When I was in Rome I was introduced to the most spectacular and inspiring women. One of these amazing ladies was Marisela Ferderici. I met Marisela at her villa "La Furibonda." She welcomed me and my mom into her garden, dressed in a gorgeous yellow dress and perfectly coiffed hair. Marisela told me that usually wears hats(a favorite accessory amongst the Advanced Style set.) She explained that, "Wearing a hat always keeps you neat, especially when there isn't a hairdresser around (for example when you're traveling). Moreover when you get older and your forehead doesn't look as it used to, a hat will always make you look stylish. I will even wear a hat when I am dressed in a gym suit in the garden." Marisela gave us a tour of her beautiful grounds, before moving into the living room to talk a little about her life and style. Check out our interview below:
Have you always loved fashion?I don't like Fashion. I don't follow trends.
So you are more about style?
Yes I love style. I have had the same hairstyle since I was 12. I grew up in South America and there you are already considered a woman at 13. I always wanted to look older than I was. People tell me that I have looked the same for 40 years because I never change the way I dress, it is me.
Did you dress up when you were younger?
No I didn't. I wanted to look like my mum, I wanted to be charming. When I was 13 or 14 my style icon was the Duchess of Windsor; she wasn't an ordinary beauty. She had class and her hair was always gathered up.
How did your mum dress?
She was very classic, just like I am now. That was real elegance. Women from another era, international,elegant with low-heeled shoes.
When did you arrive in Italy what did you think about the style?
40 or more years ago. It was around '68 and women were wearing jeans and taking their bras off. I've never worn jeans in public. I didn't want to look like the others. I wanted to create something identifiable. I wanted a signature, something that spoke of my personality. 
Do you have any style advice for younger women?
Most important is water and soap. You have to be natural and feel comfortable with yourself, in order to give a lot to others.You must be honest with the image that you see reflected in the mirror. You must ask yourself if what you see in the mirror is what you want other people to see. 
Any other words of wisdom?
1."You are not what you are, you are what you want to be."
2."You don't have to look like your friends, you have to be daring."
3."You have to look for your style the same way you look for a boyfriend.You have to keep trying until you find the right one."
How did you develop you personal style?
It was how I always wanted to look. I used to go to fashion shows, but not anymore.People these days don't understand fashion. Its all about brands, fragrances, fabric. Its all business now.
What is the difference between fashion and style?
Fashion is focused on brands. You enter a room and you can see a beautiful dress from a beautiful brand. When someone is stylish you remember the person, not the dress. The whole should be very natural. It shouldn't be too aggressive; it must be harmonious.
How do you feel about getting old?
It's hard, but you have to live your life. There's nothing worse that a young lady wanting to be an old woman or an old woman wanting to be young. You have to live within your moment. Your body has it's own way and you have to accept it.When you get older you love different things. You change your way of thinking. I like being a lady of my age. I have a duty to my family. I always want to be beautiful for my husband, for my family and first of all for myself. Beauty can open a lot of doors, but more important is to keep those doors open. Real and true beauty is something absolute from within. It is other-wordly. Something that never passes no matter what age or gender.
Come rain or come shine style icon, Tziporah Salamon always looks absolutely fabulous. I caught her on a way to a meeting in SoHo, when it started to pour all of a sudden. Tziporah and I ran across the street to a semi -covered building and got some great shots.
This past week I got together with Judith Boyd, the 69 year old blogger behind the inspiring and heartfelt Style Crone blog. I met Judith last year and was touched my her amazing story and wonderful style- I have been following her blog ever since.Judith's husband Nelson was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2005. In July of 20120 they started a style blog as means to creative collaboration and healing. I asked The Style Crone to share a few words about how blogging and dressing up have helped her through challenging times. You can read her inspiring words below and make sure to check out her blog HERE.
I ran into artist, Elke Kuhn, at turban making workshop put on by the milliners guild last night. She looked as fantastic as ever in her wonderful accessories and wonderful hat. Elke and I are making a date for me to visit her at her house. I can't wait to see all of her amazing creations!
Debra Rapoport always has the most amazing accessories, most of which she makes by hand out of recycled materials. People always stop her to ask about her wonderful industrial felt hats and bracelets and lately she has been selling them right on the spot. Debra says, " Everyone these days is so into E-commerce, well I'm about Me-Commerce-I am my own store." If you do want to indulge in a little E-Commerce, which could eventually lead to some Me-Commerce feel free to email Debra at Debrathenutritionista@gmail.com .
Last night, I was looking through photos of one of my favorite Advanced Style icons singer, Rita Ellis Hammer. I love how she is very consistent with her look-she has developed a personal style that works for her and she sticks with it.Rita uses accessories, like a pair of sunglasses or a great bag, to transform her look from chic and trendy, to effortlessly glamorous. Its amazing how you can change a look by simply adding or removing a few key accessories. Rita chooses comfortable styles and always adds a pop of color and great accessories, to create her signature look. How would you describe Rita's style?
When I was in Rome I was introduced to the most spectacular and inspiring women. One of these amazing ladies was Marisela Ferderici. I met Marisela at her villa "La Furibonda." She welcomed me and my mom into her garden, dressed in a gorgeous yellow dress and perfectly coiffed hair. Marisela told me that usually wears hats(a favorite accessory amongst the Advanced Style set.) She explained that, "Wearing a hat always keeps you neat, especially when there isn't a hairdresser around (for example when you're traveling). Moreover when you get older and your forehead doesn't look as it used to, a hat will always make you look stylish. I will even wear a hat when I am dressed in a gym suit in the garden." Marisela gave us a tour of her beautiful grounds, before moving into the living room to talk a little about her life and style. Check out our interview below:
Have you always loved fashion?
Any other words of wisdom? 
