Advanced Style

I was running errands on the Upper East Side when I ran into one of my favorite Advanced Stylistas, Christina Viera. Christina is a master at mixing unexpected combinations of patterns and proportions to create a smart, idiosyncratic look.She told me that she always dressed differently but as she has gotten older she has felt a great freedom to wear whatever she wants.

The ladies of Advanced Style look chic no matter what they are doing. Style is not only how we dress in the morning, but it is a reflection of how we take care of ourselves– In the wise words of 71 year old Beatrix Ost,”In your body is a good place to be.”

One of the biggest trends in street style photography is capturing great detail shots and accessories. The ladies I photograph all tell me that accessories have the power to transform an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. These women have had time to amass wonderful adornments and can easily mix and match them with any outfit. What are your favorite accessories?

Today there is a wonderful write up about me in the New York Times Style Section–My grandma would be so proud!You can read the entire article online HERE . Also my book, due out Spring 2012, is now available for preorder on Amazon, HERE. It will be full of photos, style quotes from your favorite advanced stylistas and a great interview between Ilona Royce Smithkin and Dita Von Teese.

I just got off the phone with 100 year old Ruth from yesterday’s post. She called to congratulate me on the Times article and tell me about her birthday trip to Bermuda. I can’t wait to see the pics!!!

To my great surprise,I ran into Ruth just days before her 100th birthday. She had just gotten out of Pilates class on the Upper West Side, when I spotted her. She told me that she was getting ready to cruise off to Bermuda with her boyfriend in a few days. Ruth’s motto is to celebrate everyday and to not look at the calendar. She likes simple and elegant clothes paired with great accessories. Ruth’s best advice comes straight from an old Arden campaign which reads, ” If you want to look this good when you are 40, start when you are 20.” Check out the video below for more words of wisdom from this amazing 100 year old woman.