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How to Live Like a Lady: Lessons in Life, Manners, and Style
What makes a lady? It's what the French (who know about these things) call je ne sais quoi. It's a certain something that results from the delicate combination of elegance, charm, and wit. No matter how good looking, wealthy, or accomplished a woman might be, she isn't living the life of a lady until she behaves like one. How to Live Like a Lady is a handbook that will guide any woman, manicured hand in manicured hand, to a lifestyle of manners, style, and elan.
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First published February 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 1, 2016
It's got some useful information and is written winsomely, but is generally out of touch with the lives of most women in America. I can see this book being useful to a woman in Manhattan or DC high society or engaging with nobility in the UK. Unless you are climbing those ranks, I suggest you set your sights elsewhere for pertinent counsel.
February 15, 2009
Finally a book that reinforces what it means to be a Lady- not a woman, but a lady. While I didn't agree with all of the suggestions in the book, it is a starting point for women who seek sound advice about negotiating with poise and joy in the 21st century.
June 2, 2011
Read the book because someone gave me a hard time for sending a thank you card after receiving a birthday present from a friend. I was told it was the 21st century. TY cards are still acceptable! :)
March 25, 2020
-Forget your aches and pains, the answer to "How are you?" is always "Fine, thank you.
-Next time someone pays you a compliment, just smile and say a genuine thank you.
-Walk with confidence-Always look ahead of you and not down at the ground.
-Be stylish not slutty-A glimpse of fishnet pantyhose from the hem of a cigarette pant is stylish, but paired with a knee-length skirt they're just trashy.
-Wedding-It is very bad manners not to respond to a wedding invitation by the RSVP date.
-Funeral-Send a condolence card immediately after the bereavement and flowers to the church or crematorium.
-Being the perfect guest-Invest in two elegant sets of stationery one to RSVP to all your invitations and the second to send as thank yous after the event. Always take a gift.
-Eating soup in public-spoon your soup by scooping away from you, rather than toward you.
-On the road-a lady never allows herself to be overcome by road rage.
-Be punctual-Being five or ten minutes late is okay; anything more than 15 is not.
-Office etiquette- Intimate details about your love life, your recent argument with your boyfriend, and financial or health issues should be kept to yourself.
-Next time someone pays you a compliment, just smile and say a genuine thank you.
-Walk with confidence-Always look ahead of you and not down at the ground.
-Be stylish not slutty-A glimpse of fishnet pantyhose from the hem of a cigarette pant is stylish, but paired with a knee-length skirt they're just trashy.
-Wedding-It is very bad manners not to respond to a wedding invitation by the RSVP date.
-Funeral-Send a condolence card immediately after the bereavement and flowers to the church or crematorium.
-Being the perfect guest-Invest in two elegant sets of stationery one to RSVP to all your invitations and the second to send as thank yous after the event. Always take a gift.
-Eating soup in public-spoon your soup by scooping away from you, rather than toward you.
-On the road-a lady never allows herself to be overcome by road rage.
-Be punctual-Being five or ten minutes late is okay; anything more than 15 is not.
-Office etiquette- Intimate details about your love life, your recent argument with your boyfriend, and financial or health issues should be kept to yourself.
August 23, 2024
I like the theme and idea on how to become a lady. It had a lot of tips and information on being polite at various gatherings and events. As well as how to dress for the occasion and what to do if certain unexpected moments happen. All the little details of dressing, grooming, behavior and conversing add up to what it takes to becoming a lady.
I would have found this book very helpful and useful if I was 20 years younger 😅 but now that I’m older there are some things I am aware of and choose not to do. Like I cook and bake which requires me to use my hands, so I don’t get manicures and prefer my nails don’t have any polish on them so I don’t eat them in my food. My feet hurt when I wear heels so if I can avoid it I will. I also don’t want to disrupt my hormones which is critical for women’s menstrual cycles, so I may opt out of activities that involve heavy, toxic chemicals , materials and fumes.
I want to be lady like that fits with my lifestyle and budget, and prioritizes being a good woman on the inside more. This book was helpful but I may need to keep reading on. 📚
I would have found this book very helpful and useful if I was 20 years younger 😅 but now that I’m older there are some things I am aware of and choose not to do. Like I cook and bake which requires me to use my hands, so I don’t get manicures and prefer my nails don’t have any polish on them so I don’t eat them in my food. My feet hurt when I wear heels so if I can avoid it I will. I also don’t want to disrupt my hormones which is critical for women’s menstrual cycles, so I may opt out of activities that involve heavy, toxic chemicals , materials and fumes.
I want to be lady like that fits with my lifestyle and budget, and prioritizes being a good woman on the inside more. This book was helpful but I may need to keep reading on. 📚
July 19, 2017
3.5 stars
A nice introduction to etiquette. Definitely aimed more at the socialite/hostess type.
A nice introduction to etiquette. Definitely aimed more at the socialite/hostess type.
November 3, 2018
Nice reminder on how to behave and act the lady in every circumstance.
December 15, 2019
Very basic. No real takeaways.
March 8, 2020
Very good tips!
Read
January 1, 2022Interesting content. Started reading it more than a year ago, but not going to finish it. Just disappointed that it was printed in China and not the USA. Left off on page 32.
May 7, 2025
Solid. Good refresher on how to act 🤣
September 9, 2025
I tried. I really did try. But this book made me feel like a big dumb idiot and I just don't need that in my life right now. I am moving on.
February 18, 2016
OVERALL RATING: 4.4/5
Although most of the genera principles and practices described in this book are already known to me, I enjoy reminders to improve etiquette, especially in entertaining or in the business setting. I was happy to see that the book wasn't overly outdated; there was even mention of a woman proposing marriage to a man. Although the book is unlikely to align with feminist views, one can't deny that an interesting factoid or two can be found within.
Was this book entirely a waste of time? No. This book can provide tidbits of information that may be useful for women of various ages.
Would you re-read this book? Perhaps, if I needed to brush up on an area. I may refer to it as a reference.
Did you like the premise? Yes. I'm a fan of manners and etiquette.
Did you like the way the concepts were presented? Sure. It was a light read with simply laid out recommendations.
If part of a series, do you feel the need to start the next book soon? N/A
Would you recommend this book to readers in general? In general? Probably not. I'm not sure how much the general population (which is essentially half men) would benefit.
Although most of the genera principles and practices described in this book are already known to me, I enjoy reminders to improve etiquette, especially in entertaining or in the business setting. I was happy to see that the book wasn't overly outdated; there was even mention of a woman proposing marriage to a man. Although the book is unlikely to align with feminist views, one can't deny that an interesting factoid or two can be found within.
Was this book entirely a waste of time? No. This book can provide tidbits of information that may be useful for women of various ages.
Would you re-read this book? Perhaps, if I needed to brush up on an area. I may refer to it as a reference.
Did you like the premise? Yes. I'm a fan of manners and etiquette.
Did you like the way the concepts were presented? Sure. It was a light read with simply laid out recommendations.
If part of a series, do you feel the need to start the next book soon? N/A
Would you recommend this book to readers in general? In general? Probably not. I'm not sure how much the general population (which is essentially half men) would benefit.
5/5 I loved this book. It was either incredibly entertaining, useful, or life altering in some capacity. This is a book I will reread and highly recommend
4/5 I liked this book. It was solid and enjoyable. For fiction, I enjoyed it but I wasn't captivated and didn't get too attached. For nonfiction, it was mostly good or helpful, although it didn't change my life. These books are somewhat recommended to others. Also, I would reread if necessary or time permits.
3/5 the book was okay. I liked the book enough, but I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2/5 I didn't like the book. Period.
1/5 I would use this book in a bonfire (and not for lack of fuel)
February 17, 2013
Nice format and easy to read. Quick to refer to tips. Examples of no-nos. It even has quick and easy "to impress" dinner party sample menus. Some of the advice does seem a little dated, but I am going to attribute that to the fact that being polite does not seem to be a priority for many people these days.
This little book covers almost all facets of ones life, and how to encounter any snags that might come your way--from doing business overseas (complete with quick reference cultural customs and etiquette) to how to politely date without looking trashy.
High recommend for at least one read.
This little book covers almost all facets of ones life, and how to encounter any snags that might come your way--from doing business overseas (complete with quick reference cultural customs and etiquette) to how to politely date without looking trashy.
High recommend for at least one read.
August 8, 2012
So far, so good. It's a very quick read but I've been going back over sections to re-reading areas that I need to most help on. The style and etiquette points have helped me greatly and I've definitely noticed improvement in my posture and others have complimented me on my manners and confidence. A very good book to keep in your purse for pointers throughout the day.
September 11, 2012
This is a good book. Easy to read, with practical information, that every woman could utilize. I love that fact that the writing isn't stuffy, but comes across as a natural guide in ushering a woman in the social graces of becoming and/or staying a lady in various settings. Tips on what to take on a weekend getaway to etiquette when abroad, this book is a must have.
January 5, 2009
A cute little book about how to walk in high heels, when to write thank you cards, how to behave at a dinner party, how to handle obnoxious people, etc. This book is a quick and fun read. Its one glaring fault is a rather poor editing job.
January 18, 2009
This was a nice little guide to basic manners and style. It was mostly a reminder of things I was already aware of but I liked the style section. It has definitely given me some direction with my wardrobe and helped me with the issue of what to wear when I am absolutely clueless.
April 29, 2012
I found this book to be helpful in the areas I wasn't sure about, but also a good reminder of the things I was taught when I was younger. I also really liked the watercolor painting and the somewhat Flapper Girl theme in the illustrations.
July 8, 2010
A book with relatively generic advices nonetheless quite interesting. 4 out of 5 stars.
July 11, 2010
A fun, modern look at etiquette in many situations. Some things never change with time.
February 13, 2012
A quick little read on being a lady in modern times! Good advice on etiquette, dress, awkward situations...
October 25, 2011
As most stated, there is a poor editing job. However, this book is a wonderful quick reference on last-like conduct, and a sharpener for manners. I enjoyed it!
December 6, 2011
Good book every woman should read!
December 4, 2013
delightfully ridiculous :)
September 19, 2014
Not sure why I picked this one up. Nothing ground-breaking, slightly cringe-inducing in some parts, but some nice reminders about posture and confidence.
April 18, 2016
Loved! wished I would have read this in my teens.
November 20, 2017
This is a modern-day etiquette book for young women. It speaks of different situations and how best to handle those situations with class.
August 24, 2017
In a day and age when almost goes, you should still know how to act like a lady.
July 19, 2012
it was a fun read, brought it for my little sister as a joke.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews