Sue Kreitzman

"Here is the truth: I am not really an old lady, just cleverly disguised as one." 

Alice in The Wind

Eva and Bill

I first met Eva and Bill at The Museum of The City of New York at a wonderful talk about vintage clothing led by Advanced Style regular Lana Turner. Since then, I have seen them at several events around town always dressed in the most smashing vintage threads. I was able to finally meet up with them at their wonderful apartment near Harlem and snap a few new photos.

Bill and Eva have been married for 41 years. They first met while both working on Wall Street. I asked them for the secret to a long and happy relationship. Eva answered, "There is no secret. It's give and take, but most importantly respect for each other." 

When it comes to dressing they both have a unique take on vintage clothing. "We each have our own styles, but at the same time feed off of each other. Neither one of us can walk out of the house with one looking better than the other." Now that's what I call respect!

Jennifer and Amanda Dolan

It's always great running into Jennifer and Amanda. This show-stopping mother-daughter duo turn heads wherever they go. Check out Amanda's wonderful Etsy shop HERE.

Debra and Diana

Tokyo Elegance

Dapper in Chelsea

My Wrinkles Are My Stripes by Sarah Jane Adams

I first met Sarah-Jane Adams in Australia after coming across a wonderful photo of her on instagram. I was instantly hooked and knew I had to meet and photograph her. Sarah encourages us all to accept ourselves and to face the aging process with an adventurous spirit. Check out a some inspired words from Sarah below: 

My Wrinkles Are My Stripes by Sarah-Jane Adams

I love diamonds. Not, actually so much because they sparkle and scintillate, but also for their astounding physical properties which have a gazillion uses. So, yesterday in Sydney when I was offered a little diamond shaped sachet on the street how could I say no! Before I could say 'make mine a 3ct D VVS' I was whisked into a store, where a delightful young lady approached me and put a blob of something onto the back of her hand. 'I'm just going to apply this to your eyes' she said. 'Um, but what will it do?' I ask. 'It will completely remove all your wrinkles for approximately one week' I'm told. At this point I grab my bag, and politely tell her that actually I love my wrinkles and have no desire to get rid of them. Thank you. Maybe diamonds aren't a girls best friend after all . 

It was on this day back in January 2015 that I decided I had to put my hashtag #mywrinklesaremystripes out there. 

 My dob is 16.04.55 The hashtag started as a 'tongue in cheek' reference to the fact that I am considered by many to be too old to dress in some of my favourite clothes. As you may know, almost every day I proudly wear my 3 Stripes (Adidas). In the Military, the higher the rank, the more stripes are worn. I regularly post pictures on my instagram @saramaijewels which are bare-faced, untouched and truly show my face. My clothes reveal what is going on in my head. 

 My wrinkles do not scare me; they show me and therefore my experience. Hopefully there is a little wisdom which comes with these stripes. I see them as a badge of honour and a mark of roads travelled and experiences had. Why would I not be proud and happy to show them? I am growing into the face I deserve and the face which reflects who I am and what I have been. It is not a mask. I am not a puppet. 

 I have been overwhelmed by the response to these posts. Particularly the response from young women. I never thought of myself as inspirational, rather the renegade. It seems however, that there is a new generation of folks out there who are learning to accept themselves for who and what they are. This exhilarates me and drives me on with my mission. 

 Accept your true self, love your true self, smile and laugh often, gather those laughter lines and creases which come when you share a joke. They are you. The world needs to see more of YOU. In the meantime, I will continue Flying the Flag(s). I hope you enjoy. 

 Love and Peace Saramai.

Black and Red

Sometimes all you need is some red lipstick and great pair of shades.

The Magic of Mal Cross

I first met Magician, Mal Cross, by Lynn Dell's Off Broadway Boutique on the Upper West Side. He is one of the snappiest dressers I have ever seen. He also has a wonderful sense of humor. Yesterday I ran into him again near 72nd street and he asked how Lynn was doing. I told him she was recovering from a cold but doing fine and he announced with a smile, " Lynn Cohen and I never die!" I hope to have even half of Mal's energy and vitality some day.

How To Get To 93

I was walking around the Upper West Side yesterday when I came across this stunning woman. When I asked if I could take her photograph, she replied that it was her 93rd birthday. She gave me some advice on how to get to 93: "A little bit of exercise and a lot of luck".

Old Is The New Gold

Thank you to everyone who ordered t-shirts from my collaboration with Fanny Karst! We have just restocked both the "Old Is The New Black" and "Old Is The New Gold" styles for a limited time. We are thrilled that our gorgeous friend Lyn, The Accidental Icon, agreed to model for us. She makes everything look like gold. Make sure and check out her blog in the link above.
T-shirts are available for a limited time HERE.

Handmade in Tokyo

This woman made almost everything that she is wearing. Cool, right?!

Lexie

The White Streak

If you are thinking of going grey, but are hesitant to make the change, why not first try a gorgeous white streak?! 

A Date at Lincoln Center

Old and New

I love how so many women in Tokyo mix traditional and contemporary style elements. This stunning woman's beautiful antique beaded bag is the perfect compliment to her textured pants, while her modern glass beaded ring brings out the colors in her vivid shawl.

Silver Style

Kimono Plaid

Advanced Style in Japan

Joyce visiting Nara

Even the cats in Ginza were inspired by Joyce's pearls

Our billboard near Shibuya Crossing 

I just got back from two magical weeks in Japan. The department store, Seibu Shibuya, invited me to Tokyo for an exhibition of my work in celebration of the Japanese version of Advanced Style and the film's release in June. Joyce Carpati and my parents came along for this wonderful adventure. Check out even more pictures from our trip on the Advanced Style Instagram  https://instagram.com/advancedstyle/

Winter in Tokyo