Balancing the Hilton and the Hepburn in you

Things haven’t been too good these days, what with many actress tantrums, beauty shoots and much much more. But what else is keeping me busy you ask? This book, called How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World. Honestly speaking, it made me think a lot on the whys and hows of making a perfect woman.

Much homework later, I realized that it just released in India and is already making waves. But since no one else will give you the right review (Trust me, I’ve read it online and in a one-page review in Mumbai Mirror), I will take a baton and give you the verdict. First things first, this is a good book, in terms of looks with all it’s nice charming classic black dress and the drapery of pearls. Look closer and you might even applaud the readable fonts, the little tips and the empowering notes. But what you don’t notice is the condescending tone, the 1950s guide to pleasing a man and a whole load of prim and propah-ness that is absolutely unnecessary in this world. It’s basically a whole load of lessons on how to live in a boring-classic-graceful style and that would be embracing the look-alike mentality in my opinion.

I’ve never been a big fan of Audrey Hepburn. All thanks to the lady for having a style of her own and commanding attention, but these days, the reason why we fall for many eccentric idols, is because we understand the meaning of being different. Not just different, but we’re looking for someone whose ideas of expressing themselves are totally unique. Once we identify those who pop our champagne, we will only take up a few of their characteristics and mix-match it with out own to altogether make a new cocktail. But no, this is exactly what the book dissuades you to do. It wants you to be a housewife with decorum, but make sure you do it in classic style, and making sure you’re respectable before your peers. That said, I must compliment the good things I learnt from the book. So, here we go:

Flashing, getting drunk and not knowing how you got a tweety tattoo on your butt is just NOT cool anymore

Self-respect is a much-undervalued gift. Keep it, don’t toss it around for everyone to trample upon it

You cannot, absolutely cannot, derive your value from what others think of you. Period.

Making a smart girl list. Make a list of all things that you want to do for yourself.

Hard work, good ethics and big dreams are non-negotiable.

Choosing friends who bring out the best in you. Not vice-versa.

You gotta stop playing mind games with the boys. Do your thing and he will come.

Dressing your age, it isn’t about other people but you. Dress smartly but choose what suits your bosy.

Less is always more. But sometimes more is also more when it comes to accessorizing.

That aside, Jordan Christy, the author of the book must understand that thongs, dancing on top of the bar table, facebook lives and outrageous behaviour is good as long as it’s not harming anyone.

Picture Courtesy: Manga art by Tamtamchan. I love Manga.