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Classy: Conselhos de elegância para a mulher moderna
Não é incomum ver mulheres ficarem famosas por comportamentos questionáveis como ser fotografada sem calcinha, participar de um vídeo pornográfico caseiro ou arrumar brigas em bares. Derek Blasberg, no entanto, acredita que é possível ser bem-sucedida sendo uma dama. Em Classy: Conselhos de elegância para a mulher moderna, o editor especial da Harper’s Bazaar dá dicas de como se vestir de maneira adequada em todas as situações, como se comportar em viagens, como ser uma boa anfitriã e muito mais.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2010
49 people are currently reading
1737 people want to read
About the author
Derek Blasberg
9 books22 followersAn American fashion writer, editor and New York Times bestselling author. He is the Editor-at-Large of Harper’s Bazaar and Vmagazine and VMAN, publications for women and men, respectively. Blasberg currently lives in New York City with a dachshund named Monster.
Blasberg was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Carol and William Blasberg, and has a brother named Christopher.
After graduating as salutatorian of Affton High School’s class of 2000, he moved to New York City to attend New York University. He graduated with honors in Dramatic Literature and Journalism in 2004. His first job was as an assistant at Vogue.
Blasberg is currently the Editor-at-Large of Harper’s Bazaar, where he profiles the likes of Lady Gaga, Tom Ford, and Daphne Guinness. In addition, he is the editor-at-large of Vmagazine and VMAN, the women's and men's publications, respectively, of arts collective Visionaire. He is also the founder of www.MrBlasberg.com, a website from the NowManifest and Fairchild media groups.
In his career, Blasberg has contributed articles to a variety of publications, including numerous international editions of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, W, Womens Wear Daily, WSJ., the New York Times, Teen Vogue, the London Sunday Times, Elle, 10, and Another Magazine. From 2006 to 2010, Blasberg was the Editor-at-Large of Style.com, where he wrote a column called The Blasblog. From 2009 to 2012, he kept a column called Fast + Louche for Interview magazine.
In 2008, Blasberg edited Influence, a fashion and art tome conceived by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. He has since contributed texts and written forwards to several other books and literary projects in the fashion and art spheres. He served as coauthor to several of the New York City editions of the Louis Vuitton Travel Guides.
Blasberg was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Carol and William Blasberg, and has a brother named Christopher.
After graduating as salutatorian of Affton High School’s class of 2000, he moved to New York City to attend New York University. He graduated with honors in Dramatic Literature and Journalism in 2004. His first job was as an assistant at Vogue.
Blasberg is currently the Editor-at-Large of Harper’s Bazaar, where he profiles the likes of Lady Gaga, Tom Ford, and Daphne Guinness. In addition, he is the editor-at-large of Vmagazine and VMAN, the women's and men's publications, respectively, of arts collective Visionaire. He is also the founder of www.MrBlasberg.com, a website from the NowManifest and Fairchild media groups.
In his career, Blasberg has contributed articles to a variety of publications, including numerous international editions of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, W, Womens Wear Daily, WSJ., the New York Times, Teen Vogue, the London Sunday Times, Elle, 10, and Another Magazine. From 2006 to 2010, Blasberg was the Editor-at-Large of Style.com, where he wrote a column called The Blasblog. From 2009 to 2012, he kept a column called Fast + Louche for Interview magazine.
In 2008, Blasberg edited Influence, a fashion and art tome conceived by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. He has since contributed texts and written forwards to several other books and literary projects in the fashion and art spheres. He served as coauthor to several of the New York City editions of the Louis Vuitton Travel Guides.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
September 2, 2010
this advice book "for the extremely modern lady" got a great review (for teen non-fiction) in one of the journals i read, so i bought it for the collection. i'm also reasonably invested in (but not obsessed with)looking classy when i leave the house each day, so decided to have a look when it got to the library. oh, dear.
to start with, i haven't been able to get comfortable with this being written by a dude. maybe that's unfair, but any time a man goes around directing female behavior, i'm suspicious. yes, blasberg hangs out with (and name drops) a lot of socialites and starlets. but he also says, "looking back, i can categorize the young women i've met through my trials and trevails into two groups: ladies and tramps" (introduction). this implies that all girls are either perfect or disasters. definitely not true, and hardly fair either.
i'm also troubled by his continued usage of names like "tramp" and "skank" to classify the women who dare to offend his delicate sensibilities. by, for example, rocking visible bra straps. yes, i am in total agreement that you should wear panties under a short skirt if you're going to be exiting a limo in front of the paparazzi...but a visible bra strap now and again? do we not have bigger problems to focus on? not according to blasberg: "An exposed bra strap can take a girl from sexy territory into slutty-land" (4).
...really?
ostensibly, these "skanks" are the readers he is trying to reach with his book, but he's so insulting that i can't imagine anyone finishing the book unless they already agree with him and want to pat themselves on the back.
some of blasberg's examples fail spectacularly. the model photographed on page 6 as an example of a classy lady has a completely deranged look on her face. his colors and complexion chart on p 14 assumes that all women fall into four combinations of hair and skin tone. halp, derek! what's a fair complected brunette to do? what color am i supposed to wear? "Heed this chart wisely," he says pompously. "All it takes is one super-blonde wearing something bright red to prove that the wrong color combo can have disastrous consequences. (In this case, consequences that involve being mistaken for a hooker)" (14). AND YET- on the reverse side of this VERY PAGE, his super blond model is depicted wearing a bright red chanel jacket to extol the virtues of vintage finds. ook! disastrous!
and this gem: "a lady keeps her legs shaven when she's wearing a skirt. And if you're one of those hippies who thinks shaving the legs is yet another clever way males have of subjugating women through the ages, you shouldn't be wearing a short skirt anyway (miniskirts are just another tool of the patriarchy, right?)"(36). now, i will be the first to admit that i shave my legs. i've thought about it, and it doesn't bother me too much, so sure, i'll do it every few days in the summer. but what i will not do is stand for some asshat with a mangy beard telling me i HAVE to do it or i can't rock a knee-length anything in 90 degree weather. what about walking shorts, doofus? are those a tool of the patriarchy? for god's sake: SHUT UP DEREK BLASBERG.
so, this is where i stopped reading. i will not argue that this book contains valid pieces of helpful advice (feel good in your own skin, don't show up to the airport drunk) but the only good messages are the ones that apply to both genders, not just ladies. and they get lost in the saccharine, superficial, name-dropping, sexist, know-it-all tripe surrounding them.
to start with, i haven't been able to get comfortable with this being written by a dude. maybe that's unfair, but any time a man goes around directing female behavior, i'm suspicious. yes, blasberg hangs out with (and name drops) a lot of socialites and starlets. but he also says, "looking back, i can categorize the young women i've met through my trials and trevails into two groups: ladies and tramps" (introduction). this implies that all girls are either perfect or disasters. definitely not true, and hardly fair either.
i'm also troubled by his continued usage of names like "tramp" and "skank" to classify the women who dare to offend his delicate sensibilities. by, for example, rocking visible bra straps. yes, i am in total agreement that you should wear panties under a short skirt if you're going to be exiting a limo in front of the paparazzi...but a visible bra strap now and again? do we not have bigger problems to focus on? not according to blasberg: "An exposed bra strap can take a girl from sexy territory into slutty-land" (4).
...really?
ostensibly, these "skanks" are the readers he is trying to reach with his book, but he's so insulting that i can't imagine anyone finishing the book unless they already agree with him and want to pat themselves on the back.
some of blasberg's examples fail spectacularly. the model photographed on page 6 as an example of a classy lady has a completely deranged look on her face. his colors and complexion chart on p 14 assumes that all women fall into four combinations of hair and skin tone. halp, derek! what's a fair complected brunette to do? what color am i supposed to wear? "Heed this chart wisely," he says pompously. "All it takes is one super-blonde wearing something bright red to prove that the wrong color combo can have disastrous consequences. (In this case, consequences that involve being mistaken for a hooker)" (14). AND YET- on the reverse side of this VERY PAGE, his super blond model is depicted wearing a bright red chanel jacket to extol the virtues of vintage finds. ook! disastrous!
and this gem: "a lady keeps her legs shaven when she's wearing a skirt. And if you're one of those hippies who thinks shaving the legs is yet another clever way males have of subjugating women through the ages, you shouldn't be wearing a short skirt anyway (miniskirts are just another tool of the patriarchy, right?)"(36). now, i will be the first to admit that i shave my legs. i've thought about it, and it doesn't bother me too much, so sure, i'll do it every few days in the summer. but what i will not do is stand for some asshat with a mangy beard telling me i HAVE to do it or i can't rock a knee-length anything in 90 degree weather. what about walking shorts, doofus? are those a tool of the patriarchy? for god's sake: SHUT UP DEREK BLASBERG.
so, this is where i stopped reading. i will not argue that this book contains valid pieces of helpful advice (feel good in your own skin, don't show up to the airport drunk) but the only good messages are the ones that apply to both genders, not just ladies. and they get lost in the saccharine, superficial, name-dropping, sexist, know-it-all tripe surrounding them.
March 5, 2013
This is the only book I've ever thrown out after reading...well more like recycle because I actually care about the environment. Please don't read this book. If you have any 'class' and respect for the female race, reading this book is a huge waste of time and will only make you want to sock Mr. Derek in the face. His constant use of derogatory terms is so tasteless, you'll wonder how he got away with titling a book so far removed from its content. Not only is his frequent labeling hurtful, but he presumes to preach how the female population should live their life. Well I have news for you, no man will ever get away with telling me how to act, especially someone who has the nerve to call out skanks and sluts and make judgments based upon his A list posse. He sprinkles details about himself throughout the book, bragging about his small town upbringing and how he eventually made it to the top to be invited to all the most popular parties. Good luck to the reader with the patience to actually ignore my comments and form their own opinions, but the author's attitude is not appreciated for a 21st century time period.
July 17, 2014
Even one star seems generous.
TRUST NO MAN, especially a man who writes an entire book telling women how they should act and dress.
This book is LOADED with problems. One of the biggest ones is Blasberg's continuous use of terms like "tramp," "skank," and "slut." Like, throughout the whole book. According to him, women are either ladies, or tramps/whatever derogatory term he's in the mood for. All of this is awful and maddening enough, and then I get over 100 pages into it, and there is a section about intelligent insults or some shit. In the FIRST paragraph, he says he hates hearing women call other women "bitches" and "sluts" during arguments, and that they should get a thesaurus. He THEN proceeds to call above-mentioned women "tramps." In this same section, he writes that women calling other women "bitches" and "sluts" as terms of endearment towards other women gives men permission to call them that. Which, okay, I could get behind this, if not for the fact that THE GUY WRITING THIS HAS BEEN USING DEROGATORY TERMS TOWARDS WOMEN THE ENTIRE BOOK. I think Blasberg needs more than a thesaurus, he needs a few courses in Women's studies, and maybe a good beating while we're at it.
I was forcing myself to finish this book just so I could get it off my TBR shelf, but it made me so irate at the following part that I almost couldn't keep going (which is saying a lot, considering how much I hated it up till here):
"It's probably just a good idea to avoid hooking up when you're trashed. (This might be hard. There's something about drunken girls that just says "Make out with me." Unfortunately, it's a language in which middle-aged truckers named Jimbo seem to be most fluent.) Being drunk is never an excuse for bad behavior."
Did you notice that entirely-not-subtle implication that it is the woman's fault if she is taken advantage of while under the influence? Yeah, Blasberg REALLY stepped up his dickishness there.
Besides all the problematic stuff, Blasberg reaaaaally loves name-dropping. All the space he didn't spend calling women derogatory names he spent bragging about how fabulous his life is and all the famous people he knows and the fancy parties he has been to.
Basically, Derek Blasberg is no better than the scum I wipe off the bottom of my shoe. In fact, I like the scum I wipe off the bottom of my shoe a lot better than Derek Blasberg.
Don't read this book, please. (And apparently there's a follow-up book, which, beyond not being able to fathom how this book got published, I CANNOT fathom how someone decided it would be a good idea to publish a second book by this ass)
TRUST NO MAN, especially a man who writes an entire book telling women how they should act and dress.
This book is LOADED with problems. One of the biggest ones is Blasberg's continuous use of terms like "tramp," "skank," and "slut." Like, throughout the whole book. According to him, women are either ladies, or tramps/whatever derogatory term he's in the mood for. All of this is awful and maddening enough, and then I get over 100 pages into it, and there is a section about intelligent insults or some shit. In the FIRST paragraph, he says he hates hearing women call other women "bitches" and "sluts" during arguments, and that they should get a thesaurus. He THEN proceeds to call above-mentioned women "tramps." In this same section, he writes that women calling other women "bitches" and "sluts" as terms of endearment towards other women gives men permission to call them that. Which, okay, I could get behind this, if not for the fact that THE GUY WRITING THIS HAS BEEN USING DEROGATORY TERMS TOWARDS WOMEN THE ENTIRE BOOK. I think Blasberg needs more than a thesaurus, he needs a few courses in Women's studies, and maybe a good beating while we're at it.
I was forcing myself to finish this book just so I could get it off my TBR shelf, but it made me so irate at the following part that I almost couldn't keep going (which is saying a lot, considering how much I hated it up till here):
"It's probably just a good idea to avoid hooking up when you're trashed. (This might be hard. There's something about drunken girls that just says "Make out with me." Unfortunately, it's a language in which middle-aged truckers named Jimbo seem to be most fluent.) Being drunk is never an excuse for bad behavior."
Did you notice that entirely-not-subtle implication that it is the woman's fault if she is taken advantage of while under the influence? Yeah, Blasberg REALLY stepped up his dickishness there.
Besides all the problematic stuff, Blasberg reaaaaally loves name-dropping. All the space he didn't spend calling women derogatory names he spent bragging about how fabulous his life is and all the famous people he knows and the fancy parties he has been to.
Basically, Derek Blasberg is no better than the scum I wipe off the bottom of my shoe. In fact, I like the scum I wipe off the bottom of my shoe a lot better than Derek Blasberg.
Don't read this book, please. (And apparently there's a follow-up book, which, beyond not being able to fathom how this book got published, I CANNOT fathom how someone decided it would be a good idea to publish a second book by this ass)
May 8, 2010
This book is so funny - I highly recommend it for ladies young and old. Every couple sentences I kept wanting to stop and write down a quote. I agree with basically everything Derek says in his book, and although it is a cute read for us adults, I think teens could actually learn something by reading this - that so many of the celebs and socialites on reality TV are just NOT ladies and should NOT be emulated.
Some highlights:
"It's easy to confuse being fashionable with being trendy.."
"A lady wears underwear"
"There's nothing wrong with generating some mystery and keeping covered"
"Logos are the equivalent of blinged out hubcaps"
"A lady knows the best time to leave a party is when it is absolutely pulsating. She's never the last to leave.."
"..if you're 30 and still wasting your hard earned money on cigarettes, there's a problem"
And so much more!
Some highlights:
"It's easy to confuse being fashionable with being trendy.."
"A lady wears underwear"
"There's nothing wrong with generating some mystery and keeping covered"
"Logos are the equivalent of blinged out hubcaps"
"A lady knows the best time to leave a party is when it is absolutely pulsating. She's never the last to leave.."
"..if you're 30 and still wasting your hard earned money on cigarettes, there's a problem"
And so much more!
January 16, 2012
After reading this book I still wasn't convinced that Derek Blasberg really knew what the term 'classy' actually means. It was more like a book on how to not be like the train-wreck characters on Jeresy Shore (aka a normal, functioning member of society). I wasn't a huge fan of the humor. Just all together bad.
March 7, 2014
I've read my share of etiquette, entertaining, general girl guide books, and have thoroughly amused myself with said reading. I'm a fan of Derek Blasberg, the fashion writer, but in this "how to" guide for the "modern lady," I find him condescending, overly critical and essentially humorless.
Blasberg is one of the biggest name-droppers in the industry, and I found the only amusing aspect of his debut book to be Byrdie Bell posing as his ridiculous cover model. What were the publishers at the Penguin Group thinking when they were editing this? The advice is contrived at best, and he spends a good bulk of the book reprimanding his idea of "trashy" women. He is constantly using words like "skanky" and "slutty" to describe women (some of whom are his FRIENDS and former colleagues) who may not follow his over-the-top guidelines for being a "lady." I'm unsure whether it's his natural snark coming through the material to the reader or if he actually meant to be a little tongue-in-cheek and/or comical. The execution may have been better with a female writer (sorry, had to say it) and a more humorous spin on his golden rules.
Hey, Blasberg! I think you're a "trashy" girl for writing this garbage. Think of all the teenage girls who will read this and take everything to heart. This book is an extremely sad representation of the kind of "literature" that is negatively impacting young girls from a relatively notable writer in fashion circles.
I was a fan of Blasberg, but after reading this, I can no longer tolerate him even in the shiniest of magazines.
Blasberg is one of the biggest name-droppers in the industry, and I found the only amusing aspect of his debut book to be Byrdie Bell posing as his ridiculous cover model. What were the publishers at the Penguin Group thinking when they were editing this? The advice is contrived at best, and he spends a good bulk of the book reprimanding his idea of "trashy" women. He is constantly using words like "skanky" and "slutty" to describe women (some of whom are his FRIENDS and former colleagues) who may not follow his over-the-top guidelines for being a "lady." I'm unsure whether it's his natural snark coming through the material to the reader or if he actually meant to be a little tongue-in-cheek and/or comical. The execution may have been better with a female writer (sorry, had to say it) and a more humorous spin on his golden rules.
Hey, Blasberg! I think you're a "trashy" girl for writing this garbage. Think of all the teenage girls who will read this and take everything to heart. This book is an extremely sad representation of the kind of "literature" that is negatively impacting young girls from a relatively notable writer in fashion circles.
I was a fan of Blasberg, but after reading this, I can no longer tolerate him even in the shiniest of magazines.
September 18, 2011
I'm so grateful to not be the target audience for this book.
August 6, 2014
I don't even know where to begin. I would NEVER give this book to an impressionable teenager.
Why do I hate it??
Examples:
"A lady keeps her legs shaven when shes wearing a skirt. And if you're one of those hippies who thinks shaving is yet another clever way males have of subjugating women through the ages, you shouldn't be wearing a short skirt anyway (miniskirts are just another tool of the patriarchy, right?). "
Wow, majorily dissing on feminism here. And telling a lady she has to shave is impolite.
Apparently, there are only 4 different combos of complections......
"So just remember the next time you want to be fashionably late: You're a selfish tramp who just wants attention! And there's nothing fashionable about that."
I think he is trying to be funny in the above, but....not funny. He spends a lot of time calling the reader a tramp and a skank too.
Another, suggestion the author makes: If you are backpacking (aka hiking in the wilderness and carrying all your gear on your back) you should pack a set of heels and a cocktail dress cause you might need it......Are you kidding me?????
"Every girl needs a GBF, just like she needs a pair of sunglasses and jeans that make her look 10 pounds lighter"
Are gay people accessories now????
All and all the advice in this book is mostly garbage.
This guy claims that he knows how classy people act, but as far as I can tell he has no clue. Classy people do not call people tramps and skanks and make "witty" comments about how if you have sex with a lot of people you should make sure you get paid for it. Classy people do not name drop all over the place making sure you know that his friends are supermodels and celebrities. This author seems like the type of person who bad mouths others behind their back and that isn't classy at all.
Why do I hate it??
Examples:
"A lady keeps her legs shaven when shes wearing a skirt. And if you're one of those hippies who thinks shaving is yet another clever way males have of subjugating women through the ages, you shouldn't be wearing a short skirt anyway (miniskirts are just another tool of the patriarchy, right?). "
Wow, majorily dissing on feminism here. And telling a lady she has to shave is impolite.
Apparently, there are only 4 different combos of complections......
"So just remember the next time you want to be fashionably late: You're a selfish tramp who just wants attention! And there's nothing fashionable about that."
I think he is trying to be funny in the above, but....not funny. He spends a lot of time calling the reader a tramp and a skank too.
Another, suggestion the author makes: If you are backpacking (aka hiking in the wilderness and carrying all your gear on your back) you should pack a set of heels and a cocktail dress cause you might need it......Are you kidding me?????
"Every girl needs a GBF, just like she needs a pair of sunglasses and jeans that make her look 10 pounds lighter"
Are gay people accessories now????
All and all the advice in this book is mostly garbage.
This guy claims that he knows how classy people act, but as far as I can tell he has no clue. Classy people do not call people tramps and skanks and make "witty" comments about how if you have sex with a lot of people you should make sure you get paid for it. Classy people do not name drop all over the place making sure you know that his friends are supermodels and celebrities. This author seems like the type of person who bad mouths others behind their back and that isn't classy at all.
July 23, 2020
A hateful, misogynistic trash book written by a clout-chaser. My edition is from 2010, and I’m not sure if the later editions have introduced more diversity in its images, but it is an homage to white, western beauty, cultural, and behavioral standards. This book relies on the comedy of belittling women for not fitting into a very specific mold of what it means to be a lady. It’s clear the author is the type of gay man who is so exceedingly revolted by the female body, that any expression of it outside of his narrowly defined standard is unacceptable. Bullying women for accepting their sexuality and expressing it? For wanting to be comfortable at the airport and not wear heels while flying? For wanting to rock a smoky eye AND a red lip? Don’t even get me started on the thinly veiled fat phobia. Also, you’d think because the author is a gay man that he wouldn’t advocate for the tokenization of gay men, but you’d be wrong because there’s an entire section dedicated to the reasons why a woman needs a GBF (gay best friend).
I’m honestly debating setting my copy on fire, it made me so mad. Don’t waste your time and energy on this actual piece of trash.
I’m honestly debating setting my copy on fire, it made me so mad. Don’t waste your time and energy on this actual piece of trash.
October 26, 2012
Derek Blasberg is a man with a mission - smack some class (without losing all the sass) into the modern, young female. From bad table manners, to the twisted online world, he gives tips, advice, and personal annecdotes to what makes a lady and stamps clearly the behaviour of a tramp.
At least, that's what he aimed to do.
As I read through the sections (A Lady: Gets Dressed; Receives an Invitation; Throws a Party; Goes abroad...) the first thing that comes to mind is the song "Class" from the musical Chicago. Not a bad start, but the tone is similar: I will bemoan the world's lack of class, while at the same time being rude and crass. While at many points asking girls to be more generous and tolerant, but at the same time using derogotory terms to refer to the offender in the same sentence. I was not impressed.
But, as I watched my niece text at the dinner table one evening, I realised that this book wasn’t written for me. This book was written for the modern girls where trash talking is sport, and maybe common sense as to what is decent isn't so common at all.
Taking the book from this perspective, my complaint then is: Why is each section so long?! Derek might be a pretty cool and entertaining guy (I did like his party suggestions and did think his inspirations worth researching), but I found it pretty hard to stomach the half page personal story before coming to even a glimmer of actual advice. As a result, I don't fully finish the book. I flip through the last half reading only the photo captions, charts, and quotes (of other famous people) - where there is some information.
I feel that while this book might have some valuable information for the modern girl hoping to become a classy, modern lady, it's much to buried to help anyone with a short attention span.
Instead, this might be fun if you consider it a humour and entertainment book.
At least, that's what he aimed to do.
As I read through the sections (A Lady: Gets Dressed; Receives an Invitation; Throws a Party; Goes abroad...) the first thing that comes to mind is the song "Class" from the musical Chicago. Not a bad start, but the tone is similar: I will bemoan the world's lack of class, while at the same time being rude and crass. While at many points asking girls to be more generous and tolerant, but at the same time using derogotory terms to refer to the offender in the same sentence. I was not impressed.
But, as I watched my niece text at the dinner table one evening, I realised that this book wasn’t written for me. This book was written for the modern girls where trash talking is sport, and maybe common sense as to what is decent isn't so common at all.
Taking the book from this perspective, my complaint then is: Why is each section so long?! Derek might be a pretty cool and entertaining guy (I did like his party suggestions and did think his inspirations worth researching), but I found it pretty hard to stomach the half page personal story before coming to even a glimmer of actual advice. As a result, I don't fully finish the book. I flip through the last half reading only the photo captions, charts, and quotes (of other famous people) - where there is some information.
I feel that while this book might have some valuable information for the modern girl hoping to become a classy, modern lady, it's much to buried to help anyone with a short attention span.
Instead, this might be fun if you consider it a humour and entertainment book.
August 1, 2014
On the whole I do like this book. Blasberg, who throughout his writing speaks to why he has the authority to write these things and finally by the end reveals how he got from one place to another, makes a number of really great points. There are many chapters describing what a respectable, and fun, young woman ought to know and do, and the many things she ought not to. His target audience may or may not be twenty-somethings, but ladies (-to-be) from high school and even into their thirties could probably find something beneficial here.
There are a couple ideas that are not the message young ladies need and should have been left out. These kept me from reading quickly through in the beginning.
Page 5: Lady vs. Tramp: In Fashion - "Cultivating some mystery is still one of the greatest weapons of mass seduction."
Page 165: A Lady Faces Temptation - "Being cool is important."
I'm no social butterfly, and I wasn't even when unmarried and childless. Yes, we want others to like us and the way we look. Seeking those things are very tempting and can lead a lady to do unladylike things. For the average female, one not living the fast, famous-people-filled, frequent-social-engagement life, there are still some good tips: growing an appreciation for art and literature, traveling, attending and hosting parties, reasons to stay away from [heavy] drinking, smoking, and drug use, and dressing (to a point).
So read, revel a tiny bit in the self-professed shallowness, and cultivate that respectability.
There are a couple ideas that are not the message young ladies need and should have been left out. These kept me from reading quickly through in the beginning.
Page 5: Lady vs. Tramp: In Fashion - "Cultivating some mystery is still one of the greatest weapons of mass seduction."
Page 165: A Lady Faces Temptation - "Being cool is important."
I'm no social butterfly, and I wasn't even when unmarried and childless. Yes, we want others to like us and the way we look. Seeking those things are very tempting and can lead a lady to do unladylike things. For the average female, one not living the fast, famous-people-filled, frequent-social-engagement life, there are still some good tips: growing an appreciation for art and literature, traveling, attending and hosting parties, reasons to stay away from [heavy] drinking, smoking, and drug use, and dressing (to a point).
So read, revel a tiny bit in the self-professed shallowness, and cultivate that respectability.
November 12, 2011
I was trying to grow up and become a lady- who better to tell me then a gay man who works in fashion?!
I liked the picture examples, and some of the funny tidbits on the side, but my Mumma has been dishing all the same advice (more shrill, less catty), and she is a classy lady.
I got this book at a discounted price- yay friends who work in retail! I wouldn't buy it at full price and I think I'm too old for it, but a great gift for the tween who thinks she's grown.
I liked the picture examples, and some of the funny tidbits on the side, but my Mumma has been dishing all the same advice (more shrill, less catty), and she is a classy lady.
I got this book at a discounted price- yay friends who work in retail! I wouldn't buy it at full price and I think I'm too old for it, but a great gift for the tween who thinks she's grown.
June 23, 2012
Although I learned a lot of things on how to become a lady, I didn't agree on some of the things Blasberg wrote about. Yes, for a woman it would be better to be a lady if we want respect. However, I've always though that one should do whatever makes them happy even if they appear to be a "tramp".
June 5, 2010
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
From the jacket: How to dress sexy without looking like a skank.
If only more girls took a gander inside this precious gem of a book...
From the jacket: How to dress sexy without looking like a skank.
If only more girls took a gander inside this precious gem of a book...
August 7, 2010
This book is hilarious! But it also has some good advice tucked in for good measure.
March 3, 2018
This man-splain-ual made me cringe at least once every page. If a woman wanted to be taught this kind of mindfulness she would enroll in 1950s finishing school.
Read
January 31, 2021Absolute silly trash. 😂 But sometimes you need trash.
December 5, 2020
I first read this book at 13 and took lots of notes on it, as the impressionable teenager that I was. I am rereading it now at 20, I'm at a time in my life where I am most comfortable with my own skin. Let me tell you: THIS BOOK IS HORRIBLE and I would NEVER recommend this to young women (or anyone, for that matter!). His views were sexist, and I especially dislike his use of terms like "tramp" "slut" and "strippers" as if it's the best insults he could think of. He sounds like those 9 year old boys calling his playmates "gay". His definition of the "classy" woman is so traditional and restricting to the modern day woman. I am also not comfortable with a grown heterosexual man telling women what to do and how to act. What is this, the 1860s?
To top it all off, THIS is the line that made me put the book down:
"A lady keeps her legs shaven when she's wearing a skirt. And if you're one of those hippies who think shaving the legs is yet another clever way males have of subjugating women through the ages, you shouldn't be wearing a skirt anyway (miniskirts are just another tool of the patriarchy, right? [taken from "Ready Set Groom!", on page 36]
I am disgusted beyond words. This book is going to the recycling dump as soon as its safe to travel again (writing this during COVID lol).
To top it all off, THIS is the line that made me put the book down:
"A lady keeps her legs shaven when she's wearing a skirt. And if you're one of those hippies who think shaving the legs is yet another clever way males have of subjugating women through the ages, you shouldn't be wearing a skirt anyway (miniskirts are just another tool of the patriarchy, right? [taken from "Ready Set Groom!", on page 36]
I am disgusted beyond words. This book is going to the recycling dump as soon as its safe to travel again (writing this during COVID lol).
February 1, 2021
This ah... This book is not it. It was one of the oldest books on my want to read list, so after reading some of the reviews here I hesitantly picked it up from my library.
How this book was published, even in 2010 is astounding. It's extremely self absorbed, with the first couple of pages just a little bit about the author smattered with photos of now unknown but I'm assuming were once celebrities, and randomly Emma Watson.
It then proceeds to spiral into a 230 page tirade about how if a woman shows a bra strap, puts too much butter on her bread or wears eyeshadow with red lipstick (oh no, the horror!), she is clearly a skank... Or slut... Or any number of terms used to dehumanise his own readership. Weird take if you ask me.
That aside, most of the information is out dated and useless in 2021. And just hypocritical - after saying a lady doesn't take revealing photos of herself many a time, jumping across to his Instagram account shows him posing next to... Kim Kardashian? Like come on man, at least stand by your shitty advice if you're not going to print a retraction for the whole book.
Anyway, if this is on your to read list, just delete it. It wasn't worth the free library membership I have.
How this book was published, even in 2010 is astounding. It's extremely self absorbed, with the first couple of pages just a little bit about the author smattered with photos of now unknown but I'm assuming were once celebrities, and randomly Emma Watson.
It then proceeds to spiral into a 230 page tirade about how if a woman shows a bra strap, puts too much butter on her bread or wears eyeshadow with red lipstick (oh no, the horror!), she is clearly a skank... Or slut... Or any number of terms used to dehumanise his own readership. Weird take if you ask me.
That aside, most of the information is out dated and useless in 2021. And just hypocritical - after saying a lady doesn't take revealing photos of herself many a time, jumping across to his Instagram account shows him posing next to... Kim Kardashian? Like come on man, at least stand by your shitty advice if you're not going to print a retraction for the whole book.
Anyway, if this is on your to read list, just delete it. It wasn't worth the free library membership I have.
April 17, 2018
Some good advice on traveling and fashion but overall full of some misconceptions about women, and I think is really hard for a man set standards for women to be classy because his opinion is based solely on the things he watches women go thru, he could never understand first hand those feelings, also some advice are full of prejudice and bashes women for no other reason than get laughs from bitter people
September 13, 2017
I stumbled upon this book as I searched for a lifestyle book in my sister's shelf. To be frank, it wasn't the type of book that I'd buy among any other lifestyle book as I browsed in the bookstore because to me, the book title is too broad and vague. However, I ended up reading it anyway because my sister managed to talk me into it. I didn't regret my decision as I found this book plays an enjoyable role of a nice friend to talk to and a mentor I look up to for guides.
In general, I can summarize what Blasberg talked in Classy in five topics, which are outer appearance (A Lady Gets Dressed), manners (A Lady Receives an Invitation, A Lady Throws a Party, A Lady Goes Abroad), relationship (A Lady Makes Friends, A Lady Looks for Love), before he goes deeper into what's within ourselves, which are habits (A Lady Faces Temptation) and character (A Lady Is Always Learning).
Actually, there is not a single advice in this book that I haven't even thought about. To name a few among others mentioned in this book, I know that we should choose between showing upper or below skin when dressing up, or we shouldn't be too trusting on a stranger we meet online. That being said, maybe because I'm now 25-year-old (mature enough to learn from experiences) and grow up in a community that share the same values in this book.
However, I still like Classy because as I venture through life, I might be absent from recalling some daily life guides I have set for me, and this book serves a reminder to those things. Blasberg's advises refreshed my mind. Furthermore, it's also good to know that somebody else out there, which is Derek Blasberg, shares the same view with me on how to behave. It's nice to know that the boundaries I set and the manners I uphold are neither rigid nor outdated, that they are still the relevant currencies.
I do gain some new knowledge from Blasberg on technical aspects, such as recognizing various types of glasses, some table manners, and artist and artworks that we ought to know. Yet, this book does not focus on technical aspects but more of an overall guide on those five things I mentioned above.
In conclusion, I would strongly recommend this book to girls below 25-year-old, particularly those in high schools and universities. Let Blasberg guide you so you're on the right track and you can prevent as much deeds that might make you regret doing them in your later years. You will find Blasberg a nice friend to talk to as he spills real life experience from him as well as the people around him, in a light and concise way like a friend chat with you on a cafe. Also, he's a mentor you can look up to for guides just like an older sibling that always have your interest at best.
In general, I can summarize what Blasberg talked in Classy in five topics, which are outer appearance (A Lady Gets Dressed), manners (A Lady Receives an Invitation, A Lady Throws a Party, A Lady Goes Abroad), relationship (A Lady Makes Friends, A Lady Looks for Love), before he goes deeper into what's within ourselves, which are habits (A Lady Faces Temptation) and character (A Lady Is Always Learning).
Actually, there is not a single advice in this book that I haven't even thought about. To name a few among others mentioned in this book, I know that we should choose between showing upper or below skin when dressing up, or we shouldn't be too trusting on a stranger we meet online. That being said, maybe because I'm now 25-year-old (mature enough to learn from experiences) and grow up in a community that share the same values in this book.
However, I still like Classy because as I venture through life, I might be absent from recalling some daily life guides I have set for me, and this book serves a reminder to those things. Blasberg's advises refreshed my mind. Furthermore, it's also good to know that somebody else out there, which is Derek Blasberg, shares the same view with me on how to behave. It's nice to know that the boundaries I set and the manners I uphold are neither rigid nor outdated, that they are still the relevant currencies.
I do gain some new knowledge from Blasberg on technical aspects, such as recognizing various types of glasses, some table manners, and artist and artworks that we ought to know. Yet, this book does not focus on technical aspects but more of an overall guide on those five things I mentioned above.
In conclusion, I would strongly recommend this book to girls below 25-year-old, particularly those in high schools and universities. Let Blasberg guide you so you're on the right track and you can prevent as much deeds that might make you regret doing them in your later years. You will find Blasberg a nice friend to talk to as he spills real life experience from him as well as the people around him, in a light and concise way like a friend chat with you on a cafe. Also, he's a mentor you can look up to for guides just like an older sibling that always have your interest at best.
Currently reading
December 5, 2010December 5, 2010
WEEKLY PROGRESS: This has been a pretty productive week in terms of reading our books. I have finally just about made it half through "Classy" and loving it more with every flip of the page. I was even able to get through a whole other crucial lesson that the author Derek Blasberg, so importantly implies.
TIME: Regarding the time i spent reading it was kind of all over the place this week, i guess due to getting back into the regular routine after the holiday's but i was still able to make it work. i found myself reading again on the bus on my way home from school or at home before i go to bed.
GOAL SETTING: My goal for this week is to again get through as much as i can of the book but to also pace myself in a manner where i still have a good grip on the book and what it is that the author is trying to teach me. More specifically though, i would like to get through two more lesson's.
METACOGNITIVE-JOURNAL: This week i'm thinking i'm going to elaborate more on my thinking through out the book and how it's varied within time. With that said, i've noticed that recently as i'm getting more depth into "Classy" and flipped more parallel pages that i almost become withdrawn from other aspects surronding. I say withdrawn because as i'm reading i get soo caught up in the book that the world around me instantly becomes irrelevant. It's a pattern that i only until now recognize. The pattern; as i'm getting more and more into a book, im become withdrawn almost leaving me feeling bittersweet because i am enjoying the book but i also feel gipped because i'm not up to speed with what is going around me. Like being left out or passed by. Left feeling like you can be doing something more productive than reading some book all night. You feel me? It's just a feeling that i'm left with sometimes. Doesn't mean that it overshadows my every book i read, because it really doesn't but it still present. Although i must say "Classy" is forever consuming, in a good way. And it may take me away from current events around me but sometimes that a good thing. In conclusion, this is just one other pattern that i've also become familiar with as i keep reading and learning through reading.
November 28, 2010
WEEKLY PROGRESS: Again, i know it's been a long time since i read this book but despite the time gap this book still go's! After a couple weeks, i still found it just as intreging as it was once before. And i am now i page 108 .. :)
TIME: Lately i've had more time to read at home and therefore this week i've done most my reading at nigth before i go to bed. Atleast 30 minutes a night for like the past few days. It's been easier to find the time so i read a good amount this week.
GOAL SETTING: My goal for next week is to possibly finish or atleast come close to finishing the rest of the book. i'm eager to finish it so i can get on already with another book i had in mind. Although i want to make sure it's not rush so i can really soak up the joy from reading a breezy book like "Classy"
META-COGNITIVE JOURNAL: Yes! Back to "Classy!" by Derek Blasberg. He is once again ever so present in my life and continues to enlighten me on the very fundamentals a classy lady portrays. Again, I must say this book is awesome. Ladies! "Classy" will change your lives, it embraces the very essence of a classy lady and how one can adopt similar qualities. Not only is it beneficial though, it's also a breeze to read. The format Derek, the author, utilizes is great because it's very fun and original. His style reflects his fun and creative edge makes reading this a joy. For example, he incorporates little jokes and pictures to make the book seem like a magazine almost. Therefore for me, when I read this book it doesn’t feel like imp reading a book assigned in class or something that I should be annotating. It feels natural, something for my own joy and benefit. The only con I can think of this book is that because it's not such a prestigious book it's easy to fall out of it. Due to the absence of feeling force to read it but if you find it really interesting like I do then this really shouldn't be an issue. Enjoy! As am i! :)
WEEKLY PROGRESS: This week i began a new book called "Classy" by Derek Blasberg and so far im in love. I've already made some progress and on page 78. I can't seem to put the book down aha
TIME: This week i've read at least two hours worth of "Classy." I believe after school when i'm on the bus is where i read the most because it does take me a long time to get home. There fore instead of listening to music on my way home i read.
GOAL-SETTING: I have a big goal this week, i want to get through at least two thirds of "Classy" because i know we're soon to get our assigned books and i don't really want to be in between two books at the same time. Just so that i can really focus on one book and enjoy as i should.
META-COGNITIVE REFLECTION: After giving the "Pretty Horses" a rightful chance i had to put it on hold and go ahead and start a new book. Although i just got off the "read a book boat" again, mind you i already had another book in mind to read. That book is called "Classy" by the infamous Derek Blasberg a professional classy guru himself, and it's fabulous! It's a breeze and easy to read compared to "Pretty Horses." So far i've been engaged and loving the book. It's just fun. I know i should challenge myself now that i've adopted reading into my life again but after this fall back over "Pretty Horses" i soon realized that i should start easy and gradually make my way to higher level books when i feel it's appropriate to do so. In addition i feel like i've learned a lot from this book, i might not be deep rich literature but it is entertaining and benefits my rule as a classy lady, which i find just as important. I've learned things like how to dress for the appropriate event and how to spot out classy from skank, which i understand some may not find relevant like guys for example but i am a female, one that takes pride in herself too. For those reasons and more i love this book and what it stands for. Despite it being silly to other's or whatever non sense those stinky boys have to say. This book is fabulous and important to all woman and i strongly recommend all who believes their "classy" should read this book and see if that's true. Can't wait to learn more from this modern classy man, Derek.
WEEKLY PROGRESS: This has been a pretty productive week in terms of reading our books. I have finally just about made it half through "Classy" and loving it more with every flip of the page. I was even able to get through a whole other crucial lesson that the author Derek Blasberg, so importantly implies.
TIME: Regarding the time i spent reading it was kind of all over the place this week, i guess due to getting back into the regular routine after the holiday's but i was still able to make it work. i found myself reading again on the bus on my way home from school or at home before i go to bed.
GOAL SETTING: My goal for this week is to again get through as much as i can of the book but to also pace myself in a manner where i still have a good grip on the book and what it is that the author is trying to teach me. More specifically though, i would like to get through two more lesson's.
METACOGNITIVE-JOURNAL: This week i'm thinking i'm going to elaborate more on my thinking through out the book and how it's varied within time. With that said, i've noticed that recently as i'm getting more depth into "Classy" and flipped more parallel pages that i almost become withdrawn from other aspects surronding. I say withdrawn because as i'm reading i get soo caught up in the book that the world around me instantly becomes irrelevant. It's a pattern that i only until now recognize. The pattern; as i'm getting more and more into a book, im become withdrawn almost leaving me feeling bittersweet because i am enjoying the book but i also feel gipped because i'm not up to speed with what is going around me. Like being left out or passed by. Left feeling like you can be doing something more productive than reading some book all night. You feel me? It's just a feeling that i'm left with sometimes. Doesn't mean that it overshadows my every book i read, because it really doesn't but it still present. Although i must say "Classy" is forever consuming, in a good way. And it may take me away from current events around me but sometimes that a good thing. In conclusion, this is just one other pattern that i've also become familiar with as i keep reading and learning through reading.
November 28, 2010
WEEKLY PROGRESS: Again, i know it's been a long time since i read this book but despite the time gap this book still go's! After a couple weeks, i still found it just as intreging as it was once before. And i am now i page 108 .. :)
TIME: Lately i've had more time to read at home and therefore this week i've done most my reading at nigth before i go to bed. Atleast 30 minutes a night for like the past few days. It's been easier to find the time so i read a good amount this week.
GOAL SETTING: My goal for next week is to possibly finish or atleast come close to finishing the rest of the book. i'm eager to finish it so i can get on already with another book i had in mind. Although i want to make sure it's not rush so i can really soak up the joy from reading a breezy book like "Classy"
META-COGNITIVE JOURNAL: Yes! Back to "Classy!" by Derek Blasberg. He is once again ever so present in my life and continues to enlighten me on the very fundamentals a classy lady portrays. Again, I must say this book is awesome. Ladies! "Classy" will change your lives, it embraces the very essence of a classy lady and how one can adopt similar qualities. Not only is it beneficial though, it's also a breeze to read. The format Derek, the author, utilizes is great because it's very fun and original. His style reflects his fun and creative edge makes reading this a joy. For example, he incorporates little jokes and pictures to make the book seem like a magazine almost. Therefore for me, when I read this book it doesn’t feel like imp reading a book assigned in class or something that I should be annotating. It feels natural, something for my own joy and benefit. The only con I can think of this book is that because it's not such a prestigious book it's easy to fall out of it. Due to the absence of feeling force to read it but if you find it really interesting like I do then this really shouldn't be an issue. Enjoy! As am i! :)
WEEKLY PROGRESS: This week i began a new book called "Classy" by Derek Blasberg and so far im in love. I've already made some progress and on page 78. I can't seem to put the book down aha
TIME: This week i've read at least two hours worth of "Classy." I believe after school when i'm on the bus is where i read the most because it does take me a long time to get home. There fore instead of listening to music on my way home i read.
GOAL-SETTING: I have a big goal this week, i want to get through at least two thirds of "Classy" because i know we're soon to get our assigned books and i don't really want to be in between two books at the same time. Just so that i can really focus on one book and enjoy as i should.
META-COGNITIVE REFLECTION: After giving the "Pretty Horses" a rightful chance i had to put it on hold and go ahead and start a new book. Although i just got off the "read a book boat" again, mind you i already had another book in mind to read. That book is called "Classy" by the infamous Derek Blasberg a professional classy guru himself, and it's fabulous! It's a breeze and easy to read compared to "Pretty Horses." So far i've been engaged and loving the book. It's just fun. I know i should challenge myself now that i've adopted reading into my life again but after this fall back over "Pretty Horses" i soon realized that i should start easy and gradually make my way to higher level books when i feel it's appropriate to do so. In addition i feel like i've learned a lot from this book, i might not be deep rich literature but it is entertaining and benefits my rule as a classy lady, which i find just as important. I've learned things like how to dress for the appropriate event and how to spot out classy from skank, which i understand some may not find relevant like guys for example but i am a female, one that takes pride in herself too. For those reasons and more i love this book and what it stands for. Despite it being silly to other's or whatever non sense those stinky boys have to say. This book is fabulous and important to all woman and i strongly recommend all who believes their "classy" should read this book and see if that's true. Can't wait to learn more from this modern classy man, Derek.
January 23, 2023
Close to positive that it’s 262 pages away to set higher bars like a lady than that from a tramp. Embarrassment and grudges from unknowingness are killers of showing up, but to certain extend, pleasing all ideas of etiquettes that you come across to, can be daunting at many many point, and actually is dangerous to begin with. Though the passages seemed to state what’s obvious at times, but I’d agree that it bears repeating to reassess our lifestyle, as rampant disparity of being a lady and a tramp-in great parties and life major choices-is getting even wider with the coming of inventions called the internet. Such a great conversationalist he is, that Derek’s fashion literary and witty tone almost felt like it’s audible to me! His solicited and impromptu advices don’t actually deny chances of any more fun-dare I say, it’s the exact opposite-dear ladies, it contains casual ingredients of self-respect and taking up space, so you might as well give it a shot.
May 23, 2022
An oldie but goodie. Re-read this while at the beach. It's exactly as the title says: "exceptional advice for the extremely modern lady." I loved this when I was a teenager, and still found it humorous and insightful a decade later. But my only beef: Derek Blasberg really loves himself. The whole book is a bit of an homage to all of the glamorous parties he's been to. And I'm still kind of unsure what his claim to fame is. But still-- great read.
October 4, 2021
This book is a literal nightmare and assault on feminism. Do not read. Waste of time and offensive. The author humiliates any girls who fall under the category of 'skanks' according to his standards, which are ridiculous and outdated. I wish I never picked up this book. It is SO disrespectful to women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2022
I got this as a HS grad gift and thought it looked nice on the shelf at the time but skimmed it prior to sorority recruitment. Helpful info at the time but I still refer to it (to prove a point usually) every once in a while. Hoping to find an updated version to give as a college grad gift!
November 20, 2020
Quite insightful and entertaining. I wish I read this years ago!
November 3, 2010
Love it! Derek Blasberg gives detailed and valuable advice on becoming a modern day young lady. He covers everything from how to dress, to throwing parties, to travel tips, even to artists, authors, and movies one should know. Although he gives a somewhat comical and sometimes blunt approach to becoming a "classy" young lady, it was very entertaining and also extremely useful.
This book is primarily aimed towards young women in their late teens and through their twenties. Although definitely a guidebook opposed to a novel, it was still very engaging. Throughout the book, Blasberg referenced many real life stories with characters that most young women can really relate to (although they are of the celebrity status). Some of the information I already have an understanding of and find quite obvious, while some I have not had to deal with yet. But for the most part, the information I find very applicable to my life. One outstanding feature of this book are the numerous quotes from countless influential and iconic people that are strewn throughout the pages. A coupe of my favorites include: "These are the years! Don't be content with things as they are. Don't take no for an answer. Never submit to failure. Do not be fobbed off by personal success or acceptance..."- Winston Churchill (pg. 234), and "Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people- your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way"- Barbara Bush (pg. 112). I love them because they put into perspective some of the keys to success and that is really a main theme in this book- creating a progressive and successful future (and of course the proper tools you need to do so). One of my favorite parts of this book is the last chapter: A Lady Is Always Learning. It entails everything about being a well-rounded and cultured person, the importance of always furthering your knowledge (and what you further it with), and also focuses on setting yourself up for success.
Throughout the book, it gives advice on being a classy young lady both on the inside and outside. Internally, one thing it talks about is friendship, primarily about being a good friend and also identifying the good from the bad friends. It also focuses on how to deal with difficulties in friendship and standing up for yourself in a tasteful way. Internally, it also talks about relationships and choosing the right person and what you personally need in a partner. It mentions having respect for yourself in relationships and also touches on how to deal with an ended relationship. It talks about facing temptation from vices such as drinking, to being desperate for attention. It talks about how to deal with these issues and how to overcome them as well. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Blasberg talks about the importance of knowledge and becoming a well-rounded person.
Of course, the book also talks about being a classy young lady on the outside. One aspect of this is a lady’s appearance. Blasberg talks about the importance of appearance, the do 's and don't 's of fashion, and also proper attire for different occasions. A lady would be nothing without knowing how to be a good host as well as a guest. This section talks about proper etiquette and tips on making good impressions, as well as good times. Travel is another subject touched upon in this book. It includes tips about everything from where to go, what to pack, and how to act.
All in all, the common theme that plays out through the pages of this book is the key to becoming a lady in today's world who is "classy" in every way. Throughout every chapter of this book, it gives valuable advice in every aspect of being a lady, whether it be appearance, being a guest, a host, travel, friendship, relationships, temptation, and learning. Great Read! :)
This book is primarily aimed towards young women in their late teens and through their twenties. Although definitely a guidebook opposed to a novel, it was still very engaging. Throughout the book, Blasberg referenced many real life stories with characters that most young women can really relate to (although they are of the celebrity status). Some of the information I already have an understanding of and find quite obvious, while some I have not had to deal with yet. But for the most part, the information I find very applicable to my life. One outstanding feature of this book are the numerous quotes from countless influential and iconic people that are strewn throughout the pages. A coupe of my favorites include: "These are the years! Don't be content with things as they are. Don't take no for an answer. Never submit to failure. Do not be fobbed off by personal success or acceptance..."- Winston Churchill (pg. 234), and "Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people- your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way"- Barbara Bush (pg. 112). I love them because they put into perspective some of the keys to success and that is really a main theme in this book- creating a progressive and successful future (and of course the proper tools you need to do so). One of my favorite parts of this book is the last chapter: A Lady Is Always Learning. It entails everything about being a well-rounded and cultured person, the importance of always furthering your knowledge (and what you further it with), and also focuses on setting yourself up for success.
Throughout the book, it gives advice on being a classy young lady both on the inside and outside. Internally, one thing it talks about is friendship, primarily about being a good friend and also identifying the good from the bad friends. It also focuses on how to deal with difficulties in friendship and standing up for yourself in a tasteful way. Internally, it also talks about relationships and choosing the right person and what you personally need in a partner. It mentions having respect for yourself in relationships and also touches on how to deal with an ended relationship. It talks about facing temptation from vices such as drinking, to being desperate for attention. It talks about how to deal with these issues and how to overcome them as well. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, Blasberg talks about the importance of knowledge and becoming a well-rounded person.
Of course, the book also talks about being a classy young lady on the outside. One aspect of this is a lady’s appearance. Blasberg talks about the importance of appearance, the do 's and don't 's of fashion, and also proper attire for different occasions. A lady would be nothing without knowing how to be a good host as well as a guest. This section talks about proper etiquette and tips on making good impressions, as well as good times. Travel is another subject touched upon in this book. It includes tips about everything from where to go, what to pack, and how to act.
All in all, the common theme that plays out through the pages of this book is the key to becoming a lady in today's world who is "classy" in every way. Throughout every chapter of this book, it gives valuable advice in every aspect of being a lady, whether it be appearance, being a guest, a host, travel, friendship, relationships, temptation, and learning. Great Read! :)
March 19, 2020
I have mixed feelings for this book. One can question what defines the modern lady.
I’m not at all disturbed by the fact that this is written by a man, effeminate or not. Because people can write whatever the hell they want. And it’s just plain sexist to say one of the opposite sex can’t write about the other. But there’s bound to be things that one can’t agree on.
According to him, this book is based on what he has observed and experienced whilst working in the fashion industry and him meeting a ton-load of women. Okay, sure tell us what you think makes a lady.
Contents in this book stems from what is already known, what is practical and is common sense. What a sensible person should react at a party, how she should return things she has borrowed. And wearing underwear. He very much states the obvious.
What irks me the most are the bits where he’d tell us what he thinks makes a woman ‘classy’, on (page) 36, he tells us this:
A lady keeps her legs shaved when she she’s wearing a skirt. And if you’re one of those hippies who thinks shaving the legs is yet another clever way males have of subjugating women through the ages, you shouldn’t be wearing a short skirt anyway (miniskirts are just another tool of the patriarchy, right?) I’m sure there will be occasions when a girl doesn’t have time to shave or wax, but those are great occasions for trousers or long skirts.
Cameron Diaz once came to a movie premiere bare-foot with her nail polish slightly chipped, and because she was clean and otherwise put together, it worked. It looked cool and laid-back. She didn't necessarily look the classiest lady, but she did look beautiful. (pg37)
God forbid I wear another pair of shorts because it’s fucking hot here and I need to run because my legs are unshaven. Don’t tell me what I can and cannot wear.
And he made a heads-up about designer knock-offs. I don’t buy designer bags but this is pretty useful stuff for those who do so they won’t get a rip off.
The book seems to be directed more to ‘tramps’ as he constantly puts it. You do this? You look like a tramp, here’s something to remedy that. Showing a tad bit of bra strap? You lookin’ like a tramp.
But what doesn't surprise me is how much we’d go back to how important it is to look fashionable. You’ll find that the bottom-line, all-in-all, it boils down to being fashionable. Definitely. Keep reading and the message is embedded in there. You gotta look real good.
“The cardigan should be tailored, soft and easily paired with jeans or belted over a cocktail dress”.
He’s secretly not so secretly giving us fashion advice. To me it does anyway.
Overall a fun read. Because there are illustrations to keep me happy.
I’m not at all disturbed by the fact that this is written by a man, effeminate or not. Because people can write whatever the hell they want. And it’s just plain sexist to say one of the opposite sex can’t write about the other. But there’s bound to be things that one can’t agree on.
According to him, this book is based on what he has observed and experienced whilst working in the fashion industry and him meeting a ton-load of women. Okay, sure tell us what you think makes a lady.
Contents in this book stems from what is already known, what is practical and is common sense. What a sensible person should react at a party, how she should return things she has borrowed. And wearing underwear. He very much states the obvious.
What irks me the most are the bits where he’d tell us what he thinks makes a woman ‘classy’, on (page) 36, he tells us this:
A lady keeps her legs shaved when she she’s wearing a skirt. And if you’re one of those hippies who thinks shaving the legs is yet another clever way males have of subjugating women through the ages, you shouldn’t be wearing a short skirt anyway (miniskirts are just another tool of the patriarchy, right?) I’m sure there will be occasions when a girl doesn’t have time to shave or wax, but those are great occasions for trousers or long skirts.
Cameron Diaz once came to a movie premiere bare-foot with her nail polish slightly chipped, and because she was clean and otherwise put together, it worked. It looked cool and laid-back. She didn't necessarily look the classiest lady, but she did look beautiful. (pg37)
God forbid I wear another pair of shorts because it’s fucking hot here and I need to run because my legs are unshaven. Don’t tell me what I can and cannot wear.
And he made a heads-up about designer knock-offs. I don’t buy designer bags but this is pretty useful stuff for those who do so they won’t get a rip off.
The book seems to be directed more to ‘tramps’ as he constantly puts it. You do this? You look like a tramp, here’s something to remedy that. Showing a tad bit of bra strap? You lookin’ like a tramp.
But what doesn't surprise me is how much we’d go back to how important it is to look fashionable. You’ll find that the bottom-line, all-in-all, it boils down to being fashionable. Definitely. Keep reading and the message is embedded in there. You gotta look real good.
“The cardigan should be tailored, soft and easily paired with jeans or belted over a cocktail dress”.
He’s secretly not so secretly giving us fashion advice. To me it does anyway.
Overall a fun read. Because there are illustrations to keep me happy.
November 18, 2010
Weekly Progress: This week i read both my books again. I couldnt help it! Im really close to finishing Classy by Derek Blasberg i only have about 20 pages left. As for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larrson i read more too but im not as close to finishing it as i am for Classy.
Time: This week i read about 30 minute 3 days of this week. Usually i read above and beyond this week was so crazy and busy.
Goal-Setting: Next week i for sure want to finish Classy since my sister has been hoging on the book and i want to be almost done with the girl with the dragon tattoo.
Meta-Cognitive Reflection: As a reader i notice that i read slow but i really read. When i say that i really read i mean i focus on what im reading. If i dont understand a word or even a whole paragraph i wont move on until i understand. Understanding the book is essential to enjoying the book.I always ask a bunch of questions inside my head, like im annotating but in my head. This week was a harder one just because of the off scheadule that i had. I had a bunch of things to do. So focusing on my books was difficult. I found that i best could concentrate while this madness was going on was when i just woke up or just lied down in bed. But no matter what my schedule is i want to finish at least one of these books so i can move on for my english book.
Currently im trying to read two books at a time. Classy by Derek Blasberg and The girl with the dragon tattoo by Steig Larrson. Im more into Classy just because its not really a chapter story book but more like a reference book. Its a fun like girly book that i can pick up and read whenever i have a few minutes. Right now im like half way in the book on page 150 and learning a lot so far on how to be a lady. My other book is more difficult to get into since its one of those books that you have to get into and be in a quite place to really understand. Im on my like page 200 and so far i love it but i just need more time to read it. Even though im usually busy i still find time to read at least 30 min a day. So this week i read at least 4 out of the 7 days and at least 30 or more minutes each day. This week my goal is to finish Classy so i can concentrate on the girl with the dragon tattoo and enjoy it more. So far im enjoying both books so its really hard to get into both books but that is why i want to finish one so i could enjoy both equally. I dont think im going to attempt to read two books at a time anymore since i cant enjoy them as much as id like too.
Time: This week i read about 30 minute 3 days of this week. Usually i read above and beyond this week was so crazy and busy.
Goal-Setting: Next week i for sure want to finish Classy since my sister has been hoging on the book and i want to be almost done with the girl with the dragon tattoo.
Meta-Cognitive Reflection: As a reader i notice that i read slow but i really read. When i say that i really read i mean i focus on what im reading. If i dont understand a word or even a whole paragraph i wont move on until i understand. Understanding the book is essential to enjoying the book.I always ask a bunch of questions inside my head, like im annotating but in my head. This week was a harder one just because of the off scheadule that i had. I had a bunch of things to do. So focusing on my books was difficult. I found that i best could concentrate while this madness was going on was when i just woke up or just lied down in bed. But no matter what my schedule is i want to finish at least one of these books so i can move on for my english book.
Currently im trying to read two books at a time. Classy by Derek Blasberg and The girl with the dragon tattoo by Steig Larrson. Im more into Classy just because its not really a chapter story book but more like a reference book. Its a fun like girly book that i can pick up and read whenever i have a few minutes. Right now im like half way in the book on page 150 and learning a lot so far on how to be a lady. My other book is more difficult to get into since its one of those books that you have to get into and be in a quite place to really understand. Im on my like page 200 and so far i love it but i just need more time to read it. Even though im usually busy i still find time to read at least 30 min a day. So this week i read at least 4 out of the 7 days and at least 30 or more minutes each day. This week my goal is to finish Classy so i can concentrate on the girl with the dragon tattoo and enjoy it more. So far im enjoying both books so its really hard to get into both books but that is why i want to finish one so i could enjoy both equally. I dont think im going to attempt to read two books at a time anymore since i cant enjoy them as much as id like too.
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