"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 say about us—and why it still stings, even - or esecially- in the age of curated feeds and public personas. From the elegant discretion of old money circles to the performative transparency of modern social media, Kiki dissects the etiquette of reputation, how to navigate gossip gracefully, and why not caring what others think is the most powerful (and chic) move of all, and a social skill you'll want to develop as soon as possible.

Listeners will learn how to protect their reputation without becoming paranoid, reclaim their narrative with composure, and turn criticism into quiet confidence. Kiki also unpacks how online notoriety has changed the rules of reputation—what still matters, what doesn't, and how to maintain dignity, mystique, and good manners even when "people will talk."

It's a witty, psychological, and oddly reassuring guide to surviving the spotlight—whether it's the country club, the comments section, or your own circle of frenemies.

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).

Expect chic dinner party ideas, old money anecdotes, and the kind of practical charm that transforms chaos into calm. You'll learn why gracious hosting is less about perfection and more about good manners, atmosphere, and the right lighting. Whether you're planning a weekend luncheon or a supper for six, this episode is your guide to sophisticated entertaining with wit, warmth, and a dash of scandalous truth.

Topics include: old money entertaining, hosting on a budget, elegant dinner menus, what to wear when hosting, modern etiquette for hosts, and how to throw a proper dinner without losing your mind.

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 episode explores how true style outlasts both beauty and wealth.

We'll meet the archetypes of age and authority—the Dowager, the Grande Dame, the Patriarch, the Patron, the Spinster Aunt, and more—each a living proof that permanence comes not from youth, but from cultivating eccentricity, rituals, and presence. Along the way, you'll discover why old money never throws anything away, how to turn quirks into calling cards, and the simple rituals you can borrow to make yourself unforgettable in a disposable age.

If you've ever wondered why the old money aesthetic keeps trending—or how to build a style that even time can't erase—this is the episode for you.

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 60's ranch-style home look like a neo-Palladian estate but instead fall painfully flat, Kiki explains why these popular choices fail — and how true old money interiors whisper rather than scream. Drawing on the lessons of icons like Billy Baldwin, Tony Duquette, Bunny Mellon, Nina Campbell, and Ralph Lauren, she reveals the timeless principles of proportion, context, and patience that create authentic elegance. But don't worry if your home was built in this decade rather than inherited from Gilded Age great-grandparents, we have some savvy budget-minded tricks in this episode that will surprise you- and even some shocking hacks that you won't believe.

Expect sharp insights, a few scandalous design confessions, and plenty of cheeky etiquette along the way, including working with a friend who is a decorator. Whether you're dreaming of old money style, redecorating on a budget, or just curious about the fine line between tasteful and tacky, this episode is your field guide to avoiding the most common "new money" décor mistakes.

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 and subtle hair maintenance to manicure etiquette, fragrance choices, and the art of looking "effortlessly well-kept," Kiki unpacks the codes that separate discreet refinement from try-hard opulence.

Whether you're curious about old money style, preparing for social events, or simply want to elevate your everyday grooming habits with timeless elegance, this episode blends etiquette, history, and humor into practical advice you can use. Expect tips on navigating salon culture, luxury beauty treatments, cosmetic procedures, and the do's and don'ts of presenting yourself with sophistication in any setting.

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 crave fresh starts—like escaping our past selves, chasing romance, or seeking novelty—to the subtle, old money–approved strategies for refining your identity without uprooting your life, Kiki shares actionable insights that blend sophistication, etiquette, and real-world charm.

Discover how to: Embrace subtle reinvention by editing routines, wardrobe, and rituals instead of making dramatic changes Build community credibility and strengthen your local social circle while evolving your personal brand Become a tourist in your own town, uncovering hidden gems and cultivating intellectual leisure Refresh your home, hobbies, and reputation with grace, polish, and elegance Avoid common mistakes like equating reinvention with relocation, chasing trends, or broadcasting your "new self"

Packed with historical and cultural examples—from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Princess Diana and Lady Ottoline Morrell—this episode blends romance novel fantasy with real-life psychology, showing listeners how to cultivate sophistication, confidence, and transformation at home.

Whether you're craving personal growth, elegant reinvention, local chic, subtle transformation, or old money wisdom, this episode teaches you how to feel renewed without a U-Haul, turning your everyday environment into a stage for your most sophisticated self.

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 at a gala, or being snubbed by a shop assistant, to passing gas in public, stopping up a toilet, or being pooped on by a bird, Kiki reveals how to recover with impeccable manners, polished social skills, and quiet confidence. Explore why grace under pressure is the ultimate status symbol, how to turn a mortifying moment into a masterclass in poise, and why another person's bad manners say far more about them than about you. Drawing on etiquette traditions, social graces, and real-life examples from Oprah Winfrey to Jennifer Lopez, this episode is your chic survival guide to overcoming humiliation, avoiding social blunders, and mastering the art of old money composure — no dramatic "Pretty Woman" scene required.