Happy New Year: Best of 2013

2013 has been such an incredible year. I never dreamed that a little blog which I started five years ago would allow me the opportunity to travel the world and meet so many amazing and inspiring people. I am truly thankful for everyone who visits  and comments regularly. Your encouragement and support are the driving force behind a growing movement and shift in how we view the aging process. Here are some of my favorite photos from 2013. Thanks so much for all of your continued support and have a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!!!!!

Bliss is Back

A trip to Pasadena is never complete without stopping into to see Bliss. She brought along her friend Sox and we had a great lunch at Julienne. I highly recommend the green omelet. Check out her amazing collection of Heavenly Handbags HERE.

Silver Age

Linda Davis is the owner of Koi, a wonderful boutique in South Pasadena. Doesn't she have the most incredible hair?!!!

Suzi Click at The Grau Haus

Last weekend I visited artist and designer Suzi Click at the historic Crossroads of The World Shopping Mall in Los Angeles. She was having a sale of her work at The Graus Haus, an incredible shop full of wearable art and accessories. I picked up a great jacket for my mom and got some new shots of Suzi. Check out more of her fantastic work HERE  .

Ready For The Holidays

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday!

Happy Holidays

The first time I met Maureen she was decked out in leopard print and Bakelite. When she invited me to her home in Pasadena, I knew I was in for a real treat. This past weekend I was finally able to make a trip back to California to see Maureen and meet her adorable basset hounds. It was the perfect time to visit as Maureen had just finished her annual holiday decorating. Her gorgeous home, built in the 1920's, dazzled with vintage Santas and snowmen. Candy canes and snow flakes lined every hallway. Check out some of her wonderful decorations above and have a healthy and beautiful holiday!

Vintage Ralph Lauren

This woman looks stylish and cozy in her vintage Ralph Lauren coat.

d Forsythe

About a year ago, my mom stumbled into a magical little jewelry store in Coronado, California called d Forsythe. She called me right away to tell me that the owner of the shop would be a perfect fit for Advanced Style. My parents have become great scouts and they are always looking for people for me to photograph when I come to California.  I have to thank my mom for introducing me to Dolores Forsythe. She has become a great family friend and one of my favorite ladies to photograph. If you are near San Diego stop into to say hi to Dolores at her wonderful jewelry shop in Coronado.

Coronado

I was walking around Coronado when I passed a woman with the most wonderful smile on her face. When I asked if I could take her photograph, she turned around and knew just how to pose.

Dyed To Match

I love how this woman uses the beautiful blue streaks in her hair as an accent color for the rest of her outfit. 

Gai and Debra

Gai Gherardi and Debra Rapoport wearing l.a Eyeworks Flying Wallendas

Every time I visit Los Angeles I have to stop into the l.a Eyeworks shop and see what's new. This last time I was especially excited to introduce  Debra Rapoport to Gai Gherardi, l.a Eyeworks' co founder and co designer. One of Debra's main style philosophies is to "frame the face" with great accessories. Upon entering the store, she was thrilled to see one of l.a Eyeworks' iconic campaign photos with the quote, "A face is like a work of art. It deserves a great frame." Gai and Debra hit it off right away bonding over their shared love of art and design. Don't they look great together?!!!

Heading West

I'm on my way to California for the holidays and I can't wait to hit the streets and photograph some West Coast Advanced Style. Last time I was in Los Angeles I met the most incredible ladies, including this stunning woman I photographed outside my book signing at Koi in South Pasadena.

Stuyvesant Town

 When I complimented this lady's glasses, she quickly said, "I am so happy I got the last pair!"

Golden Girl

Dolores wearing one of her own necklace designs

A few weeks ago Dolores Forsythe threw me a wonderful book signing event at her jewelry boutique in Coronado. Dolores was such an incredible host and it was great to meet so many new people and catch up with some of my childhood friends. Dolores' shop is literally a hidden gem on the beautiful island of Coronado. If you are in the San Diego make sure to stop in and say hello for me! To see more of Dolores' wonderful shop and work CLICK HERE.

All In The Details

Every detail of this woman's outfit is stunning, from the gorgeous pleated sleeve to her elegant black tie and wonderful earrings.

Ilona's Eyelash Cabaret

My dear friend Ilona Royce Smithkin never ceases to amaze me. She is 93-years-old and has more energy and zest for life than most people half her age. Ilona has been performing her cabaret act all around town and is planning some exciting new shows. If you have never had the chance to see her performance in person, check out the wonderful video below.

Eyelash Cabaret with Ilona Royce-Smithkin and Zoe Lewis - video by Alain Furcajg from LIPTV 2 on Vimeo.

Suzi Click and The Power of Print Mixing

 

I have been mixing prints ever since I was a little kid. It's always fun to get up in the morning and play with items of clothing that usually wouldn't go together and then finding the harmony and balance in colors and patterns. Artist and designer Suzi Click is definitely a master at mixing prints.  You can't help but smile at her awesome assemblage of colors and textures. To check out some of her inspiring work CLICK HERE.

Black and Turquoise

To yesterday's point, black can be a great base for adding wonderful, colorful accessories. On this grey Friday morning I leave you with the always gorgeous and extravagant Lynn Dell Cohen.

Are You Afraid Of Wearing Color?

I often wonder why so many people are afraid to wear color. Walking around New York it's a challenge to find brightly hued clothing in the crowds of people wearing all black. Yes black is safe and elegant and all that, but putting on a bit of color in the morning definitely brightens up my day. I love how the woman above plays with proportion and texture to make a stunning and bold fashion statement. If you are going to wear all black, why not wear it with pizazz? Are any of you out there afraid of wearing color?

The Best Accessory

When it comes to style, your  attitude is just as important as the clothes you choose to put on in the morning. This woman's confident stance and gorgeous smile are a perfect match to her bold accessories.

Maureen at Koi, South Pasadena

Maureen is another one of the incredibly creative and stylish women that I met at my book signing at Koi in South Pasadena. This store is a most for anyone looking for something special and original. I can't wait to visit again soon!

Re-Deux

Colleen is one of my favorite ladies to photograph. Not only is she absolutely stunning, but she is one of the kindest and most intelligent women I have ever met. Make sure and visit her consignment store, Re-Deux if you are near Palm Springs, and if you have a copy of Advanced Style, she would be happy to sign her page.

Re-Deux
71598 California 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 776- 9662