I suppose when you first consider what it means to be 'classy' your mind focuses on the British Royal family. It's true. The Royal family is most likely the epitome of class in this day and age. But if you look any farther, in places like the United States for instance, it appears that class has completely and utterly disappeared. Now you go to Miami or L.A and see tramps walking around in short skirts and flashing tattoos on their shoulder blades. You see boys (and I use the word boys on purpose. There's a significant difference between boys and men) with pants hanging below their knees and oversized shirts that say things like 'punk'. When did that become cool? When did the world become so exposed? What happened to boys dressing nice, and girls caring about dignity? There is a limit!
I'm not saying tattoos should be outlawed because they reek of unsanitation and trampiness. No. Some tattoos are really pretty and express individualism. But there's a difference between a delicate tattoo and one that covers your whole body! Tattoos and body piercings make it appear like that person does not care about their appearance at all.
I'm also not saying that there aren't some really classy people and clothes present today. Designers like Chanel, Armani, and Versace practically emanate class.
I really believe that class thrived in the early decades of the 20th century. The 30's up to the 50's were the heyday, no doubt. With characters such as Bette Davis, Vivien Leigh, Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn, Princess Grace (and of course the men, James Stewart, Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and we must not forget the men of the 1800's, the Jane Austen period), we are given a role model on which we should all base ourselves. Look back at these marvelous people! Look at how they cared about how they dressed! Look at how they held themselves! With such grace and dignity! The words that trickled out from their lips supported their claim to class, as opposed to the language we commonly use today. When they used curse words, they didn't just drop them like people do today. There was a certain amount of richness in the way they said them.
The 30's had class, and they were in the middle of the Great Depression. So, why can't we have class too? Oh, that's right. Because our morals are backwards.
Sad. Class has died. If you don't believe me, go outside, walk around. Turn on the TV. It's gone. And I believe it's time we bring it back. And yeah, I understand, it seems like only the rich are classy. How can you help bring back class with an empty wallet? It's easy. Be yourself. Care about what you do to your body. Care about what you put on your body. Keep your dignity. Care. Care about yourself, care about others. It's so simple. Find class in yourself. That's my challenge to you.
Here are some affordable styles that I consider classy (courtesy of lookbook.nu) :
A Classy Role Model to consider: Camilla Belle.
thanks for listening!
<------ The dove necklace that inspired me.
