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Camp Denali, Alaska

editormj — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Got Traction?

editormj — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 22:18:47 +0000

Don’t slip on the ice like the good Dr. Atkins did in Manhattan, which cost him his life–get Spare Spikes for all shoe-styles, from The Perfect Present.

Chandra Slippers at Target: Still the Best for Your Money

editormj — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:34:52 +0000

This is a repeat post from December, 2008:

Chandra Slippers at Target

These comfortable slippers are the next best thing to sheepskin, very comfortable and warm, with a non-skid sole to keep you from slipping and falling on slick floors. Ladies’ “Chandra” scuffs are faux-fur lined, real suede mules; they come in several colors. They’re a good deal at $16.99 per pair. My tests prove that they will not put scuff-marks on floors, despite their name!

Chandra Scuffs at Target.com

My Chandra Slippers from Target

A Survivor of the Terroristic Murder-Spree at Fort Hood

editormj — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:05:32 +0000

A man had a TV on in his office when the news of the military base shootings came on. The husband of one of his employees was stationed there. He called her into his office and the minute he told her what was going on, she got a text message from her husband saying, “I am okay.”

The cell phone started ringing right after that. It was an ER nurse. She said , “I’m the one who just sent you a text, not your husband. “She thought the message would be comforting, but she immediately knew she had to let the wife know what was going on.

She said, “I am sorry but your husband has been shot 4 times and he is in surgery.”

The wife left Southern Clinic in Dothan and drove all night. She made it to Ft. Hood about the time he was waking up and discovered he had visitors.

Here is the photo from that day in the hospital room. He is awake and will recover.

This is not the kind of story that is carried on the state-controlled media. The Bushes are “real people.”

= = = = =

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/11/07/george-w-bush-secretly-visits-fort-hood-victims/:

Updated November 07, 2009
George W. Bush Secretly Visits Fort Hood Victims
By Bill Sammon

- FOXNews.com

The Bushes entered and departed the sprawling military facility in secret, having told the base commander they did not want press coverage of their visit, a source told Fox News.

Former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura secretly visited Fort Hood last night and spent “considerable time” consoling those who were wounded in Thursday’s shooting spree, Fox News has learned.

The Bushes entered and departed the sprawling military facility in secret, having told the base commander they did not want press coverage of their visit, a source told Fox News.

The couple was described as “deeply concerned” about military families on Fort Hood after Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan allegedly opened fire on soldiers and civilians, killing 13 and wounding 38.

The Bushes, who have a 1,600-acre property known as Prairie Chapel Ranch less than 30 miles from Fort Hood in central Texas, spent between one and two hours visiting the wounded and their families.

Pyrex, Made in the U.S.A.

editormj — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:11:12 +0000

A couple of years ago, I featured Pyrex bowls in a post. Today, I discovered a website devoted to the American company’s products, called Pyrex Love. There you will find information about the tremendous variety of Pyrex styles, and links to live auctions with vintage pieces on offer.

Happy Birthday, Dianne Lennon

editormj — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:59:45 +0000

Last Year’s Greeting to Dee Dee Lennon

Welcome to Elegant Survival News

editormj — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:32:12 +0000

This is the auxiliary page for Elegant Survival: Stylish Living on a Shoestring

Dupioni Silk Suit

editormj — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:23:02 +0000

Thanksgiving Sale at Women's Suits.com

M-J's Elegant Apple Pie

editormj — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:16:00 +0000

M-J's Elegant Apple Pie Recipe

Elegant Survival, Established by M-J de Mesterton in 2006...

editormj — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:28:47 +0000

….is in no way affiliated with the group of musicians who have recently adopted the same name.

Huevos Rancheros, a Health-Promoting Breakfast

editormj — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:23:51 +0000

Huevos Rancheros--fried eggs and grated cheese on tortillas with red or green chile gravy on top–are a health-promoting breakfast or brunch dish for winter and fall. Placing refritos, or refried beans, under the eggs is optional. Use either flour or corn tortillas, with Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese. I like to sauté the tortillas in butter, grate cheese onto them, then fry the eggs, assemble the lot and pour on the chile gravy, finishing the top with more grated cheese.

The Clothes Line Backup Page

editormj — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:10:19 +0000

Elegant Survival – The Clothes Line

Elegant Survival

Stylish Living on a Shoestring

The Clothes Line, Copyright M-J de Mesterton 2006

Photo Copyright M-J de Mesterton 2006

M-J on Classic, Elegant Style

Dear Readers,

A lot of money has been wasted by ladies and gentlemen who believe that a designer label on a piece of clothing or an accessory is necessary for a person to be elegant. Seventy percent of what one sees on the runways is unwearable by normal people anyway, and makes a mockery of the human form. Let’s face it, for every designer piece you have, there are legions of people out there wearing the same item, seriously decreasing the cachet of owning the thing in the first place. There are plenty of ways to dress elegantly without the joke being on you. Elegant dressing doesn’t involve plastering your corpus with the latest trendy rage (or rag). True style means choosing classic pieces that don’t come emblazoned with someone’s imprimatur or logo. It means finding skirts, jackets, trousers and blouses that are beautiful, well-constructed and will stand the test of time. Be mysterious, instead of an open book; an instantly recognizable fashion designer piece will label you as a striver. Better to seek out well-made garments by doing research either on the internet or shopping around your town, and though this next suggestion requires a bit more effort, having something made for you by a tailor or seamstress from a pattern and fabric of your own choice will pretty much guarantee that no one else wears the same thing. Sheep follow trends: setting your own style will mark you as an individualist with good taste–and save you from sartorial waste. ~~Copyright M- J de Mesterton, October 29th, 2007

How to Appear Taller

Recipe for Adding Height to a “Short” Lady

Besides wearing higher heels (there are some comfortable versions such as wedgies and chunky-heeled boots and shoes), there are a couple of other things you can do to affect a taller look.
Avoid long skirts, favoring ones which end at the knee. Keep your color-scheme unified. If you’re wearing a dark skirt, wear dark-tinted stockings. Don’t let bare skin show between your skirt, pants and other components. It will break up the continuity of your ensemble. A long line of the same tones, head-to-toe, creates a taller image.

I’m sorry to have to say this again, but avoid trousers, pants and skirts that do not come up to your natural waist. Clothing manufacturers are not cooperating. There is a scheme afoot that saves them money, by giving you less fabric. In fact, it is difficult to find anything with a true waist anymore. You know, that area in the middle. I bought a pair of long-johns (also known as thermal underwear) by Fruit of the Loom. The photo on the package showed the garment hugging the waist, as is proper to prevent slipping down. Upon opening the package, I saw that they only came up to the hips. Bad cut, stupid design. I won’t accept it. A hip-hugging garment with no waist will make you look short-legged, and is bound to fall down. Get with it, clothing designers! Stop making women and men look like truncated freaks. We need choice.

Elegant Style for Cooler Weather

Today is the First of October. Those of us who love the luxury of fine woollens and tweeds are in our glory this season, when the temperatures allow us to dress in our favorite clothes. It’s a perfect time for me to introduce our friends at Bookster, whose custom-made, traditional tweed jackets, coats and suits are first-rate. They are the genuine articles, made right in the English countryside. In fact, when we received our first Scottish tweed jacket made by Bookster UK, it smelled like heather. A modest investment in a piece or two from them would greatly enhance your fall and winter wardrobe. I’ve written about paring-down one’s closet to include only the finest things. And you know that I find it tragically wasteful to wear a completely different outfit each day. With a finely crafted jacket or blazer, some silk blouses, a couple of skirts and an assortment of accessories, a woman can create such a variety of looks that no one will notice that certain components are being re-incorporated. Fewer and better items of clothing in our cupboards lead to ease in dressing with elegant simplicity. The people at Bookster are a delight to work with, and their web-site has helpful links to the web’s premier clothing discussion forum, and to a top-shelf hat stockist to complete your look.

For vintage tweed clothing, shoes, boots, bags and accessories from Great Britain, please visit Bookster’s on-line shop, which offers interesting, quality items at attractive prices.

M-J with Bookster Made-to-Order Tweed Jacket

and Santa Fe Stick

Introducing custom-made canes and walking-sticks by Santa Fe Sticks, for those who want ultra-strong support with style and panache!

Caring for Your Clothing: Ironing a Man’s Shirt,

Washing and Drying Laundry

Me and My Shirt in October, 2007: One of Us is Twenty-Something….
Photo Copyright Elegant Survival, 2007

My husband and I have shirts that are twenty years old and in wonderful shape. Most of them are custom-made; all of them are from either Paris or London. We have protected our initial investment on each one by caring for it properly. What follows is some material I wrote last year on the subject.

~~Copyright M-J, August, 2007

Ironing a Man’s Shirt

My Swedish grandmother taught me how to iron men’s shirts. Like Scandinavians of all social strata, she adored being at the ironing board. I don’t know how other people do it, but here is our system:

Flattening and folding the yoke (found under the collar at the back of shirt) at its bottom seam, iron it. You can iron-out the resultant crease later, when ironing the whole of the back.Iron the underside of the collar, then its topside, then iron a crease at the seam where it meets the shirt.

Iron the insides and outsides of the cuffs, before doing the two sleeves. Then you are ready to execute the easy parts: the two front sides and the back.

Hint: keep a spray bottle of water nearby to mist the shirt’s stubborn wrinkles, even if you have a steam iron. If you use steam, empty the iron, refill it, and test-run for rusty water which can be difficult to remove once it is on the shirt. Do not use the highest temperature setting: crispy brown edges are for tortes, not chemises!

Besides the great feeling of accomplishment one gets finishing each shirt, it saves money which one may have spent having a cleaning outfit doing the work. There is dignity in ironing; don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.

UPDATE, October 26th: My current favorite iron is First Impressions by Black & Decker. It costs about 27 dollars at Target stores. I have owned irons from Germany that cost three times as much, and each one ruined my silk clothes by dripping on them. This one is totally reliable, and has a built-in cord reel.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Sun-Dried Shirts, a Natural Luxury

Photo: Vermont Clothesline Company

Washing and Drying Your Shirts

A well-made shirt can cost $500.00 or more. That is an investment to protect. Your shirts will last much longer if they are washed by hand and hung to dry. Don’t use so much detergent that it takes a rinsing marathon to remove it. “A little dab’ll do ya”, as the old Brylcreem jingle said. Ideally, one would hang shirts on a clothesline, upside down, with clothespins. This keeps pinch-marks off the important areas of your shirts. The sun will dry them in no time. Alternatively, one could hang them indoors, perhaps out-of-sight behind the the shower curtain, on hangers. A sturdy spring-rod, placed inside the shower area for the purpose of hanging clothes to dry will not interfere with your existing shower-rod. If you don’t want to get hanger-marks on the shoulders, just put wash-cloths under them, over the ends of your hanger. The worst thing to do, even if you wash your shirts in cold water in the gentle cycle, is to dry them in a machine–doing so will quickly degrade your shirt, which will die an angry death before its time. My husband and I have shirts from France and England that are twenty years old, and in perfect condition.

An electric, energy-consuming dryer is an enemy to high-quality clothing. In fact, dryers shrink clothes and wear them out quickly; lint is composed of fibers that a machine robs from your clothes. You’d be surprised at how swiftly shirts dry naturally, and when they are just a wee bit damp, they’re easy to iron. In cases of stubborn collar and cuff soil, when hand-scrubbing fails, you can still wash your white shirts in hot water, soap, and a little bleach, as long as they are rinsed well, and then hung to dry. (Bleach alternative may be a better choice, if you can get it to work on stubborn stains.) The sun will do some natural bleaching of white cotton. Save costly energy and your shirts by hand-washing and sun-drying them.

Giving your precious shirts to a dry-cleaner or other laundry service is wasteful. They crush buttons and machine-dry the poor things. Do clothes hanging on a line outdoors conjure up bad images for you? Too bad, because it is one of life’s simple luxuries to be able to dry a beautiful, well-made shirt in the sun–some of the best people do it. Believe me, it’s not remotely infradig to care for your own shirts. After all, who cares for them more than you do?

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, May 2008

Elegant Dressing

Comments by M-J on the Waist

It’s time for designers and marketers to stop calling a true waist a “high waist”.

Just because the industry bastardized the waist for so many years (actually eliminated the waist altogether), and it was nearly impossible to find anything but the old, tired hip-huggers from the sixties and seventies, they assume that they can call anything that actually lands on the waist “high-waisted”.

Innumerable are the times have I explained to both men and women that to wear trousers starting below the navel is to seriously truncate one’s legs. How many people are lucky enough to have very long legs? Only they can afford to sport this fashion foolishness without looking short and dumpy.

A skirt or pair of trousers that doesn’t come up to the natural waist is a waste of money. It is neither classic nor flattering to your figure.

Assorted Clothing Links from Cyberspace

Radio Canada’s Costume Collection: Renaissance Clothing

The Probert Encyclopedia of Costume

M-J on Elegant Style

Dressing to Suit Your Shape

I see so many women of all ages wearing things that make them look misshapen, when, with a few minor adjustments, they could look like they have hourglass figures.

I’ll begin with something which was poorly addressed by two British fashion “mavens” on the BBC in their makeover show. The poor subject left looking the same as she came.

If one has a pear-shaped figure, a formula for balancing it out is this, which I have devised:

Clothing Advice for the Pear-Shape

1) Starting at the top, a wide-brimmed hat

2) A peplum jacket with a waist and flare, not too long, ending just above the hipbone. Jacket ought to have some shoulder-padding, but don’t go to the eighties Dynasty extreme. Resembling a football player is counter-productive! If you don’t own a peplum jacket, a full, long-sleeved blouse tucked-in with the addition of a belt has a salutory effect. “Blousing”, or loosening the portion just above the waist, is a good idea. You ought to look big on top but cinched-in at the waist.

3) An A-Line Skirt or fuller–it must widen considerably towards the knees.

4) No matter what shoes one is wearing, remember that the longer the skirt, the higher the heel for a balanced look. As for comfort, a stockier yet still-high heel is tolerable. Queen Elizabeth II wears platform shoes, which are high but not spiky, in order to be on her feet during duties. Personally, I like a stout heel that is a maximum of two inches tall. For night-time occasions when I don’t have to walk, I may wear a dressier heel that is taller than that.

5) Pear-shaped ladies are best advised to avoid the Capri pants or pedal-pushers that have been popular for so many years. They tend to truncate (shorten) the legs. As a matter of fact, even the most tall and lithe ladies look short and dumpy in Capri pants!

An Extremely Unflattering Fashion Trend that Just Won’t Die

A current fashion tragedy is the hip-hugger with short, tight top (I cannot bring myself to call those things “blouses”). Especially painful is witnessing that ensemble on a woman over forty. The combination makes even slim women appear to have a bun in the oven, and I have even heard some men derisively call the phenomenon “the muffin look”. A waist must be accentuated, and with that outfit, it disappears. Nonetheless, I have female acquaintances–mothers of teen girls, who cannot resist the dangerous temptation to dress as the kids do, with ridiculous results. At their age, they ought to know better!

The Clothes Line: Advice for the Apple Shape

If you are larger in the middle than you are at the hips, you might want to try de-emphasizing your mid-section by placing more emphasis on the bottom and top portions of your figure. To facilitate reading and remembering these ideas, I’m going to use numbering:

1) Wear a skirt that flares towards the bottom, to detract from your stomach. A long, bias- cut skirt that goes to the mid-calf or ankles is effective if worn with higher, chunky heels or boots. Remember that for visual balance, extra height in your heels is important, but doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

2) Keep the fabric loose at your waist. We don’t want to emphasize the surplus here.

3) The jacket or top of dress ought to be lined and long-sleeved to avoid looking tight on your arms. The tighter and more clinging the fabric is at your arms, the more their girth is emphasized.

4) Draw the visual focus to your bosom by wearing a blouse or jacket that shows your shapeliness there, or a little cleavage. Ruffled blouses are wonderful, too; I find that the best look is long-sleeved even in summer.

5) Skinny pants, pencil-skirts and Capri slacks will emphasize the contrast in size between your legs and middle, creating a pigeon shape. Instead, luxuriate in a full or flared skirt. Achieving balance is our goal.

6) A wonderful swing coat, like the one pictured here, is very flattering in winter with a pair of tall boots.

Elegant Survival is the original website about elegant living on a shoestring.

Dressing for an Elegant Luncheon

How to Dress for a Formal Luncheon

I’ve been asked how a woman ought to dress to attend an elegant, formal luncheon. Daytime dressing is fun, as it affords you some fashion opportunities not available during night-time. Even if the weather is hot and humid, a simple and beautiful costume is in order, complemented by traditional style elements such as high-heeled shoes, gloves and hats. In fact, luncheon is the most appropriate time to wear your best hat. Jewelry may be worn, as long as it is understated–pearls are desirable, as are tasteful clip-earrings, but a lady is best-advised to choose one or the other and not both. Pendulous earrings ought not to be worn in daytime. Gloves of a very light fabric or kidskin, preferably wrist-length, may be worn upon entry to the luncheon. Once you sit down at the luncheon table, you remove your gloves, but never your hat. Resist boorish suggestions to remove it; a lady never removes her hat. The same applies to the top layer of her costume, whether it is a blazer, bolero, or stole. Only the overcoat is subject to removal, and an elegant club serving formal luncheons, such as the Colony in New York, will have a coat-check service. A modest-length dress or skirt-suit is proper, from knee-length on down to mid-calf. Longer skirts require higher heels to balance the silhouette, whereas dressy flats may be worn with knee-length skirt-suits and dresses. To keep your presentation in balance, if you wear separates rather than a dress, a longer jacket or blazer ought to be worn with a knee-length skirt, and a shorter, peplum or bolero jacket out to be worn with a longer skirt. A long jacket combined with a long skirt will create a dumpy effect. Pants and slack suits are definitely out of order for any formal event, but if you really must hide your legs, a long dress or skirt is acceptable, as long as your ankles and shoes are visible. Sleeveless dresses with light coats or boleros of the same fabric are quite comfortable and elegant. As for fabric prints or weaves, the flower motif is perfect for daytime festivities. Regarding appropriate shoes (avoid even the most elegant boots for these occasions–pumps or flats are always just right): the more official or elegant the occasion, the less one shows of her toes and feet, so avoid peep-toe and sling-back shoes. They are not classically elegant. Classic style requires you to respect the fact that there’s a time and place for everything. Stockings, pantyhose or tights must be worn to all daytime formal events. Save your bare legs, sandals, halter-tops, and spaghetti strap sundresses for the beach, backyard or garden. Suits constructed of wool, shantung silk or diaphanous layers, and well-structured dresses with modest decolletages, are always welcome. The more fabric one wears, the better. Pastel colors are desirable in spring and summertime, while in winter the preferred colors are more jewel-toned, neutral or somber. Black must be excluded for daytime in all seasons, unless a woman is in mourning. If you remember that day-wear may be elegant but not blatantly sexy, success is in your future, as well as many delicious luncheons with your peers.

Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2008

Postscript: for more information on how to dress formally in daytime, look up the dress-code for the Royal Enclosure at Ascot.

More on Elegant Dressing by M-J

Burberry Suit from Sphere Magazine, Christmas Number, 1936
Advert from The Queen, The Coronation 1953 (a magazine in our library)

Elegant dressing begins with a good foundation: lingerie with structure, which includes waist-enhancing and bust-sculpting designs. Luxurious dresses, blouses and skirts that emphasize your positive attributes will complete your beautiful look. Silks, tweeds and velvets, houndstooth and herringbone will always be in style because they are classics. Top this off with an old-fashioned, wide-brimmed hat and you are off to the races! Oh, and don’t forget the sensible shoes; a well-constructed shoe doesn’t have to be a clod-hopper. A two-to-three-inch heel with a simply styled leather upper will take you anywhere (flip-flops will take you to the podiatrist).

Advice for summer: wearing fewer clothes–exposing more skin–will not necessarily keep you cooler. You ought to dress to prevent the elements from getting to your skin. Loosely woven fabrics such as linen, and breathable ones like silk, can keep you cool and protect you from sun and insects. You’ll never see anyone (except maybe the odd American tourist) walking out in the desert nearly naked.
Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2007

Don’t Short-Change Your Image

What’s the logic behind the American obsession with shorts? They’re now worn year-round, in all sorts of weather, and in nearly every venue. These overgrown children in short pants don’t even bother to wear socks. There was a time when Bermuda shorts and lederhosen had to be accompanied by knee-socks. A few years ago, I worked in a medical research company where writers came to work in shorts and sandals. That was in Princeton, New Jersey–which is as far from a resort town as one can get. Hairy legs are on display by these misguided fashion victims, who apparently believe that to expose themselves this way is to demonstrate an attitude of “casual chic”. I have another term for it, which I cannot print here.

Socks were meant to protect shoes from feet and vice versa. If one is going to wear shorts, at least wear socks, and remember: a sock that stops halfway up one’s leg shortens that leg visually. Why not acquire some traditional knee socks in cotton for summer? Again, showing more skin won’t keep you cooler, but it will prevent you from looking cool!

What’s Happened to Shoes?

Remember Shoes?
A trip to the airport last week was instructive. At least one hundred women walked by as we sat and waited for friends to come in from abroad. A total of three women among the hundred were wearing actual shoes. The rest were wearing flip-flops. My husband remarked about the basic unattractiveness of the human foot, while I pointed out the unsanitary practice of bare feet on airport floors, once-daily “sanitizing” notwithstanding. If you’re not on crack, you realize that it is window-dressing; there’s no such thing as a sanitary floor, not to mention city streets with their ubiquitous doggie-walkers. How shoe manufacturers can survive when few women actually wear their products is a mystery. The only ones doing well when it comes to feet are podiatrists! And nary a stocking or sock was spied among the throngs of mothers, teenagers and other females during the aforementioned ill-shod parade. Stockings were invented to protect both feet and shoes. Shoes are a means of protecting feet from the environment, and of providing support for the foot and ankle. A stout shoe, with or without laces just might save one the cost of treating chronic foot-pain and/or infection.

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2006

Elegant Survival on Safari

Elegant Survival on Safari:

How to Dress in the Deserts and Savannahs

of the World

We discovered this affordable and excellent source of well-made safari clothes while outfitting our elder relative for a trip. The firm is called Tag Safari, and their motto is “Helping Africa through Trade, Not Aid”. Tag Safari’s office in Houston is staffed with personable and efficient customer service agents.M-J’s Survival tip: the more of your skin that is covered by clothing, the safer you are from the elements, sun and insects in particular. Even in the U.S., insects can cause deadly diseases such as Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and West Nile virus. People assume that hot weather requires a baring of skin, which is a fallacy. Natural fibres have a wicking action to keep your skin dry of perspiration, thus keeping you cool. And, everyone but the unenlightened knows now that getting sunburnt/tanned on purpose isn’t cool! Smart people wear long sleeves and trousers, long socks, boots and skirts. Do all you can to protect against malaria and other insect-borne diseases. Desert-dwellers cover as much skin as possible, and for good reason. The only person you’ll see going nearly-naked in the desert is the odd American tourist. You’ll see them later in the cancer ward!

So, whether you’re in the high desert, the heavily-wooded forest, or in the savannahs of Africa, my elegant survival rule of covering yourself from head-to-toe with luxurious fabrics is even more relevant.Copyright Elegant Survival 2008

Posted by M-J de Mesterton

Packing for Travel

Packing Clothing for Travel

I once carried a Wall Street Journal tote bag on board a New York-to-John Wayne Airport flight, which held dresses, blouses, and shoes enough for a five-day family wedding celebration. It weighed about seven pounds, I reckon. That was in the good ol’ days, two months before 9-1-1, an event that ought to have changed the way people pack for trips. Instead, it seems that luggage in the overhead bins has become more ponderous than ever. Summer travel is easy to pack for, when one has light silk blouses and dresses. Packing clothes for a winter trip is a bit more of a challenge. Here is what I typically pack for a trip in winter:

1) Worn on the plane, both going and coming home: a tweed suit with long skirt: ideal for nearly six months of the year in many climates, and always presentable. Wrinkling is almost never an issue

2) Trench coat (also worn in-transit)

3) Worn in-transit: comfortable, yet elegant, mid-height heeled boots (worn with long skirt, one has the choice of woolen knee-socks or nylon hosiery worn underneath–for traveling, I find woolen knee socks more comfortable than garters and nylon stockings, and besides–who wants the airport security challenging one’s concealed hardware?) With a long skirt, the tops of your boots and hosiery will not show. It’s always a luxurious feeling, when sitting in an airplane seat, to have extra fabric to cover one’s legs.

4) Packed in small valise: two silk blouses, preferably with jewel-necked collars. Hand-washing and hanging yields a fresh blouse by morning, and it usually needs very little ironing.

5) Packed in small valise: silk scarves and an oblong cashmere one (I have a cashmere tartan scarf that is so wide that it can be worn as a shawl) to vary the daytime look, and perhaps to wear rather than the tweed suit-jacket for warmth in the evenings under the trench-coat

6) Packed in small valise: some sort of evening dress, in a lightweight fabric such as silk or wool crepe

7) Packed in same small valise: a pair of cordovan (dark, burgundy-colored leather) pumps with mid-height heels for day and night. I don’t like black for daytime.

Stockings, silk nightgown, and undergarments, all flattened into a zip-locking bag or two

Packing Logic

The boots are heavier than the shoes, thus they are worn rather than packed for transit (and hey, you don’t have to untie them, they just slip off so the guys at the inspection area can have a good loook at ‘em!). With a tweed suit jacket and skirt already on me rather than packed where it would weigh down my bag, my load is lightened. I either carry my trench-coat or wear it in the airport. I find that there’s no need for a heavy winter coat when one has a cashmere scarf and tweed suit jacket under a raincoat. I learned my lesson hanging about airports carrying heavy coats that were insufferably warm! I wear the skirt each day, with a different blouse and scarf, with or without its accompanying jacket. My evening dress is always either of wool or silk, and not prone to wrinkling. My husband also packs lightly; most of what is in his one bag is folded shirts, socks, and underwear. He wears one tweed suit for the duration, changing shirts, ties, and cufflinks for variation. He tops all of this with his own trench-coat, and uses one pair of shoes for the whole trip. When you have high quality clothing, you can go anywhere. We have traveled this way quite comfortably to the far reaches of Scandinavia, Europe, and Canada, in all seasons of the year. And, if I cannot fit my bag easily under the airplane seat in front of me, I have overpacked! That’s one woman’s interpretation of “Packing Lightly”. Copyright 2006 M-J de Mesterton

Photo: Traveling with My Husband, in Comfortable Tweeds

Photo Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2007

Bon Voyage!

Behind the Scenes of French Haute Couture

Quotes by M-J de Mesterton

Your body is a temple–make sure it’s not the Temple of Doom.

A wrinkled sack of skin on some all-too-visible bones can turn stomachs instead of heads.

Beware of Splay-Foot and Shorty-Pants

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2006

M-J with Bookster Jacket and Santa Fe Walking Stick Dalmatian Ebony Hand-Carved Walking Stick, by Santa Fe Sticks ; Jacket by Bookster UK/Tweed Jacket.com
Photo Copyright Santa Fe Sticks 2008

Introducing Proper Ollie
Together with standards of dress, manners have taken a nose-dive. These short videos are amusing, but so true. Don’t let the person being laughed at or hit with a brickbat be you!

Storing Your Scarves and Gloves
A good use for hat boxes or hat cases is to store scarves and gloves in them–I keep the scarves and gloves in separate hat boxes. Photos copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2008
Storing Your Scarves and Gloves, by M-J

A Healthy Self-Image

Distorted Body Image, and How It Can Make You Sick

When I was a child, nobody had ever heard of a “size one” except for mothers of infants. Now, it seems to be a source of pride for a grown woman to announce that she is a “size one” or a “size four”. I just don’t understand what it is about themselves that they despise so much as to want to nearly disappear! Is the ultimate goal a “size zero”?

A Brazilian model died lately of anorexia nervosa. Now she’s a size zero!

An acquaintance of mine in Europe was so influenced by the pop-culture media and glamour magazines that as soon as she was 18, she starved her slim body and became very ill, to the point of hospitalization. When she looked into the mirror, she must have seen something entirely different from what the rest of us saw: a skeleton with hair. Perhaps, as in the traditional fun-house gag mirrors, she saw a fat lady. Treatment in the States would have cost at least $100,000.00, and that was ten years ago. Pop culture, misguided peer-pressure and self-loathing were responsible for her condition, but, mercifully, she did eventually recover. My cousin, Madeleine, is Sweden’s expert on anorexia nervosa. She gives many talks on self-esteem and body-image.

I modeled some clothing for Chico’s in Y2K, while taking part in a charity fashion show. I was astounded that I was wearing a size 2, when I was actually a size 12. The company had devised a system whereby ladies wouldn’t be embarrassed by their size! And the suit I modeled for Jaeger was in a British size 14 (equivalent to American size 12). Incidentally, I’m glad that I finally have a venue wherein I can say this: the definition of “plus-size” has been bastardized in the past decade to include regular ladies’ sizes 12 and upwards! This is insanity. It makes normal, sized-12 and 14 women feel huge. “Plus-Sizes” were created about twenty years ago for those women who wore sizes above 18, which was once the top ladies’ size. Yes, 18, NOT 12! Sizes that previously had no numbers had to be called “plus”. Clearly, I am non-plussed by this ridiculous situation! If the touting of child-sized clothes for grown women isn’t evil enough, size 14 is passing for “Plus-Size” now, which further stigmatizes normal-sized women. It is done so that the manufacturers and purveyors of clothing can charge more, because “plus” sized clothes require a little more fabric to construct.

There are some cultures where female voluptuousness is prized–my husband claims that is the case in most societies.

My husband also thinks women ought to have meat on their bones, as well as good, old-fashioned fat. He grew up in Provence, France, and says that even there no man really wanted a thin woman. In fact, one of the Rothschild women who was in the family’s social circle was tall, plump, and very appealing to men. He describes it as, “looking like a duchess,” and revels in my appearance. In Paris, my husband says, young fellows might have had skinny models with them at gallery openings and such, but for romance and enjoyment, they always preferred a more chubby woman. I say that if God made you thin, and it is natural, that is just fine. But to make a concerted effort to look emaciated is counterproductive as well as unhealthy.

The very thin women I have known aged prematurely. A wrinkled sack of skin on some all-too visible bones can turn stomachs instead of heads!

The following link is a better guide for international shoe-size equivalencies: Shoe-Sizes by Tex

You Can’t Build a Castle on a Swamp

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Andy Gilchrist Quoted in Financial Times Article

When Men Choose Shoes, by Richard Torregrossa, author of Cary Grant: a Celebration of Style. Andy sent me this link. We have that book about Cary Grant, by the way, and it has lots of great photographs.

It appears that the article in its entirety can only be read by subscribers. Therefore, here’s an excerpt: “Andy Gilchrist, author of The Encyclopedia of Men’s Clothes and founder of the popular web site Ask Andy About Clothes, agrees. ‘Men can’t really talk about shoes to anyone,” he says. “I think that’s why the Ask Andy Forum is so popular: [it’s] a place where we can talk to other men about the shoes and the clothing that really matters to us.’”

My husband may be partly responsible for his friend, Arnold Schwartzenegger’s shoe-craze, as mentioned in the first paragraph of the piece. They roomed together in the late 1970s. “Arnold dressed like merde back then!” he said just now. My other half, who has never had anything but the best shoes, and who has possessed excellent taste in clothes all his life, dresses so beautifully that his friends ask him for sartorial advice. One among them is Jan Libourel, editor of Gun World magazine, a tall, dashing fellow after whom Allen Edmonds named a pair of shoes last year, because of both his loyalty and vast collection of their shoes!

Yes, these are manly men who know the importance of being, as my grandmother put it, well-shod. After all, you can’t build a castle on a swamp, can you?

Related Content by M-J
Affordable Accommodations in Aspen

Elegant On-Line Consignment Shop: Christabelle’s Closet

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Elegant Survival Presents: Shopping at Christabelle’s Closet

Photo Copyright Christabelle’s ClosetChristina Carathanassis, Owner of New York’s Famous

Christabelle’s Closet

For those of you who love top-shelf designer clothing and accessories, my friend Christina, owner of Christabelle’s Closet has an on-line consignment shop where you can find high-fashion pieces for very low prices. Christabelle’s Closet is ideal for elegant survivors who desire the best clothes for very little money. Be sure to watch the video at the end of this post, which is from American television, featuring Christina.

Christabelle’s Closet

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Click here to go back to the top of this page, and to view the menu.

Drape Yourself in Luxurious Fabrics

The Ultimate Survival Garments

Menswear: the Death-Knell of Civilization

The Death-Knell of Civilization: Men Wearing Shorts to Work

Thursday, July 31, 2008

I’ve written about this untidy habit before, but now it is being sanctioned by The New York Times. Of course, there’s very little in the realm of perversity that the Gray Lady won’t promote. Shorts

I’ve also said that in Bermuda, the shorts are nearly knee-length, and that no gentleman wears them without knee socks, either of light, ribbed cotton in hot weather, or wool during cooler times of the year. Men in Bermuda traditionally wear these shorts with blazer, shirt and tie, accompanied by real shoes–no boaters, sneakers or sandals.

When you read that NYT piece, you will see that what is being touted there is a far cry from what is acceptable in Bermuda, a very civilized place with a dress-code.

Non-Electric Irons

I’ve had a link to Lehman’s on Elegant Survival for a long time. Here’s their page of available irons that don’t use electricity to heat. Lehman’s Irons

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Survival Storage

editormj — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:39:41 +0000

CPS Container and Packaging Supply has the necessary tools for storing your survival foods and materials.

Wine

editormj — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:43:29 +0000

Photo of Torres Malena Garnacha bottle copyright M-J de Mesterton Elegant Survival’s November 2008 Wine of the Month, Torres Malena garnacha 2006, Produced by the Torres Family of Spain Torres Malena 2006: Burgundy-Colored Table Wine, Excellent with Beef Torres Malena Garnacha 2006: It’s so good, and my recommendation got so many hits, that it is not only Elegant Survival’s Wine of the Month for December 2007 , but for January 2008 as well. Le Pigeoulet en Provence: a Reasonably-Priced Red Wine from Southern France’s Vaucluse Region Photo Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2007 Elegant Survival’s Wine of the Month for September, 2007: Perrin & Fils Vinsobres Les Cornuds, Côtes du Rhône: popular for decades in Orange, France (Someone stole my original photograph) Saturday, July 12, 2008 Elegant Survival’s Summer Wine Recommendation: Penascal of Spain Photo copyrightM-J de Mesterton, 2008–click image for close-up. Penascal Tempranillo Red Wine, 2005 Wine of Spain Usually available in the U.S. for 5.99 per bottle. Tempranillo is the emblematic Spanish grape, and these are grown in the Castillo y León region of northern Spain. Hints of cherry, blackberry, and strong minerality combined with spicy leather and pepper notes make this a full-bodied red wine, yet it is not heavy on the palate. Its tannins are smooth, with a hint of oak. In 2005 and 2006, we served Penascal Tempranillo Red Wine 2003. It was always popular with our guests, and so is Penascal Tempranillo 2005. With the price of nearly everything going up, you need to have a good wine (and a good whine), at a low price. Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2008

M-J's Diuretic Smoothie

editormj — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:55:14 +0000

One half-cup of water, one fourth-cup of lemon juice, one jalapeño or other hot pepper (roasted or fresh), two stalks of celery, one-half of a cucumber, one tablespoon of thick yoghurt, and one tablespoon of parsley, all whirled in a blender till smooth. Add water if necessary for processing.

Apocalyptic Depression and Unrest Coming

editormj — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:43:23 +0000

I’ve been gently warning about this for two years, and suggesting that citizens prepare for disaster. The economy is going to get much worse after the tax-base dwindles, a condition spawned by trillions in frivolous spending in the last nine months, combined with a health-care monstrosity that will punish small business out-of-existence and force all Americans to buy “insurance” that guarantees them nothing but strife. And the fertile valleys in California whence a great percentage of American produce came are going fallow because of an effort to “save” an inconsequential minnow. People need saving, as do the farmers whose tradition and economy has been shut down in California. The EPA, or Environmental Protection Agency, was founded by Republican president Richard M. Nixon. It has since perverted its original mission, and has become a body of insane fascists who care nothing for their fellow citizens.
I despair…and hereby present to you a chilling opinion-piece by the news editor of World Net Daily.

Sherri Tenpenny on Vaccines

editormj — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:05:25 +0000

http://www.newswithviews.com/Tenpenny/sherri125.htm

Slow-Cooked Pork Chops Esterhazy

editormj — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:19:57 +0000

M-J de Mesterton's Slow-Cooked Pork Chops Esterhazy with Fall Harvest Vegetables: Substitute Fresh Tomatoes for Tomato Paste

M-J’s Elegant Cuisine: Pork Chops Esterhazy Recipe

Face & Figure: the Hula Hoop

editormj — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:46:32 +0000

The hula hoop has been back in fashion for a few years now; it is great for reducing one’s fat and shaping the figure.

I am adding the simple, classic hula hoop to my list of low-tech, compact exercise tools.

Facial Yoga

editormj — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:29:22 +0000

Skip the Poisonous Botox–botulinum toxin–and just do these exercises. I love this gal’s face–what a trooper!

Central Park Boathouse, by M-J de Mesterton

editormj — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:50:58 +0000

Loeb Boathouse Central Park, Drawing by M-J de Mesterton 1989

Table Provençale

editormj — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:24:54 +0000

Outdoors in Provence

Men's Sulka Raincoat, Size 40 Long

editormj — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:22:44 +0000

Available at Elegant Survival Shop http://www.elegantsurvival.net

http://www.elegantsurvival.net