East Village, NYC

I was walking to an appointment in my neighborhood when I passed this elegant woman. I quickly turned around, crossed the street and asked if I could take her photograph. She nodded in approval and continued on her way. Although we didn't exchange any words, I am so glad she stopped to let me take her photograph and look forward to running into her again in the  neighborhood.

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What Ali Wore

All Photos by Zoe Spawton via What Ali Wore

It's not often that I come across sites as cool as Australian born, Berlin based photogrpaher Zoe Spawton's  tumblr What Ali Wore. Zoe spotted 83-year-old Ali as he walked by her work in a sharp new outfit every morning. One day she decided to ask if she could take his photograph. Zoe explains in her first blog post, " Ali walks past the cafe I work at in Berlin every morning at 9:05am. I’m not sure where he is going, but we always say hello to each other. He always wears such great clothes. I don’t speak much German and he speaks a little bit of English, but I managed to ask if I could take his photo. He gladly accepted. " Zoe and Ali have since become friends and collaborators. If you are a fan of Advanced Style then you are going to love What Ali Wore. Check more great shots of Ali HERE.

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Ilona Royce Smithkin Celebrates Her 93rd Birthday

Advanced Style's resident fairy godmother and dear friend Ilona Royce Smithkin turns 93 years old today!!! Ever since I  first spotted her in the West Village four years ago, my world has become full of color, laughter, and wonderful times. Ilona has taught me that everything in a life is a bonus and that we must celebrate and look for beauty in the most unexpected places. She kicks off her 93rd birthday with a performance at Joe's Pub on Saturday, with musician Kenyon Phillips(For Tickets CLICK HERE). Let's all celebrate today and wish Ilona Royce Smithkin a wonderful and joy filled Happy Birthday!!!

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Coach x Advanced Style: Generations of Style

When Coach approached me about working with them on a digital project, I immediately thought about how their classic bags have such a broad customer base. I have always been interested in the intersection between the fashion choices of the young and old and noticed that young girls often seem to take sartorial inspiration, whether conscious or not, from older women. With these thoughts in mind, Lina and I worked together to create a series of inter-generational conversations between the Advanced Style ladies and some of our favorite bloggers. Check out the videos above featuring: Susie Lau and Ilona Royce Smithkin, Nadia Sarwar and Linda Rodin, and Leandra Medine and Lynn Dell for some ageless style wisdom.

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Coming Soon:Coach X Advanced Style "Generations of Style"

Lina and I made a series of videos for Coach, featuring the Advanced Style ladies in conversation with  some of our favorite bloggers. Stay tuned until Monday morning to see all three videos live on the blog.

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Advanced Style Featured on Mornings Australia

Recently,  Joyce, Debra, and I filmed an interview for the Mornings television program in Australia. CLICK HERE to check out the clip and hear a bit of Joyce singing opera!

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Munich

Lina and I just arrived in Munich. On the way to our hotel I spotted this wonderful lady and her beautiful, old,  blue bike. I love shooting in other cities and can't wait to see who I'll find over the next few days. Tomorrow we are giving a presentation on the struggles and challenges associated with completing a creative project. Wish us luck!!!!!!!

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Advanced Style Dogs

I love going out photo hunting and it's always a bonus when I can catch a stylish lady and her equally wonderful dog.

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The Spirit of Style

 I have been thinking a lot about what draws me to photograph certain people. Sometimes it's the way they have fixed their hair or an amazing accessory, or a wonderful smile that catches my eye. More than style, I am trying to capture a sense of vitality and creative spirit in the people I photograph. The other day I was walking uptown when I noticed a woman wearing a large brown coat, black beanie, and a hint of a yellow printed dress. Even from across the street I could tell that the dress had to be vintage and thought that the woman must have been wearing it for years. I decided to approach her and ask if I could take her photograph.

 

Frances was standing with her son, near Lexington Avenue, when I stopped to talk to her. I told her that I appreciated what she was wearing and asked her how she felt about style. She replied, " I don't care about style, I make style. I want to try and look the best I can, depending on the weather and my mood." I asked if she wouldn't mind telling me her age and she smiled and pointed to her son and said, " Guess how old I am if he is 75 years old." She continued by telling me how her doorman is so interested in always talking about her age and that she has grown tired of talking about it. Her new trick is to ask him his age every time she sees him. She then asked me how old I was and when I told her, "31" she laughed and said, "I'll be 103 next month if I make it. My clothes are probably older than you." Frances and I talked and joked for a few minutes and she thanked me for taking her picture and asked me to send a copy to her apartment. Later that day I thought about how witty and full of life Frances was and realized why I was initially drawn to approach her.

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Lexington Chic

Yesterday I was walking along Lexington Avenue when I spotted the chicest woman having lunch through a cafe window. I stood outside for around thirty minutes waiting for her to come out, all the while debating whether or not I should enter the restaurant. I didn't want to be rude and interrupt her meal, but at the same time I thought about all the times I let amazing subjects pass me by without asking them if I could take their photographs. I gathered up the courage to enter the cafe and politely tell her that I noticed her from across the street. She was having lunch with her son and thankfully very much appreciated the compliment. Sheila told me that she was so glad that I came into the cafe and that it's always important to grab opportunities when you have the chance.

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Ilona's New Hat

Sorry for the absence over the last few days. I have been attending to some personal affairs and have some great new street style shots to share this week. I just got back into town and couldn't wait to rush over to Ilona's apartment to see what she has been up to. She wanted to show me her new hat and tell me all about Dita Von Teese's show which she attended last week. Ilona wanted me to give a big kiss and to say hello to all the Advanced Style readers out there. She loves reading all the comments on her posts and appreciate all your love and support.

Ilona and Dita

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Alice Carey's Vintage

I always look forward to meeting up with Alice Carey, hearing about her latest adventures, and of course seeing what she is wearing. Alice's pieces are mostly thrifted and have such great stories attached to them. Here is a list of what Alice is wearing in the photos above. Make sure to check out her wonderful memoir HERE.
Messenger Jacket
Original label (stapled to pocket): METROPOLITAN POLICE Messenger
Date - London 1942
Owner’s name - William’s
Tailor - J. Compton & Webb Ltd. London (Derbyshire, England, since 1899 now dissolved).
Decorations:
Two gold crown insignia on collar representing ‘The Crown’
Two braided chevrons on sleeves

I bought this jacket last summer in an antique store going out of business, in Grey Abbey, Belfast, Ireland.
The owner said it had been there forever.  As usual it cost more to tailor it, that to buy it. Cost around $25- Tailoring - $100-

Hat
HARRODS door man’s cap circa 1970’s
Patent leather visor, gold braded H

This hat belonged to memoir writer, Alfred O’Mahony, retired HARRODS doorman, whom I met on a train in Ireland last year.
Alfie’s memoir, ‘The Way We Were’ is about time his spent as an orphan in the Irish industrial schools of the ‘50’s

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An English Couple

My pal Fanny and I spotted this couple in London and were so delighted when they stopped to let me take their photograph. When I asked how long they have been together the gentleman replied, " Longer than both your ages combined and every minute of it has been wonderful."

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My Style Icons

Derrill Osborn shot by The Sartorialist

Wanny Di Filippo

Nana Helen and Papa Hal

Growing up, I was always impressed by how dapper and put together my grandfather was. I remember admiring his collection of brightly-hued cashmere sweaters, argyle socks, and beautifully tailored Italian sports coats. I knew that one day I would aspire to be as debonair as my Papa Hal and was always encouraged when he would tell me with an approving glance, "Ari, you look like a Beau Brummel today." My Papa has always been an icon to me, both for his incredible sense of style, and his attitude towards life.

As of late, I have adopted a few new style icons -- men who are equally daring in their outward presentation as their bold character.  I hope you take a bit of inspiration from my style icons: Wanny Di Filippo, Derrill Osborn, and Papa Hal.

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