I was heading uptown on Madison Avenue when I noticed this gorgeous woman walk by. I saw a flash of red lipstick, and knew I had to turn around and ask if I could take her photo. The Advanced Style ladies always tell me that a bright shade of red lipstick is the best accessory. I think this woman is proof of that theory, don't you?
I was heading uptown on Madison Avenue when I noticed this gorgeous woman walk by. I saw a flash of red lipstick, and knew I had to turn around and ask if I could take her photo. The Advanced Style ladies always tell me that a bright shade of red lipstick is the best accessory. I think this woman is proof of that theory, don't you?
Yesterday, I ran into Lucy Jarvis outside the Gagosian on Madison Avenue. She had just purchased a wonderful robot ring, designed by Mia Fonssagrives-Solow. At 94 years old, Lucy is one of my favorite stylish ladies to spot around town. Read more about her, including her incredible career in television HERE. I think I may have to pick up one these rings myself.
Christina is one of the most stylish and creative dressers I know. She told that the older she gets, the less she cares what other people think.This is a great lesson for all of us to learn. If you like her shades you can find them HERE.
I ran into singer, Rita Ellis Hammer, while strolling around the upper west side. She looked great in her red and gold outfit and over-sized glasses.
I met Amber near Madison Ave, and asked if I could take her photo. She was dressed perfectly for a hot summer's day, and I knew she would have some great style advice. Amber told me that she follows her mother's old saying," When in doubt, leave it off." Amber thinks about comfort first, because, "You won't feel stylish if you aren't comfortable." This is sound advice from a stylish lady!
Today when I was working on my post about 79 year old Rose, I had a choice to make. I had taken a number of photographs of her, and had to decide which ones to use. I generally keep my photos pretty free of editing. I want to present the most respectful and inspiring images possible, in order to stay true to the spirit of my subjects. It's interesting how the turn of a head, a hand on the hip,or subtle shift in weight can change the mood of a photo.
When I approach an outstanding lady or gentleman, I always start by giving them a compliment, and then ask if I can take their photo. I prefer to let them pose in which ever way feels most comfortable, only coaching them when they ask for a little help. I like to take photos that are full of vitality and spirit. The men and women I photograph are full of life and it's my duty to convey this in each photo I take. If you were to post one of the photos above, which would you choose and why?
I ran into Rose near central park this past weekend.She shared some of the knowledge that she has acquired over the past 79 years. Rose told me, " There was always a long line of presentation. Not one item should outdo another. The pieces should compliment one another, to create one complete picture. This is how it used to be,there was an elegance before. We were working towards the face, everything was meant to flatter the face."
When I asked her why she wears gloves, she simply responded," To protect my hands."
The other day,I visited the Countess of Glamour at Off Broadway Boutique.I asked her for some summer fashion advice. She told me,"Think of strawberry daiquiris and mint juleps, of wonderful, happy,delicious colors, and always remember to carry a light scarf."
I love the way many older women pay great attention to their hair styles.For me this is a sign of vitality and spirit. Both my grandmothers would have their hair blown dry and set, a few times a week. It wasn't until my grandma Bluma's final few months that she cared little about her appearance. When Bluma was sick I used to comb her hair back and bring the mirror to her. She would smile every time. Style is not only the clothes we put on, but how we carry and present ourselves.
I stopped the woman above while she was walking uptown with her daughter. I asked if I could take her picture and her daughter remarked, " I was just telling her how beautiful she is. Everywhere we go people stop her. She has a spark in her."
I stopped the woman above while she was walking uptown with her daughter. I asked if I could take her picture and her daughter remarked, " I was just telling her how beautiful she is. Everywhere we go people stop her. She has a spark in her."
Debra Rapoport, like many of the women on Advanced Style, is a fan of recyclable fashion. She shops at thrift stores, reinvents what she already has in her closet, and uses recycled materials to make the most amazing accessories. This summer The Museum of Arts and Design has teamed up with Advanced Style to present a series of creative salon sessions. Join Debra and I for our next salon Saturday, July 23rd.She will demonstrate how to make warm weather clutches, bags, pouches, and purses out of a range of recycled materials.
I am working hard to finish up the photos for my upcoming book and thought this might be a great day to take some photos. If you know anyone who would be a great subject for Advanced Style bring them by MAD on Saturday July 23rd. We will be having fun and taking pictures all day, so please stop on by and say hello.Keep track of all Advanced Style happenings on Facebook HERE.
You can find more details HERE and enjoy the videos of Debra below!
Program Details
Saturday, July 23, 2011 - 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Free with Museum Admission
I met 80 year old, Miyano Haraki, last year, after asking to take her photo in midtown. The other day, I went to her home to interview her about her career in fashion. She had great stories to tell about working for Pierre Cardin and Valentino and she shared some great fashion tips as well. I will include more of Miyano's story in my upcoming book, but for now enjoy these photos of her with some of the amazing hats, she has made over the years.
I am posting this in celebration of my 100th YouTube video upload. You can check out my Advanced Style channel HERE, full of great clips of the ladies and gentleman I feature everyday. I took this clip on my trip to Provincetown to visit Ilona. Ilona and her manager and great friend, Karen, decided to serenade us with beautiful music. After 55 years they know the true meaning of friendship.
This week we have been talking about great accessories and how they can change an outfit.In the past, Lynn, Lubi, and Joyce have all showed us how a great scarf or pair of gloves can add some glamour to anything in the closet. The woman above adds a touch of chicness to her outfit, by letting her snakeskin accessories stand out, against her all blue ensemble.What are your favorite accessories?
Here Helen is on two different days wearing the same dress and belt. By removing her coat and changing her hat she has created an entirely new look!
The ladies of Advanced Style are masters at using accessories, to create entirely new looks, out of the same outfit. Many of the women I speak to, look at style as an art form,and accessories as their paints. Helen is a great example of someone who has changed her look through the help of accessories. The first time we met she was on one of her daily walks through the East Village. Helen was wearing a beige dress, one of her favorite hats, and a striking coat. The other day I rant into her again wearing the same dress and belt, with a different hat, and no coat.By changing her hat and removing her coat she has created an entirely new look, perfect for a hot summer's day. Helen's most important fashion advice is to,"Wear what looks good on you, not on other people." Take Helen's advice and play around with what you have in your closet. Add a hat, scarf,or pair of gloves to any outfit and you can change the look completely.
Lubi lives in Sand Diego where the weather is usually pretty warm, she says,"Gloves shift the everyday comfortable outfit into a chic outfit."
This woman's gloves match her bag and look wonderful with her hat and scarf.
At 100 Ruth has a lifetime of fashion expertise. She dresses up everyday!
This woman knows how to make a statement. Her orange gloves stand out beautifully against her dark coat.
Mary loves fun accessories and these gloves are a great compliment to her fun coat.
Tziporah's green gloves complete her outfit by harmonizing with the stripes in her pants her green glasses.
Beatrix's gloves are perfect for any weather.
When I was growing up my grandmother and I would sit on her bed and watch old movies together for hours. I loved watching all the men and women all dressed up in their hats and gloves and longed for people to dress that way again. Yesterday Joyce shared her beauty and style secrets explaining,"Gloves they make an outfit, if it�s the right glove it can do everything for you.�
Gloves are a great way to add a pop of color, a splash of glamour,and a touch of elegance to an outfit. Lubi from Sand Diego put it best when she remarked,"Gloves shift the everyday comfortable outfit into a chic outfit."Do you ever wear gloves, and which are your favorites from above?
At 79 years old Joyce has a lifetime of advice to share. Listen to her wonderful tips in the video above. Let me know what your favorite piece of advice was,I'd love to hear your feedback.
1.�Gloves they make an outfit, if it�s the right glove it can do everything for you.�
2.�Getting a good black dress that you can fix up with different wonderful colored scarves.�
3.�Marvelous Jewelry, it doesn�t have to be real or expensive, a strand of pearls can make an outfit.�
4.�A wonderful large fiocco, a beautiful bow or boa.�
5.� The right neckline, if you have a beautiful D�colletage then by all mean shows it.�
6. �I look for the brightest colors in shoes, don�t be afraid to wear them with a dark dress. A bright scarf and shoes and gloves of the same color will stand out against the black background of a dress or suit.�
7. �The older you get the more elegance you want, you can use great color, but in an elegant way.�
8.�Don�t be afraid to be unique to be different.�
9.�Fishnet stockings, Incredible.�
10. �The real secret is being in love with life and realizing what you have.�
I met up with Joyce the other day to talk to her about her secrets to aging gracefully. At 79 years old Joyce told me, " I don't want to look younger, I want to look as great as I can at any age." I'll post a small video and more of her secrets tomorrow.
Here are the shots I took of Carola and her friends the other day. They are dressed perfectly for a hot Summer day in New York city.