ADVANCED STYLE & ME!

September 2, 2025 61 Comments

So, what should I wear for this book signing occasion?

Since I am in the book I needed to dress THE PART!

I thought about wearing the OUTFIT he photographed me in.

The RED MAXI DRESS and LONG OPERA TAFFETA COAT, however it was going to be VERY HOT!

So, I went with my favorite Bryn Walker heavy and light LINEN!

In fact, they were having the 30 to 50 % SALE so I drove myself there whilst the ITALIAN was in Southern California!BIG DEAL for me.As I rarely drive anymore now that he is retired!I found a parking space right in front of the store!I knew that was my sign it was a LUCKY DAY for me!I planned on buying ONE OUTFIT!Well, that did not happen………………lets just say I needed HELP TO THE CAR!

My Mother brought me up to be a REALLY GOOD SALE SHOPPER and that is what I DO!

I would have made her proud!

Here I was playing around with HATS………..and I have my new SICILY SUNGLASSES ON with my prescription fitted perfectly inside the lens.MY third pair of eyewear I purchased in SICILY was done wrong so I am still waiting on those which are for DRIVING!

I KNOW EXCESSIVE THREE PAIRS, but I may never be in SICILY AGAIN!

THIS EARRING A BARQUE PEARL……………….THAT I ADORE?

Or these BIG STATEMENT GLITTER EARRINGS which I purchased on my last trip to LONDON at LIBERTY OF LONDON?

I CALLED MY GIRLFRIEND DIVINE in Los Angeles and asked for her opinion………..

We both had the SAME OPINION!WE picked for me to wear the same earrings, shoes and glasses!

DO YOU KNOW SANDRA SALLIN ON YOU TUBE AND INSTAGRAM?

SHE DOES YOU TUBE SHOWS SHARING HER MAKE – UP TIPS AND WHAT SHE LOVES and doesn’t love……it might be HELPFUL for us older gals to watch.Usually they are about 20 minutes and SHE IS FUNNY!I might add she is 84 and always LOOKS SMASHING!

How did we meet you are thinking?

BY BLOGGING!!

(I THINK IAM THE ONLY ONE STILL AT IT FOR FUN and ENJOYMENT!)

ONCE UPON A TIME she use to be an ACTRESS.She also use to teach painting at UCLA’s ART DEPARTMENT in Los Angeles and CAROL BURNETT COLLECTS HER PAINTINGS!

OPPS!Maybe I was not to mention that……………anyway her paintings are of FABULOUS FLOWERS and reside in some pretty PRESTIGIOUS LOCATIONS!

SHE IS A LOVELY WOMAN WHO REALLY ENJOYS LIFE AND IS STILL GOING STRONG!

Give her a FOLLOW if YOU CAN!

I THINK I READ SHE HAS HIT A MILLION VIEWS ON YOU TUBE!!!

NOW WHAT SHOE DID WE PICK?

LEFT OR RIGHT…………..both worked BEAUTIFULLY.

We picked the LEFT ONE IN THIS PHOTO.

I felt the FLOWER MOTIFF WORKED WELL WITH THE MAGNOLIA DRESS.

THESE ITALIAN GLASSES OR……………….

THESE ITALIAN GLASSES?

This pair WON OUT.

And boy can I see the HOODED EYE has ARRIVED IN FULL COLLAPSING STATE!

I think SANDRA has a YOU TUBE video on that dilemma too!

Ari Seth Cohen signing his book for a READER OF MY BLOG named KATHERINE!

She came carrying all her books for him to sign and ME TOO!

WE all sat outside while the ADVANCED STYLE DOCUMENTARY FILM was shown inside.

It was nice for ARI and I and KATHERINE to catch up on LIFE since we all had seen the film in the past.

Since, he was a little boy he loved to make doodles of older women!

WE were all at the SEBASTOPOL ARTS building in Sebastopol,California.

They put on a LOVELY RECEPTION for ARI AND MYSELF.

Even had poster size photos from his BOOKS hanging around the room!

I happened to see MYSELF upon ARRIVING!

Here we are in THE GREEN ROOM waiting to go on stage for a PANEL DISCUSSION.

KATHERINE AND I.

People starting to arrive for the film and panel discussion with us.

Ari Seth Cohen the man who came up with the idea of ADVANCED STYLE!

He has written and edited FOUR BOOKS TO DATE AND I BET THERE WILL BE AT LEAST ONE MORE IN OUR FUTURE!

THE HOSTESS INTRODUCING THE COMING ATTRACTION!

THE ITALIAN AND I.

AS YOU CAN SEE THIS IS THE HAT THAT GOT TO TAG ALONG TO THE EVENT!

THE MAGNOLIA THEME CONTINUED TO THE TOP OF MY HEAD!

THE PANEL DISCUSSION…………

ARI taking questions from the audience.

Me tossing in my two cents.

It was a DELIGHTFUL DAY for me…………..

I GOT OUT OF THE HOUSE AND GOT DRESSED AND HAD A NICE DRIVE WITH THE ITALIAN UP THE 101 HIGHWAY!

I KNOW I PROMISED MORE OF OUR TRIP TO SICILY AND IT IS COMING SOON……….!

MEANWHILE, OVER THE WEEKEND WE HAD FRIENDS FROM CHICAGO FOR DINNER; WHO I HAD MET IN FLORENCE, WHEN WE LIVED THERE.PLUS, THE WOMAN SITTING DOWN WITH HER FOOT IN THE AIR IS ABOUT 12 MINUTES FROM ME!

THE TWO WOMAN WENT TO GRADUATE SCHOOL TOGETHER IN FLORENCE, ITALY IN THE 1970’S.

TAKE A WILD GUESS IN THE COMMENTS WHAT HAPPENED HERE?

DO YOU HAVE OLD FRIENDS STILL IN YOUR LIFE FROM SCHOOL DAYS?

I HOPE SO AS FRIENDS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR WELL BEING.

THANK YOU FOR READING ALONG!

HAPPY SEPTEMBER!

TO COMMENT KEEP SCROLLING DOWNWARDS.

I WILL ANSWER EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU EVEN IF ITS JUST TO SAY THANK YOU!

I CONSIDER ALL OF YOU MY FRIENDS!!!

XXX

YOUR CONTESSA

61 Comments

Leave your reply.

Nancy Case
· Reply

September 22, 2025 at 10:27 AM

I feel as if I am walking on air after reading your post Contessa and also reading all of the love filled comments!! The floral pattern on your dress is truly stunning and of course the accessories and perfectly chosen shoes!!! So much to take in! The book signing event looked like it had so many attendee’s, glamorous and creative and colorful as you. Thank you always for sharing your life.. lifts my spirits and you still have an open invite for a Frenchy lunch at my house .. have a new lovely Chandelier to show you. Big hug and much love from Fancy Nancy xoxo
Judith
· Reply

September 15, 2025 at 10:20 AM

Dear Contessa,

I thought I had left a reply when I first read this; perhaps I only composed it in my head and it is still there! You look smashing at the panel discussion, and Ari is SO cute in his get up. It was fun going through your process of getting ready, and you and the Italian make such a lovely couple.
Hilda Smith
· Reply

September 9, 2025 at 7:41 AM

What a wonderful occasion and you looked fabulous. It is such a privilege to be included in Ari’s book and well deserved too. You exude joy and positivity despite your health issues. I love that. And I follow Sandra/Sandy. Another wonderful lady. Both of you are inspiring. Much love from Ireland. x
Deborah Milne
· Reply

September 7, 2025 at 1:30 PM

What an exciting time for you, Elizabeth…. surreal!! I loved how you pulled off your great look. Definitely a time to always remember. Your dinner party looked equally as fun. I do keep in touch with HS friends. In fact, my 50th reunion is this Saturday. Now that feels surreal to me! ? Hugs from me to you! xx
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 9, 2025 at 7:01 AM
  
  Can’t wait to see the photos from SATURDAY!!Enjoy! It will be interesting to see how many people you recognize and how many people you have no clue who they were!!
  Thanks GIRLFRIEND!
  Xxx
Tara
· Reply

September 7, 2025 at 5:04 AM

Adore every bit of your fun day & excursion. Scrolling….pic of you and Italian…..what a pop seeing his RED SHORTS. Did he get them in Italy?

Sillhouette so important. Love yours, assembled with caftan & pants & necklace & Hat & Shoes. With the BASKET.

I’ve used baskets as purse since 1977, buying first at Neiman-Marcus Christmas shop in Dallas, TX. Still use that flagship basket too, along with a few other favorites. Been a hat girl since my competitive TENNIS days along the Texas coast as a teen. Ah, yes, MY beautiful Texas. All gone. Built over, more than once.

Told DAD, well before he died, I knew exactly why he had the Career he did. Dad’s career was all about ME first growing up at Cape Canaveral then moved to Galveston Bay. God provided awesome BEAUTY !!!! Who knew it could ALL be destroyed ?

No worries it remains in my heart & mind.

Enough, I’ve got a book to order !

Big Hug from middle rural Georgia !
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 7, 2025 at 8:47 AM
  
  Hawaii ….
  The red shorts hail from HAWAII.
  They are dyed with vegetables if we can believe it.I get the catalog and the name escapes me at the moment!He likes the length and elastic waist band.We have in assorted colors.
  He likes color too so I’m in good company.
  Baskets have been around for YEARS.Always a respectable way to tote things.As I have mentioned many times before I use them for my GROCERIES TOO.
  Helping the ENVIRONMENT and being helpful is the way I see it.I always bag my own groceries as most BAGGERS have No Clue!
  Sorry about your childhood landscape being ruined by MANKIND.
  Be thankful you are in “rural Georgia”
  Xox
Margi Cellucci McNair
· Reply

September 6, 2025 at 11:55 AM

Hi —
You are both just too adorable for words!!
Much Love — Margi
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 6, 2025 at 1:55 PM
  
  Hi Margi,
  We haven’t changed a bit since 1985.
  Lovely to hear from YOU.
  Xxx
Heidi
· Reply

September 5, 2025 at 11:33 AM

Hi Elizabeth,
I’m so glad the book event was a success! You looked perfect, your style is your very own and you are an inspiration to a lot of people.
Stay well, enjoy the cooler days coming.
Xo Heidi
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 6, 2025 at 8:57 AM
  
  Thanks Heidi this month not off to a great start spent a few hours in EMERGENCY!The blood pressure wants to stay very LOW.Which in turn doesNOT allow for Heart meds!!
  I’m a bit GRUMPY to say the least.
  Xxx
Susana
· Reply

September 4, 2025 at 7:55 PM

Sorry! Me again. I just can’t resist from making a few disparate comments on your outfit for the book event! I remain a bit shocked at the peculiar uniformity of the comments of your obviously adoring friends. I guess in my world, everyone tends to disagree about everything!
So…..regarding the caftans (which I also love and collect). You have probably noticed in those countries where they are “native”, women wear tapered pants. Tight at the ankles. For me, these are much more flattering with above the ankle dresses. I don’t care for the ” floods” beneath the caftans.

Then there is the big straw market bag. DATED!
Big bag works with form fitting, casual clothes, not with all these large and flowing clothes

I like the dress. Beautiful print!! But, the sleeves aren’t good on us ladies over a certain age. I would have much preferred just past the elbows but fitted.

I would have chosen simple ballet flats (given the more fitted pants). There is a lot going on here. No need for fussy shoes, though I confess I LOVE those embroidered ones!

The necklace is a signature Congress thing so I leave that alone. But WITH the hat? No.

You are such a beautiful woman that I often believe that less is more with the clothes and accessories. The gorgeous photos that run down the right hand side of your home page.

Anyway, though I am somewhat critical sometimes, you fascinate me and entertain me and your life seems quite interesting (especially compared to my own) so as long as you tolerate my comments I’ll continue to hang around!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 5, 2025 at 9:44 AM
  
  WELCOME BACK SUSANA!
  ALWAYS GOOD TO GET YOUR TAKE ON MY GARB OF THE DAY!
  JUST TO MAKE IT CLEAR ONLY ONE OF THESE IS A FRIEND IN REAL LIFE WHO I HAVE MET AND ASSOCIATE WITH.NOT OFTEN ANYMORE AND OUR STYLES COULD NOT BE MORE DIFFERENT.THE COMMENTERS have been reading along for YEARS……………May I ask how long you have been reading THEVINTAGECONTESSA.BLOG?
  I am assuming NOT LONG other wise you would have more of a clue.
  TAPERED PANTS were popular in the 1960’s the year I was born.Those pants usually have a zipper on the hip which does not do MY BODY SHAPE any favors!The fabric tends to be RAW SILK which equals HOT in my book.AS I said it was a really HOT DAY here in CALIFORNIA.THE “FLOODS” as you call my Bryn Walker light linen pants are thin, thin, thin and have an elastic waist…………which spell COMFORT for this gal who was once upon a time 5’11” and now hovers around 5’9″.
  I would NEVER EXPOSE my ankles as I have HIDEOUS Varicose veins.
  SORRY SUSANA BASKET BAGS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE FOR ME AS THAT IS THE ONLY HANDBAGS I CARRY NOW.I worked in the fashion industry for years and was required to carry a FLORENTINE BAG made by an ITALIAN FACTORY.YOU may not know it so let me SPELL it out for YOU.The company was called GUCCI!I do not want the LOGO’s anymore…….or for that matter let everyone know I am carrying a $2,000.00 bag.
  Plus, I am a VERY SICK GIRL.I carry at all times plastic bags and tissues with a collapsable DOG WATER BOWL in case of vomiting when I go OUT!It has to be easily accessible for me to reach at a moments notice!A zipper closure does not work for me.
  I have NEVER WORN FORM FITTING CLOTHES IN MY LIFE.Not even at my wedding weight of 124 pounds at 5″11″.Well, I take that back my wedding dress was form fitting and I could barely get up the marbles stairs that MICHELANGELO and peers created at The Basilica of SAN MINIATO al MONTE in FLORENCE, ITALY.The man who gave me away was MY BOSS and he told me to HIKE IT UP to my crotch or we would be LATE for the ALTER!Maybe that was the TURN OFF of FORM FITTING FOR ME!
  As I stated in my last comment to YOU….did you read that?I AGREE the cap sleeve is not our BEST LOOK.In fact it is NOT a GOOD LOOK on a 20 year old!BUT it was cool and I needed to think about the HEAT FACTOR.Especially, since I am in CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE and have A LUNG DISEASE which makes it tricky for me to get a GOOD BREATH especially when I am talking.I CANNOT OVER HEAT or I will be in BIG DO-DO TROUBLE.Since, I was on stage speaking I had enough to think about besides being miserable and passing out.”Just passed the elbows” but fitted would have been TOO HOT!It was close to 95 degrees that day.Simple ballet flats are not in my repertoire as I was a BALLET DANCER my entire childhood and to me that is disrespectful!That is a shoe for the classroom and stage not for PRANCING about.BIRDIES. makes a very comfortable shoe that is flat and colorful.Did you see them on THE TODAY SHOW YESTERDAY?
  The necklace is a collar of FRENCH beads and I NEVER WEAR IT so thought I would take it OUT for a SPIN!
  THANK YOU I do not consider MYSELF a BEAUTIFUL WOMAN but I do ENJOY CLOTHES and have enjoyed buying them for many years.IN fact, I had MY ITALIAN build me a BIGGER CLOSET about five years ago as I rarely TOSS anything!
  I think I have answered ALL YOUR POINTS.What you do not realize and NOW everyone will understand I do not GET DRESSED TO GO OUT ANYMORE.I do not have the ENEGRY or the WILL.This was important for me to do FOR ARI as he asked me months ago.I SUPPORT HIM IN HIS VISION and I LOVED MEETING OTHERS WHO SHARE IT WITH ME.
  You may HANG OUT as LONG AS YOU LIKE.I have no problem with YOUR CRITIQUES.But beware I do have a LOYAL FUN TRIBE WHO GETS ME to the ninth degree!
  XXX
- Fran
  · Reply
  
  September 5, 2025 at 12:48 PM
  
  “Sorry.”…. Well, Ms. Susana, YOU SHOULD BE! To be confident, one must embrace their TRUE SELF. Your criticisms are toxic, unfounded and clearly stem from your own issues and MAJOR Insecurities – not a flaw in Contessa’s choice of ensemble! The Contessa’s purpose on this planet has never been to visually please YOU or other people! I hope you get some much needed therapy to help you figure out why you are such a critical, negative, narrow minded envious person choosing to be stuck within the confines of societal pressure. Good Luck.
- Deborah
  · Reply
  
  September 8, 2025 at 4:28 PM
  
  Hi Susana, Elizabeth and I have two very different styles (I don’t often wear jewelry, ha!) but what I adore most about her is her joie de vivre. Her love of color, more is more, & living her authentic life. Fashion is her playground!
  
  My mother drilled into me from an early age the do’s & don’t of fashion. I do value what she taught me, but I often felt critical of how others dressed & felt guilty for it. I think most of us 60+ commend those that dance to their own drum. We’ve lived this long it’s time to be fashion forward without the guard rails.
- Judith
  · Reply
  
  September 15, 2025 at 10:11 AM
  
  Susana, again, I ask, what is wrong with you? Why do you insist on criticizing the Contessa and her readers?
D. A. Squires
· Reply

September 4, 2025 at 4:16 PM

Love all the photos and the descriptions of getting ready for the event! Yellow is your color… clothing, wall color, lemon zest.. the sun : ) You are so interesting, no matter what the experience, large or small, there is a unique twist of observation and opinion.. I always have to pay attention to every word : ) Of course you and he found each other–a perfect match! You are an icon for Advanced Style : )

Looking forward to continuing my virtual tour of Italy… have loved it. I’m going to send the photos this weekend and send an email as there is much to tell… look up Brompton Cemetery in London!! XOXO
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 5, 2025 at 4:30 AM
  
  I know about that cemetery .EXCAMATION POINT.
  Looking forward to your discovery that you found in an old prune crate.
  Wonderful family tidbits that will make your creativity soar even more.
  Xxx
Marleah
· Reply

September 4, 2025 at 3:42 PM

The perfect choice in attire

Very exciting to be included on Ari’s book. Congratulations
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 5, 2025 at 4:25 AM
  
  Thank You Marleah.I AGREE.
  Xxx
lisa thomson
· Reply

September 4, 2025 at 1:11 PM

Happy
September, LA CONTESSA. You look awesome for your big event. Good for you for taking the mic. Lovely pics as always.
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 5, 2025 at 4:13 AM
  
  Thanks LISA??
  Xxx
- La Contessa
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 5, 2025 at 4:24 AM
  
  Sorry!I put in exclamation points and this silly phone turned them into Question marks.
  Xxx
Ellie's friend
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 5:04 PM

Hi Elizabeth,

I love the magnolia dress — it just also reinforces my opinion that yellow is really a great colour on you! It must have been great fun to participate in the panel discussion.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:56 AM
  
  YES, a bit unnerving but was GREAT FUN.SO many enthusiastic people!
  HE HAS A REAL FOLLOWING!
  XXX
Stephanie D
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 4:06 PM

You look simply smashing!!
What a wonderful day this must have been for you and all in attendance. Wish I could have been there…
And yes, LOVE Sandy Sallin and I have you to thank for the introduction!
Ciao Bella !!
xx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:55 AM
  
  SHE IS ON FIRE THESE DAYS!
  YOU and I are over due for a CHAT!
  I will try and fix that!
  XXX
Cousin Barb
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 3:09 PM

Dear Cousin Elizabeth,

I’m so pleased you had a wonderful time at the panel. Loving the Italian glasses!

Sending love!

Barb
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:54 AM
  
  IT WAS FUN and a little OUT of my comfort zone but I did it!
  THANK YOU!
  XOXO
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 2:46 PM

I’m so glad we found each other. It was friendship at first sight and still is my dear friend. Loving your blogs always. You do look stunning!!! In fact you always do. Oh, and thank you so much for mentioning me. Wow. What a lovely surprise. Thank you dear one.
Sandra Sallin
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 2:45 PM

I’m so glad we found each other. It was friendship at first sight and still is my dear friend. Loving your blogs always. You do look stunning!!! In fact you always do.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:53 AM
  
  THANK YOU!
  I will always remember you reaching out to me!
  YOU ARE A GEM!
  XXX
Katherine
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 11:37 AM

Dear One,
The Advanced Style Event in Sebastopol was indeed– a Sparkling Day, seeing you in all your glory and meeting Ari Seth Cohen and family. I was so pleased that the turn-out was great and full of interesting people. I adore your Bryn Walker linen that was a smart choice for the warm temps. I know what you mean about shopping at Bryn Walker–it is difficult to not walk back to the car with some bags. I see that our ‘Green Room Time’ is revealed. What an extra surprise! Andrea Serrahn (Serrahna Boutique, now in Santa Fe) will be pleased that I was attired in her designs. I must point-out your bangle stack of Lucite with gold flecks! So Fabulous and perfect for a Summer Day at the Art Center. I feel so privileged to have some quiet moments with the Green Room Stars and experience the Event Panel’s wise comments such as your advice about wearing color. Yes, more color! You were in exalted form with strength and beauty. Thank you for representing the SF/East Bay Advanced Style with aplomb. I am so proud of you!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:51 AM
  
  KATHERINE!
  THANK YOU FOR DRIVING UP AND LUGGING YOUR BOOKS IN THOSE BASKET BAGS!YOU were a WELCOME ADDITION to the GREEN ROOM!
  YOUR THANK YOU CARDS ARE THE BEST!
  WHAT A FUN DAY and I am SO SORRY I MISSED SAYING GOOD BY TO YOU!
  WE WILL HAVE TO CATCH UP AGAIN OVER LUNCH SOON!
  XXX
Dee Black
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 9:59 AM

You and your fashion adviser get a solid 10. Love Ari’s fun book. What an exciting life you always make for yourself. Even the shopping trip was an adventure. Love a great sale!
At the end of the day… your white caftan for your party get together, your most elegant look.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:39 AM
  
  DEE,
  THANK YOU.YOU KNOW WHO MADE THAT CAFTAN……….TRISH of COTTAGE BY DESIGN!She was the one I had making CAFTANS for the BLOG and you purchased ONE!I feel very comfortable in them especially when its HOT!
  XXX
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 8:46 AM

OMIGOD! YOUR HAIR IS SO FABULOUS!!!
What fun! I wish he would have a book signing here! How fun!

What about those embroidered shoes??
CAn’t wait to see you in October!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:37 AM
  
  BIRDIES are the shoe brand and those are old stock!
  ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE YOU!
  XXX
1010ParkPlace
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 8:46 AM

I love the photo of you and Katherine, and I’m wondering if she’s the same Katherine who reads my Brenda’s Blog?LOL, you’re not the only one still blogging. You chose all the right pieces for the event with Ari, and you look spectacular, as always! I adore you, sweet lady, and am thrilled with the sparkle in your eyes and that you’re getting out more. As it should be for someone as special as you. XOXOX, Brenda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:35 AM
  
  THANKS BRENDA…………..
  It was GOOD TO FLY THE COOP!
  I am nursing a sore throat and small fever at the moment!
  I had little bit too much happening in MY WORLD last few weeks!
  BUT BUSY IS GOOD.
  YOU HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY!!!WITH YOUR BOOK SIGNINGS AND APPEARANCES!
  XXX
Vikki
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 8:20 AM

What a fun event! And the women knocked fashion out of the park. I need to pick up the book and have you autograph it!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:32 AM
  
  YOU DO!
  I better practice my signature!!
  Coffee soon!
  XXX
Kathy L from NC
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 7:27 AM

I love your guest panel ensemble from head to toe!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:31 AM
  
  THANKS KATHY!
  I responded to your email about being able to comment after months of not being able too!
  You can ALWAYS send me an email with your comment and I can COPY and PASTE it here in comments!
  iolacontessa@gmail.com
  XXX
Dinner Party Guru
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 7:15 AM

Elizabeth,

What a lovely celebration AND YOUR OUTFIT HEAD TO TOE WAS PERFECT!11

I love Ari – he is such a true lover of older women. I think he is fascinated with the way we truly become more beautiful with age. As I always say – as we age we just get more like our selves. Our filters fall off and out we pop like butterflies ?

You looked lovely and I would have loved to hear the panel discussions. Do you think they might be on YouTube anywhere?

Take care and have a beautiful fall ? ?

Xox,
Amanda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:29 AM
  
  AMANDA,
  Sebastopolarts on INSTAGRAM did a very good video!Check that out!
  They may be on YOU TUBE as well……….not sure!
  ARI interviewed me on his page of ADVANCED STYLE INSTAGRAM………..I’m mad at myself as I did not SMILE until THE END!Guess I was concentrating on the response!
  XXX
Parnassus
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 6:40 AM

Hello Contessa, Naturally, there you are in the thick of things, and the belle of the ball to boot. I have not officially quit blogging, although a look at my recent postings might make you think I have. I do have a number of posts in progress with written portions that need finishing and photos that need editing. I give you a lot of credit for posting so regularly over the years, and delighting your readers.
–Jim
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:20 AM
  
  JIM!
  Get on with a post!It has been ages since you sent me a blog post!
  You always have such curious objects to delight us with!Aim for ONE A MONTH!
  GOALS………..are GOOD FOR US!
  XXX
Libby
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 5:27 AM

Hope you feel as well as you look!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:18 AM
  
  Photos can be deceiving!I was HAPPY to be there. I still have BIG ISSUES!
  I am tired of talking about them.
  THANK GOODNESS FOR THE ANIMALS!
  XXX
Janey
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 5:11 AM

Elizabeth,

You look beautiful in all of your outfits. I remember you in the fabulous red gown when photographed in Paris. I was once a blogger for fun too, for 12 years and you were on my list then. I also adore Sally Sallin, and remember how welcoming you were to Heather when she faced troubles. Keep on keeping on Elizabeth. I still smile when you pop up in my emails….Janey
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:14 AM
  
  JANEY,
  You and I go back along way!Paris was along time ago!I am so happy I did that with MY SONS!My oldest keeps bringing up the fact we need to do that again…….a trip with the family!
  OH HEATHER!Yes, she was in a pickle and I think I flew her out to visit!She had one of the BEST BLOGS EVER!
  HAPPY I CAN PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE!
  XXX
Judy
· Reply

September 3, 2025 at 2:44 AM

Dearest Contessa, How lovely to see you looking so well and glamorous . I adore the outfit and hat and necklace .!Well , all of it really. The Advanced Style book signing looks such fun ,I wish I could have been there but too far across the world for a 86 year old to travel !! I wonder if Ari will ever come to England ,we have quite a large number of beautiful and interesting older ladies here who love to dress up, simply for the pleasure of it. I recently went to a sale in a lovely department store over here called Fenwicks and bought FIVE outfits at once !! I have never spent so much money in one day , but I was thrilled get some wonderful bargains! Love and very best wishes and please continue your lovely blog . From Judy in Brighton UK
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  September 4, 2025 at 8:02 AM
  
  Judy!
  Five Outfits what a THRILL!!
  I understand your excitement!
  Ari has been to ENGLAND to shoot Women!In fact the woman on the cover of his first book was from there if I’m not mistaken!He has traveled to Australia and Germany as well as other locations!He does get AROUND!
  I wish I could come meet you. You have been such a delight all these years and I would just love to give you a hug. I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere yet although the body is telling me I’m slowing down which I’m not ready for so it’s a huge adjustment!
  Xxx
Linda Henderson
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September 2, 2025 at 3:13 PM

You look fabulous in your Magnolia fashions.
- Mari
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  September 3, 2025 at 7:25 AM
  
  Hello Elizabeth I had seen the photo of you in your red opera coat and then tracked you to your blog site.
  And I do love your blog for it’s chit chattiness ? different from other blogs in that way. Any way I’ve tuned into many other interesting bloggers because of you!
  Wishing you good health, you do the world good with your lovely blog.
  PS you should have note cards /post cards made and sold of some of your images. Love the red opera coat(classic) and the one at the end of this post with you and Banksy in your zebra caftan
  - LA CONTESSA
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    Author
    
    September 3, 2025 at 3:36 PM
    
    Mari!
    This is so FUNNY as I did have note cards made with The Advanced Style photos!! The other day I was thinking my supply is getting really low. I need to do that again. What pictures should I use?
    I do love that black and white one at the end of the blog as you say with the pig Banksy who I miss terribly!Maybe, I can work on that for a holiday card for all of you and do a newer photo with the animals of La Casa and La Contessa!!
    So happy you found other bloggers through me. That means you’re a good listener. I appreciate that!
    Under La Contessa on the homepage of the blog is all the Paris pictures where I wore the red outfit and that was now I believe 14 or 15 years ago!!!!
    Both photo shoots were a THRILL FOR ME!!The sons and a few chickens at the Louvre in Paris.Then our handsome black and white pig in our backyard!
    Memories of a Lifetime!
    If you email me your snail mail address I’ll be happy to send you one of the cards I have!
    My email is iolacontessa@gmail.com
    Xxx
- La Contessa
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  Author
  
  September 3, 2025 at 4:05 PM
  
  Thank You Linda!!
  It was fun how it all came together!
  With zero planning!
  Xxx
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  September 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
  
  Thank You Linda!
  It was fun how it all came together with No Planning!
  Xxx
pat
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September 2, 2025 at 2:08 PM

The Advanced Style shindig must have been a blast! I picked the pearls and shoes, too…good choice.

As for your friend at dinner, I’m going to guess that one of your critters kissed her toes…which is better than having stubbed her toe.
- LA CONTESSA
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  Author
  
  September 3, 2025 at 3:25 PM
  
  Close!
  But I will leave you in SUSPENSE for the moment!
  Never a DULL MOMENT!
  Hats off to YOU THE GARDEN LOVER!
  Xxx