I have three more intriguing articles on dress to discuss with you in today's video.



People who dress in historical dress on a daily basis, dressing up to improve manners, and the mess of modern power dressing are all on the table today.

Let's dive into these interesting articles:


I don’t see jeans in my future’: the people who wear complete historical dress – every day
This article introduces us to Zack MacLeod Pinsent, who likes to dress in Regency-era attire on a daily basis.

Suggested: Crow's Eye Productions is a wonderful YouTube channel with fascinating videos on historical dress. My children and I enjoy watching these videos together.


To solve Britain's rudeness epidemic we need to start dressing well by Celia Walden This article was shared with me by Emily R.
Every summer, something curious happens to the men inside Ascot’s Royal Enclosure. Doors and gates are held open for women, hands extended to help us down stairs and top hats doffed in our direction, as though, for that one week a year, young British men have decided to play at being chivalrous vintage gents – before leaving the manners and morning suits in a rumpled pile on the floor at the end of the day. Last Friday, it hit me: they’re playing that part because they’re dressed for it.

... and finally The Mess of Modern Power Dressing
The dress codes of influence and authority are one big mass of confusion — just look at the Oscars and Congress, at Goldman Sachs and the recent runways. But is that a bad thing?

In today's video I share my thoughts on each of these articles. I would love to know your thoughts below and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur.

My velvet hair tie (I have been loving these) can be found on Amazon.


News
📍 On Tuesday I uploaded my response to the Disneyland Fight viral video and shared my message about why etiquette is important now more than ever. I occasionally upload videos on my YouTube channel that do not have a corresponding blogpost. Be sure to subscribe to my channel by clicking the red subscribe button and then clicking the "bell" icon to be notified whenever I upload a YouTube video. Subscribing to my channel is totally free!

📍I have recently updated my Amazon Shop Page with my favorite home, clothing, and book recommendations. Be sure to check back for regular updates.

📍PRE-ORDER my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS, which comes out September 10th from Chronicle Books. (Formal announcement coming soon.)

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📍Join me for the Mapp & Lucia book club's final installment, which will take place this summer. You can read my book club announcement here.

📍Check out my affordable eCourses: The Ten-Item Wardrobe, Chic Financial Principles for Debt-Free Living, and How to be Efficient at Home.

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Madame Chic in Lithuania...

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Trečioji #jenniferlscott #madamelegancija knyga "kasdienybės pamokos. Subtilaus žavesio galia". Visos šios knygos panašios į vieną kitą ,tačiau kiekvienoje vis daugiau papildomu patarimų kaip paprastai ir be didesnių pastangų išlikti elegantiškai ir stilingai kasdien ❤️ @leidyklasofoklis @knygynu_tinklas_vaga #skaitauvisur #skaitau2019 #skaitau #madamelegance #polishyourposhwithmadamechic @dailyconnoisseur #readingtime #readingbook #igbooks #bookstagram #booklover #elegance #madam #coffetime #coffebrake

A post shared by Martyna Ulozaitė Mickienė (@martyna.mick) on Jun 27, 2019 at 3:28am PDT

Comment of the Week
Regarding the July Chic Assignment, Charlene writes, "Hi Jennifer, Thank you for reminding me about André Rieu. I discovered him on a PBS concert on TV one evening and couldn’t believe how happy everyone at the concert was and how much joy the orchestra seemed to be feeling. Everyone was swaying back and forth, people were dancing in the aisles and, at some points, singing along. What a wonderful thing to watch. So uplifting! Needless to say, I’ve already watched his video and I look forward to the other assignments for this month."


Charlene, thank you for taking part in The Chic Assignment! I have so much fun choosing the assignments each month and delving into André Rieu's work has been truly enriching.


Thank you for joining me for today's video. I would love to hear your thoughts on all three articles on dress. I'll see you tomorrow for a very exciting interview with Shaye Elliot of The Elliot Homestead.


Today's video is sponsored by Skillshare. Skillshare is an online learning platform with over 25,000 classes on nearly every skill you can imagine. Click on my link to receive two free months of Skillshare premium for free. Thank you, Skillshare!



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FTC: This video is sponsored by Skillshare

In today's teatime with Jennifer, I answer a question from a reader who asks for motivation on dressing well. Amber writes:

Hi Jennifer,

I have been following your blog since Autumn of this year. How helpful your advice has been in helping me to keep a calm, well-kept home for my growing family. I am still having some struggles, however, with my personal routine. My children are babies, and I stay at home. I like to get the most messy housework done early in the day, and exercise during nap time around the middle of the day. My goals prevent me from a solid dressing and toilette routine, as I do not want to spend the time on hair, makeup, and nice clothes if they are going to be undone with cleaning and exercise! I would be so grateful for insights into your routine. I am also wondering if you wear clothes from your extras for housework. Thank you so much!

Sincerely,
Amber

Amber's concern is very valid. I receive this question a lot! What is the point of dressing up each day, when it will all be undone shortly thereafter? I answer Amber's question in today's video, along with commentary on an article I posted recently on my Facebook page, that drew a lot of fire: The Chicago Tribune's opinion piece, Unless You're Doing Yoga, Put on Some Real Pants. This article drew a lot of anger on Facebook, but I explain in this video why I think many of its points are valid.

I hope you enjoy teatime with Jennifer this week!

Also, did you notice? I got a new video camera and microphone! I am stepping up my efforts to make my videos better for you in every way. Thank you for your patience as I get used to using my new technology.

Comment of the Week
Summer S. writes:
My husband and I decided we needed to get back into making weekly dinners. I was writing out our schedule this week and went to check on your post and laughed at our serendipitous topic. In the summer time I often make lunch a big salad, whatever I might have in the fridge or want to put in it varies. I also enjoy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, olive oil, and salt and pepper! That is very satisfying and maybe add a glass of lemonade. I also LOVE cucumber sandwiches when it is REALLY hot!

In the winter/fall I usually have deli meat roll-ups with cream cheese and fruit or carrots. Sometimes I'll splurge and have a PB and J sandwich with my boys!

Thank you for sharing what you eat for lunch, Summer. I love to know what other people eat. I'm happy to hear that you and your husband are getting back into making weekly dinners!

Today I would love to know... what do you think about the thoughts discussed in this week's video? Do you think it's important to dress well every day? Can you get your messy work done in your nice clothes? If you try it, let me know how it goes! What do you think of the Chicago Tribune article? See you Monday!


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FTC: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Links may be affiliate.

I am on a strict deadline for my book three edits right now so this blog post will be much shorter than usual. Even though I have a heavy work load I didn't want to leave you without a video. So this week I am sharing some of the great comments of the past two weeks along with some of my own stories (like my very traumatizing experience as a first time dinner party hostess!). Check out the video above for that and much more, including my writing routine, a very inspiring observation about dressing well in Uganda and the excitement and nervousness that comes from changing the way you dress. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

News

Thank you to all of the Japanese viewers who tuned into The Most Useful School in the World last weekend on Nippon Television. I had such a great time shooting the show!

Here is my interview (in Japanese) with Asahi Shimbun Online.

Thank you, Pink Julep, for your great review of At Home With Madame Chic.

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Just like our friend in rural Australia, let's feel both the excitement and nervousness that comes from making positive changes in our lives. No matter what small change you make, it can feel daunting! Take comfort in knowing that you have a community of fellow connoisseurs going through the same thing and cheering you on.


Stay tuned for a very exciting announcement later this week!

Until next time...


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You wake up. It's Wednesday morning. You don't have anything particularly special on the calendar today, just the usual: school run, work, house duties, errands and school pick-up. But something has recently changed and you have decided that instead of wearing your sweat suit or exercise clothes, you are going to wear a dress today. You pick one from your ten-item wardrobe (that you are still getting used to!) and put it on, even though it feels counterintuitive to what you would normally wear for a day with "nothing special" planned. You do a quick 5-minute le no makeup look and brush your hair. Before you can change your mind and change your outfit, you step out the door to start your day. You feel different. Even rebellious. You feel brave for dressing up as you pass person after person in sloppy attire on the street. This outfit has given you the proverbial spring in your step. And then, you stop and talk to an acquaintance.

"Ooohhh someone looks fancy! Where are you going?"

and another one...

"Wow! I love your dress. What are you doing after this?"

and another one...

"Look at you!"

Has this ever happened to you before?

I often get letters about this very subject. My most recent letter was from a woman who said she was inspired to dress up after reading the Madame Chic books but because of the unwanted attention she received regrettably would go back to her old way of dressing.

I completely understand not wanting the spotlight on you and feeling uncomfortable with all of the questions from people asking why you are "dressed up".

Here is where it is wise to pause. It's important to analyze why you feel uncomfortable with the attention and compliments and address that issue.

It is also a good idea to analyze the fashion trends in society and to realize that you are not "dressing up", you are merely dressing with the standards of care in your appearance that most people don't care about anymore. Most people today dress really sloppily. These sloppy dressers are the ones who have changed, not you. You are merely dressing with dignity and choosing to look presentable as people have done for centuries.

Check out this week's video to hear my thoughts on dealing with the attention that comes from dressing up daily. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

News
I will be appearing on Nippon Television's The Most Useful School in the World, Saturday, May 23rd at 7pm in Japan.

Japanese readers, check out my interview with Yomiyuri Online.

Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Choose one day this week and put extra thought into how you present yourself, even if you have nothing special planned. Notice how it feels to go about your usual business beautifully dressed. If you feel uncomfortable, or as though you are standing out from the crowd, analyze those feelings and push through the resistance you feel.

Comment of the Week
Thank you for all of your comments on last week's post, Receive Guests Properly. There were too many great comments to choose for comment of the week so I will do another follow-up post to highlight this topic again.

I did love this success story from Lmi747 on YouTube:

In my early twenties a dear friend invited me and another coworker to her home. She prepared each of us cornish game hen a beautiful salad and cake with strawberries and coffee. Its been over 20 years ago but I learned so much from her and I always think of her as the "hostess with the mostest!" Love your channel :)

What a special memory... I love that you can carry this experience with you to this day and that it inspires you!

This week I would love to know... have you experienced attention from dressing well? How do you deal with it? What are your thoughts on the subject? Let me know in the comment section and you could be picked as the comment of the week!

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This week we continue our conversation about dressing well. So many people chimed in about last week's topic on how to make an inexpensive outfit look expensive. Through facebook, email and the blog I received hundreds of comments on this topic.

Here were some of my favorites:

Diana H.S. writes: It's "about presenting the best version of you possible regardless of your circumstances".

Cristina S. writes: "Good taste comes at different price points and the art of curating your pieces in a wardrobe to end up with great style is the goal".

Tiffany W. writes: "Life should be a great mix of things. A dress you feel beautiful in is a great piece, no matter the price tag and adding your collection of finer things helps make it unique to you. That is true style".

Carmen writes: "I think as long as you are perfectly groomed and have great posture, you can easily turn an inexpensive outfit into looking expensive. I believe the key is how you conduct yourself. I've seem many, who swear by expensive clothes and yet look extremely cheap because of the way they behave and act."

Bree writes: "I like to wear a mix of high and lower end clothing and what I've found is that neatness counts! No amount of expensive clothes or accessories can make you look put together if you're sloppy, while a less expensive look applied with care and an eye for detail looks very nice."

Can Do Mom writes: "I agree that quality shoes and nice accessories can elevate any outfit. Also important is proper fit, care and ironing! No wrinkles, please!"

These were just a sampling of the wise comments I received. Thank you for your contributions! As always you inspire me greatly.


This week's video analyzes that je ne sais quoi that is captured when you wear quality clothes and how you can get it no matter what you are wearing. (I also address some haters!) Don't miss this week's video. If you can't see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this post, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

The Summer House Giveaway

Our summer of book giveaways continues on the Daily Connoisseur with Santa Montefiore's The Summer House. If you ask me, this sounds like the perfect beach read. Here's the description:

When Lord Frampton dies in a skiing accident, a beautiful young woman named Phaedra appears at his funeral—claiming to be the Lord’s illegitimate daughter. In his will, Lord Frampton has left the priceless Frampton suite of sapphires to this interloper, confirming her claim and outraging his three adult sons and widow. Eventually, however, Phaedra’s sweet nature thaws the frosty relationships. She becomes the daughter that Antoinette Frampton never had and a wise and compassionate granddaughter to the formidable Dowager Lady Frampton. But an attraction grows between Phaedra and the eldest son, David. It seems an impossible love—blocked by their blood connection and by the fury of one family member who is determined to expose Phaedra as a fraud.

Filled with the luscious scenery and enchanting characters her fans adore, Santa Montefiore’s Summer House is an unforgettable story about family, forgiveness, and the power of love.

Simon & Schuster are offering to give away 5 copies of The Summer House to readers of the Daily Connoisseur! This giveaway is open to US residents only (terms set by Simon & Schuster). Please enter via the rafflecopter widget below. Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Madame Chic Inspiring Thought
Dressing well is not about "keeping up with the Joneses". Dressing well is a form of artistic expression. It is a celebration of life. It is a statement about who you are. Dressing well is not just for the wealthy. Anyone can do it on any budget. Don't let our casual society make you feel uncomfortable about dressing well. The fact that other people are in sweatpants, pajamas or exercise clothes all day long has nothing to do with you. You go on shining like the star that you are.

A final thing to ponder: Tom Ford said, "Dressing well is a form of good manners". (Thank you to viewer, Glenda, for reminding me of this gem!).

This week I would love to know: How do you feel about dressing your best? Putting thought into what you are wearing? Do you feel this is about "Keeping up with the Joneses" or something more profound? What are your thoughts on ladylike dressing in our society? Let me know! On social media use the hashtag #MADAMECHIC


Music in this week's video: Johan Strauss Tritsch Tritsch

Royalty Free Music by
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