HIGH STYLE

June 5, 2015 57 Comments

This was a FUN outing for myself and dear friend JENNY!

HIGH STYLE came to SAN FRANCISCO recently and it was hoot to see.

Those tiny tiny waists and the SHOES!!!!!!!!!

OH MY GLORY……….I really wanted the case the SHOES traveled in.

ISN’T THIS JUST LOVELY?

I have already forgotten the DESIGNER but I thought this too was A STUNNER!I can remember my MOTHER had a dress with these colors……..

This neckline………..PLEASE somebody make this into a white shirt TODAY.Note the pocket too at the waist!

Simple yet so elegant……………

MORE GOWNS…………….I think I am in love with the coat.

LOOK a MOVIE called THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA 1954.I need to see this…………

Do you think THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA of today got her name from this movie?

Then there is the question how I got my Contessa name……….!

I gave it to Myself.

After seeing how a REAL CONTESSA lived down the hill from us in an old stone farmhouse.

She had LOST most everything………..BUT yet had it ALL.

I admired her and her CANADIAN husband………………

I really wanted HER LIFE.Farmhouse, dogs,land and a bit of a view…..

There I am snapping away………….can you see me in the reflection?

A Dress for the GARDENER……….with seed packets!!!!!!!!!ANITA, this photo I took for YOU!It’s even your favorite color!!!!

THE GORGEOUS SHOES.

LOOK AT THESE HEELS……………..The STYLE CRONE and a few others I can think of would look SMASHING in these today!

This shoe looks like it is from TODAY 2015!For some reason it reminds me of an OPERA HOUSE with BALCONY seats!!

THE SHOE CASE for TRAVELING………………………I ADORE IT!

ME LOVING HOW THEY displayed this PHOTO!My friend ERIC C. would know how to do this!

A PEONY from my garden……………….THE FIRST!

A ROSE…………………..GOLDEN CELEBRATION.

MY latest addition……………WHITE EDEN a CLIMBER.This is MY HIGH STYLE for now………………the GARDEN will keep me on my toes, in my balcony seat deadheading and weeding……….and trying to think of something else to share with YOU ALL!!!

Did any of YOU try the RAGU sauce?

57 Comments

Leave your reply.

cindy hattersley
· Reply

June 10, 2015 at 12:58 PM

Okay…totally agree about the white shirt!! Then YOU CAN GROW PEONIES are you kidding me? Do you pour ice on them and all that jazz? LOVE golden celebration probably my absolute favorite. How is the white eden doing? I adore the regular eden? Please tell!!
FrenchGardenHouse
· Reply

June 10, 2015 at 8:38 AM

Stunning! Fashion is beautiful, but also great fun! The gowns, the shoes, lovely. What a fabulous exhibit, I can’t quite choose a favorite, as they are all divine. Thank you for taking us along.
Loi Thai Tone on Tone
· Reply

June 8, 2015 at 12:58 PM

Dear Contessa –
Those dresses look like couture sculptures! Beautiful!! My favorite is the garden dress with the seed packets – what a sense of humor! Love it 🙂 I’d love a garden smock or apron like it. I’d wear it even when I’m not gardening.
Cheers
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 9, 2015 at 7:52 AM
  
  You and ME both LOI!!
French Basketeer
· Reply

June 7, 2015 at 7:06 PM

I love that you take advantage of these wonderful exhibits in SF!! The workmanship and style of these vintage clothes are incredible; could do without the balcony seat shoes but I agree, I’d take the shoe case in a second! You’ve got Ava and that Italian contessa all beat; you have the most fantastic life with your home & garden and Italian Husband and Gorgeous Animals!! Lovely post!~
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 8, 2015 at 8:24 AM
  
  MERCI………MERCI………………..I think your probably RIGHT!
  GORGEOUS comment and I truly appreciate it!
  XX
Loree
· Reply

June 7, 2015 at 12:20 PM

Oh my, those dresses make me swoon. They are so gorgeous. You have to see the Barefoot Contesse (the movie, I mean). I think you will love it. Your flowers are so pretty. You can tell that you take good care of them.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 8, 2015 at 8:23 AM
  
  I have the MOVIE on the LIST to see MADAME MALTA!!!
elliot
· Reply

June 7, 2015 at 11:04 AM

Why not write about the Contessa in Italy and tell us about her: how you met, how she dressed, how they lived, decorated, etc and why she is an inspiration to you? Thanks.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 8, 2015 at 8:21 AM
  
  I will give that some thought Elliot…………….thank you for your comment.It was 24 years ago………..outside of Florence, Italy where we lived on top of a hill.To reach our home we had to pass HER home……..much older stone house with barking German Shepards.She was a neighbor and that is how my husbands family knew her.She lived in an old ITALIAN FARMHOUSE which was my DREAM to own.
Marsha @ Splenderosa
· Reply

June 7, 2015 at 9:19 AM

What an event to attend !!!
You know I would have loved seeing the entire collection, and I recognize so many of the pieces.
Beautiful post, Contessa !!!!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 8, 2015 at 8:17 AM
  
  UN BACIO!
foodiefan
· Reply

June 6, 2015 at 7:55 PM

They just don’t make clothes nor shoes like they used to. My mother had wonderful dresses like that with fabulous necklines.
Your peony and roses are quite something…..but the peonies are my absolute favourite! xo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:57 AM
  
  Wish I had a few left to POSITION at YOU tomorrow night for your VISIT to me from DOWN UNDER!!!Can you BELIEVE YOUR SON is GRADUATING!!!!!!!!!Seems like YESTERDAY you two came to look at colleges!
  CAN”T WAIT TO SEE YOU!
  XO
Doré @ BurlapLuxe
· Reply

June 6, 2015 at 10:31 AM

Oh Elizabeth darling, the red coat is so you, and I can see you wearing it in France as well.
As for the Contessa name you have yourself, I was charmed by your fun and character when I first met you now years ago. Falling in love with your sense of adventure in all you do, from home style, to all you gather and collect, to running off and peaking through windows at missing Renee at her Santa Barbara home, wishing I were with you to experiance her home once again. The size of her Lemoms on her vintage trees just blew me away, and all her wonderful salvage in the gardens remind me of your passion for your gardens.

As for the contessa in the wonderful farm cottage, I am sure she is honored that you wear that name Contessa well. She is flattered I am sure… I have not yet met a more delightful contessa as you my sweet friend.
Loved visiting your posting, and was thinking I could dress up in a few of these frocks myself, 🙂

Xoxo
Dore
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:55 AM
  
  I Know YOU could CARRY OFF THESE FROCKS…….better then MOST!
  OH, YOU remind me of THAT visit to RENEE’s house…………I was so upset I couldn’t get inside!!!SHE AND I ARE ON THE SAME PATH………….Her TASTE and STYLE fits ME to a TEE!!!!!!!!
  MAYBE someday WE can meet up there!
  XO
Heather in Arles
· Reply

June 6, 2015 at 10:17 AM

Oh my goodness, I would have LOST MY MIND!!! Heavenly. Really every single piece that you featured is over the top perfect. The gowns look as though they were by the ultimate…Charles James!
As for white shirts with that neckline, google Anne Fountaine.
And here I am in my khaki shorts and tank top…this makes me want to go get DRESSED. 🙂
xo
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:52 AM
  
  I THINK YOU ARE SPOT ON…………CHARLES JAMES!!!
  XOXO
Julie Russell
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June 6, 2015 at 10:04 AM

Oh my, the gowns, the shoes, your flowers . . . high style, indeed! Curious to learn more of the Contessa down the hill. I’ve been a busy little bee as of late, but plan to try your Ragu THIS week! Stay tuned for full review . . . xo
- Julie Russell
  · Reply
  
  June 6, 2015 at 10:05 AM
  
  Love the new look of your web-site BTW . . . as mentioned above, I’ve been busy but now attempting to catch up on my beloved blogs and yours tops the list!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:46 AM
  
  Now that I know VIA INSTAGRAM your husband makes the QUEEN MUM’s favorite drink I will be SKIPPING OVER!!!!!!!!!!SEE you SOON!
  XX
- Julie Russell
  · Reply
  
  June 10, 2015 at 11:28 AM
  
  We will welcome you with the Royal cocktail on a silver tray! Our house has been (nearly) put back together, weather is feeling more summer-like (ahem, WAS feeling more like summer) and we must get a date on the calendar – early August? xo
Catherine
· Reply

June 6, 2015 at 8:21 AM

What a fabulous day you had, Contessa…the first 3 creations here are absolutely stunning…the colour, the fabric…beautiful!
Have a wonderful weekend sending love from the Sunny UK 🙂 xx
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:44 AM
  
  GOOD TO KNOW THE SUN is OUT over yonder……………….you must be down by the RIVER!!
  We are off to WINE COUNTRY TODAY!
  XX
Karena
· Reply

June 6, 2015 at 7:07 AM

Dear Elizabeth I love exhibits like this. The fashions are so gorgeous and as you say those tiny waists!!!
The shoes, can you imagine a closet-full!! So fun an outing.
I adore your flowers, peonies are always my favorite!! Have a wondrous weekend!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Jackson Pollock Mural
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:42 AM
  
  MANY THANKS KARENA…………
Katie Clooney
· Reply

June 6, 2015 at 5:13 AM

Contessa…. how FUN!!! Those shoes are HYSTERICAL!!! You MUST rent The Barefoot CONTESSA – it is one of my favorite movies!!! Have a wonderful weekend!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:42 AM
  
  I have put the movie on THE LIST!
  THANKS for the HEADS UP!
Anita@letshavelunch
· Reply

June 6, 2015 at 4:58 AM

What a beautiful show Elizabeth. I could see how much you would have enjoyed this. True style and so much thought in the design. I love the blue gardening dress. Thank you so much for the photo. I would wear that any time. The roses, you’ve found your forte there. Keep gardening. A perfect post Bella xx Neat
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:41 AM
  
  SO, HAPPY you enjoyed it.I thought the DRESS was SO FUN……………….for a garden LOVER for SURE!I can think of TWO people now who fit that DESCRIPTION!!
  XO
Susie Craig
· Reply

June 6, 2015 at 12:02 AM

I so much love that shoe case, much better than throwing my shoes into a shoe bag when travelling. The exhibition just shows that heels were not neglected in previous decades. Hurrah!
As for your peonies I am green or pink with envy. I am battling the possums who have discovered the tender shoots on my yellow roses.
Ciao
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:39 AM
  
  POSSUMS!
  Why on earth would they want to nibble on YOUR lovely roses!!Tell them to go to the neighbors!!!
JoAnna
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 9:37 PM

Contessa Dahling, I think we were sisters or best friends in another life….

Cheers Dear,

JoAnna
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:37 AM
  
  HAPPY TO know WE have so much in common!
Grace Kaplan
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 6:35 PM

How did I miss this? I love the lines from this period and have 2 coats (one used to be reversible until I lent it to one of Zack’s girlfriends!) like the red one…
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:37 AM
  
  WHAT HAPPENED To the COAT!!!!?
  Good thing WE had BOYS!!!!!!
- Grace Kaplan
  · Reply
  
  June 10, 2015 at 8:39 PM
  
  The white side got water stained… Boo-hoo…
contessa
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 4:54 PM

VIA EMAIL:

I am the woman who told your your rose was Golden Celebration. I also told you I am a photographer and sent you some pictures I have taken in my garden, as well as other gardens. I would love to photograph your garden sometime but my guess is you are in located in Northern CA. If I ever in the area would that be possible?

Catherine
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:36 AM
  
  OF COURSE……….I sent you an email I never received your photos!PLease try again I would LOVE to see them.
Kim
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 4:31 PM

Contessa love this! Wonderful photos. Wish I could have made it. Isn’t that dress with the pocket fabulous? I’d love one of those please and the garden one!! You look so pretty and I’m sorry I did not get to meet Jenny. Sounds like fun day!! xo Kim
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:35 AM
  
  There will be MORE OUTINGS across the BRIDGE!
Piedmont Pembroke Parent
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 3:40 PM

Ma Chere Contessa,

Ooolala! What fun! Thank you for taking me to the exhibit with you. You and Jenny look appropriately chic. I love the photo with you next to the black and white photo.
The shoes are amazing ..more art than practical. Young feet with strong arches needed here.

Your peonies and roses are gorgeous and truly magnificent. Bravo for having such a green thumb.
I am a bit behind on reading your blog so just replied to the ragu featured blog. I am excited to try the recipe.
I will be looking for the Barefoot Contessa with siren Ava Gardner.

Merci beaucoup!

PPP
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:34 AM
  
  ANYTIME………MADAME PPP!
  I too have put an order in to NETFLIX for the MOVIE!
theresa viray
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 3:18 PM

Thank you for sharing your and Jenny’s tour of the exhibit. I see the ads splashed across the buses as I walk to and from the office from downtown. Dreamy imagines to view as they speed by bigger than life. What a great exhibit and I know of no two more beautiful and stylish women than you and Jenny who would appreciate it! XO
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:33 AM
  
  WE DID INDEED!
  It was a GORGEOUS Little outing…………XX
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 2:26 PM

Those shoes remind me of The Guggenheim Museum in NYC! Ha! I will make that sauce as soon as I can chop something.
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:32 AM
  
  OKAY!YOU are excused…………….XX
Jennifer
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 1:59 PM

Such amazing clothes and those shoes!!! They are spectacular. And yes they do look current!
xoxox
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:32 AM
  
  GLAD YOU AGREE!
Anita Rivera
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 1:51 PM

CONTESSA DEAR!!!!!!!

Here I am.

I spent a lush morning in the garden with the Mr. We pruned and made our vines nice and tidy and the wrens are singing, the boxwoods are SO green and puffy and I am happy! AND….that dress with the seed packs! THANK YOU! LOVE IT and these gowns….OK, I KNOW that you are like me in that I’d wear these somewhere. No problem. The styles are so tastefully done, simple yet elegant as you say. And those shoes? MY GOODNESS how did you even manage to breathe seeing all of this? :))) I remember the first time I went to Tiffany’s in NYC. I literally got light-headed from all the excitement. This is a show stopper and I wish I’d been there. What a fun day.

I have not tried the Ragu yet; after our romp in Carmel, I will get my basil in a pot out in the garden and away I go making all my favorite Italian sauces. Oh my friend, thank you for this fun post! Anita
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:31 AM
  
  CARMEL is LOOMING!!!!!!!!!!
  XX
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 12:29 PM

Tell us more about the Contessa down the hill. Love your photos. Such style!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:30 AM
  
  Older then me………….
  From the Milan area……….
  Had the ITALIAN and I to dinner……….
  Taught me how to make SALSA VERDE…..
  Her first name was DIAMANTE……..diamond in ENGLISH!
Merisi in Vienna
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 10:27 AM

A veritable feast for the eye, visions of endless beauty from head to toe to peonies!
Wanting “the case the SHOES traveled in” – I can see WHY! And I knew immediately that the red cape would speak your language.
I hope this exhibition travels on to Vienna! I would also gladly take the dried peonies, once you are tired of them. 😉
Btw, have you seen the film “La Grande Bellezza”?
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:29 AM
  
  NO!
  It was on my radar but left the theatre way too soon………….it’s a MUST SEE isn’t it?
Town and Country House
· Reply

June 5, 2015 at 9:41 AM

Thanks so much for sharing your visit to see this exhibition! It looks like so much fun, and I couldn’t agree more–white shirt with asymmetrical collar, yes! I love all those structured collars, so gorgeous as are your flowers! Peonies are over here, but hydrangeas are coming on fine. Enjoy your weekend!
- contessa
  · Reply
  
  June 7, 2015 at 8:28 AM
  
  WILL DO T&C MOM!!!