Note to Self | How to Be Elegant

A list of advice I’ve found through the years of trying to educate myself to be a decent woman. This is the first one of a Note to Self series which is composed of things I need to remind myself of from time to time.

1. Stay well-groomed

• High quality, classic clothes
• Soft lips and hands
• Clean hair, nails and teeth
• A signature fragrance
• Subtle makeup

2. Posture, posture, posture:

• Sit tall, stand tall, walk tall.
• Chin slightly lifted, head over your shoulders (not forward), shoulders open and resting down, chest open; core engaged; step lightly and confidently, straightening your knees, like you have mile-long legs (it helps if you have your best stilettos on!)

3. Make self-care a part of your deal

• Always take time for yourself. Make it non-negotiable. The way you take care of yourself will send out a signal to others.
• Nourish yourself with healthy, delicious and happily prepared foods
• Make exercise your daily priority.
• Get enough sleep, personal time, and individual space to take care of your needs.

You’ll feel more confident and elegant. You are also more likely to treat others with more kindness. Practicing care is the most un-selfish thing you can do.

4. Be self-aware

Elegance comes with self-awareness: your likes and dislikes, your taste, passions, your signature style, even the knowledge of your own body. With self-awareness, your choices, from your style to personal life to career, become simpler and more confident

5. Age gracefully

6. Good manners

7. Simplify your life, home and calendar

8. Learn to say NO and build healthy boundaries

Never allow anyone to make you feel small.
Whenever someone puts you down, they are really just projecting the feelings they feel about themselves. Just look kindly into their eyes with your bright ones and reply, “Thank you, I will take your opinion under advisement. Have a fabulous day!”

9. Know when and how to walk away with dignity