Archive for the Category »Fashion «

03
May
Hat Etiquette

In honor of the Kentucky Derby this weekend, I thought I’d share some helpful tips on Hat Hazards and how to avoid bashing your bonnet.

I’m a huge fan of acronyms, so to help avoid a Hat Hazard, here is a simple solution to help you navigate the social seas with style, grace…and of course a fabulous hat!

H – Hats are reserved for daywear; please remember, no fashion hats after dark.

A – Approach with your hat on the left and kiss on the right cheek,

T – Tilt your head, far enough for clearance (45 degrees should be good),

S – Stay in position as you step back.

Good luck! Please email me a picture of you in your fabulous hat!  I would love to post them.

kentucky_derby_hats-300x199

 

Category: Etiquette, Fashion, Manners  Leave a Comment
02
May
A “Royal Wedding” affair

I wish you could have been a fly on the wall, when I received this in the mail

The minute I opened it, I immediately checked my calendar and picked up the phone to RSVP.

Janet, our hostess, went ALL out!

As we walked in the front door, we were greeted with her wedding dress, from 1994, hanging on the wall.  What a way to set the stage!

She asked that we bring photo albums from our wedding to share with the other guests.

What a hoot… that was SO much fun!

We were also greeted with our choice of mimosa or traditional English tea

choices, choices

Janet worked tirelessly making all of the delicious food

AND… she even had a wedding cake

We all enjoyed visiting, eating and watching the Royal Wedding.  Janet was kind enough to DVR the official ceremony so we had the luxury of rewinding and catching every bit of the event on our own schedule.

One of the guests even donned her “going away” dress which she wore 27 years ago, talk about timeless and elegant…

And yes… she still can wear it, even after 6 boys!

And yes… she doesn’t even look 27 years old.

And of course the guests had a great excuse to pull out some fabulous hats and fascinators.

And not missing an opportunity for a fun and original party gift.  Janet had personalized bottles made with one of her original wedding pictures

Thanks Janet for fun party!

… I can’t wait for Harry to get married! :-)

Category: Fashion  Tags:  2 Comments
02
May
Manner Monday: A regal example of timeless style and respect.

Fresh off the Royal Wedding, I think the general consensus agrees it was a beautiful, romantic, classic, tasteful… and of course grand, event.  When trying to pinpoint my “favorite” from the event, I keep thinking about what a great example Kate and William set with how they showed respect to tradition, each other, and their families.  I loved the tasteful style of her dress; I loved the respectful way William looked at her and whispered, “you look beautiful”; I love how William joked with Kate’s dad about the wedding being “just a small family affair” and I love the way they both seem to be entering into their new roles with grace.

With so many questionable role models for young people today, I’m happy to see these two setting great examples of respect and decorum.

On another note… are you in need of personalized stationery?  If so, please visit:  www.MannerMonday.PaperConcierge.com we have hundreds of styles and designs from which to choose.  We also have darling place mats that help the little ones in your life get a jump start on their table manners and make dining more fun.

Please visit my post ‘What is Manner Monday?’ to learn more about how to make the most of Manner Monday. Do you have a ‘manner’ you would like to see covered on Manner Monday?  Feel free to send me your thoughts.

And, of course, please share ‘Manner Monday’ with your friends and colleagues. If you would like to subscribe to my newsletter and receive ‘Manner Monday’ in your inbox, please enter your email address in the ‘Subscribe to Newsletter’ box on the right.

Thank you for reading Manner Monday!

Category: Family, Fashion, Manner Monday, Manners  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
18
Apr
Manner Monday: Avoiding a Hat Hazard

Easter, The Royal Wedding, The Kentucky Derby, Mother’s Day… Ladies, are you thinking what I’m thinking?  It’s hat season!

I’m a huge fan of acronyms, so to help avoid a Hat Hazard during all of the upcoming festivities, here is a simple solution to help you navigate the social seas with style, grace…and of course a fabulous hat!

H – Hats are reserved for daywear; please remember, no fashion hats after dark.

A – Approach with your hat on the left and kiss on the right cheek,

T – Tilt your head, far enough for clearance (45 degrees should be good),

S – Stay in position as you step back.

Good luck! Please email me a picture of you in your fabulous hat! I will post them on my blog in May, after Mother’s Day.

Are low on personalized stationery?  We’ve made it easy for you to order more.  Please visit:  www.MannerMonday.PaperConcierge.com we have hundreds of styles and designs from which to choose.  We also have darling place mats that help the little ones in your life get a jump start on their table manners and make dining more fun.

Please visit my post ‘What is Manner Monday?’ to learn more about how to make the most of Manner Monday. Do you have a ‘manner’ you would like to see covered on Manner Monday?  Feel free to send me your thoughts.

And, of course, please share ‘Manner Monday’ with your friends and colleagues. If you would like to subscribe to my newsletter and receive ‘Manner Monday’ in your inbox, please enter your email address in the ‘Subscribe to Newsletter’ box on the right.

Thank you for reading Manner Monday!

Category: Etiquette, Fashion, Manner Monday, Manners  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
10
Jan
Manner Monday: Hosiery… aka “Stockings”

It seems as though hosiery, aka “stockings”, can stir up some interesting conversations.  A friend of mine was having a discussion with some of her coworkers recently on the topic when one of the junior employees proudly stated she has never, to date, donned a pair of “stockings”.  Needless to say, an interesting conversation ensued prompting her to ask a question similar to the one my sister recently posed.

Here is an excerpt from a previous post on the topic:

My sister Audrey (we call each other ‘Dolly, Doll, Dollette’… long story) emailed me the other day with a question about hosiery, aka ‘stockings’.

Doll (My sister to me),
What is the rule on stockings? I noticed Michelle Obama isn’t wearing them on the White House special with Oprah. Maya and Suzanne had bare legs at Granny’s party. When I showed up at Billy’s baptism without them, I felt horrified.

Hi Doll (Me responding to my sister),
Wellllllllll. Here’s my two cents…

I believe instead of being a rule of Etiquette or Protocol, it has evolved into something much more complicated.
I personally think it boils down to a number of things:
1- Generational issues….I don’t think Laura (Mrs. Bush) would EVER have appeared on National television without hosiery.
2- Can your legs stand on their own?…Maya and Suzanne, yep.  Me, not so much.
3- Season, will your legs have goose bumps and be pasty … Summer, not a problem. Winter, bleh – opt for tights.
4- Flat out preference…. I feel more confident WITH them, other people can’t stand them.
5- And last but not least: Depends on what company you will be keeping…. If you’re with a more ‘mature’ (meaning older) group, then out of respect I would don hosiery. Generation X, you’ll see a bit of both. Generation Y, I don’t think they know what stockings are, unless you’re talking Christmas and it’s a ‘stocking stuffer’.

Hope that helps!
Love, Dolly

What is your take on the Hosiery/Stocking debate?… please share!

On another note, if you would like to order personalized stationery please visit:  www.MannerMonday.PaperConcierge.com There are hundreds of styles and designs from which to choose.

Please visit my post ‘What is Manner Monday?’ to learn more about how to make the most of Manner Monday. Do you have a ‘manner’ you would like to see covered on Manner Monday?  Feel free to send me your thoughts.

And, of course, please share ‘Manner Monday’ with your friends and colleagues. If you would like to subscribe to my newsletter and receive ‘Manner Monday’ in your inbox, please enter your email address in the ‘Subscribe to Newsletter’ box on the right.

Thank you for reading Manner Monday!

Category: Fashion, Manner Monday  Tags: , ,  5 Comments
12
Jun
Summer Newsletter

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer!!!

We have so much going on with our Programs!!!!

Adult Educational Events

Teen Board / Ambassador Program

Cotillion Clothing Exchange Opportunities

Click here to view the current newsletter in full detail:  Newsletter

Category: Application, Classes, Fashion, Forum, Newsletter  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment
12
Jun
Cotillion Clothing Exchange

Many of our Cotillion families have asked about a possible clothing exchange.  With growth spurts coming out of nowhere, you may find your child in need of new clothing before they’ve had an opportunity to make the most of their current wardrobe.  We are offering two opportunities for you to donate, trade or sell your gently used Cotillion Clothing.

Opportunity #1. The first opportunity is the Junior League’s ‘Remarkable Shop’.  The ‘Remarkable Shop’ is a resale and consignment store that provides Oklahoma City with affordable clothing and household items.  Donations are provided by the membership of the Junior League of Oklahoma City and the community at large.  If you would like to donate your gently used Cotillion Clothing, and any other items you think would benefit the shop, please do so by July 31.  When dropping off your items, make sure you designate your Cotillion Clothing as such.  After July 31, we will post information in the next newsletter as to whether or not the shop has received Cotillion Clothing and you can make your way down to try on and purchase items for under $10.00.  Please click here for details on the ‘Remarkable Shop’, it’s mission, location and hours.

Opportunity #2. We have posted a Clothing Exchange Forum on my blog.  You will be able to post gently used Cotillion Clothing as well as review postings for availability.  You will then be able to contact one another to trade, sell or donate the specific items listed.

Click here for instructions on how to access the Forum:  Instructions

Click here to view the forum:  www.CareySueVega.com/Forum


Category: Fashion  Tags: ,  Leave a Comment
07
Jun
Manner Monday: Strapless Dresses

This one’s for the girls:  Strapless Dresses Summer is in full swing with many parties and weddings on the social calendar.  Strapless dresses continue to be a dress-of-choice for many summer soirées.  Unfortunately, many ladies don’t realize that they are continually tugging on, and rearranging their dress.  Try implementing this rule:  if you choose to wear a strapless dress, once you put it on… don’t touch it again….and if you do need to adjust, discreetly excuse yourself to the ladies room. Keep in mind; your goal is to not only look great, but to feel confident and comfortable.

Please visit my post ‘What is Manner Monday?’ to learn more about how to make the most of Manner Monday. Do you have a ‘manner’ you would like to see covered on Manner Monday?  Feel free to send me your thoughts.

And, of course, please share ‘Manner Monday’ with your friends and colleagues. If you would like to subscribe to my newsletter and receive ‘Manner Monday’ in your inbox, please enter your email address in the ‘Subscribe to Newsletter’ box on the right.

‘Thank you’… and Happy Monday!

Category: Etiquette, Fashion, Manner Monday, Manners  Tags: , , ,  3 Comments
28
Dec
Hosiery, aka ‘Stockings’

My sister Audrey (we call each other ‘Dolly, Doll, Dollette’… long story) emailed me the other day with a question about hosiery, aka ‘stockings’.

Doll (My sister to me),
What is the rule on stockings? I noticed Michelle Obama isn’t wearing them on the White House special with Oprah. Maya and Suzanne had bare legs at Granny’s party. When I showed up at Billy’s baptism without them, I felt horrified.

Hi Doll (Me responding to my sister),
Wellllllllll. Here’s my two cents…

I believe instead of being a rule of Etiquette or Protocol, it has evolved into something much more complicated.
I personally think it boils down to a number of things:
1- Generational issues….I don’t think Laura (Mrs. Bush) would EVER have appeared on National television without hose.
2- Can your legs stand on their own?…Maya and Suzanne, yep. Me, not so much.
3- Season, will your legs have goose bumps and be pasty … Summer, not a problem. Winter, bleh – opt for tights.
4- Flat out preference…. I feel more confident WITH them, other people can’t stand them.
5- And last but not least: Depends on what company you will be keeping…. If you’re with a more ‘mature’ (meaning older) group, then out of respect I would don hosiery. Generation X, you’ll see a bit of both. Generation Y, I don’t think they know what stockings are, unless your talking Christmas and it’s a ‘stocking stuffer’.

Hope that helps!
Love, Dolly

Category: Etiquette, Fashion, Manners  Tags: , ,  3 Comments