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Then there WAS OSCAR…………

April 5, 2016 131 Comments

CONTESSA & OSCAR

 

WHAT A GENUINE kind of FELLA HE WAS.I was LUCKY enough to go on a little outing to the CITY with TWO beautiful FRIENDS.

CONTESSA & HER PEARLS...

I DRESSED FOR OSCAR……………..I think HE would have approved!

LA CONTESSA age 55

I did END UP taking the THREE strands of TASSEL PEARLS OFF! MADAME COCO must have been WATCHING from above.

Me & Oscar

I am going to let the PHOTOS speak for themselves…….until I get to THE CROWD PHOTOS.

Then I will have a FEW words if not a CHAPTER to say about HOW PEOPLE DRESS TODAY TO GO OUT IN PUBLIC!

It is ALL about COMFORT and HOW UGLY can I LOOK.

DO you remember when WE would DRESS to get on an AIRPLANE?

In ITALY I had TO DRESS to go to MARKET!

I feel for the DRY CLEANERS of TODAY…………BUSINESS MUST be DOWN!

YOUNG OSCAR

THE YOUNG OSCAR born and raised in the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.He then went on to STUDY in SPAIN under BALENCIAGA.Then on to PARIS for LAVIN.He came to the STATES to WORK for ELIZABETH ARDEN………..then went out on HIS OWN.

The COAT for ME!

If I could have PURCHASED ANYTHING at the show it would have been this COAT!

SPANISH ROOM

To have ENCRUSTATION like this on the cloth that ADORNS your BODY!

CAFTAN BEAUTY

ANTIQUE CHAIR

Being in the BUSINESS of the ANTIQUE WORLD this caught my EYE.

TAILS ON PANTS

Detail

CAFTAN DIVINE

Russian Room

Details.......

The STANCE!

It's ALL in the wrist!

A COAT

THE DETAILS.......

The Veil

Russian Goddess

THE GARDEN ROOM with a VIDEO of HIS GARDEN in KENT, CONNECTICUT.Video of His Garden

Garden Room

TRES CHIC

THE BOW!

ALL HERE.......

Oscar DE LA RENTA GOWN

THE WRIST BEJEWELED

CONTESSA in the SHOW!

A CONTESSA has to PRETEND SHE is at the BALL TOO!!!!!!

THE CROWD

What do You think………….Pretty normal for a BIG CITY event at a well known Museum.I know Comfort is IMPORTANT……………..and maybe these TWO were TOURISTS and planned to WALK around GOLDEN GATE PARK?

(IT’s TOO BIG to WALK!)

FRENCH INSPIRATION

Can you SEE my POOF of feathers on MY hat in the MIRROR?The FRENCH SETTEE took My breath AWAY…that was all done by hand every little STITCH!

FASHION of TODAY!

More CROWD STALKING I AM……….

that checkered bag is a designer I know but the name ESCAPES me cause I am too busy looking at the THREE LAYERS of shirt tail’s.

I suppose the LINEN jacket of sorts was to un~ravel like this?

The other GAL looking at US has on those LOW rider pants that LOOK GOD AWFUL ON ALMOST ANYONE!

She has a TUMMY like me……………

WHAT do WE CARRY around in these BIG BAGS?Please tell me as I WANT TO KNOW.

I CARRY a BIG bag TOO!GARDEN DRESS

TO MY FLORAL FRIENDS……..is this a ROSE or another kind of FLOWER perhaps that is grown only down on the D.R.island………….there is a POPPY quality and a HIBCUS LOOK to it as well as a ROSE.

THREE DAMES

Which ONE would YOU PICK?For ME I would say it has to be the DARK MINK with GRAY and RED BLOOMS.

ADORE the necklines.

Why is it when I give GARDEN PARTIES ……………………………..lets NOT GO THERE EITHER!

JARDIN inspired

A BRIDE?

READ this it will make YOU SMILE.

Oscar's LOVE

 

GARDEN GEAR!

Perhaps, this is the GOWN for me to get those last few SPRING PLANTINGS IN the GROUND!

The Vista

THE GIRLS with OSCAR
BLACK seems to be the THEME………….for ALL AGES………DO YOU believe WE are representing THREE DECADES HERE!

The Audience

I thought THIS WOMAN had NERVE!

Maybe it was a LAST MOMENT decision!

SNEAKER WOMAN

A camisole with a sweater.

Straps underneath are BULKY……….to have another sweater tied at the HIPS?Large BAG……….because WE need WHAT………………. just IN CASE in a MUSEUM of ALL places!I think WE should carry a smaller bag inside our BIG bags for a VISIT like this……easily done to put the phone and I.D. in a smaller bag.

HECK

I do that already in the BIG BAG so I can FIND in a moments notice the CREDIT CARDS!

Should I touch on THE SHOES?

Let’s NOT GO THERE TODAY!

BALLROOM

 

The TULLE GOWN

Love the TULLE here just DRAPED around for a STOLE if NEED BE!

Contessa_garden

I know it’s SPRING and HERE I AM in BLACK!

The HAT and ROSE I PURLOINED from my SHOP!

I WILL BE A VENDOR at the REMNANTS of the PAST SHOW which is FAST APPROACHING.To BUY tickets on line GO HERE.

Looking FORWARD to SEEING A BUNCH OF YOU!

Just a few days ago I had long HAIR.

The long hair CONTESSA

AND NOW………..The short hair CONTESSA

THE NEW DOO………………

The ITALIAN HATES IT

MY MOTHER TOO

THAT left the GORGEOUS SON

Who said , ” MOTHER NEW DOO?”

N……..ICE!!!!!!

he says.

The other GORGEOUS SON

Noticed RIGHT AWAY

with an up LIFTING COMMENT I might ADD!

Now, I am

Just waiting for YOU!!!

Do YOU like MY NEW DOO?

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131 Comments
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131 Comments

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  • Susan B
    · Reply

    April 16, 2016 at 6:41 AM

    I love the new haircut….SASSY!

    That Oscar de la Renta exhibit looks so fabulous! Thanks for taking us along. Yes, it’s a shame how people dress (or don’t) in public sometimes. I also remember when we dressed up for the airplane.

    • contessa
      · Reply

      April 16, 2016 at 6:50 AM

      THANKS SUSAN………..I am LOVING IT!
      I did note that KATE and WILLIAM are DRESSED on the airplane’s in INDIA!!!!!!!!
      Title or CUSTOM…………???!!!!!
      THANK for the visit!
      XX

  • That's Not My Age
    · Reply

    April 15, 2016 at 8:09 AM

    Love the new ‘do’ and the hat you wore for Oscar!

  • Sandra Sallin
    · Reply

    April 14, 2016 at 6:59 PM

    Love the new do! Gorgeous. Also love seeing the exhibit. What a talent. He will be missed. You look divine! Just perfect for the occasion. So glad you included his gardens. I know he loved them and it shows. Such style in every part of his life. He would have loved to meet you and applauded your garb. Your a DELIGHT!

  • Andrea@WellnessNotes
    · Reply

    April 13, 2016 at 2:42 PM

    Such a fabulous show! You dressed perfectly for it! I LOVE your new hair!

    I really want to see the exhibition, and have been thinking of dragging the boys along (and then enjoying the rest of the day in the city). But then I thought that I really want to dress up for it and that will affect what we can do afterward… Plus, I really don’t think the “little” one will enjoy it much… The photos you shared are fabulous! I’ll have to figure out how I’ll make this happen!

    I really would have liked to go to the Remnants of the Past Vintage Show and meet you, but it won’t work out. Soon! Have a fabulous time!

  • cherie
    · Reply

    April 12, 2016 at 7:57 PM

    I love your new Doo! So fresh and new. How did I miss two posts????? I have been traveling and I am so behind. Love the Oscar show, especially the fur trimmed gowns. I will have them ALL!

    XO
    cherie
    http://www.stylenudge.com

  • Jennifer
    · Reply

    April 8, 2016 at 11:51 PM

    You look amazing as always! What is wrong with our society that peolle can;t be bothered to dress for any event?? I do love your new ‘do!! Tres chic on you. Lunch next week? where and when?
    xoxo

  • Penelope Bianchi
    · Reply

    April 8, 2016 at 10:24 PM

    ACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are in the Chico’s campaign and DID NOT TELL ME??

    HURT BEYOND! SOB!

    WHY????

    • contessa
      · Reply

      April 9, 2016 at 7:48 AM

      NOT ME!
      A woman named BETH who writes a BLOG called STYLE AT A CERTAIN AGE!

  • beth djalali
    · Reply

    April 8, 2016 at 6:11 PM

    well, the italian might just get used to the new do as it looks fabulously chic on you. and italians are known for their chicness. but change is always good. what a beautiful outfit you wore for your museum outing. and i don’t even have to ask if you had fun because you always do no matter where you go.
    xoxo beth

    • contessa
      · Reply

      April 8, 2016 at 6:34 PM

      YES, I had FUN but even MORE FUN when I opened my CHICO’S CATALOG that came in the MAIL and there YOU were!Then today on INSTAGRAM there YOU were AGAIN in an AD campaign for them!I AM TRUELY EXCITED FOR YOU……………this is what I call REAL LIVE FUN!YOU GO GIRL…………those BOYS of yours MUST be BEAMING!!!!!!!!!XO

  • Faux Fuchsia
    · Reply

    April 8, 2016 at 6:09 PM

    Long time listener first time caller.

    I am so Jealous that I don’t live in the US and will not get to see Oscar’s exhibition. I even named my son after him!

    And I am so with you about people not bothering to dress up. I dress up to grocery shop and garden. It’s kinder on people’s eyes and when I look good I feel better.

    Luff the blog and the effort you put in to everything x

    • contessa
      · Reply

      April 8, 2016 at 6:27 PM

      OH FAUX FUCHSIA……………you have been STALKING ME and you just NOW came out of HIDING?!!
      I am OVER WHELMED by your LUFF and SUPPORT!!!
      I think I have ARRIVED NOW that I know YOU are WATCHING!
      Will you check back in and comment from time to time……..I would REALLY like that as your humor is GRAND and YOUR taste even BETTER!!!!!XX

    • Penelope Bianchi
      · Reply

      April 8, 2016 at 10:22 PM

      completely perfect description of why to dress up! You feel better and so does everyone else!

      YAY!!!!!

  • contessa
    · Reply

    April 8, 2016 at 12:56 PM

    MRS. ROSE,
    YOU ended UP in my SPAM BOX!
    HOW DARE THEY SPAM YOU!!!!!!!!!
    I have FIXED that so HOPEFULLY, it willNOT happen again!!!
    Good to know I am NOT alone in MY thinking…………self respect that is IT!
    I too think it is a ROSE…………
    Thanks for your lovely INPUT!
    XX

  • Mrs. Rose.....
    · Reply

    April 8, 2016 at 12:04 PM

    First, I LOVE your new DO! And the hat….
    Secondly, I, too, am shocked how people leave the house today. Obviously no one owns a mirror or bothers to look at themselves. Just because you wear exercise style clothing to “exercise” in does not mean you should wear them to a world class art museum. It is A-OK to invest in a few nice pieces of appropriate clothing and to take time to dress so that YOU respect yourself. A little self respect goes a long way. One should know what it feels like to feel special.
    Lastly, you did a brilliant job capturing the essences of the Oscar de la Renta exhibition. You would look stunning in the acid yellow long coat. The floral print you mentioned looked like it was a garden rose or possibly a peony. Either way I would wear any and all of those dresses and crave a fabulous caftan (hint, hint). Bravo to you!!!

  • LA CONTESSA
    · Reply

    Author
    April 8, 2016 at 7:36 AM

    VIA EMAIL:
    I LOVE ….OSCAR!!! His Clothes were designed for me….I just can’t afford them!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      April 8, 2016 at 8:20 AM

      SALLY,
      YOU and I can SHARE A GOWN if I am LUCKY enough to SCORE one at a CONSIGNMENT shop around HERE!!!!!!Then YOU MUST have a SOIREE in YOUR GARDEN!!!!!!!!!!
      VA BENE???
      XO

  • stephanie thonet
    · Reply

    April 8, 2016 at 4:28 AM

    to reply to your comment elizabeth – yes, it’s the same thing in europe, too. it makes me feel so old to say it, but to my way of thinking so much has “gone down the drain”! not only careless ( & ugly) dressing (as in trainers, backpacks as purses; plateau soles – i could go on and on…), but manners, language and insensitivity while we’re at it.- maybe it is a sign of “old” age, but it sure takes getting used to going with the times! (actually, i’m not. i’m keeping my sensitivity and my fashion sense; only with language will i make very few exceptions.)
    and no, i’m not a closet contessa :-); i was simply very fortunate to travel in style with my family.

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      April 8, 2016 at 8:18 AM

      STEPHANIE………………..
      YOU and I are on the same WAVE.I couldn’t agree with YOU more.
      WE could do a POST on MANNERS…………maybe I should!!!
      I think PARENTS have become LAZY………….it’s hard work instilling in a child PUT THE NAPKIN ON YOUR LAP before taking a BITE.I was at a BIRTHDAY party recently……do you know people started eating the cake before the BIRTHDAY GIRL was done cutting a slice for ALL!
      XX

  • Allena Behnke
    · Reply

    April 7, 2016 at 7:29 PM

    I love the new hairdo! Shapes your face so nicely! My aunt would take me to Hollywood to have lunch and she was always dressed to the nines. Hair in an updo, red lipstick, tea length floral dress & heels. What happened to us? I’ll have to think more about the way I dress in public, because I’m pretty guilty of wearing yoga pants and jackets so that I CAN go for a 5 mile hike after visiting the de Young Museum and explore more of SF. I could have ended up in one of your pics!
    Thank you for sharing the gowns. I love the textures, colors, poufs & bows, fur, embellishments and different styles. Yes, I did catch your reflection in the mirror, so mysterious, just out of a movie!
    See you soon, love Allena

    • contessa
      · Reply

      April 8, 2016 at 12:50 PM

      “What happened to US”………that is a GOOD QUESTION!
      WE want comfort and it’s all ABOUT US.We are too much in a HURRY……….and we want everything DONE FAST.
      Something has to GIVE……..and I surmise that was our wardrobe!!!
      Maybe I should invent an APP………that tells you YOU CAN LOOK BETTER TODAY!Maybe WE need that reminder………..
      I still doNOT understand WHO buys the GARMENTS in all the shops cause YOU never see them on people, then again I don’t get OUT that OFTEN!
      THANK YOU!For the compliment and the C O M M E N T!!!!!!!!!!XX

  • Doré @ Burlap Luxe
    · Reply

    April 7, 2016 at 12:59 PM

    Oh no! Contessa, it’s a wonderful cut, I have to agree with your handsome sons and disagree with your Mom and your Italian man, you look amazing. So much so it look years off your life,mand such a stunning chic look.
    As for the show you were dressed with all eyes on you I am most certain, you could have w
    Been placed right up in your own showcase and fit right in. People just don’t dress for events anymore these days, especially here in the states.

    Loved everything about this post, have fun at remnants 🙂

    Xx
    Doré

    • contessa
      · Reply

      April 7, 2016 at 4:15 PM

      THANK YOU and WILL DO!!!!!!!
      XX

      • Penelope Bianchi
        · Reply

        April 8, 2016 at 12:38 AM

        She is right! THEY are WRONG!! Some people do not like change!

        But this change is SO GOOD!! (I am not trying to copy your printing!!)

        It is just plain true! Your hair is so fabulous!

    • Doré @ Burlap Luxe
      · Reply

      April 8, 2016 at 11:46 PM

      Contessa, I grew up knowing what to ware to what event, what studio and what resturaunt.
      Having a grandfather who was an OSCAR winning art producer for Paramount Movie Picture Studios HOLLYWOOD California. Knowing everyone in the movie business is a quick education that money does not always buy class…yet respect does come along with taking pride in your apoeance. I remember having my own real fur fox coat at the young age of 7 when it was exceptable before PETA…? I feel it was what set the stage for me in dressing for the right occation and I don’t even own a pair of sport shoes, or jean shorts. Lol !
      I have a long list of Hollywood actors who sat at our table, or entertained a conversation, and old Hollywood is so missed, no one dresses anymore. So wonderful to see you remind women all over in how important it is to dress, and how you dress for yourself.

      Love your brave bold spirit.
      Xx
      Bisous

      Doré
      ????

  • Jen
    · Reply

    April 7, 2016 at 10:36 AM

    I wish you’d move to Oakville. We could go on such fun outings. All anyone ever wears here are yoga pants and it is quite dreary.

    • contessa
      · Reply

      April 7, 2016 at 4:14 PM

      OAKVILLE in the STATE of CALIFORNIA?
      YOGA pants are BIG here TOO……….
      XX

      • Penelope Bianchi
        · Reply

        April 8, 2016 at 12:33 AM

        Yoga pants have taken over the way women dress all over the country.

        It is all part of “upper and lower slobbovia” Yoga wasn’t even in the US then…but Al Capp saw it all coming. Tragic. Grim is right. GRIM!!!

  • Bianchi Penelope
    · Reply

    April 7, 2016 at 9:03 AM

    I LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!

    • contessa
      · Reply

      April 7, 2016 at 9:20 AM

      WHY THANK YOU!
      I just washed it will send you a snap on your PHONE!
      XO

  • Donna
    · Reply

    April 7, 2016 at 8:15 AM

    Elizabeth~ I really love your new do! I thought I liked your previous cut but now this one is even MORE CHIC! How fun to go see this show. I recognize this style but never realized it was Oscar. The fur collars and bows and trains and luxuriously rich fabrics are just incredible. The outfit you wore to attend was perfect. Somehow being tall gives one a natural grace that us 5 footers cannot pull off!! If I wore your coat it would look like a five year old playing dress up- even in my four inch heels. Sigh* You Know I love to dress up, but even on casual days I find a generous dab of perfume, a slash of lipstick and a strand of pearls go a long way. No tennis shoes here. Though I’m shamefully often barefoot. Hugs my friend! Donna~Faded Velvet

    • contessa
      · Reply

      April 7, 2016 at 4:12 PM

      YOU DRESS with STYLE and FLAIR!
      BAREFOOT works for me too as long as I’m not hauling furniture!!!!!!!!!!
      THANK YOU……..MORE CHIC sounds better the CHIC!!!
      Have to say I am loving it TOO!!!!!!
      XX

      • Penelope Bianchi
        · Reply

        April 8, 2016 at 12:17 AM

        It delights me completely that La Contessa is becoming such a famous star! (she has been a STAR since her birth; but now she is achieving recognition!! What a delight she is……online and IN PERSON!!!

        Divine beyond! I almost have to stop subscribing to the comments….(but I won’t) because I am getting a hundred a day, or something!

        AND I LOVE HER NEW HAIR DO!!! FORGET IT….MOTHER AND ITALIAN HUSBAND…..IT IS FABULOUS….JUST LOOK AT IT AGAIN! You do look younger….(you look young anyway!!) But a youthful thing happened!

        I adore you……and I need more info on that coat you wore to the De Young….I am coming to that exhibit. I met Oscar…..(charming beyond) in Venice at the Save Venice Benefit. He strode right up and said he “loved my dress….tell me about it.” It is a wonder I retained consciousness……..seriously. A more charming and lovely man…….has never or will ever exist. His taste just was beyond. His wife Annette….whom he brought to meet us….same thing. Lovely and gracious. I have to see this exhibit!!!!

    • LA CONTESSA
      · Reply

      Author
      April 8, 2016 at 8:12 AM

      OKAY< PENELOPE……………OSCAR came up to YOU in VENICE!
      NOW< That is SOMETHING!!!!!!!
      Will YOU Please start writing ALL these little FABULOUS STORIES DOWN in YOUR BLOG………PEOPLE I HAVE SEEN AND MET could be the TITLE!I want YOU to take 15 minutes today and jot down some experiences………..PATTY DUKE,TONY DUQUETTE,DONNA KARAN.OSCAR de la RENTA……..etc and just SEE how many names pop OUT!DO IT PLEASE!!!!!!XO

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