Style Inspiration: The Ultimate Rule Breaker Iris Apfel

"I don't have any rules, because I'd only be breaking them." --Iris Apfel

There needs to be another word besides legend or icon to assign to Iris Apfel.  Of course she is both of those things, but much more.  She's packed at least four lifetimes worth of exuberance, style and panache into her 95 years, and still shows no signs of slowing down.  (You could spend a week pouring over her mid-20th century textile designs, alone.)  Her attitudes about everything from relationships to aging are as fresh and exciting as her unparalleled knack for accessorizing.  And don't get me started on her Park Avenue apartment... I don't have to say anything.  Just look at it.

One of my prized possessions -- an original Iris Apfel owl bag!

Lucky for us, Iris is not just living a stylish and joyful life, she's designing stylish and joyful things that we can actually afford.  In addition to a line at Macys, Iris offers jewelry and accessories at HSN.  And by all means, make sure to watch her on one of her live HSN shows.  She's as funny as she is inspiring.

Iris personifies everything I love about fashion and jewelry.  (And glasses!) She wears what she loves, focusing on colors and textures that suit her and make her happy.  She plays with trends, but has her own style that needs no outside rulebook.  She treats every day as a chance to dress up, instead of waiting for a special occasion.

Find these Rara Avis by Iris Apfel pants here!

Most of all, she proves that personal style doesn't have an expiration date.  I can't imagine Iris doing anything other than laughing at the idea of "age appropriate" dressing.  Iris personifies something more like "life appropriate" dressing: if you are alive, embrace each day and wear the things that you love.

Find this Rara Avis by Iris Apfel vest here!

Iris is the subject of a new book set for release in March of 2018:  Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon, Confessions of a Geriatric Starlet.    Here's a blurb from the publisher:

Now, this self-dubbed geriatric starlet, whose irrepressible authenticity, wit, candor, and infectious energy have earned her nearly a million followers on social media, has created an entertaining, thought-provoking, visually arresting, and inspiring volume—her first book—that captures her unique joie de vivre.

I've already preordered mine.

   

Be sure to watch the short interview with Iris at the top of this post.  For even more Iris Apfel goodness, check out the 2015 documentary Iris:

Watch the trailer below:

Watch the film here or at Netflix.  

While Iris Apfel's personal costume jewelry collection is unrivaled, the fabric designs of her and her late husband Carl are truly inspiring.  Jennifer Boles covered their company Old World Weavers in a great piece on her fabulous blog The Peak of Chic.  Read it here.

I always think of Iris when I wear these kooky, oversized glasses.  Find them here.

Keep breaking those rules, Iris!  And the same goes for the rest of my contrairistas. 

(Psst:  Be sure to follow Iris on Instagram!)

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