I hope you had a beautiful Mother's Day and felt celebrated. We had a wonderful day.

In today's video, I'm sharing ten elegant things you own, but probably never use. Now I realize The Daily Connoisseur audience is more likely to use many of these elegant things, but the truth is that most people struggle with using their best on a daily basis. Lessons from Madame Chic discusses this very topic in the chapter, Always Use the Best Things You Have.



Today I'm sharing ten elegant things we have at home that we might not use on a regular basis. So let's have a look.
⚜️ A letter opener This is the one I forget to use the most. I frequently open the mail with my bare hands (like a barbarian. Ha!) But a designated mail section in the home can ensure that you open the mail elegantly (and avoid paper cuts) with a letter opener.

⚜️ A fountain pen (or other elegant pen) and ink. We often receive these elegant pens as gifts but rarely do we use them. I know I avoid using my nice fountain pens because my handwriting is not very good (that is actually an understatement). I'm using The Art of Cursive Penmanship right now to practice changing my bad handwriting habits.

⚜️ Your china teacups Now I know many of you don't struggle with this one. I see the Instagram photos you tag me in. So this audience probably does use their very best teacups on a daily basis... but how many people have a beautiful teacup that collects dust on a shelf while they drink their tea from an old mug? Now is the time to use those teacups... the teacup I'm sharing here is the exclusive Victoria Magazine and April Cornell Blue Roses tea set.

⚜️ Your fancy dishes Much like the teacups, our fanciest dishes tend to sit in the cupboards until a special occasion arises. The trouble is that special occasions only arise a few times each year and we rarely use our nice dishes on a regular basis.

⚜️ Daily tablecloths Now tablecloths aren't for everyone and they might not work in your home, but I do like to drape tablecloths on both our dining room and kitchen tables. Our kitchen table is relatively new and has a beautiful wooden top. To avoid the children smashing bits of food into the grooves, I place a clear plastic tablecloth on the table to protect the table from spills and then lay a beautiful cloth on top of that. I then wash the tablecloth at the end of each day (sometimes I'll gather them to wash and will wash them every other day). I find that this protects the table and looks attractive.

⚜️ Using cloth napkins on a daily basis is a wonderful practice, not only because it is more elegant than paper napkins but also because they are better for the environment. These are similar French blue napkins to the ones I show in the video and these are the exact ones I use.

⚜️ Your best clothing on a daily basis. Now, this does not mean we wear our ballgowns to Walmart. This does mean, however, that we wear our nice clothing on a daily basis and not save it for "later". Many men and women spend every day in their comfy sweats and exercise gear. I love to encourage both men and women to dress well on a daily basis. Presentable clothing can be comfortable too and it is always the most elegant choice. For more, check out my Spring Ten-Item Capsule Wardrobe for 2020.

⚜️ Luxurious bath products I know many people who receive luxury bath products as gifts and then proceed to never use them. They sit collecting dust as a decoration in their bathroom. Use your best products just as you would use your best clothing. If you use it all up at least you enjoyed it. The two bath products I feature in the video are Bend Soap Co. Use code DC10 for 10% off and Azalia Spa Goods aromatherapy body oils (Aimee, the owner, is a Daily Connoisseur!).

⚜️ Your best posture This one is free and available to most of us. Unless you have a health condition that prevents you from using good posture, striving to sit and walk straight creates an elegant effect with our appearance. It's also one of the Chic Assignments this month.

⚜️ Classic literature We have beautiful leather-bound volumes of the classics on our shelves, but how often do we take those dusty books of the shelves and read them? I like taking my Leather-bound Sherlock Holmes volume down on a regular basis and reading a short story. I do this with my other classic volumes too. It's food for the mind and very elegant.

Thank you to The Chic Connoisseurs for bringing us today's video.
The Chic Connoisseurs are one of the upper tiers in my YouTube membership feature.

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📍Take my new eCourse, Carry Yourself with Poise. There are so many amazing ladies on this course, bonding and building friendships as we rally around elegant living. Tamara writes, "I absolutely adored this course! One of the best investments I have ever made in my life. Jennifer, I would like to thank you for taking the time to create a course that is enriching. I look forward future courses."

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On Instagram
An elegant lady, Sarah J. Remington, enjoying Lessons from Madame Chic...

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Tea Time! Today I am enjoying my tea and cake whilst reading “Lessons from Madame Chic” by Jennifer L. Scott. 🍰🍰🍰⠀ ⠀ #TeaTime⠀ #LessonsFromMadamChic⠀ #TheDailyConnoisseur⠀ #Francophile⠀ #afternoontea ⠀ #teaandcake ⠀ #englishteatime⠀ #jenniferlscott

A post shared by Sarah J. Remington (@sarahjremington) on May 6, 2020 at 8:01am PDT

Comment of the Week
N McElroy writes, "This thought did cross my mind during this pandemic. My mom would save things until she had "somewhere to go". Perfume, nice things, etc., would go unused and still have tags on it. Somehow that habit rubbed off on me. As another birthday is getting ready to roll around, I am making a sincere effort not to let my "nice" things go unused. My china my mom gave me, my favorite perfumes, my beloved shoes etc., will be worn on a regular, ordinary day. Life is too short to wait and tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Have a great day!"


N McElroy, your comment came at a perfect time for this post. I was so happy to receive it. Let us know how it goes!

I hope you enjoy today's video. Are there any things on this list that you would like to start using again? Let us know in the comments and your comment could be featured as comment of the week.




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FTC: Today's video is not sponsored. I use affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links.

I've been sharing my ten-item wardrobe on YouTube for over 8 years now. For the most part, I receive kind comments, even if my style differs from that of the viewer. My intention with sharing my outfits on YouTube is to showcase how a ten-item capsule wardrobe works in real life and also to inspire people to look presentable always.



Every now and then I get a specific critique on the way that I dress. It's pretty much the only critique I get, which sparks my interest. What is behind this critique? And will it change the way I dress going forward? Watch today's video to find out.

My earrings are SKYE Odette 18K gold pearl earrings Jennifer20 for 20% off.

My dress is by Everlane .


News
📍I am featured in L.A. Parent Magazine in an article on Thanksgiving etiquette.

📍Join us for The Chic Assignment for November.

📍Visit The Daily Connoisseur merch store for holiday gifts, perfect for fans of The Daily Connoisseur blog. The limited edition Nutcracker mugs are absolutely delightful.

📍Thank you for your wonderful support of my new book, CONNOISSEUR KIDS.

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


On Instagram
Iva Tiço is the lovely translator for my Albanian books. She shared Lessons from Madame Chic on her Instagram this week. Thank you, Iva!

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Ndërkohë që përktheja “Madame Shik”, herë në mënyrë të natyrshme e herë duke ia imponuar vetes, nisa të vija edhe unë në jetë disa nga këshillat e madamës Shik. Për shembull, në libër është një kapitull shumë interesant për rrëmujën... Kur nisa të përktheja librin, isha si Xheniferi, studentja amerikane, por që pak nga pak po shndërrohem në një madamë Shik. Që kur përktheva atë kapitull, nuk kam ngrënë më në tabaka përpara televizorit. Kam nxjerrë pjatat që ruaja për festa dhe çdo ditë e kam një festë të vogël, me lule të freskëta në tryezë. Përveç këtyre, kam zhdukur nga sirtarët çdo komplet pizhamesh e rrobë shtëpie jo të denjë, bashkë me shumë rrangullina, sende që kisha vite që nuk i përdorja; gjëra që merrnin pluhur, bënin rrëmujë dhe nuk më linin t’i gëzohesha një shtëpie të pastër, ku gjithçka duhet të jetë në vendin e vet. Kam mësuar të bëj tualetin ujë e sapun dhe çdo herë që gjendem përpara dollapit duke menduar “ç’të vesh sot?”, dora më kap gjithmonë një fustan të mirë, nga ata që kisha vite që i mbaja në varëse dhe i ruaja për ndonjë rast. Madama Shik më mësoi se nuk kam pse pres, rast i mirë është çdo ditë Foto 📸 @henrikoci.com_ #keshillangamadamechic #madamechic #botimetliving #jetobukurjetomeliving #dailyconnoisseur #jenniferlscott

A post shared by Iva Tiço (@ivatico) on Nov 4, 2019 at 1:06pm PST

Comment of the Week
Nancy F. gives us an update on The Chic Assignment in her household: "I have never heard of Caspar David Frederich. However his works are so touching and hauntingly beautiful. I personally fell in love with the one called the morning. Also I have not been able to stop staring at the one called the Abbey in the Oakwood. Now the Bach piece that you featured is one that I have listen to many times over and have decided to re-fall in love with it. One thing that I will definitely be making homemade from scratch is my homemade hot cocoa peppermint meringue cookies that my fiancé and future mother-in-law love. I have definitely changed up my seasonal skin care. The main thing I have changed is I have went to a thicker facial moisturizer that is by ponds. I’m using more luxurious thick creams to combat my dry skin"

Thank you for sharing your findings, Nancy! I look forward to the check-in so we can discuss the assignments more.

Thank you for joining me today. Are you ever criticized for the way you dress? What are the chief complaints you deal with and how do you handle them? Let us know and your comment could be chosen as comment of the week on The Daily Connoisseur.



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FTC: This post is not sponsored. Some links may be affiliate.

What we wear matters. For some reason, this statement has become a controversial topic of late. Many of us believe that what we wear is important— that dressing is a form of both self-respect and respect for others. But there is an opposing argument to everything. Those who disagree state that what we wear does not matter. That it is none of our business how other people dress and there should not be a dress code for anything. We are living in a world of "anything goes" anyway so why fight it?

Standards of dress have slipped rather dramatically over the past few decades. It didn't happen suddenly, it happened gradually, so much so that we didn't notice it, until now. We are starting to see a backlash in the news, like with the British headmistress who sent a letter home to parents asking them to not wear their pajamas to school. Or the San Diego judge who posted a notice on his courtroom wall stating that pajamas are not appropriate attire for district court. This is how bad it's become: adults need to be told to not wear their pajamas in public.

In my life I have been on both sides of the dressing experience. As a college student, I would have thought nothing of wearing sweatpants and dressing sloppily in public. Hey, we all did it! (Or, at least that was my excuse.) But after living in Paris with Madame Chic and her family, I was awakened to the power and dignity of dress. Now, I do my best to look presentable and dress appropriately on a daily basis, and it's safe to say you won't see me in my nightgown on the street, unless there is a fire or earthquake. (That's my goal, anyway.)

Many of the people opposed to the idea that what we we wear matters claim that it is an elitist thing. That we are saying you need to be dressed in the latest brand name or the most expensive items. This could not be further from the truth. People can dress with dignity at any price point, from the smallest to the largest budget.

What we wear matters. I firmly believe this and in this week's video I state my case for why. If you are unable to see the video above, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or check out my YouTube channel at: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur (and be sure to subscribe!)

Here are some articles of interest that are mentioned in the video:

Business Insider article on what to wear to work.

Wall Street Journal article on badly dressed museum visitors

Judge asks people to stop wearing pajamas in court.

Headmistress in the United Kingdom sends a letter home to parents urging them to not wear pajamas to school.

News
Check out my interview with Germany's Alyona Klameth, from What's Up online magazine, about Paris, Madame Chic and the ten-item wardrobe.

Tala Ocampo gets inspiration from At Home With Madame Chic when upping her everyday game.

7 Mouths 2 Feed ponders the ten-item wardrobe in her post called, Brave New Wardrobe.

Comments of the Week
Alison T. writes:

Oh my goodness, I came across this at the right time. I'm a teacher and had parent-teacher conferences last week. Many mothers came to our conference in workout clothes. I make an effort to look professional every day, and it made me feel disrespected that they did not care enough to change before these meetings. Unless you are a personal trainer, make an effort when meeting with your child's teacher!

Hi Alison, thank you for giving us one teacher's perspective. We so often only think of ourselves, it's good to wonder how the other party feels. I'm sure you are an excellent example for your students.

Lynne writes:

Hi Jennifer,
I just wanted to let you know how much I have appreciated your blog and books. Like many people I have been captivated by the 10 item wardrobe and I'm finally implementing it. I was thrilled to discover how much money I can save when I stay true to my style, and don't feel pulled (too much :) ) by trends. Now I can take advantage of the end of season sales and buy quality pieces for very little. I bought a beautiful winter dress and blouse yesterday for 50% off and will get a bit of wear out of them this season and for many years to come. Thank you and congratulations on your pregnancy!


Hi Lynne, thank you for your comment. I loved hearing how the ten-item wardrobe has worked wonders for you. Many people tell me they have read my blog for years and are just now implementing the ten-item wardrobe in their lives. It's never too late!

This week I would love to know what you think. Does what we wear matter? If so, why? If not, why not? Please leave your comments in the comment section below and you could be chosen as comment of the week!


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I loved watching Old Hollywood movies when I was a kid. The 30s and 40s seemed like more than a different era, but a different world. A world where people dressed up, wore hats and gloves and had a natural air of elegance about them. Times have clearly changed and now fashion has become much more casual. So casual, in fact, that women can sometimes feel overdressed when they are simply dressed nicely.

Reader Janki sent me a question about how to overcome feeling like you are overdressed. My answer is in this week's video. 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

Madame Chic in China


Lessons from Madame Chic debuts in simplified Chinese this week. I just love the cover, so feminine and exotic. I'm looking forward to connecting with my Chinese readers!

Testimonials

I love to hear how Lessons from Madame Chic has inspired you. This testimonial comes from Geramyum, who writes:

Your book has lead me to really analyze so much more than my wardrobe. Just in the last few weeks I've gone over my kitchen and bathrooms as well. I have to say I'm starting to feel freed up. Why do I keep all these towels that I cringe when I look at them? Why do I have three jars of pickles? Why do I keep these socks I haven't worn in five years? WHY!? I can't even come up with an answer except that I feel guilty getting rid of stuff. But the "stuff" is making me crazy. I'm thinking and taking my time with purchases and waiting to make sure of what I want and NEED. I'm being mindful. Mindfulness is not natural state for me, but everyday I try. Please continue on your crusade.

Thank you Geramyum!

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Looking presentable always. A concept that may seem obvious to many people, but is something I think we as a society desperately need to discuss.

Looking presentable on a daily basis may initially seem like a shallow and superficial concept, but really it is about so much more than appearances. It's about respect. It's about tradition. It's about honoring formalities that seem to be going by the wayside.

We've all seen people at the airport walking around in their pajamas. Or worse yet we've seen people wearing jeans and tennis shoes (or worse) to dressy events. When I see these things I am always reminded of my favorite film stars from the 30s and 40s like Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. What on earth would they think? They lived in a time when people used to dress beautifully for everything from airplane travel to running an errand at the corner store.

To hear more of my thoughts on the subject, check out this week's video. If you are unable to see the embedded video, click here, look in the sidebar of this blog, or visit my channel: www.youtube.com/TheDailyConnoisseur

This week I would love to know... what are your thoughts on looking presentable always?

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