My jewelry adventure began 25 years ago when I moved from New York City to Coronado,
California at the age of 50 wanting a fresh start from the corporate world. While still trying to
figure this out, my new husband Allan and I took a trip to South East Asia.
In Vietnam I was struck by the hard working women, and for some reason, the ones stringing
pearls especially tugged at my heart and I wanted to help. One woman I met, Huong, invited me
for tea and we talked about her life, her small pearly jewelry business and her desire to do
business in America. I promised to help her and brought home 13 strands of pearls and a
renewed sense of purpose: helping women and children in need
The thirteen strands of pearls were quickly sold and the adventure took off as I began to buy
more jewelry and set up booths at the weekend markets and traveling around the US selling
pearls at women’s events. As my husband and I traveled to other countries such as India,
Turkey, Nepal, Thailand, France, England. and of course Vietnam, I began to meet other women
making amazing jewelry in other countries and finally opened a jewelry store in Coronado, an
island extension of San Diego.
The freedom and space of having my own store allowed me to start buying gemstones, charms,
beads, icons and medals for designing my own jewelry. However, when COVID hit, I closed my
store and moved into the studio apartment at my home and began to focus on building an online
presence.
I am fascinated by life and the aging process even though I keep forgetting that I will be 75 in a
few weeks. I love meeting people of all ages and my friends spans at least five decades. This
affords me the opportunity to constantly be in a flexible learning mode but also comforts me to
be with women older than me to experience their graceful aging.
Age is really a state of mind and a conscious choice about how I want to show up in life. I want
to keep dancing until the band stops
DOLORES WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?
HAVE YOU LIVED IN CALIFORNIA YOUR WHOLE LIFE?
I was born in Cleburne,Texas and my birthday is October 14, 1946.
I began traveling to other countries such as India, Turkey, Nepal, Thailand, France, England and of course Vietnam buying jewelry from women in those countries I thought I could help. I also began designing my own jewelry with gemstones, icons, charms and metals.
When Covid hit I closed my shop and moved to a studio apartment at my home and continued my business on line by focusing on an on line presence and shopping with my international friends by FaceTime. I am forever grateful to my clients as they embrace this transition and my vendors who share their world with me.
CAN YOU SHARE YOUR JOURNEY INTO JEWELRY MAKING WITH US?
How did that passion BITE YOU?
SEE ABOVE!
WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE COLOR COMBINATIONS?
Acid green and cobalt blue, any color pearls and labradorite gemstones
I WOULD IMAGINE YOU GET STOPPED FREQUENTLY FOR ALL THE CREATIONS YOU WEAR AND COLORFUL OUTFITS?
What is the most used word you hear to describe YOUR STYLE?
“It’s so cool to see a woman your age so hip”
They love my blue hair and my costume wardrobe from around the world.
I love wearing Indian saris and embellished long coats from Turkey
ANY TIPS YOU CAN SHARE WITH MY READERS ABOUT HOW YOU GO ABOUT DRESSING YOURSELF?
Do you plan an outfit or are you like me and just start getting dressed and add as you go?
If I have a specific piece of jewelry I want to wear I start with it, the necklace will determine the neckline and the sleeve length will help me decide how many bracelets I can stack on.
If I want to wear bold earrings that decides if my hair is down or up.
WHAT EXERCISE DO YOU ENJOY?
Yoga, I’ve been practiceing for over 60 years, not only for flexibility, but to quite my mind and improve my balance.
I experiment with different styles to keep myself from agaile and at the top of my game.
DO YOU ENJOY BEING IN THIS AGELESS STYLE ERA?
Yes, so much so I keep forgetting my age. The age range of my friends spans at least five decades. This affords me the opportunity to constantly be in a flexible learning mode but also comforts me to be with older women than me to experience their graceful aging. So much so it’s sometime hard for me to realize I am 75 years old.
What is your FAVORITE ACCESSORY?
That’s really a hard question for a woman who has a showroom full of beautiful one of a kind gemstone jewelry.
I love pearls with everything and the more unusual and funky the better.
I’m also drawn to bold, ethnic, chunky, over the top jewelry.
Every piece I design I would personally love to wear.
I never make jewelry just for popularity sake.
FAVORITE SKINCARE PRODUCTS AND LIPSTICK?
Chanel foundation for sure and always, flaxseed oil for cleaning and
three layers of drug store lipstick (Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink, Maybelline Super Stay Ink Crayon & No7 Stay Perfect lipstick.
WHAT ARE YOUR SIGNATURE PIECES YOU ARE KNOWN TO WEAR?
Big rings on every finger and chunky over the top colorful necklaces.
ANY STYLE ICONS?
Favorite TV SHOW GROWING UP!
Iris, of course and my blue hair was inspired by McKenzie & Child.
Zandra Rhodes showed me the importance of wearing the colors you love — not what your color seasonal palette is.
And Betsy Jonhson inspired mixing colors and textures and styles for a more original look.
That said I still love jeans and white shirts.
Favorite TV SHOW was AMERICAN BANDSTAND.
ANY THOUGHTS ON GETTING OLDER?
I BELIEVE YOU ARE IN ONE OF ARI SETH COHEN’s BOOKS ADVANCED STYLE WHAT PAGE NUMBER CAN WE FINE YOU?
(Page numbers are in the middle of the pages on the sides.)
I’m in TWO of his books, the second edition of Advanced Style OLDER & WISER page 28, across from Carol Channing and the third book ADVANCED LOVE.
Advanced Love, Dolores and Allan page 72.
As to my thoughts on aging, it really is a state of mind and a conscious choice about how I want to show up in life.
I want to keep dancing until the band stops.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME TO ANOTHER DECADE WHICH WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
That’s a tough question because I have no desire to go back in time.
I’ve worked consciously to live in the state of mind of positive law of attraction, forgiving the past and making peace with the journey.
Those mistakes, missteps and screw ups I want to acknowledge and leave behind with self forgiveness.
PLEASE GIVE US ALL YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE INFORMATION
THERE IS A FUN SHORT CLIP OF A PARTY SHE HAD WITH GIRLFRIENDS BELOW.
I WOULD LOVE TO MEET UP WITH DOLORES AND SHOP HER TREASURES IN THE COMING YEAR!
I DO HOPE I CAN STEP ON A JET PLANE AND ZOOM SOUTH SOON!
THIS IS YOUR CONTESSA SPEAKING NOW.
THERE IS ONE LAST THING I WANTED TO MENTION DEAR READERS MY FRIEND BRENDA’S BLOG.
I wanted to tell you about my friend, Brenda Coffee, who has the Top 10 Blog for Women Over 50. Brenda writes about a lot of different things from sex and men, to when Diana Ross called her up to the stage because she liked her dress, finding our voice and the next chapter of our lives, the importance of great girlfriends, and interviews with some of the supermodels from the 70’s and 80’s, who are her friends.
Brenda’s taken the last two years off from blogging to write a memoir, but she’s back blogging full time, so please subscribe to her blog on 1010ParkPlace.com While she was writing her book, periodically she popped in to give her readers some snippets from her memoir, and they had me on the edge of my seat. The only thing she hasn’t told us are the details about when she was taken at gunpoint, by the Guatemalan Military Commandos. I can tell you she was traveling alone! Privately she told me this group was known for raping and murdering more than 50,000 women. They forced her to walk, with a machine gun in her back, 20 minutes into the jungle. She hasn’t told me any more than that, but I can’t wait for her book!!!
I THINK YOU MAY ENJOY HER BLOG POSTS AS WELL………..SUBSCRIBE HERE!
THANK YOU DOLORES FOR YOUR FEATURE AND ENTHUSIASM!
A VERY HAPPY HEALTHY BIRTHDAY TO YOU THIS YEAR!
THANK YOU FOR BEING MY SEPTEMBER GAL!
A SHORT UPDATE ON ME AND MY HEALTH!
After a month and 15 days and FOUR ATTEMPTS I finally have the medicine, half of what was prescribed as the PHARMACY was OUT OF IT!I have started on a seizure medication to see if I can GET MY LIFE BACK on TRACK!Needless, to say I am a nervous wreck about it as I have been on FOUR SEIZURE MEDICATIONS in the past which all made me terribly sick!I also lost a TON of weight and my appetite and taste for wine!THE FIFTH TIME I WILL HAVE SUCCESS lets just leave it at that for now!
Thank YOU TO ALL WHO SENT BEAUTIFUL CARDS AND EMAILS…………….I TREASURE YOUR READERSHIP and FRIENDSHIP through this cyber space this world has created!Just know I would LOVE to MEET YOU ALL IN PERSON ONE DAY!
What an inspiring lady Dolores is. Thanks for the post. Wishing you the best in your journey to better health. It’s a treat to read your blog and your transparency of life. Blogging has allowed us to meet so many interesting and beautiful people, you included.
Blessings.
Dolores has a wonderful attitude. So vibrant. Love her colorful outfits and fun jewelry.
I certainly hope this medication does the trick, and does not make you queasy. I understand your wish to take time off from social media. You need all your energy.
Baci di Umbria, Robin
Good morning
A fabulous post on Dolores! She’s inspiring with her creativity and helping women and children in need. This interview was a “day” brightener. I’m with her in being fascinated by the aging process. Age is definitely a state of mind. I say to people at times if you don’t like your age – try reversing the numbers – 73 = 37. You might like the number better tho of course at times the number could make you older – 67 = 76.
Dolores personifies a zest for life! I really liked her comment “I want to keep dancing until the band stops.” An excellent outlook on life.
So important for all of us to keep agile as we age.
Glad you’re feeling better CONTESSA. Hope you are on the right track. If you need inspiration for moves for your upcoming Happy Dance – do check out Mick Jagger!
Wow and WOW! Dolores’s colorful global fashions are beautiful as well as inspiring! I love it all! And her wonderful positive attitude is,well,outstanding! Dolores’s positive energy radiates from the lovely pictures she shared for your blog. I am definitely going to visit her website for more fashion inspiration!
Dolores is a beautiful inspiration…love her creative and colorful style. Thank you, once again, for introducing us to another ageless beauty.
Sending love and positivity as you navigate life with this new medication. Fingers crossed that this is going to be the one!
xx
Stephanie
aka tendrheart4
Another fabulous Ageless Style feature! Dolores is so vibrant, caring and creative! I could literally feel her energy coming through her words! Thank you Elizabeth for sharing the amazing women you know! And I’m a big fan of Brenda’s blog and all of her writings and am so excited to read her upcoming memoir. Good to hear your feeling a little better and hoping the new meds work perfectly. We are all rooting for you Elizabeth!
Thank you for introducing us to Delores.
Such an exciting and interesting life with so many glorious travels.
Going to follow her now.
Elizabeth you’re right – the system let you down. Hoping this RX works for you.
So enjoyed today’s feature on Delores! And, she lives on Coronado … my favorite place on earth. You know that grabbed my attention. I wonder if I’ve been in her jewelry store … II’m sure I have. I’m sorry to hear it closed during the pandemic, I’ll check on her website. I just love her style, approach to life and love of color. xo
Delores is another style treasure! And you, Elizabeth, are a blogging treasure! Happiness and good health to you both. I hope that your new med brings you the help you seek. x&o
Another fabulous introduction — but surely the numbers were transposed–57 must be correct!!! Will peruse Dolores’s website etc. Such beauty and color and marvelous perspective on aging… loved reading about her life, her point of view and gorgeous jewel creations…such a treat, dear Contessa. Prayers that this time will be the charm and the Rx will be just right. Will miss you so much… will email and snail mail to check on you!
Sending love XOXO
Great ageless style post, LA CONTESSA! Delores is beautiful, youthful and so incredibly talented. Her jewelry pieces are stunning. I love how she began her craft, by helping women in Vietnam. That is such a cool beginning to a successful business.
I hope this new seizure medication is the charm. You’ve been through too much. Hope you are beginning to feel better! xo
I love Dolores’s sassy style. She looks fabulous.
Hope you’re doing better and that your medication is helping. I will miss your blog but I know you need to concentrate on getting better.
What a fun and fashionable woman Dolores is! I’m hesitant to even think about looking at her jewelry for sale, since I likely will not be able to resist. So happy to see your post today, Dear Contessa. I think about you nearly every day and send you good thoughts and wishes. Let’s chat soon. Take care and DO WELL on the new medicine!
Wow! I’ll have what she’s having! What a delightful and inspiring story and interview. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Definitely want to follow Dolores and her beautiful creations. I also want to check out Brenda’s blog and upcoming memoir. But foremost Elizabeth I want you to know how much you are being cheered on by all of us. You have such a great gift for bringing people together and especially supporting women. Sending you a big hug and wishes for all the good health you are so deserving of! Hope to see you soon when you are feeling up to it.
Xox
Thank you, Contessa!
Your blog post arrives at a perfect time. and with an uplifting interview! A gorgeous 75 years, a cute husband, beautiful jewelry, and clothes that can cheer up the universe!
Prayers for your good health & happiness
Dolores is from Cleyburne, Texas!! I know where that is. I have a friend from Cleyburne!! Tell her I’m a San Antonio girl. I love her colorful style mixed with ethnic pieces. Very chic and Boho at the same time. I’m happy you’ve finally gotten your prescription meds. Fingers crossed and a little prayer it’s the right one. And thank you, dear Elizabeth, for mentioning my blog! I’m happy to be blogging full-time again. I missed all of my readers because I’ve come to know their stories and to love them, like you love your readers. They become friends. xoxox, Brenda
Dolores is fantastic and has such energy and style. Thank you for introducing her to us. I really hope you have the meds to sort out your problems. It is not nice to feel so unwell all of the time. And of course I follow Brenda and I too cannot wait for her book…. Hugs x
What a beautiful and charming woman! A kindred spirit in the world of fashion: chock full of colorful expression! Every time I see Dolores I get the tingles for the vibrancy of self expression that she brings to the table. I especially love her crediting Zandra Rhodes for coloring outside the lines.
What another amazing feature on the fabulous, Dolores! I just love her spirit as well as the way she puts colors together and that jewelry is fabulous! Dolores you look absolutely stunning at 75 years young! I love hearing about all of your inspirational trips, that is truly inspiring to me! Thank you so much for sharing!
So glad to see your post today! Thank you for sharing these lovely ladies with us. I’m glad that Brenda’s blog is up and running again and thanks to you I have re-subscribed. Take care of yourself and do hope the new medication helps. Always look forward to your posts so this was a lovely surprise as I know you will be resting and focusing on getting better. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being you.
Another great interview Thankyou.
A big hug and prayer for you and your health to spring back to give you the fiesty strong body you need. Take care, rest and be calm no miracle happens in a day . Much love to you who nurtures others xxxxx
Dolores is an inspiration. I cannot believe she’s 75 nearly. Impossible. She’s so full of passion for life and what she does. I especially love her hair and her mix of color! She had me at her favorite show is American Bandstand! Mine too. Thank you for this great series. You always bring joy to me with this feature. Cindy’s was great this week too. We need more inspiring women like this!
Love it. Kim
Wow! I can’t wait to go to see Dolores’s web site. What a fascinating woman. I love that she tried to help the women in various countries. Very impressive. But still love her look in a white shirt and jeans. Of course I love Brenda’s blog also. I’m going to look at that Maybelline lipstick. Check out sone pearls. I can’t believe that Kaiser is out of medication. Fingers crossed it works. Just a fascinating woman I’d love to meet.
WE DID MEET HER OR I DID AT CHATEAU BEL AGE FOR ARI’S BOOK SIGNING!!!YEARS AGO!
TIME TO MAKE THAT TRIP AGAIN!!!
SHE WOULD LOVE YOUR INSTAGRAM I THINK DOLORES FIND SANDRA SALLIN ON INSTAGRAM AS SHE IS 80 AND AN INFLUENCER!SANDRA IS ONE OF MY DEAREST FRIENDS!
XXX
I love Delores style, the hair the clothing and the jewelry! I am going to check out her blog and store.
As for you Elizabeth I cannot believe all that you have been through! The heal care system has failed you and that is shameful. I hope that you rest, relax and find some solace and peace from your illness. You are in my prayers. Please drop in somewhere over the next few months so that we know how you are feeling.
THE HEALTH CARE HAS FAILED ME BIG TIME ESPECIALLY WHEN I LEARNED THEY SAW THIS STUFF HAPPENING IN MY BRAIN IN 2017!!BUT NO ONE SAID A WORD!I HAVE GOT THE MEDS AND AM GOING TO HANG ON AS LONG AS I CAN TO SEE IF THEY WILL HELP ME!SO FAR SO GOOD ONLY DIZZY NESS WHICH IS NOTHING NEW TO ME!!!
I CAN DO THIS!
READING AND TYPING ARENOT EASY WHEN YOU ARE DIZZY……………THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING!
XXX
I love Dolores’ style and spirit. She certainly does not look her age. It sounds like you have a few favorite colors in common as well. I love her positive attitude about aging. We all need to embrace it. I can’t wait to check out her jewelry creations. I am afraid I may get into trouble!!
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