Charm: To Ail...or not to Ail

Dear Reader,

To-day we will discuss the sharing of information regarding one's ailments with others. Here is the simple rule: don't. Unless the "other" is your doctor or your spouse (and sharing here shall be limited to what is absolutely necessary), keep your problems to yourself. Trust me dear, no one else desires to hear of your rheumatism, headaches, or back problems. She will act interested (if she has been following my program, she will know that politeness is required here), but will be thinking that you are dull and a bore. If you simply cannot contain your problems, buy for yourself a nice journal and keep track of your maladies in this manner. Perhaps someone will read it someday and feel sorry for you.

Additionally, when asked the polite question, "How are you?", the correct response is "fine" or some other pithy and positive comment. No one is truly asking about your well being, unless you are in your psychiatrist's or pastor's office. If you ever want to be asked again, do forego the litany of life's trials here and just simply answer as exampled above. Otherwise, if you are addressed at all, it will be something more along the lines of "hello, nice to see you". If you are ever addressed this way, it is time to evaluate your life and become more cheerful about your circumstances. Do spread sunshine, dear!

Until next time...

HF

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

Charm: A Slip of the Slip

Dear Readers,

I must tell you about a dreadful situation I encountered at church this morning. I was chatting with a lovely lady, one of our church's most esteemed members, to be sure, when I noticed something black showing through her very rich looking pink cashmere sweater, donned with pearls, of course. The black item was a slip showing though!! I almost gasped when I noticed it, but of course, since I have been schooled in the finer things, kept my astonishment to myself, making mental note for my posting later, however. Ladies, I am sure that this was an innocent mistake, especially knowing this lady personally; however, please check your mirrors before you leave your home as not to be caught in a fashion faux pas. All that would have been needed to be adjusted was the slip and this outfit would have been acceptable. Only wear dark slips under dark clothing. White or flesh colored slips shall be worn under light clothing. When in doubt, go with the flesh colored slip--you will never be incorrect.

Until next time...

HF

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

Charm: Hose Line is an Anyway?

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies...I hasten to get to my topic of to-day and therefore am overlooking the fact that I did not greet you appropriately. Unfortunately, I feel that we need to revisit the topic of pantyhose and I question as to why many of you are still not wearing them with your costumes. Why is this? It matters not that the warm weather is almost upon us. Walking around with bare legs (save at the beach or at your club pool) is just unacceptable. Don't you realize how unfinished you look? Not to mention that many of you at this time of year have very white skin and legs so fair are for the bedroom or sickbed only. And don't you know how bare feet just ruin your shoes? My dear, when you leave your home without stockings, you appear as if you have forgotten to completely dress yourself, as if you forgot your lipstick or to style your hair in an attractive manner because you had to hurry from your slumber to some dreadful emergency. The "just out of bed" look may seem to be the latest with the younger, college set, but my dear, if you ever want to enter the sophisticated adult world, at least the one where I live, you must be more attentive about your dressing habits. Why are so many of you looking to the younger generation for your fashion advice? Don't you know how frivolous and carefree they are? It is time to move beyond the college years, dear. Finishing school is behind you (although you should have been wearing stockings then as well) and the lady in you will blossom and grow if you heed my advice. Please go to your local retailer and invest in some good silk stockings. Let's avoid appearing as mutton dressing as lamb, shall we? You do want to receive the Garden Club membership invitation in the post this Spring, don't you?

Until next time...

HF

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

Beauty: All Day Lip Color

Dear Reader,

To-day I am thrilled to discuss with you the latest in beauty products: the all day lip color which also hydrates your lips. I am not hear to facilitate sales of any particular brand of lipstick, mind you. I am here to instruct you that you must, at once, find one that suits you and wear it ever day. What a modern way to look beautiful and charming! And so easy, too! How many times have you been out at the club only to have to retouch your lipstick after luncheon? How often have you kissed your young child after retrieving her from the governess, only to leave those "tell tale" marks on her cheek or forehead? Not to mention that "sign of affection" left on your husband's cheek as he leaves for his daily business, if indeed your husband needs to work. Never again must you have to manage these maladies. One application in the morning during your toilette and you are polished for the remainder of the day. Now...if only we could find charm that would have such longevity!

Until next time...

HF

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