Do etiquette rules of 1924 still apply today?

In 1924, Vogue published a Book of Etiquette about how to behave appropriately in public.  I thought this was fascinating.

Some of these rules are published in Buzzfeed, http://www.buzzfeed.com/clio/vogues-book-of-etiquette-1iti?awesm=awe.sm_5FNIl&

Here is one that I wish was still common practice - because dinner SHOULD be an event when you go out and dressing up is part of the fun.   

And this article made me go...hmmmm...because I do pronounce some of these words the way Vogue says not to...but maybe it is my Midwestern upbringing?

Fascinating...

I said in an earlier blog that good manners were one of my favorite things.  I wonder what the 2011 etiquette rules would be if Vogue did a new book?  I hope many of the rules would still apply.   

Have a Violet Day! 

Let's start swapping...clothes,accessories and shoes that is...

OK - Am I the last to know about this clever site?   http://www.swapstyle.com/

It is a HUGE site to trade things you no longer want or that no longer fit (the worst!) and find amazing replacements (many designer names)and it is easy!  It is also not limited to just clothing...but so far, that is as far as I have gone....but this site can be addicting.

You join for FREE and then you swap with woman around the world.  Currently there are about 45,000 members and the variety of items available to swap is huge!

There is a blog, a style swap link and many other features that made me try it with a pair of Calvin Klein pumps that never fit quite right. 

So have you tried this site?  Let us all know what you think about the do's and don'ts of swapping.

Have a Violet's Day.

Love to Travel - Hate to Pack?

If you are like me, you love to travel, but hate to pack.
What to bring, what to wear, how many pairs of shoes will I need, are only a few of the decisions to be made when laying everything out on the bed and hoping and praying it will all fit into my carry-on luggage.

Here is a cute website that has women travelers as its focus: http://www.pb-travel.com/home.html
Their slogan is "Cool travel accessories for the Modern Woman and her Family"

Here are a couple of purchases I have made at this site that I use all the time and think you will too.

Look at these adorable luggage tags.  I put my area code on mine. However, you can choose whatever numbers you like and look at the bright colors - very easy to spot amongst all the black suitcases.

And every woman needs a cashmere wrap for the chilly plane and airport, but mostly to use as a wrap for an evening out when you get to your final destination.  These are lovely and soft and I even went out of my comfort zone and did NOT order the black...got the violet (big surprise).  

I have been looking for a cute and inexpensive leather passport holder and got one for $10 at pd travel. 

 

It will be hard to miss the bright pink cover amongst all my black accessories - which is exactly what I wanted.

I still love to travel and hate to pack, but these accessories make it a little less painful and a lot more colorful.

Have a Violet's Day.

White feels right for Spring...BCBG Max Azria

Although the rest of the collection is full of vivid color and bright patterns, these white dresses from the Spring 2011 BCBG Max Azria Collection are the ones that caught my eye.  Maybe it is because I am thinking about a trip to the West Coast or Southwest in late Spring, or maybe it is because around Chicago, I have been seeing a lot of white (snow that is).

These dresses have the sheer look that will be popular for Spring and Summer and the simple lines that I like too. 

The grey wedges add a cool touch to the white. Silver accessories make the white look even fresher. 

Notice that the models are carrying small silver clutches.  These structural, hard handbags are on trend for now - but still for me, too small to be practical.

Have a Violet's Day and start thinking white....clothes that is... 

Grammys have some glam...

As awards season winds down, I look forward to my favorite Hollywood fashion event, the Oscars. But last night, I did something totally out of character for me. I actually watched part of the Grammys. 

The reason I usually do not watch is because the fashions are not my taste - too flashy, too over-the-top (and some still were) and too much!

But take a look below at Selena Gomez's J. Mendal gold gown from the event.  This girl is only 18 and knows style, what looks great on her and is not afraid to look sophisticated.  That is my type of girl.

And here was another winner, Julianne Hough, wearing a very romantic feeling dress by Maladrino.

 

The patterns and muted violet tones (I have a weakness for the color violet after all) looked lovely with her coloring and the draping of the dress was very flattering.

The Grammys fashions were very interesting...lots of  hits, and more misses, and amongst all the flash, feathers, shine and sparkle, there were women who dressed well and looked great. 

But I will say it was a fun night of entertainment - and even Lady Gaga's "egg"citing entrance was fashionable.

Have a Violet Day!

The Mercedes or the Landrover?

Ok, I admit it.  I like nice cars. 
Living near the city and taking the train to work everyday, I usually only need a car for weekend/vacation trips, visits back home or shopping adventures.  But this past week of snow has made me reconsider my automotive  needs and maybe it is the time to break down and buy a vehicle I have long wanted  - The Land Rover.

There were two "signs" yesterday that maybe it is time.

First, this is the tag line for the Land Rover, " Turns Snow Days Into Go Anywhere Days."  I am all for that.

I dislike being stuck anywhere because of the weather and the Land Rover is basically built to leap tall buildings in a single bound - to take on snow drifts (even on Lake Shore Blvd.) and to carry skies and boots for that weekend ski trip to Michigan or Colorado.

Second, the body style for the Land Rover is going to change in 2012 and who knows what may happen to the classic style I have always loved?  Look what happened to BMWs...need I say more?

But.....do I want practical or do I want sexy/elegant?

I think back to a test drive a friend  and I took several months ago in the Mercedes CLS.  "Infatuation quickly becomes unwavering devotion" is the tag line for this sexy car. 

And it is true....this car is sooooo sexy and sleek.  Sitting inside is like being in a cocoon of luxury and understated elegance. I can envision driving up to The Elysian and stepping out for a weekend get-away..in a great black dress, just the right shoes....with Mr. Bond of course.

Hmmmm.....Practical beauty (Land Rover) vs. understated elegance (Mercedes) .....

Can't I have both?

It is Chicago - it is winter-and so I think I will wait until Spring has sprung to make a new car decision.

Until then, it my reliable Audi ...and with the money I will save....a new pair of shoes.
A girl has to have some fun....

Have a Violet's Day.




 




     

The Kings Speech - A great movie for Valentine's Day

Yesterday a friend and I went to see The Kings Speech.  The film, based on the true story of King George (Bertie)VI, is about commitment, friendship and love. A perfect movie for Valentine's Day. 

After the death of his father King George V, and the scandalous abdication of King Edward VIII, Bertie(Colin Firth),  who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment all his life, is suddenly crowned King George VI of England. With his country on the brink of war and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), the future Queen Mother, arranges for her husband to see an eccentric speech therapist, Lionel Logue(Geoffery Rush). After a rough start, the two delve into an unorthodox course of treatment and eventually form an unbreakable bond. With the support of Logue, his family, his government and Winston Churchill, the King overcomes his stammer and delivers a radio-address that inspires his people and unites them in battle.

Nominated for 12 Academy Awards, this movie is the BEST movie I have seen in years. The costumes, setting (preWWII London), screen play and acting are superb, but the love/friendship story aspect of it is what made it so moving for me.

As Bertie struggles to find help for his speech problems, it is his wife, Elizabeth, who never gives up on him, never judges him and consistently supports him with unconditional love and acceptance. Due to their royal position, their relationship is serious, but also playful/fun; in one of the most charming scenes, Elizabeth sits on Bertie's stomach to help him with his breathing, saying "I quite enjoy this."

I will be reading The Queen Mother, by William Shawcross, to learn more about the life of this interesting woman.

The other loving relationship in the film is between The King and Logue; it shows what is possible when you believe in someone and the incredible healing power of friendship.   

And as Valentine's Day approaches, I will remember this movie and its message of what love/friendship can and should be for all of us, royal or not.