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A YEAR of ACCESSORIES!

June 20, 2019 147 Comments

 

 

HELLO!

MY NAME IS ELIZABETH but A LOT of YOU call me LA CONTESSA or CONTESSA which I Adore!

HOW ON EARTH DID THAT NAME COME ABOUT YOU ASK?

WE lived in ITALY for three years and a REAL CONTESSA lived below us on a  hill. Her name was DIAMANTE which means DIAMOND!She had the CASA COLONICA HOME and LIFE I had always dreamed of even at a YOUNG AGE.A FALLING DOWN FARMHOUSE made of STONE with dogs and animals everywhere!

VINEYARDS TOO.

AS I APPROACH 59 I realize THAT DREAM will NEVER COME TO FRUITION.

I would NOT have the ENERGY to RUN it nor did I EVER!

BUT I DO HAVE THE STRENGTH TO ADORN MYSELF FROM HEAD TO TOE WITH ACCESSORIES!

FUNNY HOW THAT WORKS!

(I recently read the below bit AND SO WANT TO SHARE!)

“I THINK EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS ART.

What you do.

How you dress.

The way you LOVE someone, and how you talk.

Your smile and your personality.

What you believe in, and all your dreams.

The way you drink your tea.

HOW YOU DECORATE YOUR HOME.

Or party.

Your grocery list.

The FOOD YOU MAKE.

How your writing looks.

And the way you feel.

LIFE IS ART.”

 

SAID

HELENA BONHAM CARTER

 

NEEDLESS, to say this RESONATED DEEPLY WITH ME…………..it’s VERY VERY TRUE!

.

 

 

 

 

 

I CANNOT DRAW A PICTURE

but I CAN add things and color to myself and make a walking piece of ART!

 

 

 

I WAS STRUCK BY THIS LONG NECKLACE IN THIS SHOP.

YOU see I ADORE TORTOISE.

Plus its by THAT ITALIAN designer called Angela Caputi!

IT’s MINE NOW!

THE TWO NECKLACE TRICK!

ME WITH MY SONS!

I WANT HIS RUFFLE!

PLUS ARE THOSE SHORTS?

I NEED MY BUDDY NICK AT PERIOD PORTRAITS TO EXPLAIN THIS OUTFIT TO ME!

IF YOU are in NEED of SPENDING MONEY FOR A PORTRAIT CLICK YOUR KEYBOARD HERE!

THERE ARE A FEW I’m LUSTING AFTER!

Have I ever mentioned I want to cover MY KITCHEN walls in FINE PORTRAITS?

I DO!

As THE ITALIAN and I dine we can pretend we have GUESTS!

Each MAN or WOMAN would have a NAME and a STORY!

CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW GRAND THAT COULD BE?

I think you may need to be a bit of a DREAMER to GRASP this idea!

It’s OKAY if you do not get it………just let it PERCOLATE for awhile!

WE ALL NEED SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TOO and MY DREAM IS THE ARRIVAL OF EUROPEAN HOUSEGUESTS ON THE WALLS!

THE 18th century TYPE!

 

 

A PIN ON A HAT……………thats easy!

Thank YOU RAE I LOVE THIS PIN!

Earrings found at a Flea Market the selling PITCH was they LOOK VERY CHANEL!

That’s all it TOOK!

I then used them on a DRESS I had made for BUTTONS!

They are NOW back in MY STOCK PILE AS EARRINGS!

THRIFT SHOP FIND IN ENGLAND!!!!

THE HAT THAT IS……………I think it was $15.00 American dollars!!!!!!

I had just mailed a BOX back to myself as I couldn’t carry it all.

This was a NO BRAINER I could WEAR IT.

Headed out with youngest SON to the FALL ANTIQUE SHOW in San Francisco last OCTOBER.

THE theme was STARS, MOON and SUN………….I found keychains at the LAZY K NURSERY GIFT SHOP and had my neighbor THE EYE DOCTORESSA make them into EARRINGS for me!

AS I said I’m NOT ARTISTIC!!

I HAVE VISION but cannot make it COME TO LIFE!

 A moon and a STAR which you cannot see!

I WAS VERY PROUD OF MY VISION!

HAT sent to me by a lovely LADY I met in ENGLAND!

NECKLACE MADE BY ME out of THE VINTAGE PINS I had collected for YEARS!

OVER THE TOP with PEARLS for the ADVANCED STYLE SHOOT in my backyard!

With a bit of cleavage showing

AND DOUBLE CHIN!

Sorry about THAT!

A LITTLE BIRDIE told me to wear these!

OLD, PASTE, PARISIAN FROM ANOTHER ERA OR LIFE TIME AGO!

They have screw backs on them!

HOLIDAY TIME with a BROOCH attached to a NECKLACE.

IT JUST ADDS MORE DEPTH!

YOU KNOW I ADORED TONY DUQUETTE and his saying MORE is MORE!

This is the perfect example of taking what YOU own and Hitting it out of the BALLPARK!

MY TWO NECKLACE’s together as ONE LOOK!

WE were headed to CIRQUE du SOLEIL!

THAT WOULD BE an EVENT IN A TENT!

My husband and I were recognized by a woman who use to work with us over 30 years ago!

I guess my style has not changed much!!

OR

I have NOT CHANGED MUCH!

The NECKLACE that takes the place of a scarf!

MY ABSOLUTE favorite BEADS TWINE together to MAKE ONE STATEMENT PIECE

with another Brooch attached.

The two strands of beads together cost about $40.00.

NO they are NOT HEAVY!

Does make you sit up tall!

Looks like MORE than costume jewels!

Would YOU agree?

THE LONG GLITTER STRAND IS FROM THE CHRISTMAS TREE DECOR!

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX……….as it will put a SMILE on YOUR FACE and others TOO!

THAT JUNE PARTY this YEAR that required a CAFTAN that looked like a SUNSET!

A bit SHEER for this GAL to wear so she added a sequin UNDERSHIRT!

Even a MAN complimented me on this TRICK and he was NOT FLIRTING!

MY EVER SO BIG COCKTAIL DIAMOND that made its way to me VIA LONDON from THE SEQUINISTA!

Once Again TWO NECKLACES as ONE!

With an ARM LOADED UP!

THAT RED LIPSTICK bleeding a bit!

I didNOT wear lipstick when the LIPS were wrinkle FREE and SMOOTH!

That desire came later in LIFE TO ME!

SO BE IT!

BUILD THE ARM UP WITH BANGLES!

THE NOISE gives you a smile and a reason to look down!

ADD an OLD FUR CLIP to ADD that DASH of SPARKLE!

OR SHOE BUCKLES of another ERA on a wide elastic band make GREAT CUFFS!

Tis important to have a scarf that compliments what you’re wearing!

IT needs to POP with the Outfit!

I have found in this last decade of my life THE SCARF is a needed accessory for the warmth it provides!

TWO SCARVES on a chilly DAY…………..

Makes me LOOK like MY DOG SIR WINSTON!

They do say WE look like OUR DOGS!

Have you heard that?

Or our DOGS look like US!

START noticing PEOPLE and the DOGS THEY OWN!

YOU WILL BE SHOCKED!

ANOTHER ARTISTIC THING TO LOOK FOR IN DAY TO DAY LIVING!

A GIFT from my BASKET LADY in ITALY!

Very Light weight and it ADDS SO MUCH to this simple outfit that was worn on an errand DAY!

JUST EARRINGS!

HAVE FUN WITH WHAT YOU WEAR!

There is NO REASON to have it ALL SITTING in a DRAWER AT HOME!

NOW DO POP OVER TO THESE OTHER BLOGGERS AND SEE WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT ACCESSORIES!But first grab a cuppa of TEA or Coffee or a Glass of wine and a NOTEPAD!YOU might want to scribble down some ideas!Just a thought; I of course have NOT seen the other BLOGGERS articles but plan to do the same thing!

IT is ALWAYS FUN to learn how to do something differently!

I hope YOU enjoyed this POST and will send on to A FRIEND OR TWO!

ALL US BLOGGERS APPRECIATE YOUR TIME HERE AND WOULD LOVE TO RECEIVE A COMMENT ON YOUR THOUGHTS.

Whether you like something or NOT!

It gives us the MOMENTUM to KEEP WRITING and SNAPPING PHOTOS!

PLEASE VISIT the FOLLOWING BLOGS FOR MORE ACCESSORY TIPS!

 YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED as these TWO GALS are just a few of MY BEST BUDDIES!

APARTFROMMYART

 

https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/blog/

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147 Comments

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  • Kathleen
    · Reply

    June 25, 2019 at 8:02 AM

    Dear Contessa – this post was a joy to read! Thank you. The closing picture of you that was printed in shades of gray and cream radiates your joie de vivre. It lightened my heart. Did you know that Ikea is featuring a caftan in their latest collection of artisan items?

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 25, 2019 at 8:33 AM

      NO!!!!
      IKEA does clothes?
      SHOULD I RUN OVER THERE?
      THANK YOU SO MUCH!
      XX

  • Cynthia
    · Reply

    June 25, 2019 at 5:23 AM

    Oh Elizabeth…. Your writing is art! Fun to read-imagine your voice deepening with the bold, exaggerated tone with capitalized words. Fun read! Now the LOOK- no words-but only you can carry off that look! Gifted with that long slim neck-I’m afraid I’d look like a bulldog in a neck race! HA! Keep entertaining us-it’s a joy!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 25, 2019 at 8:34 AM

      THIS FILLED MY HEART Cynthia!
      I WILL DO MY BEST!!!
      XX

  • lisa thomson
    · Reply

    June 23, 2019 at 9:30 PM

    Fantastic photos, Contessa! Loved seeing the variety of accessories you’re wearing with all the different outfits. You are so beautiful. I also enjoy that quote you shared at the beginning of the post. The sparkly undershirt beneath the sheer dress is perfection. Cheers and I will now go through my accessories and pull out what I’ve been ignoring. Maybe I can find an excuse to don more of my older items. Yes, I’ve heard that same comment about people and their dogs looking similar.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 24, 2019 at 7:48 AM

      GOOD ON ALL ACCOUNTS!!
      HAPPY to pass on some pointers and share THE FINDS!!
      THANK YOU!
      XX

  • Nancy Case
    · Reply

    June 23, 2019 at 5:17 PM

    This is truly one of my favourite posts Elizabeth! Each shot a little masterpiece. I love how you combine accessories and are so bold to mix and match! It always works so beautifully! How do you do that??!! Such a gift! Keep being your colourful, sparkly, creative, artistic, loving and fun self!!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 24, 2019 at 7:46 AM

      THANK YOU!
      I PROMISE NOT TO CHANGE IN THE NEAR FUTURE!
      XX

  • Kerry Cook
    · Reply

    June 23, 2019 at 5:03 PM

    You make my day so joyful.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 24, 2019 at 7:45 AM

      AT LEAST I’m doing SOMETHING WORTHWHILE THEN THANK YOU!
      THANKS for popping in here and telling me that!!
      XX

  • Dawn
    · Reply

    June 23, 2019 at 4:27 PM

    You look fabulous in all the photos. Love your creativity with the pins. You just make everyone smile and then want to run back to their jewellery boxes. Love your style and joy of life. Thanks again for sharing.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 24, 2019 at 7:43 AM

      MY PLEASURE DAWN!
      XX

  • Lisa the Sequinist
    · Reply

    June 23, 2019 at 1:23 PM

    YOU are a work of art. YOU are a glass of prosecco in human form! YOU actually love accessories as much as I do, so I thoroughly enjoyed this post. Brava bella. All love to you.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 24, 2019 at 7:42 AM

      “A GLASS OF PROSECCO!”Well that is JUST FABULOUS!!!!
      YOU have arrived in my inbox so off I go to see what YOU have to tell us all TODAY!
      HAVE you done away with your shop?I looked for it on the BLOG and did not find it!!
      THANK YOU!
      XX

  • Hilda Smith
    · Reply

    June 23, 2019 at 12:25 PM

    What a fabulous post with so many beautiful accessories to linger over. I love your zest for life and living it to the full. Hopefully some day we will meet. Meanwhile I look forward to your posts. xxx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 24, 2019 at 7:40 AM

      I HOPE SO!
      I am so happy I can comment on YOUR POSTS NOW!
      XX

  • DA Squires
    · Reply

    June 23, 2019 at 8:41 AM

    I always feel I am jumping down a marvelous rabbit hole, the descent is slow motion (lingering over each image and sipping the sparkling commentary like a glass of champagne), my eyes widening with each portrait (they seem much more than photos)… and there is ALWAYS a feeling of magic swirling around and through and through… you are the art we have all fallen head over heels for.
    XO

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 24, 2019 at 7:39 AM

      THANK YOU EXTRAORDINARY WRITER!!!
      YOU are always a GIFT TO ME HERE IN THE COMMENTS!
      XOXO

  • Terry Riggins
    · Reply

    June 22, 2019 at 11:08 AM

    The lovely Elizabeth, beautiful as always. Xo Terry

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 22, 2019 at 2:36 PM

      I NEED TO HAVE YOU FOR DINNER!!!
      LOOKS LIKE THE WEATHER HAS ARRIVED!
      XX

  • debra @ 5th and state
    · Reply

    June 22, 2019 at 4:36 AM

    Divine Contessa! many great ideas here. my favorite photo is of you in the purple turban, gorgeous!
    xoxo
    Debra

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 22, 2019 at 7:58 AM

      It’s actually BROWN!But has a purple TWANG to it!!!
      IT is a STUNNING PIECE………purchased when I was losing ALL MY HAIR!!!!
      MERCI BELLA!
      XOXO

  • Gaenor Roeger
    · Reply

    June 22, 2019 at 3:08 AM

    You are living your life as art and I think you have an exquisite eye for pairing accessories. I think this is your finest post. If it is not presumptuous…I would love to see your home decor as I can tell your style pervades here too.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 22, 2019 at 7:57 AM

      I have been ASKED a FEW times but to be HONEST I think you would be disappointed!
      The house is small and the BEST PART is THE KITCHEN where ME and the FURRY BOYS ALL HANG OUT!The house is a COLLECTIVE of THINGS I have SAVED most of which would have been discarded.I will try and do MORE as EVERYTHING has a STORY with ME!
      THANK YOU for YOUR WONDERFUL COMPLIMENT!
      XX

  • Elle
    · Reply

    June 22, 2019 at 2:15 AM

    CONTESSA! You are a sumptuous vision of feminine loveliness: We love your bold celebration of everything tres chic. I think you’d be surprised by yourself if you took up a paintbrush. Traditional oils require nothing but the observation of light and shadow, working in layers from dark to light. I’d love to see what you’d come up with, given your wonderful sense of colour and appreciation of beauty. xxx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 22, 2019 at 7:53 AM

      NOW, thats an idea!
      Perhaps that is my next chapter!
      THANK YOU for that thought ELLE!!!!
      XX

  • Penelope Bianchi
    · Reply

    June 22, 2019 at 12:59 AM

    GENIUS must be noticed and applauded. Genius you are. Colors, styles, headgear, hair, necklaces…bracelets, earrings…on and on…….
    Accessories are just he short of it. Dresses, shoes…(are they accessories?) The thing you do is make a world. A special world of your own!

    Fabulous imagination….we are all so lucky to have you!

    thank you!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 22, 2019 at 7:51 AM

      I HAVE HEARD THAT BEFORE from THE ITALIAN!!!
      “A SPECIAL WORLD OF YOUR OWN!”
      I don’t GET IT I just GET DRESSED!!!!
      THANK YOU SO MUCH!
      XX

  • Jill James
    · Reply

    June 21, 2019 at 10:41 PM

    You are a work of art in every way, your self expression in every outfit is simply joyous. Your way with jewellery reflects your personality and is worn so beautifully and creatively. As a fellow hat lover I adore your stunning oversized chapeau.
    Its Winter down here in Tasmania, Australia and your wonderful post has brightened a Winter day.
    Oh yes, Life Is Art.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 22, 2019 at 7:49 AM

      BUNDLE UP with TWO SCARVES before heading OUT!!!
      Nice to hear from YOU JILL and THANK YOU SO MUCH for your lovely comment!
      LIFE IS ART……….TRA…LA!!!!
      XX

  • Nita Wright
    · Reply

    June 21, 2019 at 9:42 PM

    With your beautiful model length neck, everything you wear looks like million bucks! Beautiful colors and beautiful accessories!

  • Sheila-Merle Johnson
    · Reply

    June 21, 2019 at 7:28 PM

    What a visual feast! And the necklace(s) that you made out of vintage pins PROVES that you are a.rtistic. I, too, claim my dressing as my art. I used to say I wasn’t creative, but looking at how much pleasure and fun I take in putting together outfits, I now say I am. I adore your combinations. Till Monday, smj

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 21, 2019 at 8:15 PM

      LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!!!
      THANK YOU SO MUCH!
      XX

  • Shannon
    · Reply

    June 21, 2019 at 7:07 PM

    I bow at your exquisitely shod feet Madam! You know how to accessorize in the most original way. I and your scads of admirers look forward to all your posts, not to mention luncheons?. I am totally in awe mon ami!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      June 21, 2019 at 8:15 PM

      OH YOU SILLY GOOSE!
      “SCADS!!”
      WE need to get together again soon!
      Time is racing on!!!!
      XX

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