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THE ARTIST in ARIZONA!

September 28, 2017 162 Comments

HERE WE GO AGAIN!

TIME to hook up with CINDY at https://cindyhattersleydesign.com

TO INTERVIEW a WOMAN OVER 50 who oozes with STYLE.

I do believe this is our 4th installment together.

Now the fun here is to read about my GAL and ALSO POP over to CINDY’s POST and read about HER GAL!

COMMENTING Is ENCOUAGED on BOTH BLOGS out of respect to US (for the effort and time commitment) and the WOMEN who allowed us into their THOUGHTS on AGING and sharing their SECRETS and WARDROBE.

However, if YOU do not have the TIME WE GET IT!!!!!!!!!

 

JST

 JAN SHER-TUCKERMAN is A FASHIONISTA!

I met JAN in SAN FRANCISCO!

She walked up to me at a TZIPORAH SALAMON’s book signing and said, “I FOLLOW YOUR BLOG!”

Of course I was BLOWN away by this………..as this was the THIRD time I had been RECOGNIZED in PUBLIC!

Long story short I started to FOLLOW JAN on Instagram and found out she lives in ARIZONA.She makes BEAUTIFUL one of a kind handbags out of VINTAGE materials!YOU MUST TAKE A LOOK AT HER WEBSITE!

HER WEBSITE click on her website!

HER ETSY SHOP HERE TO SHOP HANDBAGS!

She has grown children in the area and comes to California often. She also has GRAND CHILDREN so I had them for LUNCH as BANKSY was a DRAW!!!!!!After she left it HIT me that JAN would be the perfect VICTIM for MY AGELESS STYLE partnership with the lovely CINDY HATTERSLEY and thought she would be a GREAT one to INTERVIEW!

JAN has been a YOGA instructor for many years and is an ARTIST in her own RIGHT!

“The daughter of a scrap yard owner, she developed an early appreciation for found and seemingly ephemeral forgotten objects. With her father encouraging this spirit of imagination and re-invention she became a serious student of collectibles with a keen sense of the history, form and material composition of her objects of study.”

 

She LOVES COLOR just like ME!

She does ALL the work herself………just like I did when we settled into OUR HOME Of the last 24 years.

Take a peek!

I believe those are BOTTLE Tops glued to the side of the mirror!

Jan recently had a GARAGE SALE and I was BLOWN AWAY by HOW ORGANIZED SHE WAS.

SEE HER INSTAGRAM  @janshertuckerman

She had EVERYTHING SORTED BY STYLE!!!!

The frosting on THE CAKE was I had NEIGHBORS who had recently moved to ARIZONA from my HOOD and I asked her if she would have them over to tell them where to go for this and that!TO MY ASTONISHMENT SHE DID!!!!!!I find it SO RARE these DAYS that PEOPLE actually FOLLOW THROUGH on THEIR WORDS!

How would you describe your style?

I dress for myself.  No one else.  I’ve never been one to follow the crowd or be label conscious. As both an artist and a daily yogini, and living in the desert, my style is either extremely casual or totally unconventional.

I’ve collected vintage clothing since I was a teenager and I love combining outlandish finds with contemporary pieces, such as the perfect jeans or the little black dress. My petite stature of five feet tall and size 4 1/2 shoes limits me being a candidate for following a lot of current fashion, which is so okay by me.

What inspires your signature style?

Traveling near and far, and scavenging for the one of a kind item, inspires me to mix up my style.  Travel stirs up the spontaneity to bring out the unique things in my closet from around the globe, especially anything done by hand.  Extraordinary beadwork, unique embroidery, tooling on old pee wee boots from the 1940’s, woven huipil garments from Guatemala….most of these are a lost art and have been discarded or under appreciated.  Also, old movies and photographs demonstrate to me that most garments of today are manufactured mass produced pieces, instead of carefully crafted works of art.

What accessory can you not do without?

Without a doubt, the accessory I carry every day is one of my own handcrafted jst satchels.  It’s the first thing people see and the item commented on most frequently.  I adore being my own advertisement for my artwork.  Nothing pleases me more than to sell something off my shoulders.

And my yoga mat and water bottle, not an accessory, but a necessity!

What is your favorite color? 

The color that sets my soul on fire is orange and all of the variations: cantaloupe, tangerine, coral, burnt orange, and brick orange.  To me, orange is a neutral color.  And of course, black…. although over the years I’ve become a little immune to all black attire.  It’s a real easy trap to fall into because it is so easy to whip on.  The huge exception being black shoes.  One simply cannot own enough black shoes and boots.

Do you have a signature piece that defines your style?

I have worn some form of a Cartier watch for at least 25 years.  I wear it 24/7, except while practicing yoga.  I always feel like I am ready to go in a moment’s notice that way for some reason.

I have created several pair of unmatched earrings and love to mix them up.  They hang as little charms on tiny hoops. I’ve combined all sorts of things, such as: Tahitian pearls, little diamonds from my parent’s old jewelry parts and my father and grandfather’s Shriner lapel pins and have had them made into little jewelry memories for my ears.  I have a stack of old tribal silver bracelets that are very special to me.  Wearing them all together is my right hand’s habit.

However, the single piece that makes me feel the most spectacular is the talisman ball necklace my husband had created for me in Santa Fe.  It is fashioned with half being a porcelain compass and the other half embellished in gold and silver.  It is meant as a good luck piece for safe traveling and it is inscribed by the artist with “jst forever,” by my husband’s wishes.

What are your style strengths?

I would say the biggest strength in my personal style is not giving a damn about what others think of what I am wearing on any given day or night.

Also, knowing not to follow trends of any type. It usually does not make me feel like myself. Being confident in the now and accepting the body that I was born with usually is what makes me tick…

Do you have a style icon?

Of course, I do!  Her name is Millicent Rogers, a socialite, fashion icon and art collector. She was the granddaughter of Standard Oil tycoon, Henry Huttleston Rogers, and an heiress to his wealth. She spent time in Austria, and combined wearing traditional dirndls with her Mainbocher and Schiaparelli couture.  She was a champion in combining ethnic with traditional clothing. She fell in love with the Southwest aesthetic when she moved to Taos, New Mexico.  She immersed herself in local culture and started collecting chunky silver and turquoise Native American jewelry, which she wore with broomstick skirts, boots and peasant blouses that were made in New York. She was an early champion of southwest style, art and jewelry and brought international attention to this style.

My equal love of the Southwest has given me the opportunity to emulate her look, in any small way I can.  It’s a comfortable image for me to attain and my circle skirts collected over many years are mostly hand done and one of a kind.  I love to pair the skirts with my cowboy boot collection that is equally wonderful.

What are the beauty essentials that you couldn’t do without?

Tom Ford “wild ginger” lipstick.  I am addicted to lipstick and feel absolutely naked without it.

Le Labo Santal 23 perfume.  My signature and only fragrance.  My bestie says it smells like trees, which is fine by me.

Surgical gauze squares for washing my face with a little texture.

Systyne eye drops

“10” mascara from Walgreens

Tattooed eye brows

Kiehl’s Crème de Corps body cream

Cle du peau undereye concealer

Do you have repeat offenders in your closet, if so, what are they?

Zhandra Rhodes custom orange silk chiffon couture dress.  Zhandra herself, fit the dress on me.  I will never forget her wild pink hair and asking me where I was wearing the dress, as she didn’t want me to be duplicated at any event.  I assured her that where I was going in it would never be an issue. It is singularly the sexiest thing in my closet. It reeks of sensuality and soft lushness and fits me superbly.

A silk hand dyed and handmade palazzo pant and top ensemble I acquired in Malibu at least twenty-five years ago. Every time I wear it, which has been a lot over the years, I feel happy and ready to party

A black chiffon dress from 1920’s that I bought in a Paris flea market.

My collection of jean jackets that just keep on getting better as the years go by. My favorite is one with a applique of a bulldog on the back from the University of Georgia.  It was wildly mismarked as very inexpensive at a L.A. vintage store. I have taken lately to add old needlepoint remnants to the backs of some of my plain ones.

Outrageous vintage velvet, sequined and beaded vests from Transylvania that I bought in a tiny store in Budapest.

What advice do you have for women over 50, or even 40?

Practice yoga!  True beauty and happiness lies within.  I’ve been a yogini since I was a teenager and nothing makes life better than the union between your body and your mind being one.

Take care of your skin!  Do it regularly or regret it forever.

Don’t underestimate the importance of sleep.  It’s tonic for the soul!

Do what you love with passion and patience.  Someday it will pay off.

Learn to love being by yourself.  Explore meditating and keep a regular time to practice the art.

Cultivate stellar friends and treat them like the rare jewels that they are in your life.

Don’t be afraid to extend yourself to someone in ill health by dropping off food.  They will appreciate it more than you know, and you will reap the benefits by helping someone in need.

Trust your instincts. Follow your gut.  If someone makes you feel uneasy, let them go.

Live for today.  Don’t wait until tomorrow.

Do you have any style rules that you live by?

Never, ever, ever copy anyone else.  To me, it is not a form of a compliment.

Get the best sunglasses you can afford and wear them every day.

If something is uncomfortable, I don’t buy it.

If you find the perfect something, consider buying duplicates.

Have a professional do your makeup once a year and change your palette.

Dressing jeans up is such a plus in packing.  Finding the perfect fit is essential.

Pack light and wear stuff twice on a trip.  When in doubt, do without!

It is worth spending more on accessories.  We wear them more frequently than clothing.

Be careful of sale stuff.  I love a good bargain, but sometimes they are the items that you discard the quickest.

What are your favorite online go to resources?

I’ve been an eBay shopper since they began.  I truly think I wiped the country out of size 4 ½ vintage shoes.

Vintage Martini.com, Antique Dress.com, The Outnet, Etsy handmade goods, Monrow.com, American Eagle Outfitters,

Do you have a particular designer you are drawn to?

Christian La Croix and Pierre Frey fabrics for my one of a kind satchels

Miriam Haskell vintage jewelry

Varda handmade shoes in New York

Old Levi’s

Vintage Norma Kamali

Shirts that I bought at Fred Segal in the 80’s.  I’ve never seen more unique ones since.

Vera scarf patterns

Etro

Missfarfella on etsy – a true gem!

Now lets get to HER CLOSET!

I was told she COLLECTED every size 4.5 VINTAGE SHOE on EBAY back in the DAY!

LOOK AT those KIMONO’s on the RIGHT TOO!

VINTAGE SHOES from the 1940’s!

Vintage or I should say ANTIQUE HANDBAGS from another ERA!

Perfectly DISPLAYED to GRAB and GO!

A VERY ORGANIZED CLOSET!

ACCESSORIES well positioned for SEEING WHAT YOU HAVE GOT!

THE COW GIRL IN HER!

Where is this LOCATION I MUST KNOW?

YOUR PATIO?

This GAL ADORES COLOR!

JAN!

IS this a CARPET you made into a coat?

WHO IS THAT DASHING FOUR-LEGGED BABY?

ADORABLE!

Note the HANDBAG people not just the LEGS!

Why did I never get into YOGA?

I did EVERYTHING ELSE!!!!!

My legs do not look like this!

AND THE HAT is PERFECTO!!!

YOU MATCH THE SURROUNDINGS!

IS THAT A JUDITH LEIBER BELT!!!!!!!??

When I worked at I. Magnin’s back in the day I would SAVE my DOLLARS to buy these belts……..still HAVE THEM!

 

What is THAT WHITE THING?

DID YOU MAKE THAT TOO?

HER HAND ~MADE HANDBAGS ARE http://www.jstuckerman.com/satchels/ here.

HER ART WORK IS HERE.YOU REALLY SHOULD CLICK AND SEE WHAT SHE HAS DONE WITH HER HANDS!

SHE IS A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR and she has ARTWORK to SHARE with you at THAT time in HER LIFE!

THANK YOU JAN for allowing US ALL to walk around your HOME,CLOSET and GARDEN. It was a REAL TREAT!

HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US…………These HANDBAGS are PRICEY BUT SPECIAL and ONE OF A KIND!!!

Who knows maybe if YOU mention” LA CONTESSA” sent YOU she will mail for FREE!

THANK YOU for READING US!!!!

I have to say I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SERIES CINDY TALKED ME INTO!

I ADORE GETTING INTO PEOPLE’s CLOSETS and their BEAUTY ESSENTIALS!!!

HOP over to CINDY’s BLOG NOW AND SEE WHO SHE FEATURED!

(Click on Cindy’s Blog Now ABOVE THIS!)

IF you have NOT headed over already!

Don’t forget to LEAVE JAN and I  A COMMENT!

JAN will be checking back and answer any questions you may have and I will be RESPONDING to MOST COMMENTS!

DID you know THAT I DO THAT?

I DO!!!!!!

XOXO

 

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162 Comments
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162 Comments

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  • 1010ParkPlace
    · Reply

    October 4, 2017 at 6:53 PM

    BRAVA to ALL OF US WHO ARE BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS!!! I LOVE this woman! What an original. Such style. I love the black hat and red dress against the purple wall. Orange and tangerines are dying for a place in my home! Now that I’m back in the city, I need to add some color! I think Jan has inspired me, again! My love to both of you and Banksy! Brenda

  • Donna Weaver
    · Reply

    October 2, 2017 at 4:28 AM

    Where to begin, Contessa, love following you and your adventures. Looks as though Jan can style a carpet into beautiful fashion like you turn beautiful drapes into a coat. Loved meeting Jan and liked invading her closet. Can’t wait to see where you go next. Her bags are definitely works of art made my heart swoon. Now I’m off to check out Cindy’s post. Thanks for all you do and share.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      October 2, 2017 at 6:09 AM

      CHECK….and DOUBLE CHECK!
      I call this MY WORK and I have to say I ADORE IT!
      XX

    • Jan sher-tuckerman
      · Reply

      October 2, 2017 at 5:00 PM

      Dear Donna, loved reading your reply! My satchels thank you, too. Best, jan

  • D.A. Squires
    · Reply

    October 1, 2017 at 5:11 PM

    This format is so, so wonderful…like getting two for the price of one… so much fun to tag along with you and your guest…always a feast for the eyes… adore Jan’s colors and glam, elegant handbags, sage advice, etc…. she reminds me of a leprechaun who one wants to follow for the certain-to-be-had adventures… (her closet, alone, is a major swoon-worthy adventure…)
    XO For the inspiration, zest, and happiness that leaps right into one’s heart upon reading your words and Jan’s and gazing at the gorgeous photos… it is the BEST Rx, a magical elixir, for the times we are living in…MERCI and BRAVO!!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      October 2, 2017 at 6:08 AM

      A FEAST FOR THE EYES……….I haven’t heard that phrase in years.I use to use it A LOT!
      THANKS……….JAN, has captured many of my READERS with her SPUNK and NO FEAR of FASHION!This has been a BEAUTIFUL POST TO DO!
      How are you down there in FLORIDA?!!!!
      XX

    • Jan sher-tuckerman
      · Reply

      October 2, 2017 at 4:59 PM

      Dear d.a. No one ever ever called me a leprechaun, however I LOVE it! I was so thrilled with your beautiful words of praise! Sending you a four leaf clover! Many thank, jan

  • Loree
    · Reply

    October 1, 2017 at 11:44 AM

    I finally made it! I still need to take my laptop in to be checked though. Anyway, I always enjoy theses interviews. It is amazing how many women there are out there who follow their own style. I adored Jan’s closet. I really need to do something with my accessories. They are all in boxes and i tend to forget what I have but it’s so dusty in this part of the world that I do not think it’s a good idea to have them hanging out anywhere. Keep up the good work. I think you are helping a lot of us think outside the box by sharing these wonderful women.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      October 2, 2017 at 6:03 AM

      LAPTOP ISSUES ARE HORRID!
      I know as I have had them………..YOU just do not want to admit something is WRONG!NO time for THAT!We will continue sharing…………….I PROMISE as I LOVE DOING THIS!
      HAVE A GOOD WEEK……..XX

    • Jan sher-tuckerman
      · Reply

      October 2, 2017 at 4:56 PM

      Hi Loree! I hate machinery of all kinds…nothing makes me crazier than trying to make something turn on when it just won’t. Devastating to me. Hang your accessories, I recommend. A peg board with hooks can work well if you have the room. Me, I just pound in a nail or put vintage hooks in my closet and hang all my purses and necklaces. When it is all displayed you will wear it, I’ve found. Try it and see! Best, jan

  • debra@5th and state
    · Reply

    October 1, 2017 at 4:58 AM

    greetings from the UK Contessa, where internet is sporadic to non-existent!

    crazy for these in-depth interviews and Jan is a real star! her look, mantra, free spirited thinking and her art, so fun to learn of others.
    such a great interviewer you are, love the questions, especially the “must haves” & the style rules, and the suggestions for the over 50’s, etc……..
    so well done Contessa & Cindy, brava!
    xoxoxo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      October 1, 2017 at 8:02 AM

      Cindy, gets the CREDIT for the questions!
      I just Followed or TAGGED ALONG!
      Good for YOU to be without internet……….A REAL VACATION!I am certain there is plenty to LOOK at and admire and perhaps PURCHASE!I want to hear ALL about it as soon as you return!
      XX

    • Jan sher-tuckerman
      · Reply

      October 1, 2017 at 4:25 PM

      Thanks, Debra…the fact of you saying I’m a star thrills me to my marrow! You’ve made my day! Best, jan

    • Jan sher-tuckerman
      · Reply

      October 2, 2017 at 7:07 AM

      Okay…..no, my year.

  • AuntyBelle
    · Reply

    September 30, 2017 at 6:42 PM

    Oh my! How felicitous was the day that Jan introduced herself to you Contessa! What fun I have had reading this post– headed to Cindy next but wanted to say this was an amazing diversion on a rainy night– filled with fun and surprises. And COLOR?. Of course I covet one of those satchels- don’t we all? And, true confession: I have a pair of Tom Ford sunglasses BUT can you believe I did not know he made lipstick! How is that possible? Confession of a woman who is abysmal at shopping, that’s how?.

    Such a fun series Contessa– and now I am off to follow the links to all things Jan!!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      October 1, 2017 at 8:00 AM

      AUNTYBELLE………………
      WELCOME to my BLOG!
      TOM and HIS lipsticks have not been OUT THAT LONG?AFTER he left GUCCI he did this………..well, time fly’s maybe 5 years?!!!They are BEAUTIFULLY PACKAGED and I like the smell!!!
      LUCKY ME when JAN approached me!!!!!!!WE have a FEW things in common!
      THANK YOU!
      XX

    • Jan sher-tuckerman
      · Reply

      October 1, 2017 at 8:04 AM

      Hi auntybelle! Loved that you loved the read. March right up to that tom ford counter and have someone glam you up! I did and I am so glad. The eye shadows are to die for too. Let me know, if you do. Best, j

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