Here are some of my favorite shots from 2012. It's been such an incredible year and I can't wait to share what's happening with Advanced Style in the upcoming months. Thanks for all of your amazing comments, emails, and support. Let's all continue to dress up and heed the advice of our 101-year-old friend Ruth Kobin:"Celebrate everyday and don't look a the calendar." Have a happy and healthy new year.
All My Love,
Ari Seth Cohen




0
I took the larger family out to brunch on Sunday at a place in N. Minneapolis.  I brought the camera specifically because they have a pianist who plays for the brunches and during the evening hours.   I specifically wanted her photo.

Meet Lois:


She has played there for 17 years.   And, as I asked to take her photo, she nodded and continued playing.  She never stopped! 


If you are ever in Minneapolis and want great food and lovely music, stop in and say "hi" to Lois. Slip her a $10 and she will play almost any tune you can name.

And, I did have to chuckle at the table placard. 

Note the Lutefisk and Lefse dinner.  I will pass, thank you.

 
 
Thanks Lois!?
0
Not a portrait post today.  Earlier in December I wanted to experiment with long range shooting using a telephoto lens, in the dark, with a tripod.

We were in the middle of a storm that would dump about 15" of snow.  At this point, we had about 8-9" and it was about 11:00 PM.

I shot this through a window (because I had no desire to trapse outside in the storm on a bum leg.



The arbor is about 80' from the window and is wrapped with lights.  So, what you are seeing are the lights illuminating through the snow.

I rather like it.

As much of a pain as snow is, once it starts, it is best to just sit down, have a nice glass of wine, and keep warm.  Some things you don't get to control and you are best served by adapting to the circumstances.

Keep safe and warm.
0
0
0
0
I passed by this lovely couple walking downtown. I stopped them right at the crosswalk and asked if I could take their photo. The man said, " Of Course", while his date annonced. " Hurry up we are heading to a party my dear."
0
Meet Dan!


I have known Dan for years.  The first time I met him, we were at a party where we ended up playing charades.  Dan spelled out Ally Oop with this arms and legs.  I figured it out when he got to the "Y".  I knew I was going to like him after that.

As I recall, the police were called because we were laughing so hard.  But, being we were all pretty straighlaced at the time, it just added to the moment. 

Over the years, we have only disagreed on one issue.   And, I gave up my argument because I didn't want to fill the hole all by myself.  It's a long story.  But, Dan knows what I'm talking about. 

Thanks Dan!
0
0
Photos by Danny Roche
I hope everyone had a great holiday so far. I just got a wonderful email from Danny Roche after he gave his grandmother the Advanced Style book  for Christmas. Read the story below to see how she reacted.

This christmas I gave my grandmother �Advanced Style�  Two hours later she comes back all dressed up in a big fur hat, pearls, diamonds a fur coat and a red scarf/turban. I took pictures of this rare occasion. I had a talk with her and asked her why she doesn't dress up anymore and this is what she had to say:

� I grew up in the shadow of manhattan in a town called Jersey City. Looking across the hudson I often said to myself as a child one day I'm gonna go over there to enjoy the beautiful sites to see. The most popular past time growing up as a child in the depression was the going to the movies. I was always fascinated by all these beautiful actresses in these gorgeous clothes which made me become fashion conscious as I aged. I believe it influenced me in wanting to become a hairdresser to make people look glamorous  When I became older (late 40's) I stopped dressing up because I moved into the suburbs of New Jersey where it wasn't as fashionable. When I put on the old clothes again the other day I felt young again! I really miss dressing up.�  -Adeline Roche


0
0
0
This stunning lady was walking across Madison Ave when I noticed her wonderful coat, gloves, lovely red lipstick. I asked if I could take her photo and she kindly replied in French that she didn't speak English. My friend Fanny, a native French speaker, was with me and I asked if she would tell the woman that I thought she looked very beautiful and that I would like to take her photograph. Fanny asked and she replied that she had just received some very sad news and that my compliment had brightened her spirits and made her day. She posed for me on the corner of 65th and Madison, still a bit sad with a tinge of hope. Before she went on her way she gave Fanny and me a big hug and kiss on the cheek and told us that her day would be better now that she ran into us. It is she who truly made my day!
0
I have featured quite a few posts this year of people with whom I cross paths at the local coffee shop.  I haven't featured the morning crew.  Frankly, they are swamped in the morning when I am there and I don't want to be a pest.

But, a few mornings ago, there was a lull. 

Meet the morning crew:


My sincere thanks to them not only for the photo, but for the wonderful smiling service each morning.  I know that it is very early when I go through.  But, they are always there with a smile.  Of course, it could be that I look like an idiot with my lion slippers and robe.

Thanks Morning Crew!
0

0

0

0
I want to wish everyone a very happy and health holiday season. I am spending some time with my family in San Diego and finishing up some end of the year projects. This has been an incredible year and I want to  thank you all for your support and encouragement. We have a lot to look forward to in 2013 with the Advanced Style Documentary being entered into festivals and some other great new projects. Let's continue to dress up, celebrate, and show the world that style and creativity only get better with age.
0
I want to thank all of those who have encouraged me to keep the blog going this year.  I have enjoyed the experience.  It gave me a reason to get out and use the camera.  I learned a lot.  And, based upon those lessons, I will probably be changing a few things in 2013. 

But for now, I want to thank all of you.


And, I hope this gives you a smile this holiday season.  

Sometimes it is hard to remember what is important.  Perhaps this will help.

Thank you.

0
I occasionally see the two women below at the local coffee shop.  They are most often engaged in intense conversation about something.  So I don't tend to interupt.

However, earlier this week I ended up sitting next to them.  During a break in their conversation, I introduced myself, the blog, and asked whether I could take their photos.  They were very gracious!

Meet Emily:


Meet Amber:

 
 
Emily was studying for finals but taking a break with her cousin Amber.   First, let it be known that Emily was studying advanced hematology. And, she had just completed a few other impressive sounding finals, too!  So, well done!
 
It seems that the magic number in their family is 11.  They are 11 years apart.  If I caught the story correctly, Amber has a daughter.....and Emily has a daughter...and they are 11 years apart.   And, Emily is 11 years older than Amber's daughter.  So, they meet as a peer support group!
 
 
My sincere thanks to you both!
?
0
OK, not a people post.  But, I liked this photo.



The photo seems simple.  Balanced.   The 3-ball is still bothering me.  But, I like it.  Comments?
0
My last post mentioned the wonderful service we had at a company event.  
Here is the other half of the dynamic duo that did such a wonderful job attending to our group.

Meet Michelle!


She kept my wine glass filled and I didn't lack for food! 

My sincere thanks, Michelle for being such a good sport with the group!




0
Having a company event at a restaurant can be a bit chaotic.  It helps if the facility has a dedicated person or two that focuses on the group.

This restaurant did!

Meet Lisa!


She was one of two staff members that were doing a great job with the group.   Her co-worker will be my next post!  When I asked her what hobbies or interests she had, she said he loves to just go exploring, especially small towns. 

Thanks Lisa!

0

Yippee!!! The Advanced Style Coloring Book is now available for preorder HERE. My pal Ilan hand drew each wonderful page based on my photos of the Advanced Style ladies.Check out more details and photos of the coloring book below:
The coloring book features 20 original drawings proving that fashion isn't just for the young, and now neither are coloring books! Fun for ages 1 to 100.

This is a self published endeavor and thus will be a limited run. Books will be hand numbered out of 150.

Book dimensions are 8.5" x 11" and is staple bound.

SHIPPING INFO:
Due to the holidays items will ship after December 25th and will most likely arrive the first week of 2013.  Place your orders here- http://www.etsy.com/listing/118575884/advanced-style-the-coloring-book

Thanks to everyone who purchased the coloring book. They are now all sold out, but keep reading for updates as we are working on an exciting to endeavor with the coloring book very soon...
0
I saw this woman on the Upper West Side coming out of the grocery store. I love how she dresses up her outfit with a wonderful pair of animal print gloves. I just got to San Diego for some much needed rest and relaxation with my family. Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!
0
I am still not quite ready to expend the energy getting out and meeting people to photograph them.  But, it is slowly coming back.

For now:  I was at a work event with co-workers from around the world.  I haven't shot pool for a long time and I could tell.

Meet Order:  Contained.


Meet The Beginning of Freedom.  Not contained..but still uncertain.

Meet Freedom:  Go where you wish.   And get bounced around on the ride.

OK.  It isn't my best work.  But, it was fun to shoot pool AND the camera.  The smudge on the 3-ball is driving me nuts!  I should have turned it.  Oh well.




0
Ilona Royce Smithkin Teaching Painting Classes in Provincetown(Still From The Advanced Style Documentary)
Lina just sent me this great still, from the Advanced Style Documentary, of Ilona teaching painting class at the Provincetown Art Museum. I can't wait until we can finally show everyone the full length documentary and share more of these wonderful ladies' stories with the world. Ilona is a wonderful painter and teacher whose work and living spaces are just as colorful  as the wonderful outfits she puts together everyday.
0
This gorgeous woman always has the most dazzling and colorful array of accessories. I am constantly delighted by her wonderful combinations of patterns and textures and hope to one day be able to hear more about her style inspiration.
0