It's not just about the clothes ...

Elegance is not simply about clothing, its about the whole package. I included the quote above because I think its so fitting for what I'm about to write. Even the medium in which the quote is presented (its on my tea cosy -- a tea pot cover to keep your tea nice and hot, very British -- I got from a great local shop, www.alicescottage.com in Maryland) explains my topic du jour.

Elegance is in everything we do, from broadening our minds to acting appropriately in public. Seasoned elegance is not about acting your age, its about being you … at your age. It's being proud of who you are and that means what you weigh NOW, how old you are NOW, what job you have NOW,  where you live NOW. etc. It's about embracing the here and now and enjoying your life because, quite frankly, what is the alternative?

A few things that I think ooze elegance in a woman that have nothing at all to do with clothing. I have observed the following seasoned and elegant women below and never even thought to look at their clothing because they exuded confidence and self-acceptance enough that their clothing didn't matter:

• A woman sitting outside her home (whether that be a 7,000 square foot McMansion or a 700 square foot apartment), drinking a cup of tea/coffee and reading a book. 
• A woman taking a walk in the evening air with a friend, not necessarily talking but enjoying some down time with a like minded individual.
• A woman who politely told a friend that the skirt she was wearing might be a bit short because she could see her varicose veins.
• A woman who appreciates window shopping (where would we be today without Audrey Hepburn -- one of the most seasonally elegant women imaginable -- window shopping with a pastry and coffee outside Tiffany's?)
• A woman who, obviously frustrated with her husband's brutish behavior, was calm and quiet  while she listened to him rant about nothing in particular but then was kind but stern when answering his terse question.
• A woman who gave (a large amount of paper, not coin) money to the Salvation Army Christmas Bell ringer not only entering the Target store but exiting as well.

In other words, kindness, charity, understanding, politeness, honesty, calmness and appreciation are also part of elegance. What would you add to the list?