A hand-written note
Not rushing for the check after a meal
A piece of jewelry from a relative — “this watch was my grandfather’s”
A signature lip or nail color
Offering a seat to someone else
Knowing the names of the people you interact with regularly — doormen, baristas, dry cleaners
Carrying a book
A gin martini in a thin-stemmed, thin-lipped glass
Generous tipping
Candlelight versus lamplight
Self-possession
What else would you add to the list?
*I few I would add that are specific to men: Unbuttoning suit jackets with one hand before sitting, and re-buttoning when standing; bare ankles with well-cut suits (a la Stanley Tucci); ironed shirts; devotion to their mothers; pocket squares; going “all in” on something typically considered feminine (e.g., enjoying Linklater movies, commitment to skincare routines). On that last note, one of my favorite recent memories: while in Aspen, my sister-in-law brought out face masks after dinner, and my brother and husband both unflinchingly opted in. I thought it was one of the chicest, sweetest gestures of openness.
Post-Scripts.
+On interruptions.
+When was the last time you felt truly happy?
+Female friendships and the things that matter.
+And a musing on the special, specific friendships of girlhood.
Shopping Break.
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+This scoopneck waist coat from J. Crew is also seriously chic (and seriously on sale). Pair with trousers (I own these — look for less with these) or wide-leg jeans. A specific styling suggestion below!
J. CREW WAISTCOAT // VERONICA BEARD JEANS // AMAZON BAG // DORSEY EARRINGS // AMAZON HEELS
+Those H&M trousers are just mentioned would be so chic in the burgundy hue with a sweater like this for Thanksgiving / fall events — entire look is under $70.
+I mentioned this recently, but with all the wide-leg and barrel pant silhouettes this season, I’ve been hunting for slimmer fit tops to achieve the right proportions. This layering tee from Stripe & Stare is incredible — a gorgeous, silky, stretchy material that is nearly opaque (I still wear nude undergarments). I love the fit – it doesn’t ride up or untuck. Perfection. I also picked up one of their bodysuits and will report back. Love the sweet lace detailing! The material is divine!
+Cute cardigan — love the neutral palette. While we’re talking great knits, this Toteme is haunting me.
+The aforementioned martini glasses — these are the ones we have. There is just something about them.
+Just ordered myself this book. I’ve listened to a few interviews with him and find him fascinating. More of a workbook, but in a similar creativity vein, I know several fellow writers/creatives who are disciples of this book.
+People love these sweatpants.
+Drooling over this Altuzarra cardigan. Pricey but still less than Celine while delivering major Celine vibes. Also, this jacket costs an arm and a leg, but WOW, WOW, WOW.
+This jet lag mist is in my cart for upcoming travel. I absolutely love their jet lag mask for heavy hydration after a flight (along with these eye patches).
+Two other travel things I ordered for my trip: these Ursa Major face wipes I’ve heard SO many good things about and these Manta eye masks (discovered via many Reddit threads and Magpie recs).
+A gorgeous wedge for the holiday season.