READ THIS: The School of Flaunt Handbook by Alexandra Smythe and Cate Clarke
Most of what is said in this book is common sense and people we know do know better...but this was a fun read anyway. The girls hit on major cliches and we hope you are not learning anything new that is presented here if you are a regular on Whom You Know...sometimes their exaggeration is quite entertaining and we imagine in real life some cases everything is more down to earth, however, you don't want to lose any style or elegance so take what they say as a refresher! One thing that surprised us is that they don't say too much about their background-as in, where did these girls prep? (that is a verb!) Our panel comments:
I must assume, no I know, that the majority of my friends were raised to know better. It does not matter, however, everyone needs a refresher from time to time! Welcome The School of Flaunt Handbook. Alexandra Smythe and Cate Clarke have written a delightful book of lessons to ensure anyone can live the right way. As women who were raised to know better, they share their knowledge of the better life for anyone who can, hmmm, read! As an event planning maniac, I adore Lesson Five! To all reading this, heed their advice. It is all about staff! You cannot do it all yourself! For anyone out there, either looking to laugh over these life lessons (i.e. hello to the Kardashians, I think you are being mentioned in Lesson 6 SOF Attitude, Manners and Etiquette...) or looking to learn (hello nouveau riche) this is a MUST read!
The School of Flaunt was such an entertaining read for an Upper Eastside Girl who went to Chapin and Miss Porter’s. Alexandra Smythe and Cate Clarke created a handbook that in its own way, tries to teach you class and upbringing. With lessons of etiquette, yes most people are still getting it wrong, to how to dress yourself and your home, they hit the nail on the head. The girls do it without taking themselves totally seriously as Emily Post and Leticia Baldridge do. The book takes the Blue-Blooded way and presents it to be more hip and entertaining. However, one can try and fake class but better to be who you are yet do things in a more civilized manner. Tricks of the trade are easily and humorously outlined in The School of Flaunt. Being in the design business, there were some super funny and correct points made in School of Flaunt when it comes to your interiors. I love the quiz format and wise cracks they make it you get it wrong. So dive in and take what you want away from it.
Alexandra Smythe and Cate Clarke walk in Helen Gurley Brown's shoes. They walk all the way through the how-to's and the no-no's of life, living large, and dressing to advantage. Their new book, "The School of Flaunt Handbook" is a charm school boot camp, with quiz at the end. Not limited to charm, the book (and their "school") covers bad taste, bad manners, bad posture, and most importantly, bad style. The two blithely ransack their memory banks for Flaunt Anecdotes, to cheer you on your way through tips, guides, and quips about where, when and how to be fabulous. Whether your bank account reeks of old money, or falls a bit shy of gold chip, the girls will guide you to becoming "top drawer". Filled with bits of off the cuff advice, this is the Cosmo Girl comes of age in paperback. Their inserts (Flaunt Fabulous Tips) and raucous commentary on contemporary behaviour will regale you, and at the same time, subliminally urge you to be mo' better. How to go from flight attendant to private jet? Just follow the rules. Hidden on page 125, amidst the style, school, sorority, and Debutante Ball advice, is our favorite line: "Sometimes it's not what you know but whom you know". Our kind of book!
Cate Clark and Alexandra Smith capture your attention and tell all the best about good taste, elegance, sophistication and breeding. The book is filled with humorous stories but mostly great advice. The perfect gift to all the tacky people you know who needs serious help in this sector. Insightful and very funny with fabulous illustrations by fashion and interior designer Joel Woodman, whose work has appeared in New York Times and many stylish fashion magazines, this is a “Must Have Book “ for those who desire to learn how to live The Grand Life Style. Thank you Cate and Alexandra, reading your book was such a delight! “Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary “
