Where CINDY HATTERSLEY and I will interview another BLOGGER or INSTAGRAMMER to share with YOU our READERS the epitome of AGELESS STYLE.
This is OUR SECOND attempt of bringing YOU WOMEN WITH STYLE AND CLASS. Hope YOU ENJOY!
MY SUBJECT this MONTH is SANDRA SALLIN my DEAR, DEAR FRIEND who FOUND me through MY BLOG!!!Below are questions that CINDY came up with………..SO doNOT MISS CINDY’s INTERVIEW with her PICK of The MONTH!I understand SHE HAS A SMILE AS BIG AS ALL OUTDOORS!!!!
AFTER YOU READ MY POST AND COMMENT……………………do I sound a bit BOSSY?
I do not mean to BE I just want YOU to ENJOY the WHOLE EXPERIENCE the entire JOURNEY!
Because you may LEARN something from these LADIES.
HERE WE GO.
How Would You Describe Your Style?
Artistic and bosomy. I’m always looking for clothes that will fit. That’s why I collect lipstick and bracelets. They always fit.
What Inspires your signature style?
Unique, stylish but not over the top.
What accessory Can You Not Do Without?
Bracelets, scarves and earrings. They always fit perfectly. I love adding visual excitement. People remember me because of my bracelets.
Favorite Color
Lime green or maybe lavender, but then again…… I love charcoal with my silver hair.
Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?
I love this look: black and white Comfy-USA Tokyo shirt…love wearing tights with long tunics.
… also boyfriend jeans with loafers, t-shirt, scarf and bracelets
What are your style strengths?
My accessories.
Because I’m an artist,
I can appreciate style when I SEE IT!
I adore collecting the Italian jewelry designer ANGELA CAPUTI. Those are a few of her pieces below.
The cobbler who fixes my shoes told me I was his favorite customer because my shoes were always exciting colors.
I have to guard this purse when I wear it.
Everyone wants it!
Don’t you?
The story behind it?
I bought it in Sun Valley, Idaho many years ago.
Made in Paris.
Does that surprise you?
I spied this rubber purse in a boutique on a side street in Palo Alto.
Don’t remember the name of the shop but I took one look and I had to have it.
It’s totally impracticable but I love this rubber SEAANEMONE.
Do you have a style icon? Elizabeth, THE VINTAGE CONTESSA. Elizabeth has made a huge impression on me. Her heart is huge, loving and giving. Her taste and style know no bounds. She has an impeccable eye. We met online, and then made a date to meet in person we immediately became best buddies. She has given me the style GUTS just waiting to be let out.
Don’t we look like twins? Well, at least related.
What are your beauty essentials that you couldn’t do without
I was recently asked to be a model for a makeover for the Makeover Workshop site. https://www.makeoverworkshop.com/ I found my Holy Grail of foundation. He has a primer that let’s your skin show through while it evens out the color. I’ve tried EVERY high to low end foundation and hated them all. Too much coverage. My face would look like a mask or too shiny or too yellow or just too much like makeup. Well, this primer simply works. I do use bronzer and blush with it but for a light base that lets your skin show through this is it for me. https://www.makeoverworkshop.com/primer/
I also adore Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration ( quite the name) I discovered this product when Salli Hughes raved about it in her column in The Guardian.. It seems to moisturize and keep your face moist for hours. Love it and I love the price. $36 at my CVS and you can also find specials on line at their website. Also Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Infusion. Again it was a YouTuber I admire MakeupMLC who raved about it. She was right. They hold moisture in my skin. I also love Clinique’s Take the Day Off cleanser balm as a first cleanser. Haven’t found the perfect second skin cleanser. If you’ve got a suggestion I’m game. I also don’t think you have to pay a fortune for face products. Really your lines will not go away but maybe they will be softer. But hundreds of dollars? If you can afford it and love it, go for it. I just can’t.
I must tell you a funny story about buying face products. I walked into Barney’s San Francisco with The Vintage Contessa. We were looking for Linda Rodin’s new lipsticks. A sales associate grabbed me and told me how dry my eyes looked. So many lines around my eyes. She started putting creams around my eyes going on and on about my lines. I then told her I was 76 and what did she expect. She was speechless and very discreetly stopped applying the cream made with waters from a magical stream in Lithuania.
THEN STARTED IN ON THE LIPS!!!!!!!
Do you have repeat offenders in your closet if so what are they?
Too much black, black, black. I love finding clothing in anything but black. Lime is my favorite color to wear. That doesn’t mean it looks the best on me, but I love the edginess of it. The Vintage Contessa has introduced me to the Bryn Walker clothing line. The designer has so many patterns and colors it’s a joy for me.
What advice do you have for women over 50, or over 40?
Exercise, wear SPF and forget about your age. It’s a privilege to age. Never forget it. One day you will look at your photos of when you were 50 and think “ My goodness I was so youthful then. What was I thinking?”
Clothing? You must know to simply wear what looks good on you. I’m not going tell you what to wear. I remember commenting on a blog that at 75 I didn’t think I could wear boyfriend jeans. I was told in no uncertain terms that “ Yes, Yes, Yes,” I could wear them and I’ve never stopped.
Do you have any style rules that you live by?
I don’t like to look too suggestive: nothing too tight, too low, or too high. Chanel once said to look in the mirror and take one thing off before you leave the house. Of course, there are exceptions. If you’re going to an Advanced Style book signing, pile it on. If you’re going to a funeral, don’t even think about it. Rules? I have mixed feelings. If it fits and looks good I’ll consider it. I guess I have a whim of iron.
What are your favorite online go to sources?
Artful Home, Fawbushes, Nordstorms, ebay and of course Amazon
Do you have a particular designer that you are drawn to?
Dries van Noton has an incredible eye for pattern and contemporary style. Love, love his stuff.
And the real me
Now, it is I your CONTESSA speaking…….
SHOPPING AWAY at BLOOMINGDALES with SANDRA her
PHONE IN HAND READY for a photo OP!
Can you spy those eyeglasses?
BUT
The BEST ACCESSORY of The Day for me was the SALES ASSOCIATE coming up to me as she knew WE were Together to tell me that my FRIEND had a CURLER in her HAIR
should she tell HER?!!!!
YES, I said, “But First Let me Snap a Photo!”
SANDRA SALLIN
AT
76.
HAS MORE ENERGY for LIFE than I do!
Please follow HER BLOG
A CLICK AWAY
at
http://www.apartfrommyart.com
ONE MUST CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO READ THE BLOG POSTS.
SO, if you see CAROL BURNETT she is talking about her FRIEND CAROL!
Lipsticks………well lets just say she COLLECTS THEM!
If you see STEVE JOBS……………she MET HIM!
I hope this HELPS with the navigation of HER BEAUTIFUL SITE.
REMEMBER SHE IS A LIVING ARTIST.
SHE HAS LIVED AN AMAZING LIFE AND IS VERY KIND TO SHARE IT WITH ALL OF US!
I am THRILLED to CALL HER MY FRIEND!
PLEASE
DO FOLLOW SANDRA SALLIN
http://www.apartfrommyart.com
AS HER BLOG POSTS
SPARKLE!!!!!
One can NEVER have TOO Much SPARKLE in their LIFE!
What a wonderful post! I’ve been a long time fan of Sandy’s blog and IG. She shares so much with such honesty. Her writing really touches me to my soul. And you are such a force of Nature. I adore how you have swept up and sung the Sandy praises. You both make me laugh with joy. I love that you are girlfriends and I will be right with you, looking for the perfect lipstick.
GOOD TO KNOW!
RODIN for me………and MAC in the LONG GREY TUBE…………..not the short FAT black normal tubes.IS MY PREFERRED at the moment!!!!
I need to find out what is SANDRA’s FAVORITE!!!
XX
Hi there Elizabeth. I loved this write-up about Sandra. She is certainly full of life and I love her advice. I spend time agonising whether I should wear this or that because I may be too old for certain looks and it makes me feel so unhappy and frustrated. Wearing what looks good on you should be the only rule for women. We need to have fun with what we wear. Life is too short to be serious all the time.
BE HAPPY………..YOU know if you are TOO OLD.I think you are still TOO YOUNG for that to happen.It creeps up in the late 40’s or did for me…………..you STOP going into stores that you realize you cannot wear their clothing anymore or your BODY has changed!Your internal SENSE will tell YOU what is RIGHT…………….JUST LOOK STUNNING!BE THAT GIRL ON THE ISLAND everyONE IS COMPLIMENTING!!!!!!!
XX
Thank you for reading the post I wrote about my mother. I’m very proud of that and my mother. She was a one of a kind! Years later people still comment to me how they miss her.
Thank you for your love. You really “understood my mother!
After reading your interview I flew to HER BLOG and I just can say: “Sandra Sallin, you are GREAT!!!”.
I love your paintings, your sense of humour, your optimism, your STYLE, but most of all I LOVED the piece you wrote about Your Mother escaping Russia.
Let me tell you I admire Your Mother and I think You have inheritated Her INNER STRENGTH.
“I refuse to watch that wedding! I will have nothing to do with that family”, She said.
I can imagine Her: She had DIGNITY. She was a HONORABLE LADY.
I LOVE YOU, Sandra Sallin.
I LOVE YOU, Contessa.
Lola.
P.S. To be… BOSSY or not to be… BOSSY??? -here is my Shakespearian side 😉 -. Who cares?
I have never met you, Dear Contessa, but I got to know you a bit thanks to your blog and I say: “NEEEVEEEEER CHAAAANGE, GUAAAAPAAA!!!”.
Thank you all. Thank you my dear Contessa. What a fun ride this has been. I adore these comments. Must put them on a t-shirt or on my mirror to remind me of all of your thoughtfulness, and to remind myself to take the curlers out of my hair!
Have to agree with all the above comments, Sandra sounds like a genuine, caring and loveable friend. I started following Sandra on Insta because of you dear Contessa. You have such a way of attracting the best kind of people, witty, artistic and downright nice. Love this post.
I FOUND YOU ON INSTA………or DID YOU FIND ME????
ANYWAY……..I LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING THERE!
LITTLE HOW TO ‘S ABOUT and KEEPING of precious THINGS!
BRAVA BRAVA!!!!!!!
I must get some of that ACID tissue PAPER…………..XO
The pictures of the two of you together, Sandra’s style responses, how gracefully and beautifully you are both handling maturity, encourage me in delightful ways!! Thank you!!
Great share, Contessa! Love Sandra’s blog. These photos are gorgeous and I just love her style advice. Too funny about the hair curler! Yes, you two look like sisters—sisters in mischief, that is.
Yes, the two of us can be naughty together. You spotted it. We have such fun. I now comb my fingers through my hair to make sure there are no rollers till there. Hysterical when Contessa pointed it out. We were doubled over with laughter.
This post was so Delightful and an ABSOLUTE SCREAM!!!!! Sandra’s sense of style is wonderful and her sense of humor is fabulous. I especially love the dim-witted Sales Associate with the eye cream story. But the CORKER was the curler in the hair…GAHHHHHH!!!!!!! Love to both you LADIES and Cheers to your adventures!
Hello Elizabeth,
Great tips and a great philosophy of Sandra’s.
It was lovely to see her pussycat bag again.
Funny what you remember from previous posts.
Lots of fun and lots of energy in these snaps.
Ciao Bella
Neat xx
Virginia Woolf wrote, ” I don’t believe in ageing…I believe in forever altering one’s aspect to the sun. Hence my optimism.” It is clear that you and Sandra embody, personify, LIVE this… hence the inspiration and the optimism so generously sprinkled, like glittery fairy dust, in your writing and photos…
I am imagining this new venture as the YELLOW BRICK ROAD… with you leading the way (not a stretch, at all, to imagine YOU wearing HER ruby slippers, but the gingham print dress would definitely be changed out)… and a merry band of readers following along… as flowers of inspiration, gems of information, and bubbles of laughter are gently strewn on the golden path…
LOVE this new adventure and can’t wait for the next installment : ) xo
Sandra has such great style; her personality is so radiant. The two of you together, just wow. You both inspire me to up my fashion game!! Your posts make my day.
xoxo Robin
Will be at Esselunga in a few days, and will be thinking of YOU and looking at bowls…
I love to style like you and sandy…it’s in my blood since my mother dragged me around Beverly Hills, Saks, I Magins and I took lessons watching her prepare for her day with the ‘girls’ …. I appreciate your joie de vivre! Thanks…
Sandra has always been a beauty. From her early days on TV commercials to now, her style remains classy and fits her time-line. I LOVE the idea of using “what fits” i.e., lipstick and bracelets! YES! I love that she has outlined that what works for you, USE IT. Lipstick? OH YEAH….for me, it’s red lips and gentle eyes. If I wear too much eye makeup and bold lips, I look too old (a French trick and a favorite of our dear Vicki Archer) and also, a colleague of mine gave me a great compliment one day: “You wear your body.” When I was younger, if someone made a comment about my large hips on my tiny body frame, I’d get offended. But now, to look at myself from another perspective such as “I wear my body”, I am not offended but flattered. I have found what does NOT work on me, I finally found what does. I avoid pencil skirts (though I love them), but I wear A-shaped skirts. I highlight my good parts and try to elegantly cover or rather NOT highlight my hip area. But all in all, happiness is the key to beauty and both of you sure have a lot of that!
LOVE IT!
“YOU WEAR YOUR BODY!”
I would never have thought you have BIG HIPS……………..SHOW ME!!!
I too do light brown on the eyes and RED LIPS………….my eyes are small so less is better I think!
YOU ARE A JOY and YOUR INPUT Is ALWAYS FUN TO READ!!!!
XX
I can’t tell you how hard I laughed when the curler was discovered. I kept on thinking of that New Yorker cartoon of an old woman with curlers and scarf in her hair, cigarette in her mouth and bathrobe. Yep, that’s me. ( not really, I don’t smoke)
last week i was sitting next to a woman on the plane…I had to say ‘you’re skin is beautiful’…what do you use? ‘Vichy’ she replied…sandy got me to use serum so now I’m addicted to ‘rodan and fields’ but I’m now interested trying ‘Vichy’ perhaps the whole line if my skin would look like this woman who is 25 years younger than me…but worth the try! sandy looks fabulous!
YOU MUST be a GOOD FRIEND and I Thank you for your comment here……………
Let’s all MARCH TO CVS and look at THE VICHY LINE more in depth!!
IT’s RARE that one notices skin of another………isn’t it?I need to start paying MORE attention to that.
SANDRA LOOKS FANTASTIC!!!
XX
Sandy you are such a delight! Loved having you as a model in the makeup video! Your style rocks…I’m calling it: Artsy-geo-femme!!! A new creation. XO Brian
ps glad you’re loving the Tinted Primer…it rocks!
How did YOU DO in the LIPSTICK department with HER?!!!!!
She is HARD to convince out of her comfort zone!!!!!
I know she had a GREAT time……….and THANK YOU for stepping away from YOUR COLORS To visit HERE!
XX
Yes, I went to his feeling I needed a red lipstick to take the eye aways from the bandages on my face. Found a great red, Rue Rivoli. I also bought a lip gloss to go with it. Brian also picked out a bright pink, perfect for summer, Spring Fling along with a pencil and gloss. I also bought his lip treatment which is fabulous. Enjoying All!
I am THRILLED TO have FOUND YOU!!!
We will continue OUR discussion……………at a later date as the DINNER hour has arrived here and THE ITALIAN is about to ENTER LA CASA!SANDRA, is a CLASS ACT and I am SO HAPPY her CHEST and ARTISTIC STREAK caught YOUR FANCY!!!!!!!!!
What a SMALL WORLD!!!!!!
I know I keep saying THAT but it gives me GOOSE BUMPS!!!!!
XX
Such an uplifting post! I’m subscribing to both you and Sandra’s blogs. I ‘know’ Sandra through instagram.
Love the curler in the hair-an ability to laugh at life and have fun.
Such joy for life in both of you. Inspiring. Lucy
That curler and the sense of humor! This is what money cannot buy and time cannot steal. Thank you for capturing not just a beautiful woman’s style, but her undeniable radiant joy. Beautiful and who I aspire to be! xox
I can’t tell you how hard I laughed when the curler was discovered. I kept on thinking of that New Yorker cartoon of an old woman with curlers and scarf in her hair, cigarette in her mouth and bathrobe. Yep, that’s me. ( not really, I don’t smoke)
I always look forward to your beautifully inspired blog. You are one beautiful individual inside and out.
By the way, I checked out a consignment shop in Pleasant Hill called DejaVu Consignment on Contra Costa Blvd. same location as Melo’s pizza. She has some unique purses if interested. I bought a Chanel and my friend bought the Cartier purse.
Hope you are doing well. Thank you for your fabulous blog and beautiful pictures. Love all the accessories.
It was a PRICELESS MOMENT!
I couldn’t believe she had made it as far as she had through the parking garage, all the way through BLOOMINGDALES to ME without being SPOTTED!
I was meant to SNAP THAT PHOTO!
XX
Vivacious! A real bon vivant. Those long shirts are my favorites. The huge cuffs on one made my heart flutter. I love her hair, too. Now I’m inspired to get some wild-colored shoes.
More like this!!!!!!
Re face cleanser: I use eau micellaire. Have switched around but settled on Avène, suggested by my doctor. Not expensive.
For those who are not aware this GAL Lives in FRANCE!
I adore THAT word BON VIVANT………..I AGREE!!!!!!!!!
She found HER LOOK in those long shirts!!!!!!
THANK YOU for ALWAYS COMMENTING!!!
XX
How Fabulous !!!! She is one of my idols !! I am running out to get some of theVichy product asap!!
Sandy looks better and better every year!!!! congratulations on this post about her!! LOVE !
Sandra is amazing – she looks absolutely wonderful, happy, vivacious, fun loving and kind; she speaks so beautifully about you – I can see why you two are such great friends. I’m addicted to bangles too; her collection is fabulous. I love the picture of her with her newly acquired rubber bag – beyond stylish and chic.
Love to you both xx
THANK YOU CATHERINE.
I saw the bangles in person!I think now WE all have an ANGELA CAPUTI in our COLLECTIONS!
The rubber bag was found in the DEPTHS of her closet when she broke her wrist for the SECOND TIME!Sandra was needing a bag to sling over her shoulder when ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE FOUND THIS LITTLE CREATURE!!!!!!
I TOLD HER THAT’s PERFECT you do not need to go out and BUY another!!!!!!
XX
I LOVE her approach to living and style! She sounds like such a fun friend to have. Planning on checking out her blog. Thank you for introducing her to us! It’s true 76 never looked so good!
Well, the first thing that I am going to do is go out and buy me some boyfriend jeans and some of that Vichy stuff! 76 never looked so good. You two ladies look like you can get into some serious trouble together!! Another fantabulous post, dear Contessa!!
OKAY< If YOU BUY SOME I will BUY SOME......................than lets compare!
I seldom wear jeans and only own ONE PAIR!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU ROCK STAR BLOGGER..........I have missed a few of your POSTS but know I will play catch UP I HOPE........dealing with MY MOTHER ETC............XX
PS.Let The MISTER BUY A BOAT!!!!!!!!
Thank you for introducing us to Sandra! She is a very talented lady and so inspiring. I am really eyeing that Sea Anemone prickly black bag…love it AND the bright, beautiful bangles! I do feel terribly sorry for your next, unfortunate victim…a tough act to follow!
SOMEHOW,I think the NEXT VICTIM will BE A STUNNER in her own RIGHT!
I only pick THE BEST of THE BEST and WE have just gotten STARTED HERE!!!!!!!!
A fun series don’t you THINK?
I was SO EXCITED to POST THIS AM I had my husband wake me up early!!!!!!!!!!!!!
XX
Oh I LOVE how confident and grounded Sandra is and at 76! my goodness she’s a Sassy Classy gal…what a fabulous post. You are most fortunate to know her and the two of you must have such fun together!
Omgoodness I am new to your blog and will soon be new to Sandra’s blog. To say I enjoyed this post is an absolute understatement. The love of life from both of you, just jumps off the page!! Besides being two very stylish ladies you both seem to have a love of life and that is half the battle, the other half is to know thine self and you both know yourselves in such a beautiful way. Thank you for sharing you style attitudes with us out here in blog land!! Being a 67 year old women I find your way of thinking and putting it to action refreshing and inspiring!!
Kathysue
HAPPY TO HAVE YOU HERE and THANKS for the WONDERFUL COMMENT!Less than 1 % comments and that can be frustrating some times………….let me know if you cannot find the SUBSCRIBE BOX on either post!I can GUIDE YOU………..maybe!!!!
DO READ SANDRA or SANDY’s BLOG……..she has A LOT of STORIES over there!Here on THE VINTAGE CONTESSA it’s ALL ABOUT ME can be a bit TOO MUCH!!!!!!!
Fabulous and funny. And confident. And more funny! My favorite traits in a woman…in everyone. But Sandra just exudes a joie de vivre that’s wonderful, and hopefully, catching!
Loved this, Elizabeth!
THANK YOU………..coming from you a writer THAT MAKES ME FEEL GREAT!
XX
PS.THAT MAN ON IG WITH YOU IS A DOLL………GO WRITE ON THE BOAT IN FLORIDA half the year!!!!!!!!
What a fun and interesting post! I would love to meet Sandra in person – she has so much style and confidence. Her glowing personality jumps off the page!
Thank you. I’m so humbled and proud of all these comments. I think I need to print them up on a T-shirt so I can see them every day. Thanks for giving me a chance Contessa.
She does question herself……….BUT SHE HAS TONS OF STYLE than again she grew up in LA LA LAND which means HOLLYWOOD if you haven’t seen THAT film!Just ADD one thing…………colorful THING if you LACK the ability to walk out the door like she does…….a scarf, a bracelet, a hat……………..IT’s A START!
GRAZIE,TANTI GRAZIE……..XX
Wow! Thank you. How delightful to be featured in such a fun and beautiful way. I love it. Thank you for all the kind words. I can’t belive you still had that photo of me with my curlers still in my hair. REALLY! That is hysterical, but then again that is me. Big smile on my face. Love it, love it love it. Thank you again. Honored to be on your pages.
OF COURSE, I DO!
I rarely DUMP any PHOTOS………..BOB would be horrified!One day I hope to “CLEAN OUT” the photo albums…………..HERE on LA COMPUTER LAND!
They were mostly YOUR WORDS…………I just INTRODUCED YOU and THANKED you for being my friend!Now, I want you to build an INVENTORY of PHOTOS so you can POST to IG DAILY……………….can you HANDLE THAT ASSIGNMENT?
Told you I AM BOSSY!!!!!!!
But You Knew That Already!
XX
Oh I LOVED< LOVED< LOVED this post. Your next victim has big shoes to fill! Sandra is a delight in every way. She has personality PLUS, style, and does not look (or act) her age thankfully!! I am going to check out that primer she suggested I am still on the hunt for a good one. I am so thankful for you my dear friend that I was able to meet Sandra!
THAT WAS A COUU (how do you spell that word?)The fact ALL of you were AVAILABLE on such short notice!!!!!!!SANDRA is SPECIAL INDEED…………..I couldn’t believe her when she told me her age a few years ago!SHE SPARKLES ALL DAY LONG and ALWAYS comes back with a witty PROPER RESPONSE no matter the situation!!!Her husband is just AS DELIGHTFUL AS SHE IS………….
I think WE DID IT!
ANOTHER WONDERFUL POST on AGELESS STYLE!!!!!
XX
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