All In Good Taste

by Kate Spade

if you’ve received a really nice thank-you gift from someone–and especially if you’re swooning over it–by all means, send a short note back. something to the effect of “the bouquet of flowers/gorgeous candle/ bottle of champagne was so unnecessary to send—but i’m so glad you did!” will make their day.

you see the world from such lofty heights that everything below is a bit comical to you, isn’t it?

get into a good rhythm. subtly mirroring one or two of your fellow conversationalist’s gestures, tones or choice of words builds camaraderie and rapport.

even the french, who invented the social kiss and intrinsically do all things with a certain savoir faire, don’t have it easy: in their country, the number of pecks can vary from one to five. (on average, it’s two in the cities and four in the hinterlands.)

but don’t ever let anyone clean up, no matter how much they insist. house rule.

“I LOATHE NARCISSISM, BUT I APPROVE OF VANITY.” diana vreeland

“never complain, never explain.” (she had this embroidered onto taffeta pillows.)

“me time” improves your mood, your focus, your decisions; it also helps you relax and provides a sense of accomplishment.

• trench coat and a mini dress for a party outdoors

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF STYLE? “ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE, ATTITUDE.” iris apfel

déshabill

chatoyant

dalliance

lissome

sculptural

surreptitious svelte