If only he knew...

...how true this song still is.

This song really captures the heart of this blog, frank but not bitter.

LISTEN HERE.

Just a song.

It's alright to feel fancy sometimes.

Try listening to THIS SONG as you get gussied up for a night out, even if you just end up at your neighborhood coffee shop.  How about something fun to watch?  Go HERE.

Simply Versatile

Part of being classy is simplicity.  The sophistication that comes with avoiding convolution is inherent.  This extends past clothing and decorating to relationships.  It is admirable to keep your relationships simple.  This whole "it's complicated" business is not quite classy.  If you consciously maintain open honesty, then simplicity comes naturally.  It is crucial to always know where you stand with others.  When you understand your relationships clearly then you are free to act politely and openly.  You do not have to dance around on egg shells and are less likely to slip up.

The next step is to take your open simplicity with you at all times.  To me, a classy individual is one who can fit in most any company (an exception maybe to leave dangerous or callously crass company).  Can you skip along the New York City sidewalks and also boot scoot with the down-home locals?  If not, consider why.  Are you aware of yourself enough that you can float between cultures and classes easily?  A classy lady or gentleman can chat up an elderly couple, entertain a younger crowd, yet also charm his or her peers.  A little charm can go a long way.  A gentleman or lady should be able to conduct him/herself smoothly between a one-on-one to a swinging party.  Sometimes your mood makes being alone with someone or being part of a group challenging.

Class comes with refining yoursef and knowing your boundaries to make others and yoursef comfortable.  When acheiving class, it feels comfortable.  It is as if you were slipping into a silk gown or putting on a soft pair of socks.  You know it is just right and everyone else appreciates it as well.

Keeping it short and sweet, until next time.

Prescription: Recount your week and how you spent it.  Try to make next week more diverse and polite.  Lacking confidence?  Take a dose of Judy HERE or HERE.  Remember, it is good to be reflective just beware of the slippery slope to self pity.

A Rambunctious Escapade.

After my vacation, I felt unfit for writing another post.  Irresponsibility is rarely respectable.  But, after a little bit of thought I found something.  This post is inspired by a lovely person I met during my relaxing break.  Even a near perfect stranger can inspire you.

Be personable.  What if you are not naturally charming?  Do not fret.  Just be honest.  An honest person is rare.  In fact, I have found it so rare that people are often thrown off by it at first.  However, if you are persistent in your open honesty any reasonable person would appreciate that.  We do not need to play games.  Just be truthful.  There is no need to read between the lines if you just do not draw the lines.

I do not appreciate how bound to technology we have become.  Breaking up over the phone used to be frowned upon, but now texting is the new low standard.  What happened to respecting a person or relationship?  I believe in respecting a person with physical presence.  Although it may be more difficult to look someone in the eye and argue or admit embarrassing matters, a face to face confrontation is just more honorable.  What if meeting in person is impossible?  Then speak on the phone rather than email or text.  Before sending a text or online chat message, I often think "Would I say this in person?"  It is my reminder to always be honest to myself and others.  Always working to be honest keeps my conscience clear.  A clear conscience leads to a better sense of self.  A better sense of self leads to confidence.  As I said in my last post, confidence is a huge factor in becoming classy.

I fortunately find myself enjoying the company of others more often than not.  Even if you are not best of friends with your company, find something inspiring in them.  Your enemy or a bore can always offer something, just as you can always offer something to them.  Embrace people.  It is okay to be close to humans.  All we really need is just to touch each other.  Be meaningful in your interactions and you will be treasured.

Prescription: Slow down.  Find something to appreciate and do so.  A connoisseur is often classy.  If you would like a tune to go along with that, then go HERE.

"A Beginning"

*Setting out for a winter's morning hunt.*

What inspired this blog? I am not quite sure. It seems to be a culmination of things. The classy style of ladies and gentlemen of the 1950's, '40s, '30s, and '20s needs a resurgence. Fashion is not the focus, but rather a state of being. What happened to just being classy? What is so wrong with embracing traditional roles? Or possibly breaking those roles to redefining yourself with elegance? I have found myself often alone in my room just swaying to a fancy tune pondering this topic.

I want to keep up my quest for class in this blog.

I shall begin at the definition.

From Merriam-Webster:
classy
Pronunciation: \ˈkla-sē\
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): class·i·er; class·i·est
Date: 1891
b : having or reflecting high standards of personal behavior c : admirably skillful and graceful

Notice, not posh, nor expensive, fancy, luxurious, swanky, or fashionable.

It is more about being polished, sophisticated, intricate, and elegant. I feel that anyone can be classy, even the most awkwardly introverted person.

I would go on, however I must stop myself. This shall be an ongoing process and each post will hopefully shed light on a new path. Stopping now allows me to consider a few more paths for my next post.

The goal of this is to explore my torment and to share a dose of confidence. You cannot be classy without confidence.

The first step to becoming more classy. Find a song. Create a playlist. Close your eyes and imagine yourself with grace as you listen along.

Prescription: Listen to THIS. And take a bow in front of a mirror.