Beauty in Black

This lady looks truly regal in her black fur lined coat and elegant hat. She looks perfectly dressed for high tea.

Eye for Fashion

This guy is truly stylish. I included a a closer detail to show how he mixes and matches patterns and textures in a seemingly effortless way. Check out his yellow gloves!

Send Us Your Photos

We would love to share photos of your stylish relatives and friends. Of course we are always accepting reader submissions for Advanced Street Style, but we also want to see the stylish seniors that have made an impact on your life. Write a little something attached with your photos and we might post them here. Leah Lawrence ,of Seattle, sent this picture in of Landy, Rose and Mickey She says, "My grandma is center stage. All live in beautiful New Jersey.All love a good bobka and a rigorous game of canasta".

Make sure to send photos to Advancedstyleinfo@gmail.com

Mysterious Picture

I saw this photo a while back and couldn't wait to post it. Often times when people send in comments I will go and check out the blogs they have been writing for. This particular picture comes from a blog called laurejune. The only thing is that she hasn't begun to blog yet. She writes, "

Supercalifragilistique

Paris, France

... I wasn't born with internet but it's fabulous ! Though It would be nice to have stories to tell here, have an audience at last (I've been trying to sing but), I'm not ready for blogging yet. Meanwhile, I'll share my favorite blogs with you. Et un jour je me lancerai sur la toile comme dans ma folle jeunesse, je ferai de ma vie un roman!!!

Hopefully posting this wonderful picture will inspire Laurejune to share her stories. What is great about blogs is that you can blog about anything, even about how you want to start blogging.

Lovely Lucy

I saw Lucy again sitting in the West Village. I feel like she has the makings of a style icon with her consistent choices of a rose beret and pleated skirt.

Article of Interest

[photo from Schmasion ]

I had the pleasure of running into Lauren Hutton during a lunch in Soho a few weeks ago. The 64 year old model was just recently featured as the face of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen' s fashion brand, The Row. When asked why they chose Ms. Hutton, Mary-Kate replied,"She's just a wise woman and she's a traveller and she's obviously a style icon."

Central Park Chic

This elegant lady was strolling alongside Central Park when we stopped her for a photo. Not only does her outfit look chic, but her silver hair is perfectly coiffed as well. It makes me think of these words that Mimi Weddell repeated to me, " My mother always told me, Mimi your hair is your crowning glory."

Reader Submission

Jane Coffee sent us these pictures of her gorgeous grandma. Her grandmother, seen above in her 80s, was a Neiman Marcus model in Dallas throughout the 50s and 60s.

Colorful Additions

This guy's orange pants and green and blue plaid scarf add a little magic to his outfit.

Style Inspiration:Joy Venturini Bianchi

[photo from guest of a guest]

[photo from sfluxe][photo from New York Social Diary][photo from sfluxe]

I came across this wonderfully stylish woman while working on an article for guestofaguest. Joy Venturini Bianchi, known for her amazing glasses collection , said in a article for the SF Gate,

"As soon as I put the outfit together, then I choose a frame to go with it. I go to my eyeglass drawer; I usually don't have a lot of time, so I usually try on two pairs and then decide between the two."
"As time has passed, I find that my eyeglasses seem to draw people in, so that I can have a conversation with them.They have become a conduit for great connections, magical engagements with people."

Click here to read more about this style icon.

Queen of Williamsburg part II

[ photo from NY Mag]

I had the chance to ask the lovely Leonora Russo a few questions about her style inspiration. Leonora can be spotted around Williamsburg in her signature shades and awesome apparel. Click Here to read an article from New York Magazine, where she describes her role as a neighborhood activist and read our interview below:

What are your style inspirations?
My Mother loved to pamper us. She told us to dress up no matter what and look neat. Don't wait until you are in a coffin to wear beautiful things. My mother lived to be 100 years old and never wore makeup.

Do you always wear sunglasses?
Yes, I have a lot of pairs, Gucci, Versace, Ferregamo. They are very stylish. It just does something to a person.

Where do you find your clothes?
I go around anywhere and if I see something I like that is comfortable, I like it, I buy it.

What do you think about the way today's youth dresses?
I have a more young way of thinking. My mother said always look young and be positive.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

When I saw this mother-daughter duo getting ready to enter their building, I couldn't believe my luck. They were demure about their style, but they really have something special going on with their wonderful mix of patterns and accessories. This is top-notch Advanced Style.

Cinnamon Girl

What a great pair of vintage Christian Dior glasses! This beauty's shades go perfectly with her unique coat and red hot hair, not to mention her coral lipstick. Her ensemble seems effortless, and is definitely chic.

Norwegian Couple

Our good friend and contributor Hanneli Mustaparta, took these grand photos while on a shoot for a Norwegian magazine. She says,"On our way from the hotel we were based for the day, I bumped into this lovely couple. They had been enjoying lunch at Dagligstuen, which is a lovely place to hang out during the day and belongs to the hotel."

Hats All Folks

This lady designs for a local hat and accessories company, no wonder we were drawn to her cool cap from across the street.

Unique Sophistication

Older women seem to have to the best glasses. These glasses worn with a multi-layered navy suit and bold necklace, ( which we heard was quite heavy), makes for a sophisticated and unique look.

Clean Slate

The wind was sweeping through Manhattan today when this gentleman caught my eye. He has a very well-tailored look and his neutral hues are so classic. What a smart fall look.

Major Mondrian

[ photo from WhimsyLand]

This stylish couple has been married for 54 years. They let me know that the first 50 years of marriage are the easiest. They also told me that they have traveled to over 104 countries together and are planning some more trips. I was drawn to this Mondrian inspired coat as he is one of my favorite artists.

Double Denim

This lady compliments her acid wash suit with leather boots and great jewelry.

A Meeting with Koos

We were lucky enough to run into designer Koos van den Akker while strolling around uptown. Although it was getting dark, Koos' bright sweater still retained its colorful brilliance. When we asked him about his clothing, he told us that it is stylish for any age. It's great to see clothing that people from ages 22 to 82 can wear.

Rockefeller Center

This couple looked cool and classic on their walk through Rockefeller Center.

Suzanne in Silver

We met Suzanne on our way to Central Park and thought she had a wonderful look. The tones in her hair are highlighted by her silver and gray outfit. Check out her cool accessories!

Style Inspiration: Gay Talese

[ photo from DailyLife]

[photo from Journal Curitiba]

[photo from The Observer]

On my way to the Gant event I had the pleasure of running into best selling author and style icon, Gay Talese. Named of one of Vanity Fair's best dressed, Talese wrote a great article in the magazine about the economics of men's fashion. I admire how he mixes his elegant and classic style with colorful details.

Positively Lynn

Shop owner and star of cable TV's Positvely Lynn, stopped for a quick photo near Times Square. Her fabulous style speaks for itself. Check out her store, "OFF BROAWAY" for some great fashion finds.

Violet Femme

We met Carolyn while strolling through Bryant Park yesterday. This jewelry designer is a vision in hues of violet from head to toe, and her site is named accordingly: check out her conversation piece jewelry at violetfemme.com. The close-up below allows you to appreciate how even her glasses have a lovely purple tinge.

Reader Submission

Robert E. Curran III took this wonderful photo of a stylish couple in Central Park.

He says, "While scouting Central Park last year for a wedding venue, we came upon this stylish couple, while people watching in the Conservatory Garden. Enjoy!"

I am a big fan of this man's purple pants, they both look very chic.

Cool Coordinates

It's lovely to see such a perfectly coordinated outift. This guy put on his cool shades for this photo taken outside Bergdorf Goodman.

Queen of Williamsburg

A friend was recently telling Ari and I about a lady that he sees around Williamsburg who wears huge Dior sunglasses and a matching white Chanel bag. Low and behold, she happened to be posted on the bench right outside the coffee shop where I was working all afternoon yesterday! Even in my caffeine and computer screen daze, I knew I had to have her photo. Hers was the best style I saw in Williamsburg all day, by a long shot.

Fall Trousers

I spotted this man walking out of Central Park and loved the way his yellow trousers popped against his light blue shirt. His penny loafers and great sunglasses polish off a fun Fall look, and you can tell he feels good in it by his relaxed posture and great smile.

Cool Haircut

This woman was having a chat with her neighbor when we spotted her in Williamsburg the other day. Her muted tones and oversize cardigan are so chic, and we were both in awe of her matching modern, angled haircut. She told us she's had the same look for years, and if we wanted it for ourselves we could head down the street to Bedford Ave where she gets it done.

Reader Submission

Erica Eynouf submitted this great photo of her friend, Patricia McTree Ervin. Patricia is a member of young@heart, a chorus group for seniors. Her profile reads:

Patricia McTee Ervin (1925)
Pat grew up in Austin Texas, Graduated from the University of Texas in 1945 with a degree in Drama.She lived for 50 years in Boston Ma, where she directed childrens theatre and raised 5 children of her own.She is an avid worker for peace, loves opera and coffee ice cream.Chorus member since August 2007

A Pair with Flair

These two mix some great accessories, patterns, and shapes. I love her wedge sandals and leggings, and his glasses are to die for. They've got such great character, together and individually; I have to show it off with a close-up...

Patterns

This handmade ensemble is delightfully colorful. The man pictured above told me that he made several other patterned pants out of similar material. It's great to see so many individual and creative expressions of style in the city.

Million Dollar Idea

Briana and I saw a lot of colorful outfits these past few days. This lady told me that color wakes her up and that she picks out her outfits, in the morning,based on what she hasn't put on in a while. She was in a hurry, but she let us know that if you have a good idea in this city, you can become a millionaire.

Classy Guy

This guy looks very classy in his smart jacket and beige pants. He definitely has an eye for style proven by his blue shirt and matching pocket square.

Must See: Bungee Jill

Jill has to be one of our most interesting Advanced Style Subjects to date. She looks so pretty and true to her California roots in her Guatemalan worry doll hat and wonderfully colorful dress and coat. After meeting Jill, however, it became clear that her sense of adventure is definitely not limited to style: she told us that for her 80th Birthday, when she was in Vegas with her son, she became the oldest person to go Bungee Jumping! Check out the video of her jump, below... Amazing!

She also told us about her work with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, her time modeling eyes, legs, and hands in New York, and her memories of an undeveloped San Diego when she was a girl. Jill will be 85 this year, and she is still stylish, energetic, and making the most of life. What a great Advanced Style icon.

Bennett & Co.

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to see Tony Bennett walking on the street close to Central Park with a friend. From the look of their bags they'd just come from MoMA, and they seemed in a great mood. He looks handsome as always, and I love how he's paired a light blazer with dark blue slacks. His friend's muted grey and black Hawaiian shirt is very cool, and happens to complement the colors in the picture very well! Come to think of it, Bennett might be a great addition to my Fall playlist...

English Mates

This adorable couple, visiting New York from their home in England, exudes happiness and great attitude. When we met them, they were strolling down the streets of the West Village with their son and granddaughter, enjoying a sunny Autumn day. It's always impressive to see such stylish travelers, even when you know they've only got a suitcase of things to choose from. We hope they enjoy the rest of their trip.

Autumnal Palette

Ari and I have been complaining about the lack of color in Fall, but this woman has found a great way to embrace the season without losing some zest in her color choices. Her bright orange bag complements the darker, muted colors of Fall that she's wearing, and she looks perfect for harvest time. Her tipped-back hat adds that touch of distinctive arty cool.

Slip-ons

This lady has a really cool look from her shades to her shoes. Take a closer look at her fun slip-ons!

Sarah from The Pink Room

When I met Sarah and complimented her hip, understated style, she was so effusive and struck some great poses for the camera. She is a self-proclaimed Brit-turned-New Yorker, and used to be a designer of scarves (like the one she's wearing) and accessories, but has decided to foray into fragrances now that she's here in New York. Check out the website for her old store, The Pink Room. Sarah had true charm, and her enthusiasm for all things art and design, including our site, was pleasantly refreshing. Thanks Sarah!

Pretty in Pink

Once again, on a day full of drab fall clothing, we spotted this woman and her beautiful pink sweater. She told us that many passers-by have commented that she was, "Pretty in Pink" and indeed she is.

Excellent Eyewear

I saw this lady in line at Whole Foods and later ran into her at the Farmer's Market in Union Square. Apparently I'm not the only one who likes her purple glasses. She told me that she gets complimented on them everyday. She also let me know about a place in the market that sells excellent rhubarb juice; unfortunately I couldn't find it.

Color Commitment

This woman, hanging back from her tour group in a Manhattan park, really brought me back to a fond childhood memory. When I was a girl, Mom and I went on a tour and there was one lady who was always dressed, every day for a week, head to toe in purple. She shopped for purple carpets, purple clothing, purple accessories.... This kind of passion and dedication for color is distinctive, fun, and makes for unforgettable style. This is a signature look if I've ever seen one.

Bon Voyage!

These Aussies were happy to step aside from the hustle and bustle of the Union Square Market for a photo - if they could show off both pairs of their glasses, that is. While their glasses are pretty amazing, don't forget to appreciate their smart outfits - perfect for a grand tour of East Coast cities. We sent them off to enjoy their New York vacation with a great list of glasses shops to check out before heading home.

393

We spotted these guys in the West Village. They make a great pair in their contrasting styles, and have great sunglasses to boot. A few minutes later, we bumped into them at the nearby Housing Works thriftshop... where they were scrolling through our blog on their iphone!

Reader Submission

Trevor sent in these two pictures of his stylish grandparents. He says,

" The first is my maternal Grandpa Bill from Burnet, Texas (picture taken near Carlsbad, NM), and the second is my 93-year-old paternal Grandma JoJo from Albuquerque, NM (she is seated on the balcony of her apartment). You might notice that she is wearing a magnifying glass around her neck, as she is "legally blind", which is among the first things she'll tell you upon meeting. I think they both have tremendous style."

Eyes on Paris

On our way home from a day of photo hunting, this lady came along with her glimmering sunglasses. She told us that she had purchased them in Paris several years ago. It seems that all the good sunglasses come from Paris. The lady pictured below also found her spectacular specs in Paris.

Coffee Break

This lucky guy was surrounded by three very stylish ladies. I spotted this group from across the street, while having coffee with Briana. I quickly jumped up from my seat to snap their photo.

Great in Green

This is a great example of that thrown together style that looks so casually chic. I love her mix of greens and teals, and the flower on her hat adds just the right amount of quirk. When I asked about her great hat, she told me a friend knitted it for her. The best kind of accessory!

A Sweater for All Ages

Making muted tones look bold is so hard to do, but this woman really pulls it off. The baubles on her sweater and its excellent condition keep it from looking too slouchy or dowdy, and she’s picked the perfect shoes and scarf to complete the look. This is a look that I can see myself wearing at 25 or 85, and she’s got it down.

The Fun Ones

This couple is like the proverbial cool aunt and uncle from New York. You know, the fun ones you'd spend your high school summers with in the city? They seem so casual-cool: her in oversize glasses and a bright yellow coat, him in urban-sporty duds… If only I was 15 and related to these guys.

Beret

I'm a big fan of tortoise shell glasses and these round ones look smashing. This lady puts together an outfit full of character, from her cool beret to her argyle socks.

Reader Submission

This dreamy picture was taken by Karlo Samson. He tells us,

"This shot was taken at the weekend organic market and food fair in the posh Salcedo Village in Makati City, the central business district of Manila, Philippines. Every Saturday, this grand lady shows up, coiffed perfectly and bedecked with pearl and gold finery. Before she arrives on the scene, an elderly gay man, probably her major domo, comes to reserve a table. He prepares table settings for ten, with proper cutlery and plates (note, the weekend market picnic tables are a paper plate and styrofoam container type of place) and waits for his mistress and amigas to arrive. We don't know who she is, only that she exudes the fabulousness of a bygone age."

Pastel Pals

This fellow got a kick out of us asking for his photo. They look real peachy in their coordinated pastels.

Family Style

Here is a recent picture of my 6o year old mom. Doesn't she look great! She always stays trendy with a "funky" edge.

Advanced Style

[ photo from Diane A Shaded View On Fashion]

I found the photo above on Diane Pernet's wonderful fashion site, A Shaded View On Fashion. It's also great to see so much wonderful advanced style recently posted on The Sartorialist.

[ photo from The Sartorialist]

Charmant

If I had to choose one word to sum up this woman's style, it would be 'charming'. Her mix of interesting accessories, patterns, and cuts has a lot of personality, and her friendly, warm attitude is so inviting. This is what the French call "charmant"!

Urban Ski-Bunnies

We were stuck in the shade for this shot, but I think you can tell how stylish and adorable they are nonetheless. They both look vaguely sporty, but in a way that's classy and refined for the city. The way she belted her quilted brown coat is creative and cool, and his puffy vest complements her look very well.

Wandering Wanda

I spotted Wanda at the Pulaski Day Parade on 5th Avenue last Sunday, decked out in an awesome red sweater and Polish flag to match. We got to chatting, and she told me the story of how she found her sweater. Years ago, she was volunteering for the YWCA, when she complemented one of the course instructors on her sweaters. The instructor told her where to buy one and she hurried off to buy herself one in red and another in turquoise. Wanda told me quite a few stories on Sunday, and explained that she just loves to walk around and explore the city... hence the nickname she developed years ago: 'Wandering Wanda'.

Unique in Union Square

This woman has a truly unique style. Take a lake at her cool vintage frames and colorful head scarf.

Perfectly Plaid.

The first thing I noticed about this woman's outfit was her vintage looking plaid skirt. She pairs the skirt with a more modern sweater and great shoes.

California Girls

These two stylish ladies, originally from California, were walking in Midtown when we stopped them for a photo. Although they said they weren't used to modeling they look pretty great.

Looking Smart

Not only does this guy have a great smile, but he also looks very smart in his plaid blazer. As we said our goodbyes he remarked with another smile, "Glad to be of service".

Lady in Red

At the start of Fall, when everyone else seems to be dressed in muted earth tones, it was very refreshing to see this bright red outfit on Linda Leven. The actress and model told us that the inspiration for her iridescent make-up is Swan Lake. When asked about her gold boots and red apparel she responded, "Hey I just like color".

Click Here to see a portrait of her, taken by photographer Tanyth Berekely, from MoMA's 2007 "New Photography" exhibit.

Uptown Fashionista

This lady is a true fashionista. Her muted sweater is the perfect backdrop for her elegant necklace. Take a look at her awesome earrings and cool sunglasses.

Ravishing Rabbits

I really admire this lady's style. She mixes older items, like her sweater and shoes, with a modern and stylish dress. She purchased her rabbit print sweater several years ago and often trades off wearing it with her husband.Her dress would have been interesting on its own, but with the addition of some of her favorite pieces she creates a individual look that is full of personal style.

Silver Belle

This woman spruced up her look with a beautiful metallic jacket. She had just finished shopping at FAO Schwarz, I wonder what is in the bags.

'Everyone Says I Love You'

This is such a classic New York look. His glasses, coat with the rolled up sleeves, and combed back hair remind me of something Alan Alda would wear in an old Woody Allen movie.

Pumpkin!

This woman was in the middle of buying pumpkins at the Union Square Farmer's Market, and I knew I had the quintessential Fall photo for Advanced Style. She is a sight to behold, and I don't think those pumpkins could have found a better home.

Red Flair

Ari and I caught this woman in a rush but luckily, she was willing to pose for a quick snapshot. The bright red she was wearing seemed a perfect match for her personality: without hesitation she grabbed Ari and struck a wonderful pose.

Abstract Sweater

This man's sweater really makes him stand out in a crowd. He told me that it's Australian and he found it at the Salvation Army. The abstract shapes and bright colors are really cool, and the way he wears it under his blazer somehow makes it just right.

New York Stockings

When I saw Ellen walking through Union Square, I was enchanted by her adorable stockings. She explained that she just saw them in a shop, liked them, and started wearing them! I was even more impressed when she told me that in the town she's from in the Netherlands, she could never dress this way because the style is more conservative. The folks in her town should take a cue from her whimsical, inspired approach to style.

Poncho Pride

Ponchos are a perfect alternative to jackets for Fall. They come in great colors and patterns. This guy pairs his with a brightly colored stocking cap.

Reader Submission

When Victoria showed her grandma our site she asked why there were no pictures of her up. Victoria quickly remedied that by sending this wonderful shot of her gorgeous grandma and we are sure glad she did.

Gilbert and George

[photo from Met Museum ]
[photo from Digital Heritage]

I just read on Refinery 29 that the art of Gilbert and George will be on display at the Brooklyn Museum from Oct. 3- Jan 11. These guys definitely have great style. Check out the fun video below.

Plum Perfection

When I complimented this lady's purple accessories she offered to give me her hat. If you look closely she even has a purple head scarf to match her shirt and necklaces.

Autumn

What a perfect Fall outfit. She looks adorable in her trench coat and matching hat.

These Boots Were Made For Walking

This lady knows how to put an outfit together with her belted jacket and jeans tucked into slouchy, red leather boots. When we were finished taking her picture she gave Briana and me a hug and told us that we had made her day.

Got The Blues

This guy has a really cool look. He coordinates his blue corduroy blazer with a blue gingham shirt and neck scarf. When I asked to take his photo he said, " Really? Let me put on my shades." He snapped some clip-ons right on to complete the look.

Brown and Orange

I think that women look very chic and elegant in blazers. This lady adds to her ensemble by wearing a bright orange hat and colorful beaded necklace.

Style Inspiration: Iris Apfel

[photo from Telegraph UK]

[photo from Christian Grattan]

[photo from NyTimes]

Rachel Zoe has nothing on style icon, Iris Apfel, and her over sized glasses and chunky accessories. Iris started off as an Interior designer and later started a textiles company with her husband Carl. Iris' fashion is a mix of classic and bohemian elements that make her truly unique. Click Here for an in depth article about Iris' career and style.

Dapper Dude

This guy has the greatest style. I shot him in the West Village a while back and he never ceases to impress me. He told me again that he'll be seventy next year and that every time I take his photo it makes him feel great.

Greenpoint Style

This woman's grandeur was unmistakable even from across the street. We noticed her while walking through the Polish neighborhood of Greenpoint in Brooklyn, and were lucky enough to capture a photo. Her scarf and hat are styled perfectly, but her poise and beautiful smile are the backbone to her look.

White Beret

So many women on Advanced Style speak about ease, simplicity, and comfort when asked about their personal style choices. This woman exudes just that. Her coordinated whites and hair tucked into a knit beret are classy and cute... just like her great pose for the camera.