Some things are so incredibly chic.
I figured after Wednesday’s post about all the things I find un-chic, I should follow up with the things that speak to me so much. It’s only fair to give credit where credit is due. Because while I have plenty of opinions about all the things I can happily live without, there are plenty of things I cannot live without.
Things so chic it’s difficult to put them into words. Interestingly enough, that’s because many of them aren’t tangible items you can purchase for yourself. Listen, I love a good designer shoe and handbag (I’m nothing if not unabashedly materialistic), but some of the chicest things in life cannot be purchased.
Loving your everyday life
Yes, I love a gorgeous vacation and the big moments in my life, and I am incredibly fortunate to have so many of them. But what I really love is being able to say that my everyday life is something I really enjoy. Being able to say that I love a random Tuesday or a random Monday and not just the Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays of my life is such a blessing. My quiet morning coffee is a gift because even though my husband works from home and doesn’t have to leave the house in the morning, he takes the kids to school every day because he enjoys that time with them and wants me to enjoy a slow morning at home before my day begins.
Making dinner together and eating around the table as a family. Running errands while the kids are at school. Long walks with my pup every morning followed by watering my flowers and taking care of the little things around the house. I genuinely enjoy those little moments. Even the dreaded pick-up lines every afternoon – hate those – but I love that I’m able to pick my kids up every day and get to spend that time with them as their day is winding down. Hearing their stories and getting to chat? Priceless.
Actually enjoying my children
I find it so incredibly chic to actually enjoy spending time with my kids rather than constantly looking forward to time away from them. While I love a good date night or a girls night or an adult night out with friends, there’s nothing quite like really enjoying my own kids and their company. They’re actually really cool, and I enjoy the time we get to spend with them. I find it incredibly chic when parents want to spend time with their kids rather than making their lives all about themselves and only the big moments about their kids.
Friends who are family
The chicest thing in the world is a family you create with people who have absolutely no relation to you. And ours are the best. The ‘hey, I’m coming by to grab the kids so they can play with mine for a few hours while you’re grocery shopping,’ friends and the ‘come over for dinner so you don’t have to cook tonight’ friends. The ones whose houses you can let yourself into so you can pull an epic prank or grab a shallot because you forgot one and realized it halfway home from the store. The ones who come over in their comfy clothes and sit on the couch with you while the kids play and just chat. The ones who know what your kids like to eat and always have those items on hand in their pantry when you’re over. The ones who know you’re having a bad day and drop by with cookies just because. So chic. And so priceless.
A woman who knows what she likes
And is completely unapologetic about it. I find women who know what they like, what they don’t like, and have no problem stating such so incredibly chic. The ones who are comfortable saying no thank you to an invitation that doesn’t sound appealing to her. The ones who are fine being overdressed or underdressed and aren’t worried about impressing others. The kind who are genuine and real.
A really good pair of heels
Honestly, the chicest thing in life is a great pair of shoes. I love a good shoe. I have a closet full of them, but nothing is more chic than a classic pointed toe pump in nude or black. I’m a big fan of the classic Manolo Blahnik, and I will tell anyone who will listen that this is the shoe to invest in if you’re going to purchase designer.
Good manners
Please. Thank you. Holding a door. Looking people in the eye while speaking. Not interrupting. Treating people with kindness and respect. Remembering little details about people and being considerate. It costs nothing to be pleasant, but it’s such a rich gift to provide the world.
A beautiful tablescape
Linen napkins, beautiful china, place settings. These speak to me. I don’t use them all the time, but I love them so much. So chic.
A beautifully kept home that feels like a home
Not a showroom or an empty space that feels unlived in but perfectly curated. A home that feels put together and welcoming. A house that just feels like a home when you walk in. The kind of home in which you want to curl up on the couch with a soft blanket and read a book or chat with a friend.
Knowing when to go home
I find it incredibly chic when someone knows their limits and is perfectly happy to honor them. She’s tired, so she leaves. She never overstays her welcome. She never stays to keep others happy. Declining an invitation because rest is more important in the moment. Honoring commitments already made even if something better comes along. Choosing a quiet evening over a loud outing. Not feeling obligated to stay somewhere she’s uncomfortable or not enjoying. So chic.
Being fine with being disliked
I love a person who has no desire to be liked by everyone. She’s fine being disliked. She’s fine not being the life of the party. She’s fine not attempting to live her life making everyone else feel comfortable and happy. She’s not trying to be popular or well-liked. She’s just out there being herself and she’s fine with it. The chicest.
Final thoughts
There are so many chic things in the world, but these just happen to be the ones I find chicest. They’re often not easy to obtain, but that’s probably what makes them so special.
