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The Vintage Contessa

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  • La Contessa
  • La Contessa & Friends
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CHATEAU BEL AGE BOUTIQUE

May 9, 2016 89 Comments

My THANK ~ YOU to

Chateau Bel Age Boutique

 &

Le Bel Age Boutique

&

With Love Gift

They let me FLY in to SHOP & CHAT & LAUGH and  SKIP to LA JOLLA for a MAJOR BOOK SIGNING!HERE I AM

I am still RUNNING on ADRENALINE from my recent trip down South.I had SO much FUN I canNOT STOP thinking about it!

Here I AM in MY GARDEN showing VALERIE of CHATEAU BEL AGE BOUTIQUE what I LOOK LIKE!!

So, she can FETCH me from the AIRPORT.

Have you EVER gone to MEET a PEN PAL?

Or in this CASE an

INSTAGRAMER?

JUST DO IT!

CHATEAU BEL AGE!

HER Lovely Boutique in the Historic MISSION HILLS of SAN DIEGO!

I purchased the KIMONO on the RIGHT!

She had another with the same pattern………if it SPEAKS to YOU.

This Kimono reminded me of

PALM SPRINGS.

I spent some of MY youth there on vacation at my AUNT’s HOUSES.

They both owned THE SAME HOUSE just different years!

Fond Memories.

~

CHATEAU BEL AGE BOUTIQUE

1578 West Lewis Street

San Diego,California 92103

PHONE:619-518-1181

Inside THE SHOP!

This is my SECOND ADVENTURE of getting on an AIRPLANE……just one this time (last time it was THREE AIRPLANES to go see DONNA.)I did write about that BELOW.

 http://box5525.temp.domains/~kvhskymy/thevintagecontessa/2015/07/06/power-of-instagram/.

You see VALERIE has a shop…….well, THREE shops and a HAIR SALON On the same street.All within a minute walk from each other.Can YOU see where I AM going with this?

I HAD A BALL!

Gift SHOP

HER HUSBAND RUN’s the PAPERIE!

What I LOVED is they MIX the OLD with the NEW!He was a REAL PAPERAZZI in ARGENTINA before moving to the STATES!

A PHOTOGRAPHER…….so he collects old camera’s and typewriters which are ALL FOR SALE!

I might ADD a REAL GENTLEMAN TOO.

LE BEL AGE BOUTIQUE

On top of the SHOPPING and getting AQUATINTED with VALERIE FERRARI who could be MY SOULMATE; I might ADD!

I had the PLEASURE to SHARE my room with another BLOGGER who came down from LOS ANGELES to SEE ME!

Kimono & Sandra

THE ONE AND ONLY SANDRA SALLIN!

I had her COAT off and trying ON MERCHANDISE before we got properly CHATTING!

This is a SHORTER KIMONO.

All made for CHATEAU BEL AGE BOUTIQUE by JENNAFER GRACIOUS.

SO, LADIES YOU WILL NOT SEE THESE ANYWHERE ELSE in other stores or catalogs!They are made SPECIAL for this ADORABLE Boutique in SAN DIEGO.

Even MORE REASON to SHOP with JOY!!!!

CONTESSA & SANDRA

SO, TWO GALS and VALERIE’S HUSBAND who I might ADD speaks fluent ITALIAN and a CAT named LEWIS was my REASON for going SOUTH!!!I was in HEAVEN for two and half days!!!!!!!!

We drank cocktails and tried on KIMONO’S!!!!!!!

WE ATE MEXICAN FOOD The entire TIME!ON CINCO DE MAYO a food vender set up HIS kitchen on WEST LEWIS STREET and made TACOS with home made CORN tortilla’s for this GLUTEN FREE GAL!

There was even a man playing the BAGPIPES!

THEN…………WE all went to the ADVANCED STYLE BOOK SIGNING EVENT in LA JOLLA where I lived in 1977.Did I do the math RIGHT?39 years AGO!!!I lived with my COUSINS and went to LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL.

That could be another POST!

I will let the PHOTOS SPEAK for themselves………..just know if YOU spy something that catches YOUR eye VALERIE will send you better photos and she is VERY GOOD ABOUT MAILING as that is HOW WE connected!

Valerie in HER ELEMENT!

Let me first tell YOU about VALERIE……………she is 53 years old.Born in DECEMBER.She was a little girl who grew up in a VERY FAMOUS HOTEL in CORONADO.Yes,if you are from CALIFORNIA you will KNOW which HOTEL……and maybe if YOUR NOT from the GOLDEN STATE YOU will KNOW!

HOTEL DEL CORONADO…………..GOOGLE IT!

SHE roamed the hotel day and night………can you imagine having a STAFF in the kitchen TWENTY -FOUR SEVEN. Living on THE BEACH and having SO many EYES on YOU and able to assist in tasks that perhaps were a NO NO!I have told HER she MUST WRITE A BOOK!

Do you agree with me?

LEWIS

LEWIS,

the CAT of MY HOSTS roams the STREET which is called  WEST LEWIS STREET!He has CARTE BLANCHE to wander and go inside MOST of the SHOPS on this QUAINT little street.He has been spied in windows at night when the doors have been locked up!!!!!

HYSTERICAL!

Lewis!

VALERIE & JIMMY

The PROPRIETRESS and HER MAIN SQUEEZE………the ARGENTINIAN JIMMY!

LE BEL AGE BOUTIQUEMe at the OTHER SHOP called LE BEL AGE BOUTIQUE.

Oh wait until YOU see the FITTING ROOM!

HATS…….VINTAGE HATS!

JAsmines territory!

Even LEWIS came shopping with ME!

THE HAT

I LOVED THIS HAT!

CAN YOU TELL?

LEWIS ON DISPLAY

LEWIS….. on DISPLAY……..

FAUX JEWELS to enhance YOUR LOOK were EVERYWHERE! Those coral necklaces were $35.00 each!

Velvet on SANDRA

The black TOP

Yes I bought THE BLACK TOP!

The CHATEAU & SANDRA

That HANDBAG belongs to SANDRA…..we had to HIDE it in the BACK so NO ONE would WANT TO BUY IT!

The BLACK WRAPNote the DRAPE of the KIMONO sleeve…………

This is THE DESIGNER HERSELF!

As a little girl she told VALERIE she would GROW UP to make clothes for HER shop!

Her DREAM came TRUE!

The Black item on the MANNEQUIN is FANTASTIC!

I Own it!

Are you seeing the Kimono up the quick flight of stairs!

(DON’T LOOK AT THE PLASTIC GARMENT BAG UNDER THE BAMBOO FOLDING TABLE!)

P L E A S E!

Black & White.

A BASIC In EVERY WARDROBE……..short ladies I bet it comes SHORT TOO!

HERE IS A LINK TO SEE How MANY OPTIONS YOU have for THE KIMONO.

WATCH The VIDEO!

 JennaferGrace_KimonoHowTo_Final.mp4

TTHE DOLLS OF THE CHATEAU

You may NEED one of these for THAT SPECIAL HOLIDAY in OCTOBER!

Hand~ Made by VALERIE’S MOTHER.

Each DOLL has a different LOOK and Unique Accessories.

The LOVELY lady who makes these DOLLS,Michala was the PROPRIETRESS of

THE HOTEL DEL CORONADO.

They also owned

THE RACKET CLUB IN PALM SPRINGS.

Then he became the AMBASSADOR to SWITZERLAND under President Clinton.

My Friend PENELOPE calls this CLUNKING!

NAME DROPPING!

It is JUST SO INTERESTING TO ME!

Guess who SOLD OJ. SIMPSON his BRUNO MAGLI shoes?

VALERIE HERSELF!VALERIE

~This WOMAN has STORIES!~

LADY IN RED SKIRT!

 SANDRA is MY MODEL.

Which comes naturally to HER as her career started in HOLLYWOOD doing just that for HOLLYWOOD.

Commercials to be more EXACT.

I think I even remember some of these!!!!!

Glamorshot-150x150

Disneyland-Kodak hats-150x150

teacups_Disneyland-150x150

Canada_dry_commercial

CANADA DRY COMMERCIAL!

Rocking IT!I made HER try this on………….the RED SKIRT!

Would YOU BELIEVE she is 75 and a HALF years of AGE!

EXACTLY  a TWENTY YEAR difference between HER & ME!

May I LOOK and ACT HALF as GOOD as SHE DOES when I HIT SEVENTY ~ FIVE!

CONTESSA in HEAVEN

I LOVED THE LEOPARD CARPET…….YOU do know it is a NEUTRAL RIGHT?

GIft Shop

A view of WITH LOVE GIFT………

Glitter cocktail accessoriesUMBRELLA’s SPRINKLED with GLITTER by VALERIE.

Are YOU hooked yet?I was ENCHANTED…………….I found her SHOPS to be of another ERA.She is a TRUE SHOP KEEPER and does NOT push herself on YOU.She may SUGGEST a NEW GARMENT like THE SLEEVES!!!!!But SHE is NOT PUSHY!

OH THE SLEEVES I did not get a PHOTO of…………BUT they are useful and CHIC.

AFFORDABLE TOO!

Let me just say…….this CONTESSA had a WONDERFUL TRIP to San Diego and cannot wait to go back!

Stay Tuned for another POST on ARI SETH COHEN and HIS PEOPLE.I will go to work on that RIGHT away as it was ALL SO MAGICAL and FUN!

It’s not often WE get EXCITED about things at MY AGE!

I was VERY EXCITED

and had a MARVELOUS trip.

CAN YOU TELL?!!!

XO

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  • Cherry
    · Reply

    May 18, 2016 at 1:04 PM

    Now that was a feast for the eyes! Your hair is tres chic and you look especially striking with the profusion of color in the piece while sitting in the chair and on the steps. Looked like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing.

  • Mumbai
    · Reply

    May 12, 2016 at 9:30 AM

    What a day….a masquerade. I love the hats on the skull …what a spooky and funny idea…and I love your glasses they suit you so well….and I love, love…
    everything in that shop.

  • Lee
    · Reply

    May 11, 2016 at 8:50 AM

    Fabulous post Elizabeth… every word and every picture… your smiles say it all… GRAND FUN!

  • Heather in Arles
    · Reply

    May 11, 2016 at 7:04 AM

    Your posts have brought me SO much happiness of late. They are just so full of joy and beauty – I know I say that every time but it is true!
    Both you and Sandra look gorgeous, stunning – as does Valerie. I wish that you lived closer to these amazing ladies!
    And yes, it would be wonderful if Valerie wrote a book about growing up at the Hotel del. All of SD would buy it and beyond…
    bisous

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 11, 2016 at 8:07 AM

      I AM ON HER to WRITE THE BOOK………especially while she has HER MOM to PUMP MORE INFORMATION!I know it would be a BEST SELLER……………..maybe YOU can be the GHOST WRITER!!!!!Now thats an IDEA……….I’m ON THAT IDEA TOO!!!!!!!!!!!XO

  • Kathy L
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 10:33 PM

    I love your purchases, especially the kimono in the window. Valerie has lovely shops. What a fun day!

  • Donna
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 8:10 PM

    Oh Beth, This was my favorite post I’ve seen!!! Thought of you last week when TRACY’s brother posted pictures from the book signing. I thought for sure you would be there too. Doug (her brother), and his partner both just LOVE Seth!!! When you mentioned Palm Springs, I again could only think of the “Exhaustion Club”. I so look forward to reading about your adventures!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 8:20 PM

      WHO is TRACY’s BROTHER?Give me the link, PLEASE!
      I was not in LOS ANGELES for the book signings………….BUT I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE BEEN!Guess who rang tonight!
      J U L I E!!
      She is coming up!!
      I will work on ADVANCED STYLE BLOG POST TOMORROW………….I should be scrubbing the kitchen floor but maybe I can do BOTH!
      YOU need to slip to SAN DIEGO and go a SHOPPING!!!
      XO

    • Donna
      · Reply

      May 12, 2016 at 4:39 PM

      I am coming up, too. Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah is over Memorial weekend. Tracy’s brother’s name is Douglas Stoddard. He and his partner are so colorful!
      XO

  • Jaz
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 8:00 PM

    !!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • LA CONTESSA
    · Reply

    Author
    May 10, 2016 at 5:00 PM

    VIA EMAIL:
    You are so fabulous!! as SOON AS i SEE AN E mAIL FROM YOU i iMMEDIATELY OPEN UP AND i AM NEVER DISAPPOINTED. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. hUGS , CANDACE

  • Katie Clooney
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 1:28 PM

    My dear CONTESSA… You find the JOY in life and you are a MAGNET for attracting wonderful, interesting PEOPLE. We used to live in SAN DIEGO and have been to the HOTEL DEL CORONADO several times. Soooooo GORGEOUS. WHEN you come to MASS. this summer, YOU must NOT tell my age. People are very JEALOUS of young ladies in their THIRTIES!!!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 3:23 PM

      PROMISE NOT TO GIVE THEM A CLUE!
      XX

  • That's Not My Age
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 11:27 AM

    So much FABulousness in one post!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 3:22 PM

      GLAD you POPPED OVER!
      XX

  • Carol Sybrowsky
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 9:43 AM

    Perhaps you could time the October trip to coincide with one of The French Basketeer’s French Food Camps? You could even stay at my place and have a spin around my backyard, the Temecula Wine Country. October is PERFECT!

    Hugs from Carol

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 3:21 PM

      SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN If the FRENCH BASKETEER ever comes BACK from FRANCE!!XX

  • Carol Sybrowsky
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 8:53 AM

    Holy Cow, Contessa! Had I known you were in San Diego, I would have hightailed it down to meet you. (But them so would a hundred other of your invisible and visible friends! ) LOVE your new black top. Glad you bought it. You carry off the wide shouldered look wonderfully. Also like you best with little or no lipstick. That deep, dark red you favor distracts one from your beautiful and expressive eyes.

    Hotel Del. (Sigh) What a lovely place. Haven’t been there in a few years but so many fabulous memories! Christmas, oh, Christmas! The food, the fragrances (Christmas spices and Pinaud talcum powder when you pass the Barber’s shop downstairs) and the decor. Luxurious, like sleeping under a satin-lined mink comforter. The Del, the Mission Inn in Riverside and Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar are my three favorite So Cal locations for Christmas.

    Hugs, Carol

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 9:17 AM

      I did not have TIME for everyone.The trip was just TOO SHORT!I will be back and let YOU KNOW!!!
      Roger’s Gardens is a FAVORITE of mine TOO!MY COUSIN Owns IT!!!!!!!!!!!!They do MAGIC for CHRISTMAS and HALLOWEEN so lets plan on OCTOBER for me POPPING Back down!!!!!!!!
      Loving those bath salts………may have to order a BOX!
      XX

  • Tamera Beardsley
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 7:40 AM

    Oh what a truly joyful post my dear! Makes me want to go down and see Valerie’s shops again!

    How fabulous does Sandra look! I just love all of your stories of how you’ve met so many fantastic women via instagram and blogging, which by the way … I just remembered … is how We met!

    Just wanted to to pop by darling! Now I’m back to wedding lists and projects!

    Such a delight seeing you in La Jolla!

    Much Love,
    Tamera

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 3:20 PM

      YES,we have JENNIFER of A WELL STYLED LIFE to THANK for OUR INTRODUCTION!We were lunching at Neiman’s first time meet up and she says to me do YOU FOLLOW TAMERA B.?I say NO!Who is that………she says YOU NEED TOO!You two are SO MUCH ALIKE!
      Then I reached out to you on a trip SOUTH…………how many years ago was that?TIME IS BUZZING BY!I think it has been FOUR YEARS!
      XX

    • Valerie Lee
      · Reply

      May 11, 2016 at 10:15 PM

      How very lucky I feel to be added to this list of charming and amazing women !
      Thank you Tamera B for always making your way to Chateau Bel Age when you are in San Diego ! Your Bel Age kimonos look amazing on you ! Thank you for always looking so wonderful in them and posting and sharing on Instagram !
      Elizabeth, your charm and enthusiasm would make billions of dollars if we could bottle it for sale ! Your love and support from you first post until we met in person has been wonderful !

  • Jacqueline
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 2:20 AM

    Oh Elizabeth …… what a wonderful time you’ve been having …… you can’t beat a bit of shopping can you and that was one hell of a lot of shopping !!!!!!
    …. and, Valerie looks AMAZING { … as you do !! } XXXX

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 6:07 AM

      SHE IS…………..and shopping is a GOOD cure for MOST things!Sorry to read about ALL your ailments at the moment!!To a SPEEDY recovery……………….PRONTO!
      XX

  • Dianne D
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 1:16 AM

    Well I love those square eyeglasses you’re wearing!!!
    You look beautiful in those brightly colored clothes but the light blue with the polka dot scarf caught my eye!
    Such style!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 6:04 AM

      Those glasses are READERS, which I then had my prescription put in.Only to be told they couldn’t do it!They did it and I had another pair MADE!
      You are VERY kind DIANNE.I thank you!
      XX

  • gik
    · Reply

    May 10, 2016 at 12:47 AM

    The kimonos are wonderful – can you show how they close? Are they worn as a top layer, or can they be worn on their own as a dress?

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 3:16 PM

      I wear mine as a top layer…….HOWEVER,there is a belt that comes with most of them.I have sent a message off to VALERIE to have HER respond to YOU.Valerie has done a video which is on her Facebook page as well showing all the DIFFERENT WAYS in which one can wear these SNAZZY KIMONO’s!Hope that will help!
      Thanks for asking………..XX

    • Valerie Lee
      · Reply

      May 11, 2016 at 10:09 PM

      Gik ! The kimonos are a layering tool. I always wear something under mine, such as a tank and leggings, or jeans and a T shirt. They also work well on top of a dress …anything really !
      The Contessa is right! You can go to our Facebook page Le Bel Age Boutique and find our kimono tying video, or you can check YouTube for Kimono Tying 101 video

  • Mithra Ballesteros
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 9:10 PM

    What a glorious trip! Didn’t you want to bring home Lewis along with that ravishing kimono?!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 9:44 PM

      OF COURSE I DID……….XX

      • Penelope Bianchi
        · Reply

        May 9, 2016 at 9:45 PM

        It’s a miracle he didn’t “go missing”! He looks like my “Louie!”

  • Pat
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 8:18 PM

    Might Theodore and Lewis be cousins? I think you’re all related somehow.

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 8:40 PM

      PERHAPS!

    • Penelope Bianchi
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 9:46 PM

      And my Louie!!!!

  • Jennifer
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 8:07 PM

    Oh I’m so jealous!! Did she fly you in for this extravaganza?
    I told you, you were a STAR!! You have the most amazing experiences and everyone wants you at their parties!
    Ari needs to photograph you. You are a true original.
    xxxxx

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 8:41 PM

      THANK ~YOU!
      XX

    • Penelope Bianchi
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 9:46 PM

      Ha!!! Ari says she is too young!!! She probably is!
      Tee hee!!

  • Nancy Case
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 7:00 PM

    Love. love this post Contessa! Yes, I would say magical plus lots of sparkle all mixed together for an unforgettable time. We stayed at Coronado in all of it’s Victorian Grandeur and loved it. How wonderful it would be to hear all of Valerie’s growing up stories there. What a feast of beauty dear friend..thank you so much for sharing the joy!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 8:42 PM

      ANYTIME I come across a story worth SHARING I WILL DO JUST THAT!
      HAPPY to hear YOU have been there!
      XX

  • D. A. Wolf
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 5:19 PM

    What a grand excursion!

    You two wear everything magnificently!

    xoxo

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 8:43 PM

      WE have FUN!I bet YOU DO TOO………..shoes BEING your FORTE!
      XO

  • foodiefan
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 4:26 PM

    Greetings from South Korea again! You have entertained me while sitting on a bus in dreadful traffic out to the Exhibition Centre. Your life is not dull by any means and I’m fascinated about all the interesting people and their connections which is why I love reading autobiographies…..I have never heard the word ‘clunking’ before!
    So, what a trip down south!! Loved Valerie’s shop and her style and would love a peek into her husband’s shop as I am particularly fond of old type writers ( fondly remember typing on my grandfather’s type writer ). I agree that Sandra looks incredible and I’m sure you will follow in her footsteps with aplomb! I can’t wait to see you in one of your chosen outfits in July…..they all looked magnificent.
    Great post as always!! xo

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 4:38 PM

      CLUNKING in fact isNOT a word.Penelope made it up sitting next this MAN at a dinner where he kept NAME DROPPING……..she would say KLUNK under her breath……..EVERY TIME.When I wrote her to say is this the right word she liked my spelling BETTER!
      SO, I made it a C instead of a K……..
      Her story is pretty SPECIAL……..maybe she will share it here!
      JULY will be here in a JIFFY!!!!!!
      XO

    • Penelope Bianchi
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 9:56 PM

      the only correction here is….that I did not say it “under my breath”! I said it in regular conversational tone. (my mother would have liked Contessas version better!!)
      It took him twenty minutes of hearing that word to say to me…..”what is that word you keep saying?”
      I said “Clunk?” He said, “Yes! That’s it! What does it mean?”
      I said; “Oh, I just say it when you drop a name! It is the sound the name makes when it drops!”
      He turned his back on me entirely for the rest of the dinner; to my great relief!

      He was from Washington DC. He was talking about “Ron”; “Henry” on and on…..during the Reagan administration….as in President Reagan, Henry Kissinger for those of you too young…..and many more. Since it was in the present at the time; I knew every name he dropped.
      I amused myself; and it has become part of the lexicon of my family, friends….and now maybe widely used! It made it fun for me!!! When someone drops a name……say “Clunk!” I believe strongly in the “fun factor”!!! So does La Contessa…….to say the least!!! Enthusiasm, fun and fantasy!! what a great life!!! We are in the same tribe!!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 10, 2016 at 6:00 AM

      THANK YOU for sharing THE STORY!I couldNOT have told it as well…………..
      AND OF COURSE, WE are in the same TRIBE!!!
      That’s a GIVEN.
      XX

    • foodiefan
      · Reply

      May 11, 2016 at 7:10 AM

      Thank you Penelope for that very entertaining explanation of “clunk”! Love that word…..I’ll remember it in the future should I have the misfortune of being beside such a name dropper!!!

  • SAJ
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 4:24 PM

    Looks like a fabulous store. Glad you brought home some souvenirs! I love Sandra’s hair. The Coronado was my favorite part of San Diego. So she is a bit of a west coast Eloise!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 4:40 PM

      EXACTLY…………..
      Her HAIR IS BEAUTIFUL STEPHEN……..she had it BLOWN OUT for the trip. In fact we were discussing the PRICE and decided it was WORTH every PENNY!
      XX

  • Penelope Bianchi
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 2:26 PM

    Brilliant! So much fun; and what a cool top!!! And store!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 3:00 PM

      You would LOVE IT……………I think YOU need the kimono up the quick flight of steps……the black & white one!
      XX

  • Anita Rivera
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 2:11 PM

    CONTESSA! And Sandra, hello you two! Well, if I had not had been on such a strict ITINERARY when I was in Carmel last year, I would have had the enchanting opportunity to meet you in person! But you are traveling the state and finding a lot of magic here! I knew Sandra has connections to Hollywood but I did not know she modeled! I may have seen these commercials during my youth!

    What fun you make. YOU HAPPEN on people, and I only wish I could experience it for myself. Hopefully, one day, however, no time too soon. My husband put the kabosh on our traveling for a while!

    Love your purchases dearest Contessa!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 3:06 PM

      I was JUST talking about YOU coming out this SUMMER…………OH, those HUSBANDS are SO PRACTICAL!Not to worry WE will be here when YOU do come back for a VISIT!Sandra is enchanted with your instagram………anyway to send her some of your old BLOG POSTS.I was telling her how you would select music for each POST to listen to as one read!SHE WOULD REALLY ENJOY THEM!

      THANK YOU!
      XX

  • Angela Muller
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 1:54 PM

    WOW…my cup of tea! Leopard has always been in my life…carpets, bathroom wallpaper, coats, hats, shoes, bags, skirts…you get the picture. Those kimonos are wonderful, and you look very sexy in that black top! That silky, chiffony, luxurious jumpsuit you were wearing in some of the photos looked elegant on you. Great post…

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 3:02 PM

      THAT jumpsuit was pants and a top called GIVERNY!
      It spoke to ME before my trip………………so my shopping days are over for a WEE bit!
      XX

  • Anita @ Vue at Jindivick
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 1:47 PM

    I am so happy you bought that black top!!!
    It was made for you!!!!!
    If I was with you, those Boho tops in the shop window……….they would have gone in my bag!!
    Fun, such a little word with a big meaning.
    Ciao for now Bella
    Neat xx

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:59 PM

      GRAZIE………….
      I like that “FUN” such a little word with a BIG meaning!You do have a way with words!
      XX

  • Jen
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 12:26 PM

    What a fabulous trip. Your friend *must* write a book: a real life Eloise!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:57 PM

      I AGREE………….SO TRUE!XX

  • Loree
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 12:07 PM

    You look like you had a fabulous time. It seems like there are always so many cute and eclectic boutiques in the US. Well, anywhere, really, except here. The market is too small. Anyway, it seems that Valerie has some adorable items for sale. You have such a unique style. It seems like everything looks good on you.

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:56 PM

      Not EVERYTHING………….but THANK YOU LOREE.I do DRESS to my OWN beat!So, UNIQUE is probably a GOOD word to describe me!
      Sorry, MALTA does not have an ABUNDANCE of shops for you to check~OUT, but it has OTHER qualities.Like HISTORY and beautiful BEACHES!Think of the money YOU SAVE!!!!!!!
      XX

  • Fran
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 11:22 AM

    Cara Contessa, where do you find all these beautiful faces?! And YOU look absolutely Gorgeous! Did you cut your hair?! I want EVERYTHING in those boutiques – including the leopard carpet and LEWIS!! Was Lewis a little shy? Give me that Kimono already! It is SO Beautiful and makes you look like a MILLION BUCKS! AH, I wish I could have been there – it looked like TOO MUCH FUN!Thank You SO Much for sharing!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:53 PM

      LEWIS!
      He could have easily slipped into my bag!Yes, he is a bit shy as he was a WILD FERRAL CAT.Boy, has he got the LIFE down………..he crosses a busy street by himself,comes when they shake the KEYS,gets LOCKED in a TRUCK the night I was there, etc etc etc…………LEWIS HAS STORIES TOO!
      I was SO pleased he was curled up on that stool when I arrived!A GRAND WELCOME!
      XX

  • Ms. Mary
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 11:12 AM

    I have very sweet memories of the Hotel Del Coronado- that’s where we went on our HONEYMOON a mere 30 years ago! Great post, as always! <3

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:49 PM

      I was married 30 years AGO TOO MARY!
      Well, congratulations………….on both anniversary and the GRADUATE!Plus, a special VISIT from the CALIFORNIA daughter…………….YOU MUST BE BEAMING!
      XX.

  • Matthew Sallin
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 8:18 AM

    I must learn to pose like Beth Djali in Style at a Certain age. I guess that’s another skill that a blogger needs. Says she with a pointed toe!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:47 PM

      SHE ADORES BETH……………maybe some lessons in the NEW clothes strutting down the hallway!You can be the MASTER of CEREMONIES!!!!!!!!!XX

  • Catherine
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 8:15 AM

    What a time you had, you both look like you’re having so much FUN! I love the hat it’s absolutely fabulous.
    Love to you both xx

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:46 PM

      HAT = WINNER!
      XX

  • stephanie thonet
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 8:13 AM

    lovely post again elizabeth!!
    that black top you bought is completely you! as is the other black coat/dress on the mannequin! it looks like you have to go the opera in it in a visconti film! so glad you enjoyed yourself so much!
    and – i had read it before on her blog – but forgot – sandra DOES NOT!!! look 75!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:45 PM

      I wore the BLACK JACKET/CAPE creation to SEE OSCAR DE LA RENTA.If you go back a couple of POSTS you will SEE!
      SANDRA even goes down stairs in HEELS without holding the railing!I ALWAYS HOLD THE RAILING!!!!!!!!!!!
      She is a VERY SPECIAL LADY!Like YOU!!
      XX

  • Matthew Sallin
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 8:11 AM

    Looks like you all had a marvelous time!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:42 PM

      YES!
      How can YOU TELL?!!!
      XX

  • Valerie Lee Ferrari
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 7:49 AM

    You did it again ! Another brilliant post ! Only this time I was lucky enough to be your co star!
    Thank you for all of your energy and enthusiasm! Such a Pied Piper you are !
    We are looking forward to more visits! Keeping an eye on great fares !
    The great gypsy Esmeralda sees an October trip in your future !

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:42 PM

      OH GOOD………can I ask ESMERALDA I few more quick questions?!!I would LOVE to come down for the HALLOWEEN SCENE.
      I had a BALL…………..I think YOU can tell.
      Just got the photos printed so will slip into the mail TOMORROW!
      Millie Grazie Bella………..XX

  • Lillian Plummer
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 7:42 AM

    Wow! Sounds simply divine. Love that you were all able to meet up. Creative and talented souls are naturally drawn to one another and IG is a perfect fit for that. I am going back to re read as there was so much to take in. xxx

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:39 PM

      THANK YOU LILLIAN……….I hope you ENJOYED the second READ as MUCH!
      XX

  • Sandra Sallin
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 7:37 AM

    Brava! You really captured the unrelenting fun of the day! I ran into your arms when I arrived and the delight and wonder never stopped. We went from store to store shrieking at glorious finds. Bloggers and Instagram-ers arrived and we simply had a party, trying on fabulous clothes. You look like a young Charlotte Rampling in that black top. Love the clothes I bought, wore the tops immediately. The fun and giggles never stopped. So lucky to have you as my buddy!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:38 PM

      I AM the ONE WHO IS LUCKY!
      Who is Charlotte Rampling?I shall GOOGLE!
      XX

  • Tara Dillard
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 7:18 AM

    How is it, 1 of my gardening friends, age 70+ now, was an international model in youth. And the similarities mount.

    Love that huge huge round hat you had on.

    May I look 1/2 as good at 75.5 ! When I turned 35 my best friend turned 70.

    Cat, clothes, where is her garden shop????

    Past due for haircut, too much work…..that day job thing.

    Beyond the moon happy for you to have this fun, so long as you keep sharing pics/stories.

    Dear friend phoned this morning, she’s flying to do the Trade Secrets, driving straight from airport to Bunny Williams garden. Told her to make sure plenty of pics and to call me from bed each evening just before she fell asleep.

    XOT

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:37 PM

      THAT HUGE HAT was SO US!!!!!!!!!WE both could have fit inside.
      Bunny’s GARDEN………I saw her speak last year………I have yet to BUY the BOOK!Maybe because YOU will FORWARD the photos from the friend on to me SO I can SWOON??Just MAYBE?She hides things like moving bushes from her HUSBAND!I guess WE all do that to a DEGREE!She has more HELPERS……….to get the JOB DONE!
      Just roll that hair up under a HAT!AND when are you going to SHARE more PICS of YOUR NEW ANCIENT HOUSE?
      WE are waiting………at least PENELOPE and I!
      XO

  • Trina
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 6:20 AM

    What a magical adventure you just embarked on. I found myself totally enchanted both with the shopping as well as the friendship connection, they were both so beautiful. Isn’t it amazing the friendships we can make from blogging and Instagram ( who would have known?).
    I’m heading to San Diego at the end of the month, apparently I must add these shops to my must see/go list.
    Thank you for sharing this with us!!!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:32 PM

      OH, TRINA it is AMAZING the CONNECTIONS we are making!Please go by and check it ALL OUT and REPORT back to ME!Are you in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA?Why do I think DENVER!?
      YOU are SO WELCOME!
      XX

  • Brenda
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 6:09 AM

    YOU……look AHHHHMAZING in your new black top!!! Who was the DESIGNER???? The daughter??? Such a BEAUTIFUL &
    MAGICAL store!! And SANDRA SALLIN is GORGEOUS & should still be modeling too!!
    Wish I had been there with ya all!!! HUGS, Brenda

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:30 PM

      I will go LOOK and MAYBE VALERIE can ANSWER off the TOP of HER GORGEOUS HEAD!The designer was not the daughter…………..although she would LOOK SENSATIONAL IN IT TOO!
      How was MEXICO???
      Maybe my next trip with SANDRA is to SEE YOU!!!!!!!TENNESSEE here WE come!
      XX
      PS.Dear READERS……..this LADY was a FASHION MODEL in days gone by…….she ADORNED the pages of VOQUE and HARPERS and walked MANY a FASHION SHOW for the BIG GUYS!I do not recall how SHE found ME but she DID and I am THRILLED to know HER!
      XX

  • Coty Farquhar
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 5:50 AM

    Fabulous stores!!!! Looks like you had a ball! Xx

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:24 PM

      I DID and SO HAPPY YOU had a moment to SWING BY!
      NEXT PUBLICATION is coming OUT when…………?
      READERS if you do not already know COTY writes a BEAUTIFUL on~line magazine from AUSTRALIA!Check it OUT!
      XX

  • Taste of France
    · Reply

    May 9, 2016 at 5:47 AM

    What a rollicking good recounting of your trip. Valerie sounds like a real-life Eloise. And did you notice that Sandra is practically in camouflage on the leopard-print steps?
    Can’t wait to hear about your next adventure!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      May 9, 2016 at 2:22 PM

      I DID NOTICE……..I had heard about that COAT for a YEAR!Then I got to see it in person!
      Looked SENSATIONAL on HER…………as most things DO!
      What about that RED SKIRT!
      THANKS…………..XX

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