Advice from the Ladies Room

Greetings and Handshakes

Greetings and handshakes are social skills – and like every skill it takes practice to get them right and to feel comfortable using them. Also, it’s much easier to learn and practice with someone you know well so try out that greeting and handshake in familiar settings with friends and family.

Let me say it again! Practice with siblings, neighbors, and dolls and stuffed animals – every day!

Greetings

Look them in the eye and SMILE!

Speak clearly

Say the person’s name

Add a “Glad to see you” or “How’s it going?”

If it’s a relative or close friend, add a hug.

Handshakes

Right hand to right hand – palm to palm; thumbs up

Firm grip – not too tight; not too limp

Two to three pumps then release

History of handshake: In olden days, knights extended a hand to show it did not hold a weapon and they were approaching as friends not enemies. The other person responded showing he didn’t have a weapon either. The handshake was a gesture of friendship in the olden days and still is today.

Greetings and handshakes are skills that will serve your children well far beyond the holiday season so take this opportunity to be intentional about teaching them. It’s really a gift for them from you!

Via Emily Post’s Etiquette Daily

Tip #27

Be best friends with wonderful ladies like Tilly McPoodle.  You know, the type of lady who wears matching pearls with her poodle, Sasha.

- Bianca Dagger

The importance of casual

Having a go to Jeans and T-shirt look is important, even when you are Jackie O.  To upgrade this look, pick refined fabrics and flattering cuts (Yes! Even in a t-shirt!). Thick cottons and modal (synthetic, used for such clothing lines like T by Alexander Wang, and The Row), cashmere henley/hoodie sweaters, and simple jeans in a dark wash with fewer than 2% spandex will keep you looking put together.  Finish the look with a killer pair of larger than life sunglasses and some flats, and you too can master the Jackie O casual style.

Posted by Tilly McPoodle

Image via

Wearing a Cashmere Sweater To Bed...

…is a simple and warm way to enjoy the decadence you have already invested in.

Posted By Tilly McPoodle

Tip #26

Yesterday afternoon Tilly McPoodle and I were playing an impromptu game of Scrabble at always-perfect Blue Bottle (best coffee in San Francisco, hands down).  As expected, our conversation eventually fell into the realm of gentlemen.  More specifically, how to approach them.  We agreed that a foolproof way to setup the interaction is a simple wave.  It’s appropriate for almost any situation.

For instance, if you’re at one end of the bar, he at the other, wave.  See what happens.  If he smiles, that means he’s charmed.  If he pretends not to notice, he’s either stuck-up or not into you (both clear deal breakers).  But you’ll be able to clearly and quickly assess whether or not both parties involved are on the same page.  Then it’s up to him to come over and talk to you.  If he doesn’t, don’t waste anymore of your time on him.  If he does, perfect. 

A quick wave (with a smile, of course), is fantastic because you avoid the need to think of a decent opening line and then build the confidence to walk up to a complete stranger and talk to him. 

Try waving.  We do it all the time and have met plenty of intriguing suitors this way.

- Bianca Dagger

Photo via

Tip #25

Own a pair of red stilettos.

- Bianca Dagger