Advanced Style By Ari Seth Cohen - Review

I read an article about this book sometime in 2012 in The Times Magazine, and completely fell in love with the whole concept of older women really pioneering fashion to a whole new level.

Spawning from Cohen's blog ADVANCED STYLE of fashion by older ladies and gents, this book is a compilation of the individuals he has met on his travels and primarily in New York. He describes Advanced Style as 'a celebration of life' and I couldn't agree more.

Naturally, working in a charity shop, I hear the phrase, 'I couldn't possibly wear that, I'm far too old' too often, and it absolutely does my head in. I'm serious, I can't be the only one, does it get to you too?

I genuinely feel like this book should be given to every woman - and man - as they step into Marks and Spenser into the jungle of pastel coloured cardigans and ill flattering skirts. Women need to know the potential that they hold within them and personally I found a serious amount of inspiration in this book.

I mean, I found inspiration in two ways when working my way through the pages. The first for clothes, obviously, there were tonnes of different style combinations and strange hats to gaup at and to put on my wish list. Initially this is the first thing you see when you look at these women, the eccentric clothes. But then you find a new kind of appreciation, for their confidence and true love for life. The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas (I know, try saying that 3 times), said this, 'young woman, you're gonna be an old woman someday. Don't worry about it,  don't sweat it...every era it builds character' and it really resonates with me. I'm not scared of being old or ageing but for the people who are, I recommend this book. If I've learnt anything from it is that acceptance, at any age, comes from within. I like that a lot. 

The whole book is finished perfectly; matte finish with gold reflective text on the cover and a gorgeous font throughout. The pictures are gorgeous, each one bringing a little smile to my face - either by the outfit, the pose or the quote from the person. Each one celebrating life and fashion as it should be.

I got mine from Amazon for £16, and although may not have been the most frugal of choices, but it will be a book that I'd recommend for any fashion addict (I want to say 'fanatic' but I risk being too cliché), like myself and It would make a perfect (and most unusual) gift.

So, what's the most obscure thing you've ever worn that's made you feel on top the world?