After The Storm

So, it looks like the worst of Hurricane Sandy has finally left NYC. I want to thank everyone who has reached out with their love and concern during this challenging time. Today I had the chance to check up on my older friends in the city, and I'm glad to report that they are all safe and sound. I'm looking forward to resuming my usual posts as soon as things return to normal here. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who have been affected by this terrible event.

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Museum Visitors Have Advanced Style

Richard Cramer and his stylish admirers

Carol Markel's vintage gloves and hot pink nails

Debra Rapoport and Carol Markel comparing polish colors

Last week Carol, Richard, Debra, Maryann, and I headed to MAD to check out the Doris Duke Shangri La exhibit. One of the great benefits of having such creative friends, is that they keep me abreast of all the cultural happenings around town. I like to  frequent the many museums around New York City not only to see the latest exhibitions, but to admire the crowds of stylish folks coming in and out of the entrance doors.

When I first started Advanced Style I was working full time at the New Museum bookstore. While working on this post I noticed that each person in the photos above, is someone that I met while working at bookstore counter. My boss, Daniel,  was kind enough to let me sneak away from the register from time to time, to photograph the stylish visitors I kept spying from my desk. So much has happened over the last three years and many of the people I have photographed have become great friends. I found the first photos that I ever took of Carol, Maryann, and Debra below!!!! Check them out and let me know what you think.

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Pattern on Pattern

One of my style secrets is to mix patterns and prints that wouldn't otherwise go together. When paired in a thoughtful way mixing patterns can create a layered and artful blend of color and textures. The woman above uses black as a base and layers prints on top. I love her pattern on pattern look.

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Iris Apfel's Avant/Garde Diaries Video Interview Trailer

Iris Apfel - Sneak Peek from The Avant/Garde Diaries on Vimeo.
Check out this amazing teaser for an interview I worked on with Iris Apfel for The Avant/Garde Diaries. The full interview, which launches in November, will feature insight into Iris' life, love, and incredible career. Check out The Avant/Garde Diaries for more inspired conversation HERE.

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Ruth Celebrates Her 101st Birthday

Ruth with her new friend Henry

One of our favorite centenarians, Ruth, just celebrated her 101st birthday. This past weekend I stopped by her apartment to wish her a very happy birthday and gave her a copy of Pilates Style magazine featuring photos of her stretching and lifting weights. Ruth believes that as long as you can move, you can do some form of exercise. She is a great inspiration to us all!

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Beatrix Ost in Harper's Bazaar

The Advanced Style Ladies are taking the fashion world by storm. First it was Iris Apfel on the cover of Dazed and Confused. Now, Beatrix Ost is featured in an incredible spread in November's Harper's Bazaar, shot by Terry Richardson. I can't wait to see who will be next...

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A Book Signing at LIM College

Debra Rapoport, Jane Folds, Ilona Royce Smithkin, and Joyce Carpati

The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas and Debra Rapoport are rarely seen without hats.

It's always so wonderful to have an excuse to party with the Advanced Style Ladies. This weekend LIM College invited me to speak on a panel about fashion blogging. After the panel we celebrated with a wonderful book signing party hosted by LIM. I usually have my big camera on me, but I decided to capture the evening's style and conversation through my Instagram account.( For more photos on Instagram check out  my account @advancedstyle).

This Friday at 2pm I will be doing an informal signing of the Advanced Style Book at Strand Books near Union Square. Some of the ladies will be there too! Let me know if you can make it!!!

My Style Icon, Richard Cramer

Debra and Ilona enjoying a laugh!

Elke Kuhn in a design of her own

Christina Viera and Debra Rapoport

Aren't Carol Markel's gloves dreamy?

New Friends!

Christina and Valerie

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Advanced Style Today Show Interview

Yesterday was a very exciting day in the world of Advanced Style! I was invited to The Today Show to talk about my book and the work I have been doing over the last four years. Iris Apfel, Ilona Royce Smithkin, and Lynn Dell joined me for a great interview with Matt Lauer. Check out the full segment below and some behind the scenes photos from my instagram account above.

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

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Iris Apfel on The Cover of Dazed & Confused

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

A few weeks back my dear friend Iris Apfel told me about a shoot she was doing for Dazed & Confused Magazine.  Here is a preview of the cover shot and an incredible behind the scenes video. I can't wait to get my hands on the November issue out today. Iris and I will be on The Today Show tomorrow morning talking about life and style. I'll let everyone know what time it airs as soon as I find out! Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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A List of Bloggers Aged 40+

Two of my favorite bloggers,  The Style Crone and Forest City Fashionista came into town for the wonderful Manhattan Vintage Show. Debra Rapoport and The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas joined us for a lovely lunch before we headed on to our vintage treasure hunt. It seems that most blogs are tailored towards a younger audience, but there are a lot of mature ladies and gentleman creating inspiring posts every week. Check out The Citizen Rosebud's comprehensive list of bloggers over the age of 40 HERE and let me know your favorites!!!

On another note, I will be a guest on tomorrow's segment of Jane Pauley's AARP internet radio program Ask Jane. The link to show is www.aarp.org/jane and you can listen in there by selecting the button"Listen to AARP radio"--The show airs at 10 am ET. If you would like to call in and ask Jane or any of the other guests questions and be a part of the program dial 1-855-444-JANE (5263). I hope to hear from some of you tomorrow!

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"Wear Your Clothes With Joy"

I took this woman's photo at the Glyndebourne Festival when I was in London earlier this year. When I asked what her style advice is she announced, "Wear your clothes with joy."

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A Few Words From Wanny Di Filippo

I just got back from Italy where I met up with my favorite stylish gentleman, Wanny Di Filippo. My dad just gave me a new small video recorder, so expect better videos coming your way!!! Check my YouTube page Here for all my Advanced Style videos and for a translation of what Wanny is saying check below:
  
"My name is Wanny Di Filippo, and this is my store in via del Parione, in Florence.I have been working here for 42 years and I think that my style is my own style. I do what I do because I am this way. I couldn't work otherwise. I bring true colours, I love colours, though I see that you love colours too, that's great."

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Van She x Advanced Style x The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas

Lina and I were asked to make a series of music videos in collaboration with the Australian band Van She, to celebrate of the release of their latest album entitled, Idea of Happiness. We got together some of the ladies featured in our upcoming documentary and asked them to explain what makes them happy. The first in the series features the wonderful Idiosyncratic Fashionistas.  For more on Valerie and Jean visit their amazing blog HERE.

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The Style Crone Hits Manhattan

It's always so much fun when one of my favorite bloggers, The Style Crone, comes to visit New York City. Judith has such a great perspective when it comes to life and style. Her blog is a must read for anyone needing a little inspiration. For more of Judith's wonderful outfits and words of wisdom CLICK HERE.

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Advanced Style on The Ricki Lake Show

A few weeks ago Joyce, Debra, Lynn and I headed to Los Angeles to film a segment for The Ricki Lake show. It was such an honor to meet Ricki and we all had a blast. For now you can enjoy  this preview clip of Joyce strutting her stuff. Tune into Ricki Lake  today to see the full show!

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Wanny Di Filippo in Florence

This weekend I met my style icon Wanny Di Filippo in Florence. A few months ago I sent students, from a class I was teaching Rome, out on the streets to find Advanced Style. I was shocked when they came back and showed me photographs of Wanny, a man whose style and spirit I had been admiring for years. It was a great pleasure to finally meet this incredible man in person. If you get the chance stop by the Il Bisonte store on your next trip to Florence. To learn more about Wanny watch the great video by NOWNESS below.

Wanny Di Filippo’s Florence on Nowness.com.

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Advanced Style at Levain Bakery

I was walking past Levain Bakery on the Upper West Side when I saw this gorgeous woman sitting on the bench outside. She was born in Argentina, but has been in New York most of her adult life. Being a long time resident of the UWS I asked her if the bakery was any good. She told me that she had never been there, but that she was using the laundromat next store. I picked up a cookie for us to share and then wished her a beautiful afternoon.

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Always Look Your Best

Every time I run into this marvelous lady I am blown away by how wonderful she looks. She proves that there is no excuse to not always try and look your best. Next time I see her I hope to find out more about her style inspiration and life story.

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Iris Apfel: "More is more and less is a bore."

At 91 years old, Iris Apfel is busier than most people half her age. She told me that the secret to her success is her sense of curiosity. When it comes to learning and personal style, Iris proclaims, "More is more and less is a bore."

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Joyce and Debra Share Some of Their Health Secrets

 If I have learned anything over the last four years it is that style is a reflection of how we feel and take care of ourselves. I caught Joyce and Debra in the middle of a conversation on this very topic and I wanted to share a few of their health secrets with everyone.

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