How We Met: A Story for Valentine's Day by Carol Markel

How We Met: A Story for Valentine's Dayby Carol Markel http://femmeetfleur.blogspot.com/

The year was 1962. I was 18 and a freshman at Elmira College. Richard was 29 and a new instructor of art at Elmira. The college held a convocation to introduce the faculty to the students -- an auditorium full of women. This was a college for women only. The faculty was arrayed on the stage, resplendent in their academic robes and mortar boards. The president of Elmira, a one J. Ralph Murray, introduced each teacher starting with full professors and continuing to instructors seated in the back row. Each would stand upon hearing his name. J. Ralph came to Richard. He stood. Tall, reed-thin, handsome, sandy, blond hair -- a skinny Gregory Peck. The women applauded. A collective swoon swept the theater.

Carol and Richard on their wedding day

Cupid, hovering above me, shot an arrow which sailed right through my heart. When the convocation was over, I ran down the aisle to where the Dean of Students was sitting. Breathlessly, I inquired, "Is it too late to sign up for an art class?" I had planned to major in English.

52 years later. Richard and I are celebrating Valentine's Day in Naples, Florida, We are sharing a creative life -- the only kind we can live. Cupid was right. There is still a lot of love and laughter in our lives.

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Shocking Pink

I love everything about this woman's look from her shocking pink hair and turban, to her wonderful coat and boots.

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Winter Style Tips From The Style Crone

I asked one of my favorite bloggers, The Style Crone, to share  some of her winter style secrets with  us. If you haven't already checked out her blog, it's a must read. For more from The Style Crone CLICK HERE and enjoy her cold weather tips below:

I was deeply honored when Ari Seth Cohen asked that I submit a guest editorial on the topic of style and dressing for the cold winter months.  After all, it was Advanced Style that was a major inspiration for the launching of my blog stylecrone.comover three and one half years ago.  I have been blogging since then about aging, cancer caregiving, the death of my beloved husband, grieving and transformation through the art form of style and outfits, always wearing a hat.

During this time, I have come to believe that expressing and accepting one’s self fully, be it understated or outrageous and everything in-between, improves well being, decreases fear and changes lives for the better. Thank you Ari, for all that you do to transform and positively impact how our culture views aging.
 
My approach to style and the bitter cold began in my home state of Minnesota, known for its intense winters. I currently live in Denver, which offers a much more gentle climate. Though winter makes an appearance,  spring-like days interrupt the season.  However, my love for winter coats and jackets remains fully alive, and over the years I have acquired a mostly vintage collection of both.  I look forward to the self expression that they provide. Choosing a coat or jacket, and accessorizing from head to toe to match the temperature is a strategy that keeps me warm and satisfies my love for composing outfits, no matter the season.

Heat escapes from the head, so wearing a hat daily not only improves my mood, but serves the function of providing warmth.  My collection of vintage gloves brightens an outfit with color and detail.  And of course the scarf!  That grand and versatile accessory that adds flair along with comfort.

Maxi skirts, faux fur and turtlenecks provide insulation and I look forward every year to wearing boots.  Layers, layers, layers!  With each piece making its own statement. There are unlimited opportunities to approach the cold with creativity, accessorized with the warmth of humor!

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Once Upon a Hat

I photographed milliner, Wanda J. Chambers, outside Arts Weschester where her hats are on display alongside the work of 40 other chapeau designers. Wanda is a natural in front of the camera, but she revealed to me that she only started to feel good about taking pictures, when she started gaining confidence in herself a couple of years ago. To see more of Wanda's wonderful work, check out her website HERE.

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HATtitude

Hat by Carlos Hats

This past weekend I attended a wonderful hat exhibit at Arts Weschester in White Plains, NY. There are over 150 hats, designed by 40 contemporary milliners (including our very own Debra Rapoport) on display through the 12th of April. I'll be posting photos from the opening all week and for some more hat inspiration check out the trailer to my favorite movie below:

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Style Consistency

I always love running into this stunning woman when I am photo hunting near Madison Avenue. Every time I've stopped her she has been wearing her signature black hat, a wonderful scarf, coat, and pair of earrings. The other day I finally asked her to describe her style to me and she responded, "I always wear black, it's easy. Then I add some accessories." She definitely has a look all her own, and an elegant one at that.

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Double Vision

 

This gorgeous couple has extraordinary taste in eyewear. I have had a lot of inquiries about the circle+square glasses below after posting a photo of them on Instagram. I didn't get a chance to find out where they were from, but I was able to track down a similar pair HERE.

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