Kiki Astor’s blog: musings and writings on travel, style, society, etiquette, old money aesthetic, and the romance author life.
Old Money Entertaining Etiquette: down with the potluck
There’s something I must get off my chest, darling — and I suspect my ancestors are applauding from the great drawing room in the sky. The modern...
The Etiquette of Reputation: Old Money Skills for Modern Times
You know that old warning — “People will talk.” It’s usually said as though it’s a tragedy. But the truth? It’s a bit of a compliment, isn’t it,...
Old money paradoxes
I’m poor now—but I grew up rich, around old money people. And let me tell you, they are… peculiar. They’ll have trust funds, but no central...
Unhinged answers to nosy questions, relationship and procreation edition
People don’t always mean to be rude—but nosy questions happen. I’ve been asked how to respond politely to questions on intimate matters like...
Darwinism in pearls: answering the dreaded question: “so what do you do all day?”
When people ask, “So… what do you do all day?” sometimes it’s an innocent attempt to connect—but more often, it’s judgment. It’s not really about...
Weird old money coded insult: “You have such good skin.”
When an old money person compliments your skin, they might actually be insulting you. Let’s discuss. We’ve all heard the stereotype: rich people...
How to tell if someone’s old money: linguistic “secret handshakes”
.You can tell within seconds whether someone’s old money or not—and it has nothing to do with their handbag or how they’re dressed. It has to do...
Social Skills Hack: How to score an invite to their Hamptons guest cottage
Have you noticed how, especially in old money circles, some people seem to manage to secure invitations to the best guest houses -in the Hamptons,...
Marble countertops make you look poor, and other old money decorating advice
Marble countertops make you look poor. Here's what to choose instead.romamce Marble countertops don't make you look rich. You may think Carrara...
My thoughts on the Walmart Birkin…the Wirkin?
My thoughts on the Walmart Birkin...the Wirkin? My husband once bought me an Hermès bag, and I was so angry. Not because he got me a Kelly and I...