Bel Kaufman, " I Still Feel Sexy At 101-Years-Old"

Yesterday I had the honor of meeting with celebrated author Bel Kaufman in her New York apartment. At 101-years-old, Bel has more energy and wit than most people half her age. Here is a preview clip of our wonderful interview. Stay tuned for a full written interview and photos next week...

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Advanced Style Book Signing and Hat Making Workshop

This weekend Etsy is hosting a huge Holiday Shop full  of amazing treasures and wonderful events. On Saturday, come on down to SoHo (131 Greene Street) for an evening full of crafts and fun. The Advanced Style Ladies and I will be there at 6pm signing copies of my book and then at 7pm we are leading a hat making workshop.

 Debra Rapoport will be leading the workshop--check out her description below:

"Hats are back so let’s make a statement! We’ll be working with non-traditional materials such as vintage sweaters, fabrics, ribbons, cuffs, banana paper, and various recycled cardboard. With personal headgear, we’ll flaunt our flavor and discover a new (h)attitude."

Anyone can come to the signing, but space is limited to 30 people for the 7pm workshop. Make sure and register for the workshop HERE.  The ladies and I hope to see you there!

The Etsy Holiday Shop

131Greene Street

Saturday Dec 1

6:00 pm book signing

7:00 pm hat making workshop-sign up here http://etsyholidayadvancedstyle-eorg.eventbrite.com/#

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Beauty Secrets From Two Very Stylish 101 Year Old Ladies

Rose

Ruth

People always ask me how the Advanced Style ladies stay so vital and looking gorgeous all the time. Rose and Ruth are two wonderful examples of how we can all  age gracefully, with great joy, and impeccable style. At 101-years-old they both know a thing or two about beauty and fashion. I asked these marvelous ladies to share some of their beauty secrets below:

On Staying Active
"Walking is a must, its better than doctors and medicine." Rose

"You have to keep moving and exercising. I make myself go out everyday, even if its only for a block. The key to staying young is to keep on moving." Ruth

On Skin Moisturizers
"Inexpensive moisturizers are as good as expensive ones, only better. I have been using Oil of Olay for decades. You must moisturize everyday." Rose

"You've got to keep your skin moisturized. I wash my face morning and night. In the morning I use Olay moisturizing creme and at night Arden. That's all I do. Remember to lubricate your skin, by working it in slow. Elizabeth Arden said, " If you want to look this good when you are forty than start at twenty." Start Now!!! Ruth

On Attitude
"Most important is to be happy and enjoy what you have at every moment." Rose

 "Celebrate everyday and don't look at the calendar." Ruth

On Fashion
"Be unique. If everyone is wearing it, then its not for me." Rose

"Dress up everyday and don't wear blue jeans. Invest in quality pieces, they never go out of style." Ruth

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Alice Carey On The Highline

I had the privilege of joining Alice Carey and her wonderful husband Geoffrey on a special tour of   the unfinished section of the High Line Park. We had the great honor of walking on the original freight rails before the third phase of the park's construction began. Although we were in the middle of Manhattan, it felt as if we could have been walking along some abandoned railway in the middle of the desert. If you visit New York, a trip to the High Line is a must. For more information on  this spectacular site CLICK HERE.

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What Ilona's Thankful For

I went over to Ilona's house today to discuss some exciting new projects and see some her amazing new treasures. Ilona's friend Tom gave her this incredible red feather boa and I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to photograph her in it.

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Happy Thanksgiving From Advanced Style

Nana Helen and Papa Hal

Grandma Bluma and Grandpa Jacob

 I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and thank you all for your continued  support, comments and emails. I read and share all of your wonderful responses with the Advanced Style ladies, and they get so much joy knowing that they have inspired others. The photos above are of my wonderful grandparents who showed me that we can grow old with style, vitality, and creative spirit. They inspired me to look at aging in a positive light, just as the ladies and gentleman I photograph every week have done. I am thankful for all of the incredible people I have met over the last four years and am excited to share even more of their stories and style wisdom in the upcoming months.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

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"Wear Your Party Shoes Today"

 Marjie Du Berchin is a wonderful artist and jewelry designer based in my hometown of San Diego. I met her while presenting my book at The Jewish Book Fair and was excited to hear that she has been following Advanced Style since the beginning.My mom and I  made a date to come over to her house to see her gorgeous gardens and stunning jewelry collection. We had a great visit and my mom came home with some of Marjie's beautiful necklaces. Check out her work below and if you are interested in seeing more of these lovely pieces email Marjie at contact@tokyodreamz.net and see her website www.tokyodreamz.net

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Carmen De Lavallade

This  gorgeous 81-year-old woman caught my eye while walking through SoHo yesterday. She was very kind when I approached her and asked if I could take her photograph. I gave her my card and she told me that her name was Carmen.I instantly realized that she was legendary dancer and performer, Carmen De Lavallade. I was honored to have the chance to meet and photograph such an incredibly talented and accomplished artist.We exchanged information and I hope to meet up with her in the very near future!

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Iris Apfel's Guilty Pleasure

Iris Apfel & Ari Seth Cohen - Drug of Choice from The Avant/Garde Diaries on Vimeo.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Iris Apfel for the latest video installment of Avant Garde Diaries. Check out our conversation above to find out Iris' guilty pleasure.

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Lucille

Lucille always look stunning in her all-black, layered looks and unique accessories.

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Jumping for Joy

 [Gif by Juan Amaya]

I am in Salem with Joyce and Debra to give at talk at PEM. Yesterday we walked around and went to a great vintage shop called Modern Millie. Debra had a blast looking through the racks of taffeta dresses from the 1940s and 50s. With Joyce and my influence, and a bit of coaxing, Debra broke her 10 dollar rule, and came home with three beautiful dresses. Debra was so excited by her wonderful new garments that she came back to the hotel and jumped for joy!!!

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84 and Proud

Gone are the days when women felt the need to hide their age. When I asked this gorgeous woman if I could take her photo she proudly announced, "You sure can, I am 84 years old."

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Always Elegant

I have passed by these two women many times while walking around the Upper West Side. They are always dressed to the nines with at least one common theme or pattern in both of their outfits. On the day that I finally approached them to take a picture it was  black and white. Next time I run into these elegant ladies I'll ask them some questions about their signature matching looks.

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At The Airport

I saw this woman at the airport on my way from New York to San Diego. I stopped and asked if I could take her photo and she said, " Yes dear, of course you can, I am in my 80s and everything I have on is from the 70s. I told her that I appreciated how elegantly she was dressed to travel and she quickly replied, " There is no other way."

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" Your Attitude is Your Altitude"

I took this photo a few days after Hurricane Sandy hit New York City. Lynn Dell was back at work and full of hope and positivity. A few days before she had broken her toe while hosting a house full of family members who lost electricity during the storm. I am always always amazed by Lynn's strength and incredible outlook on life.

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Sevaria

The ladies I photograph are not only fantastic dressers; many of them also make the most incredible accessories and works of art. I ran into Sevaria the other day and she was wearing one of her  beautiful bejeweled headscarves. Seeing her got me thinking that it might be fun to have a big Advanced Style art show someday! I always love to help promote the work of the people I feature on Advanced Style. If you are interested in purchasing one of Sevaria's stunning scarves feel free to email her at sevariah@aol.com .

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Ninety One and Having Fun

My mom and I both noticed this stunning 91-year-old woman as soon as she walked into my presentation this weekend, so  I was thrilled when she came up to talk to me afterwards. Marjorie told me that she  just moved to Southern California with her husband of 70 years!!! I asked if if I could take her photograph and she kindly agreed. As soon as we got outside she threw her arms in the air like a pro. I just love her joyful expression.

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San Diego Style

I'm back in Southern California for the San Diego Jewish Book Fair. Today I presented my book to a group that included, the doctor who delivered me, and my parents' first next door neighbor. It sort of felt like I was celebrating my second Bar Mitzvah! It was wonderful seeing so many of the women in the crowd all dressed up for my presentation. I found out that the woman above used to bring animals to visit my grandfather's nursing home. Not only is she absolutely gorgeous, but she has a great heart as well. I can't wait to share the rest of the pictures from my adventures in California this week and hope that everyone on the east coast is recovering and healing from the effects of Sandy.

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Iris Apfel and Mickey Mouse

Things are slowly picking up in New York City and there is a promise that power will be restored by tomorrow(Fingers Crossed). I haven't been able to hit the streets much lately, but I am looking forward to posting some new street style shots and stories very soon. In the meantime I thought everyone would enjoy this photo of Iris and Mickey Mouse taken at her apartment in New York. Iris has always wanted a big stuffed Mickey Mouse and her husband finally bought one for her on her 90th birthday.

 Thank you to everyone for your continued concerns. I am happy to report that I have spoken and heard from many of the Advanced Style Ladies, including Iris, and they are all safe and have plenty of supplies.

Inside Iris Apfel's Apartment

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In Celebration of Grandmothers and Grandsons

 

[Photos by Hadar Pitchon]

I had two very special grandmothers. One grandmother taught me about the importance of elegance  while the other encouraged freedom of expression. I started this blog because of my grandmothers and although they are no longer with us, they continue to guide and inspire me everyday.

A few months ago, Hadar Pitchon, a friend of mine on Facebook and a regular reader of Advanced Style, sent me some wonderful photos and videos that he had taken of his Nona. Their special bond reminded me of the relationship I had with my grandmothers. In my eyes Bluma and Helen were the biggest stars that ever lived. They were the most glamorous models and the wisest of sages. I asked Hadar to write a few words about his Nona and why she is so inspirational to him. Check out his incredible photos above and more about Hadar and Nona's special bond below:

When asking my grandma about her personal style, I hear her say through her greek accent I love long beautiful dresses. But for her everything seems to have a price tag attached, perhaps it's coming from nothing now she treasures having things of value. When I was growing up around her she loved playing dress up, wigs, lipstick, grab the guitar, songs and dance. I have always had an utmost respect for where she comes from and I am impressed with how she presents herself everyday. I feel she came from a time where you never left the house unless you looked presentable. When her and my grandfather were married they were so poor she had to hand the wedding dress to the next person in line after. Yet through all this and raising 4 boys, being a holocaust survivor, breast cancer survivor and survivor of living with me, she kept her amazing style. She possesses an amazing character and wit, her nails are always painted with a signature bright red to match her lips. Her dresses usually have sequins or something over the top to them. Recently when I was home I decided to showcase the beauty that is my grandma, she is a muse and a constant reminder of how lucky I am to have someone like that in my life. I decided she would be the supermodel of the year and her face would be in all the latest ads and on a cover of magazine. After all she never ceases to amaze me and my greatest pride is getting to share her with the world. (Hadar Pitchon)

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