As college students on the laid-back west coast, etiquette guides are usually far from our reading lists, but “Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern, Lady” by Derek Blasberg, should definitely be considered a must read.
Being young ladies, we often complain about the lack of chivalry and manners present in our male counterparts, but when was the last time we stopped to examine our own manners? I’m sure some of us, upon closer examination, may posses a few rude habits ourselves. Taking the advice of this etiquette book is not conforming to a constricted, overly polite image, but rather learning how to be a pleasant person and a real lady; two things I know I continually aspire to be.
Derek Blasberg helps you towards these goals with advice gleaned from the New York socialite scene and first-hand experience with classy ladies like Emma Watson and Barbara Bush. The chapters are conveniently organized into several different scenarios such as, “A Lady Goes Abroad”and, ”A Lady Looks for Love”.
Some of the advice is more applicable to formal events, and although I won’t be attending a Gala anytime soon, it’s still nice to know the correct purpose for superfluous silverware. Most of the advice, however, is relevant to daily life with instructions on how to properly sit in a skirt, throw an awesome party, and effectively pack a suitcase.
Interspersed between Blasberg’s informative paragraphs are helpful one line tips such as, “A lady always wears underwear” and, “A lady only makes inappropriate jokes in appropriate company” to keep you on the right track. Overall, Blasberg is a witty, kind, and understanding teacher to the young woman trying to navigate the complicated twists and turns on the path to becoming a social lady.
Edited by: Jacquelyn Little
Photo Source