Dear Hildegarde: Your Questions Answered

Dear Mrs. Fillmore,

I have to go to a garden party next week and have a very nice white outfit I can wear with matching shoes. I have heard that I shouldn't wear white shoes before Memorial Day, but all of my other friends are doing it. What is the rule?

Sincerely,

Unsure in Akron

Dear Unsure,

Thank you for writing in to-day. I must first and foremost tell you that you needn't worry about what your friends are doing, unless that friend is yours truly, to whom you should always lend an ear. Now, the rule in the past has always been that one does not wear white between the holidays of Memorial Day and Labor Day. Now, as you surely know, these holidays have not always been in existence, beginning only in the last century. However, despite the newness of these holidays, the rule still stands and I would implore you to stay true to it. The basic intent of the rule is that white shoes/handbags are for use only in the summertime (the only exceptions are if you are getting married or if you are paging at a hereditary society event). Even if you are a day away from the holiday, don't take a chance, dear! Therefore, in answer to your query, you have the rule and you should not wear white shoes with your ensemble. I would even go as far as to ask you to wear a different costume, one with a little more color and flair, perhaps?

Until next time...

HF

Do you have a question for Mrs. Fillmore? Please send an email to hildegardefillmore@hotmail.com.

Charm: Home Sweet Home

Dear Reader,

To-day I would like to write to you about the fragrance of your home. In earlier posts, we have discussed finding your signature fragrance, which is something special for you. Now let's discuss making your home special for others. There is nothing worse (save a woman with no stockings) than to be greeted at the front door of someone else's home with an unpleasant fragrance emanating from the abode rather than a pleasant smile by the hostess. Open that front door, dear, and it is all over. When something like that happens, it prevents one from wanting to enter, no matter how charming your hostess "appears" to be (of course if she were truly charming, there would be no issue here). Here are some "tips" for your home so all of your guests will find you and your domicile lovely and charming:

1. Always keep your home clean, including all upholstery, linens, and clothes. If your home is clean and in order, the likelihood of some odiferous waft arising is lessened. If you do not have a maid to do your daily washing of clothing, send out or keep a laundry hamper available that can be tightly closed until you can get to it.
2. Despite how aggressive one may be with housekeeping, it is always important to "air" one's home at least three times a week, despite the weather. In nicer weather, keep those windows open at all times, even in the evenings. You need not fear intruders as long as your gardener is on site. Otherwise, open the windows on the upper levels only at night.
3. Find a way to bring fresh, pleasing scents into your home. Fill your rooms with the fresh fragrance of freshly cut flowers. Do not use air freshener (ever) or scented candles. These are artificial enhancers and are surely used by those who otherwise cannot keep their homes fresh by the means I have suggested above. In a previous post, I warned against wearing synthetic fabrics of any kind. The same applies in the arena of home freshening.
4. Pleasing scents from the kitchen are also a tempter to the olfactories. Have your cook bake fresh bread and cakes daily. Offer them to your callers with tea and you will have an enchanting afternoon.

I hope these tips have been of help to you, dear. Keep your home fresh and your spirits will be uplifted. You will never fear answering the door again!

Until next time...

HF

Do you have a question for Mrs. Fillmore? Please send an email to hildegardefillmore@hotmail.com.