better with age: the advanced style book signing

ari seth cohen advanced style

We had the opportunity over the weekend to attend a book signing by Ari Seth Cohen of his latest book, Advanced Style: Older & Wiser, at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art. It was so nice to finally meet Ari, though he was quite In Demand and we only were able to chat for a few moments while he signed my book.

advanced style book signing

Several of the people featured in the book were in attendance, and it was a festive and exuberant event.

advanced style collage 1

On the left is Cynthia Pastor (instagram @sin60style). In the middle is Valerie Von Sobel who appears on the cover of the book. On the right is the lovely Sabine Reichel who pens the Gray in L.A. blog.

advanced style women

advanced style men

Don’t they all have the most fabulous smiles? I wish I’d taken more snaps of some of the men, who were absolutely dapper. I also missed getting a photo of Sarah Jane Adams (instagram @saramaijewels) who was delightful to meet, so warm and personable.

advanced style book signing Valerie Von Sobel
chatting with the stunning Valerie von Sobel

While these outfits are certainly more theatrical than what some of us might feel comfortable wearing, I was impressed with how coherent the looks were and how each of the elements seem to have been chosen with thought and care. And how fitted and well-tailored everything was!  These are people who give off an undiluted joie de vivre and unfettered self-expression through their style.

If you’ll be in Los Angeles on Wednesday May 4, you can see a panel discussion with Ari Seth Cohen and several of the Advanced Style women, details here.

A couple of blog housekeeping notes: on all new posts you should be able to click on the images and display in a new window. I’ll need to update older posts image by image; this will take some time. I’ve enlarged the font in the posts slightly; hopefully it’s a little easier to read. The blog header should now be displaying correctly on mobile devices. I’ll continue to work on the other issues people have brought to my attention. 🙂

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18 Comments

  1. You look amazing in this picture with Ari! And how much fun to go to this event! Thanks for sharing with us.

  2. I too was struck by how cute and vibrant you looked at the event! I enjoy the “Advanced Style” aesthetic, (if there is one), which I do perceive to be generally more “dramatic” and a bit more attention-getting than I personally want to be.

    But it is so gratifying to see people of age, people who remain playful and discerning and individualistic in their personal style. Your term,” joie de vivre” is so very apt. The “Advanced Style” site is replete with such people, and it’s true, the gents are as interesting and thoughtfully put-together as the women.

    1. Advanced Style — what a wonderful homage to we femmes d’un certain age! But I agree with you. Bold and over the top is not my style. I do own his book, but would love for him to cover women who are a little less “out there” style-wise.

  3. Looks like a fun event, Sue. I could never pull off dramatic looks like the women in your pictures. But they sure do look fit and vibrant, if bit too costume-y for my taste. Then again…it’s not as if everyone has to dress to my taste. I remember last year when a reader commented on my blog that I should ramp up my style with more colour and jewellry… to “aim for fabulous” and not just “settle for looking nice.”
    Anyhoo… you look great in your wonderful scarf and that bag…that bag. Sigh. Love the colour so much.

  4. I love everything about Seth and his blog and books. I am so wary of “dowdy”! I may not be as flamboyant as these ladies, but I do note/borrow certain elements and use them, such as glasses frames, lipstick, jewelry, footwear…in other words, make-up and accessories. And I continue to have long hair at 63. Thanks for posting these photos!

  5. You look lovely in the photo, the colours especially your scarf really suit you. I’m loving the new style for your blog. I’m a very long time reader of your blog and enjoy reading about your travels, fashion and family life but rarely comment. Have enjoyed how the blog has developed over time. It’s always a pleasure reading your latest & relaxing time out for me (too busy prof. life, kids, elderly parent). I also have a darling tri-colour Cavilier King Charles Spaniel!

  6. You know what? Out of ALL the photos of the women with advanced style, YOU nailed it best! Yes. (BTW I love the photo of you with Ari). This whole “Advanced Style” thing has me with mixed feelings. While its fantastic and great and absolutely wonderful that these women are a voice for all women over 50, 60 and up, I kind of have reservations about their dressing up in costumes, so to speak. Some of their choices of ensembles do not resonate “style”. It resonates “everything but the kitchen sink” way of dressing. For me, a more subdued version would be much better. But–to each her own. That’s what makes us all unique.

  7. It looks like a fun event. I love how Valerie puts herself together. These ladies look like works of art! It wouldn’t be my style comfort zone, but I love appreciating theirs.

  8. I saw your photo with Ari, and I agree with everyone else, great photo. If I may say why it is a great photo, you just look so relaxed, delighted, happy.
    It isn’t a pose for an outfit, it seems to give those of us who haven’t met you a look into the kind of fun person you probably are in real life, approachable and fun.
    Those ladies live life and it shows in their clothes and that is what is so great about it!

  9. I agree with the above comments about these women as works of art. What creative energy they must have to design and execute their unique looks every day! There are days where I wish I had more creative bones and the desire (and courage!) to burst out of my own little boring fashion formulas. In the meantime, it’s always a treat to see the imagination of others come to life in their ensembles.

  10. I give it to everyone for being individual, but what a lot of pressure on yourself to keep up that persona on a daily basis. I don’t want to look like everyone else and fall into the background either, but as everyone else mentioned – you look better 100% better than all of them! It looks like the group of celebrities that went to the Met Gala and dressed incredibly ugly. I’d fire my stylist if they put me in the clothes they put them into! There were only a few that ignored the trends and were truly classy. All in all – just keep being your beautiful self and you will ultimately be the one to shine!

  11. As many have already commented, the looks these women cultivate seem to be more costume than personal style – I doubt you would ever knock on their door unannounced and find them done up like this. It looks like a lot of work to maintain. I’m exhausted just thinking about it!

    I know some people are just theatrical in their taste but seeing these women (I had never heard of Advanced Style or Ari) makes me wonder if this is a reaction against our society’s tendency to push older women into invisible status? Is this these particular women’s way of saying, “I will *make* you look at me and notice me. I will not go gentle into that good night, thank you very much.” Just thinking aloud . . .

  12. Agree with several of the comments here….while I appreciate that Ari has brought attention to these older women, and appreciate that they seem to be enjoying life & all….quite frankly many of them just look ridiculous, IMO.

  13. Thank you, Susan, for bringing attention to Ari’s Wednesday evening function at Book Soup. Only one panel member was in what one might call a “costume” and the rest, including the audience, were dressed in everyday style. The panel discussion focused on living well as we age with little mention of fashion. An enjoyable and very worthwhile evening.