HAWAII RECAP!

March 20, 2018 162 Comments

If you FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM you know I and THE ITALIAN got away for a little VACAY!

We were invited to a WEDDING, so on THAT NOTE WE HAD TO GO!!!!!

For THE ITALIAN to take VACATION well that is just NOT DONE SO this was BIG NEWS for me!I of course was prepared to GO BY MYSELF if I had TOO!

I took ONLY CAFTANS to wear with one pair of WHITE LINEN PANTS.

This CALIFORNIA GAL was PUSHING the ENVELOPE for SPRING!

YOU know it ALL WORKED OUT BEAUTIFULLY!

CAFTANS are LIGHT WEIGHT and easy to PACK!I took a couple of leggings just in case it got cool in the evenings.

I also took MY JENNAFER GRACE KIMONO’s that I buy in San Diego VIA MY PHONE!!!!!!!

SO, MUCH BETTER THAN CATALOG SHOPPING!

I ASK VALERIE to send PHOTOS to MY PHONE!

I ALSO HAVE GREAT NEWS!

THE KIMONO’s are NOW available in Northern California made by hand by JENNAFER GRACE in THE USA!

She is NOW at THE LAZY K GIFT SHOP in the middle of ORCHARDS NURSERY in LAFAYETTE, CALIFORNIA.I bet if you made a call THEY TOO would send you a couple of photos of the prints they have in STOCK!

925-284-4474

ALSO, LA BELLE FIFI CALIFORNIA I believe has a few in MARIN COUNTY!

CORTE MADERA to be EXACT!

SO IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO COPY ME PLEASE GO AHEAD AND DO SO!

I would be SO FLATTERED!

I would LOVE to see MORE WOMEN DRESSED in CAFTANS and KIMONO’S prancing about running errands!

THEY ARE A GREAT PIECE OF FABRIC TO COVER UP THAT EXERCISE PANT!

WE AMERICANS STILL NEED TO EXERCISE FROM MY PEOPLE WATCHING PHOTOS BELOW!

WHAT did I do on the ISLAND of OAHU for one week?

I ate PINEAPPLE EVERY DAY.

I tried a different cocktail every day.

I snorkeled.

I sat on the BEACH for one WHOLE DAY under my UMBRELLA I had to pay GOOD MONEY FOR!

I went out on a Catamaran and saw WHALES, DOLPHINS and TURTLES.

I ate FISH MOST DAYS………….and DESSERTS!

I had THE BEST DINNER OF MY LIFE with a glass of ROSE that was BEYOND………..

I saw FIREWORKS from my dinner table.

I WALKED with THE ITALIAN after dinner every night!

I attended a WEDDING!

HERE IS A VIEWING OF WHAT I SAW FROM MY BEACH CHAIR AND UMBRELLA.

COULD BE CONSIDERED” R” RATINGS……….SOME NUDITY INVOLVED and MY BARE LEGS!

JUST ME AND MY WHITE MOZZARELLA LEGS!

MY VIEW for THE DAY!

With TWO BOO BOO’s on my Big Toes from my NEW SANDALS!

I know better than to take NEW SHOES on a TRIP!

But I did and I paid BIG TIME for IT!

DO NOT DO IT!

Cute Couple……I’m ALWAYS on THE LOOK OUT for ADVANCED STYLE!

By The way HE rang me in HAWAII(ARI SETH COHEN)……………..More on that LATER!

Let’s just say the children’s STORY BOOK comes to mind here for me!

THE EMPRESS AND HER NEW SUIT!

MY NEIGHBOR to the LEFT.

SHE was eating a BIG BAG of CHIPS before 10 AM……….

LET’s NOT EVEN GO HERE!!!!!!!

BOTTOMS UP!!!!!!!

The bathing suit is sitting on her lower back……..

LUCKY ME I was within 3 FEET of this VIEW……

The CHEEKS did not give the SUIT any VIEW TIME!

I was sitting next to this FAMILY at BREAKFAST.

A MOM a DAD and TWO young BOYS…….

I stopped listening AFTER PANCAKES, EGGS and BACON were ordered…………. just for HER.

The DAD did the BUFFET and the BOYS were TERRIFIED of a WHITE PIGEON who was coming by all tables to say CIAO!

THE MOTHER SCREAMED AT THE PIGEON!!!!!

I of coursed WELCOMED HIM to SIT WITH ME as I was dining alone that morning as THE ITALIAN went SCUBA DIVING!

How can anyone BE AFRAID of a WHITE BIRD?

NEW LOOK coming out of JAPAN!!!?

One LOOK I did SPY was GIRLS from JAPAN would DRESS ALL THE SAME!

Does anyone know the story behind that?

After seeing more than 6 groups of GIRLS we had to ASK……

LET’s CRITIQUE THE CAFTAN~KIMONO LOOK……………GO AHEAD I CAN TAKE IT!

A MAN’s YELLOW YUME WORLD CAFTAN with a JENNAFER GRACE KIMONO for warmth!

HUSH HUSH on INSTAGRAM for the BASKET…………..which I LOVE!

Velvet Shoes from VENICE, ITALY.

Headbands ALL by JENNAFER GRACE.

Kimono is vintage another instagram purchase!

Necklace is ANGELA CAPUTI.

MY FIRST PURCHASE a MU~MU…….or is it MOO~MOO………….

PENELOPE HELP ME!!!!!!!

A CAFTAN with a KIMONO over to protect me from the RAIN!

It worked PERFECTLY!

YEP……..Of COURSE I WENT IN!

Moving through The Lobby at Lightening Speed……….Gotta GET THAT COCKTAIL!

LUAU NIGHT………

The HAWAIIAN KING who united ALL the ISLANDS………..

I cannot spell HIS NAME!

GOOGLE doesn’t even Know what I am trying to SPELL!

NOT A CAFTAN but CLOSE ENOUGH!

A CROWN MADE WITH PETALS…………….

OFF THE AIRPLANE and INTO THE WATER!

CAFTAN from AUSTRALIA was BORN in BALI!

Did any of MY DOWN UNDER friends GO VISIT YET?

ANDREA NICHOLSON DESIGNS in MELBOURNE in case your NOT MY FRIEND and want to check out her inventory!!!!!!!

My ONLY JOB on this TRIP was to finish This BOOK and I DID!

Written by an ACTRESS, FIONA LEWIS from ENGLAND……….who ended up in HOLLYWOOD!!

AS A SCREEN WRITER…………

Than at MID LIFE she decided she needed a PROJECT!

She bought a crumbling House in FRANCE!

BEFORE SHE TOLD THE HUSBAND!

I wonder if THAT would WORK for ME TOO???!!!!!!!!!

Yep, The ITALIAN wears a SPEEDO!

You will never catch him in those long shorts for swimming TRUNKS!

This sign caught my eye as I had met ALDO GUCCI!

He ended up in jail for TAX evasion at the end of his LIFE!

The shop carried GORGEOUS HATS from ECUADOR hand made.

Should I have made the PURCHASE?

Is it WORTH $2400.00?

Yes, you read THAT right?

I had to have a PHOTO with a TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR HAT ON MY HEAD!

LOVED The MAN who OWNED THE SHOP!

He was from Costa Mesa, CALIFORNIA and we went to the same JUNIOR COLLEGE at THE SAME TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I MAJORED in FASHION MERCHANDISING………..CAN YOU TELL?

He was FULL of information on where to dine and short cuts to the BEACH!

THE BEST WAS The PHOTO we got with our stay!

Seems the PHOTOGRAPHER went to the same HIGH SCHOOL as my SONS!

He lived down the street from us!

He even knew THEM!

WE HAD TO DO A SELFIE and send off to THE BOYS!

SMALL WORLD.

WHICH I JUST LOVE!

THE WEDDING WAS GRAND……..

BAREFOOT as it was in the SAND.

A few GUSTS of WIND made my DRESS DANCE.

As we headed back to the POLO FIELDS for a TOAST.

Of HANNE and HER MAN!

I thought YOU may want to SEE the SHOES!

THE ALTAR

THE BRIDE AND HER LOVELY PARENTS!

The BRIDES SISTER………

Flowers on the table Tops.

HANNE & ME!

I met her MOTHER in a swimming pool when she was pregnant with her SISTER!I was pregnant with MY FIRST BORN at the TIME too!

This LOVELY BEING was BORN on MY BIRTHDAY!

I found out as we were in ITALY for the summer and called from a PAY PHONE with a long distance calling card.

YOU could hear MY SHRIEK OF DELIGHT from FLORENCE TO ROME NO DOUBT!

CONGRATULATIONS HANNE…………..and may YOU live HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

XOXO

AUNTIE

SO, Now you can feel like you were a part of my trip TOO!

It is GOOD for THE BODY and SPIRIT to DASH AWAY I HAVE TO SAY!

162 Comments

Leave your reply.

Allena Behnke
· Reply

June 11, 2018 at 8:22 PM

Steve and I love the Pink Princess and will only stay there on the island. I walked every day to the bottom of Diamond Head and back. The one time when we drove to the base of Diamond Head so we cold hike up, the line was forever. We turned back disappointed. The best deal is through AMEX, brunch is free, and you get a $100 credit for the hotel. I love the many pics of you on the beach, looks like you were having a great time. Thanks for sharing.
M K
· Reply

April 19, 2018 at 8:05 PM

Your observations are yours to have privately that is certain but publicly shaming other is in poor taste and mean. Your unwillingness or inability to see how offensive you are is sad but enlightening.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2018 at 7:45 AM
  
  Just bringing up a problem…………..observing and recording.
Penelope Bianchi
· Reply

April 6, 2018 at 10:13 PM

I keep saying “best ever” but this one IS!!!!!
Yikes!!! So glamorous!!
Lordy!! Your shoes! Brilliant packing for a trip!!!
I just gave 75% of my clothes away to a “store “ for people who lost everything here in Montecito! And there were many. Unimaginable! All one needs is a few kimonos and caftans!!! Kept those! Learning from you!!!!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  April 7, 2018 at 9:00 AM
  
  I SAW THAT on INSTAGRAM!
  BRAVA!!!!!!
  I still need a photo of YOU in the DRESS from CHATEAU BEL AGE!!!!!!!!!!I hope you kept THAT!!!!
  I wish I could clean out my closet BUT I”M NOT THERE YET!
  Now you will SEE your clothes around TOWN!!!!!!!!CAN’t wait for THOSE ENCOUNTERS!!!!!!YOU will have a story to tell about each OUTFIT!
  KIMONO’s and CAFTANS…………..seem to be coming into FASHION ONCE AGAIN!
  WE ARE SET!
  XO
Lisa the Sequinist
· Reply

March 31, 2018 at 1:31 PM

What an AMAZING post! I feel like I was there. I adore all of your outfits, but especially what you wore to the wedding. The fabric of that dress, the hat, and THOSE SHOES are all just magnificent and so very you. I’m glad you got away, and I’m glad that you had a great time, and I’m thrilled you ate pineapple every day and tried new cocktails! Maybe you should continue that now that you’re back at home!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 31, 2018 at 3:22 PM
  
  YOU BET!
  However, the pineapple does NOT TASTE THE SAME!!!!!!!
  COCKTAILS however……I am TRACKING DOWN THE INGREDIENTS!!!!!!!!!!!
  CHEERS TO YOU!
  XX
Miranda
· Reply

March 30, 2018 at 11:45 AM

I have only recently started following your blog. It’s a curious thing, a little out of the norm. I get a kick out of seeing a grown woman playing dress up. You are very quaint and funny. I have enjoyed the few posts I read.
This post started out so well. I would have loved to have seen pictures of Hawaii nature. Instead I saw pictures of strangers with your commentary of their looks and weight.
I so deeply hope that none of those people, who were your unwilling subjects, see this post. It would ruin their memories of their vacation.
I am stunned. Let’s do a what if…
What if that skimpy bottom was all that girl had to wear that day – for what ever reason -lost luggage etc. She most likely has had a baby and this is her first vacation since.
What if the very heavy lady is going through health problems – I am very sure she is aware of how she looks. She is most likely ridiculed every day of her life.
Weight is not always about eating right. There are a lot of factors that come into play.
If we, as fellow human beings, can not put ourselves in another’s shoes, then at least we can take the higher road.
I’m sure you are not intentionally unkind. But, perhaps a little unaware.
I wish you the best and hope people are always kind to you.
Sincerely,
Miranda
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 30, 2018 at 12:08 PM
  
  YOU are REACTING To the PHOTOS and NOT THE WORDS I WROTE………….THis was an OBSERVATION.
  She ordered enough for the whole FAMILY at BREAKFAST and I MIGHT ADD the HUSBAND WAS AS LARGE!!!
  THIs isNOT A MEDICAL CONDITION!!!!!!THIS IS MY OBSERVATION as I was in the same HOTEL with them for one week!
  IT’s a LIFESTYLE.
  I witness their eating habits MORE than ONE DAY.
  By the way THE LACK of MANNERS WAS another issue.BUT WHO TEACHES MANNERS ANYMORE……….. A LOST ART.
  They obviously have money and enjoy EATING.
  Nothing wrong with EATING!
  It is one of LIFE’s GREATEST PLEASURES.
  I DO PLAY DRESS UP!
  Sure beats running around TOWN looking like I just got off the BED!
  WHY are we in SUCH DENIAL ABOUT THE AMERICAN WEIGHT PROBLEM?
cindy hattersley
· Reply

March 29, 2018 at 4:55 AM

Well my favorite photo of you is the first day right off the plane in the ocean…pure, simple gorgeousness! Sounds like you had a fabulous time
Catherine
· Reply

March 26, 2018 at 7:33 PM

Personally I’m a believer in wearing whatever suits your body type. Wish I could wear a caftan, but at 5’4”, 115 lbs and a double D bust it’s a horrible look on me. You’re so fortunate that you’re tall and can pull it off. The only thing that makes me a bit sad is some of these pictures remind me of my mom. She tries so hard, eats right and swims. But due to bladder cancer and the bag she wears she can’t keep a regular schedule. I encourage her to wear a bathing suit regardless as I want her to be proud of who she is and not worry about what others think. I know you mean well, but just thought I’d share another viewpoint.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 26, 2018 at 8:23 PM
  
  RIGHT………..
  Lets just say I did not SHARE ALL I KNEW or SAW and CANCER was NOT A FACTOR in these photos……
  I Hope your MOTHER can BEAT it and ENJOY her LIFE to the FULLEST!
  A LOT of ASSUMPTIONS were made here.
  Somehow,people seem to assume the worst.
  REMEMBER, these people were my neighbors……….I SAY HELLO and engage in conversation!
  UNLIKE MOST PEOPLE!!!!!
  XX
home before dark
· Reply

March 25, 2018 at 6:47 PM

I have read every comment and decided not to join this $hit storm. Then last night watched the survivors of the viscious slaying of children in Florida rise up and scream “Enough is enough.” These children witnessed the death of their friends in a way most of us never will.

These brave, brilliant, children rose up to a higher cause than themselves. You as a person old enough, we had hoped wise enough, to say we can do better, chose to pick people on a beach photographed without their permission, humiliated, scorned, mocked, ridiculed. Does that make you important? I don’t think so. You might want to become versed in California law when innocent people get their pictures takes, posted on the internet with vile narrative. You deserve to be sued. I hope it happens.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 26, 2018 at 7:23 AM
  
  SORRY, I have offended YOU!
  What those KIDS ARE DOING IS FANTASTIC!
  I APLAUD THEM!
  VILE NARRATIVE?I observed what these people ate………………THAT’S IT!
  I mentioned WE as a NATION have a problem with OVERWEIGHT!
  AS WE have a problem with selling GUNS to anyBODY who walks through that shops door!
  Not to mention THE PROBLEM sitting in the White House!
  DO you have a problem with the ASS Hanging OUT?
  Do you have a problem with the older couple taking a walk on THE BEACH?
  Unfortunately, we all CAN FIND A PROBLEM WITH SOMETHING THESE DAYS and the answer to that is to SUE.
  HOW SAD IS THAT?
  No other country does that ……DO THEY?
  IT was an Observation……..that’s it!
  NO HARM MEANT.
Karen Persson
· Reply

March 24, 2018 at 1:46 PM

Wow, I love this post! The lovely colors of the caftans and other everything, in fact! Cool that you dared to photograph people on the beach….. boy oh boy…… Love your humor in your writing!

I’ve been thinking of popping over to Hawaii during my 3 week trip to CA in May…. I do have to see you, of course. I have the watercolor I made of you!

xoxoxo
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 24, 2018 at 1:52 PM
  
  I WILL BE WAITING WITH OPEN ARMS AND A BIG HUG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  EVERYONE says KAUI is the island to visit for THE BEAUTY and CHICKENS!!!!!!
  I can NOT WAIT TO SEE YOU IN PERSON and of course the WATERCOLOR you made of ME!!!!!!!!!DINNER or LUNCH YOU PICK!!!!!!!
  XX
- Karen Persson
  · Reply
  
  March 25, 2018 at 4:36 AM
  
  Sweet! I can’t wait to meet you, too! I love your personality! So full of life and vibrant…. and fun!
  
  I’ve heard about Kaui. I’ve only been to Maui for my niece’s wedding and I loved it! I was there for a week.
  
  We’ll keep in contact about meeting up. Dinner or lunch… We’ll figure it out! xoxoxo
Jan sher-tuckerman
· Reply

March 24, 2018 at 1:43 PM

Dearest Elizabeth, to all who know you personally, we’ve got your back. You say what you feel and photograph what you see. If people have a problem with it, they can certainly turn the “page” Love you more, jan
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 24, 2018 at 1:46 PM
  
  YOU ARE MY FAIRY GODMOTHER…………..
  XX
- Hanne Gunhild Spilling Johanssen
  · Reply
  
  April 20, 2018 at 1:46 PM
  
  I read this blog for the first time today,and i was saddened that someone calling herself a Contessa post pictures of strangers , actually bodyshaming them! Did she have their consent? Your character is reflected in the way you you regard other people. I recommend reading Pride and Predudice by Jane Austen.
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    April 21, 2018 at 9:10 AM
    
    WHAT IS BODY SHAMING?I had NEVER HEARD THAT Before this POST!
    I was observing and sharing………….MY THOUGHTS and what I SAW!
    HECK, MY BODY IS NOT PERFECT EITHER!
    It is interesting to stand in line at the grocery store and watch what people BUY!THAT TELLS A TALE RIGHT THERE…………..
    It is an OBSERVATION thats it.
    PUBLIC BEACH, OCEAN beautiful views!!!
    JUST SHARING!!!!
    MOVE ON……….
Michelle
· Reply

March 24, 2018 at 11:32 AM

Looks like a wonderful holiday. I got a kick out of your commentary about your beach neighbours, and I love the kaftan you’re wearing in the 1st photo (perhaps same as in the last pic too). I’m sorry to ask but I was confused about the different kaftan sources — where is that one from? What does your husband think about your kaftan outfits? I think they’re pretty and you wear them well. Beautiful bride – she looks SO happy. Your husband looks perfectly cute in his speedo — glad to see that my husband isn’t the only hottie who wears a speedo (at age 61) — guess it’s a European thing, and I think he looks great in it 😉
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 24, 2018 at 1:44 PM
  
  SORRY,if that was confusing BUT YOU ARE IN LUCK as it is in THE J PETERMAN COMPANY CATALOG right NOW!They are on INSTAGRAM and have a website too……..The website is called HOW TO SPEND IT.
  I do not recall the exact cost but under $100.00.
  I think you are in AUSTRALIA?
  If they will NOT send to YOU I can have you send it to me and I WILL SEND TO YOU!
  My email:iolacontessa@gmail.com
  MY HUSBAND Likes the CAFTANS/KAFTANS/MUU MUU’S………………
  I’m LUCKY in that way………….and SO ARE YOU WITH AN ITALIANO!Where is your husband from?Mine was born down by NAPLES but raised in ROME!
  XX
- Michelle
  · Reply
  
  March 27, 2018 at 5:23 AM
  
  Thank you so much for the J. Peterman website (How to Spend It is a Financial Times supplement) — I found it — and thank you also for offering to send it to me if they didn’t ship to me. I’m in Italy, not Australia (…and it’s my German husband who has always worn a speedo!!). I have a regular chain of visitors all year coming from Chicago so I’ll ask someone to bring the Kaftan.
  - LA CONTESSA
    · Reply
    
    March 27, 2018 at 7:38 AM
    
    I KNEW THAT!
    SORRY………….BUT KNOW THAT I CAN DO IT IN THE FUTURE!
    I HOPE YOU LIKE IT!
    I will need a photo TOO!!!!!!
    XX
elizabeth@pineconesandacorns
· Reply

March 24, 2018 at 7:59 AM

I love seeing your gorgeous caftans and the shoes from your trip. You look fabulous as always and it is wonderful to see your style. I am in love with the shoes from South Africa! Each of their shoes is a work of art.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 24, 2018 at 9:26 AM
  
  I AGREE!
  FEEL SO LUCKY TO OWN A FEW!!!!!!
  CARROT or BANANA what will it BE!?!!
  XX
Antonia
· Reply

March 24, 2018 at 6:34 AM

SPEECHLESS! xxx
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 24, 2018 at 9:25 AM
  
  BACI!
  XX
Ros Short
· Reply

March 23, 2018 at 10:31 PM

Enjoyed your adventures in Hawaii dear Contessa.You look so healthy & fabulous in your assorted kaftans .Have u discovered our little Sydney gal Camilla? Really taken off here & overseas Even my 14 yr old granddaughter desires one ,settled for a Camilla jumpsuit . Glad you managed to escape with your Italian & enjoyed that holiday experience .Love to you Ros
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 24, 2018 at 9:24 AM
  
  OH YES!!!!!!
  I get their emails!!!!!!!!!!
  VERY PRICEY HERE!!!!!!!!
  ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!
  XX
ellie's friend from Canada
· Reply

March 23, 2018 at 5:11 PM

loved the post. As an overweight person, I would never dream of wearing thong bathing suits. etc etc
have been in hospital and unbelievably gained weight…
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 24, 2018 at 9:23 AM
  
  I will check in with YOU SOON!I wondered if something had happened!!!!!!
  TAKE CARE!
  HOPE YOU ARE IN RECOVERY MODE!
  XX
Canadian
· Reply

March 23, 2018 at 4:44 PM

Frankly I was shocked and disappointed with this post. While it may not be unlawful, taking photos and making mean-spirited comments about strangers is highly inappropriate.

Who are any of us to be publicly judging others?

I have never seen a woman wearing a caftan and would have been very puzzled had I observed you. Is it Middle Eastern?
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 24, 2018 at 9:22 AM
  
  NO DARLINKA VERY HAWAIIAN!!!!!
  VERY 1960’s TOO!!!!!!
- Gayle
  · Reply
  
  March 24, 2018 at 9:39 AM
  
  Also, very French, Caribbean, all up scale resorts..what rock do people live under?
Jacqueline
· Reply

March 23, 2018 at 9:37 AM

You look fabulous Elizabeth as does The Italian ….. can’t say the same for some of your companions on the beach !!!! XXXX
AuntyBelle
· Reply

March 23, 2018 at 5:40 AM

Dear Hanne is fortunate to have you! If we were having a wedding I’d invite you Elizabeth— to insure joie de vivre and whimsy among the guests. My favorite part? Shoes and. Hats!!!!!!!!
Barbara Chapman
· Reply

March 22, 2018 at 9:15 PM

A beautiful wedding and what a great trip! It’s muu muu, by the way. ?? The Royal Hawaiian looks just as lovely as it did when we lived on Oahu when I was a girl. Thank you for sharing your vacation with us!!!

Hugs,
Barb
DavidP
· Reply

March 22, 2018 at 5:37 PM

I’m amazed by how many people here have twisted and manipulated Elizabeth’s posting to suggest that she is mean-spirited. Quite the contrary. The FACT is that almost anywhere in this country a person can take a random picture at a random venue and see a preponderance of obese people. It’s not like she went out of her way to focus on scantily-clad, over-weight, unhealthy people on the beach. While some responders may have their feelings hurt because they live in a utopian vacuum where they conjure plausible excuses for their unhealthy lifestyle, I posit that their feelings are hurt and they feel compelled to shame Elizabeth because in fact they themselves are overweight and are overly-sensitive as a result. Shaming others who simply share an observation is judgmental, something Elizabeth is not. Get over it. If you’re obese and unhealthy, that’s your choice. Don’t expect everyone else to feel sorry for you. Unless caused by a difficultly-managed medical condition, obesity is a result of bad nutrition and laziness! The time for making excuses for obese people in this country is long over. People who don’t live a healthy lifestyle by eating copious amounts of unhealthy food, and refusing to exercise and care for their body don’t get my compassion, but also don’t get my judgement. So take a deep breath, relax, and get off Elizabeth’s back and grow up!
Loree
· Reply

March 22, 2018 at 1:32 PM

Oh my, w hat a lot of fun you had. Hawaii is a gorgeous place – maybe one day I will visit. The whole outfit you wore for the wedding is my favourite ever. It looks great on you and the hat is pretty sweet too.
I’ve had a very bad cold these past 2 days and have been rather grumpy because I spent two consecutive sleepless nights. I am finally able to breathe this evening so I thought I would stop by and say hello.
That last photo of you and the Italian is a keeper.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 22, 2018 at 6:38 PM
  
  IT IS………..and I am NOT GETTING YOUR NEW BLOG!!!!!!!
  Will you do me a favor and send me the link to the latest POST!
  I cannot recall YOUR NEW NAME!!!!!
  BIG HUG TO YOU!
  XX
Mary
· Reply

March 22, 2018 at 12:50 PM

Let’s sum you up in three words: gioia della vita.
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 22, 2018 at 1:24 PM
  
  I TRY!!!!!!
  XX
Robin in Umbria
· Reply

March 22, 2018 at 12:39 PM

You are positively glowing in these photos. Looks like you and GP had a wonderful time! What a lovely wedding, and gorgeous family. Thanks for sharing, such a treat. XXo
Julie Russell
· Reply

March 22, 2018 at 10:35 AM

Dearest Contessa . . . how did it take me two days to get to THIS post! Oh my, what to add to the discussion other than I believe you demonstrated a large (pun intended) American market for caftans and kimonos. I’d love to have been seated on the lounge chair next to you taking it all in.

Back to caftans and kimonos. While you always look spectacular, and Hawaii was no exception, I’m barely 5’5″ (5’ 4+3/4” to be exact, although I may be shrinking) and feel the caftan look is tough to pull off. Thoughts?

I’ve already mentioned I’m a fan of that blue hostess gown on you – the COLOR!

Cheers!
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 22, 2018 at 1:21 PM
  
  YES!
  I think YOU can DO IT and it will be MARVELOUS!!!!!!!!
  STUNNING!
  IN MY OPINION……..and I say that in CAPS!! YOU need to wear flat sandals or Flat espadrilles with the Long flowing Caftan or STARDUST DRESS which you mention above!
  AND YOU MUST CARRY A BASKET BAG!!!!!!!
  I think YOU will surprise yourself…………XX
Pam Zwieg, Chicago
· Reply

March 22, 2018 at 9:37 AM

Good Morning Contessa, I enjoy, like Julie, coming to your blog to see your colorful fun posts. I must say as i scrolled through the photos I felt they were “mean” spirited in nature and I felt sad to see them on your usually positive and uplifting blog.
None of us have any idea about these people’s lives and their struggles….they are entitled to dress and enjoy these places as much as anyone. It surprised me that you shared in this way. I know you want to hear from your readers so that is why I am writing.
I would have enjoyed seeing the natural beauty of Hawaii…
Rosemarie
· Reply

March 22, 2018 at 9:30 AM

Good morning CONTESSA

I just have to comment one more time. Your recent post has opened up LOTS of discussion.

What I APPRECIATED is that you have made us more aware of the state we are in or may be heading to if we do NOT eat a healthier diet. We have the opportunity to EXERCISE and eat healthier but we let it slide. Not good.

It is always interesting as to what we wear. I being Canadian used to wonder when I went to the states years ago why women were not dressed better since they had so many choices in the department stores compared to Canada. We used to always go to the states to buy clothes. There are also so many American produced fashion magazines to give tips on dressing etc.

Oh yes the bigwig for lulu lemon caused quite a controversy here a year or 2 ago when he commented on who should/should not wear his yoga pants. He was right.
Jean Wethmar
· Reply

March 21, 2018 at 9:30 PM

Oh my Elizabeth.. your shoes are just stunning.. lovely navy dress you wore to the wedding.. thank you v much for sharing your trip to the beautiful Hawaii.. ‘alo ha.. xx hugs from Sydney Au
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 22, 2018 at 7:17 AM
  
  CHECK MATE!!!
  XX
Christine G
· Reply

March 21, 2018 at 9:07 PM

Regarding the Japanese girls, it’s called osoroi code. It’s kawaii (cute)!

http://wowsabi.co/they-love-wearing-the-same-outfits-japans-osoroi-code/
- LA CONTESSA
  · Reply
  
  March 22, 2018 at 7:16 AM
  
  THANK YOU!
  This is EXACTLY WHAT WE SAW!