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THE BIRTHDAY LOOK.

August 4, 2020 81 Comments

THE Morning was dull and GREY and looked like rain.

THE DAY GOT BETTER ONCE I GOT DRESSED!

The doorbell RANG once I was finished getting DRESSED!

The TIMING was PERFECTO!

NOT YOUR AVERAGE WEDNESDAY 10 AM OUTFIT!

But then AGAIN I am NOT YOUR AVERAGE WANT-TO-BE- CONTESSA!!!!

I HAD TO DO SOMETHING FOR A FESTIVE DAY!

I ADORE this PHOTO!

In case YOU want to COPY me or BITS and BOBS here is the shopping list!

SHOES BY COAST AND KOI IN South Africa

SEQUIN CAFTAN by San Diego BASED DESIGNER JENNAFERGRACECOLLECTION.COM

IT COMES IN PURPLE TOO!!!!!!

THE TURBAN is from the WILD & Crazy British LADY called Julia Clancey!

WHO JUST TURNED 50 I might ADD another JULY BIRTHDAY GAL her INSTAGRAM IS A RIOT!

SHE NAMES MANNEQUINS and has them CHAT!

SHE ALSO DANCES A LOT!

Never MIND she rides her BICYCLE around Los Angeles!

I would NEVER have guessed she was 50!

THE STAR UNDERSHIRT came to http://hesca.net/provigil/ me by way of AMAZON I googled Strapless BRAS and this popped up at the BOTTOM!As you can SEE in other photos the V-Neck was a bit LOW on me so I had to whip up SOMETHING, so besides the STICK ON BRA with PLUNGING NECKLINE I had this to HELP CAMOUFLAGE!

THEN I CHEATED and HAD my 79 year old COMPUTER WHIZ GIRLFRIEND DEVINE make the BOOB disappear!

NO REASON TO LOOK AT THAT!

A FEW GIFTS TO SHARE………

THIS DRAWING MADE IT TO MY REFRIGERATOR!

These two call me their FAIRY GODMOTHER.

PRECIOUS ART on MY 60TH!

 

CREEPING JENNY…….I went on and on about this plant recently as I had NO IDEA it could be a GROUND cover!It is the CHARTREUSE green plant.A dear Friend picked up on that and RAN TO MY FAVORITE NURSERY!

LOOK HOW SHE PRESENTED IT IN A WHITE CERAMIC BOWL!

With CROUTONS…….HA HA HA (ie. SUNFLOWER and SAGE!)

Flowers from MAKEMINEASPRITZER who some of YOU may know on INSTAGRAM!

AT MY URGING FOR YEARS SHE HAS FINALLY STARTED A BLOG!

Juliet and her husband who wanted to MARRY my ITALIAN good story there!

ARE fixing up an older house here in my TOWN!

SHE is NOTHING LIKE ME!

SHE LOVES BLUE and is PREPPY CASUAL.

At least that is what I thought I had over HEARD!

SEE THE TWO OF US BELOW MASKED AND FEET APART AT THE GEM OF A SHOP CALLED

SERRAHNA

ANDREA TAKES APPOINTMENTS NOW SO ONLY TWO AT A TIME WHICH IS EASY TO STAY APART!

SO MUCH TO LOOK AT!

BE SURE TO LOOK UP!

I BOUGHT ONE CHRISTMAS PRESENT AND ONE BIRTHDAY GIFT AND SOMETHING FOR MYSELF!

GO if you are NEAR……IT will do a WORLD of GOOD FOR YOUR INNER SELF!

5303 College Ave. Oakland, CA 94618

  510.654.2332

ANDREA, the shop owner…… was one of my AGELESS STYLE GALS RECENTLY!

THE SHOP IS WORTH A VISIT………..ALL PRICE POINTS and FUN FUN THINGS!

THEN if you know me well;

I have this WAY ABOUT ME and TOLD the PREPPY CASUAL DAME TO

 TRY THIS ON!

Let’s give her a BIG HAND as SHE LISTEN TO ME and LOVES IT!

 It has TAKEN THREE YEARS for my WISHES to come to FRUITION on HER BLOG so take a LOOK BELOW and DONOT forget to COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE!

Please tell her HOW GRAND SHE LOOKS!

I told her she is READY for THE HOLIDAYS!

CLICK BELOW TO BE TRANSPORTED TO CALM AND SOOTHING INTERIORS…….

PEEK AT JULIETS BLOG AND SUBSCRIBE !

DOWN AT THE BOTTOM

OF HER BLOG.

BIRTHDAY FLOWERS 

A BOX with a CROWN!

THE GRAND FINAL IS A CROWN MADE SPECIAL FOR ME BY THE INCREDIBLE TALENT OF

TAMERA BEARDSLEY DESIGNS!!!!!

She sent me a message asking me what my dress would look like and from my DESCRIPTION she made THIS CROWN FOR ME!

THIS IS THE BEAUTY OF SOCIAL MEDIA…………even TODAY another GIFT arrived from a MAN I have never met but covet his CHINA and FLORAL DISPLAYS and his Black Lab! He sent me a GIFT with this message……..

LA CONTESSA,

” When I picked up this book for you I had forgotten your birthday was so close!I thought my intuition was just telling me you needed a present!It took me a bit to get into this book but once I did I loved it!”

XOXOXO

TODAY a card arrived from AUSTRALIA!

SHE tried so HARD to give me a GIFT but NO LUCK there.As she wrote“I tried to order flowers but the florist wouldn’t take an overseas credit card.I tried to buy a gift voucher at one of your favorite kaftan boutiques.They thought I was suspicious and didnot go through with the transaction.Her last line made me LAUGH OUT LOUD as she said”I thought I was buying a card with a PIG on the front………..its a BADGER!”

NEEDLESS,TO SAY HER EFFORTS ARE ABOVE AND BEYOND and I AM SO TOUCHED BY THE FRIENDS I HAVE MADE HERE.So, many well wishes and Private messages…………I THANK ALL OF YOU WHO ARE IN MY LIFE AND MAKE ME SMILE ON A DAILY BASIS!

SAFEWAY, my go to food store.

WATCH OUT I COULD BE SASHAYING  around the PRODUCE AISLE SOON!

WITH THE CROWN!

 

 

Needless, to say I did not take it off ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT!

THE CROWN!

60 will be MORE THAN OKAY……….I can already FEEL IT!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for READING and following along on my JOURNEY………

XXXX

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  • No Fear of Fashion
    · Reply

    August 10, 2020 at 10:50 AM

    That crown befits you. You are a queen. Or should be.
    As for the lady in blue, black and gold…. she looks awesome. I would love to have that garment. It is so perfect.
    Greetje

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 10, 2020 at 2:17 PM

      YES, YOU WOULD ROCK THAT GARMET TOO GREETJE!
      I need to catch up with YOUR OUTFITS in HOLLAND!
      Hope you are enjoying the streets NOT FULL OF AMERICAN TOURISTS!!!
      I know not GOOD for the economy BUT They did fill those EUROPEAN STREETS UP with white knee highs in sandals and shorts as I recall from years ago……..I could ALWAYS SPOT THE AMERICANS on the Ponte Vecchio by their OUTFITS!
      XX

  • Mary Ann Pickett
    · Reply

    August 8, 2020 at 3:59 AM

    That crown is gorgeous!! So many beautiful celebratory photos!!! I read this post twice!

    Juliet looks great in that dress. I can’t wait to read her blog.

    Welcome to the 60’s! This could be your best decade yet!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 8, 2020 at 8:14 AM

      LETS HOPE IT IS MY BEST DECADE YET!
      WHAT ARE YOU DOING UP AT 4:00 AM?????
      THANK YOU for READING TWICE!
      PLUS YOU HAD A BIT TO DO WITH SNOWBERRY I DO BELIEVE!!!!!
      I have an email in my INBOX NOW FROM HER NEW BLOG!!!!
      OFF I GO TO READ………..XX

      • Nancy Case
        · Reply

        September 16, 2020 at 3:12 PM

        I was so blessed to see you and your gorgeous, sparkly attire to wish you the most joyous 60th Birthday! I do believe this will be the best decade yet for you Contessa! Lots of beautiful and love filled experiences and vibrant health! Amen!! Thank you for being the incredibly unique and stunning Contessa! Chin chin!

  • Ginger
    · Reply

    August 7, 2020 at 7:03 PM

    Love all of your fabulous birthday photos! You look wonderful in your sparkly caftan and stunning crown, a real birthday Contessa! You are such a joy to all and I’m so happy you were showered with flowers and gifts of love and appreciation!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 8, 2020 at 8:11 AM

      SO KIND GINGER…………..THANK YOU for all your LIKES and COMMENTS!!!
      I don’t know how long I can keep this up but for now its MY OUTLET and CREATIVITY!!
      AND LOOK AT ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE I GET TO MEET…….LIKE YOU!
      XX

  • QMSpain
    · Reply

    August 7, 2020 at 2:38 PM

    Oh such a fun day! So good to see that you enjoyed your special day with grand panache and sparkles! I enjoyed all your beautiful birthday photos, however my favorite photo of you is the one with your arms crossed and YOU looking every in the confident newly minted 60 year old!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 8, 2020 at 8:09 AM

      MY NEIGHBOR ROSE took THAT PHOTO!
      I too THINK it is MY FAVORITE!
      I had to do SOMETHING otherwise it would have become a PITY PARTY for ME!It truly is AMAZING how the day evolved with NO PLAN.
      A VERY GOOD DAY INDEED!On top of that the ITALIAN opened a bottle of SPARKLING PINK CHAMPAGNE right on the DOT of my BIRTH!
      6:18 PM how he remembered THAT I do NOT know but HE DID and that meant SO MUCH to me!
      CIN-CIN!!!
      XX

  • Annie Diamond
    · Reply

    August 6, 2020 at 7:27 PM

    ELIZABETH! What a day! What a celebration. You are famous around the globe and I can’t think of anyone that deserves the attention more! You are always so generous with your time and comments…so this is your year to get all the attention. Keep wearing that crown..even at Safeway!
    xoxox
    Annie

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 7, 2020 at 8:13 AM

      THANK YOU ANNIE!!
      I may just DO THAT………crown on head for the next run to fill up on GROCERIES!
      TAKE GOOD CARE……..I heard you had a bad STORM back EAST!!
      XXX

  • Pipistrello
    · Reply

    August 6, 2020 at 6:48 PM

    Ciao Bella,

    No, not your average 10am outfit, hahahah!!! But you pull it off so well we should all reconsider our morning attire. I’m so glad you had a great day and had a heap of fun on your shopping outing! I hope the good times keep rolling along for your birthday week/month/year, dear Contessa!

    Baci xx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 7, 2020 at 8:11 AM

      I RECEIVED YOUR SNAIL MAIL CARD TWO DAYS AGO NOW!I WAS SO HAPPY TO GET IT!AS SOMEONE SAID I THINK THEY ARE ROWING IT ACROSS FROM AUSTRALIA!!!!
      Love to YOU and YOUR ITALIAN BELLA……………thank you!
      XXX

  • kim
    · Reply

    August 6, 2020 at 6:24 AM

    So happy you were spoiled a little on your special day! I love that folks all over the world are sending you packages. Wow. You look so lovely in Tamera’s pretty crown she made with the sparkly caftan.. love the star t shirt too on you. I read Juliet’s blog last week and I knew it was going to be very pretty. So excited for her. You guys look like you got out and had some fun at that cute store. xoxo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 6, 2020 at 8:04 AM

      WE ALWAYS CREATE FUN…………
      I received another GIFT YESTERDAY with Fabric from VERSAILLES!!!!!!!!!!
      HONESTLY,I am overwhelmed by the THOUGHTFULNESS and GIFTS!!!
      XX

  • Dinnerpartyguru
    · Reply

    August 6, 2020 at 5:54 AM

    Such a fun celebration you had! I think you should wear a crown everyday with your height and swan neck they look perfectly regal on you. Perhaps you were actually royal in another life (a very good possibility ). Haaaa my iPad just corrected my spelling of possibility and it came out “ a very good possum “ glad I checked it before hitting post ?

    Have a lovely week,
    Amanda

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 6, 2020 at 8:01 AM

      THAT HAPPENS TO ME ALL THE TIME………AND FOR SOME ODD REASON MY COMMENTS DONOT TAKE THE HEARTS OR EMOJI’s!!ALWAYS COME OUT A QUESTION MARK!
      I doubt THAT but my cousin did a FAMILY tree and we do descend from ROYALTY which made me SMILE!WHO where I do not recall but I think MOST of us have a LINK somewhere to those GENES!
      THANK YOU SO MUCH AMANDA!

  • Jill James
    · Reply

    August 6, 2020 at 3:09 AM

    So glad to see how spoilt you were on your special birthday . You looked wonderful from that magical crown made by the talented and beautiful Tamera to those rather special Coast and Koi shoes. The sparkley caftan with the stary top looks gorgeous.
    Welcome to the over 60’s , enjoy the new decade . xxx

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 6, 2020 at 7:58 AM

      THANK YOU JILL………….I will FOLLOW YOUR LEAD!!!!!!!!
      XX

  • Jennafer Grace
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 7:39 PM

    Oh Elizabeth,
    You are such a sweet and marvelous creature! I so appreciate your whimsy but especially the way that you bring people together! Thank you for sharing your special day with us, and for supporting artists and for being SO MUCH FUN.
    All my love!
    Jennafer

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 6, 2020 at 7:48 AM

      I WANT TO HAVE MORE FUN!
      YOU GALS ALL ROCK AND I JUST LOVE WHAT YOU ALL MAKE!!!!!!!!
      XX

  • Diane
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 6:41 PM

    For anyone else turning 60, they are showered with gifts and celebrating. But you? You turn the mirror around and shower all of us with the gifts of love, beauty and sparkle. Beautiful. Gorgeous.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 6, 2020 at 7:47 AM

      THAT is VERY KIND of YOU!
      MADE ME SMILE!
      XX

  • Heidi
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 1:52 PM

    Hi Elizabeth,
    All kinds of good things here, you in a CROWN is the best!! I think, you being you, could get away with wearing that just about anywhere! You deserved the best birthday, so glad you are able to have happy memories of the day!
    Thanks to this post I now subscribe to two new-to-me blogs. Like I don’t have enough to do, but reading blog posts is certainly more fun!
    XO Heidi

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 2:58 PM

      JUST think of a BLOG as a FUN READ……..if you DO NOT have the time NO WORRIES another will make its way into YOUR INBOX SOON ENOUGH!!!They are a good way to DECOMPRESS for ME!SIP TEA………and ENJOY what you are seeing.
      If NOT UNSUBSCRIBE LIKE THE FOUR PEOPLE TODAY DID TO ME!GUESS they had ENOUGH of ME AND my BIRTHDAY!!!!TEE-HEEE!!!!
      BUT BEWARE they WILL KNOW YOU UNSUBSCRIBED the BLOG PUBLISHER!!!!!!
      AS we get NOTIFICATIONS DAILY on WHO JOINED and WHO LEFT!!!
      XX

  • Christy
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 1:46 PM

    Happy Birthday, Dear Contessa! The crown suits you, you always know how to do everything with the perfect amount of flair 🙂 I am relatively new to your blog and am so glad to have found you. Thank you for sharing your joy!

    Hugs and stay safe,
    Christy (also born on August 4th!)

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 2:51 PM

      HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
      YOU LEO YOU!I am MORE CANCER than LEO but MY MOTHER was a LEO!
      I also have a dear FRIEND DAVID born on the 4th of AUGUST!I texted him thinking he would be at lunch or celebrating and they were expecting that BIG HURRICANE back EAST!NO POWER and tons of RAIN………..HOPE YOU HAD SUNSHINE!
      XX

  • Juliet
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 1:33 PM

    Dearest Contessa, thrilled you were so well feted on your 60th birthday! The caftan is stunning. You must be Jennafer’s #1 influencer! The sheer, star foundation garment is nothing short of brilliant! And, Tamera’s crown is the icing on the cake. I’m forever on the lookout for you at Safeway … sashaying down the aisle! THANK YOU for the lovely introduction. I guess my BLOG is now ‘Instagram Official’ as the kids say. You have consistently been after me to get this thing published … when? when? when? And, I appreciate your persistence and push over the finish line. I cannot wait to show you Snowberry’s ‘after’ as well as our new gardens (we’re into week 7 now) in person. A little social distanced tea and gluten free cake at Snowberry Cottage. If only SAJ would join us! Ciao. xo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:29 PM

      HE wanted to FLY in for the INSTAGRAM LUNCHES but…………
      MAYBE we can get him to come out for SNOWBERRy’s UNVEILING!
      Especially,if I promise to give him MY PINK PLATES!!!!!!!

      YOU have a GUEST ROOM?NON????

      XOXO

  • D. A. Squires
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 1:18 PM

    It felt like fairy dust was swirling around each photo… a wonderful celebration of 60 years… and many more to come!! The crown is simply magnificent, as is the outfit… you have smashed ALL the Advanced Style records with one birthday soiree : ) As always, your gift to all of us is without measure… you bring the laughter, the fun, the zest, the beauty, the let’s play dress-up childhood memories come to real life… all of it. I am forever inspired by you and the amazing women you feature… have subscribed to Juliet’s blog and read her sweet posts… Happy Birthday, dear Contessa!! XOXO from the writer and her duck family (still all together : )

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:35 PM

      OMGOSH………THAT DUCK FAMILY with the ADOPTED CHILDREN who are TEENS BY NOW!!!STILL ALL TOGETHER……..MY buddy PENELOPE B. would love this story!!!I may have to CALL her and tell her as we need to catch up!
      YOU WILL ADORE JULIET………EVER SO PERFECT in ALL SHE DOES!
      VERY UNLIKE ME!!!!!!!!
      Italian came home early today!!HOW DARE HIM!!!Dirty pots still in sink and my ONE JOB of today NOT DONE!
      A CINDERELLA SWEEP in our closet as HE IS MAKING IT BIGGER FOR ME AND MY CAFTANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XOXO
      PS.Do you think it will be BIG ENOUGH?!!!!
      ( BIG LAUGH HERE!)

  • 1010ParkPlace
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 1:13 PM

    It’s great to see how many of us love you! Happy Birthday, dear Elizabeth! Delighted to know Juliette has her blog up and running! You may remember, I met her at your house!! xoxox, Brenda

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:37 PM

      THAT IS RIGHT!
      AT THE INSTAGRAM MEET UP LUNCHEON!!!!!!!!!
      SO WONDERFUL.I LOVE MAKING THESE CONNECTIONS!!!!!!!
      XOXO

  • Lorna
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 12:12 PM

    My comments always end up as replies on someone else’s comment ?

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:38 PM

      I have noticed that………….are you commenting on a PHONE?
      Try next time on a bigger IPAD or computer.
      XX

  • Sandra Sallin - Apart From My Art
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 11:34 AM

    Happy Birthday! I’m so glad I don’t have to bug Ari to include you in every shoot. Now you’re legitamate. You look fabulous in your birthday outfit. Kudos to that talented 79 year old who fixed the photos. You can dress me and style me anyway!!!

    Happy Birthday dear friend.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:40 PM

      Wouldn’t we HAVE FUN in a STORE………………..OR YOUR CLOSET!!!!!
      THANK YOU for the PHOTO REPAIR and YOUR BRILLIANT COMMENTS!!!
      YOU ARE NEXT!!!!!!!!
      I BETTER START THINKING NOW WHAT I CAN DO!!!
      XOXOXO

  • Tamera Beardsley
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 9:57 AM

    You wear the custom Crown I did for you with such elegance, confidence, beauty and flair … I absolutely knew You would darling! Biggest welcome to this brand new decade! I have no doubt you will do your best … to make Every Day count!!

    It comes as no surprise to me … that you were knee deep in fabulous Birthday Presents! You are one of the most dynamic and generous souls, out here in our community! Your willingness to share your dramatic and magical style … gives permission to others … to share their authentic selves.

    Happiest of Birthday Wishes darling! Thank you for sharing You … with all of us! I don’t tell you often enough … Just How Much I Appreciate YOU!!!!

    Sending Big Love,
    Tamera Beardsley
    XOXO

    • Lorna
      · Reply

      August 5, 2020 at 12:11 PM

      Looking spectacular, as always. That crown is SO you. Will visit some of the shops you shared. I am not much of an online buyer as I prefer to touch things and try them on. I haven’t done any shopping this year except for 2 sweaters back in January. Seems like decades ago.

      • LA CONTESSA
        · Reply

        Author
        August 5, 2020 at 3:45 PM

        Jennafergracecollection.com………..is the BEST for YOU!
        SUBSCRIBE to her NEWSLETTER and if you see something that SPEAKS TO YOU have her mail to me if she does not MAIL over seas and I will POST TO YOU!!!
        XX

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:58 PM

      AND I YOU!
      I will NEVER forget that LUNCH with A WELL STYLED LIFE asking me if I FOLLOWED YOU!WE were in NEIMAN’S cafe in Walnut Creek and I said, “NO!” who is she?Jennifer said something to the effect she is your Southern California Twin!!!!!
      I could NOT WAIT TO GET HOME and PULL YOU UP!
      I WAS SPEECHLESS as we were NOT TWINS!! YOU OUT DO ME EVERY DAY!!!
      YOU have a REAL ABILITY like NO other I have seen to pull an OUTFIT together!!!!
      What is ODD and most people will not BELIEVE this but we are BOTH shy people!
      SO, why do WE DO what WE DO……….?
      Because WE ENJOY the ROUTINE and WE LOVE CLOTHING!
      IT’s our CREATIVE OUTLET!
      WE could be DESCRIBED as WALKING ART……….well YOU ALL THE TIME me less.
      WE are both tall BIG WOMEN.
      WE both have HUSBANDS who ADORE US and the BEST to me is WE use to work feet from each other in SOUTH COAST PLAZA!YOU at 40CARROTS me at I. MAGNIN’s.
      WHAT A SMALL SMALL WORLD………………….
      THANK YOU FOR MY CROWN I WILL TREASURE it and WEAR IT!!!!Might even be BURIED IN IT!!!!!
      YOU MADE MY DAY MAGICAL and I THANK YOU for THAT!!
      BIG HUGS TO YOU,
      XOXO

  • Diana Amato
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 9:30 AM

    What a fantastic way to celebrate: Inspiring others to shine! That truly is the gift of who you are. You never cease to amaze me with your passion for life and your limitless capacity for giving unconditional love and kindness. I wish you all that and more in return, on your next trip around the sun this coming year!
    Tanti Baci e un Forte Abbraccio

    Zingara XOXO

  • PPP
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 9:18 AM

    Ma Chere Contessa,
    Thank you for sharing your birthday celebration! Only you could look so fantastic and be so charming and real.
    I love that star studded black top under your glittering gown.
    Hope to see a photo of you wearing the pearly crown at your local Safeway.
    It would surely be a treat in these down in the mouth times. Perhaps a glittering mask to match?
    Again you had a beautiful birthday and it was a joy to partake vicariously in all the fun and special gifts from your dear friends.
    Bon Anniversaire. You’re too gorgeous to be 60! Glad to see you in blooming good health as well!
    PPP

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:25 PM

      THANK YOU………….ANN
      HOPE ALL IS WELL Over the HILL and thru the TUNNEL!
      Those BIG PARTIES are HISTORY NOW!I’m sure GLAD I did them while I had the ENERGY!Compared to what I have done in THE PAST this was a “PITY PARTY” but it turned OUT BEAUTIFULLY………friends arriving one by one NEVER over lapping the weather was perfect NOT TOO HOT!IT had a calmness and enjoyment that FLOWED right through THE NIGHT!!!
      IT had to be one of THE BEST ONES YET!
      XOXO

  • Ms. Mary
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 8:32 AM

    Just loved the birthday coutoure. Sparkley, stylish, sweet, SPECIAL!

    SO YOU! 🙂

    <3<3<3

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:21 PM

      Well, YOU KNOW ME………………I LOVE IT ALL and WHY NOT WEAR IT on ONES BIRTHDAY!!!
      NO BALLS in MY FUTURE……………..XX

  • Rena McDaniel
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 8:26 AM

    You my dear could never be average! I’m so happy that you’re birthday was such a rousing success, but I feel so bad. How is it you sent ME a gift on YOUR birthday? I know it now. I have it written in my book!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:19 PM

      ARE THE GLASSES FIXED?
      I hope they arrive soon SO you can FINISH THAT BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!
      WE WILL HAVE A BOOK CLUB MEETING VIA TELEPHONE when you are!
      XX

  • anitapelayorivera
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 8:08 AM

    OOOOOOOOHHHHHH! THAT CROWN! OK, don’t you just wish that a few of us who have no qualms about getting dressed up could just meet to dress up, wear our crowns and just strut? I sure do. Contessa dear, thank you for spreading your birthday joy! I got into your blog thanks to finally getting a notification in my email; I saw that you came to my blog but I can’t enter your world from there! Thanks for coming by and my birthday is in April; I made a reference to the fact that I am presently 62 but no…that happened in April!

    Well here we are. I am retired. Yes, please, let’s chat. DM me with your number because I don’t think you are in my contacts! HUGS TO YOU!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:18 PM

      I WILL CALL YOU SOON!
      SO HAPPY FOR YOU!
      DID you know when you wrapped up that was THE END?
      Somehow I think this decision came with that COVID!
      XX

  • Andrea Serrahn
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 7:48 AM

    So wonderful to have been part of your birthday celebration! Your visit to my shop with Juliet was the kind of fun we’ve all been missing. And look at the transformation we inspired in her. INSPIRATION. That’s a bday gift that keeps on giving. It’s your natural gift! Carry on and be the Queen you were born to be!

    • Juliet
      · Reply

      August 5, 2020 at 1:26 PM

      I’m just giddy over my coat, Andrea. And, all my other fun, blue things. Looking forward to styling the coat for fall/winter … I sure do hope we are able to enjoy a holiday party or two. We’ll see, but I’ll get gussied up anyway IN the spirit of the holidays. Hope to see you soon in your colorful shop! xo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:16 PM

      I’LL CARRY on but NOT as QUEEN!I wouldn’t want her JOB for ANYTHING!
      I will troll around and PRETEND to be that CONTESSA who MARRIED THE COUNT!
      The REAL CONTESSA I knew had DOGS, CATS, an OLD FARMHOUSE and vineyards…………….you could say I’m in TRAINING!
      YES, MORE of that VISITING needs to happen…………..XX

  • Leslie Lord
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 7:36 AM

    Your celebration looks fabulous Contessa and the crown tops it all! Flowers, cards, well wishes…all so lovely! Enjoyed seeing it all!
    XO

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:12 PM

      MANY MANY THANKS HOSTESS of THAT BUNGALOW!!!
      I just received a card from ROSEMARIE from those B. GARDENS!
      (AFRAID I’ll spell it wrong!!!)
      I was there ONCE…….MAGNIFICENT!
      XOXO

  • lisa thomson
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 7:28 AM

    Oooh, you look so beautiful! The Crown… 🙂 So gorgeous on you. Happy 60th, CONTESSA. What a milestone and you are an inspiration to me! Birthday hugs.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:10 PM

      THAT MAKES MY DAY LISA!!!
      DO you have a BIRTHDAY coming up?
      THANK YOU…………SO MUCH!
      XX

      • lisa thomson
        · Reply

        August 5, 2020 at 5:14 PM

        🙂 My 56th birthday is next month!! woohoo. The fifties are quite fun. Because of you and many of the ladies of your ageless style, I’m looking forward to my 60’s xx

  • Penelope
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 7:25 AM

    You are a celebration from your toes to your crown! May all the beauty and joy you put out in the world return to you tenfold! XOXO

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:08 PM

      FROM MY TOES to MY CROWN!
      I LIKE THAT!!!
      The toes are “SPORTING” a new color by OPI thanks to another GIFT and the CROWN is eyeing me in THE KITCHEN wanting to know when the NEXT OUTING WILL BE!!!
      XOXO

  • Luisa
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 7:05 AM

    Cara Elizabeth you look FAB!!!
    You look very well.
    Un grandissimo abbraccio dall’Italia
    Con tanto affetto e ancora Tantissimi Auguri
    Luisa

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:06 PM

      CARA LUISA,
      THANK YOU ever so much for your AUGURI a ME!!!!
      I hope you and the HUBBY are well and NO COVID surrounds YOU!By the look of the maps I see you are OUT of the RED and healing……………….
      ARE MAKING NEW BASKETS these DAYS?
      XX

  • Pierrette
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 6:12 AM

    Happy Birthday Contessa! Happy to see you looking so well. You seem to have completely recovered. Love the Crown.
    Always a treat to get one of your posts.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 3:00 PM

      SIX MONTHS THE 19th of AUGUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!!!!?
      NO EPISODES!!!!!!

      THANK YOU BLOG READERS!!!!!!!!!!
      XOXO

  • judith
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 5:52 AM

    So happy to see you enjoying your special day! And yes, you MUST wear the crown to the grocery store and make sure someone is taking pictures so that you can share on the blog. DO TELL us the title of the mystery book…

    Happy Birthday!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 10:21 AM

      Women in Sunlight by Frances Mayes!

      NOW THAT WOULD BE A SIGHT!!!!!!!!!
      GROCERY STORE………PAPARAZZI……….ME!!!

      I do not think I even have THE COURAGE to DO THAT!
      XX

  • Kathy L
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 5:36 AM

    No chance that you ever will have another birthday slip away quietly… and there’s nothing wrong with that! How fortuitous that your new crown complimented your birthday outfit so perfectly!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 10:19 AM

      IT is against MY INTUITION to NOT CELEBRATE!
      SO, you are most likely CORRECT!!!
      CROWN CROWN CROWN……………..was a HIT!
      XX

  • Parnassus
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 5:28 AM

    Hello Contessa, I’m glad you celebrated your birthday in style–we would have expected no less. I don’t know your secret but it looks like energy, style and interesting friends are the main ingredients. Moreover, you must have had that ideal weather made to order.
    –Jim

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 10:17 AM

      THAT WEATHER THAT DAY WAS A TEN as we say……..PERFECT!
      The day started out COLD and GREY but only got better with the arrival of the FIRST GIRLFRIEND at 10 AM!
      The sun always makes me HAPPY!I could NEVER survive in GREY COLD AREA.It really affects my Mood!
      THANK YOU!
      XX

  • Maywyn
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 5:06 AM

    Happy Birthday!
    You look fabulous. The crown is pefect.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 10:14 AM

      THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
      I AGREE THE CROWN IS PERFECT AND SO LIGHT!!!!!!!!
      XX

  • Karen Persson
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 4:15 AM

    So beautiful! You always amaze me with how you look, always amazingly gorgeous and wearing the most beautiful outfits. All the photos are gorgeous! Wishing you a healthy and loving year!

    Can’t wait to see you again… but we’ll have to wait to see when it’s safe to fly to California!

    Lots of love,

    Karen xoxoxo

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 10:14 AM

      I hear we maybe headed for another LOCK DOWN KAREN……………I think its going to be a long time before YOU can fly over HERE!Good thing you came a few times these past few years!
      I SO WANT TO COME YOUR WAY!!!!!!!!!
      XOXO

      • Karen Persson
        · Reply

        August 6, 2020 at 3:13 AM

        It’s crazy how it’s going! I might come in November but only if the numbers decline. Otherwise I’ll wait till 2021! So glad I’ve already seen you twice the past two years! Yes, come this way! You’re always welcome here!

        Stay healthy! xxoxo

  • Patricia Kellar
    · Reply

    August 5, 2020 at 2:57 AM

    Happy Birthday to The Contessa! Your sequin kaftan is just wonderful, and topped off with a Crown by Tamera! Lucky you, I wonder if she will make one for me when i turn 75 🙂 You look so special sitting in your pretty garden with those gorgeous yellow chairs. Take care and keep smiling.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 10:12 AM

      Those yellow chairs have taken a BEATING from The Squirrels!!!
      They like to pull the STUFFING OUT for their NESTS!!!
      I now have a towel over the loveseat to STOP THAT ACTIVITY!!!!
      THEY DO HAVE GOOD TASTE IN COLOR ………..!!!!

      I BET SHE WOULD!!!
      75 is a GRAND NUMBER!!!
      YOU are LUCKY TO SEE THAT IN THE HORIZON!!!

      YOU should SEE that KAFTAN in PURPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      I would need a DISCO CLUB TO WEAR THAT!
      XX

  • Katherine Cramer
    · Reply

    August 4, 2020 at 9:36 PM

    Joyeaux Anniversaire Cherie
    60 is a wonderful milestone
    Best decade is sure to blossom.
    But first, some Alchemy from the fire will forge wisdom and playfulness.
    Keep on playing, enjoying and sharing your visions of what is beautiful.
    Your spirit lifts me during dark days.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 10:08 AM

      HANG IN THERE KATHERINE………..VACCINES ARE COMING!!!!
      MY neighbor PAST two days ago from COVID-19!!!SHE was in a REHAB facility after an operation!!!TALK ABOUT SHAKING ME UP!!!
      STAY POSITIVE…………..keep moving I find I am sitting WAY TOO MUCH!!!
      I made the MOST DELICIOUS BAKED PASTA yesterday for THE ITALIAN…….do you want me to share that with YOU?
      XX

  • Cara (S. FL)
    · Reply

    August 4, 2020 at 6:40 PM

    I’m so glad you had such a memorable day, Elizabeth! I love the starry under garment and hope to see you wearing it in another way soon.
    Here’s to a wonderful rest of the year!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      August 5, 2020 at 10:05 AM

      As WE SHARE the same DAY I WISH YOU A HEALTHY JOYFUL YEAR AHEAD!
      THE STARRY under shirt comes in WHITE TOO!!!
      MAYBE YOU NEED ONE?They were not expensive I want to say $12.00 but that seems too cheap so my educated guess is NO MORE than $20.00!!
      THEY ARE WARM…………XX

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