When I met Sarah and complimented her hip, understated style, she was so effusive and struck some great poses for the camera. She is a self-proclaimed Brit-turned-New Yorker, and used to be a designer of scarves (like the one she’s wearing) and accessories, but has decided to foray into fragrances now that she’s here in New York. Check out the website for her old store, The Pink Room. Sarah had true charm, and her enthusiasm for all things art and design, including our site, was pleasantly refreshing. Thanks Sarah!

These Aussies were happy to step aside from the hustle and bustle of the Union Square Market for a photo – if they could show off both pairs of their glasses, that is. While their glasses are pretty amazing, don’t forget to appreciate their smart outfits – perfect for a grand tour of East Coast cities. We sent them off to enjoy their New York vacation with a great list of glasses shops to check out before heading home.

This couple is like the proverbial cool aunt and uncle from New York. You know, the fun ones you’d spend your high school summers with in the city? They seem so casual-cool: her in oversize glasses and a bright yellow coat, him in urban-sporty duds… If only I was 15 and related to these guys.

This is such a classic New York look. His glasses, coat with the rolled up sleeves, and combed back hair remind me of something Alan Alda would wear in an old Woody Allen movie.

Advanced Style maven “Madison Beehive” told us about “Koos”, one of her favorite places to shop, so we headed over to check it out. We were lucky to meet Puck, the owner of the shop, who chatted with us for awhile about her older customers and the couture clothing they buy in her shop.

The boutique carries exclusive, one of a kind pieces designed by Koos van den Akker – a New York based designer known for designing Dr. Huxtable’s sweaters on the Cosby Show in the 80’s. Like the sweaters that made him famous, his couture clothing is known for its theme of bright color and pattern combinations. As Puck explained, his clothing is especially popular with older women who have had time to develop their style and look to this exclusive atelier for something special to add to their wardrobes.

For more about Koos and his design inspirations, check out koosnewyork.com, and stop by the shop at 1263 Madison Avenue in New York to see his work. Thank you, Puck, for your help, and thanks to Madison Beehive for telling us about the shop!

Koos van den Akker
[photo from 7x7sf.com]

Original Koos van den Akker Cosby sweaters
[photo from coolhunting.com]

Koos’s mother (right), an inspiration for his designs
[photo from “Koos: Couture Collage” by Linda Chang Teufel]