“The Modern Day Girl’s Guide to living with Style”
Jason once told me that what ever he decides to do, he tries to do with “Style”, over the years without saying it so clearly I guess that has been my goal too. I think we all have a certain style, some are better than others, but yes, we all have our ways of making ourselves stand out a bit.
I bought this book as an “impulse buy” sometime ago at Barnes and Noble when I was purchasing a more “heavy” book as a way to lighten my mood after some serious self help. I must say it has given me more pleasure than the “self help” book ever did, and even better, it taught me quite a bit about myself, which is what we are all trying to do right?
The Little Pink Book of Elegance teaches you several different ways that you can stand out by down playing and up playing a few of the “rules of etiquette”. It covers everything from what to and not to wear to how to manage your closet and night stand. It tells you the classic way to throw a party and how not to lose your mind doing it. The do’s and don’ts of wearing make-up (you could be doing a don’t! I was) and how to have subtle manners while wearing that make-up correctly.
I faired pretty well, I was taught as a young apprentice to my Mom and Aunt Kate what mainly to strive for, but this has dialed me in a bit.
Some of the things I learned?
White Shoes? A No No…. Once she presented that after the first few times that you wear them they typically look like crap anyway, she not only convinced me not to wear them, but convinced me that it was sort of a waste of money.
Cubic Zirconia? Sure! As long as you wear them the right way, again, a great way to spend less and look great!
Spending Money on your Hair? Absolutely! It is the first thing people see when they approach you, so it should be easy to justify. I see so many really bad hair cuts, and it absolutely makes a difference. Men can get a $10 hair cut, Women however, if they have anything other than a man-do need to have a well trained stylist on their side. By the way, color is an art form, if you are not an artist; do not attempt to do art.
Green or Blue eye shadow? No. No explanation needed.
Freshly Cut Flowers? YES! They lend a certain elegance to your home or office, and you don’t have to wait for someone to send them to you either, $7 bucks at Jewel Osco, and over a week or enjoyment, Jason’s Mom taught me to cut them at an angle, under the water, stretched their life to 2 weeks, great way to save money!
Candles? Sure, as long as it doesn’t look like a witch’s séance, a few burning at all times will allow ambience and a pleasant smell throughout your home. My opinion? Candles should not smell like food, cinnamon is fine, but sugar cookie makes people sick.
Ironing? A Must. We have gotten away from ironing, people reading this that know me will laugh, but ironing is an easy way to make a piece of clothing look put together, a linen look clean and welcoming, and ironing is somewhat calming if you embrace it.
Reduced Price because of Damage? Rejection… If it requires work, it is not worth it. You can get reduced prices if you shop online, or buy less, but smart.
Tailor? Please! Too many times I see a beautiful dress (or what could be) on a woman, but it doesn’t fit correctly. She pulls at it, and looks uncomfortable; therefore ruining the result she wanted. If your clothing fits correctly, you look elegant. Buy less, spend on key items. Janice wrote a piece on those high end jeans not too long ago, absolutely worth the money. Shirts can be purchased for a lot less, which is where you save the cash. Less Rights are better than more Wrongs!
Thank you notes? Thank you, I think the Thank You Note is so needed in our society today, it personalizes much better than an email or text, plus you give someone a positive in their mailbox, and as we all know, going to the mail box is not fun. Make someone’s day a little brighter.
This is a fun book. I loved it. Please comment on ways that you make your lives more “elegant”!
My Heart is with you on your journey!
Lizzy
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