What Exactly is a Park Avenue Princess?

This has again come up, and seeing as it’s the most searched term to get to my site, I thought I should again define it and have it solidly understood exactly what it is that I’m trying to emulate (My last post wasn’t as good, apparently I confused more people, although I think it’s awesome).  So I took to finding out what the general description of such a PAP is. I don’t believe it’s about the Urban Dictionary definition of a “rich, blonde heiress from NYC”, it’s more about a style of dress (also known in fashion magazines as “Classic” or “Sophisticated”) and a glamour of doing things. My modern definition of a Park Avenue Princess is best defined by Charlotte York on Sex and the City or even as a retro throw back, Betty Draper on Mad Men. They are women who care about their style, their homes and their lives in a way that I want to emulate.

So I looked to the original PAP, Nan Kempner’s rules for being a PAP… and threw in my own interpretations.

1. Spend the money – Agreed… This look isn’t about flash in the pan trends that you invest in, it’s about investing in the classics and building a wardrobe based on investment pieces.
2. Always wear fur – As I’ve said before, this is more an understood signal saying “I’m from a certain social group and have a certain prestige”. I have nothing against stoles (fake or faux, your pick) but think they are very aging on a younger person. I’m personally saving them for when I’m older.
3. Never forget your gloves – More a modern rule about always looking the part. Don’t Leave the house not looking like you’ve put time into your look and always have the finishing touches done effortlessly. While I love the gloved look, I have to admit the looks I would get wearing them in my daily life would be hilarious. I do however always wear a good pair of leather gloves in the winter. The best pair  I got in Florence last year ago for almost nothing and in the softest leather ever.
4. Dress for Lunch – Modern speak ties into the glove wearing, but more specifically that when you go out somewhere, don’t be afraid to wear your “good” clothes or your “good jewellery”. There’s no better time than the present.
5. Make the Effort - A true part of the PAP is the effort you put into looking and acting the part. This isn’t a look that requires no effort, and you have to be aware of that going in. The classic look is what you’re going for and that isn’t just a one-time thing where you can walk into a store and buy the classics. It’s a constant updating in a subtle and gentle way. It’s also about making an effort in all kinds of different aspects- like in your home and your relationships. It’s the whole package.

I hope that helps clarify My definition  (written by me) is: ” A Park Avenue Princess is put together, polite, gracious, kind, stylish, thoughtful, caring, generous and refined. It’s about appearance and style, and about the characteristics of good social graces.”

Here are some more things to read if you’re still curious:

• How to Be a Park Avenue Princess by Nan Kempner (Fall 2004 NY Mag Article)
• The Original Park Avenue Princess by Julie D. Andrews (UpperEast Web Article)

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