West London Girl

WLG on the rules of good taste

February
18

The only person I consider nonjudgmental is my mum – probably because she’s broken pretty much every rule going

‘We’re sitting below the salt,’ a friend exclaimed during a group Valentine’s dinner at Trustafarian’s. The rest of us had to ask him to clarify the where-you-sit-reflects-your-pecking-order expression (having since looked this up on Google, I think he amended the details for a good story), and he soon regaled us with stories of his eccentric, aristocratic family. I threw in the story of Princess Beatrix, former Queen Beatrix, of the Netherlands, who followed suit when Paul Kruger mistook the bowl to clean one’s hands for something to drink from during a banquet.

The new taste index dictates that everything from our dinner party (everyone mucks in; flashy parties are out) to our holidays (country estate with the family rather than skiing in St Moritz, which is ‘overrun with Russians’) is low-key.

Most of us like to think we have ‘good taste’; and that we’re nonjudgmental (though we want to run with the in crowd). The only person I consider nonjudgmental is my mum – probably because she’s broken pretty much every rule going. So, here are my very judgmental ‘good taste’ rules:

Fashion and style
Respect your history: we need to know where we’re from to know where we’re heading. Similarly, knowing fashion history basics (trouser cuffs were originally working man’s protection against fraying and mud, hence informal wear) ensures you know the rules… Only then, can you break them (Alexander McQueen put it more eloquently, of course).

Friends
Diverse friends offer a broad perspective (I’ve previously blogged about the five types of friends everyone should have). Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you.

Work
Whether you’re a lawyer or a graffiti artist, it’s all about contentment. So how do we find it? The answer probably lies in American psychologist Frederick Herzberg’s assertion that the most powerful motivator isn’t money; it’s the opportunity to learn, grow in responsibilities, contribute, and be recognised.

Life
Keep travelling, meeting new people (though admittedly our busy lives make it difficult to stay in touch with old and new friends) and pushing boundaries. ‘Still water rots,’ so goes the Korean proverb.

Don’t be suburban
Obviously metaphorically speaking: nobody can afford to live or move in London thanks to the rise in stamp duty. Some suburban signs: Michael Kors handbag (high street masquerading as designer); Swarovski jewellery (a definite Valentine’s gift no-no); fake Saarinen table (as bought by Hot Danish, much to my dismay); loo mat (in case you miss the loo?); cracked iPhone screen…

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