A Guide to Living Elegantly by Christian Dior

One of my favorite coffee table reads is The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior. It’s an adorable tiny mauve book with simple black type face that takes you through the ABCs of fashion as told by Dior. It’s sweet and short and packed with sage advice for the modern woman. It’s message? Haute Couture is not just for the wealthy - it’s about elegance and the rules of fashion. So read on for my top five favorite pieces of advice for living elegantly from Christian Dior.

O N E: Good Planning is Very Necessary to Good Dressing.

I’ve mentioned before how I plan my outfits out about a week ahead of time and how it saves me hours in the morning when getting ready. My planning comes from not being a morning person, but I think there is something to be said about someone who puts careful consideration into their outfits. The whole idea of a power suit or “power look” isn’t just a myth. You feel better in certain outfits. Now just imagine if we all took that mindful approach to dressing every day.

T W O: A Good Dress is First of All, a Well Fitted Dress.

I cannot speak enough to the power of good tailoring. Let’s face it, we aren’t all Kate Middleton who can have clothes made just for us. But what else does Kate have? An amazing tailor. So even when she wears a $50 ASOS dress, it still looks amazing because it fits her so well. 

T H R E E: Elegance Must be the Right Combination of Distinction, Naturalness, Care and Simplicity.

Dior’s message is powerful - the key to elegance lies within the person not within their pocketbooks. His point most emphasized? Care. Care for your clothes, care in choosing them, care for your appearance, care for yourself.

F O U R: Individuality Will Always Be One of the Conditions of Real Elegance.

I love the emphasis Dior puts on truly knowing yourself as a key to obtaining elegance. The book discusses at length the importance of studying yourself and knowing what colors, lines and looks emphasize your best features. He also cautions avoiding trends, especially if they are not flattering for your appearance. Only wear what suits you and your personality.

F I V E: You Can Dress to Suit Yourself - and Therefore Your Age - But This Does Not Mean You have to Wear Clothes that Make You Look Old.

This is one of my favorite pieces of Dior’s advice. We live in a culture obsessed with youth and youthful appearances; however I think nothing is more elegant that a person who can successfully act and dress their age. Alternatively, a personal gripe of mine is someone who ages themselves in their demeanor, act, and dress. Can’t we all just agree to embrace our age [[and ourselves]]?

Pinks & Reds

Jacket: Old Navy// Dress: Zara// Shoes: Tory Burch// Bag: Kate Spade// Nails: OPI Dutch Tulips//Sunnies: Lou Lou// Watch: Fossil// Lips: Dior 576

The Must-Have: Office Edition

As someone who spends at least 8 hours a day/ 5 days a week and their desk, I know how important it is to keep it stocked with life's little essentials. So here it is, my must-have: office edition.

1. Travel size hairspray, bobby pins, brush and hair ties. Those who take public transportation into work know that how your hair left the house isn't exactly how it will arrive at the office. I keep these on hand to tame any hair day I'm having.

2. A classic, black ready-to-wear heel. I'm currently rocking this shoe from Sole Society, which I love. It has a modest heel and adds texture to any outfit since it is suede.

3. Oral hygiene on the go. I always keep floss, toothbrush, toothpaste and mouthwash tucked away in my desk. Because you never know when that last minute meeting could pop up or when that salad you had for lunch could decide to stick around. In your teeth.

4. Lipgloss and Mascara. Whether you wear a full face of makeup or dare to go bare every day, I'm a big believer in always carrying mascara and lipgloss on you. Those two items take seconds to apply and instantly brighten up your look. For more wintery months I like Nars Stella and in warmer climates Dior's 576 Bed of Roses.  For mascara on the cheap I love Maybelline Falsies paired with Buxom Lash.

5. Everyday essentials. I always try and have these items stocked in every cube I've ever occupied: lint brush, travel size signature scent (Michael Kors Gold shown above), Aveda hand lotion and Burt's Bees.

6. If you're anything like me, your mani is nearly always chipped. That's why during the week I try to opt for more nude or glossy nails that are less likely to show imperfections. One of my faves: Dior Nail Glow. It provides the daintiest hint of pink and a nice lacquer shine. Top it off with Essie all in one, and you're good to go.

So there you have it! My office must-haves. Anything I left off the list?