Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me: A Guide to Living with Impeccable Grace & Style

I wish my mother had told me that this book was missing 47 pages... Yep, it's missing pages 129- 176. Basically, Page 1 through 128 is fine, and then it immediately skips to page 177 up to 224, and then repeats again at page 177 until the end of the book at page 382. So instead of getting pages 129-178, (the juicy advice about feet, plastic surgery and marriage), the printer mistakenly included double pages of 177-224. So if you're going to order this book, check in advance that your copy is okay. ~~~ As far as content goes, take this book for what it is. It doesn't guarantee you a finishing school diploma. It's a sneak peek into the life of one woman who shares the details of her specific lot in life, such that it is. Imagine having tea with a sophisticated European great-aunt who generously imparts snippets of sage and sometimes a bit 'out there' advice gleaned from her stylish world directly to you and your little rent controlled hell hole. Or perhaps you're researching Joan Collin's part in the remake of Dynasty? Whatever your motivation, anyone with any creativity at all will get inspiration from this richly packed book. Personally, from the observations of gorgeous friends who always look fantastic but are usually broke, (until they marry well), you don't need money to have great style, you just need to be savvy (thrifty) and have a good eye. That, and all of your pages...

Admittedly, the Brits live a little differently than I do, but then, it may have more to do with big city living. The American Southwest is a long way from New York, Los Angeles, London or Paris. However, the lady obviously has class, and is not completely over the top when it comes to spending money. Where she does spend big - it tends to make sense. Like a fabulous jacket ($$$$) paired with slacks from Target. Ms. van der Post comments that cotton sheets with higher than 250 thread count sheets is just boastful, but large bath towels and good soap are necessary for a nice home. Expensive furniture is not necessary; it is the little touches that make a place a comfortable home - good linens, flowers, objects, etc. Interesting insight on clothes - shoes, shoes, shoes. She'll recommend L'Oreal in the same paragraph as Creme de la Mer. For jewelry, one should either buy costly, high-end pieces or inexpensive costume jewelry, but nothing in-between. The book is an easy, fun read, full of non-preachy decent advice. Sort of like having your favorite classy great-aunt sharing all her secrets. Well worth the $$, if you are looking for advice on understated elegance for the non-aristocrat. I wish she had a companion volume on Etiquette, Grace and Manners for the New Millennium. -Placitas, NM

Advice from an elegant and wise lady on everything: clothes and style, make-up, marriage, children. Stuff I wish my mother had told me!