The Secret to Becoming a Grand 100 Year Old Lady

This weekend I had the honor of having dinner with one of my favorite Advanced Style ladies. At 100 years old, Rose has a very busy social calendar, so I was delighted to hear that she wanted to meet at one of her favorite restaruants on the Upper East Side. People always ask me what the secret to being vital at an older age is.The answer is that the Advanced Style ladies refuse to give up. They have great attitudes, keep busy, and live their lives to the fullest. Rose admits that being 100 comes with its difficulties, but she'd rather think about her next dinner date or social obligation than worry about getting old. May we all have as much, energy, style and spirit as Rose!!!

Color Coordination in Amsterdam

The Advanced Style ladies have taught me the importance of harmony and balance when it comes to dressing. I think more about how to coordinate the different colors and elements of my outfits to create a more beautiful whole. The woman above did a splendid job of coordinating her accessories with her wonderful graphic coat. Style really does advance with age!

Carola Near Off Broadway boutique

Carola looks absolutely stunning in this gorgeous Summer dress. She told me that since looking at Advanced Style she has become braver with her fashion choices and she has also started to incorporate hats into her wardrobe.

The Always Elegant Lynn Dell Cohen

It's great to be back in New York and to reunite with some of my favorite ladies. Doesn't Lynn Dell look fantastic?

Style=Freedom

One of things that I appreciate most about the women I photograph is the freedom in which they express themselves. For the Advanced Style ladies dressing is a means of personal expression. They longer have to to impress others and feel free to dress as they please.

Debra Rapoport and Tziporah Salamon

This weekend Tziporah Salamon, Debra Rapoport and I attended a conversation between Iris Apfel and Tavi Gevinson at The Met. During the panel discussion Tavi and Iris discussed everything from what inspires their personal style to notions of conventional beauty in the fashion industry. What I appreciated most about the conversation was how Tavi and Iris both considered style a means for personal expression. Like The Advanced Style ladies they believe that fashion shouldn't be taken too seriously, that it should be fun and creative, and allow people to escape from the seriousness of daily life.

I have always associated dressing up with play.Growing up, my mom and grandmother allowed me to look their drawers and dress up in my grandfather's old jackets, hats and argyle socks.Dressing up can nurture our creative spirits and it doesn't have to stop at a certain age!

Daphne Selfe

 

 

It was a privilege to meet 83 year old supermodel Daphne Selfe at my book signing in London two weeks ago. She is wearing an amazing dress by my friend Fanny Karst who designs a collection called The Old Ladies' Rebellion. I just got back to New York and am excited to see all the Advanced Style ladies and see what they have been up to!

Fight Invisibility

Last night I had my final book signing at The American Book Center in Amsterdam. In the last two months I have traveled from Geneva back to New York, to London, Glasgow, Paris and now Amsterdam. I am overwhelmed by the amazing feedback I have received from people who have purchased my book. Thank you to everyone who I have met, who has told me how much The Advanced Style Ladies mean to you.

I started the blog in order to change people's perception of aging and show that there is much fun to be had once you reach 80, 90 and 100 years old. Women often tell me that after 40 they have started to feel invisible. Throughout the last two months young girls have reached out to tell me that they look forward to growing old like the Advanced Style Ladies. Older women have commented that my photos have given them the permission to dress up and feel good about themselves. I am so grateful for the impact the book is having on everyone and have to give credit to my own incredible grandmothers. I know the ladies and gentleman that I meet have surely changed my perspective on aging and given me something to look forward to.

Let's all work together and continue to FIGHT INVISIBILITY .

Glyndebourne Festival

The UK Guardian invited me to  capture the style of annual visitors to the Glyndebourne  Opera Festival for an online gallery. Barbara Clawson was one of many amazing ladies and gentleman that I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing. When I asked Barbara how she felt about style, she replied, "It's important to keep up standards.You have to dress appropriately. I brought three outfits today, but this was the warmest." For more photos of from the Guardian Feature CLICK HERE .

Molly Parkin on Life and Style

Last week I had the incredible opportunity to meet with the gorgeous and inspiring Molly Parkin.Molly turned 80 last January and she is feeling better than ever. We had a magical afternoon talking about her life and style. Check out the videos above to learn more about this fabulous woman.

Advanced Style Glasgow

Yesterday I traveled with House of Fraser to Glasgow to attend the Scottish Fashion Awards. Right when I got into the city I went to small cafe to grab a bite to eat. These two amazing gentleman were sitting at the table next to me and I asked if I could take their photo. I have had a fantastic trip so far and have met the most incredible people. I wish I had more time in this wonderful city, but I'm off to Paris to  celebrate my book launch tomorrow.

Zandra Rhodes

My dreams came true this week, when I met one of my style icons, Zandra Rhodes, in London. Ever since I was a little boy my mom has talked about and shown me pictures of Zandra.She is not only incredibly talented and creative, but the most kind and welcoming person you will ever meet. Her new collection of clothing blew my mind. Check out her website to inquire about her magical creations http://www.zandrarhodes.com/

Advanced Style London

While I'm in London I am staying at the gorgeous Corinthia Hotel. If you have a chance to come by here on your next trip, the service is fantastic and the grounds are absolutely beautiful. I have been meeting with some of my favorite ladies here all week! Speaking of meetings with Advanced Style Ladies, yesterday I had my book launch party with Mary Portas at House of Fraser. It was an incredible event full of interesting people of all ages. One of my favorite models, Bridget Sojourner stopped by the party and we were able to get a few great new shots! I also met one of my idols, Zandra Rhodes last night!!! I hope to post some more party shots soon, but for now check out Zandra and I below.

Gitte Lee: Style Is Eternal

Today I met with the gorgeous cover star of my book, Gitte Lee. We had a quick tea in the beautiful lobby of my hotel The Corinthia and then headed to Sloane Square for a glass of Prosecco. I haven't seen Gitte since we met two years ago, so  I was especially excited to give her a copy of The Advanced Style book. I'm always a little anxious when showing the book to the Advanced Style ladies, so I was thrilled when Gitte told me that she's going to take the book all around the world and boast that she is on the cover!

London Book Signings at House Of Fraser

I just arrived in London to celebrate my book launch at House of Fraser. The last time I was here in 2010 I met so may incredible ladies and found the cover star of my book! Check out some of my favorite shots from my first trip to London below and if you are in town this week stop by one of my signings. Here are the locations and time of the London signings
Thursday 7th June, 5pm, Mary's Shop at House of Fraser, 318 Oxford Street, W1
Saturday 9th June, 2pm, Mary's Shop at House of  Fraser, Westfield London, W7

Advanced Style on The Insider

Last week Debra, Ruth and I made an appearance on The Insider on CBS to talk about my book and upcoming film. If you didn't get a chance to see it, check us out above.