As a young girl growing up I was (and still am) in love with musicals. We only had 3 channels on our TV and most of our time was spend outdoors but when we did get the special treat of renting a video or two from the library my sister and I almost always went with a musical. There was always one musical we could absolutely agree on, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (what little farm girl didn’t dream of choosing a husband from seven backwoods men???), but on the times that we each got to choose our own I, without  hesitation, went with My Fair Lady. It’s still my favorite to this day. I love the music, I love the costumes, I love the story and Rex Harrison, but most importantly, I love Audrey. To me, she is perfect, not just in the movie, but in general. I remember watching her and being in total awe.

Now at the age of 25(almost 26, SSSSHHHHH) those feelings haven’t changed. I’ve read a biography or two and even have her pictures in my living room and I still admire her. There’s an air about her that just by looking at her I get the sense that spending a day with her would turn me into the lady I was meant to be. Lord knows I’m not the ladiest lady, and for many years I embraced that part of myself, even encouraged it. But this past year has made me start to consider changing that a little bit. Maybe there’s something to that ladylike thing that I’ve been missing out on. Maybe talking like “one of the guys” isn’t attractive to the right type of guys. Maybe seeing myself as more of an Audrey will encourage other people to see me as one too. Don’t get me wrong, I will always love being “one of the guys” and not being afraid to get my hands dirty and being able to fix the toilet seat in my apartment on my own. But I think it’s time that I find the happy medium of being a tom-boy and still presenting myself with a little more ladylike-ness.

Ironically, before I had really come to this realization, I purchased a book called How to Be a Hepburn in a Hilton World by Jordan Christy.  As someone who had never really gotten the whole Paris Hilton craze that happened a few years back the title alone was appealing to me. I never was, nor did I care to be, in the Hilton World, but I did always long to be a Hepburn. Come to think of it I might have been closer to a Katharine, but oh well.

Since I’ve been on a bit of a reading kick lately I decided it was finally time to pull this book off the shelf and read it! And what a great choice that was. Jordan writes as though she’s sitting right next to you and you’ve been gal pals for years. While many of her references to “stupid girls” aren’t in the public eye as much, i.e. Paris Hilton, Nichole Richie, and Girls Gone Wild, the message she’s trying to get across is still very clear. And unfortunately Lindsey Lohan has still managed to keep herself relevant in this category. I couldn’t help but feel a little glad when she mentions those girls and their antics though because of the fact that their scandalous behavior hasn’t been plastered all over the news for years. It makes me feel as though there has been a slight shift in the media over the last couple years…or maybe we’ve replaced foolish socialites with pregnant teenagers. It’s hard to tell. The point is, if I were to make this book a required reading for my daughters someday they may have some trouble relating to those specific examples. They won’t know what “The Simple Life” was or how many times LiLo was arrested (I hope!). That being said, they will know the opposite side of those examples, just like I did growing up. But anywho.

I really enjoyed reading this book! Each chapter is one piece of the puzzle that makes up a well spoken, respectful lady. From how to speak and what to wear (or NOT wear) to how to attract the right men and choose the best friends, it’s a great guide that’s written in the most down to earth way. Jordan doesn’t sugar coat things. She talks to you, says it like it is, and even makes you laugh a little. I can’t help but feel like she and I were raised with similar values on many levels. As I was reading each chapter it was as though my mother were reminding me of all the little lessons she had taught me growing up. It was all information that I already knew but I think I needed a little refresher on. Somewhere along the way I had gotten the idea that being ladylike just wasn’t for me and since relating to guys came easily to me I steered in that direction, a little too much. This book has helped me realize that it’s time to steer back in the other direction and that there’s nothing wrong with that. Being ladylike isn’t a bad thing! And it doesn’t mean that I can’t still relate to guys, it just means that I don’t have act like one to do so! Light bulb!

So as much as I’d love to go back to Audrey’s time and wear house dresses while riding mopeds, a la Roman Holiday, the times have changed and I’m not that girl. And that’s okay. I can, however, be a girl who speaks properly, dresses with self respect, doesn’t throw herself at men, and holds herself to a higher standard, for herself, not anyone else. And if you’re a girl who feels like you want to do the same than I definitely suggest this book for you. I know that whenever I need a little refresher course on getting my act together that I’ll be glad it’s on my bookshelf.

Go anywhere in NYC and you’ll see girls dressed like this. She’s timeless.