computer screen! Especially when you hear your voice teaching us how to tie a kimono over our exercise clothes. I love your style and your enthusiasm for life…it’s contagious in the best possible way! I want to visit you one day at home…what a dream that would be after following you all these years!
xo
Annie
LA CONTESSA says
YEARS?YOU HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING ME FOR YEARS!!!!!!!!!!
DONE…………you arrive in MARCH and I can host dinner or lunch or tea whatever YOU GALS NEED ON YOUR BUSY SCHEDULES!!!
I WILL BE HERE!!!
Gives me a little time to “PICK UP” but NOT TOO MUCH!!!
XX
kim says
Wow of course you have the MOST collected style of us all!! Elizabeth I loved the little clips and hearing your voice. Great idea with the kimono covering the tush in the leggings!! Your leopard shirt dress in the kitchen pic is darling.That hat really reminds me of the swim caps. You know my grandmother had the most terrific collection. I wish I still had them. Sadly they disintegrate. They could be in the Smithsonian they were so cool. Thank you for the beautiful shrug. I LOVE it and it was perfect for this post! Hugs p.s. I will check out this salad stuff!
LA CONTESSA says
THE SHRUG WAS MADE FOR YOU!
SO SORRY ABOUT HOBBS BROTHER……….housemate!
Keep me posted!
I DO COLLECT AND RARELY CLEAN OUT AS WHAT I BUY I LOVE………so that is a PROBLEM if I KEEP BUYING!!!
XOXO
classic casual home says
I just knew you would have such an incredible Collected Look, Contessa! So great how you have it on display. It would be so fun to poke around your treasures!!! Carla Christoph CAFTAN is a great resource! Howard brought me back more caftans from India, but I will check her out…love that she can make them shorter for me.
This post bears reading twice. Perhaps three times. So full of fun. I am glad you are in my life! Not just for the entertainment (that’s great) but for your realness and heart.
Mary Ann
LA CONTESSA says
GOSH THANK YOU AGAIN!!
I LOVE THAT WE ALL ARE BECOMING CLOSE FRIENDS!!!
IT REALLY IS A SPECIAL BOND WE HAVE!
THAT HOWARD IS A KEEPER!!!!!!!!!!
XX
clare feldman says
Your collections are extraordinary like you! What a wonderful way to begin the week reading your blog…You have the glamour and wit to always pull it all together and make it fabulous. I love that you are also showing us more of your incredible home that you know I am crazy for!! I truly look forward to meeting you one day!! xo Clare
LA CONTESSA says
NOW THAT WOULD BE A TREAT FOR ME AS WELL………let me know if you come to San Francisco!I’m not far away!
THANK YOU for commenting!!!
XX
Josephine Floyd says
Your blog is always a fantastic read Elizabeth and one I retread several times, always with a smile on my face. I too sleep in cotton caftans so easy !!and great if you have to pop out of bed to attend to someone knocking at the frontdoor !!!!! Thankyou
LA CONTESSA says
ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL COMPLIMENT FOR ME!YOU RE~READ SEVERAL TIMES!
I did give a LOT of INFORMATION and LINKS TODAY!
ALL these women are different and write on TOPICS of interest for OUR AGE GROUP!
This is how I get my NEWS, well GOOD and INTERESTING NEWS from other BLOGS………I enjoy it and love the Commarderiere (Spelled that wrong and spell check HAS NO IDEA what word I want!)if one has the time its a GOOD NETWORK to join!
THANK YOU for being HERE!
XX
Victoria breen says
I just love you, Elizabeth! Victoria
LA CONTESSA says
MADE MY DAY!!!
THANK YOU!
XX
Taste of France says
You are such a bon vivant. Eclectic and exuberant. And you look like a model for Avedon or Jean Patou in your caftans and kimonos.
What does Banksy think of the mounted boar’s head? I passed some hunters at the village hall, where they have a room for dressing their kill, and a huge boar was laid out in the parking lot.
Love your style in decor and dress!
LA CONTESSA says
HE CAN NOT SEE UP THAT HIGH!
HE HAS NO NECK!!!!!!!
SHHHHHHH!!!!!!
WE call him the distant relative!
WE LOVE OUR PIGGY!
HE LIVES A DARN GOOD LIFE!
XX
Loree says
Thanks for being you and always having fun. It’s always good to read your words and see your photos. They make me smile. It’s bedtime for me but I’ll go and check out some of the other ladies tomorrow.
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU FOR THAT………..CHECK out KIM for sure you two would be close in AGE!
SWEET DREAMS!!!
XX
gayle says
You are so adorable, you light up my life and bring joy with each new posting. This one was a beaut! I would like a reality show of your life 24/7. Think of how much depression would be lifted from this world if they could listen and watch you. Your voice was a sweet surprise to me. Well, now that I have gushed enough I am perusing ebay for STUFF.
LA CONTESSA says
YOU MADE MY DAY!
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Recently a woman who shall remain nameless made FUN of my voice in a phone call!She told me TO STOP talking with such a HIGH PITCH!
I said, “But that is MY VOICE!”
Her added insult was “NO, It’s NOT they did not teach that to you in school!”
Needless, to say SHE ISNOT IN MY LIFE ANYMORE!
THANK YOU……………for your WONDERFUL COMMENT!
It is NOW on my instagram PAGE!
XX
Jen says
Your style is so joyful. Love it!
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU!
I have fun with it……….and am pretty darn comfortable TO BOOT!
XX
Eugenia Russell Hargrove says
Elizabeth,
Ok! You have the Caftan cutie. So much to compliment on, your charming home, your vintage collections, your hats, your Italian, Banksy, and put all together for your Collected Style. Boy, did I get this interpretation wrong?
Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the challenge and meeting more grand dames like you, Cindy, and Kimberly.
Eugenia Russell Hargrove says
Elizabeth,
Ok! You are the Caftan cutie. So much to compliment on, your charming home, your vintage collections, your hats, your Italian, Banksy, and put all together for your Collected Style. Boy, did I get this interpretation wrong?
Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the challenge and meeting more grand dames like you, Cindy, and Kimberly.
LA CONTESSA says
YOU did just FINE!
I had a VINTAGE SHOP and we can call OUR BOYS ALMOST VINTAGE!!!!!!!
Mine are 32 and 30!
Lovely to connect with YOU here……….
Even CARLA says I will need a BIGGER CLOSET if I keep ordering her CAFTANS!
Did you peek……….?I can see you in some of her TOPS!
XX
Karen Persson says
You are definitely so very entertaining but also very inspiring! Such a riot, too! The photos are so rich and beautiful… Love them.. and you pose so magnificently in them! Btw, are you losing more weight? Please don’t get too thin!
Much love to you. xoxoxo
LA CONTESSA says
NO More weight is leaving at THE MOMENT…………still battling the headaches etc….and I think I was in the midst when I snapped some of these photos!
THE GOOD THING ABOUT CAFTANS AND KIMONO’S IS YOU CAN BE ANY WEIGHT!
THANK YOU KAREN…………..you must still be on cloud 9 about meeting THE QUEEN!
XO
Karen Persson says
So glad you’re not losing more weight but how awful to have the headaches. Hope you find relief soon. I know you do everything possible to solve the issues. You’re right about the caftans…!
Yes, it was very exciting to have helped the queen 2 weeks ago! I’ll never forget that!
Love,
Karenxoxox
Loree says
It seems I’ve messed up with my first comment. It got posted as a reply to someone else. I guess I’m tired and should go to bed.
LA CONTESSA says
YOU ARE FORGIVEN!
XX
D.A. Squires says
I actually made some notes… paper towels in silver champagne bucket, scarves in silver casserole holder, hats on candelabras and everywhere, picture frame around light switch (do leave as is : ), two intriguing blackboards…one appears to read ‘Stretch, Breathe and Enjoy The Milky Way’ (to say I love this is an understatement) and another in a very large, gilded frame, above the stove… not readable and wondering… a deer head with one xmas earring ornament and fancy brooch… a kitchen phone with a mile long cord like everyone once had, but no one has anymore (except you)… and a caftan for every occasion with bejeweled shoes to match. I would say RARE. A RARE COLLECTION. Bedazzled I am… (and adore the ‘Ready for my close up’ photo with the one and only Banksy : ) Happy New Year, dear Contessa!!! XOXO
LA CONTESSA says
The frame around light switch has been FIXED……just adjusted!!!
THE STRETCH,BREATHE and ENJOY THE Milky Way was written by the departed friend I spoke of!!!!!
THE kitchen sign needs a redo it says “YES!Life is a BANQUET and MOST POOR SUCKERS ARE STARVING TO DEATH.”……..Auntie MAME
Meaning NOT TRUELY LIVING Life……..just existing!
I SEE A LOT OF THAT WHERE I LIVE!
I need a FOOD QUOTE ANY GOOD IDEAS?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
YOU will be happy to know I sent the TIME SEEKERS to a family in ARIZONA and they are reading it and loving it!!!
XOXO
Michelle Foley says
Collector is my middle name! I adore all of your treasures…what a great post!
LA CONTESSA says
LOVED THE PHOTO OUR BUDDY DEBRA SENT ME FROM ATLANTA!
I MUST COME YOUR WAY SO WE CAN PLAY AND MEET!!!
XX
PS. Did you send on to a FRIEND?!!
Penelope says
Well this topic was made for you and you rocked it! Always fun to look into your closets, shelves and corners and hear tales of critters but you do remind me why I have never wanted a cat. Those beautiful slippers as a coffin, ugh! I love how you embrace it all. Your joie de vivre ( not sure of the Italian equivalent) shines through each post! XOXO
LA CONTESSA says
I ADORE CATS with or without RATS in their mouths!Last night was a baby mouse……I SAVED HIM!!!!
IT’s like a CIRCUS HERE sometimes……..!!
THE CAT listens to me when I say “DROP IT!”SO, sometimes the critter runs for it!Poor things……more scared of their situation!
I forgot to ASK THE ITALIAN……….Must do that!
IN ITALIAN they would say………JOIA DE VIVRE!!!
THANK YOU XOXO
Pipistrello says
Ciao Bella, and welcome back to my Inbox!!
Yes, a riot of personality writ large in your selection of Collection!! A feast for the eyes, as always, and good to see around more corners into the nether reaches of your Casa. Have you seen the latest post over at Gods and Foolish Grandeur? Recognise those shoes? Those carpets? Those accessories and sweeping outfits? Nothing has changed in 400 years. Your style is Timeless!!! You’ve just added more graceful arms (thanks to the ease of movement in your caftans & kimonos) and a big smile, hahah!!
Your shoe pics are beautiful, by the way – they’d make lovely postcards.
Good to see your lovely face around these pages again. May 2020 shine brightly for you!
Baci from me xx
LA CONTESSA says
OFF TO SEARCH AND CONSUME BLOG OF GODS AND FOOLISH GRANDEUR!
YOU are so FUNNY……..me TIMELESS!
HA!
THANK YOU it has been a whole month since I was LAST SEEN!
Moving SLOWLY this 2020………….
SO bothered by your fires!
STAY WELL BELLA!
XX
Rosemarie says
LOVED your yellow outfit – from the flowers down.
Great collection you have of clothes – jewelry – hats etc etc. What fun to have a choice to choose from each day.
LA CONTESSA says
I AM LUCKY in that department!!
XX
Parnassus says
Hello Contessa, Although I have lots of stuff, it is mostly put away, so I have never achieved a look as extravagant as yours in any of my homes. However, with all of the Chinese antiques I have collected, I have toyed with the idea of creating a sort of Chinese nightmare room, with carved dragons and jade stones everywhere. The main impediment is finding the room to create it in, especially since the books are competing for every inch of wall space!
–Jim
LA CONTESSA says
NOW THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING TO BLOG ABOUT!!!
YOU MAKE ME SMILE…………THANK YOU!
XX
Jill James says
You are such a joy with your wonderful collections . No one wears caftans and kimonos as beautifully as you. As for those shoes , they really are works of art. Thank you for sharing all the other ladies and their blogs , I will enjoy reading them and discovering their unique collections.
LA CONTESSA says
SO, HAPPY I can point you in a direction of other ladies!
The shoes come from Cape Town, South Africa closer to YOU than ME!
XX
katerina stepovikov says
What a JOY ye truly ARE …..
LA CONTESSA says
YOU are MY BIGGEST FAN!
XX
DaniBP says
Thank you Dear Contessa for bringing us so much beauty and joy, I agree with some of the above comments, you were made for a post about the Collected look! You collect what you love and you wear it with love and absolute style. Love everything, the caftans, kimonos, hats and those flat shoes! To die for! Hope your year is off to a wonderful start!!! xxx
LA CONTESSA says
IT is NOW that I have heard from YOU!
I hate not being able to comment on your BLOG!
Cross country skiing in 12 degree weather does not sound fun to me!YOU must have legs of STEEL!
XX
The Style Crone says
What a great post Elizabeth. We decorate our homes in a similar way. I adore you!
LA CONTESSA says
I ADORE YOU TOO JUDITH!
If you ever head WEST to San Francisco AGAIN and are on COLLEGE AVENUE like you were last year PLEASE LET ME KNOW!I’m so close!I can bring YOU HOME for a BITE and a PET TO BANKSY!Think of the PHOTOS!!!!
XX
Carla says
It’s always fun to read your blog and see your pretty face on Instagram. You really do have quite the collection….. of many beautiful things! So glad my caftans are in that mix! I do follow Coast & Koi now because of you. They really are spectacular works of art for your feet. I am one that makes decisions quickly, but I have a feeling I might have a difficult time choosing! Looking forward to meeting these other gals. Of course our mutual friend Kim, brought us together which I’m so thankful.
LA CONTESSA says
I make decisions quickly TOO!
With these shoes I bought almost ALL the shop had as I thought this was a ONCE in a LIFETIME PURCHASE!!!
My Mother had just passed and I thought to myself what would MOM DO!!!
Got my answer…………
YES,THAT KIM of FRICKSPICKS on instagram GAVE ME SO MUCH JOY when she posted a CAFTAN made by YOU!!!
SHE SHARED YOU and I am BEYOND HAPPY!!!!
Can’t THANK HER ENOUGH!
XX
Kimberly says
Love you dolls so much!
LA CONTESSA says
BIG HUG!
XOXO
Libby says
Speaking of quotes: the departed husband of an old friend had a favorite that I am fond of.
“Every day is a holiday; every meal is a banquet”.
LA CONTESSA says
THAT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU LIBBY!!!!!
STAY TUNED FOR A NEW BLACKBOARD UPDATE!!!!!!!!
XX
JENNAFER GRACE says
Every recipe from Diana is a MUST USE! She is a true beauty and angel to all around her.
Thank you so much for highlighting my handmades in your beautiful life and here in your beautiful blog! It makes my heart soar to be supported by you!
P.S. I like the light switch and the book case just as they are!
LA CONTESSA says
CHECK………..AUNTIE MAME in TRAINING!!!!
XO
lisa thomson says
The Carly Simon song comes to mind when I think of you, Contessa. “Nobody Does It Better” because you are the Queen of collected look. Love all your photos! Did the Italian take some of them? You look gorgeous as usual. Such an inspiration. I am now taking off my sweatshirt (I’m wearing over my yoga top) to replace with a long flowy top…I know I have some.
LA CONTESSA says
EXCELLENT!
BUT STAY WARM THAT COMES FIRST BEFORE THE LOOK!!!
NO, rarely is THAT ITALIAN AROUND…….HE gets up at 4 am home about 7 pm!We have a very small window of time together and I am NOT UP AT 4 am unless he is NOT A MOUSE!!!Which he is MOST of THE TIME!
THANK YOU I will have to find that song!I know I know it but I’m terrible with Music!
I cannot bring the words up!!!!URGGGG!
NOW, don’t you feel better when you are in your flowing TOP?
XX
BIG HUG!
Fran says
CARISSIMA CONTESSA,
OMGOODNESS!! I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS!!
I want to PLAY in YOUR HOUSE!! COOK in YOUR FABULOUS KITCHEN!! Mine is a closet stuck in the 1980’s!!….I almost fell off my chair when I read about your Beloved Italian narrowly escaping tragedy in 1989?!! You have some AMAZING Guardian ANGELS!!
I just LOVE your style and WHIMSY and YES!! YOU BELONG ON A STAGE….BROADWAY FIRST!! YOU ARE OVERDUE!!!!!! I’ve NEVER BEEN to NYC, but I WOULD GO JUST TO SEE YOU ON STAGE!! I HOPE some PRODUCER is READING THIS right NOW!!
I WISH YOU SO MUCH GOOD HEALTH THIS NEW YEAR, CARISSIMA CONTESSA!! KEEP SHINING BRIGHT – YOU ARE A SUPERSTAR IN MY BOOK!!
XX00 Fran
LA CONTESSA says
YOU ARE AN ANGEL UP NORTH!
KEEP AN EYE ON MEGHAN AND HARRY AND BABY ARCHIE for US!
I GET IT but it makes me SO SAD……….I LOVED HOW SHE DRESSED SO ELEGANT FOR AN AMERICAN!!!!!!!!
THEY SURE WERE DOING ALL KINDS OF GOOD in my eyes!!
I am NO SUPER STAR!
YOU ARE THE COOK OF ALL COOKS!!!
BLOG PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
I MEAN IT!!!!!!!!
XOXO
Barbara Jones says
I just love your photographs and writing … and feel a strong empathy for your love of colour, textures and individuality. Having always worked in the design world and latterly in design education, retirement has required me to re-evaluate how live and the things that are important to me.
I no longer buy designer labels and rarely buy new things … other than shoes (but that is another story). My biggest delight is to make and re-purpose clothing and interior fabrics. Beautiful old curtains become coats embellished with embroidery, vintage workwear blooms with floral applique and I live to stitch. Trips to India have provided beautiful old garments and trimmings to make yet more exotic pieces … and I now find myself with customers around the world. So much for retirement!
LA CONTESSA says
DO YOU HAVE A WEBSITE?
I have had made OLD FLOWERED CURTAINS INTO COATS………have you seen those?
I need to be MORE in YOUR LOOP!
Send me an email if you would please!MY email [email protected]
AND A BIG BIG THANK YOU!!!
XX
Kimberly says
I thought I posted a reply but alas, I don’t see it. Elizabeth! You are life itself and such a joy. I love that you do you with no apologies. DO NOT ever change. I adore you and seriously hope to meet you soon. Let’s keep having fun! That this is a space for women to enjoy and champion each other gives me so much happiness. At our age it’s wonderful to keep connecting, inspiring, being inspired by and just giving each other kindness. Thank you for sharing your collected look. It was FANTASTIC!
XO,
Kimberly
LA CONTESSA says
OH KIMBERLY!!!
THE PLEASURE IS ALL MINE!
I AGREE WHOLE HEARTLY as I sit here with yet another heart monitor around my neck!
WILL THEY EVER FIGURE ME OUT?THAT IS THE QUESTION for 2020!!
SHARING AND INSPIRING is what it’s ALL ABOUT!
I’ll be in touch soon!
XO
tara dillard says
Need my first kimono this year, for sure.
Who wouldn’t after see yours !!!!!
Luff your home & garden, and ta da, YOU>
Garden & BE Well, X O Tara
LA CONTESSA says
THANK YOU MASTER GARDENER………….I can see you floating about your NEW OLD HOMESTEAD IN A KIMONO!!!!!
XO
yancey williams says
You were MADE for the theatre! It’s never too late!
I can’t do The Collected Look, my brain couldn’t take it. I need order, and air, lots of air. Which is why I enjoy your world. I certainly live vicariously through you….we ALL do!
Never change!
LA CONTESSA says
AIR?
OH because YOU GET HOT!!!!!!!!?
Well you do the KITCHEN STUFF Like NO ONE ELSE!
I do not understand how you can BAKE all those biscuits and be so THIN!
WHAT does your husband look like?!!!
Thank goodness we are NOT All the same……………….this is what MAKES LIFE MORE FUN!
XX
Juliet says
Brava, Contessa! You are the epitome of The Collected Look! Your casa as well. I do believe the theatre missed out on a STAR when your career went in another direction. Love your videos! xo
LA CONTESSA says
SO KIND!
THANK YOU…………as I know I’m NOT YOUR STYLE!
SO look forward to the VIEWING of SNOWBERRY COTTAGE in all its NEW GLORY!
When are WE LUNCHING?
XX
Jacqueline says
You look FANTASTIC Elizabeth … I also have a tophat but mine is naked … no flowers !!! We LOVE Cirque du Soleil … first saw them in Las Vegas and have seen them nearly every year in London. Hope you are well Elizabeth and have sorted out your health problems now …. you look REALLY well. Lots of love from the UK. XXXX
LA CONTESSA says
Las Vegas!!
What did you think of THAT CITY?I saw it once and that was ENOUGH!
I too decided we need to see CIRQUE every year…………do you know it’s only 14 miles away from us where they erect the TENT!
Silly NOT to GO as I enjoy it SO MUCH!
Health problems are still a BIG ISSUE!
Have found a DOCTORESSA who is suppose to get back to me this week!She has a THEROY!I am ready for a Diagnosis after four years………..every time I think I have found it the TESTS SAY NO!
Thank You for asking………….
FESTOON THAT NAKED HAT OF YOURS!
XX
Nancy Brantley says
Your collected style post is just what I love to see!! You are a person that the world needs more of!!!! Live life at the fullest and be kind! Being yourself and letting everyone see the real you! Love your collections and I love to collect and display it all….why not??? I bought it because I love it so I want to see it…..so if you don’t like that don’t come to my house and say its cluttered….live your empty life if that’s what you prefer, just don’t try to make me like you! If I’m ever in California I would sure love to me you, but I live in NC. Connecting with like people is great!
LA CONTESSA says
Well that is an ABSOLUTE YES If you two ever come WEST!
I have had a GREAT time meeting people from here and instagram!It’s as if we already know each other which makes it even MORE SPECIAL!
XX
PPP says
Ma Chere Contessa,
What an exciting romp through your lovely imaginative home and closet!
I really loved the kimono fashion show, especially the two videos.
Great visuals so please do more of this in your future blogs!
‘‘Twas a nice treat to begin my new year.
Merci beaucoup!
PPP
LA CONTESSA says
YES MADAME!
I will TRY!!!!!!!
SEE YOU SOON with THE BEVERAGES!!!!
XX
Jane says
You are absolutely enchanting, and your wardrobe, accessories, collections, and home are all reflections of the amazing YOU! I love your spirit, energy, and individuality. Okay, enough verbs, La Contessa!
I do wear caftans at the lake (I’m here now but it’s totally big sweaters and knitted socks). They are gorgeous over swimsuits, or skinny pj’s when you have company. I will never pull them off the way you do.
Always love your posts…I need to get more disciplined. ?
Jane x
LA CONTESSA says
I’m sure YOU wear them WELL!!!!!!
How nice to be HANGING AT THE LAKE!!
THANK YOU for making my DAY!
XX
Janice says
It would be soooo fun playing dress up with you, I just purchased a pair of J crew slippers to decorate with my large rhinestones to wear on my fun days.
I love you shoes with the large gols bugs or spiders, I’m sick I cleaned out my shoe closet last year and took my fancy Bee slippers to resale shop( I WANT THEM BACK LOL
La Contessa says
Love the idea of adoring slippers!
Send me a photo when you have finished!!
I may have to COPY you!!!
Xx
Anita Day says
I have made my decision.
I love the raspberry turban hat with the raspberry and gold caftan.
Looks amazing Bella
Ciao for now.
Neat xx
LA CONTESSA says
GOOD TO KNOW!!!
I’ve been VIDA ALL DAY!
STILL NOT DONE!
But I fertilized the backyard and it rained this morning so I AM HAPPY!!!!!
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW these days?STILL HOT HOT WEATHER?
XX
Robin says
You look fabulous!! You definitely have the collected look down. And I love all of your collections- including the “attire” category!!
Ciao Bella…
LA CONTESSA says
MILLIE GRAZIE…………….HOPE LIFE IS GOOD OVER YONDER!!
BACI XX
bonnie sachs says
omg…thank you for bringing so much fun and beauty and together-ness to the table with all the other beautiful, inside and out loverlies on these blogs. what fun to read them and to feel like i am making more new friends. so inspiring! i feel like they, you, we are all grown up versions of the movie ‘summer stock’. or one of those let’s put on a show in the barn movies with mickey rooney. only our new medium is instagram and the internet! love it all.
LA CONTESSA says
BEAUTIFUL COMMENT BONNIE THANK YOU!
XX
KATHIE TRUITT says
It’s funny that you said you needed to fix the frame around the light switch because I don’t think so! That’s the charm of it all. And NO…you don’t need to ‘arrange and organize’ that bookshelf. It’s beautiful the way it is. I swear if you did a coffee table book of your fashions, your home and garden I’d be the first in line to buy it. “Life of an Antique Goddess” should be the title.