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AGELESS STYLE with ANN ALLEN!

July 24, 2019 51 Comments

 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My style is for one thing, simple lines, I feel best in button down shirts or dresses, but, because of my lifestyle, you will likely find me in workout or outdoor gear. I will get dressed up to go to Trader Joes , any excuse to wear something from my collection of mostly second finds, mixed with nice shoes , and, ill admit, a pair of leather pants!
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?
I learned to sew at 12 years old. Started making all my own clothes in junior high, at about 15, started obsessively reading Vogue every month at our local library, I was able to copy some things, I studied the details minutely, (still my dream outfit would be a classic pinstriped YSL pantsuit) .I think art has also influenced me.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACCESSORY?
I made a pair of earrings from my Grandmothers wedding ring, thankfully there were two matching diamonds! Wear them all the time.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLOR COMBINATIONS?
Probably influenced by my time in the Navy, I still love denim on denim!
Also have every item of clothing in leopard.
DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?
My go to is a vintage denim jumpsuit
  easy, classy, stylish ( and currently trendy!)found it for $10.00!
WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTHS?
I understand proportion, being an artist, and I feel I own whatever I put on and march down the street!
DO YOU HAVE A STYLE MUSE?
A young Kathrine Hepburn is my ideal aesthetic.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS,AND WHY CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT THEM?
Sunscreen! Im outside all the time, also use serums and various moisturizers, though not label loyal. My trick is to go to duty free every time I travel, and use the most expensive samples. Who knows if any of these potions work, but I’m afraid to stop using them!
WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50?
Live now or forever hold your peace. Do it while you can, whatever “IT” is.
DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY, OR DO YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK THE RULES?
When I was 30, I thought I was too old for a bikini, fast forward 26 years, I have a whole collection to choose from. I think the rule of only exposing one asset at a time , is one I follow. Example, short dress, covered cleavage, or long pants, tank top.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE AND OR BOUTIQUE SOURCES?
I like Gap and Athleta because im 6’2”, and they have tall sizes, my best resource for reused designer/vintage is Labels, practically my whole wardrobe is from there.
(LABELS is a consignment store in town!)
DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DIET AND OR EXERCISE REGIME THAT YOU FOLLOW?
I’m a fitness fan, so , yoga, gym , every day, and many miles every week hiking. I’m always training for my next backpacking adventure. I dont drink alcohol, minimal red meat, no fried foods, very aware of what I eat.
Do love treats though! 
DO YOU HAVE ANY ANTI AGING FOODS AND OR SUPPLEMENTS THAT ARE YOUR GO TO’S?

I eat lots of blueberries and add turmeric to everything! But , again, who knows if its working!

 

 

I would say ANN is doing SOMETHING RIGHT!

At age 56 she is active and full of enthusiasm!

I believe SHE found me on Instagram?

TO FOLLOW ANN ON INSTAGRAM  @TRAVELANNIE.

I found out SHE lives in MY BACKYARD ALMOST so we had a meet up!

TO find a GIRLFRIEND who is TALLER than me is a RARE FIND!
Not only is she TALL she loves color!!!!!!
ANN IS ALSO AN ARTIST!
THESE PHOTOS are from her home!
I BELIEVE SHE DID ALL THE PAINTINGS AND FLOOR WORK AND TILES BEHIND THE STOVE!
Correct me if I am WRONG ANN…………
ANOTHER GREAT FIND FROM INSTAGRAM!
WE WOMEN OVER 50 are KILLING IT!
I WONDER WHAT OUR GRANNY’s would think of US NOW!
CINDY HATTERSLEY’S BLOG was NOT able to Join us this month but if you want to HOP over and see what her last POST FEATURED
I would say PUSH HERE!
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE SENT GOOD WISHES FOR MY BIRTHDAY!
I had a BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND in San Diego with the ITALIAN and ONE SON.
YOU have all been SO KIND with your emails and comments and PHONE CALLS from ITALY !!
I AM ONE LUCKY CONTESSA AND I ADORE YOU ALL LIKE FAMILY!

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51 Comments
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51 Comments

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  • Anita
    · Reply

    August 2, 2019 at 8:28 PM

    I love her home !!!!
    I love her colours !!!!
    I love her plants !!!!
    Ciao Bella xx

  • Juliet
    · Reply

    July 30, 2019 at 3:06 PM

    Dearest Contessa – As usual, you find and feature the most fascinating women! I love that Ann is local and I might run into her at our mutual favorite – Labels! That blue and white jump suit she’s wearing in the first shot … I need to know it! xo

    • Ann
      · Reply

      August 3, 2019 at 11:03 PM

      Hi- Thankyou! Yes, I’m a Labels fan, but the blue and white jumpsuit is a design of my own, fitted within a fraction of an inch on top, and free flowing on the bottom! Xoxo Ann

  • Pipistrello
    · Reply

    July 29, 2019 at 5:46 PM

    Ciao Contessa,

    I saw this a few days ago and thought Wow!!! Ann looks fantastic! Then I got Busy and forgot to come back to reply to this show & tell of yet another exuberant and stylish lady from your Little Black Book of Chic. (Your Instagram prompts are good reminders for the easily distracted, by the way, hahaha!!)

    What a great idea to wear sequins for your camel ride!! I see Jerry Hall in these pics of Ann. A photo session with you and Ann would be fun – lots of twirling and high kicking in glamorous outfits!!

    Glad your Birthday celebrations are still rolling along!!

    Baci xx

  • Karen Persson
    · Reply

    July 29, 2019 at 1:18 PM

    Wonderful post! I love all the photos and the story behind her! She’s really tall, that’s for sure! Get colours and wonderful style!

    Love,

    Karenxoxoxx

  • Mumbai
    · Reply

    July 29, 2019 at 6:37 AM

    A woman who looks good, both in casual and elegant dresses.

  • Rosemarie
    · Reply

    July 28, 2019 at 10:24 AM

    Absolutely right CONTESSA – Ann is killing it. Lovely selection of clothes and she wears them all so well. This weekend on the streets here I noticed more women wearing one piece outfits.
    She’s inspiring with her fitness routine and hiking. Enjoyed checking out her instagram account.

    Loved the pics of her house – so whimsical.

    Great blog on another woman who is enjoying life!

  • Lisa White
    · Reply

    July 27, 2019 at 11:55 AM

    WOW! Blown away by the art and kitchen! Ann transitions her creative expression to many fronts: Style, Decoration, and most importantly LIFESTYLE. What an interesting woman. At nearly a foot shorter, I am looking up to her in more than one way. I am impressed with her attitude and accomplishments. She is a magnet that attracts all the good things in life.

  • Hilda Smith
    · Reply

    July 27, 2019 at 6:36 AM

    Thanks for introducing Ann to us. What a beautiful lady….heading over to follow her too. You are soul sisters I think.

  • Enid Sperber
    · Reply

    July 26, 2019 at 2:55 PM

    How wonderful to find a tall kindred spirit who lives near you and shares your ethos. It was a great post because it showed not only her fashion style but how that carried through in her colorful home. I will tell you I got distracted by the photos of you along the left margin. Aside from how beautiful you look in each of them, Winston’s loving and intense gaze is simply compelling.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 5:29 PM

      THANK YOU and those were EXACTLY MY THOUGHTS TOO REGARDING HER HOME!!!
      XX

  • Sheila-Merle Johnson
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 9:56 PM

    LOVE the crossed necklaces, Elizabeth. you always come up with something new and special. Ann is quite a statuesque beauty, with a charming and exuberant sense of style, for clothes and home. Where is Label? Since Ann lived close to you and you live not far from me, it must be reachable for me, too. Love, @sheilamerle

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 7:40 AM

      Walnut Creek and BERKELEY and its called LABELS!She carries high end stuff and the shop in Walnut Creek is bigger.It can be a FEAST for the EYES!XX

  • Victoria Thorp
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 5:33 PM

    It’s truly wonderful to see women like you and Ann, expressing yourself through your clothing and interiors. I live in such a tiny, buttoned up community, that expressing oneself through the clothes you wear or the way you decorate is many times made fun of. Something as innocuous as wearing four bangles on one wrist, as I did yesterday, can cause a stir. It’s stifling! That’s why I love you so much, Elizabeth. Thank you for sharing people like Ann.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 7:43 AM

      OH for GOODNESS SAKE…………I hope you raised your arm when you got a LOOK and JINGLED those GIRLS!I BEST NOT SHOW UP AND VISIT!
      Listen what’s happening with the instagram account?
      Did you try using a different name?
      XX

  • Lisa the Sequinist
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 4:34 PM

    She sounds fabulous! I can’t stop looking at the mosaic behind her stove, WOW!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 7:44 AM

      IMPRESSIVE I KNOW!
      XX

  • Eugenia Russell Hargrove
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 3:44 PM

    Elizabeth,
    Ann, a great Instagram find and feature. Ann is stunning, creative, and a real style maven.

  • Sandra Sallin - Apart from My art
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 12:01 PM

    Wow! Someone taller than you. What a stunner.You long tall Sally’s just rock clothes. She is beautiful, stylish, artistic and eats Tumeric! What more can you ask for???? Lovely lady and lovely creative post.

    Happy Birthday!!!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 7:46 AM

      I DIDNOT PUT THOSE LINES IN THERE THEY JUST APPEARED!
      THESE COMPUTERS DRIVE ME BATTY………RENA BLOGGING 911 is suppose to remove them.THANK YOU SANDRA!XX

  • cindy
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 11:41 AM

    I love Anne’s attitude and style. Is she gorgeous or what? I love the only revealing one area at a time with age. Great point! She seems to be a woman after your own heart Elizabeth and mine as well! You go Ann!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 7:48 AM

      YES, INDEED.
      SHE IS HAVING A BALL WITH FASHION AND SHE CAN WEAR IT!
      SAFE TRAVELS………..XX

  • Lisa Self
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 9:38 AM

    Fun post! Ann is a beauty! Love seeing her alive vibrant creativity. I too love those jumpsuits, but alas, they make going to the bathroom rather interesting. Thank you for your wonderful posts. You’re doing a great job inspiring us all! Big hug!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 7:52 AM

      I AGREE on the jumpsuits…….I have NO TIME TO DEAL WITH THEM AND HOLD OFF THE FLOOR ETC!BUT LOVE THE LOOK!OUR TIME HAS PASSED ON THAT ONE!
      THANK YOU SO MUCH and I do owe you a phone call!
      XX

  • classic casual home
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 8:31 AM

    Ok…so I am having blueberries and Tumeric for breakfast! Ann is gorgeous and has great style.

    Happy birthday!
    Mary Ann

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 7:52 AM

      I’ll FOLLOW YOU!
      XX

  • Rena
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 8:13 AM

    What a beautiful woman! I just love that very first image in the blue and white. It seems that seersucker is coming back in style again

    • Ann
      · Reply

      July 25, 2019 at 1:16 PM

      Thankyou! Its my own design, made with shirt fabric at a tailor in Vietnam, very fitted on top , loose on bottom.Ann

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 7:54 AM

      I LOVE IT TOO!
      I saw this photo on instagram and had to KNOW WHERE SHE GOT IT!!!!
      GORGEOUS DESIGN ANN!!!!!!MAYBE YOU SHOULD START DESIGNING FOR TALL WOMEN!XX

  • lisa thomson
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 7:29 AM

    What a stunning beauty! Thanks for sharing Ann with us. Her art is gorgeous, too!! I’m curious, who is her photographer? I adore a denim jumpsuit. I wore jumpsuits in the 80’s and would love to try that trend again. So practical.

    • Ann
      · Reply

      July 25, 2019 at 1:14 PM

      My jumpsuit is vintage! Probably 70s or 80s. So easy to wear.

  • 1010ParkPlace
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 7:20 AM

    I love women like you and Ann who are tall and wear it with pride. My mother always told me to standup straight, shoulders back and be proud of my height, so thank you, mom! Because of you, dear Elizabeth, I’m wearing more color. Sometimes I wonder who this new Brenda is, and what’s she’s done with the Brenda who wore taupe? This new Brenda bought a taxicab yellow midi skirt with black leopard spots on it. Wish I could have been there to join you and the Italian for your birthday and meet your handsome son! I hope you continue to have a fabulous birthday week! xoxox, Brenda

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      July 26, 2019 at 8:02 AM

      I DID or should say I AM……………
      HAPPY to know I INFLUENCED YOU to go THE COLOR ROUTE!
      BEIGE Is CHIC in the work force but on an errand day or FUN DAY lets DO MORE COLOR!It just makes me HAPPY!!!AND from the compliments I get it makes OTHERS HAPPY TOO!!!
      I was STOPPED three times within 40 minutes the other day because of my JOHNNY WASS DRESS!ALL by Older WOMAN!One put her hands on my shoulders and told me SO!I was touched they took the time to say something and I TOUCHED THEM I suppose.
      THANK YOU and the celebrations continue TODAY!!!!!
      I’m ONE LUCKY CONTESSA!
      XOXO

  • Leigh
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 7:13 AM

    Belated Happy Birthday! Sounds like yours was fun and special. I am so glad you’re feeling better. As usual, I enjoyed this blog post so much!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 8:04 AM

      THANK YOU LEIGH……….I’m going NOW to make my coffee and COUNT HOW MANY DAYS ITS BEEN without an EPISODE!I think we are over two MONTHS!!!!!!
      I will BOUNCE off the walls at THREE MONTHS!
      XX

  • antonia
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 5:39 AM

    Dearest CONTESSA, belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes! How I enjoyed this post! You gals are SOOOO TALL! AND GORGEOUS! There is definitely life after fifty, that’s for sure! Just returned from our eldest son’s graduation. We’re so happy and pleased, we can’t contain our joy! Lots of love to you and to all your wonderful friends and readers, bacioni e abbracci grandi xxx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 8:08 AM

      FABULOUS ANTONIA!!!!!
      I LOVED YOUR EMAIL CARD SENT TO THE ITALIAN TOO TO READ AND VIEW!
      CONGRATULATIONS on THE GRADUATION!!!!!THOSE ARE BIG ACHIEVEMENTS and STIR UP EMOTIONS!!!
      YES, WE ARE TALL………….constantly reminding myself NOT TO SLOUCH here at the computer!
      XX

  • judith
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 5:27 AM

    I like the photo of the two of you together. It would be great if you could do a blog post on Ann’s home – that kitchen is so whimsical and cheery. I admire Ann for her style and attitude and feel the same way about you, Contessa. Happy birthday!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 8:09 AM

      GREAT IDEA!
      ANN I NEED AN INVITE!!!!!!!!!
      XX

  • debra @ 5th and state
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 4:56 AM

    beautiful story Elizbeth and speaks to diet & exercise!!!

    hoping your birthday was magical
    xoxox

  • Nancy Schaller
    · Reply

    July 25, 2019 at 4:50 AM

    Elizabeth I honestly feel I do not have an exact style. I like dresses at times, pants at other times. There is 1 thing I love heels! I adore heels. I am 5’7 so I can wear heels. I just finished up with physical therapy on my back and I can wear them again. I have been happy! I do stretches 2 times a day. My diet is not too good. I need to work on that! Loved your blog! Your friend is beautiful! You both could model!

    • Ann
      · Reply

      July 25, 2019 at 6:58 AM

      Hi Nancy! I wear heels all the time, I never did, until my younger daughter grew taller than me, i didn’t want to be short( she is a stunning 6’4”( and she wears heels too! I even have a few 4 inch heels. Ann

  • Josephine Floyd
    · Reply

    July 24, 2019 at 10:53 PM

    A late very Happy Birthday, I was so involved with your day out and how beautiful you looked in Johnny Was that I missed out on the important Wishes.
    This post is fantastic, being or I was a 6 ft girl it’s always so great seeing statuesque women so confident in their own skin..
    I say I was 6 ft as, as you are aware one does shrink a bit with age and at nearly 77 though still about 5’10” my daughter calls me “little mummy”.
    So thrilled you are feeling so much better, my birthday wish for you is to continue to thrive in health, and inspire us “spunky ,advancedstyle,older women”. With luv

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 8:11 AM

      I LOVE THIS COMMENT JOSEPHINE!”LITTLE MUMMY!”Adorable……….
      THANK YOU THANK YOU!
      XX

  • Kathy L
    · Reply

    July 24, 2019 at 9:39 PM

    Ann is an inspiration – so fit, fashionable and fabulous at 56!! She sure has great luck finding clothes to fit her 6’2″ frame; my 6’1″ daughter doesn’t have such an easy time finding such cool clothes. My favorite quote from Ann: “Who knows if any of these potions work, but I’m afraid to stop using them!” I feel the exact same way.

    • Ann
      · Reply

      July 25, 2019 at 10:12 AM

      Hi! Has your daughter tried long tall sally? Also, sometimes at Anthropologie there are gems in the sale section only meant for tall women ( therefore they are on sale!)

  • Loree
    · Reply

    July 24, 2019 at 8:19 PM

    Another lovely, stylish lady. Ann rocks whatever she wears. I really love the red dress.

    • Ann
      · Reply

      July 25, 2019 at 10:14 AM

      Hi! Has your daughter tried long tall sally? Also, sometimes at Anthropologie there are gems in the sale section only meant for tall women ( therefore they are on sale!)

    • Ann
      · Reply

      July 25, 2019 at 10:37 AM

      Thankyou! The dress was a Valentine’s gift from a former love.

  • Ann
    · Reply

    July 24, 2019 at 7:45 PM

    What a compliment to be featured on ageless style! And yes, everything in my house was done by me!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      July 26, 2019 at 8:14 AM

      THATS WHAT I THOUGHT!
      YOU ARE A FIND!!!!
      WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON THIS WEEK?OR IS EVERYTHING DONE?!!
      XX

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