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.

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

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.”

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.

The Advanced Style Ladies are known for wearing bold accessories and wonderful hats. I think the pictures above are proof enough that hats are having their day in the sun. Which are your favorites?