ADVANCED STYLE

A Vintage Red Hat

2012-01-27T11:44:00.000-05:00

I was out walking when I noticed this woman and her beautiful red hat a few blocks ahead of me. I quickly ran up to her and asked if I could take her photograph. I told her that I loved her red hat and she replied, " I don't usually wear hats, but this one is my favorite. Everyone compliments it." I am always on the look out for a great hat!

Advanced Style Today Show Video Clip

2012-01-26T13:43:00.000-05:00

Here is the clip from our Today Show debut. The Ladies did an incredible job!!!

Today Show Tomorrow

2012-01-25T22:13:00.001-05:00

I'm heading to bed early because I have an exciting day ahead of me. Ruth, Jacquie, Ilona, Joyce and I are going to be featured on The Today Show between 9 and 10am. These four very special women, also appearing in my upcoming book and documentary, will be representing ageless style. I will post a clip of our television debut as soon it appears online tomorrow!

Advanced Style Will be Featured on The Today Show Tomorrow Morning

2012-01-25T09:10:00.000-05:00

I have some great news!!! The Today Show will be featuring Advanced Style tomorrow between 9 and 10 am. Four of our favorite ladies will be dressed to the nines, sharing their style secrets. I get to walk Ruth on stage, so don't blink or you will miss me. I am so happy that these ladies are getting the attention they deserve and I can't wait to see what America thinks about Advanced Style.

The Age of Glamour

2012-01-24T08:52:00.000-05:00

This week, I'm checking in on several of the Advanced Style ladies to get them prepared for a big TV appearance on Thursday morning(more details to come). One of the outfits Jacquie tried on was this vintage red coat and a pair of beaded white high heels. At 81 years old she told me, " I come from the age of glamour. I'm not afraid to wear heels in my 80s."

A New Hairdo

2012-01-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

I met this woman on Madison Avenue last April after admiring her blue shoes and wonderful coat. She told me that men stop her on the streets to tell her how much they like her shoes. Just yesterday, I was dropping a friend off at Penn Station when I noticed an incredible woman with a fantastic hairdo. After taking a closer look, I realized she was the lady with the blue shoes that I had met some months before! We were both delighted to see one another again. I love her new hairstyle, don't you?

Lynn Dell Celebrates Her 60th Anniversary on Bravos's Chef Roble & Co.

2012-01-19T09:09:00.001-05:00

One of Advanced Style's favorite ladies, Lynn Dell, and her husband Sandy Cohen, celebrated their 60th anniversary earlier this summer. Bravo's Chef Roble & Co. were there to provide food and entertainment for this wonderful celebration. The episode aired on Bravo this past weekend.Check out some behind the scenes moments HERE and some photos from their wedding day below.

"Style Has Absolutely Nothing to do with Money"

2012-01-18T13:13:00.001-05:00

I just got off the phone with 81-year-old Jacquie Tajah Murdock. She wanted to catch up and see what has been happening with Advanced Style. I told her that she has inspired many women to dress up and feel good about themselves. Jacquie was delighted to hear this.She wanted to share some more of her style philosophy and told me that,"Style has absolutely nothing to do with money. In fact, I buy many of my things at thrifts shops. For me style is about looking different from anybody else. Fashion is an art."

Advanced Style on the Today Show

2012-01-17T16:43:00.004-05:00

This morning Joyce and I had the pleasure of attending the Today Show with Bobbie Thomas. Bobbie had mentioned that she was looking for an older model for a segment on polka dots and I new Joyce would be just perfect. I am so excited for all of the much deserved attention the Advanced Style ladies are receiving as of late. I hope you enjoy this wonderful clip of Joyce's television debut below!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Leopards and Lions

2012-01-13T11:06:00.006-05:00

Lady Francesca Todd with a lion that attacked her Kenya in 1965

Lady Francesca Todd was born in a little row boat in Mississippi, during a great flood, New Years Eve, 85 years ago. Her parents were visiting from New York, when her mother went into labor. This was the beginning of many adventures for Francesca Todd.

At the age of 15, Francesca became interested in fashion. She enrolled in Traphagen School of Design, where she studied fashion design. After graduating she traveled through Europe perfecting her craft by working with some of the world's best designers. She learned draping from Elsa Schiaparelli and sharpened her tailoring skills in Italy.

When Francesca Todd returned to New York, one of her many suitors asked if she would move to Kenya and marry him. She spent 16 years in Africa, traveling for four months of the year to different countries. One day in 1965, Francesca was walking by a river with a group of people. They saw a lion nearby, acting very strangely. Without a seconds notice the lion attacked Francesca's face and killed a young boy--flying doctor's rushed in to save her. Lady Francesca Todd barley escaped death and the lion was shot for fear that it would attack more people. She has had many adventures that have shaped her philosophy and influenced her style.

When I asked about her style influences,Lady Francesca Todd replied that one thing her mother told her years ago,is the most important. Her mother said, " Get dressed in the morning and see what you can take off." If she is wearing a dramatic necklace, she would never wear an arm full of bracelets.Francesca describes her style as Dramatic Simplicity and says(like many other Advanced Style subjects) that she dresses for herself, not other people.She also told me that it is important for older people to dress up because it raises their moral and makes others around them smile. With a lifetime of excitement behind her, Lady Francesca is still ready for her next adventure. She travels frequently and is a member of many groups, including the Pan Pacific and Southeast Asian Women's Association, which she is planning a fashion show for next month.

Punk Rock Forever

2012-01-12T10:12:00.000-05:00

Just remember: you are never too old to be punk rock!

How to Dress Like an Advanced Style Lady

2012-01-10T12:52:00.001-05:00

Less is More

More is Never Enough

There are two main schools of thought when it comes to dressing like an Advanced Style lady. Some women prefer the "more is never enough" approach. They pile on accessories, mix and match patterns and feel that an outfit is an ever-evolving work of art.The other camp prefers a more simple and classic manner of dress. These are the ladies who still heed their mother's advice to, "Look in the mirror and remove any accessories that detracts from the face." Whether you belong to the collectors or the classicists, remember that true style comes from within. Any Advanced Style lady know that's it's not how you dress,but how you act when dressed that matters.

Best of The Bags

2012-01-09T09:36:00.001-05:00

It can be argued that a number of things make an outfit including the perfect shoes,accessories,or even a great smile. One item that the Advanced Style ladies never leave
home without is a beautiful bag. Whether vintage and well worn or new and shiny, here are my picks for Advanced Style's best bags. Which are your favorites?

Advanced Style: A Celebration of Life

2012-01-06T08:40:00.003-05:00

Lina Plioplyte just sent me this wonderful video from our Fashion Week fête with Tavi Gevinson

and The Ace Hotel. What better way to celebrate life than an amazing party dedicated to marvelous women with great style and a tremendous zest for life? Fashion is only one ingredient in the remarkable lives of these inspiring ladies. Their spirit and vitality is the real key to living a truly stylish life.

"Develop Your Own Style Rather Than Going With Trends."

2012-01-05T08:55:00.000-05:00

Most of the women I talk to agree that confidence and a great smile are one's best accessories. This woman looked smashing in her eye-catching red coat and matching dress, but it is her confidence that stands out more than anything.She explained that the secret to appearing fashionable is to,"Develop your own style rather than going with the trends." Check out the video above for some more of her fashion tips.

A Stylish Mother and Daughter

2012-01-04T10:07:00.005-05:00

I spotted this gorgeous 90 year old lady and her daughter at my hotel in Cancun. With everyone in bathing suits and shorts, it was a pleasure to see this well dressed pair. They were very excited to have their photo taken and told me that later on they'd both be in their finest for New Year's Eve. I asked the daughter if her mother is always so fashionable and she replied," She dresses up everyday, no matter what." I saw them later that night and they definitely didn't disappoint.

Vintage Kenneth Jay Lane

2012-01-03T09:58:00.000-05:00

Bakelite bangles aren't the only popular accessory amongst the advanced style set. The lovely women above are all fans of Kenneth Jay Lane's elegant and inspired designs. The frogs are a personal favorite of mine -- which do you like the best?

Advanced Style Tips For The New Year

2012-01-02T12:16:00.009-05:00

I wanted to start the New Year off right with some style tips from one of Advanced Style's favorite ladies. Rita has only gotten braver and bolder with age. Check out some great advice from this fantastic woman below and check out her wonderful CD HERE.

1.Everything doesn't have to match. I've gotten to a stage where I don't match things like I used to. I don't want to look like a freak, but as I get older I get more nerve.

2.As you get older you can take more chances. I am braver. I look at something once and if I like it, I'll take a chance.

3.Always try and bring out your best feature and don't let anyone tell you that you don't have a best feature!

4. Go shopping in your closet before throwing anything away.I save all my clothes.I have clothes that I have been wearing for ten to fifteen years. Try them on and if they still look good and you feel good in them,you can create new looks.

5.You can be very dressed and have a casual and relaxed look and it can be sensational.
Instead of buckling my raincoat, I'll tie it. It creates an effortless and elegant appearance.

6.Don't just wear a label, wear what looks good on you.I bought it Daffy's I bought it at Bergdorf's. It's just what hits you for the minute. I don't look for the most expensive thing.

7.Take a long look at yourself and create a beautiful silhouette.

8.Create your own style. You can wear trendy things once in a while, but wear what looks good on you.

9.I stay in good shape from aggravation-I love walking, walking is terrific!

10. Use make-up properly to highlight your best features. I love make-up and I love lipstick, I just don't want to wear too much.

Top Ten Advanced Style Moments of 2011

2011-12-31T11:21:00.000-05:00

2011 has been an amazing year for Advanced Style.I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to travel the world photographing and sharing the inspiring stories and wisdom of stylish older women.Thank you to all who have commented on, shared, and supported my work over the last year. Happy New Year from me and all of the Advanced Style ladies! I hope you enjoy my Top Ten Moments of 2o11 below and look forward to many more in 2012.

1.Finishing The Advanced Style Book out April,17, 2012 now available for preorder on Amazon HERE

2. Debuting the Advanced Style Documentary (Trailer) Short at the A Shaded View of Fashion Film Festival in Paris

3.Attending Pilates class with my 100-year-old friend Ruth4.Shooting an Advanced Style spread for me.style magazine

5. Randomly running into two ladies from England on a quest for Advanced Style inspiration
6.Spending more wonderful afternoons with Ilona Royce Smithkin, and learning how to make stylish accessories out of a discarded umbrella

7. The Advanced Style Fashion Week Party at The Ace Hotel
8.Hearing 20 of 99 year old Rose's Fashion and Style Tips:
1.Find your perfect perfume, people will remember you by your scent. Rose is known for her Pauline Trigere fragrance.She tells her granddaughter "I'll give you anything in the world, but I won't give you my perfume."
2.Belts and Beads. Rose believes that a belt or unique strand of beads can really make an outfit and they don't have to cost a fortune.
3.Take care of your feet and wear good shoes, but when you are going out for a night on the town "Fashion comes before comfort" At 98, Rose goes out every single night!
4."Walking is a must, its better than doctors or medicine"
5.No need to use expensive moisturizers, Rose swears by Oil of Olay which she has been using for decades.
6."Inexspensive lipstick is as good as expensive, only better!" Rose has tried every brand from Chanel to Lauder and has recently been turned on to Revlon.
7.Be Unique: "If Everyone is wearing it, then its not for me"
8."Be smart enough to know what you don't know"
9.If you have trouble reading the dinner menu, Lorgnettes are a fashionable and elegant alternative to reading glasses.
10."Be Happy, enjoy what you have at every moment!"
11.Stay Organized "If you take a toothpick out,or a pair of pantyhose, or a hundred dollar bill,always put it back where you found it, because if you add up the the time you spent looking for it later, that's a waste of time."
12."Always tell the truth because if you don't you'll have to think of another lie."
13."Be More, appear Less."
14."Always take the phone off the hook when you're in the bath."
15."Make friends with the maitre de'"
16."Never loan, Never borrow."
17."Never keep anyone waiting. Always be 15 minutes early."
18."Never look back. always look forward."19."Don't be afraid to tell your age, that's silly. Be proud of your age."
20."Don't frequent a restaurant where they don't crumb the table."
9. Traveling to Helsinki and Milan to shoot for Advanced Style

10.Meeting Iris Apfel and shooting her for Vogue Japan

Holiday Cheer

2011-12-30T10:25:00.004-05:00

Check out Alice Carey spreading some Holiday cheer throughout the West Village, in her festive vintage Christmas pin and earrings. For an extra reminder of why you don't always have to dress so lady-like watch the short video with Alice below:

The Healing Power of Style

2011-12-29T13:02:00.002-05:00

This stunning lady was walking down Park Ave when I asked if I could take her photograph.She smiled and told me that a few weeks ago her picture was taken on the street, for New York Magazine. When I was finished she thanked me and told me that I had made her day, but it was she who truly made mine.

I started Advanced Style to present a fresh perspective on aging.The ladies I photograph take pride in how they look and their style is a reflection of their vitality and spirit. One of my favorite ladies, Debra Rapoport, believes in the healing power of style. Dressing up gives her joy and in turn her colorful outfits inspire creativity and merriment in others. Debra lives by the mantra, "Look Good, Feel Good. Feel Good, Look Good." The fashion she and the other advanced style ladies display is merely a reflection of the care and thought they put into every aspect of their lives. The energy they expend towards dressing is manifested in their passion for living life to the fullest.

The Healing power of style is a reciprocal process that can benefit each one of us. Let's all try a little harder to dress up, feel good, and appreciate beauty in others.

The Most Perfect Purple Winter Coat

2011-12-28T00:46:00.001-05:00

The Advanced Style ladies are never afraid to wear a little bit of color. This woman looked absolutely striking walking down Madison Ave, in her stunning purple coat, and matching scarf.

Advanced Holiday Style

2011-12-27T00:44:00.000-05:00

I was on my way out of the Met for lunch, when I spotted this lovely woman across the street. She was perfectly dressed for the holiday season and happy to pose for a quick photo.

Happy Holidays From Advanced Style

2011-12-26T11:50:00.000-05:00

New York is full of holiday inspiration, from the decorated windows of 5th Avenue department stores, to all the festively dressed people around town. I stopped this woman walking down Madison Ave on Christmas Eve. I loved her joyful and fun holiday look, and it turns out we have a mutual friend, Maryann, a regular of Advanced Style. I am celebrating the holidays with my family in Cancun and will be posting all of last weeks holiday outfits over the next few days. I hope everyone I has had a wonderful season so far!

Rita's Style Influences(VIDEO)

2011-12-23T11:31:00.005-05:00

A few days ago I got great feedback on a photo I took of Rita Hammer. You guys asked for more, so I made a small video of Rita talking about her style influences. I hope you enjoy and look forward to some great new shots of her next week!