Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Being a Hepburn in a Hilton World

After finally having a chance to hang out with my adopted "little sister", Delaney, (who, btw, is an absolute doll, I'm so proud to call her my little sister) at Borders, I picked up a book I'd been wanting to read since I saw it on amazon.com. The book is called How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World... and the book definitely lives up to its expectations.

Just like the title promises, this books gives really great tips on how young women can live as classy and modestly as the great Audrey Hepburn did. From the first page to the last, author Jordan Christy does an amazing job offering advice in a witty manner that makes it sounds like a letter from your cool, older sister that you look up to. (side note: Though the author is my age, I did feel like she was the older sister I wish I had, imparting wise advice to her younger sister.) I actually felt like I knew the author and that this advice was actually tailored to me (being a big fan of old fashioned manners and morals). Everything from fashion to relationships, both personal and professional, is covered. That is actually very rare. I'm uber picky with the non-fiction books (my review on Jane Austen's Guide to Dating anyone?) because the advice given is usually... well, not good... at all! I didn't have that problem with this book.

I am so glad that she really gets "it", what it means to be a modest young woman... and she doesn't care about stepping on the so-called feminists' toes. Jordan really emphasized the fact that our culture is overrun with the Paris Hiltons and Lindsay Lohans of the world that make our gender look like a bunch of "Stupid Girls." She uses real life examples to show us both sides so we can see why their way of living should become extinct, and why the way of Audrey Hepburn and our great-grandmothers should be brought back.

I loved the advice she gave on relationships -- both platonic and romantic. Everything from dealing with the toxic friends that won't leave you alone to how to handle yourself with grace and dignity in other social situations... it's pretty much what I would tell my "little sisters" and nieces. The issue of sex comes up, and she handles it very well. It doesn't feel like yet another person "forcing" the idea on us. She uses reason and common sense, fused with "old fashioned" morals, in a way that I wish was presented more often to young women.

One thing that this book has that others sorely lack is that it's actually very fun and interactive. There are quizzes that you can take such as the one that determines your true style (I am a heart - my style is sweet and romantic with laces and ruffles and light colors) as well as recipes to make of yourself or with friends (the Tennessee French Toast is so good!). And, bonus, she encourages young women to better their lives and to go ahead with the dreams that most people would want to squash.

I think the thing I loved the most about this book is that she really makes you feel like you're a) awesome for wanting to be (or already being) more modesty and classy and b) that you should totally embrace who you are because that girl is amazing. I had such a boost of confidence after reading this book because I really identified with it.

Have I mentioned that she actually advocates for young women to get more involved in their community and to do something for someone in need... without getting anything back in return (except for that lovely feeling one gets when we do good)? Want to start? Please do something for those who have suffered due to the Haitian earthquake. (I personally love the American Red Cross).

In a nutshell, at the end of book, I was thanking God that I'd finally read something that I could recommend to my fellow Maidens of Modesty. I would definitely recommend this book to any young woman who, like me, is a little old fashioned and wishes she lived in an era like that of the incomparable Audrey Hepburn. Who knows, maybe if we get enough young women to start acting this way (and passing it on to our younger sisters, nieces, daughters), we'll see women regaining the respect and dignity we are more than worth of.

Alright, I am going to go continue planning on how to revamp my own wardrobe a little more (since I've decided to embrace the girly side of myself.)

As always, thanks for reading and God Bless!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I've never heard of that book, but it sounds like something all young girls should read. Great post. :)

Melissa Cecilia said...

You should, Monique. It's a fun (and pretty quick) read.

Kathryn said...

Sounds like a great book, I will have to check it out sometime! :0

Melissa Cecilia said...

I think you'd like it. :)

Kelly said...

Yea!! Thanks so much for posting this. It's going on my "to read" list immediately.

God bless!

Kelly said...

P.S. I love the new blog layout. Quite by accident I have a similar, but definitely not the same, look. (what can I say, we both have great taste) ;)

Angel said...

Ooh..I think I might pick this one up in the near future. Great post!

-Angelica

The Gulbransen Family said...

As the father of a 12 year old daughter, glad to hear about the book and the content. I love that someone at your age knows what class and grace is for a young women. Keep up the good fight and being a great example.

Kathleen F said...

"The Red Cross says it is not involved with abortion. But in a number of cases, Red Cross societies have been involved as partners in programs that involve contraception."

http://www.all.org/article.php?id=10101

I tried googling to find out if Red Cross is specifically involved in helping with "reproductive health" in Haiti (distribution of condoms, birth control, etc.), and that's unclear, but I'd rather send my money to Catholic Relief Services.

Just wanted to throw this out there.

Delaney said...

Wow, that sounds like my kind of book. I've been thinking a lot on this very subject lately: I can't, have never, and never will be able to wear teeny-bopper clothes (walk into any specifically teen clothing store and you'll know what I mean). I can rock the heels, nylons and pearls look, but in "teen-y" clothing (even when it's modest) more often than not, I look ridiculous and fake. I stopped caring about fitting in a long time ago, but I've only recently fully realized how incredibly happy it makes me to be ME, to dress in a way that defines me, to wear my heart on my sleeve and feel comfortable in my own skin. Thank You, God!

Thanks for the great review. I'll definitely try to get my hands on this book. :)

Oooh, now I want to go clothes-shopping with you. ;-)

Melissa Cecilia said...

Delaney - We'll have to go shopping next time you're down here. :) There are a few places not far from where we were last time.

K - Thanks for letting me know. I was under the impression that they didn't distribute contraceptives.

Scott - Thanks! I hope your daughter helps us turn our society back to a more modest one. :)

Angelica - You should! I think you'd enjoy it. :)

Kelly - I will email you soon about the layout (I don't check my email as often as I should, lol).

Anonymous said...

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