BIG EXCITEMENT - COMING SOON!

We have big plans for our old pal A-Line to Z, so stay tuned!

-Kristen, Jen, Jocelyn, and Jenna

An Interview with Ari Seth Cohen of Advanced Style

Earlier this year I saw a segment about Ilona Royce Smithkin on a local NYC news program and was mesmerized – I needed to learn more about her!  Some internet sleuthing led me to Advanced Style where my jaw dropped and I fell head over heels in love:  “Proof from the wise and silver haired set that personal style advances with age.”  YES!  I’ve been a loyal reader of this blog ever since and wanted to get to know the man behind it – he graciously accepted my request for an interview, meet Ari Seth Cohen!

What inspired you to start the blog?

I was inspired by the vitality and spirit of my grandma Bluma. I wanted to show that style, creativity, and beauty don't end at a certain age and help people to look at age in a new light.

Have you formed relationships with any of your subjects?

Yes, I have become very good friends with a lot of them. We make art, go to shows and movies and work on projects together. I talk to some of them several times a week.

Do you have a favorite old lady?

Well, that would have been my grandmother. They are all very special. I was very close to a wonderful actress and model, Mimi Weddell, she was definitely one of my favorites.  She always wore big elegant hats and lace gloves.

Why do you think there are more fabulously dressed older women than men?

I don't think that’s true at all. I am always inspired by the way older men dress. I used to go through my grandpa's closet and wear his shirts and argyle socks. For him it was all about presentation.

Do you have a favorite 'hood to scout in? Uptown, east and west, but I really like to walk all around the city in order to present a wide range of styles.

How much time do you usually spend with each person you encounter on the street?

It depends. Sometimes it will be a quick shot, and sometimes we can talk for hours. I have met people on the street and then made appointments to visit them in their homes. So many of the ladies I photograph are so open to sharing what they have learned about life and style throughout the years.

Have you ever encountered anyone who didn't want to be photographed or included on your blog?

This happens all the time. Sometimes I can't stop thinking about a person who said no, because I knew  their outfit, story and spirit would inspire others.

What usually grabs your attention first – black & chic or colorful & fun?

Colorful definitely stands out more, but chic, elegant and classic is great too. I look for people who have a personal sense of style. Style is one starting point for a conversation about age and vitality.

I'm in my 30s – what can I purchase today that you think I'll still be able to don when I am 80?

It all depends on what suits you. I think a great pair of sunglasses or wonderful accessories can be worn throughout the years!

Do you believe there is an inner confidence that you develop with age & experience?

For the ladies I photograph yes. They have nothing left to prove.

What’s the best advice you’ve gotten from one of your subjects since starting Advanced Style?

Beatrix Ost, a super fashionable lady told me, "In your body is a good place to be."

Left: Ari and Mimi, Right: Ari and Ilona

Chuck Butler Supplies

Socks. They're more neglected than our underwear (Oh you don't neglect your underwear? Yeah me neither).  For years, I've been buying socks in bulk from Costco, in the clearance section from Target or wearing whatever lonely ones I can find in my sock drawer from years of losing their match in the wash.  Once my Dad bought me several pairs of socks from J. Crew. I loved them so much I barely wore them. But why can't I have nice socks all the time?  Are we too afraid to spend a little money on a better pair? This can't just be my problem, can it? Here's the secret, kids. If you buy nice socks, they'll last for a long time. Boom. I just blew your mind. Socks should be as much an investment as a bra or for guys, a tie!  Who's with me!?!?

That's where Chuck Butler Supplies comes in.  Jeffrey Butler has lived in New York City for the past 6 1/2 years designing fashion.  I've known Jeff for the majority of his NY life and he's been talking about starting his sock company for years.  Finally, he launched Chuck Butler Supplies in July 2011 where he specializes in selling socks along with slingshots. You heard me. His socks are so great, you'll need to protect them with a trusty slingshot.  

Chuck Butler was Jeff's grandfather. He served in WWII. Years ago, he had a stamp made with his name and military serial number on it. Jeff found this stamp after his grandpa passed and thought it would be perfect for his sock logo. 

The socks are manufactured in North Carolina and are made from either a merino wool or a cotton blend.  The flag is then hand sewn onto each sock.

As of now, Chuck Butlers are available in solid blue, red, brown, white and grey in men's small, medium and large. Currently Jeff is working on patterns as well as a line for women.  Eventually, he hopes to also design Chuck Butler bags (which I am really looking forward to). 

I sat down with Jeff to learn more about the man, the socks and the slingshot. (Watch the video for a chance to win a free pair ($38 value)!)

To learn more about Jeff and order a pair of his socks, please visit his website: www.chuckbutlersupplies.com

A Line to Z: Tapped Talent

Post By: Jen Flanz and Jenna Kim Jones

Picture it:  Its 7:43pm. Jenna and I raced out of work.  We hail a cab to take us to fashion heaven -- the DVF sample sale. Doors close at 8pm.    The line is around the corner.  We get turned away by the bouncer - a huge, intimidating man named "Brooklyn" (Hard to forget since it is tattooed on his forearm).  NYC ladies are not showing their finest etiquette and we are embarrassed to be part of the begging and pleading to get in...and the nastiness that comes next.  The 2 of us are laughing at people's desperation and are then mortified by a woman that is yelling at this mountain of a man.  We take Brooklyn aside and mention that we are so sorry that some of the women are out of control - and then noticed all of his amazing bling.  After complimenting his style - we find that he's an up and coming jewelry designer and stylist.  We become fast friends and ask to take him to dinner and interview him for the blog 

Flash forward to our sit down with “Brooklyn”.

Steven Ramos, who goes by "Brooklyn", is not only an amazing accessories designer and stylist, but an inspirational person.  The artist behind Isla Jewels is on the rise - fast.  He has designed over 400 pieces and no two are alike.  “Brooklyn” is inspired by everything and we were inspired by him.  He grew up in Brooklyn as one of 4 children - 3 brothers and a sister- raised by his mother.  After taking a fashion design class in high school, he added designer/stylist to his long list of hobbies- dancing, acting, cooking and dog training among them -- and because of his easy going temperament and size- bouncing.  He bounces and works security (“a very fashionable security guard” he says) to support his artistic need to create - using a studio in his home to weld, mold, paint, carve, tint (yes, tints sunglasses himself!) sew and affix his line.  His studio/home is in Queens where he currently resides with his mini-poodle, Lola, short-haired cat, Shiloh and boyfriend, Sammy Colon.   “Brooklyn” says emphatically that he could not do what he loves or be the person that he is today without the support of his family and friends - specifically his mom and boyfriend.   They have supported his lifestyle choices and career dreams.  

This past Fashion Night Out, people began to approach him to ask about his accessories and where they came from.  Since then, he has been gearing up to start selling and renting out his line -- and interest is high!   He's been styling The Rok Faries, an all-girl pop group.  

He's out of the gate and running and lives by the motto "go big or don't go at all!".   “Brooklyn” doesn't want to be a "what if" and we’re sure that he won't be.  He says, with confidence, that "fashion right now is about individuality, and I have a piece for everyone.”

Accompanied by, Janelle Simone, his model and spokesperson, Team Isla Jewels turned heads all night. Expect to see him join the ranks of CC Skye, House of Harlow and - awesome, costume, statement pieces.

Even our waitress was mesmerized by this fantastic piece.

This bracelet reminds him that he needs to live on the straight and narrow.  He's had friends locked up but he himself has always lived a clean, sober life and he intends to keep it that way.

The piece we covet most!!!

 He came bearing gifts.  How awesome are these??

We challenged Brooklyn.  I got this horrible pin in a gift bag. We showed Brooklyn and before he even spoke, Janelle said, “He knows what to do with that. I can tell.”  Brooklyn took the pin and we can’t wait to see what he does with it.  He said he can make something from anything so we'll post again when he reveals the new and improved pin.

Lagerfeld for Macy's

Images via NY Mag

Hopefully everyone's wallets have recovered by now from the Matthew Williamson for Macy's line, just in time for Karl Lagerfeld's! Yes, a limited edition line by Karl Lagerfeld will be on sale at Macy's beginning August 31 and online. The collection consists of 45 individual pieces ranging from just $50 to $70. Check out the whole slideshow on New York Magazine's The Cut.

Images via NY Mag