I was having lunch with my family at The Parker in Palm Springs, when I saw this wonderful woman pass by. I hopped up from my seat and quickly snapped a shot of her on her way to her son's Wedding reception.
I was having lunch with my family at The Parker in Palm Springs, when I saw this wonderful woman pass by. I hopped up from my seat and quickly snapped a shot of her on her way to her son's Wedding reception.
Thank you for all of your comments and support on my last post. I hope to empower people to feel good about themselves and live life to the fullest, so any feedback on my work is much appreciated. I met this beautiful woman while consignment shopping with my family in Palm Desert. She was shy about posing, but lit up the camera with her beautiful smile, as soon as she stepped into the frame.
Today I read a review of Advanced Style on the Pilgrim's Moon blog. In her review, The blog's author Tess Giles Marshall, disapproves of my use of the word "ladies". A little constructive criticism never hurt anyone, so I wanted to bring the debate forward. What's the best way to refer to the women that I feature? I try and listen to how the people I photograph refer to themselves.I was once criticized for using the term "Ari's Girls" even though I was quoting someone that I had just photographed. I want to be respectful as possible, but can't please everyone. Where do you "guys" stand?
I am spending this Thanksgiving cooking with a few friends in New York. I just got back from shopping at Whole Foods and was inspired by all of the Autumnal colors. Orange is everywhere from yams, to pumpkin pie, and it can be seen in some of Advanced Style's best Fall Looks. Check out how the style experts above incorporate orange into looks appropriate for every season.
I haven't seen Hilda Longinotti since she turned 80 years old, and she looks as fantastic as ever.Hilda is a legend in the world of interior design, serving as the architectural and design liaison for Herman Miller.Her style is definitely influenced by her love of design, as seen in her bold, architectural accessories. Hilda offered this advice to anyone trying to discover their own personal style,"Set yourself apart from the crowd, young people need to find their zone. Style is an evolution, a process." To learn more about Hilda Longinotti and her long design career CLICK HERE.
This weekend I attended a signing for a wonderful book starring," The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas" Illustrator, Joana Avillez pays tribute to the style and humor of this wonderful fashion duo, in her book entitled, Life Dressing. I hope to feature some of Joana's incredible work on Advanced Style in the near future, but in the mean time, check out Joana's other illustrations HERE. Jean and Valerie will also have a special feature in my book coming out April 17, 2012 .
Artist, Ilona Royce Smithkin drawing Dita's eye
The finished product
Ilona and Dita's first meetingWhen Dita told me that she loved the videos of Ilona on Advanced Style, I knew these two had to meet. They are both amazing performers who have a lot to say about life and style. A few months ago Dita interviewed Ilona for my upcoming book. I can't wait for you to read all that transpired between these two style icons, during their wonderful conversation. Once again, if you would like to preorder the Advanced Style book you can find it HERE.
Carol and Richard are one of my favorite couples. They are both fantastic artists who bring style into every part of their lives. Check out the short interview below for more insight into how style and art impacts their life together.1. You say you are extravagantly exuberant in your lifestyle, but minimal in your living space. Can you expand and explain?
We like our environment to be neat and organized. We are selective in what we put in our live/work space which is a one-bedroom apartment. In Philadelphia we had over 4,000 square feet. When we moved to New York, we had our architect create a loft-like esthetic on a small scale. Our walls are white and bare, but we have favorite objects and our books on shelves. Art materials are put away at the end of each day and stored in boxes. This lack of clutter lets us focus on our art.
In our lifestyle we are exuberant because we have fun and laugh together. We go out to lunch and dinner, go to museums and keep in touch with indy happenings like theater and puppet shows. We always dress for these occasions. We love to travel. I have been studying French, so we go to France each year. Many of our dear friends were Richard�s students at Tyler School of Art, and we see them as often as we can. We take advantage of the unique offerings of New York City.
2. Did you and Richard always dress up?
We have always dressed up, but perhaps not as consciously as we do now. In the 60s and 70s we lived in Philadelphia, and the great department store, Wanamaker�s, had a wonderful men�s shop. When we shopped there, the charming salesman would greet us with �How are you folks today?� Richard bought a fantastic pair of Bill Blass cotton pants in multi-colored stripes -- very magical mystery tour. I have always loved fashion touches. Influenced by Diana Vreeland�s shoots for Vogue, I once made a maxi dress from strips of ribbon and wore it to a gallery opening at Tyler. A guard asked me if I was dressed up for Halloween!
Richard in his Blass pants, Orient, NY. Carol in pink shorts from Nan Duskin. the fanciest store in Philly.
3. Have you influenced one another�s style?
We must be soul mates to have been together for 45 years, so it follows that we must have influenced each other�s style along the way.
4. How have your styles changed throughout the years?
You get more confident with who you are as you get older. That goes for clothes too.
5. Do you think a couple that styles together stays together?
It seems to have worked for us.
6. You are both artists, is this one reason that you dress up?
Dressing up is definitely a creative activity. You get to exercise all of the same impulses you use in your art such as love of color, drama, emotion, humor and beautiful materials. Styling is a form of making a collage on your body.
7. Do you shop together?
I always shop with Richard. We go to Paris and buy his shirts at Coton Doux. Lately, we�ve been going to Paul Stuart for trousers. Richard knows what he likes, and I act as a sounding board. Richard shops with me most of the time. He finds a chair and waits for me to try on things. If he doesn�t like something, he makes a funny face. Sometimes I dart into Zara, H & M or J. Crew (my secret vices) on my own.
I often get asked how the Advanced Style ladies stay so beautiful and active as they age. I have learned over the past three years that it is important to stay interested in the world, to never stop learning, and constantly be inspired by new things. I asked 80 year old Joyce what her secret was and she responded, "The real secret is being in love with life and realizing what you have." Joyce worked in the magazine industry for many years and has never given up her passion for beauty and elegance. She says,"The older you get the more elegance you want."As you know I have been working on a book of my photos which will be out April 17, 2012. Some of the ladies that I have spent more time with, like Joyce, will have special featured sections. I will share extra photos and some of their most inspiring quotes.If you would like to Pre-order the Advanced Style book and see more of these wonder women, you can find it on Amazon HERE. I don't say this enough, but I appreciate and share your comments with all of the ladies that I feature, so thank you for all of the wonderful feedback!
Carol Markel
Sue Kreitzman
The ladies above are two of my favorite Advanced Style artists. Sue Kreitzman splits her time between London and New York, where she works on her amazing sculptural collages and paintings. Carol Markel,in the amazing Prada sunglasses, lives and works out of New York.She makes everything from hats and jewelry, to wonderful collages and videos.
People always ask me what I look for when I am shooting on the street. For me, its all about personal expression and spirit. Most of the ladies I photograph look at style and fashion as a form of art. They incorporate their creative spirits into how they dress everyday. Style is a wonderful way to add some creativity into your life. Rose, one of Advanced Style's most elegant women, could only explain her style as, "It's like how an artist picks out his paints everyday. That's how I choose a certain scarf or belt."
If you aren't used to dressing up, try this experiment. Choose a favorite painting and look at the color combinations. Try and use these colors as a template for your outfit. You can use accessories like hats,necklaces and bracelets to work against a black or more neutral base. You can also follow 90 year old artist,Ilona Royce Smithkin's advice, when she says, " You can wear any colors in combination as long as you have a repeat." The most important thing is to have fun and don't take yourself too seriously. I'd love to hear about your dressing up adventures!
People always ask me what I look for when I am shooting on the street. For me, its all about personal expression and spirit. Most of the ladies I photograph look at style and fashion as a form of art. They incorporate their creative spirits into how they dress everyday. Style is a wonderful way to add some creativity into your life. Rose, one of Advanced Style's most elegant women, could only explain her style as, "It's like how an artist picks out his paints everyday. That's how I choose a certain scarf or belt."
If you aren't used to dressing up, try this experiment. Choose a favorite painting and look at the color combinations. Try and use these colors as a template for your outfit. You can use accessories like hats,necklaces and bracelets to work against a black or more neutral base. You can also follow 90 year old artist,Ilona Royce Smithkin's advice, when she says, " You can wear any colors in combination as long as you have a repeat." The most important thing is to have fun and don't take yourself too seriously. I'd love to hear about your dressing up adventures!
This woman is winter ready in her faux fur trimmed coat and matching hat. She told me that she bought her sunglasses from a vendor on Madison Avenue, for five dollars. They provide a great touch of color and attitude to her cold weather gear.
You don't have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks. I'm in San Diego visiting my parents, and the other day I found a beautiful St. John knit, for my mom, at a local resale store.She was so excited to get a designer piece for under $100. Debra Rapoport(above) shops almost exclusively at thrift stores. Her philosophy is to wear what's either "Thrifted or Gifted." Not only is it more fun to find treasures at a thrift or vintage store, but its better for the environment and easier on your pocket book. Check out some more thrfting tips from Debra below, and if you want to email her write to Debrathenutritionista@gmail.com . (Debra made the hat above, so contact her if you are interested.)
Linda is always dressed to the nines in wonderful vintage clothing and accessories.She says,"Vintage is elegant and timeless, and you can have things that no one else does.� Linda has a great sense of personal style, which has only gotten better with time. She embraces the freedom that comes with age and believes,�When you are younger, you dress for other people. When you are older, you dress for yourself.�
One of my favorite spots to photo hunt is Madison Avenue. There are so many chic ladies, window shopping for inspiration.
Yesterday's post showed how Ruth stays so fit at 100 years old.Who better than this amazing centenarian to change our perceptions on aging and prove that we can live full lives well into our later years. Check out Ruth's life and style tips below:100 year old Ruth's Life and Style Tips
1."I never go to bed with my makeup on. that is number one.At night you must let your skin breathe."
2."I use a lipstick brush to paint on my lipstick--It stays on longer that way. I can also use a lipstick longer than anyone else because I can dig into it."
3."Every night before I got to bed I use Elizabeth Arden's 8 hour beauty cream on my lips. You must keep your lips moisturized."
4."When it comes to fashion you must be aware of your skin tone. You don't wear orange lipstick with a red dress."
5."I make myself go out everyday, even if its only to walk around the block. The Key to staying young is to keep moving. You are never too old to exercise."
6."Invest in Quality pieces, they never go out of style."
7."Don't look at the calendar, just keep celebrating everyday."
8."I dress up everyday and I don't wear blue jeans. I dress up even to mail a letter, you never know who you will meet along the way."
9.I have been active my whole life. An old Elizabeth Arden Ad said,"If you want to look like this when you are 40 start when you are 20."
10.I wake up every morning and say, "This is the day the lord has made."
8."I dress up everyday and I don't wear blue jeans. I dress up even to mail a letter, you never know who you will meet along the way."
9.I have been active my whole life. An old Elizabeth Arden Ad said,"If you want to look like this when you are 40 start when you are 20."
10.I wake up every morning and say, "This is the day the lord has made."
Last week I went to Pilates class with my amazing 100 year old friend Ruth.Ruth stretches everyday, lifts weights, and attends Pilates class once a week at Center Studio. She told me that she started taking classes in her late 80s. They help her feel strong and healthy and relieve her aches and pains. Ruth says that you are never too old to exercise and stay active. People always comment that they want to be like her when they get older. The key is starting young -- Ruth has been active her whole life. Check out a few seconds of her class weekly Pilates class above.
