ADVANCED STYLE

"You Gotta Keep Trucking"

2013-06-18T10:37:00.002-04:00

I was on my way to an appointment on the Upper West Side yesterday, when I decided to drop in to say hello to Lynn Dell at Off Broadway. You'd never be able to guess that she broke her foot a couple of days ago, as she looked gorgeous as ever in an orange turban and brand new embellished cotton tunic.

Linda Rodin and Winky During a Break From Our Vogue Australia Shoot

2013-06-17T09:47:00.002-04:00

A few months ago, I shot a story for the July 2013 issue of Vogue Australia featuring some of my favorite ladies in their NYC apartments. Linda Rodin and her marvelous poodle Winky both modeled for the spread(out today). I can't wait to get my hands on a copy and share all the photos with everyone.For now, check out Linda and Winky taking a break from shooting in the photo above.

Beatrix Ost's Magical World

2013-06-17T09:23:00.000-04:00

Jacket by Gaultier

Each time I get together with Beatrix Ost, I enter into a world full of art, color, and magic. Check out the video below to hear more from this incredible 73-year-old woman.

A Tea Party At Debra's

2013-06-14T10:53:00.004-04:00

Wherever Debra Rapoport goes she seems to pick up a new friend. A few weeks ago she invited everyone over for a wonderful tea party, where we all had the chance to meet and celebrate the beginning of Summer together.

Matching Glasses, Matching Lipstick

2013-06-13T09:58:00.004-04:00

I am a sucker for any pair of color tinted eyeglasses and I especially love how this woman matches her lipstick to her orange frames.

A Warm Smile

2013-06-12T08:22:00.003-04:00

I spotted this woman while walking down Madison Avenue. When I asked her for her photo she was a bit surprised, but she warmed up to the idea when I told her a bit about my blog.

A Windy Day in Amsterdam

2013-06-11T09:47:00.003-04:00

I spotted this lady on a very windy in Amsterdam. She was a great sport, standing for a quick photo, as the wind blew her hair in every direction.

A Visit to Orchard Cove

2013-06-10T09:05:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting Orchard Grove, one of Hebrew Senior Life's retirement communities outside of Boston. I am always interested in visiting senior communities and was very impressed by the philosophy and services offered by Hebrew Senior Life. Their attitude towards aging was totally in line with Advanced Style with their staff encouraging residents to build a community, be active, and continue to set goals for the future. Check out the positive affect this kind of care has had on residents Lettie and Sylvia in the video below.

Linda Rodin in Vintage Pauline Trigere

2013-06-07T09:05:00.000-04:00

Linda Rodin is one of the most stunning and inventive dressers I know. She picked up this great vintage skirt at a local flea market and paired it with a sheer, rhinestone, Pauline Trigere blouse.The blouse, originally part of a full dress design, was cut and discarded when she found it. With a little imagination and a great eye for details, Linda turned the remaining fabric into a striking top.

Wear Your Hat With Hatitude

2013-06-06T09:10:00.001-04:00

One of the great things about getting older, is you can pull off almost any look if you carry your self with confidence. A little hatitude goes a long way.

"Why Don't You Pair a Vintage Hawaiian Shirt with Stunning Costume Jewelry?"

2013-06-05T10:59:00.001-04:00

Alice Carey has mastered the art of taking ordinary menswear pieces and dressing them up with striking vintage accessories. I love how she pairs this great Hawaiian shirt with an extraordinary pin and pair of earrings. In the spirit of Diana Vreeland I say, "Why don't you pair a vintage Hawaiian shirt with stunning costume jewelry?"

Darling Darlene

2013-06-04T09:27:00.002-04:00

I met Darlene a while back and finally got the chance to take her photograph. She was visiting from Chicago and had just come back from checking out the Punk Show at The Met. I'll post some more photos of Darlene at our special tea party at Debra's very soon...

Jackie at The Breakers Palm Beach

2013-06-03T08:40:00.004-04:00

I headed to Florida for the weekend with my dear friends Jackie and Michaela. Check out this gorgeous mother/daughter duo at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

Forever Young at Heart

2013-05-30T10:49:00.002-04:00

For the last 20 years, Ruth 101-years old and Al 89, have been traveling the world together and dancing the nights away. They first met on a cruise, when Al noticed how elegant Ruth was dressed and asked her to dance. To celebrate her 100th birthday, Ruth and Al cruised to the Caribbean. Al told me, "Ruth always looks so gorgeous and she is such a fun person to be with. I love getting all dressed up and riding the bus with her. People always tell us how great we look together."

Lynn Dell Off Broadway

2013-05-29T13:14:00.000-04:00

I was heading to the subway,walking on W 72nd St. between Columbus and Broadway, when I ran into one of my good friends. Lynn Dell was holding court outside Off Broadway Boutique when I asked if I could take her photograph. You will be seeing more of Lynn than ever because she just got cast in a new TV show!!! For more information CLICK HERE.

Gai Gherardi

2013-05-28T11:04:00.002-04:00

It's always fun to photograph people who have a very distinct style and have developed a signature look over the years. Every time I visit l.a. Eyeworks I look forward to seeing designer, Gai Gherardi and her awesome matching pyjama suits. Doesn't she look smashing?!!!

Cool and Casual

2013-05-27T12:02:00.001-04:00

This woman was doing errands on the Upper East Side when I asked if I could take her photograph. I love how she dresses up an otherwise casual look with a flashy belt and gold button details.

Joyce and a St. Bernard

2013-05-24T10:19:00.001-04:00

Joyce and I were heading to a tea party at our friend Debra's when we happened upon this adorable St. Bernard.

Beauty At Any Age

2013-05-23T11:27:00.002-04:00

When I asked this striking woman if I could take her photo, she replied, "People sometimes stop me and ask for my photograph. I guess they think I look pretty good for an old lady." She looks stunning for a woman of any age!!!

Debra Rapoport is now on Etsy

2013-05-22T12:40:00.003-04:00

I have big news to report!!! Debra Rapoport has started an Etsy store where she will be selling several of her incredible handmade hats and embellishments. She is working on getting new higher res pics up very soon, but if you want to a quick peek to see what's in store CLICK HERE.

Elaine Norman

2013-05-21T10:49:00.004-04:00

I photographed artist and illustrator, Elaine Norman, wearing one of her hand painted hats. CLICK HERE to see more of her work.

Having the Courage to Play Dress Up All Our Lives

2013-05-20T11:56:00.000-04:00

Upon my visit to Orchard Cove a few weeks ago, I met a lovely woman named Diana. She was intelligent, charming, elegant, beautiful, and she happened to be wearing a gorgeous red head wrap. I was instantly drawn to Diana because of her stunning hair accessory, and the way it which it framed her face, and elevated her presence. When I approached her and asked if I could take her photograph, she was shy at first, but really came alive in front of the camera.

After I took Diana's photograph she shared a story with me. She told me that she was dining at a restaurant when a man approached her and said, " You know, when you see an elephant in a room, you run the other way." Diana told me that she was hurt by these cruel words, but she didn't let this stop her from wearing what makes her feel comfortable.

I, like the ladies and gentleman I photograph, have been dressing up since I was a little kid. My grandmother would let me go through my grandfather's drawers and play dress up with his old hats, vest, ties and argyle socks. As I have gotten older, I haven't stopped "playing" and enjoying the joy that accompanies this creative expression. Why should we stop playing dress up, just because we are no longer children???

I later found out that Diana started wearing different scarves and head embellishments due to the effects of a medical condition. Since recovering she continues to wear her turbans and wraps and has a renewed sense of freedom.

Joy Venturini Bianchi: Fashion For A Cause

2013-05-17T13:36:00.003-04:00

During this past week, I have been roaming around the Bay Area visiting friends and family. While in San Francisco, I knew I had to track down one of my favorite style icons, Joy Venturini Bianchi. Joy is not only an international taste maker but also a philanthropist who has made it her life's work to help the developmentally disabled.

Joy greeted me in an incredible Ralph Rucci jacket and her signature over sized black glasses. "I love your work," she said to me with a smile, "but honestly, I still feel like I'm 15!" Before heading out on a tour of the incredible vintage designer shop she runs on Fulton Street, Joy shared a bit of her story. She has been working with people with disabilities from a young age, volunteering with nuns at her school for an organization called Helpers of the Holy Innocents. Joy later took over as director, where she worked to house people with developmental disabilities in three homes on Fulton Street over the last four decades. Now, she operates the Helpers House of Couture which is a boutique filled with incredible vintage and designer clothing and accessories. Proceeds from the sales go to Helpers, a registered non-profit supporting grants to groups which assist the mentally disabled.

If you are in San Francisco, you must stop by this amazing treasure trove of vintage and designer duds and hopefully meet Joy along the way. If you have any donations or would just like to come in and shop, make sure to make an appointment ahead of time by calling 415-387-3031. If you can't make it into the shop in person check out some of their fantastic pieces on 1st Dibs HERE.

Helpers House of Couture

2626 Fulton Street

San Francisco, California 94118

A Bevy of Beauties

2013-05-16T13:20:00.000-04:00

Here are am with a bevy of beauties at the Orchard Grove Retirement Community. Aren't I a lucky guy?

Palm Springs Style

2013-05-15T11:41:00.003-04:00

Here is another shot of my gorgeous friend Colleen in Palm Springs.