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"To go through this life with good manners possessed,
Is to be kind unto all, rich, poor and oppressed,
For kindess and mercy are balms that will heal
The sorrows, the pains, and the woes that we feel." - John H. Young, 1881

First of all, thank you everyone for your patience! My second book is finally here! I wanted all of you here who had subscribed to Elegant Letters to be the first to know.

Becoming A Woman of the Finest Class

I'm excited to present to you my second book, 'Becoming a Woman of the Finest Class'- A Guide to Class and Refinement

Description: We may celebrate the diminishing social class system, but genteel manners are forgotten; gallantry and chivalry are abandoned.

However, there still exists an old ruling class who continue to operate with the same values, deportment and traditions. One can't help but admire the dignified and respectful way they conduct their lives. Even though they may no longer have their original fortunes, they continue to live gracefully. They are a society of the finest class.

In Becoming a Woman of the Finest Class the author presents a study of how one can acquire a similar appearance of gentility and finesse. She draws from her studies of the history of civilisation, nobility and aristocracy, and observations of the modern elite, to explore and dissect the mysterious qualities of class.

For more information of the book, click Becoming a Woman of the Finest Class.

This book is largely an extension of my article of 'How to be Classy'. I have four sections in the book, which I believe is what unlocks the understanding of how 'Class' came about.

The first is on a bit of history and definitions, the second is on values, which governs behaviour, the third is on characteristics or class distinctions and the fourth is on education - a non exhaustive reference.

Why did I write the book?

The words class and classy are mysterious ones. If you talk to people from different races and culture, they can almost simultaneously agree on who is classy or what is not classy but if you ask each one to give a reasonable explanation, you'll find yourself dissatisfied with the answers.

Similarly to how I described how Kate Middleton was elevatable (not a real word) and positioned to marry a prince in my last issue of Elegant Letters, Becoming a Woman of the Finest Class is all about that.

Now, I have to let you know you that this is not an academic paper but my personal observations, study and opinion of those in the finer classes. There are far more 'scientific' studies out there, written for people who study psychology, sociology and anthropology. I, on the other hand, wrote it for myself, simply as a person who wants to be the best as she can be. This book is just one way of doing that.

$22.50 USD

Facebook Comments Feature

Secondly, a very clever programmer from Ireland installed Facebook comments at the bottom of every page of elegantwoman.org!

I guess it will be another way for us to 'meet and talk' to each other, which is a nice touch. :)

Elegant Illustrations & The Importance of Art

In my younger years, I wanted to be a fashion illustrator like David Downton. This is a picture I did about a decade ago. I named it 'Solitude'. I don't think I'm particularly talented, but I loved it anyway.

Sometimes, I come across people who mock art in a gallery, saying, "$30,000? I could paint that!"

I realize that we all have different tastes for art. Some of us do not understand it (it is impossible to understand ALL art) but that does not mean we stop appreciating it.

Or at least, develop your eye and style for what YOU like.

What is that important to elegance?

I believe one of the ways of cultivating elegance is to cultivate an eye for beauty. When we learn to appreciate art, even if it is in the simplest sense, we awaken our finer senses.

I don't mean that you need to be well-versed in art history. Just like how we can relish in a lovely morning or enjoy the flowers in your garden, we can be increase our 'consciousness of beauty' and appreciate art (amongst other fine things).

I like Anna Morgan's simple words on 'What is Art?'

She says, "Art is man's effort to produce the ideal. A beautiful house, a magnificent temple, a jewel finely cut and uniquely set, the mind and character of a man suggested by the sculptor's hand in plaster or marble ....are all works of art, vehicles used for the conveyance of the thought and emotion of man." (Abridged)

Beautiful words. :)

I hope you enjoy this collection of David Downton's fashion illustations as I do.

Though he does a lot of fashion illustration work for clients like Chanel, his official book is Masters of Fashion Illustration . Wouldn't it make an elegant addition to our coffee table books?

Thank you so much once again for your company on elegantwoman.org. I read all your letters and emails. Thanks to Peggy who sent me a book! And to Christina who offered her editorial services as a donation! I'm figuring out a better way to respond to everyone, hopefully more so by blog comments and Facebook comments.

I will be taking a few weeks off my computer to spend some time with my husband who is on a break. I will also be working on a few non-profit projects at that time. But I won't be away for too long. Take care of yourself and your family for now, God bless!

Eunice

Other Resources At ElegantWoman.org

Secrets of Elegance Book

Classy First Steps Ecourse

By studying and analyzing the Pedigree woman, then we will learn to achieve the same classy style and mannerisms by breaking lessons down to actionable steps.

How to attain classiness in dressing and mannerisms. Classy First Steps

Fascinating Womanhood Ecourse

Go back to The Elegant Woman.