Elegance at Eighty

Jacquie looks incredible not even considering her age, but at 81 she's even more of an inspiration for us all to continue to dress up and feel great. She designed this gorgeous striped dress out of material she found at a fabric store. I love getting together with her and hearing about all of her adventures, dancing at The Apollo Theater, and listening to her plans for the future.Over the past 80 years Jacquie Tajah Murdock has never stopped dancing and never stopped dressing.

80 Year Old Rita Has Over 70 Pairs of Outrageous Glasses

I met 81 year old Rita on a trip to Seattle over the weekend. She walked into the Great Harvest Bakery in Ballard wearing the most interesting pair of alien-eyed sunglasses. I was very intrigued and need to know more about her. I waited until she was finished purchasing her loaves and then asked if I could take her photo for my style blog, based in New York City. She was delighted and told me, "I have over 70 pairs of glasses and I wear a different pair everyday. Meet me here tomorrow and I will bring a whole bag full." I knew that I couldn't miss out on this opportunity!

The next day I met Rita outside the bakery wearing an even more spectacular pair of multicolored sunglasses. She showed me a grocery bag full of glasses that I could choose to photograph her in. We had a great time talking and taking photos and she told me the story of why she wears such outrageous glasses.

Rita says that her tastes are usually pretty simple. She had lost her small vintage sunglasses somewhere in the neighborhood, so her friend Marty accompanied her to a local mall to buy another pair. Marty picked out a big, fun, over-sized pair of sunglasses for Rita to wear and she picked out a smaller, more simple pair. Rita decided to purchase them both and wore the big pair to a recovery meeting sometime that week. Everyone in the group went wild for Rita's big shades. People started sending her huge, outrageous pairs of sunglasses from all over the world, resulting in her collection of over 70 pairs. Rita told me that although she wouldn't normally dress outrageously, she feels that the sunglasses make me people happy. When I asked her how she felt about them she replied, " They aren't really my style, but now I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by not wearing the pair they bought for me. Now I feel lost without them. They have become my trademark."

I loved meeting this wonderfully eccentric and charming woman and hope you enjoy her story and of course her amazing collecting of glasses.

In Memory of Zelda Kaplan

Yesterday 95 year old Zelda Kaplan passed away after collapsing, front row, at the Joanna Mastroianni Fashion Show. Zelda lived an amazing life.When we would get together she would always start by telling me how lucky she had been to have so many great opportunities. She traveled the world and collected hand woven fabrics and worked as an activist to bring the issue of female mutilation into discussion.

Zelda had a zest for life. She loved dancing and was a regular at New York's hottest clubs where she could be spotted dancing the night away in her brightly colored suits and matching hats. When I met Zelda the first thing she asked me was if I liked to dance. When it came to style she told me, "If you look well, then you heighten the atmosphere of a place, but remember to always be yourself. You can't turn marble into silk." Zelda definitely heightened the atmosphere wherever she went. I was lucky to have known her, even for such a short amount a time. I will cherish the advice she gave to me and remember her wonderful spirit always.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2012 Inspired by Advanced Style

I just found out that Advanced Style helped to inspire the Marc Jacobs Fall 2012 Collection! I am honored that my photos of these wonderful women and their expressions of personal style could be so influential in the work of a designer as important as Marc Jacobs. Check out these articles from French Vogue and WWD HERE and HERE , mentioning Advanced Style's influence on collection!

Valentine's Day Outfit Options From Advanced Style

Do you need some inspiration for your Valentine's outfits?Here are some great options from the ladies who do it best.

Side Swept Style

I first saw this woman in a grocery store on the Upper East Side. I admired her gorgeous hair and elegant style, but she left the store before I could ask her for a photo. The other day I was walking on Madison Avenue and I saw her again. I knew that I couldn't let the opportunity pass me by, so I ran up to her and asked if I could take her photograph. She was very gracious and I can't wait until the next time I run into her. Doesn't this make you a little less afraid of letting your hair go white?

100 Year Old Elise Relflects Upon a More Elegant Past

I ran into Elise on Madison Avenue and was shocked when she told me that she was about to turn 100 years old. I asked her about her fashion philosophy and she replied, "I miss elegance. There was a time when everyone used to dress up." I hear this sentiment a lot amongst the Advanced Style set. It makes me think of my  grandmother's, and how we used to watch old Hollywood films, filled with the most glamorous people. As a young boy I was inspired by looking through grandma Bluma's scrapbooks full of vintage photographs.Everyone in the pictures looked so elegant and well dressed.

This is one reason I am so drawn to people like Elise. After taking her photo, we exchanged phone numbers.I can't wait to share some of her collection of over 83 hats with everyone!

Elegant Simplicity

Sometimes the most simple fashion statements are the most elegant. This woman's stunning appearance is highlighted by her pearl earrings and lovely makeup choices. I asked how she would describe her style and she replied,"Elegant Simplicity."

The Gentlemen Are Back

For the past year I have been working on my book set for release on May 22. I originally started this blog to share the style and stories of both men and women.When it came to curating the photos for my book, I wanted to pay tribute to my wonderful grandmothers and decided to focus exclusively on pictures of stylish ladies. Now its time to once again add some wonderful gentlemen into the mix. I was excited to run across this dashing fellow on Madison Avenue yesterday. I interrupted his Blackberry chat to take a quick photo of his amazing outfit. He definitely gives me something to aspire towards.

Elegance by The National Arts Club

I ran into Peggy at The National Arts club looking as elegant as always. I loved her gorgeous suit and confident stance. 

A Surprise Meeting

A few years ago, my pal MISTER MORT shared a wonderful photograph of a woman whom he had met while photo-hunting in New York. Ever since then, I have hoped for the day when I would run into her. By a stroke of pure luck, I saw Suzy walking across the street in Gramercy the other day. I couldn't believe my eyes as I had no idea where she lived and if I would ever spot her. I told Suzy the whole story and she was delighted to pose for a few shots. We exchanged information and I can't wait to meet with her again!

Marilyn Sokol in Polka Dots

My good friend and Advanced Style regular Marilyn Sokol and I got together for a wonderful lunch at Eataly the other day. She was wearing and the most marvelous outfit and I knew that we had to get some great shots before parting ways. Marilyn is always so much fun -- her wardrobe is a reflection of her sparkling personality.

Edith Drake in Vintage Christian Dior

Edith Drake is not only one of the most stylish 90 year olds I know -- She is one most fashionable women I know. She is wearing a Christian Dior suit that she has had for many years and it still looks fantastic. I set up a date to visit her home and I can't wait to see what she had in mind to show me. Edith is proof that you can look fabulous at any age!

Red Heart Glasses

Jane Folds is a wonderful artist and master marionette maker. Like many of the Advanced Style ladies she has developed a perfect uniform that works for her everyday: red heart sunglasses, a black slip dress, red lip scarf and a mix of great accessories.Yesterday, Jane and I had a delightful lunch at The National Arts Club. Afterwards we took some photos and she showed me one of her favorite marionettes.

Confidence is the Best Accessory

Style is not only about what you wear, but also how you carry yourself.This woman was walking on the Upper West Side with a friend when I noticed her from afar. I loved her look, but her confident pose stands out above everything else.

Do You Think Aging is a Privilege?

While I am out photo-hunting on the Upper West Side, I always like to stop by Lynn Dell's Off Broadway Boutique. She has the most stylish customers, including the beautiful lady above.This glamorous woman told me that she had seen me on The Today Show and I replied that I would love to take her photograph, but that she seemed way too young. When she told me that she had a 40 year old son, I knew that she fit the bill. I was excited to capture her dazzling style to share with all of you.

When I got back home I reflected on this experience. I know that people are often told that they are too old to model and represent fashion, style and beauty. I wonder how it feels when I tell an older person that they are too young to appear on Advanced Style? Do they take this as a compliment? Is youth the only valued stage of life? 80 year old Joyce always tells me that, " To Age is a Privilege." I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get old.

A Vintage Red Hat

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

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

Today Show Tomorrow

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

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

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

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.

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.