Her Closet Is a Colorful Caftan-Filled Rebellion Against Beige

In her 1940s California ranch house, blogger and style icon Elizabeth Kirkpatrick — known to her followers as "the Contessa" — has built a closet that's a joyful rebellion against beige. A fashion merchandising major who never throws anything away, she filled the space her husband expanded just for her with the caftans, kimonos, and bold jewelry that define her ageless approach to dressing.

Today, Homeworthy is stepping inside a wardrobe full of stories — custom caftans and velvet opera coats, handmade South African shoes, a maxi dress she pinned with vintage fur clips, her wedding veil and the Gucci-factory shoes made just for her, and the Angela Caputi statement necklaces she doubles up because one strand is never big enough.