Sometimes Silence is the Best Reply

Today's thought is short and sweet as the quote above pretty much says it all.

A classy woman knows that her words would be wasted on a fool whose ways are focused on ego, pride and who cannot see beyond senseless thoughts and actions. Your silence will speak volumes when walking away is not an option! :)

Thanks for Reading!

XO

Manners Monday: Pet Etiquette

As an Interior Decorator, I often have clients whose home I'm invited into that own pets. I've experienced a lot of interesting scenarios as a result, as everyone has different limits for their beloved animals. I thought it was time to do a post on pet etiquette. While I don't currently have any pets at the moment (hubby is allergic), I really enjoy how sweet pets can be and I've owned several cats over the years and know there are certain considerations one must make as it pertains to pets and visitors.

If you are a pet owner or considering becoming one, here are 7 suggestions on how to love them but still show guests in your home that you respect them also. There are so many more suggestions but for the sake of post length, I'm including these key points only.  Feel free to share you own pet etiquette tips in the comments below!


1. Clean up after Your Pets- Just yesterday hubby and I went for a walk around our favorite lake and park downtown. A woman was walking her dog, he had stopped and left a mess that would be difficult to clean up as it was less solid than she expected. She looked around and said, "oh, now how am I going to clean this up?" and decided to just keep walking! We've had neighbors walk their dogs past our house only later to discover they let their dog leave their business on our lawn and didn't bother to clean it up. This is just basic decency and is one of the major responsibilities of owning a dog. Pet waste transmits disease and contaminates drinking water. Always bring a baggie and always clean up after your pet.

2. Keep them Leashed- Not only for a pup's safety but for the safety of passersby, a dog should be leashed in public areas. Some parks allow for dogs to run free, and is the exception. Sadly, I've heard too many stories where dogs have charged across a street and attacked small children including a family member on my husband's side who had to have stitches, creating an awkward situation as the dog belonged to a neighbor. Likewise, unleashed dogs can also attack other dogs, cats or innocent animals nearby such as squirrels, etc.

3. Allergy Alert- As a pet owner, it's tricky sometimes as many have allergies to both dogs and cats. Your loving pet could be the trigger for an unsuspecting house guest or service person. It's awkward as the person who has the allergy to even ask or make the assumption that the animal will  not be roaming around when they're at the house, so as the owner, it's best to ask people who you do not know well if they have pet allergies. When I owned cats, I always tried my best to place my indoor cat in the guest bedroom with her food, water and other essentials for a few hours while I entertained. I value my friendships and anything that could be done to make things easier, I did. I also carried allergy medication in my medicine cabinet for my own pollen allergies and would offer it to anyone who was particularly sensitive because I know having allergies can really do a number on you sometimes.

4. Keep Fido Down- Perhaps one of the most frustrating things as a guest in someone's home, is when the owner's dog wants to jump on you whether at the front door or while sitting on the sofa, etc. When I was a teen, a good friend of mine had a German Shepard who loved to rush to the door and jump on people. Once during the summer, his nails scratched me from shoulders to toes and left scratches all over. To this day, I try to avoid large dogs for that reason. While I love animals, I don't enjoy a dog, putting their paws up on me to beg while at the table or slobbering on my expensive black dress pants and jumping on me and snagging my top and covering me in hair. When a guest arrives if your dog is not well trained or behaved, be sure to place the dog in their crate first, in the backyard or have them by you on a leash so you can control what they are doing. Dogs look to their owners for training and are happy to obey, as a pet owner one of the most important things to teach them is not to jump!

5. Hair-Free Zone- When inviting others into your car or home, be sure to vacuum and dust well, using a lint roller or other tools to trap hair if necessary. Nobody should come to your home in black and leave with their clothes and socks covered in light pet hair, etc. I've visited many homes where this has been the case and it's frustrating. Even when you do a thorough cleaning, pet hair will pop up, keep a few sticky lint rollers on hand-one for your car and one for your home, not only to keep you looking polished but also anyone who attracts your pet's residual pet hair onto their clothing. It's an inexpensive investment and shows others you're mindful of them.

6. Prevent Endless Barking- Just like children, animals need to be reminded when they are doing something to irritate others. While it is a dog's natural instinct to bark, most do not enjoy listening to incessant barking. We have a few neighbors who do not adhere to such logic and often allow their dogs to bark for hours on end, which makes things particularly frustrating for those like myself who work from home and try to hold conference calls, etc. If you do not plan to be home, your dog should be kept indoors, if you are home and the dog barks for more than a couple mins, the decent thing would be to bring your dog inside.

7. Make the Call- Last but not least, if you are to be a guest in another's home and know that they have a dog, cat, snake, etc., part of the responsibility of making everyone feel comfortable is yours. If you do not enjoy the company of pets, are allergic or are freaked out by pet iguanas, etc., you may not want to make your host uncomfortable by spending time in their home. While it is important for dogs to be trained, if you are aware that the pet owner allows the cats to walk across the dining room table, attack your ankles or their dog is constantly trying to lick your face or jump on you while you're seated, it may be easier to spend time with them in your home or out somewhere so you'll both be comfortable.


While many pet owners love their pets and don't see why they should inconvenience themselves or tuck their not-so-well-behaved pet away in their own home, consider this: Good manners are always about making others feel comfortable and respected. A good host is responsible for the comfort of his/her guests. Anything less than this is poor manners and shows that you value your animal and their lack of discipline over a guest's level of comfort. For those that possess such an attitude about pets vs. people, it may be best not to entertain in your home for everyone's sake.

Do you own a pet? Is there a specific suggestion you have for pet owners based on personal experience, please share! Comments are always appreciated. :)

Thanks for reading!

XO




*image source

There is Joy in Being a True Lady

Today's post is a gentle reminder on what it means to be a classy woman. None of us are born ladies, we must choose our actions, words and behavior wisely every day. How we come across to others is our responsibility and it shows them a lot about the kind of woman we are. This does not mean that a classy woman is perfect or without mistakes, rather she reflects on her missteps and decides to do something different or better each day. This can begin with the thoughts in our head; the actions and words that are spoken as a result of the things we meditate on, the way we choose to present ourselves to the world in the way we dress or the way in which we treat others than can do absolutely nothing for us. There is something so special about a woman who knows what she wants but has a gentle and quiet spirit.

As women we can be anything that we wish to be, but above all the many roles and aspirations we pursue, I hope you'll choose everyday to become a feminine and classy woman, there is so much pride and joy in being a true lady. :)

What is one of the things you enjoy about being a lady?

Thanks for reading!

XO

Manners Monday: Holiday Tipping Etiquette

Hi Lovelies! I still cannot believe that December is already upon us! I hope you're all enjoying some decorating, baking and preparing for the holidays. We now have just 3 weeks left until Christmas Eve! I wanted to resume our regularly schedule Manners Monday posts. As I mentioned in my previous Tipping Etiquette post, a Facebook reader (Amber Y.) asked if I could provide some insight on the topic as well as what the proper protocol and amounts are for tipping service workers during the holidays.

Whether you want to give your hair stylist a little extra something this Christmas to show your appreciation for making you even more beautiful or plan to provide a special treat for your mail carrier who never leaves your packages at the wrong house, here is a detailed list and some guidelines to consider as you decide how to thank the people in your life, if you'll be spending money and if so, how much you'd like to spend.

First and foremost, holiday thanking and tipping is a kind gesture and not an obligation, it's not something to be done if it will take you outside of your budget. If your holiday budget does not allow for tipping this year but you still want to do a little something extra, homemade gifts are a great option-sweet treats, bath salts or a beautiful knit scarf are presents from the heart that don't have to cost anything out of pocket to you except for a little time and your supplies on hand.

No matter what gift or tip amount you choose, be sure to always include a handwritten note of appreciation of a few sentences. Some things to consider when tipping are how often you tip the service provider already, how often you receive the services provided, your relationship with the service provider, the length of time you've used the company's or individual's services and the location in which you live (tipping tends to be higher in large cities). Below, you'll find guidelines for 25 key service providers, what's appropriate to give and to whom.

1. Housekeeper/Maid-Up to the amount of one week's pay and/or a small gift. If you have an irregular scheduled service such as house cleaners that come only before a big holiday event or intermittently during busy times, you can tip at your discretion based on the size of your home and how extensive the cleaning is.

2. Beauty Salon Service Providers-The cost of one salon visit divided for each staff member who has provided service to you. Alternatively you could provide a small, meaningful gift to each person with a card sharing your gratitude.

3. Barber-A personal gift or the cost of one haircut would be appropriate for men who their hair cut regularly.

4. Personal Trainer- For trainers that you see weekly or multiple times per week and have built a relationship with, cash up to the cost of one session or a gift is acceptable for showing your thankfulness for helping keep you in shape.

5. Live-in Nanny or Au Pair-Since this person works closely with your family, a full week's pay along with a personal gift from your child/children is thoughtful.

6. Day Care Provider/Teacher- Whether a single individual or several staff members care for your children, provide either a gift or tip to each. A reasonable range is $25-50 per person. This same amount can also be given to teachers of young children in elementary school also.

7. Regular Babysitter- Cash is the best option in the amount of one evening's pay, you can also provide a gift from your child/children. 

8. Live-in Help- Family cooks, butlers or housekeepers should be given one week (or if you're feeling extra generous) up to one month's pay as a cash tip. Like live in Nanny's a gift from you along with a personal note card is also a thoughtful addition.

9. Private Nurse- A thoughtful gift can be given by either the person being cared for or the one responsible for paying for the care.

10. Home Health Professionals- Be sure to check with the agency before providing gifts or tips, as each has a different policy. In the case that none are accepted, you may consider making a donation to the agency. If it is not against company policy, a thoughtful gift is most appropriate.

11. Nursing Home Employees- Since many staff will interact with and care for the person living in a nursing home, a shared gift makes a lot of sense. Be sure to check the company's policy on gifts beforehand. Flowers or a basket of food items are great options.

12. Dog Walker- Up to one week's pay or a gift, increase the amount or gift size if you have multiple dogs.

13. Pet Groomer- If the same person grooms your pet throughout the year, a gift or a cash tip up to the cost of one grooming session can be given.

14. Massage Therapist/Physical Therapist-The cost of one session or a gift can be provided if you see the same person all year.

15. Trash/Recycling Collectors-Be sure to check city regulations if you have municipal services. If you have a private service, $10-$20 can be given or a gift.

16. Yard Keeper/Gardener- Cash or a gift can be given to a regular service provider from $20-$40 for a regular sized yard. For sprawling properties with many detailed shrubs and hedge work, you may wish to provide more.

17. Handyman- Cash or gift can be given in the amount of half to a full hourly rate. Typically between $30-$60.

18. Pool Cleaner- A shared gift or a cash tip in the amount of one cleaning can be given and split among the cleaning crew.

19. Superintendent- A gift or $20-$75 can be given.

20. Doorman- Cash in the amount of $15-$60 can be given or $15 or more for each of several doormen or a gift for each.

21. Elevator Operator-A gift or cash in the range of $10-$40 for each individual.

22. Garage Attendants- A cash tip of $10-$25 or a small gift.

23. Newspaper Delivery Person-Cash in the range of $10-$25 or a gift of equivalent value.

24. Mail Carrier-In the U.S., the United States Postal Service workers are not permitted to receive any form of currency such as cash tips, checks, gift cards, etc. Small gifts up to $20 are acceptable such as travel mugs, hand warmers, small gift baskets or a box of chocolates, so long as they are not part of a meal. Outside of the U.S., be sure to find out what is legally acceptable.

25. Parcel Carrier/Package Deliverer-Again, no cash can be given as with mail carriers. They may however receive a gift in the $20 range if you receive regular deliveries.

While tips can be collected from December to the end of January,  they make the most sense when given during the holiday season so anytime during the month of December is most acceptable and common. I hope you find this holiday tipping etiquette and guide helpful as you prepare your shopping list and gift budget for those who add to your life in a special way.

If you have some unique gift ideas or handmade items that you give to the service people in your life, I'd love to hear about it. Do you bake a special dessert or treat? Maybe you know of a great unisex gift? Share it in the comments below so we can all benefit from your idea. :)

Thanks for reading! There will be a lot more holiday and Christmas-related posts coming soon, I hope you'll check back in again soon. If you liked this guide, share it via Facebook, Tweet about it or Pin to Pinterest!

XO

Manners Monday: A Guide to Holiday Etiquette

Since we're just a few short days away from Thanksgiving (hopefully you're feeling more excited than stressed) and weeks away from Christmas, what better time to do a refresher crash-course on all things related to holiday etiquette? Some of my older blog posts are the best and for many of you who are newer readers here at The Classy Woman, you may have missed out on these gems (if I do say so myself) so I'm sharing all of them again in a single post.

While I'm not sharing about how to decorate your table for Thanksgiving or how to roast a turkey (which some of you may be searching the web for), knowing how to conduct one's self in the company of others is even more important than if you get the stuffing just right. It's something every classy woman should aspire to do.

Spend a few minutes reading through all the tips in these posts below and you'll be ready to present your best and most ladylike self as a guest or hostess for turkey day (and any social gathering or holiday event for that matter).

1. HOW TO PROPERLY SET A TABLE

2. TABLE MANNERS

3. HOW TO AVOID OVERSTAYING YOUR WELCOME

4. HOW TO BE THE PERFECT HOUSE GUEST

5. ETIQUETTE FOR HOSTING HOUSE GUESTS

6. HOW TO BE A GREAT DINNER GUEST

7. THE ART OF BEING A GOOD LISTENER

8. CONVERSATION TOPICS TO AVOID

Depending on whom you are spending Thanksgiving with this year, all of these may not apply to you. However, if you're meeting new family members or someone's significant other for the first time or maybe haven't seen your family in a long time, you may find the tips on conversation helpful.

How are you planning to spend Thanksgiving this year? Will you be the hoste or a guest this year?

Thanks for reading!

XO

*image source

Fashion Friday: Stylish + Affordable Jewelry

We're back with another Fashion Friday post, the series that you inspired after hearing from many of you that you'd like to see more classy fashion pieces and learn what to wear, how to wear it and more. For me, no outfit is complete without jewelry. I feel naked without a pair of earrings, my wedding rings and either a watch or bracelet. I wanted to share two of my favorite online shops for jewelry that are stylish, affordable and are pieces you'd own for years to come. I like pieces that last and by trial and error I've discovered which shops sell pieces that hold up in the long run vs. those that don't. I'm a huge fan of Stella & Dot and so are many celebrities, their pieces are worn regularly by all of your favorite stars and showcased in all the top fashion magazines. All of their pieces arrive in the most beautiful boxes too (just scroll down to the end of this post to see what I mean). The Kirra Tate collection found via the Layla Grayce shop is also another great line, I am continually amazed by the reasonable prices they offer for such gorgeous pieces! Layla Grayce just redesigned their whole website and it looks more fresh than ever, adding customer reviews so now it's easier than ever to shop for everyone on your list!

Between the two companies, here's a breakdown of what you can find at the following price points: Under $30, Under $40 and Under $50. While $50 may seem steep to some, I believe you get what you pay for. Like my wardrobe, I want to invest in accessory pieces that won't break, chip or fall apart months down the road. Through wearing different jewelry you can change the look of current outfits. I love all of these because they provide a pretty pop of color and/or fun design. These are all perfect as we move into the festive season with holiday parties and events just around the corner. Maybe you'll also get some gift ideas too for the special women in your life!

{clockwise} : turquoise stone earrings  /  clover earrings  /  chevron bangle set  /  gold necklace

{clockwise}:  gold chandelier earrings /  bubble bangle set  / turquoise stone necklace  /  gold bead bracelet

{clockwise}: clear sparkle drop earrings  /  silver ring (set of 3)  /  gold ornate earrings  /  cocktail ring

On My Wish List....

{Left to Right Row 1}:  feather drop earrings  /  green drop earrings  /  chevron drop earrings

{Left to Right Row 2}: blue & gold bangle  /  feather cuff  /  black & gold bangle

{Left to Right Row 3}: gold bracelet  /  multi-color statement necklace  /  gold & gray snakeskin bracelet

I really adore each and every one of these 21 pieces I've compiled here and many of them are on my immediate wish list and a few are on my Christmas shopping list for others too. :)

Which piece is your favorite? Have you shopped Layla Grayce or Stella & Dot before and own a piece you love? Leave us a comment and gush about it! :)

Psst...If you missed the previous installments of the Fashion Friday Series, you can read them in order {here}:  1, 2, 3, 4.

Thanks for reading!!

 XO






*All images from Layla Grayce & Stella & Dot website-image boards created by me.

Criticizing Opposing Political Views isn't Classy

Here we are, it's election day. For many the outcome represents either monumental fear or reassurance regarding the future of this country (depending on how you voted). Yet for others not so emotionally invested in a particular political party, it simply represents change and a different path ahead or moving forward with much of what's already in motion. 

I think the real difference comes down to true faith in our good Lord above. When your faith is in your creator who loves you (instead of hanging your hopes on a political party or Presidential candidate to be your country's savior), things look and feel different. There is peace, trust and a gentle spirit that does not burden you with the the need to hammer your points home and put your political map on friends, family, neighbors and even strangers if they don't agree with you (hence today's reminder above on political etiquette and how a classy woman behaves during election time). In fact, it can alienate the very people we care about most, turning our viewpoints into a war zone and causing division among many long after harsh words are spoken.

I wrote these words below this morning, first on my own personal Facebook page and then moments later on The Classy Woman Facebook community page (feel free to click the link and join us if you like). My hope is that we all keep things in perspective and focus more on unity than division.

No matter what happens today, here is one final thought. His very own words were written for our eyes to see and be confident in what lies ahead. "For I know the plans I have for you, (declares the Lord) plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11.

As always, thanks for reading!

XO





*All images with text content are my own.

Manners Monday: Tipping Etiquette

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and enjoyed the extra hour of sleep (or time spent anyway you pleased). Today's Manners Monday post was actually prompted by a reader, Amber Y., who wrote me a message on my Facebook wall last week and requested more information on how much to tip for various services (things that go beyond just restaurant tips).

Every classy woman should be armed with the knowledge of what to tip and when. So, today we'll explore various venues and general amounts that are appropriate as it pertains to everyday tipping etiquette in North America. We'll explore international tipping as well as holiday tipping at a later date so this post doesn't become insanely long. ;)

Everyday Tipping Etiquette 

Restaurant Services:

1.  Host or Maitre d'- $10-$20 if they have gone above and beyond to provide you with a special table with a view, in a particular location of the restaurant, for a special evening or occasion or on a busy night. Nothing is required if they offer the standard of greeting and showing you to your table.

2. Restaurant Server (full service/sit down)- 15-20% is customary, the higher amount showing that you were quite pleased with the service, atmosphere and food. Tipping percentages are based on the before tax amount (there is no need to tip on top of tax). If an automatic gratuity is built into your check, you are not required to provide anything further, it is optional to tip on top of the amount included which is typically 18% for upscale restaurants and is typical when dining as a party of 6 or more.

3. Restaurant Server (basic service/buffet)-10% is customary before tax since these servers are generally replenishing drinks and clearing plates vs. taking full orders, specific requests and serving you multiple courses of your meal. 

4. Take Out- 10% is optional if the order was large or complex, otherwise you are not obligated.

5. Curb-side pickup-Same rules apply as take-out, they'll bring it out to your car.

6. Home Delivery Service-10-15% of the bill is sufficient. Usually $2-5 dollars for pizza delivery depending on the size of the order and how difficult it is to get to the location is standard. (Think long country roads in the snow at night)

7. Bartender-$1-$2 on a per drink basis or 15-20% of the final tab

8. Tip Jar- Optional. Many people feel obligated to leave a tip when they see a tip jar but it's set up for Baristas at cafes, dry cleaners, etc. Anything is acceptable and is shared among the staff.

9. Valet- $2-$5 is customary upon the return of your car.

10. Restroom Attendant- Anywhere from 50 cents to $3.00 depending on the service offered. Such attendants usually supply paper towels, lotion, feminine products, mouthwash etc inside the restroom of upscale restrooms, special events and clubs for your convenience. You can simply avoid the extra service by not using any products and simply saying, "No, Thank you." 

Salon & Spa Services:

1. Hair Stylist- 15-20% for hair cuts, color, highlights & updos. If you're service pertains to your wedding day and you feel more is appropriate, your stylist will be grateful for the extra. *Please note that if you cannot afford such a tip on top of the cost of a pricier salon, you may want to receive your services elsewhere or stretch out the time between visits. Know what the cost is going in and calculate the tip so there are no surprises and yours stylist gets what they deserve.

If you have one person that provides the cut and another the color or shampoo, be sure to either pay each person individually in cash or indicate on the receipt who gets what amount if paying by credit card. Many used to follow the rule of not tipping the owner who provides the service, modern etiquette recommends otherwise-tip no matter what as they are still providing good service to you.

2. Special Shampoo service-$2-$5 is the average for those who provide your shampooing service. If they are gentle, avoid splashing water on your face, use products that stimulate the scalp and most importantly provide a wonderful scalp and neck massage, do tip them! They'll remember the next time you come back and you'll be sure to get a relaxing shampoo experience again.

3. Manicurist-15-20% is the standard for all nail treatments for manicure and pedicure. Extra credit goes to those who give a relaxing forearm and hand massage or foot and calf massage for more than just 2 minutes. If they provided something extra or did an ultra amazing job on the polish   20% or more should be given.

4. Massage Therapist-15-20% can be given for massages although be aware that some therapeutic massage establishments actually frown upon tipping (make sure you ask ahead of time when you make the reservation). If you are receiving treatment after a car accident or injury and the massage is being billed via insurance or you are being reimbursed, use your discretion on tipping in such cases as it is more about body restoration than relaxation.

5. Waxing services- Again, 15-20% as it is a salon service.

6. Makeup Application- Anywhere from 10-20% tip. If they take a few minutes to show you how to apply eye shadow like a pro or provide tips for you on how to get a more dewy look (or whatever questions you may have or that they feel they want to share), tip them accordingly. 

Hotel & Travel Services:


1. Door Man- $1-$4 for carrying luggage or anything that involves them going out of their way for you and is not in their description. $1-2 is recommended for hailing a cab for you.

2. Bell Hop-$2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional bag thereafter. For each additional service (such as room delivery), tip $2-3.

3. Housekeeping- $2-5 per day depending on the level of service. Always include a hand written note that thanks the housekeeper and indicates it's for them. It's best to do this on a daily basis as you may likely have a different person each day.

4. Concierge-$5-10 if they got restaurant reservations of special tickets for you. Add an extra $5 if the tickets or reservations were hard to come by. Of course, you need not feel obligated to tip for having them answer a few questions for you.

5. Taxi Driver-A minimum of $1 for very short rides, 15-20% of the cab fare. If they are assisting your with luggage/bags, add $2 for the first bag and $1 for each thereafter.

6. Sky Cap (air travel) -This is a specialty service for air travelers to make life easier, $2 for the first bag and $1 for each bag thereafter (as with other venues) is appropriate.



Tips on Tipping:

It's important to remember that tipping is a personal gesture and at the discretion of the giver, while guidelines are set, if you have been extremely disappointed by someone's service provided or delighted when someone has gone above and beyond, your tip should reflect. A lady knows that certain things are done in private and the act of tipping is no exception. Tipping should be done discreetly, it was never intended to be an opportunity to appear as the big spender nor should you compare amounts with others, everyone's experience is different. Also, be mindful that for many in the service industry, their tips are the bulk of their income as hourly compensation can often be meager and as such tips are always greatly appreciated.

Today, it seems that even when someone has experienced horrific service, many feel compelled to leave the standard 15%. In such cases, it's best to speak to management and make them aware of the issue (without causing a scene or fuss of any sort), only then can they help correct what you were displeased with and speak to the person in question. It is considered poor taste to leave pocket change or nothing at all upon receiving services, especially within a restaurant environment, for poor service a tip of 10% of the check's total should be the absolute minimum. Other members of the restaurant are often affected (in many restaurants bus boys, dishwashers, food prep and chef receive a portion of the server's tip and they should not be penalized in the process).

***A note on gift certificates and Groupon or group coupon deals. Even if your gift certificate covers a large portion of your meal or spa service, tipping is always made on the full value of the services or meal before tax and not on the portion that remains after your gift card.

Have you had someone provide exemplary services and have re-warded them as such for their thoughtfulness and/or skill? I'd love to hear what they did to make you so happy, please share the positive vibes in the comments section! :)

Thank you for reading!

XO






*image credit

Fashion Friday: A Perfect Ten

Are you ready for the weekend? It's such a beautiful time of year and I'm excited that it's finally begun to cool down a smidgen here in Florida. Perfect for weekends outdoors! Today's Fashion Friday post is about showing you how to maximize your Monday to Friday wardrobe (whether you work from the office, work from home or are a stay-at-home mom who wants to look classy and a bit more dressed up during the week), using 10 key pieces.

Many women, while excited about shopping for the new season, feel excited but at the same time a bit panicked thinking they need to spend a fortune to look good. That is just not the case. Today's examples all come from one of my favorite stores, Banana Republic. I've loved them since I first graduated from college and began a career in corporate sales-it was a must in our office to be well put together and polished, but not necessary to wear a suit everyday thankfully. The pieces Banana Republic offers are always classic, timeless, on trend and elegant and will live in your closet for years to come not to mention their sizes are available in petite, regular and tall. Cheers to them for helping this tall gal find pants & jeans that are long enough!

I'm going to show you 10 pieces from their collection and how you can mix and match to create 12 great outfits for the workweek-that's over 2 weeks worth of outfits and the best part is that it will make getting dressed in the morning a breeze.  Let's have some fun, shall we?

You can find these items above here (available in more colors also): 

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  / 6  /  7  /  8  /  9  / 10

What makes these pieces work is you have just the right staple items and mix of solids and patterns. If you don't own a trench-buy one! They will never go out of style. A well-fitting skirt suit is a must, a fun heel to add interest for the season adds just the right amount of pop and a great fitting straight-leg jean in dark rinse provides a more dressy look. Add a colorful handbag to a more neutral palette for some wow factor.

If you're not a fan of mustard yellow, this royal blue belted ribbon print dress is a great substitute and you'll still achieve the same overall look in a color that's very of-the-moment but not so trendy that you won't want it in your closet a few years from now.

If you like the red tassel handbag shown in the neutral outfits, here's a close-up.

Here are the black leather booties shown in the outfits but not the perfect 10 board.

No outfit is complete without jewelry, here are some pieces I just adore.

You can find these jewelry pieces here (first two available in other great colors too):

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  

I'm kind of obsessed with this stretch skinny belt right now-how about you?

So, there you have it, 10 core pieces to build a fall wardrobe on. Don't stop at 12 outfits, the combinations and options are endless. One of the best ways to change an existing dress or top that comes with a matching wrap fabric belt or actual belt is to swap it for something totally different. Who says you have to wear it the way you purchased it? This has been one of the single best things I've done to update my wardrobe-add a handful of new belts in different colors, patterns and widths. 

Speaking of belts, you might remember this photo of me if you follow along on Facebook. I was playing around one Saturday morning as my hubby lovingly refers to as 'the fashion show' when I start brainstorming, pulling clothes out of my closet and trying new combinations. This black blouse came with a matching wrap belt in the same fabric to tie into a bow. I switched it up for a wide brown and black snakeskin double buckle belt with gold hardware for a new look.

Banana Republic has a sale going-Save 25% off your entire purchase (or 30% if you use your Banana Card, Gap Card or Old Navy Card). They are trying to raise $500,000 to help create jobs for the USA-isn't that great?! Hurry though, the sale is for just 2 days and ends 10/21/12. Use promo code : BRCREATE at checkout!

What's your favorite outfit or piece show here? Did you find this helpful in seeing your own existing wardrobe in a new way? Did you see some possibilities or creations you hadn't thought of before? I'd love to hear from you!

Pssst...Did you miss our past Fashion Friday posts? You can find them here: (1), (2), (3)

XO

*all images (except for the last one of me) and perfect 10 styled outfits via Banana Republic website

Manners Monday: Asking about Marriage & Babies

I originally had a different topic planned for today's Manners Monday post but after seeing the reader response on Facebook, I thought going into further detail was a good idea. If you follow The Classy Woman community on Facebook, you'll see that today I posted a Classy Tip of the Day (something I started doing a few weeks ago a few times per week) about the importance of not putting people on the spot with personal questions that they may not be prepared to answer or even know the answer to themselves. This is what I wrote:

"A lady doesn't ask couples who are dating when they're getting married. Similarly, she doesn't ask married couples when or if they're planning to have a baby. A classy woman knows that while she might be really curious about the answer, it's never polite to put someone on the spot. Instead, she waits until the couple brings the topic up themselves."

While there are always a few conversation topics to avoid in many venues, some of them we've previously discussed HERE, I think asking a woman or couple when they are planning to get married or when they're planning to start a family are two of the biggest no-no's. In this day and age when many women are at the peak of their career, are having children later in life, are unsure in this economy how they'd afford an elegant wedding or of how to raise a child, or are perhaps struggling with infertility; these well-meaning questions can actually make the woman or couple feel rather uncomfortable and at a loss for words. 

As a woman who has been married for six years but has not yet had a baby, I get asked when I'm going to have children or if I want to have children A LOT. Whether I'm at a backyard BBQ, a dinner with other ladies, or meeting someone new at a wedding, I can almost guarantee at least one person will ask. They usually begin talking about their own child or pregnancy and then say, "So, do you think you and Paul will want to have children?". I recently had someone tell me they just assumed that we had decided not to have children since so much has passed as a married couple. Ouch.

If you find yourself getting asked these questions, here are some quick suggestions on how to tactfully and cleverly answer even the most nosy person and silence your critics.

How to Answer Questions about Marriage & Children:

Question: "So, when are you guys getting married?"
Answer: "I will get married when the time is right."

Who can argue with that answer? Nobody. It also allows you to take ownership of yourself and not use the term "we" or "us" pulling your significant other into the equation or making any promises that may not happen.

Question: "When are you going to start a family?"
Answer: "We're way too busy enjoying this honeymoon time together (or enjoying this time just us two) to think about that yet!"

Who can put a timeline on how long the honeymoon phase is or the importance of just spending time together as a couple without children? Again, nobody. If you're a spiritual person, another great answer is: "We're leaving it all in God's hands, whatever he has planned for us."

Although these questions can be rather annoying after hearing them several times, try to just laugh it off and remember that someone is taking an interest in you. What I've come to realize is that for some, this is how they make conversation-they may not have a lot of interesting things going on in their own life so they pry and make the focus about other's life milestones not realizing that it is rude. I think these conversations can lead to gossip if not careful which is another reason why it's good to avoid asking these questions.

I want to hear from YOU! What are your thoughts on this topic? Has anyone (other than your mother) pressed you for details on when you're getting married or having babies? How did you respond?

XO






*photo credit