Elegant, Classic English Coats

The Classic English Chesterfield Coat, Made-to-Measure in England of the Finest Cloth

Coach Shoes from Christabelle’s Closet

The Elegant Survival Source for Gloves

Ladies' Lambskin Gloves

I’ve advocated the wearing of gloves on Elegant Survival since its beginning in 2006 (see “The Merits of Wearing Gloves”, my old article). My husband and I have worn gloves for decades, whether or not they were in fashion. Now, there are even more reasons to wear them, with the proliferation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus and H1N1 viruses, both of which may cause death, and are transmitted by surface-contact. Traditionally, it did not have to be cold outside, as it was on Inauguration Day outdoors in Washington, D.C.,  for ladies to wear gloves. Gloves will protect your hands from deadly germs and viruses, protect your jewelry from unwanted attention in-transit, and cushion your hands should you trip and fall on the pavement. For reasonable prices and a very extensive selection of glove styles, try Gloves-Online.com

Inexpensive, Tough, Useful Leather Gloves: One of Many Styles at www.gloves-online.com

~~M-J de Mesterton, Copyright 2009

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Classic Pumps by Robert Clergerie, at Christabelle’s Closet

Update, April 8th: these beautifully crafted, classic French shoes have been reduced to the price of 50 USD.

Elegant Pumps, by Robert Clergerie; Size 7.5 US

Robert Clergerie Patent Leather Pumps, Made in France:  Simple, Elegant  Shoes for Evening, Cocktails or Teatime

It’s difficult to find classic, real shoes these days. When I speak of elegant dressing, I often mention closed-toe shoes, which used to be the norm. Sure, peep-toes and strappy high-heeled sandals are all the rage, but I don’t write about trends, except to disparage them and their lack of longevity. Exposing one’s toes and tottering about on stilts are never elegant. This pair of shoes almost represents my ideal for evening. Alas, they are a half-size too small for me. Advice to people approaching middle-age: buy your shoes a half-size larger than necessary, because your feet are about to grow a half-inch (once upon a time, these shoes would have fit me).

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2009

Elegant Survival Recommends Berkeley Hat Company

Berkeley Hat Company,

the largest hat store in California, has traditional hats for men and women, novelty hats, and Tilley Endurables for traveling. Their on-line shop accepts PayPal and credit cards. Prices are reasonable.   It’s smart, in more ways than one, to cover your head during all seasons of the year. At Berkeley Hat Company, you can acquire a hat wardrobe for a song. Even if you aren’t looking for a topper, you’ll enjoy looking at the selection of hats at Berkeley Hat Company.

Elegant Survival Recommends

Our traditional Basque Berets offer the style, comfort and warmth expected by those looking for the finest quality berets . All of our Basque Berets are still made in Basque territory–the Hoquy Beret de Luxe comes from southern France. Black Berets remain the most popular. These satin lined wool berets are fitted with a quality sweat band for optimal comfort and durability. We also carry cotton berets, leather berets and wool berets from other parts of the world. Shipping $6.50 + $1.44 for each piece more than one per order.

BERKELEY HAT COMPANY

2510 Telegraph Avenue

Berkeley, CA   94704

tel. 510 549-2955

How an Elegant Woman Dresses at Ascot in the Autumn

One may be able to get through the gate at Ascot while not observing traditional rules, but if a woman wishes to look proper and elegant, she will follow them. A knee-length, or mid-calf fitted dress or suit with long sleeves and modest decolletage, stockings or tights, closed pumps, and a hat that covers the crown of the head will ensure a warm reception. Gloves are optional. Wearing a mini-skirt, jump-suit, slack-suit, sun-dress or spaghetti-strap cocktail dress may inspire derision, together with unflattering class-identification.
~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2008

How an Elegant Woman Dresses at Ascot in the Autumn

One may be able to get through the gate at Ascot while not observing traditional rules, but if a woman wishes to look proper and elegant, she will follow them. A knee-length, or mid-calf fitted dress or suit with long sleeves and modest decolletage, stockings or tights, closed pumps, and a hat that covers the crown of the head will ensure a warm reception. Gloves are optional. Wearing a mini-skirt, jump-suit, slack-suit, sun-dress or spaghetti-strap cocktail dress may inspire derision, together with unflattering class-identification.
~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2008

Courtesy of M-J de Mesterton

How an Elegant Woman Dresses at Ascot in the Autumn

One may be able to get through the gate at Ascot while not observing traditional rules, but if a woman wishes to look proper and elegant, she will follow them. A knee-length, or mid-calf fitted dress or suit with long sleeves and modest decolletage, stockings or tights, closed pumps, and a hat that covers the crown of the head will ensure a warm reception. Gloves are optional. Wearing a mini-skirt, jump-suit, slack-suit, sun-dress or spaghetti-strap cocktail dress may inspire derision, together with unflattering class-identification.
~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2008