Kari Medina

BECOMING A WOMAN OF

1. DON’T HAVE A MESSY WINE GLASS
   

When I say don’t have a messy wine glass this is what I mean. If you’re ​wearing lipstick and drinking from a glass of wine, always drink from ​the same exact spot each time to avoid having lipstick and smudges all ​over your glass. This goes hand-in-hand with not holding your ​wine/champagne glass by the bowl. I know what you are going to say, ​“get a transfer proof lipstick or a sealant.” I am all for it and while it ​won’t leave lipstick on your glass, it will still leave a smudge. It is also ​great practice so eventually, it becomes second nature and part of ​your natural elegance.

2. DINNER ETIQUETTE

Wait for everyone at the table to receive their food before you start ​eating. If you are out to dinner, it is polite to wait a few minutes for all ​guest to receive their courses. If service is slow or there is a delay, it is ​also polite for the person waiting on their food to invite others to ​begin their meals. They might say something like “Please start eating. ​I would hate for your food to get cold.” In this case, it is perfectly ​acceptable for you to start. Let’s face it, it’s just plain decent!

(Side Note: Just like with everything else, there are situations where ​this won’t necessarily apply.)

3. SOMETHING FOR THE HOST

When attending a dinner party in someone’s home, always bring the ​host a small gift. These are a few things I love gifting that you can get ​from Amazon:

1. These fancy hand soaps (Hand Soap)
   
2. This monogrammed hand towel set (Monogram Towels)
3. Freshly Homemade Cookies
4. A small low-maintenance plant
5. These aromatherapy shower steamers (Shower Steamer ​Tablets)
   

4. NO PERSONAL BELONGINGS ON THE TABLE

Sunglasses and phones should be placed inside your handbag and ​your handbag should be placed behind your body on the chair or on ​your portable purse hook. If you’ve watched part 16 in the “Little ​Luxury” series, you already know what I am referring to. Be sure to ​keep a purse hook in your handbag at all times. If you don’t already ​own one, here are my favorite ones: (Purse Hooks)

5. DON’T MAKE THIS MISTAKE

Thank You cards are not just for birthday or wedding presents.

Make it a habit to write a handwritten thank you card for that job ​interviewer, the host of the dinner party you just attended or the ​neighbor that came over with banana bread when you first moved in. ​I know we are in the age of email but a handwritten thank you note is ​such a nice touch. (Bonus points if you get these personalized thank ​you cards!) (Custom Thank You Cards)

6. START A “SOFT LIFE” HOBBY

Looking for a hobby, you can do at your own pace? Start a collection! ​Not only does it require patience and determination but it is also a ​great way to embrace your individuality and showcase your unique ​interests. Here are a few to give you an idea:

1. China (Unique Plates)
   
2. Vintage Watches
3. Vinyl Records
4. Coffee Table Books
5. Fragrances

7. A SKILL EVERY WOMAN SHOULD MASTER

Don’t undervalue the importance of this soft skill! Memorize people’s ​names! Instead of telling yourself you are not good at remembering ​names try these:

• Repeat the name as soon as you hear it.

Ex: “____, so nice to meet you.”

• Try to incorporate the person’s name into every few sentences as ​you are speaking to them.

• See the name in print (if possible, physically write it down)

• Focus on their characteristics so you have visual or a trait you can ​refer back to.

8. ALWAYS KEEP THIS ITEM IN YOUR HANDBAG

Sure, we live in an age where our smart phones can do it all, but there ​is nothing like having a fancy pen in your handbag. Carrying a ​signature pen symbolizes professionalism, authority and personal ​style. It screams elegance and class.

BONUS POINTS: Getting a gold fountain pen or an engrave pen with ​your name on it. You will absolutely use it more than you think!

(Both can be found in the link provided on the first or last page)

9. ARE YOU AWARE OF HOW YOU CARRY YOURSELF?

There’s one very specific thing I’ve seen every classy woman do, but first I ​want to challenge you with this:

Next time you are out in public, take a second and observe someone you ​might consider “that girl.” Is she polite to her waitress? Is she walking with ​confidence? Does her energy seem welcoming? This may sound very ​niche, but if you want to become “the woman of your dreams,” it’s the ​small things that matter. Remove your sunglasses when you are speaking ​to someone, especially if you’re meeting them for the first time. Not only ​is eye contact very powerful, but this small gesture will make the person ​feel seen and important.

10. DRESS FOR THE SETTING

Have you ever noticed when a woman exudes class, she’s always dressed

for the setting you find her in? If she’s attending lunch with her friends you ​might find her wearing something casual like a maxi skirt and sandals or ​jeans and a nice top. If she’s working you will most likely find her in more ​professional styles and even if she’s at the gym she still looks put together ​and chic somehow!

When you are getting ready consider the setting and dress ​appropriately.

Click here for examples!

11. CLASSY WOMEN DON’T HAVE HURRY SICKNESS

Elegant women never seem to be in a rush. One of the most important ​skills you have to master if you suffer from hurry sickness is time ​management. The key is to prioritize the most important task and tackle ​those first. Do your best to slow things down as much as possible that ​way anything you do will come with a sense of calmness and decreased ​anxiety.

Sometimes racing against the clock can be unavoidable, but when the ​situation is in our control, planning ahead is going to make all the ​difference. A woman of elegance is rarely frantic and lives a soft life.

12. PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE

If there is one thing a classy woman prioritizes it’s self-care. I am going to ​strongly suggest transforming your bathroom into a spa. Here is some ​inspiration for the at-home spa of your dreams:

Starting with a towel warmer, before your shower or your bath, drop ​your towel and robe inside. For a shower, the shower steamers in the link ​are absolutely incredible! For your bubble bath, there are massage jet ​attachments that you can add to any tub! Grab your tub pillow and bath ​tray, light some candles, grab a book, maybe a glass of wine and turn on ​my spa playlist. Afterwards dry off with your warm towel and put on your ​robe because it’s time for skincare! Treat yourself to a face steaming ​session and follow up with your regular skincare routine. For aesthetic ​additions to your bathroom shop the link on the 1st or last page.

13. GRACEFULLY ACCEPTING COMPLIMENTS