Part of what makes people covet an advanced style wardrobe are all those amazing vintage pieces that have been collected and cared for over the years. When I ask older people about their favorite fashion decades many lean towards the 1930s and 40s, when they were younger and a certain glamor still existed. Their tastes seem to be invested in the past but informed by current fashion. Mimi Weddell would always wear a vintage hat but was super modern in her approach to style. The first time I met her she was wearing an over sized men's tuxedo shirt, black tights and vintage Chanel ballet flats. While looking through Vogue she commented that the styles were lacking a curvilinear and serpentine line that she felt was so elegant. Line,Play of proportions and quality are what compromised style for Mimi. She didn't leave the house wearing all vintage, as if she were stepping out of the 1920s, but rather mixed and matched her beloved quality pieces with modern elements.
What I find so interesting about this uniting of vintage and modern, high and low,( One of
Iris Apfels style tips) that is so common in Advanced Style, is that the overall look seems to lean towards the past, yet a new, thoroughly modern, updated past. Women like Mary, who has a whole collection of vintage clothing, will choose to wear only a few carefully selected "antique" items like a beaded jacket, or broach and combine them with more contemporary styles. Mary won't wear all vintage which she feels is more suited for younger gals and may look to costumey on her, but she does appreciate how her favorite designer Nanette Lepore's cuts and quality remind her of her garments from the past.
Incorporating vintage and thrift items is smart and economical way to add personal expression and style into your wardrobe. While older people seem to have a treasure trove of designers duds from the past stored away, the advanced style set still shops at thrift stores. Debra scours Manhattan's consignment and thrift stores looking for creative ways to update her wardrobe. She imbues a discarded neon green top with new life and her refreshing take on style is a mix of avant guard and classic.
Advanced Style Fashionistas are expert curators, blending old and new,avant guard and classic to create looks that are inspirational full of personal expression. They are experienced fashion icons leading the way for a new generation of vintage and thrift store shoppers. A touch of red lipstick, an old stetson, or an antique pin can take you one step closer to ageless style.
My parents came into town for the holiday and among other exciting adventures we had to make our way to the Antiques Garage on 25th. I grew up going to Antique shows with my mom, so it was great fun to revisit this shared past time with her. There were so many stylish people at the flea market including the woman above. She is from New York but is currently residing in Miami where she works as a choreographer.
Ever since MISTER MORT took a picture of writer and artist Beatrix Ost, I have been inspired by her truly original style. Her unique grace and sophistication make her the perfect advanced style icon and a great example of what I discussed in the post below. Check out some wonderful videos of her on StylelikeU and I hope to some day take some videos of my own.
Lyn and artist Rima Goldman came into the New Museum the other day while in town for work. They both had such great energy and smiles and they sure know how to pose
On my latest work trip to Washington, D.C. for oyster.com, I ran into this pair in front of the Fairfax Hotel. Her penchant for bright color and his cool aviators and hip velvet blazer are proof that Michelle isn't the only one bringing style to our nation's capital. They split their time between Washington and New York City (no wonder we love them!), but they don't hide their Advanced Style, even in the town of the suit and tie.
It seems that every neighborhood has that one lady(or group of) who keeps a watchful eye over the block. She can be spotted chatting around the front door of an apartment building, all the while not missing a thing that is happening in the surrounding area. She is the go to person for any neighborhood gossip and once you earn her trust she will always provide you with a warm smile and hello.
Brilliant hair color seems to be all the rage with the advanced style set. Barbara of ,Au coin de ma rue, sent me this great shot. Check out her site for some more wonderful photos!
I have posted pictures of my friend Carole here a few times already, but the other day I was lucky enough to visit her spectacular apartment. I will post more photos and story soon. She has lived in New York and abroad, as an artist and teacher, sharing her passion for life,beauty, art. Here is a preview of our lunch date together, including some fashion flashbacks from her scrapbook.
This woman was a joy to photograph. She was visiting The New Museum with some friends and I took my break from work to go and talk to her. Not only is her colorful mix of patterns inspiring but her wonderful attitude as well.She told me that she loves living in New York because of how culturally and ethnically diverse it is. I talk to a lot of people about their experiences in New York and one of the things that I hear most is that the city keeps people feeling alive and vibrant, that life happens on the street and that living in New York forces people to be culturally aware and active. Its a great town for young and old alike!
There is too much to write about my new friend Debra at this hour, but I promise to provide some background to these photos at a later date. For now enjoy these photos of her wonderful apartment and fantastic works of art. As always feel free to share your own Advanced Style inspiration and email me at Advancedstyleinfo@gmail.com.
