Ari Seth Cohen loves older women and it shows. “Ever since I can remember,” he writes, “I have been captivated by amazing older women. My Grandma, Bluma, was my best friend.”

Cohen is a blogger who focuses on the fabulous street style of the women of New York in his blog called Advanced Style. Now, he has a new book by the same name to showcase these fabulous people.

Some are shamelessly flamboyant with flaming red hair and fluttery long lashes. They sport outrageous hats, jewelry and oversized glasses. They don’t just wear purple, but also embrace orange, chartreuse, hot pink and fire-engine red.

Others are studies of classic elegance: tweed jacket over camel cashmere sweater, gloves, pearls and cloche hats.

What shines through with them all is the utter confidence they have with their own appearance. In a culture where young women often seem tortured by self doubt, it is thrilling to encounter those who are so thoroughly comfortable in their own skin.

Fashion is an art form and it’s great fun to see people committed to decorating themselves with élan. They make me want to try harder.

If you think that fashion and style are properties of the young and beautiful, Cohen will make you think again.

- Jane

Janet’s two cents:

While this book is definitely about style, I’m really drawn to the portraiture feel of it. Faves for humor are the women with twinkling eyes and gleeful smiles on pages 78 and 79. For poise, see the charming ladies on pages 100 and 219. Just love them.