Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners
Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor is a podcast where old money meets new manners. Host Kiki Astor, author of smutty romance novels, tackles etiquette questions with humor and aristocratic charm. Each episode explores social graces from bygone eras and adapts them for the 21st century, covering topics like modern technology and small talk. The show aims to help listeners navigate social situations with confidence and wit.
Episodes
Beyond Old Money: What got you here won't get you there
In this episode of The Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners podcast, hostess Kiki Astor challenges the traditional veneration of old-money habits, heritage, and manners. She argues that the behaviors, social codes, and values that helped establish or maintain an old-money position are often fundamentally different from those required to create, build, or modernize a life today. The episode
The Luxury of Less: How Constraints Create a Richer Life
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, Kiki Astor explores the power of creative constraints, intentional living, and choosing a "smaller box" to create a richer, more distinctive life. After becoming a full-time writer, Kiki invests the equivalent of an Hermès Birkin bag in a small garden folly—a private writing and creative retreat designed to encourage focus, originali
Craft a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From
In this Season 7 premiere, Auntie Kiki (Kiki Astor) shares a deeply personal story about returning from a vacation in France and realizing she dreaded going home to her own life. That devastating moment at the airport — wishing she could go anywhere except back — became the catalyst for a complete rethinking of what makes a life worth living. Drawing from her experience growing up wealthy and now
The Gossip Economy: From Secrets and Scandal to Social Status
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, Kiki Astor explores the sociology, psychology, and history of gossip among elites. Moving from John Aspinall's Clermont Club and the British aristocracy to Versailles, Beau Brummell, Lord Byron, the Kennedys, Truman Capote, and the Mitford sisters, Kiki examines why certain scandals become enduring social lore—and why eccentricity ca
The Lost Art of Becoming the Most Interesting Person in the Room
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, Auntie Kiki Astor explores the sociology, psychology, and etiquette behind genuine social magnetism. Embracing the "nouveau pauvre ideal," Kiki explains how living a rich life and cultivating cultural capital requires taste, intellect, and authentic curiosity—not a massive bank account. From the restrained presence of old money and h
Boarding Schools, Old Money, and Dark Academia: Myths, Manners, and Modern Reality
Kiki Astor, AKA Auntie Kiki explores boarding schools through an old money lens—traditions, houses, dining halls, chapel, dorm life, and dark academia—timed to Prince George starting at Eton. She debunks myths (uniforms, secret societies, Latin), examines social capital, alumni networks, and cultural reproduction; weighs benefits (independence, leadership, resilience, community) against costs (sep
Is It Actually Worth It? The Old Money Guide to True Luxury
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, Auntie Kiki Astor dives into the ultimate question in today's hyper-aspirational world: Is it actually worth it? Moving beyond performative luxury and the influencer economy, Kiki breaks down the true "Return on Investment" (ROI) of our money, time, and energy. From the "turnkey trap" in real estate and the reality of Restoration Har
The Old Money Library: Beyond Decor – Sociology, Psychology & Secret Reads
Unlock the Secrets of the Old Money Library: More Than Just Decor Dive into a captivating exploration of the "Old Money Library," where books are far more than mere objects – they are powerful social signifiers, reflecting generations of taste, privilege, and cultivated intellect. In this fascinating episode, host Kiki Astor, your "Auntie Kiki," unveils the nuanced world of aristocratic reading, c
Decoding the Pictures on the Walls: Art, Class, and Collecting Like Old Money
Decoding the Pictures on the Walls: Art, Class, and Collecting Like Old Money On The Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners podcast, Auntie Kiki (Kiki Astor) argues that art makes a home feel finished and functions as a "social biography," decoding class through cultural capital, provenance, and storytelling rather than price. Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu, Joseph Duveen's narrative-driven sal
The Old Money Guide to Photography: Etiquette, Aesthetics & Slim Aarons
Have you ever wondered how to capture the effortless elegance of the old money aesthetic in your photographs? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Auntie Kiki explores the fascinating intersection of photography, lifestyle, and modern manners. From the stiff aristocratic oil portrait style photos of the past to the iconic, sun-drenched leisure captured by legendary photographer Slim Aarons, we de
Floating Status Symbols: Old Money Yachts, New Money Pontoons, and the Ultimate Guide to Boating Etiquette
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners, Auntie Kiki dives deep into the fascinating sociology of boating and yachting. From the quiet elegance of old money sloops and classic Rivas to the loud, party-centric energy of new money mega yachts and pontoons, boats are the ultimate floating status symbol. We cover the unwritten rules of yacht etiquette—what to wear, how to behave
Linen Literacy: A Modern Guide to the World's Oldest Luxury Fabric
Join Kiki Astor on Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners as she dives deep into the fascinating world of linen, revealing why this ancient luxury textile is the ultimate status symbol and a cornerstone of quiet luxury for old money. This episode unravels linen's rich history, from Paleolithic origins and its role as currency in ancient Egypt, to its resilience against the Industrial Revolut
Status, Style, and Stitching: The Secret History and Etiquette of the Monogram
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, host Auntie Kiki (Kiki Astor) takes listeners on a fascinating deep dive into the history, sociology, and etiquette of the monogram. Far from just a preppy aesthetic, monograms are one of the world's oldest status symbols, evolving from ancient Mesopotamian cylinder seals and medieval maker's marks to Victorian household necessities
The Silver Ice Bucket: Old Money Elegance & Timeless Hospitality on Any Budget
Gather round, darlings! In this captivating episode of "Awkward Etiquette, Old Money and New Manners," your hostess, Auntie Kiki Astor, unveils a powerful, often overlooked domestic secret: the humble silver ice bucket. Far from just a vessel for drinks, this episode dissects its profound role in creating an old money aesthetic of ease, elegance, sophistication, and genuine hospitality – regardles
The Ultimate Guide to the Hermès Scarf: Old Money Style & Quiet Luxury
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, host Kiki Astor unravels the enduring allure of the iconic Hermès silk scarf. Discover how a simple square of silk evolved from a 19th-century Parisian harness workshop into the ultimate global symbol of elegance, quiet luxury, and old money style. Auntie Kiki takes you on a journey through the meticulous craftsmanship of the Hermès
Aristocracy's Raincoat: Barbour, the Sociology of Mud, and Stealth Wealth Fashion
Why does a battered, smelly, 100-year-old raincoat signal more wealth and social standing than a pristine, fresh-off-the-runway Hermes Birkin? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Auntie Kiki explores the maddening paradox of class signaling through the lens of the iconic Barbour jacket. We dive deep into the sociology of mud, exploring how the British elite fetishized utility, why looking like y
The Hidden Language of Jewelry: Old Money, New Money, and the Nouveau Pauvre
In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette- Old Money and New Manners podcast, host Kiki Astor takes a deep dive into the history, sociology, and psychology of jewelry. Moving beyond precious stones and price tags, Kiki explores jewelry as an ancient social technology used to signal belonging, continuity, and wealth. She breaks down the distinct jewelry "languages" of Old Money (which values biogra
The Scent of Status: How Perfume Shapes Class & Identity, From Cleopatra to TikTok
This episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners with your Auntie Kiki Astor goes far beyond mere fragrance, exploring perfume as a social language, a class performance, and invisible status signaling. Dive into the fascinating anthropology of scent, from Cleopatra's perfumed sails to the opulent courts of Versailles, uncovering how elites throughout history manipulated fragrance as ca
Old Money Secrets and Author Life: Behind the Curtain with Kiki Astor
In this season finale, Kiki steps out from behind the microphone to pull back the curtain on her creative process, the psychology behind her books, and the nuanced world of unspoken social codes. Addressing a curated list of reader FAQs, she dives into the intersection of taste, money, and power, exploring what our aesthetic choices actually reveal about us. Kiki also discusses the reality of her
The New Grand Tour: Cultivating Old Money Taste in the Modern World
In this insightful episode of "Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners," Kiki Astor delves into the historical Grand Tour, contrasting it sharply with contemporary travel and offering a powerful framework for cultivating taste, confidence, and a sophisticated worldview in the modern era. Historically, the Grand Tour (17th-18th centuries) was far from a mere holiday; it was a rigorous social
From Queen Victoria to Instagram Bridezillas: Old Money Wedding Etiquette & Style
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, Kiki Astor explores how Queen Victoria's 1840 white gown and later royal spectacles (Charles & Diana, Grace Kelly, JFK/Jacqueline) shaped modern wedding expectations. She examines the social and economic pressures behind extravagant weddings, who should pay, the rise of pre-wedding events, venue and menu choices, wedding attire (old
Beyond the Trend: Timeless, Classic, Ageless, and Iconic, the Old Money Way
Join Auntie Kiki (Kiki Astor) on the "Awkward Etiquette Old Money and New Manners" podcast as she uncovers the secrets to a truly timeless existence. This episode dives deep into why the old money aesthetic resonates so deeply and how you can integrate effortless elegance into your home, wardrobe, lifestyle, manners, and even your approach to aging. Inspired by a surprising home tour, Kiki shares
Are Influencers Really Rich? The Old Money Guide to a Truly Rich Life (off camera)
Have you ever scrolled through social media and felt an overwhelming sense of inadequacy? Everywhere you look, people seem to be living incredibly expensive, flawless lives filled with luxury travel, designer shopping, and perfect morning routines. But is it real? In this episode, Kiki Astor breaks down the jarring difference between influencer wealth and actual wealth. We explore the history of
Spring Forward: Old Money Traditions & New Manners for the Season
"Dogs and Horses": The Aristocratic Art of Vagueness vs Oversharing
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, etiquette expert and author Kiki Astor explores the fascinating social tension between strategic vagueness and chronic oversharing. Kiki dissects why old money aristocracy and traditional upper-class society view discretion and understatement as the ultimate forms of power and elegance. Listeners will learn how aristocratic etiquette
Main Character Energy: Aristocrats, Influencers, and Etiquette
In this episode of Kiki Astor's Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, your Auntie Kiki explores the modern cultural phenomenon of "Main Character Energy." We dive deep into the intersection of social media trends, old money archetypes, and the delicate art of owning your narrative without becoming a social nuisance. From the curated lives we see on TikTok to the historical upbringing of ar
Too high? Too low? How are your standards?
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Auntie Kiki begins with a cautionary tale of a dinner party guest who arrived forty-five minutes late without an apology—and why she was never invited back. This isn't a story about petty drama; it's a masterclass in the quiet, devastating power of standards, the invisible architecture of a civilized Life. We move beyond the surface level of manners to discuss
From Riches to Rags, in Style: The Nouveau Pauvre Manifesto
Are you staring at the wine list, instinctively searching for the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, only to let your finger slide regrettably down to the second least expensive Pinot Noir? Welcome to the club, darling. You aren't broke; you are Nouveau Pauvre. In this episode, Auntie Kiki explores the fascinating, often tragic, but always stylish world of the "New Poor." We discuss the cultural verti
The Secret to Authentic Style: Etiquette, Dress Codes, and Aesthetics
In this episode of The Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners, Kiki Astor tackles the elusive and often misunderstood concept of Style. Moving beyond fleeting trends and social media aesthetics, Kiki defines true style as a consistent manner of doing things—a language of behavior that extends far beyond your wardrobe. Join Auntie Kiki as she explores the difference between
Elegance: Old Money, Swans, and Sprezzatura (A Social Anthropology)
What is the invisible quality that separates the merely rich from the truly refined? In this foundational episode of Awkward Etiquette, Auntie Kiki goes beyond surface-level aesthetics to deconstruct the psychology and social anthropology of true elegance. We often confuse elegance with luxury, but history tells a different story. From the stoic discipline of Ancient Rome to the "sprezzatura" of t
Acquired, perhaps, but never bought: a discussion on Taste
Is taste inherited, learned, or just a synonym for money? In this definitive episode of the Awkward Etiquette trilogy, Kiki Astor dismantles the biggest myth in high society: that wealth buys discernment. This week, we move beyond which fork to use and delve into the philosophical core of elegance. We explore why the richest person in the room often has the worst taste, why "class" and "taste" are
The Masterclass on Class: What class really is, and why it matters.
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we tackle one of the most uncomfortable—and misunderstood—topics in modern society: class. Not money. Not income. Not net worth. Class. From ancient Rome and Greece to modern Europe and North America, this episode explores how class has historically functioned as a system of behavior, duty, values, and conduct—not merely consumption. We trace h
You're Either In or You're Out: Exclusion, Power, and the Psychology of Belonging
Why does exclusion hurt so much—and why has every functioning society depended on it? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, Kiki dismantles the modern fantasy that "everyone belongs" and reveals exclusion as one of the oldest, most stable organizing principles of social life. Drawing on history, psychology, etiquette, and elite social systems—from Mrs. Astor's 400 to Palm Beach clu
Real Resolutions for 2026: Old Money, New Manners, and the Quiet Power of Not Explaining Yourself
Elegant Chaos: Why Old Money Never Has a Perfect Christmas
For the final episode of the season of Awkward Etiquette Old Money and New Manners, Auntie Kiki invites you into the most intimate setting of all: the floor by the Christmas tree, wrapping gifts imperfectly and talking you down from the holiday panic spiral. This conversational season finale explores why old money traditions never revolve around a perfect Christmas and why elegance, confidence, an
The Old Money Villain: Vampires, Exclusion & The Art of the "Ice Queen"
Vampires are back—but in 2025, they aren't sleeping in coffins. They're chairing the board, running the estate, and freezing you out of the conversation with a polite smile. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dissects the ultimate social archetype: The Old Money Villain. Drawing from her novel Scarlet Fever and the terrifying "Sangren" family, Kiki explores why we are culturally obse
The old money holiday survival guide: Manners, Social Skills, and Style Tips with Kiki Astor
Step into the holidays with old-money elegance, unbothered poise, and a velvet-lined sense of humor in this special episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor. In this Holiday Social Survival Guide, Kiki shares the discreet, never-spoken-aloud strategies that generational families use to glide through December gracefully—even when surrounded by chaos, questions, poorly behaved relatives, and pep
Emeralds, Envy, and Etiquette: The Secret Language of Old Money Green
In this jewel-box episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners, old money and etiquette expert and author of the Virginia foxhunting dark old money gothic novel Scarlet Fever Kiki Astor takes you on a richly layered tour of Old Money Green—the color that has shaped centuries of taste, architecture, interiors, jewelry, fashion, and even social behavior. From the deep, secretive gloss of Ch
An old money style Thanksgiving on a budget entertaining hacks and etiquette tips for the rest of us. Awkward Etiquette season 4 Ep 24
The etiquette and old money social anthropology of secrets. Awkward etiquette Season 4 Ep 23
Old Money on Horseback vs Ralph Lauren: Equestrian Aesthetic and etiquette with Kiki Astor
Why is everyone suddenly dressing like they ride? From "equestrian-core" to "country luxe," the horsey aesthetic is galloping through fashion — but what does it really say? In this episode, Kiki Astor, fresh from a research trip at her hunting lodge in Virginia's horse country, getting ready to release her upcoming dark old money gothic equestrian romance Scarlet Fever, explores why the equestrian
No-vember: Chic Introversion, Selective Socializing, and Old Money Etiquette
As daylight wanes and autumn deepens, the first week of November offers unique opportunities—and subtle challenges—for anyone who cherishes etiquette, aesthetics, and intentional living. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money and New Manners with Kiki Astor, Kiki reveals how to navigate early November with elegance, balance, and old-money flair. What you'll learn in this episode: 1. Dayli
Slutty Costumes & Full-Sized Candy Bars: The Scariest Etiquette of Halloween
How to use AI to improve your life, the Old Money way.
What happens when artificial intelligence meets old money manners, style, and lifestyle? In this witty and insightful episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners, Kiki Astor takes on the rise of the AI Old Money Girl — that picture-perfect, algorithm-crafted vision of luxury and composure who seems to live in a permanent Ralph Lauren ad. She's flawless, serene, and utterly unreal. She's
What Will People Say? (And Why You Shouldn't Care)- The Etiquette of Reputation
"People will talk." For ages, this has been used as an excuse for not doing something that could be incredibly rewarding, be it starting a business, writing that book, making the art, or wearing the dress or the lipstick that makes your heart sing. In this week's episode of Awkward Etiquette- Old Money and New Manners, Kiki Astor explores one of the oldest social anxieties in the book: what people
Old Money Entertaining: From Potluck Panic to Perfect Supper with Kiki Astor
Hosting doesn't have to be hard — unless, of course, you make the tragic mistake of calling it a potluck. In this sparkling episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners, Kiki Astor reveals the secrets of easy entertaining the old money way. From what to wear as a host or hostess to the timeless menu formulas that never fail, Kiki shares how to create effortless elegance (even on a budget)
Grande Dames, Patina & Patriarchs: Old Money's Secrets to Aging Gracefully
Beauty fades. Fortunes vanish. But style—the kind old money has mastered—is eternal. In this week's episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we unravel the old money secret to staying unforgettable long after the roses wilt and the cheekbones soften. From patched Barbour jackets to grande dames in caftans, from Brooke Astor's birthday notes to Diana Vreeland's "garden in hell" apartment, this
The etiquette of friendship & friendship in old money elite circles
When Old Money Decor Goes Wrong: The Decorating Mistakes (almost) Everyone Makes
What makes a home look quietly elegant… and what makes it look like a Cheesecake Factory in disguise? In this episode, Kiki Astor breaks down the common, supposedly "old money" decorating elements that actually cheapen a house when done wrong. From blinding white exteriors and shiny DIY lacquer walls to overdone marble countertops in modern farmhouse McMansions and Greek columns that aim to make a
Dream of winning the lottery? The etiquette & psychology of sudden wealth
The Old Money Guide to Setting the Table (Even on a Budget)
Old money vs new money beauty, grooming, and etiquette
In this week's episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we're diving into the fascinating—and often unspoken—world of grooming, beauty, and personal presentation in high society. What's the difference between old money grooming and new money beauty trends? Why does understated polish signal heritage wealth, while flashy cosmetic enhancements can read as nouveau riche? From skincare routines a
Craving change? Here's how (and why) to reinvent yourself without moving
Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor – Episode: "Starting Over Without Moving Zip Codes" Think you need a new city to reinvent yourself? Think again. In this episode, Romance author and old money and etiquette expert Kiki Astor dismantles the myth of "new city, new me" and reveals how true personal reinvention happens quietly, elegantly, and right where you are. From the psychology behind why we crav
From Faux Pas to Fabulous: Social Skills for Mortifying Moments
In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, novelist, hostess, old money and etiquette expert and recovering debutante Kiki Astor unpacks the awkward etiquette mistakes, social faux pas, and embarrassing moments that happen to everyone — whether you're navigating high society, old money circles, or just a tricky cocktail party. From using the wrong fork at a formal dinner, spilling champagne
Montecito Confidential: A Travel Guide for the Budget-Conscious and Status-Curious
Planning a visit to Montecito—or just dying to know what really goes on behind those wrought-iron gates and hedges? In this week's episode, etiquette maven and nouveau pauvre insider Kiki Astor shares the ultimate Montecito travel guide: one part luxury lifestyle handbook, one part whispered society scandal sheet. This week, Kiki Astor is celebrating the publication of her steamy romance novel, Se
So close you can smell the wealth: when you're wealth adjacent but far from rich
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, host Kiki Astor—former Greenwich golden girl turned Montecito-adjacent observer—dives into the psychology, etiquette, and everyday acrobatics of living near the ultra-wealthy without actually being one of them. Whether you're sipping $7 cold brew in the shadow of a $70M estate or attending a fundraiser where your thrifted Loro Piana blazer is one dry-cleaning
Behind the Service Entrance: Household staff- the invisible support of the 1%
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, host Kiki Astor explores the world of modern household staff in wealthy homes. The world of Downton Abbey is a bit antiquated- how do today's wealthy people run their homes? With sophisticated household staff. Discover how today's private service professionals differ from traditional butlers and maids, with many trained in luxury hospitality or even military s
Ghosted by the Group Chat: The Etiquette of Social Rejection
Have you been ghosted by your friend group without a clue why? Welcome to Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, your cheeky guide to modern manners and social survival. In this episode, Kiki tackles the concept of the real-life shadowban—when you're not blocked or unfollowed, but subtly iced out of social events, text threads, and brunch invites. Learn how to spot the signs of a social shadowban, wha
Curated, Not Cosplay: Finding your authentic style
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, yes, we're breaking down the myths behind the old money aesthetic- but we're sharing the secrets of all effortlessly stylish people. Think you can buy the uniform and waltz into the club? Think again. Kiki explores the difference between curating and cosplaying, and why real style can't (always) be Amazon-Primed. We dive into the psychology beh
Awkward Etiquette Season 4 ep 3
Looking to marry up, move up, or simply mix with high society—without getting laughed out of the room? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor pulls back the velvet curtain on modern social climbing and how to do it with grace, discretion, and strategic charm. Whether you're angling for a seat at the boardroom table, a place in the Hamptons, or just a better table at Cipriani, this is you
Summer Entertaining Secrets: The Old Money Style on a Budget Guide
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, your Auntie Kiki spills a whole chilled bottle of rosé worth of her best secrets on how to entertain with true old money elegance—no villa or vintage yacht required. From Newport-style lawn luncheons to boho-glam back garden soirées, learn the etiquette commandments of summer hosting: think linen chic dress codes, room-temp bites, and shady sea
Old Money, Open Doors: The Glamour and Guilt of Hosting & Houseguests
This week on Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we're diving into the enduring—and often awkward—tradition of the summer houseguest. From the Gilded Age to the Hamptons, summer hosting has long been a cornerstone of old money etiquette and upper-class rituals. But why did houseguests used to stay for weeks (or even months)? And how can you survive it today—whether you're the host or the one unpac
How to Disaster-Proof "I Do": Kiki Astor's Best Wedding Etiquette Tips
Planning a wedding? Attending one? Praying your drunk uncle doesn't grab the mic during the toasts? You've come to the right place. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we unpack the unspoken rules and social slip-ups that can turn a dream wedding into a diamond-studded disaster. Whether you're the blushing bride, the groom with opinions, the mother-in-law with a seating chart gru
No Trust Fund, No Problem: How to summer like an Astor on any budget
In this sun-soaked episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we unpack the storied tradition of "summering" in old money circles—from Newport to Nantucket, the Hamptons to the Highlands. Kiki dives into the social history behind the season: why certain destinations became icons of understated wealth, how WASPs made "going to the country" a ritual of quiet luxury, and what distinguishes a legac
Forks, Fermented Fish, and Faux Pas: Etiquette and Table Manners for the Old Money Set
Monogram Etiquette, Style, Tradition, and Rules: old money preppy, or tacky?
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we tackle the timeless, tasteful, and occasionally tacky world of monograms. From heirloom linens to luggage tags, monogramming is the original quiet luxury flex—if you know how to do it right. Kiki explores the history of monograms, their role in old money culture, and the subtle etiquette rules that separate timeless from tacky. Think: Where
The old money photography secrets Slim Aarons knew (and you may not)
Today, we're turning our lens—quite literally—toward the fascinating intersection of photography and old money. From the earliest daguerreotypes in stiff collars to the poolside glamour captured by Slim Aarons, photography has always been a mirror, revealing not just what we look like—but who we *think* we are. We'll begin with a little history: how photography was once the domain of the upper c
Table for one, please: the lost art of intentional, elegant solitude
In this elegantly introspective episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, etiquette expert and romance author Kiki explores the timeless allure and quiet power of solitude. From the romance novel heroine brooding on a windswept terrace to the old money doyenne dining solo in a tucked-away bistro, being alone is not a condition to be pitied—it's an art to be mastered. Kiki delves into the etiqu
Heritage or hype? The true value of luxury handbags in 2025: an old money perspective
In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we dive into the true value of luxury goods—especially designer handbags—amid a shifting global economy, social media overexposure, and growing transparency about where and how these so-called "heritage pieces" are actually made. In the age of the Wirkin, or Walmart Birkin, and in the wake of the Chinese revealing exactly how many luxury goods
Social skills hacks that actually work: Etiquette vs social anxiety
If you suffer from social anxiety, you might think that the old money, high society types you see effortlessly navigayting cocktail parties were simply born with a socializing superpower, or that they learned it in boarding school, and that it's too late for you, but that's not true. In this calming yet cheeky episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, Kiki turns her velvet gloves toward a topi
The rise of the Nouveau Pauvre: Status in the age of economic instability and inequity
When your host, Auntie Kiki, says she's an "ex rich person" and espouses the label of "nouveau pauvre," you may be left wondering whether that means she's fabulously wealthy or delightfully destitute, or somewhere in between. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore our society's love-hate relationship with wealth, performative wealth on social media platforms and in real l
The ultimate guide to old money style garden parties and outdoor entertaining
Is there anything more elegant and romantic than a garden party? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dishes on the secrets of hosting the perfect old money garden party, because it takes a bit of behind the scenes preparation to exude effortless charm. From phrasing the invitations, to selecting the right garden party dress code to mastering high society entertaining, Kiki breaks down
Unbothered & Elegant: Let's discuss Mel Robbins' "Let Them" theory
Whether it's at a cocktail party, on the tennis court, or around the dinner table, Mel Robbins' Let Them theory is the pop culture, pop psychology self-help phenomenon on everybody's lips. But what does it really mean, and how does one apply it to living an authentic, elegant life on one's own terms? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we dive into Mel Robbins' "Let Them" theory
Welcome to the nouveau pauvre club: a glam life, on a budget
If you have always felt you have more taste than money...that you aspire to elegance and refinement, but are on a restricted budget...that you would be absolutely darling at spending oodles of cash, but for now you're making do with less...Welcome to the club! You're not poor, you're nouveau pauvre, my darling. Nouveau pauvre is an offshoot of old money, the one with no money...and you don't have
Behind closed doors: the secret world of private clubs
You're either in, or you're out...and who wants to be on the outside looking in? For many people, the words "welcome to the club" are music to their ears and the fear of being blackballed looms large, because, as the advertaisement famously states, membership has its priviledges. It's a basic human evolutionary need to feel that one belongs, and being excluded or feeling FOMO is far from fun. In
Nautical but nice: mastering the fisherman aesthetic
The fisherman aesthetic is having a moment, to put it mildly, but those with old money sensibilities have been living with it for generations, sporting weathered knits, salt-washed trousers, and perfectly battered Barbours at their seaside second homes long before even coastal grandmother was just a twinkle in the internet's eye. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor, your old money int
Ski and Après Ski: Etiquette on and off the slopes
Strap on your ski boots and grab a hot toddy—Kiki Astor is taking you to the slopes! In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, we're diving into the refined (and sometimes ridiculous) world of ski and après-ski etiquette. Whether you're navigating the chairlift like a seasoned Aspen regular, mastering the art of looking effortlessly chic in Gstaad, or figuring out how to sip champagne in St. Moritz wi
How to be charming
If you regret not having gone to charm school, here is your opportunity to learn the crucial social skills you might have worried you were lacking. First off: curtseying is less important than you might have thought, but there are some crucial ingredients in charm, and they are easier to combine than you might have feared. Social anxiety is no match for the easy to adopt tips your Auntie Kiki, Kik
Live a big, beautiful, elegant rich life...on a budget!
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