The Elegant Woman

In lieu of the pursuit to become a woman of elegance, I have written a few guidelines that I think will help me truly become one.

Always say thank you when someone does you a favor no matter how minor.

Practice good posture. Stand straight. Sit upright.

Speak more softly. Choose your words. Think before you speak.

Listen without interrupting. Listen with intent to understand and not to reply.

Have a signature fragrance. If you’re into fruity scent, no one’s stopping.

Pick simple but functional clothes. Clothes should always, always cover your lady parts and live ample room for imagination.

Form flattering clothes beats any fad or trend. Also, frumpy is never elegant.

Wear only two - three accessories at a time.

Wear light colored clothing for tops and solid colors for skirts and pants.

Have a go-to little black dress for instantaneous nights out and unplanned dates.

Invest in clothes that speak elegance. Quality over quantity here.

Take care of your clothes. Take good care of all your belongings.

Your underwear and sleeping clothes should be one thing – elegant. Solid colors all the way. When you have matching underwear, you will feel like you got it all together instantly. Trust me.

Have impeccable hygiene.

Have a classic hairstyle that is easy to manage.

Practice good manners.

Read on a variety of topics. And elegant woman can talk about anything under the sun.

Maintain a budget. An elegant woman does not go overboard with spending and never gets into debts. Buy less, choose more.

Discover your talent and work on it. If you are on writing, keep a journal and write every day.

When in doubt, choose the product that has stood the test of time. It’s a classic for a reason.

Show restraint in expressing anger. Fight clean with your husband or boyfriend. Remember, you respect and love this man more than anyone.

Smile abundantly. But in times of sadness, embrace the feeling, cry when you have to and move on.

Fall in love with your partner’s characteristics that are not superficial. His laugh, the way his face lights up when he tells a story, the way he loves his mother, the way he bonds with your children, the way he makes love to you. Love his everything.

Learn another language besides English.

Striped tops, laces and dark-colored, figure-flattering jeans never get out of style.

Practice yoga, or any form of exercise that keeps your heart happy.

Coffee is a way of life in the morning. Tea is great for afternoons.

When selecting shoes and bags, black, red, and neutrals are the way to go. Those colors can go with elegant clothing.

When you find yourself envious of other women, remember love yourself because you fought to become who you are today.

Never ever yell, scream at or hit anyone.

More skin care, less make-up.

For skin care, gentle is always better. Look for products that have no fragrance, hypoallergenic, dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, sulfate free and paraben free.

An elegant woman is a committed and sticks to her word.

Learn how to cook, or at least try.

Your home is a reflection of your personality. Keep your home clean and uncluttered. Decorate it just like how you would decorate your soul. But always, white walls and one solid color for decors.

Remember birthdays and special occasions.

Travel as much as possible. But above else, travel with your friends, your husband or boyfriend or with your family. Trust me, it’s so much better.

Simplify your life, your home and your calendar.

Remember that it’s more important to be kind than it is to be right.

Arrive exactly on time.

Have one subdued solid color scheme throughout your home, use accessories to add color

Don’t point out the mistakes of others. Never curse.

An elegant woman is always humble of her accomplishments and patient with herself when she fails.

Compliment people and learn to accept compliments graciously.

Have fresh flowers in your home

Keep your nails well-manicured.

Remember that money does not equal elegance, nor is it necessary to be elegant.

Learn to politely say no.

Hold yourself to high standards

Turn your mobile off at dinner.

Apologize sincerely. Overdo empathy.

Don’t speak ill of others, or gossip.

Use white sheets, white towels, white dishes.

Go for walks in the park on Sunday. Check out museums. Be genuinely interested.

Give thoughtful gifts, rather than expensive ones.

Spend more on experiences than material things.