Gray Truly is the New Black

2 December 2008

If you’re interested even the tiniest bit in the history of New York, and as I assume you are also interested in style to be visiting us here at TheVogueCity.com, then a good place to start is to learn about Brooke Astor. She was a glamorous and kindhearted woman who was a writer, a socialite, and a philanthropist. So great was she that the New York Landmarks Conservancy named her a living landmark.

Astor wrote for Vanity Fair magazine a couple times, and in one 1999 piece, “Mrs. Astor Regrets” she talks about manners and the way they are no longer as easily found as they once were. Rather than appear anything like the ugly word ‘stodgy’, she tackled the subject with grace and elegant logic. Here is an excerpt:

“There is nothing that humans can do in which they can totally ignore manners. Take walking down the street. You should choose one path and stick to it. Don’t wander all over the sidewalk, walking slowly one moment and rushing the next. Don’t walk with the pointed end of an umbrella sticking out from under your arm, which could easily put out the eye of a child, or rip off a piece of a lady’s dress.

If you see a person with a white stick, it means that they are either blind or nearly blind. Stop and help them cross the street. Smile at a young mother pushing a baby carriage. Give some money to a beggar. Stop and talk to an old person in a wheelchair. These small courtesies will give you an upbeat feeling which will help you as you continue your walk down the street.” – Vanity Fair

It might be ‘fashionable’ to wear sunglasses, never make eye contact, and ignore everyone as you walk down Fifth Avenue, but it’s considerably more admirable to instead be sweet while you do it. Let yourself be inspired by this New York City legend.

While you walk, you can still walk in style. Try the new trend of having something GRAY. That’s right, black and white must make way for all shades of their mixed friend, Lady Gray (or ‘grey’ if you’re British).

Gray shoe suggestions:

Prada Suede Ankle Botos – Saks Fifth Avenue (Bootie trend!)