Elegant not only in dress
 

Personally, I believe that the essence of elegant victorian styles lies not only within the form of dress, but also as a piece of mind which you must dedicate to the part. I feel that dressing elegant alone doesn't completely fulfill the role, and that adorning a new set of "chivalries," if you will, fills in the missing accessory, for lack of a better word... Ok, this probably sounds weird, but I'm basically trying to say that you should take on the gentleman/lady role, but not totally over-do it, like speak with an accent, or kneel to kiss hands, or flourish your coat and laugh like "hah hah hah." (That last one was a joke...but save it if you're REALLY roleplaying, it's too good XD.) That's pretty much the idea. Hope this enlightens someone...

I agree totally ^.^ But if I really saw someone act like your (jokish) description I'd probably like it XD lol

I believe that no matter what style you dress in that you ought to behave like a gentleman/lady. That manners, decency, respect, and kindness are too rare in this society and often overlooked as valuable traits.

Though looking all Aristocrat certainly helps ;)

The aristotilian style of being a gentleman are a bit outdated, but there are still some ways to do it in modern culture. It's mainly just being creative, considerate, and polite, which are three qualities that are usually in lack in your modern man and/or woman.

Completely agree.

I can't believe the lack of manners these days [haha, I sound like I'm 50!] But some people are so rude. No please's, thankyou's or excuse me's. Some people in the corridor really push into you, so I say haven't you ever heard of 'excuse me,' and they seriously look at me in utter bewilderment. I hold the door open for people, always thank people - I really can't understand the mentality of people who don't. Even if they haven't been brought up with it, surely it's just common sense and/or common knowledge.

So yeah ~ I think the whole Aristocrat/Lolita values are really good ones to have.

やっぱり。　サリーちゃんはほんとに５０才ですよ！　 :p

じょうだんだよー　

I agree totally :)

lol :rolleyes:

Long ago I was taught that good manners are best accessory one can have in a wardrobe. It should not take effort or planning, but should be second nature.

Unfortunately, that attitude seems to have waned severly over the past few years. But it sure makes shopping in the local Asian markets a distinct pleasure, because without exception, everyone is instinctively courteous to those around them. The only confusion is when two people meet at the opeing to an aisle and both stop, bow and apologise - no one wants to proceed down the aisle first. Such a refreshing dilema!:) Nothing like Walmart or the local Kroger.

In England people just barge past each other and exchange insults.. We call it "trolley rage".

Manners is definately something we brittish are getting less of.. I'm gonna feel much more at home when i go shopping in Japan.

" いらっしゃいませ！　どぞ！"

Cannot wait!

hehe >.<''

quite frankly, my attitude changes w/ my attire....
like... when i'm dressed 'casual' i act casual.. and am very laid back...
when i dress in a lot of dark themes (some what of a matrixy feel i guess)
i tend to become arrogant and act as if "i'm too cool for you " kinda thing xD

when i dress formal (dress pants/shirt/shoes etc.) i act professional

>.>''

haha...
anyone else do this?
or does everyone else just act themselves regardless of their attire?

That phrase sounds oxymoronic for one reason or another.

Ironically, Shadow, it was my very proper British nanny from Holywell, St. Ives, Huntingdon that taught me that. But that was a long time ago, and she also said that if George III could live without electricity, so could she. :eek: So not all the changes in England are for the worse.

To be honest it's the young teenagers that I find the worst, the tweens. Around 12-13 year olds who think they're god's gift and manners don't apply to them. People my age are normally quite pleasant, and it's not just the young un's either. I let a man pass through the door before me, and he took it as an insult to his age and started ranting about how I didn't have to wait, he wasn't old nor senile, blah blah. I didn't even consider his age, and I was actually quite shocked that he swore and chuntered on like what people associate with 'chavvy' teenagers.

It just depends on the person, I've learnt to expect anything.

For the most part I act myself regardless of clothing, but when I wear all black I just have that gothic thing going on, complete with a "I don't really give a shit" face.

And when I wear my shades, the gothic thing changes to that Matrix complex.

I'm glad so many others agree with me. It heartens me to know that there are those out there who value good manners and proper etiquette when it comes to social interactions. Simple acts such as holding doors open and using phrases like 'excuse me' and 'thank you,' or even just saying 'hi' to complete strangers passing by, really brings out a certain warm feeling ¦3 ...even if they give me strange looks because I dress "funny" hahaha

And yes, the coat flourishing really IS a good idea...I'm gonna try it XD

Thanks everybody!

Gah, how often have I done this before?:cool:

Whoa.

I hate to admit it, but I do that - sometimes to an extreme. Several studies have show that attire does affect how people present themselve and act, but the effect seems to be quite variable.

I was once given a nickname because friends noticed a severe personality change whenever I had to wear "corporate drag". Apparently when dressed in darker knee length skirts and high heels I shift into a decidedly alpha-male, mode. I thought the guys were just teasing me until the bartender starting saying "Yes, sir!" to me while we shooting pool. That was more than 10 years ago, and I have tried to tone "Max" down, but he still kicks in when the stilletos come out of the closet.:rolleyes:

Here comes statistics to save the day XD As long as the sample size wasn't like 100 or something, then I'd be suspicious still...but that's not the point. I do notice that people act differently when they dress certain ways, and not just on purpose like dressing cute and acting cute to look even cuter. Those who dress in business attire tend to be more on the serious, no-nonsense side than the casual look, which pretty much let's you become more playful and do whatever you want. Not that I'm saying this applies to everybody. of course.

I'm not really sure how I act...I know I'm the complete opposite of my mom. Which is a good thing. But that's it. My mom will be like 'Say excuse me!' blah blah blah. to my siblings...I always walk off by myself and I get weird looks when I say pardon me and stuff.

Exactly. That is why some American companies are getting away from business casual attire and "Casusal Fridays". Those of us whose production does not slack off because of our attire are losing out to those that think because they can dress more casually, its ok to act more casually when it comes to their work. :( (BTW it's had mutliple studies and millions of people & back by companies on both sides of the dress code issues.)

For me it's the other way round.

It's not that, if I wear certain clothes, I feel a certain way. If I feel a certain way, I wear certain clothes. My clothes actually scarily say a lot about me >.<

What about that dress you showed me? ya know.. THAT ;);) dress? :p

You mean, this one:


They only have it in red atm ;_;

:eek:

Mah.. erm.. argh. Words?

Awesome! I love the dress >< That dress = Lolita XD