I thoroughly enjoy the randomness of finding people for the blog and approaching them.  I was at dinner with friends about a week ago and noticed the gentleman below.  I enjoy this restaurant.  It has a great patio for dining.  It even has a nice fire place for those more chilly nights.

Meet Eric!

Eric was the patriach of his family.   What drew me to him was his smile.  It was warm and genuine.  And, of course, we each have about the same amount of hair!  He told me he is an Alaskan transplant.  I guess he decided to move to a warmer climate!

Meet Otto, the protector of the family!

Otto was having a heck of a time protecting the family, begging for food, and growling at some of the dogs that were with other restaurant patrons. 

Eric and his family were most delightful.

Thanks Eric..and Otto!

Dogs, Diners, and Patios

I thoroughly enjoy the randomness of finding people for the blog and approaching them.  I was at dinner with friends about a week ago and no...

Dogs, Diners, and Patios

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IRIS APFEL PROMO from Laura Coxson on Vimeo.
In celebration of Iris Apfel's 91st Birthday yesterday, I am posting this wonderful trailer to Maysles Films' upcoming documentary featuring our favorite style icon. I can't wait to see the completed film!

A First Look At The New Iris Apfel Documentary

IRIS APFEL PROMO from Laura Coxson on Vimeo . In celebration of Iris Apfel's 91st Birthday yesterday, I am posting this wonderful tra...

A First Look At The New Iris Apfel Documentary

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One of the local camera groups sponsored an evening at a lake focusing (no pun intended) on how to take portraits including a sun set. It was an incredible night.

I got a bit impatient waiting for the right angles to try the sun set. But, this couple was gracious enough to let me take a few photos of them on a dock.

Meet Harsh and Payal.

They are both from India and are working in the states. 

My thanks to you both!

A Bit More Evening at the Lake

One of the local camera groups sponsored an evening at a lake focusing (no pun intended) on how to take portraits including a sun set. It w...

A Bit More Evening at the Lake

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Malcah Zeldis is a celebrated  folk artist with paintings in museums all over the country.She has always used painting as means of self expression, but severe hip pain left her unable to sit for long periods of time. Malcah began to discover creative inspiration in the many colorful pieces of clothing she had collected and found in thrift stores over the years. Dressing became her new form of expression and healing. Watch the video above to hear Malcah's inspiring story in her own words.(I am happy to say that Malcah is feeling much better now and has returned to creating her amazing works of art.)

Folk Artist Malcah Zeldis Explains How Dressing Up Healed Her Pain

Malcah Zeldis is a celebrated  folk artist with paintings in museums all over the country.She has always used painting as means of self ex...

Folk Artist Malcah Zeldis Explains How Dressing Up Healed Her Pain

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This young lady was obviously getting ready to go for a run around the lake.  She stretched....and stretched...and waited...and waited.

Finally I approached her and asked about a photograph.  And, she graciously let me take this photo.

Meet Haley!

She is a Montessori pre-school and kindergarden teacher.   When I asked her what I could say about her, she replied, "Gratitude is the hearts memory."  I asked for more clarification.  But, she just smiled and said, "it has been a good week."  Fair enough!

As for the photo below, the sun was still a bit too high. But, I liked the colors.

Thanks Haley!

Sunshine and Gratitude

This young lady was obviously getting ready to go for a run around the lake.  She stretched....and stretched...and waited...and waited. Fina...

Sunshine and Gratitude

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I ran into this woman in Chelsea and asked if I could take her photo. She told me, " I am on my way to a 90th Birthday party and the Birthday boy will surely get a kick out of this!"

Red, White, and Blue

I ran into this woman in Chelsea and asked if I could take her photo. She told me, " I am on my way to a 90th Birthday party and the Bi...

Red, White, and Blue

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This gentleman was lying back in the grass completely at ease. 

Meet Alex!

He works for a non-profit and, in his spare time, runs his own photography business/website!  Check it out!  He creates incredible images.  I may need to take a few lessons! 

And, meet Puff Ball.

His owners weren't especially interested in being photographed.  But, Puff Ball didn't seem to mind.

Thanks Alex!  And, thanks Puff Ball!

Another Photographer!

This gentleman was lying back in the grass completely at ease.  Meet Alex! He works for a non-profit and, in his spare time, runs his own ph...

Another Photographer!

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Last week I had the pleasure of photographing stylist turned beauty guru, Linda Rodin, outside her NYC apartment. Besides working full time on her skincare line, Rodin olio lusso, Linda has become a favorite among fashion bloggers, and is currently featured in the   J.Crew catalog. Linda believes that lots of sleep and a good diet are two of the keys to aging gracefully.

When it comes to looking older she says,"First of all it's not easy getting older. It catches up on you all of a sudden. It's definitely more interesting to let yourself go through the process than do a bunch of surgery and get addicted to a face that's not even yours. You can't chase youth. You'll just look older with a face lift."  Check out more of Linda's story and her amazing  Rodin olio lusso products HERE.

( For those of you who asked about Linda's lip color she is wearing Make Up Forever, #16 pencil, then Make Up Forever lipstick #36. Under both: Fran Wilson's green mood matcher)

Linda Rodin

Last week I had the pleasure of photographing stylist turned beauty guru, Linda Rodin, outside her NYC apartment. Besides working full time ...

Linda Rodin

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While waiting for the sun to drop a bit lower in the sky, I wandered around introducing myself to people enjoying the evening.

This couple had a wonderful dog and were having a great time with him. 

Meet Jesse and Melissa.

Their dog, Cooper was having too much fun to sit still and be photographed.  So, I missed him!  But, trust me, he was cute!

The photo below is just to prove I was really there.  The sun was still too high and clouds were moving in.  But, I liked the photo.

Thanks Jesse and Melissa..and Cooper!

An Evening at the Lake

While waiting for the sun to drop a bit lower in the sky, I wandered around introducing myself to people enjoying the evening. This couple h...

An Evening at the Lake

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The Twin Cities Muzzle Loaders had a tent at the Game Fair!

Meet Jim?

Meet John!

GREAT period costumes and very knowledgeable about muzzle loaders!  Nice guys, as well!

Thank you gentlemen!

Musket Men

The Twin Cities Muzzle Loaders had a tent at the Game Fair! Meet Jim? Meet John! GREAT period costumes and very knowledgeable about muzzle l...

Musket Men

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Ruth is turning 101 next month and she is looking forward to celebrating with all of her friends and family. She is a wonderful example for us all to take care of ourselves and to age gracefully. I was just looking through the September issue of Vogue and couldn't spot one photograph that revealed a line, wrinkle, or even pores on any of the model's faces. There is definitely a photoshop epidemic going on. Everyone is so concerned with aging and looking younger, but wouldn't you rather see Ruth advertising a beauty brand  than a photo-shopped 20 year old with no character or expression?

Aging Gracefully At 101 Years Old

Ruth is turning 101 next month and she is looking forward to celebrating with all of her friends and family. She is a wonderful example for ...

Aging Gracefully At 101 Years Old

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One of the fun things about the Game Fair is that dog owners can bring their dogs and test their retrieving skills.  You can see, this one is FOCUSED!

Meet Charlie

?

His off-spring was there to give dad support.
Meet Apple!

After watching the dog retrieve, the Big D turned to PaPa and asked, "Can I get a dog?"

Well...Christmas is coming, Big Guy.   Christmas is coming.

Big Dogs, Puppies, and the Big D

One of the fun things about the Game Fair is that dog owners can bring their dogs and test their retrieving skills.  You can see, this one i...

Big Dogs, Puppies, and the Big D

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Yesterday I had the privilege of not only having lunch with an amazing 100 year old, but breakfast with the legendary Iris Apfel as well. Iris is as busy as ever working on her handbag line, a line of jewelry for HSN, and a collaboration with eye-bobs. At 90 years old Iris is proof that keeping active is the secret to aging gracefully.

The One and Only Iris Apfel

Yesterday I had the privilege of not only having lunch with an amazing 100 year old, but breakfast with the legendary Iris Apfel as well. Ir...

The One and Only Iris Apfel

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I took the Big D to the annual Game Fair this year.  Who couldn't stop and smile at this?  I think she had 10 puppies.  They were all cuddled together sleeping on top of one another.

 

?

This little one was on top.  Probably easier to breathe and still keep the warmth of all his brothers and sisters.

They are cute.
Thanks little ones.  May you have a happy life and chase plenty of birds.

Puppies!

I took the Big D to the annual Game Fair this year.  Who couldn't stop and smile at this?  I think she had 10 puppies.  They were all cu...

Puppies!

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Here are some more shots of Carol Olten in La Jolla, CA . Check out her amazing sunglasses and boots! I'm out the door to meet with our favorite 100 year old Ruth, so expect some new photos very soon.

These Boots Were Made For Walking

Here are some more shots of Carol Olten in La Jolla, CA . Check out her amazing sunglasses and boots! I'm out the door to meet with our ...

These Boots Were Made For Walking

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I was lucky enough to schedule a trip to St. Louis while friends from LA were also there.  They stayed at the Moonrise Hotel in the Delmar Loop.   The entire hotel is themed around lunar landings and cartoons, etc. featuring the moon.  GREAT black and white photography of moonscapes in the rooms.

But, the rooftop terrace was fantastic.  The day temps were near 100.  But, it cooled down a bit at night and made it quite pleasant.

Meet Kimberly and Beth who took good care of us!

The bar was well stocked and I liked the decorating color combinations and lighting!

The lunar motif!

And, the street scene.  Nice and quiet.

The Moonrise Hotel

I was lucky enough to schedule a trip to St. Louis while friends from LA were also there.  They stayed at the Moonrise Hotel in the Delmar ...

The Moonrise Hotel

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Alice Carey loves mixing elements of  menswear with slight feminine touches. Here she wears her husband's childhood Scout's shirt with wonderful bakelite accessories. Check out the video below to hear more about Alice's penchant for menswear. You can also read more about Alice in the latest issue of GLU magazine and don't forget to purchase her novel HERE.

Bakelite and Boyscouts

Alice Carey loves mixing elements of  menswear with slight feminine touches. Here she wears her husband's childhood Scout's shirt w...

Bakelite and Boyscouts

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While visiting in St. Louis, I caught the local news.  It ended with an announcement that the next day was the 5th Annual Naked Bike Ride.  

That had to be a photo opportunity!  If you haven't heard of this event, a quick Google search will get you all kinds of information AND photos that are NOT SAFE FOR WORK!  Be careful please!  This is a global, annual event held in dozens of cities around the world!

I wasn't able to make the start of the ride.   I did make the finish where about 250 riders celebrated the experience.

Clothing is optional on the ride. Participants often opt to wear masks or some sort of disguise in the event that photos are taken of them that COULD be slightly embarrassing. 

Meet John and Lala!

Meet Jake! 

I have a few others but they will NOT be making the blog.  Sorry.  But, my sincere thanks to ALL who agreed to let me take their photographs!

An Unusual Bike Ride

While visiting in St. Louis, I caught the local news.  It ended with an announcement that the next day was the 5th Annual Naked Bike Ride.  ...

An Unusual Bike Ride

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The secret to Mary's personal style is great shoes, accessories, and attitude. For our lunch on Friday she wore matching blue  Nanette Lepore  and coordinated Sergio Rossi platforms. Everywhere we went people commented on Mary's fantastic shoes. Doesn't she look great at almost 73 years old ?!!!

Summer Platforms

The secret to Mary's personal style is great shoes, accessories, and attitude. For our lunch on Friday she wore matching blue  Nanette L...

Summer Platforms

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I try to visit Music Folk when I get to St. Louis.  I love the store.  They have a wonderful selection of old and new guitars, at least one luthier, and many other stringed and percussion instruments  They offer lessons and have a loyal clientel.  And, they let me walk into the store and play guitars.  They also carry the picks that I like.

Meet Matthew!

He LOVES stringed instruments.  So, when he found Music Folk, he found his home.  He plays in a band called Little Hills Breakdown. 

I actually took another photo of Matthew a day earlier.  The photo didn't turn out well at all.  So, I went back the next day.  Matthew was kind enough to give me another shot at it!  I like this photo a lot.

Meet Dennis:

Dennis is a fingerstyle guitar teacher at Music Folk.  I didn't have time enough to listen to him play.  But, I will try to catch him on my next visit!

My thanks to you both!

Music Folk

I try to visit Music Folk when I get to St. Louis.  I love the store.  They have a wonderful selection of old and new guitars, at least one...

Music Folk

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Meet Dave..of Dave and Nanci.

Nanci is the creative genious of the helmet skins pictured above on the devilishly handsome model, Dave.

I thought they were great.  Can you imagine them on the Heck's Angels crew.  Think of 50 riders, all going down the street in something like this:

Yes...that is a one-wheeled trailer.   NICE.

Thanks Dave and Nanci for the photo!

A New Kind of Skin Head

Meet Dave..of Dave and Nanci. Nanci is the creative genious of the helmet skins pictured above on the devilishly handsome model, Dave. I tho...

A New Kind of Skin Head

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When I wander around at events like this, I am always looking for someone that strikes my interest.

Meet Dillon!

The pipe got my attention!  He  is a Norwegian who has decided to travel around for a while.  He basically is a touring biker!  Thanks for stopping in Minneapolis!

The guys below cracked me up.  They were just leaning against the wall and not saying much to one another.  But, the sign between them caught my eye.

Meet Skip and Cory!

They were pretty funny guys.  When I asked about them and what I could include in the blog, they said, "nothing".  I countered with, "come on..SOMETHING."

It turns out Cory is a stay at home dad. They have been friends for a while.  And, they build bikes.  When I asked if they had any bikes on display, they pointed straight out from where they were sitting.

Meet one of their bikes.  AWESOME.

I am not sure the photos do the bike justice.  It was spectacular!

Thanks guys!   Ride safely!

Manly Men of the Road

When I wander around at events like this, I am always looking for someone that strikes my interest. Meet Dillon! The pipe got my attention! ...

Manly Men of the Road

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I first photographed Mrs. Rock near Madison Avenue a few months ago. She was in a hurry, so I quickly took her photo and handed her my card. Ever since then, I have walked up and down Madison looking for her. I wanted to tell her that she is in the Advanced Style Book, and hoped to interview her about her style and beauty secrets. About a month ago, I received an email from her saying that she saw her photograph in a New York Times article about the book. I was thrilled to hear that she wanted to meet for lunch, and couldn't wait to photograph her again.

Yesterday Mrs. Rock and I finally met up for a wonderful lunch and inspiring conversation. She told me that ever since she set foot in New York City, as a little girl, she knew that she would make it her home. She loves the theater that takes place on the streets of New York and can't imagine living anywhere else. Like many of the Advanced Style ladies Mrs. Rock believes in the power of a great hat, not only as, " an organizational tool," but also as a great way to stay out of the sun. She also revealed that the secret to great skin is to keep it lubricated and fresh. Beauty products don't have to cost a fortune. Mrs. Rock swears by the Vaseline products that her mother first introduced her to as a young girl. Watch the video above to hear more about her favorite products including her wonderful Revlon lipstick.

The Secret To Beautiful Skin

I first photographed Mrs. Rock near Madison Avenue a few months ago. She was in a hurry, so I quickly took her photo and handed her my card....

The Secret To Beautiful Skin

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