Whenever I’m about to start a big project I’ve discovered that having a “guiding principle”is really helpful. I always need help narrowing my focus. So if I’m able to decide on a palette or a “feel” I’m generally more relaxed as the work gets more demanding. I’m about to start designing my collection for the SEABA Strut Fashion Show in early September in Burlington, Vermont I first need to submit my design ideas for my application.
This painting by Lynne Reed, a Burlington painter has stayed with me since I first saw it. Lynne is part of a women’s small business support group (Levity Seven) that I am a part of and we recently had a “trunk show” together. I think this painting and the other photos of mine I found are my design inspiration clothing line. I love the brush strokes, texture and palette. These colors have a “mid-century” vibe that I adore. So, here’s to a guiding principle in whatever part of your life it’s needed.
This week my friend and highly fashionable jewelry designer Ina Deane (http://www.eenadee.com/) suggested that I watch the documentary “Advanced Style”. The documentary is about gorgeous, stylish New York City women over the age of 60 and it’s a blast. (Available on Netflix, Google Chrome and Amazon for streaming). I remember seeing Ari Seth Cohen’s book a few years ago and just loving the spunk & style of these women. So inspiring! Scroll down to the bottom of this post to read about the most memorable fashion moments of my life.
MY FANTASY PROJECT: I want to do a Burlington, Vermont version of Advanced Style.
I would love to put together a gathering and maybe even hire Ari Seth Cohen to come speak in Burlington sometime. Wouldn’t that be a blast?
If you know of fashion forward men and women in Vermont please get in touch with me. E-mail is best: lllillibridge@gmail.com
“My name is Ari Seth Cohen. I roam the streets of New York looking for the most stylish and creative older folks. Respect your elders and let these ladies and gents teach you a
thing or two about living life to the fullest. Advanced Style offers proof from the wise and silver-haired set that personal style advances with age.”
photos by Ari Seth Cohen
When I watched Advanced Style this week I was reminded of these two big Advanced Style moments in my own life.
1. A few years ago while waiting in line to check-in at The Accessories Show at The Javits Center in NYC with Maggie Pace I got to talk briefly with Iris Apfel. She was wearing the most beautiful pink driving mocs when I spoke to her. Perhaps they were PRADA. It was one of those moments when I found myself so happy to even get to say hello to her. Iris has been quite an inspiration to a girl from South Dakota. New York City was like going to the moon when I was growing up on the prairie. I was twenty-one when I first had the privilege of seeing NYC and I never get to go there enough.
2. In October of 2004 I was in New York City for the wedding of my cousin. My mother and I were walking up to the Jewish History Museum and we saw a women hail a cab. This woman had a long, grey ponytail, stright dark jeans, a gorgeous neutral sweater, boots with the perfect heel, a scarf impeccably tied and lots of bracelets. She looked so NYC cool and confident that the image of her is etched in my mind.
Iris Apfel
I think my own style as I age will veer toward the aging silent film star. Halloween 2014.
