A San Diego SOIREE!

January 6, 2018 94 Comments

AT CHATEAU BEL AGE BOUTIQUE

It was a BIG DAY in the Life of YOUR CONTESSA!

Valerie of Chateau Bel Age Boutique in San Diego contacted me and told me ARI SETH COHEN had been in the shop and they had discussed a book signing in DECEMBER!Could I come down for it………….?

I did not HESITATE a BEAT!Terrible time of the year for me BUT YES I’ll be there!

I had the BEST WEEKEND!

It really and truly got me through the HOLIDAY PUSH!

PEOPLE were DRESSED.

PEOPLE were HAPPY.

And to top off all that WE were celebrating TWO BIRTHDAYS!One being the owner of THE SHOP and one being ARI’s MOTHER!

That is Valerie’s Mother coming down the STEPS!

The cake was made by another BLOGGER/INSTAGRAMER !!

She is ITALIAN and has started a BLOG called A MOTHER’s INSIGHT !

Sharing FOOD and RECIPES for ALL of us!

DO click on the LINK above and sign up to FOLLOW on the RIGHT HAND SIDE of her BLOG!

Valerie NOT only is eating HER CAKE but she is wearing THE DRESS!Valerie is 5 foot 4 inches tall and doesn’t it LOOK GREAT ON HER!You have seen me in a different pattern with it on THE INSTAGRAM SCROLL!!!!I LOVE IT and cannot say ENOUGH GOOD ABOUT IT!

A Little SHOP AMBIANCE to get YOU in THE MOOD!

Tons to ADMIRE and LOOK at!

I SPY TWO of Ari’s ADVANCED STYLE WOMEN and ONE MAN and ONE PARISIAN HERE named VALENTINE.

VALENTINE owns a CAFE at the BOTTOM of MISSION HILLS!

Not only a CAFE with her AMERICAN HUSBAND but her ARTIST STUDIO is right next DOOR!

The name of her CAFE is called LA ATELIER.

Tell her The CONTESSA sent YOU! I popped in briefly as she was SO KIND to get me a GLUTEN FREE BAGEL at Market so I had something to Nibble on at The BOOK SIGNING!

Between THAT and the B~12 SHOT I received in the FITTING room half my Body in half my Body out by a REGISTERED NURSE I was on TOP OF MY GAME ALL DAY!

TAMERA BEARDSLEY descending the GRAND LEOPARD STAIRCASE!

SHE MADE THAT NECKLACE ABOUT HER NECK!!!!!!

YEARS AGO!!

Have any of us SEARCHED EBAY for her ACCESSORIES????

I have NOW DECIDED I NEED A LEOPARD CARPET FOR MY KITCHEN!

Can one of MY DECORATING AMIGAS let me know how much that will be a yard and where to get it?

I NEED IT NOW!

A Grand daughter and her GRANDMOTHER and a San Diego Personal Shopper SANDRA VEUM sitting enjoying the company!

WHO can make out what ARI wrote in HER BOOK?!!!!!!

The woman POINTING is in ARI’s BOOK as well……..THE FIRST BOOK.

She owns a jewelry shop on CORONADO ISLAND and YOU will NEVER believe her AGE!

Diana with HER CAKE she made for the FESTIVITIES!

It was LOVELY a TWO TIERED WHITE CAKE with SPECIAL FROSTING!

LA BELLA MAMA of VALERIE in her NEW PAGLAMAS from CHATEAU BEL AGE BOUTIQUE!

The gal who makes the PAGLAMAS also makes the KIMONO’s……….you know the ones I wear from time to time!

Her name is JENNAFER and she is on her HONEYMOON in South Africa as I type!

Yesterday I got a PRIVATE MESSAGE on IG with photos!Guess where she went………..MY SHOE LADY!!!

COAST AND KOI!!!!!!!!!!

If you FOLLOW me on Instagram I shared MY SHOES or some of them THERE! More to be revealed as TIME MARCHES ON!

If you do not Follow me or you are not on instagram I do believe if you go to my HOME PAGE here on the BLOG you can peek at my IG as they call it!On the Left hand side!

VALERIE’s MOTHER is 77 years YOUNG!She TOO has been FEATURED on the ADVANCED STYLE INSTAGRAM!

A little bit of TRIVIA…..the stuff I ADORE!

Valerie and her MOTHER spent years at THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO.

AS HER mother was married to THE MAN who OWNED THE HOTEL!

SO, Valerie in essence was like ELOISE at THE PLAZA only here in the GOLDEN STATE of CALIFORNIA!

Can YOU IMAGINE being a child with the FULL RUN of that HOTEL as a Child with all THE STAFF looking after YOU!

Or NOT LOOKING!!!!!!!

That HOTEL has a BALLROOM……….

OLD WORLD CHARM over 100 years old sitting right SMACK on the BEACH!

Another GORGEOUS CREATURE from Ari’s BOOK!

Ari with his MOTHER and a few of HIS MODELS than there is TAMERA AND ME!!!How did we SLIP in THERE!!!!!!??

Just call us THE NEXT GENERATION!

I LOVE THIS PHOTO!

FOR MANY REASONS!

MR. and MRS. BEARDSLEY

ARI SETH COHEN and SANDRA VEUM………personal shopper!

EXTORDINAIRE

There was SOMETHING about the LIGHT they wanted to CAPTURE

but I think THAT light got away and YOU have ME!

I had FOUND my PEARL BRACELETS in this CABINET the DAY BEFORE so I was back seeing if she had RE-Stocked!

WHY NOT take them to YOUR ELBOW!!!!!!!!!!?

I have READ somewhere MORE is MORE!!!!!!!!!

Made the ADVANCED STYLE INSTAGRAM………….AGAIN!

Last time I LOOKED he had over 5,068 LIKES on this PHOTO!!!!

GO Ahead and LIKE US!!!!!!!Let’s see if WE CAN MAKE THAT NUMBER CLIMB!

NOTE MY RED SHOES are from BAD MADGE in San Diego!

I had ordered off of INSTAGRAM, but they were TOO BIG so a quick SWAP was Done in a FIAT 500 CONVERTIBLE.(IT was 80 degrees when I landed at 10:15 AM in San Diego!)BAD MADGE is a VINTAGE SHOP in DOWNTOWN San Diego but these shoes were NEW!Come to find out the OWNER HERE is a FIDM TEACHER………FASHION INSTITUTE of DESIGN and MERCHANDISING!

THAT WAS MY MAJOR IN SCHOOL!!!!!!!

So, of course I LOVED That bit of FUN FACTS TOO!

I worked in RETAIL for awhile than went on to work for the SOLE DISTRIBUTOR in the United States and CANADA for THE GUCCI ACCESSORY COLLECTION.

Later on they added FENDI.

This all came about because I OVERHEARD A CONVERSATION about EVITA and a handbag that was NEEDED in a lunch room!

I allowed ALINA who I didNOT know borrow my GREY SUEDE bag and in return later on down the road she got me the JOB with GUCCI & FENDI!

ALINA now owns a candle company a few of you may KNOW!

The company is called ETAL DESIGNS.

She too can be found on INSTAGRAM!

BE NICE NEVER KNOW WHERE IT WILL TAKE YOU!

AND

FROM THAT JOB I MET THE ITALIAN!

(That Blog is in the works………..because a few of you have been ASKING!)

A SATURDAY NIGHT IN La Jolla at CASA AMATO’s.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PHOTO!

I do believe JIMMY FERRARI SNAPPED this after a GORGEOUS dinner made by MY HOSTESS DIANA AMATO!

NOTE the center pieces!I was given INSTRUCTION and I DID IT in RECORD BREAKING TIME!

GREENS~PINECONES~LEMONS

Dinner at CASA AMATO………….was Beef Bourguignon

The RECIPE was By another CONTESSA!!!!!!!!

You know THAT one that doesNOT WEAR SHOES!

But prepared by a ZINGARA!With her added TOUCHES!!

SO DELICIOUS!

THANK YOU!

DIANA!

Valerie a BIRTHDAY GIRL and a ROARING FIRE!

OUTSIDE in DECEMBER!!!

THATS CALIFORNIA LIVING PEOPLE!!!!!!

YOURs TRUELY and MY HOSTESS

TWO YOUNG GIRLS ON THEIR PHONES waiting for the BIRTHDAY GALS!!!!

I can NOT THANK YOU enough for the LIFT HERE and THERE and staying at your GORGEOUS ABODE for the weekend!

It was a DREAM and EVERYTHING just FLOWED…………BEAUTIFULLY!

Two YOUNG GIRLS under THE CHRISTMAS TREE!!

WE are BOTH WEARING THE DRESS from THE CHATEAU!

Different patterns but the SAME DRESS!

In Fact, I think that Night at Dinner in La Jolla all the WOMEN were wearing THE DRESS!!!!!!!!!!!

We were a large group!

A FEW BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOS for YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE!

Valerie FERRARI!

TAKE A BOW!

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL EVENT!

Contessa at Lunch on the Velvet sofa at The CHATEAU looking a WEE bit TIRED from her JOURNEY SOUTH!

Valerie, showing me Dresses to SHOW PENELOPE!

SEE the different patterns behind!

YOU STILL LOOK PRETTY with YOUR EYES CLOSED and this was a GOOD PHOTO OF ME and MY AUSTRALIAN DRESS!!!!!!SO FORGIVE ME PLEASE!!!

CAKE IN THE TRUNK OF THE FIAT 500 for TRANSPORT!

MY BOSS AT I. MAGNIN in SOUTH COAST PLAZA over 37 YEARS AGO!

ARI has SHOT SANDRA and HER HUSBAND for his latest VENTURE!

I am BEYOND THRILLED as it was MY RECOMMENDATION!

HE LISTEN TO ME!!!!!

PAGLAMAS by JENNAFER GRACE available at CHATEAU BEL AGE!

These can be worn OUT or at HOME again MACHINE WASHABLE!

WORTH EVERY PENNY!

A side Note I wore mine to a dinner and I asked THE ITALIAN if I looked okay.

HIS RESPONSE WAS “MAMMA YOU LOOK STUNNING!”

SO, there you GO!

If THE ITALIAN says I look STUNNING I will be NEEDING ANOTHER PAIR!

Valeries’s MOTHER had these GUCCI shoes on with HER PAGLAMA’s!

PERFECTION!

AS was the the entire WEEKEND.

THANK YOU

VALERIE and JIMMY FERRARI

DIANA AMATO

ARI SETH COHEN

YOU ALL CONTRIBUTED TO THIS 57 1/2 GAL having a FUN FABULOUS TIME!

94 Comments

Leave your reply.

Jennafer Grace
· Reply

January 10, 2018 at 10:32 PM

Beautiful work as ever LOVELY WOMAN!
Looking forward to more celebrations with you!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 11, 2018 at 3:49 PM
  
  ME TOO!!!!
  I will prepare YOUR ROOM!!!!!
  XX
Lucy
· Reply

January 10, 2018 at 5:06 PM

Contessa,
What a jam-packed weekend you had. I wonder how much of that shop you took home with you?!
Sounds like lots of fun and laughter was had by all. Good to see your adventures and love your red shoes!! Lucy
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  January 11, 2018 at 8:55 AM
  
  NOT THAT MUCH!
  But I did BRING a BIG SUITCASE!
  I ADORE EVERYTHING ABOUT THESE SHOPS!
  IT’s OLD WORLD SHOPPING at it’s FINEST!
  In a CHARMING LOCATION!
  XX
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

January 10, 2018 at 2:36 PM

When can we get everyone together in California? I have to meet all of you! Sandra,Penelope… I love you from afar, but sharing a glass of wine, a plate of pasta… perhaps shopping together? HOW FUN WOULD THAT BE? INTERESTED? What if we work on finding a date and a place, maybe an event in the next few months? How would I hold my own, style wise, in this group? That would take some thought. One of my all-time favorite outfits is your BLACK & WHITE from AUSTRALIA! The tinsel and the red shoes… !!!

I often make the other CONTESSA’S Boeuf Bourguignon! It’s so great… even better the next day, but the secret is the wine you use… Don’t just use any old cheap cooking wine. Use a great bottle… perhaps the same wine you’d serve with the meal. xoxox, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  January 10, 2018 at 3:24 PM
  
  SOUNDS GREAT!
  APRIL is as soon as I could HEAD SOUTH!!!
  THAT IS WHERE THE MAJORITY LIVE.AT the moment PENELOPE is fighting the MUDSLIDE DEVASTATION and FLOODING IN her NEIGHBORHOOD!THEY have been evacuated AGAIN……….
  SANDRA is in L.A.
  I’m UP NORTH by San Francisco.
  EMAIL me and lets discuss DATES and PLACES………where do you need to be?
  iolacontessa@gmail.com
  YOU HAVE GOOD TASTE MADAME!THAT DRESS was NO ZARA KNOCK OFF!!!!!!!!
  I would LOVE to MEET UP!
  LET’s DO IT!
  XX
Robin in Umbria
· Reply

January 10, 2018 at 10:52 AM

WOW! You do have such a glamorous life! What great friends you have! Please tell more about “the dress”. Maybe can be shipped to Italy? Thanks for sharing your weekend with me. Xoxo R
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  January 10, 2018 at 3:27 PM
  
  I found her through Instagram………..
  I can send her site to you there!
  Otherwise google………ANDREA Nicholson designs.com
  XX
Val
· Reply

January 10, 2018 at 8:43 AM

A BEAUTIFUL time shared with Interesting and Creative Friends!!
What FUN you had:)
Katie Clooney
· Reply

January 10, 2018 at 6:01 AM

Contessa, you and your dear friend have entirely too much FUN! All the photos are fabulous and I enjoyed seeing all the stunning clothes and accessories. When lived in San Diego we celebrated the week after Christmas at the Coronado’s brunch. I wish the girls were old enough to enjoy its beauty. Speaking of beauty… you looked like a knockout in all of your pics. Enjoy your week.
Anita @ Vue at Jindivick
· Reply

January 9, 2018 at 8:15 PM

Love the boutique the event was staged in.
Even this country bum would be very tempted to make a wee purchase.
It looked like you all had a fabulous time.
Big smiles all around.
Cheers Bella
Neat xx
cherie
· Reply

January 9, 2018 at 4:51 PM

Wow, wow, wow is all I have to say. You look stunning in all of your outfits, I especially love the black top and large sheer polka dot underlining look. So unique and classy. So much creativity flowing in that room. And, I am definitely going to check out Paglamas!!! You have so much Joie de Vivre Contessa, it’s infectious.

XOXO, cherie
STYLE NUDGE
http://www.stylenudge.com
D.A. Squires
· Reply

January 9, 2018 at 2:36 PM

I have lingered over this post, trying to uncover what I was feeling and here it is: Women of a certain age need a place like this–a CLUBHOUSE–where they can dress up, eat cake, drink champagne and be together. It needs to be decorated like this gorgeous shop– with lots of leopard prints, velvets, pillows and chandeliers…I wish it could be in a giant banyan tree… a magical tree house with hundreds of tiny white fairy lights. Because looking into these lovely faces what I saw and felt was the spirit of young girls, dreaming, dressing up, telling secrets, having tea parties… and I realized that is what we want to experience again. And again. XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 9, 2018 at 4:11 PM
  
  OH MY GOODNESS!
  I LOVE THIS.
  SHALL SHARE with the other GALS!!!!!
  I THINK YOU ARE SPOT ON HERE!!!!
  You do have a way with WORDS…………..!!!!!
  XOXO
Hilda Smith
· Reply

January 9, 2018 at 6:23 AM

What a gathering and I can tell that you all had a wonderful time…such glamour and originality all at one event. Loved reading about it and all the little side stories x
Barbara Chapman ~ French Ethereal
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 5:46 PM

I’ve never heard of Paglamas but they do look comfortable and cute! I didn’t realize that you are only 1 1/2 years older than me ~ cool! You have such wonderful style and I love your stories!!! Shared a pic on my Fun and Funky board on Pinterest and your story on G+ for you.

Have a great evening!
Barb 🙂
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2018 at 6:45 PM
  
  I’m Not on PINTEREST like EVERYONE ELSE!
  WHAT is G PLUS…………?.GOOGLE??
  
  PAGLAMAS are NEW and only MADE for this SHOP at the moment!If you call or send a Private message via Instagram to CHATEAU BEL AGE I bet VALERIE will answer…….she is back from LONDON tonight so give her a DAY maybe TWO!
  
  GRAZIE………for liking MY STORIES!I have LOTS to SHARE!
  
  XX
Clare
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 4:41 PM

Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I was transported to a wonder land of glamour…A truly magical moment…Thank you for an absolutely brilliant blog!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2018 at 6:42 PM
  
  THANK YOU for COMMENTING and TELLING ME SO!!!!!!!!!
  Let me know which Blogs you liked as I have MORE in my ARSENAL!!!!
  I did not want to Overwhelm YOU!
  XX
  PS. Look for the sign up by EMAILS on the HOME page of the blogs either on the right sidebar or the Left!
Lindsay
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 3:29 PM

You are all divine! That cake looks so yummy and I love the slippers!
XOXO
Hope you had a healthy and happy NEW year!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2018 at 6:48 PM
  
  I DID!
  YOU need to send me an email with what you are up too!!!!!!
  XX
Jennifer
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 1:05 PM

Such an exciting event. Bravo your becoming a star!! I love how you light up the room. Ari needs to photograph you next!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2018 at 6:48 PM
  
  TOO YOUNG!!!
  BUT I LOVE LOOKING FOR HIM!!!!!!
  XX
Sandra Sallin-Apart From My Art
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 12:33 PM

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. What a wonderful time I had with you, Valerie, Diana, Tamera, The French Woman, the whole bunch. Loved seeing Ari and his tribe including his mother. Just a wonderful day. Loved getting dressed up with all the others. Loved the cake, the camaraderie and the creativety. I love how you say you’re not a photographer yet your the one who always has the camera at your eye. So lucky to be a friend of yours. You’ve made a diference in my life. Thank you!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2018 at 6:49 PM
  
  ME?
  I take that to HEART!
  THANK YOU!
  DITTO BACK AT YA……………….GO check the post!!!!
  XX
Jennifer Lively
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 11:53 AM

I loved reading about your adventure down South and seeing all the photos of the fabulous women, who attended the book signing. As always, you looked marvelous and so full of spirit. Keep it up!
D. A. Wolf
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 11:11 AM

What a stunning group! And BOY does it look like you guys had fun!!! xoxo
Rosemarie
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 9:21 AM

THANK YOU for including us in the SOIREE. So much fun to look at the pics on a dreary rainy day here in Canada.

Loved the clothing/jewelry that people were wearing – so stylish.

You look fab with your bangs/fringe. The red/green earrings are magnificent.

So many places for me to check out when I get back down south.

The world of blogs/instagram has enabled so many people to get connected. So much fun.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2018 at 10:59 AM
  
  YIPPY!
  YOU DID IT ROSEMARIE YOU POSTED A COMMENT!
  SO PROUD OF YOU!
  YES, you will be BUSY your next trip to San Diego……….LOADS to DISCOVER!!
  It’s NICE to SEE PEOPLE DRESSED…….does MAKE A DIFFERENCE in YOUR MOOD!At least for ME!
  XX
Ms. Mary
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 8:23 AM

Your glamor and style is exceeded only by your generosity and kindness.

Thank YOU for ALL the efforts that resulted in this post. The trip south, the clothing/accessory cordination/the house guest duties/the lovely event photos (staged and impromptu)/the writing up of the details/the editing of the photos. You looked fab, and I liked seeing other IG “friends” (Tamera & Sandra). It makes me happy when I read your posts. Happy New Year!

PS- I went to the Hotel Del on my honeymoon! A special place, for sure!
<3 <3<3
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2018 at 10:56 AM
  
  YOU are TOO KIND!
  I adore making CONNECTIONS and I adore taking PHOTOS although, I have NO IDEA what I AM DOING!!!!!!
  How is THAT ZOO KEEPER doing?I must check in with HER!
  Hotel DEL for a HONEYMOON………..SOUNDS DEVINE!
  What year was THAT?
  XX
Tamera Beardsley
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 7:16 AM

Oh my heavens darling!! Thank you ever so much for doing this magnificent post!!! It enabled me to relive that magical day!! I remember vividly just wanting to stand there … and take it all in … so much soul and beauty in one room!! I felt like I was with my tribe!!

Elizabeth you have such a gift for capturing and sharing life’s grand moments … and finding the beauty and joy in life! It was so wonderful to see you again my friend!! Looking forward to our next time together!

Much Love to You,
Tamera
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2018 at 10:54 AM
  
  IT was MAGICAL wasn’t it!
  So, lovely seeing YOU again……..I think that makes 6 times in what FIVE YEARS?I have LOST count!
  THE SETTING, THE PEOPLE ALL were PERFECTLY ADORNED for a BIRTHDAY SOIREE!
  Fun meeting ARI’s brother TOO!
  You take CARE and I will be checking in with YOU from time to time!
  I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE CONTESSA BALLS IN GREY………is THAT what YOU said????
  XX
Valerie Lee
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 4:29 AM

It was a wonderful magical event! You’re being there made it even more special. From Diana picking you up at the airport and bringing you to the Chateau for lunch, to the dinner in La jolla at lupi, to the actual event itself and the dinner that followed at diana’s house! Every detail was amazing.
It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with you live and in person!
We will have to do this more often!
Thank you for writing such a lovely blog post and including so many people who couldn’t have been there, without your imagination and your collection of Instagram friends!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 8, 2018 at 10:49 AM
  
  I LOVED DOING IT!
  MY SINCERE PLEASURE!
  I canNOT wait to catch up with YOU on your ENGLAND TRIP!!!
  SAFE TRAVELS and let me know when the JET LAG IS OVER!!
  XO
Jacqueline
· Reply

January 8, 2018 at 1:56 AM

What amazing women and what a wonderful shop Elizabeth ….. you do live a brilliant life. XXXX
Catherine Robinson
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 11:44 PM

From the beginning through to the end you SPARKLE magnificently! Your day sounds super fun – such a group of amazing, stylish women. Great post, Elizabeth.
Love from London xx
Ellie's friend from Canada
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 5:02 PM

I really enjoyed reading about your fun and ever so stylish weekend
Nancy Case
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 3:45 PM

Such Glamour and beauty and elegance! What a Holiday gift for you Contessa to enjoy time with dear friends and appreciation for celebrating life. I love your dress and the gold, long garland adorning your dress. I appreciate hearing the story about you sharing your purse and the sweetness of what came for you in the future with Gucci.. Both a job and a husband! The cake looks so yummy too and oh so elegantly prepared. Thank you always for sharing your life experiences with us..they inspire and lift spirits.xoxoxo
Lisa
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 2:18 PM

Wow, what an amazing adventurous weekend you had! I loved every detail, and now I totally need some Paglamas… off to google.

I adore Ari Seth Cohen and I can’t wait to see what exactly you have suggested for him to do!

Happy New Year to you, my fizzy friend! xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 3:07 PM
  
  PAGLAMAS only at CHATEAU BEL AGE or thru JENNAFER GRACE on ETSY I BELIEVE!
  YOU DO and they will LOOK GREAT!
  I suggested a couple for him to PHOTOGRAPH!
  THAT is IT!!!
  ACTUALLY TWO COUPLES…………..and he has SHOT BOTH!
  XX
Karen Persson
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 1:44 PM

Wow, it looks like it was such wild fun! And so inspiring! Lucky you to have been able to take part.

Btw, I’ll be in California in May! It would be so wonderful to be able to meet you and I can bring you your portrait!

Love,

Karenxoxoxox
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 3:08 PM
  
  ABSOLUTELY!
  MY GARDEN will be in BLOOM as well………….
  SHALL I DO A LUNCHEON for YOU?
  I shall be in TOUCH!
  XX
- Karen Persson
  · Reply
  
  January 10, 2018 at 12:58 PM
  
  Oh lovely! I’ll be in California from May 6th-25th. I’m first flying to Seattle on the 4th to see family.
  
  It’ll be so wild to meet you at last!
  
  xoxo
Sandra
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 12:41 PM

What a fabulous blog post of such an epic event @chateaubelage! You are gorgeous both inside and out! Thank you for including me! So great to see you, fabulous as always! Happy 2018!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 3:09 PM
  
  SO, HAPPY YOU DROVE DOWN!
  We MUST DO MORE of theses MEET UPs!!!!!
  XX
debra@5th and state
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 12:32 PM

ohhh la la, glamour with the glitter set! you all look so festive and ready to celebrate!
you looked divine contessa!!
xx
debra
Jill Anthony
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 12:24 PM

Oh Contessa, these photos!!!! What a fabulous event! Your photos had all of us right there with you! Thank you for taking us along for this fabulous ride! So much fun to see you along with a few other fab girls I follow all together!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 3:12 PM
  
  GLAD YOU ENJOYED IT!
  IT IS FUN I HAVE TO SAY!!!!
  It’s like meeting MOVIE STARS!!!!!!
  XX
Loree
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 12:11 PM

It looked like you all had an amazing evening. You look fab in velvet. I just love it so. I never get rid of any velvet pieces (as long as they continue to fit me) because I know that velvet always comes back. Which makes me wonder why it ever goes out of fashion, it’s such a rich, gorgeous fabric.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 3:14 PM
  
  SO, THERE IS YOUR ANSWER to your dilemma about YOUR STYLE………ONLY VELVET in WINTER and NOW WE need to figure out the SUMMER LOOK!LINEN I would say…….and FLAT SANDALS!
  HALF WAY THERE!
  XX
Stella Martin
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 12:04 PM

Wow, what a party. Eeryone was so glamorous!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 3:14 PM
  
  SO REFRESHING and it was MID DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  XO
Libby
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 9:44 AM

Oh my, your boring neighbor had such fun reading your blog. And a trip down memory lane for me. Coronado was our favorite place to live and the hotel reigned supreme. We managed to celebrate an early anniversary dinner there. Young Navy pilots aren’t exactly rolling in dough so it was a very special occasion. We’ve been back numerous times, but not the same mystical feeling. Although I always loved wandering through the shops in the lower level.
Best to you and yours in new year. My main event for this week has been sowing red fescue in my lower level yard. Not as glam as your adventure but peaceful.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 11:07 AM
  
  I FORGOT YOU LIVED DOWN THERE!
  NO, I think the HILTON owns it NOW and I heard it’s NOT THE SAME AS WE REMEMBER it TO BE which would have been the Time VALERIE and her MAMMA were onboard!
  Wander down and visit me!
  THATS AN ORDER!!!!
  XX
Kim
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 9:17 AM

Wow what a fun post. You all look so glamorous. I would like to get to this boutique one day! Great to see Tamera and Sandra too. You all make a stunning group. Those paglamas are wonderful and I love how the Italian loves you!! ??? Yay to adventures whenever you can fit them in!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 11:05 AM
  
  KIM,
  YOU Need one of THE DRESSES……..I think they are calling it THE SIGNATURE DRESS NOW…………YOU would be TERRIFIC IN IT and its GREAT to TOSS on over the EXERCISE PANT to head out on ERRANDS!Valerie gets back TOMORROW from ENGLAND give her call as she will send you photos of the colors and patterns available!THIS DRESS IS NOT SOLD ANYWHERE ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Dial 619-795-0723 to ORDER YOURS TODAY!!!!
  The PAGLAMAS are VERY FUN AS WELL………….But if you had to pick ONE I SAY go with the SIGNATURE GOWN……..it’s machine WASHABLE!!!!!!!!!Once you have MARCHED around TOWN in THAT; GO GET THE PAGLAMAS!Maybe we need to take a GIRLS OUTING come SPRING TIME and all go down at stay at THE HOTEL DEL!!!!!!
  XX
Taste of France
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 8:54 AM

Every person in every photo looks like they would be a ton of fun to be around. Such an abundance of joie de vivre.
Thank you for sharing your exciting goings-on so we can vicariously participate from afar.
And thank goodness for Ari Seth Cohen.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:57 AM
  
  I THANKED HIS MOTHER!
  LOOK AT WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR THE MIDDLE AGED WOMAN!WE ALL WANT TO BE OLD FAST NOW!!!!!!!
  He will GO DOWN IN HISTORY thats for CERTAIN and he is only in his 30’s!!!!!!!!!!
  I am LOOKING FORWARD to HIS NEXT BOOK!
  If you are not aware it is on OLDER COUPLES!!!!!!!!!
  THAT will be a SMASH in MY OPINION!!!!!!!!
  Maybe people will be motivated to stay together after seeing and hearing STORIES of our ELDERS!
  I NEED TO CATCH UP WITH YOUR POSTS!!!!!!!!
  XX
Pat
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 8:26 AM

I think the Italian always thinks you look stunning…and who would argue with him!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:52 AM
  
  I’m NOT SO SURE about THAT!
  I think thats WHY I ASKED!!!
  I asked HIM Once if I embarrassed him with my clothing……..his KIND ANSWER was NO!!!
  But still I check……….XX
Diana Amato
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 7:57 AM

This is a Wonderful post on an Over the Top weekend! Everything flowed so easily for the time we all shared together. I think it should become at the very least, an Annual Event! I’m so thankful to have your friendship and ‘Goodness” in my life! You are indeed, one very Amazing Woman! Blessings to you ALWAYS!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:51 AM
  
  FOR SURE I need to POP DOWN at LEAST ONCE A YEAR!!!!
  It’s SO EASY!!!!!!!!
  THANK YOU!
  MILLIE GRAZIE………..BELLA!!!
  XX
Katharine
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 7:26 AM

Lovely to see your fairy tale life continue ! You do it so well my friend !!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:49 AM
  
  FAIRY TALE LIFE……….now THAT’S DEBATABLE!
  I DO HOUND PEOPLE I LIKE………YOU SHOULD KNOW!!!!!
  WE GOTTA MAKE OUR OWN FUN!!!!
  AND I TRY TO DO THAT!!
  XX
Parnassus
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 6:34 AM

Hello Contessa, You make my life seem so unglamorous by comparison–I need to get out more!
–Jim
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:47 AM
  
  WE ALL DO JIM!
  I think this is WHY I had SUCH A GOOD TIME I don’t GET out enough either!!!!!!!!!
  ANY NEW POSTS FROM YOU LATELY????
  XX
- Parnassus
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 11:00 AM
  
  I have been shamefully negligent–only one, rather specialized, post lately:
  http://roadtoparnassus.blogspot.tw/2017/12/how-many-brass-mouthpieces-do-you-need.html
  but I am working on some that I hope will be of more general interest. –Jim
Lillian Plummer
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 6:13 AM

Huge thanks for taking us along and sharing all the pomp and extravaganza of this book signing. Wonderful event with creative stylish people, each and everyone. The power of Instagram!

Z.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:46 AM
  
  THAT is THE TRUTH!
  SO, FUN to meet people you are following or they are following YOU!WE are like ONE BIG FAMILY!
  Toss some CHAMPAGNE and CAKE and a GLUTEN FREE BAGEL into the MIX and WOW!!!!!!!!!
  From the store party it continued on to DIANA’s HOUSE for DINNER!
  MAGICAL………….it was MAGICAL!
  XX
Jan Schechter
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 4:51 AM

Contessa, You are living the life you were meant to live! Amazing friends, incredible experiences all coming to you because of the unique and wonderful person you are! I loved this journey down south. I wish the shop was closer to me in Philly! Today it is 5 here but you remind me it is warm and beautiful in CA. Thank you for your colorful descriptions of this fantastic weekend of fun! Ciao!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:40 AM
  
  5 DEGREES!
  How does a CALIFORNIA GIRL MOVE IN THAT WEATHER!!!!!!?
  YES, I have FOUND MY PEOPLE with this BLOG and INSTAGRAM!!!That has BEEN THE BEST PART of TECHNOLOGY for me!
  STAY INSIDE PLEASE!
  A SOUP WEEK………and maybe some chocolate TOO!
  XX
anita rivera
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 4:17 AM

WOW.It looks like anyone who’s anyone ultra stylish in Instagram or Blogland is there! What a sight to see all of you lovely ladies in one place with the none other Mr. Cohen! Bravo everyone! It must have been an unforgettable time!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:38 AM
  
  A BEAUTIFUL SOIREE ANITA!WE needed YOU there with YOUR CAMERA!!!!!!!
  When are YOU coming back to CARMEL!?
  XX
Daron
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 3:25 AM

What a wonderful party to have attended. I wish I had been there.
Much love
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:37 AM
  
  ME TOO!!!!!!!!!!
  XX
Antonia
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 2:17 AM

GORGEOUS girls! EXQUISITE red pumps! PEARLS for Africa! CONTESSA, all your friends are wonderful! But SANDRA is VERY special! Adooore the leopard print carpet! And I’m beginning to like those bangs! xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:33 AM
  
  You mean you didNOT like THE BANGS at FIRST!!!!!?
  PEARLS for AFRICA!!!!!!I am DUE to go to AFRICA SOON but I would LOVE TO GO BACK especially South Africa as I have FRIENDS There NEW and OLD!!!!!!
  THANK YOU ……..XX
- Antonia
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 11:46 AM
  
  I lived in SA for 23 years, the BEST of my life! Our kids were born there.
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    January 7, 2018 at 3:15 PM
    
    I knew that!
    WHERE I do not recall……….are you near my SHOE LADY COAST & KOI?
    Cape Town is where she is…….
    IT’s a BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY!!!!!
    LUCKY YOU!
    XX
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

January 7, 2018 at 12:32 AM

I am almost SPEECHLESS! BUT I NEVER REALLY am! (DO YOU DO THE CAP LOCK, CONTESSA?) I cannot do the up and down without losing my trend………sheesh.
BRILLIANT POST! I THINK MY FAVORITE EVER!

What a bunch of great women…..and great MEN TOO! ARI IS MY FAVORITE!

I love seeing Tamera and her husband! I love seeing my dress! I love ALL of it!

I LOVE YOU !!!!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:30 AM
  
  NO LOCK ON CAPS EVER!!!!!!
  I agree YOU are NEVER SPEECHLESS!
  THANK YOU!I APPRECIATE THAT VERY MUCH as I put a lot of time into it and EACH PHOTO has to be sized and changed!TAKES FOREVER!
  IT was a FABULOUS EVENT………..SO MANY PEOPLE TO CHAT WITH, THINGS TO TRY ON and ME saying DON’T LET ME FORGET PENELOPE’S DRESS!!!!!!!
  I cannot wait to see YOU in IT!
  HUGS TO YOU BEAUTIFUL LADY!
  XOXO
Kathy L
· Reply

January 6, 2018 at 11:28 PM

Wow – what an adventure down south! I thoroughly enjoyed all the details and photos! And Chateau Bel Age Boutique is a gem.
I love your simple advice: “Be kind.” Wouldn’t every inch of the world be a better place if everyone strived to just be kinder?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:22 AM
  
  I think A LOT of us are TRYING HARD with what’s going on in our WORLD TODAY!
  THANKS for the CHRISTOPHER RADKO EMAIL……..very interesting!!!
  XX
Fran
· Reply

January 6, 2018 at 8:13 PM

CARA CONTESSA!! OH MY GOODNESS!! THIS POST IS ABSOLUTELY F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!! Your Stunning photos…..thoughts…..descriptions…..it truly made us – the reader – feel like we were part of your Glamorous Event!! ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! BRAVA!!
YOU NEVER DISAPPOINT, GORGEOUS CONTESSA!!
XOXO Fran XOXO
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:21 AM
  
  SO HAPPY YOU ENJOYED IT!
  I had A LOT of FUN and I had TO SHARE MY ADVENTURE!
  THANK YOU!
  SHAKEMONKEY ON INSTAGRAM!!!!!!!
  A FOODIE if ever there was ONE!
  XX
RebeccaNYC
· Reply

January 6, 2018 at 7:59 PM

You have the most fun! I love that. Have I told you how much I love your hair cut like this? I hope you are happy you cut your bangs! Also love the festive tinsel necklace….? boa… ?… scarf ? I don’t know what it is, but it’s festive and you’re cute, as always. Thanks for taking us along!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:18 AM
  
  BANGS!
  YES YOU HAVE AND I DO LIKE THEM TOO!!!!!!
  The long tinsel necklace is from our local CVS DRUG STORE!!!
  A decorating item that I use for gift wrap……..as I was not in RED and GREEN I felt I needed to DON some kind of CHRISTMAS paraphernalia !!!It was a LAST MINUTE toss in the suitcase my MOI!
  Glad you APPROVE!
  Excited for your MOVE!!!!
  XX
Alina
· Reply

January 6, 2018 at 7:27 PM

Elizabeth great post as always! Yes the grey handbag I remember that like it was yesterday a start of a great friendship. Do you remember the drive in your FIAT Spider with the top down singing “we’re going to live forever we’re going to learn how to fly” such great memories !!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 6, 2018 at 7:52 PM
  
  I DO!!!!!!!!!!!
  AND WE ARE!!!!!!!
  THANK you for commenting! I had NO IDEA you READ my BLOG!
  XO
Lisa White
· Reply

January 6, 2018 at 6:29 PM

WHAT AN EVENT! The STAR POWER and GLAMOUR was full Wattage! Valerie certainly knows how to throw a party and the invitation list just sparkled! That birthday cake looked delicious as did you in your amazing Australian made dress….don’t you just love Andrea Nicholson designs??? The room was illuminated and the glow of the evening embraced you as you descended the leopard carpeted stars, one Bad Madge in front of the other, sipping Champagne in your lovely gown. The pearl cuffs and bracelets had my eyes fishing into that curio cabinet to see what treasures are waiting for me to find them. Then, THE SIGNATURE DRESS in a variety of colors and patterns calling out to the style finders…I wonder how many made into the suitcases of the bright and fashionable? I think I know one incredibly beautiful goddess who made this dress come alive…(hint: she is NONNA to a piggy named Banksy) Thank you for posting this and providing such lovely descriptions and pictures. I LOVED this post so much! Buried into the cold, frozen tundra of Chicago, this has made me warm inside. You opened the door to this beautiful event and let me in. Thank you!!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  January 7, 2018 at 10:15 AM
  
  ALWAYS THANK YOU for your BEAUTIFUL COMMENTS MADAME WHITE!I know you have just ordered YOUR SIGNATURE DRESS from The CHATEAU!I canNOT wait to see how you WEAR this DRESS!
  CHICAGO BEWARE come SPRING Of this walking CREATURE…………..DEVINE!!!!!!!!
  XX