Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady

by Derek Blasberg

Overview

If you've ever wondered how to climb the social ladder with grace, how to feel confident in every situation, or even how to make a lasting impression (but not the kind that lands you on the latest "Worst Dressed List")-Derek Blasberg is here, with quotes and secrets from all the socialites so girls everywhere can learn how to have class. This hilarious handbook will provide everything you need to know about fashion, socialising, dating, and etiquette. With tons of practical tips and tools for learning to flaunt what you've got, dozens of specific how-tos, common no-nos, and huge blunders that even smart girls make, this tongue-in-cheek book will train you to be a lady, and not a tramp!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781595142795
Publisher:	Penguin Young Readers Group
Publication date:	04/06/2010
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	5.76(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.57(d)
Age Range:	12 Years

About the Author

Derek Blasberg is a fashion features editor at 10 Magazine, has a column in Russian Vogue, and is a frequent contributor to the London Sunday Times, Details, Women's Wear Daily, Another Magazine, Japanese Vogue, Teen Vogue, and Bergdorf Goodman Magazine. He lives in New York City.

Editorial Reviews

I can categorize the young women I’ve met through my trials and travails into two groups: ladies and tramps,” writes Blasberg in the introduction to this modern manners book. With a clean design that makes excellent use of line art and photographs, the book discusses dressing properly (“Unless you’re a cheerleader or prepubescent little girl, there is no reason to run around town in a half tee”), social graces, making friends, finding love, and facing temptation, as well as works of art, film, and literature ladies should know. Blasberg acknowledges the mixed messages directed at young women, while encouraging levelheadedness and precaution (readers might want to double-check certain claims; he states that herpes “can be communicated through toilet seats”). But underlying Blasberg’s arch (and entertaining) voice are good intentions—and decent advice. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

Blasberg's compiled everything he's learned from Hollywood, fashion, and high society in Classy, a guide to becoming a true lady.

ELLE

Fashion writer Derek Blasberg has taken note of both good and bad behavior while hanging with a high-profile set.

New York Magazine

What's a gal to do in this age of tacky pseudo-celebrity? Enter Blasberg, whose new book may just be the saving grace.

Teen Vogue

Dispenses advice on everything from table manners to tattoos in cheeky essays...A thoroughly modern guide to living like a lady.

VanityFair.com

Gr 10 Up—This guide provides wise yet hip advice on how an "extremely modern" young woman can be a lady and avoid being a "tramp," but it is so much more. Can she learn how to travel overseas or attend social events in style? Check. Can she learn to plan a wonderful dinner party, complete with correct place settings? Check. Can she learn how to avoid the wrong guy, drinking too much, cigarettes, or drugs without being a nerd? Check. Can she learn proper social customs and etiquette, and how to be a great friend? Check. She can also gain sound advice about these and myriad other important elements of life, including sensible dressing, successfully handling relationships, being knowledgeable about the world, and making good personal choices. Quotes from famous people savvy about the ins and outs of each subject addressed, plus catchy color photos and pertinent captions, add interest and flavor to the extremely upbeat and thought-provoking chapters. Humorous "self-tests" and their results reinforce the points being made. Although the content is sometimes mature and aimed at older teens and 20-somethings, with its references to such things as going to bars and clubs, legal drinking situations, or dealing with overindulgences, girls who are a bit younger can still benefit from reading this book by being better prepared to make good decisions both now and later.—Diane P. Tuccillo, Poudre River Public Library District, Fort Collins, CO

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