Finishing Schools

[Lanolin]

Do these still exist?
Has anyone ever been to one? Another name for it is 'Charm School'
Is it like America's Next Top Model? Only for girls? Expensive? Does it help you become a lady/snag a wealthy husband/ network to become a CEO like Martha Stewart?

Do they teach you to walk with a book on your head? Or how to polish your nails?
Or are you a Beauty School dropout?

I think the most practical advice given to me or course /workshop I've done is when the 'colour me beautiful' lady came to a Christian women's conference and taught us how to choose clothes based on our skin tones. I was a jewel tone i.e a Winter. But I then I thought, well billions of ladies would be cos they are Asian and have dark hair and pale-ish skin. Of course not everyone can wear Barbie pink as well as a blonde blue eyed lady. But the 'Colour me beautiful' lady was the expert on this and told us to affirm the obvious. You CAN wear that red dress. Black makes you look like a widow, but have colourful accesories and you can trqnsfrom an outift!

So

 

[Lanolin]

hmm must be a relic of a bygone era when girls education ended before they got a chance to do anything except marry.

It was only for aristocrats or those from noble families, much like prep schools were for boys entering university I suppose if they weren't going to join the military.

Princess Diana went to Institut villa pierrefeu
Vivien Leigh who was a lady went to various ones in Europe (just as example)

You would think ladies like that were just naturally gracious and conscious of social etiquette but no they learned or were taught it in school.
Audrey Hepburn learned ballet, which teaches grace and discipline. But a lot of those actresses who were glamourous beauties had a lot of help with movie studios in terms of wardrobe, make up artists, stylists - they didn't do on their own. If Eliza Dolittle could become a lady and learn with elocution lessons and a fancy wardrobe then anyone could. But at heart she was just as down to earth/earthy as anyone else.

My own public school education certainly didn't prepare me for marriage or to be a wife or mother. I was university bound and expected to make my own way in life, not dependant on anyone. I didn't drop out or become pregnant at 16 either. But I suppose that others may have had a different experience?

 

[Lynx]

I'm finished with finishing schools.

I think our culture in general is also finished with them.

 

[Lanolin]

I'm finished with finishing schools.

I think our culture in general is also finished with them.

Its more like this --
America's Net Top Model and shows like American Idol /Pop stars where young women (and men) are groomed are also being canned. They were a more modern type of finishing school. In the 90s to aspire to be a supermodel or a pop star was really a thing for young women. Instead of marriage this was another kind of slavery/bondage.
I think those days where young women are treated like trash in order to please older men for economic gain are now becoming unacceptable.

I mean thats just my observation. In more recent times its young women were encouraged to become 'girl boss' and maybe doors are more open and welcoming than before. Prior to that, women were allowed into men's domains in the workforce, but they reached a glass ceiling and couldn't go any further.

But the 'Lean In' era is also fraught. You can only do that if you have help like nannies, childcare and such, and still a lot of men think their designated room at the top automatic authority is being usurped.

There's been female pastors/ministers for a number of years now, but in some churches its very frowned upon, and many STILL cite Pauls centuries old letter of women being silent in church and asking their husbands at home. We're allowed to clean the toilets, make cups of tea, and do Sunday School, but not allowed to be involved with the finances or leading the church in a service...?
Even though Jesus example kind of contradicts this, women were encouraged to speak up, be educated, and not just always be beholden to a man.

It's kind of confusing for any women who grew up with the motto or mantra 'Girls can do Anything'. It's found well no, we're still not allowed and if we try, we're vilified. Young girls in many places around the world, are denied education and treated as lesser than. Women are still the majority victims of domestic violence, and it's still considered a private matter (though thats slowly changing)

So anyway, just trying to make head or tail of it.

 

[Lynx]

Its more like this --
America's Net Top Model and shows like American Idol /Pop stars where young women (and men) are groomed are also being canned. They were a more modern type of finishing school. In the 90s to aspire to be a supermodel or a pop star was really a thing for young women. Instead of marriage this was another kind of slavery/bondage.
I think those days where young women are treated like trash in order to please older men for economic gain are now becoming unacceptable.

I mean thats just my observation. In more recent times its young women were encouraged to become 'girl boss' and maybe doors are more open and welcoming than before. Prior to that, women were allowed into men's domains in the workforce, but they reached a glass ceiling and couldn't go any further.

But the 'Lean In' era is also fraught. You can only do that if you have help like nannies, childcare and such, and still a lot of men think their designated room at the top automatic authority is being usurped.

There's been female pastors/ministers for a number of years now, but in some churches its very frowned upon, and many STILL cite Pauls centuries old letter of women being silent in church and asking their husbands at home. We're allowed to clean the toilets, make cups of tea, and do Sunday School, but not allowed to be involved with the finances or leading the church in a service...?
Even though Jesus example kind of contradicts this, women were encouraged to speak up, be educated, and not just always be beholden to a man.

It's kind of confusing for any women who grew up with the motto or mantra 'Girls can do Anything'. It's found well no, we're still not allowed and if we try, we're vilified. Young girls in many places around the world, are denied education and treated as lesser than. Women are still the majority victims of domestic violence, and it's still considered a private matter (though thats slowly changing)

So anyway, just trying to make head or tail of it.

For the record, this is your McDonald's.

 

[Lanolin]

For the record, this is your McDonald's.

? nah McDonalds is my emergency food when I'm sick. In some places, McDonalds is actually open 24 hours.

For the record, you are to back being lynxomatic. Automatic answer, personal attacks on the poster instead of addressing the topic of the post. I'm sure a lot of people post things they are wondering about and would like input on, they don't need to be dismissed or disrespected if you can't answer them yourself.

if I see a new post and think well I got nothing to add to that thread, then I don't post in it. Simple. I don't go round saying well that was an idiotic question/post/stupid/something that poster always posts and why can't they change? I am so bored and they are delusional. Eg someone posts lets talk about pizza! And you go I don't like pizza. I don't eat pizza. I am over pizza. I am not interested in pizza.

Ok then....

 

[Lynx]

? nah McDonalds is my emergency food when I'm sick. In some places, McDonalds is actually open 24 hours.

For the record, you are to back being lynxomatic. Automatic answer, personal attacks on the poster instead of addressing the topic of the post. I'm sure a lot of people post things they are wondering about and would like input on, they don't need to be dismissed or disrespected if you can't answer them yourself.

if I see a new post and think well I got nothing to add to that thread, then I don't post in it. Simple. I don't go round saying well that was an idiotic question/post/stupid/something that poster always posts and why can't they change? I am so bored and they are delusional. Eg someone posts lets talk about pizza! And you go I don't like pizza. I don't eat pizza. I am over pizza. I am not interested in pizza.

Ok then....

The irony of YOU saying this to ME is breathtaking.

And this is what I meant. The McDonald's quote is about everybody having their own guilty pleasures. And this is your mcdonald's, making wild assumptions about people and then berating them for that.

 

[Lanolin]

The irony of YOU saying this to ME is breathtaking.

And this is what I meant. The McDonald's quote is about everybody having their own guilty pleasures. And this is your mcdonald's, making wild assumptions about people and then berating them for that.

I do lots of irony
Get used to it.

 

[Lanolin]

Wild assumptions about finishing schools?
Give me a break.

It doesn't matter. If you don't understand something, YOU don't need to berate a person for seeking knowledge.
It's not a guilty pleasure for me.
It's just questions about something.

My McDonalds is not your McDonalds because McDonalds is not a guilty pleasure for me. It's more of an emergency food. I don't have guilty pleasures. Pleasure is not something I need to be ashamed of seeking. If you've ever suffered from depression, you take whatever pleasure in life that you can.
Maybe you don't understand that point of view and have this wild assumption about pleasure being a bad thing.

 

[Lanolin]

As far as guilt goes. Catholics are all about guilt, that much I know, from what Catholics themselves have told me. I am not Catholic, so, am not bound by their churches man made rules.

The other thing thats ironic is, you live in America right? Isn't it in your constitution that its your right to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

Do McDonalds not have happy meals? Why should you feel guilty if you have one, especially if your parents buy one for you? lol
Also there's no law against buying one for yourself.

Wouldn't it be a guilty pleasure, if you STOLE a happy meal?

 

[Sculpt]

Do these still exist?
Has anyone ever been to one? Another name for it is 'Charm School'
Is it like America's Next Top Model? Only for girls? Expensive? Does it help you become a lady/snag a wealthy husband/ network to become a CEO like Martha Stewart?

Do they teach you to walk with a book on your head? Or how to polish your nails?
Or are you a Beauty School dropout?

I think the most practical advice given to me or course /workshop I've done is when the 'colour me beautiful' lady came to a Christian women's conference and taught us how to choose clothes based on our skin tones. I was a jewel tone i.e a Winter. But I then I thought, well billions of ladies would be cos they are Asian and have dark hair and pale-ish skin. Of course not everyone can wear Barbie pink as well as a blonde blue eyed lady. But the 'Colour me beautiful' lady was the expert on this and told us to affirm the obvious. You CAN wear that red dress. Black makes you look like a widow, but have colourful accesories and you can trqnsfrom an outift!

So

I would love to participate in Finishing School. It would be fascinating to see what's taught.

I'm not that interested in the makeup and choosing clothes... I'd be much more interested in the social science taught. I would imagine they're taught how to start and carry conversations, maybe how to subtly flatter. I really don't know what's taught, but it'd be interesting to find out.

 

[Lanolin]

I would love to participate in Finishing School. It would be fascinating to see what's taught.

I'm not that interested in the makeup and choosing clothes... I'd be much more interested in the social science taught. I would imagine they're taught how to start and carry conversations, maybe how to subtly flatter. I really don't know what's taught, but it'd be interesting to find out.

Yea I'm kind of curious
Things like deportment and how to handle social situations. I'd imagine it would be kind of like the scene in Titanic where Leo/Jack learns how to use cutlery at a fancy dinner, and how to tie a bow in his tuxedo.

There are some books about etiquette there's a famous one called Debretts.
I've picked up a modern day one which is about having life skills. How to do things 'properly' instead of trial and error like most of us do in life. How to avoid making faux pas. Things that your parents can't always teach you. How to have manners.

I mean sure, please and thank you is a start, but some people don't even know to wash their hands after using the toilet. lol

 

[Lanolin]

The high life isn't just if you have money and using it to influence or manipulate people
It's kind of more to do with politeness and poise, and you can sort of do that even if you are poor, maintaining your dignity.

In Chinese culture which has its refinements, there is a concept called 'saving face' and you do it so as not to embarrass others. It's not necessarily about having pride.

And things like, if you disagree with someone, to do it in a way that doesn't end up in an argument. How to be a lady or a gentleman.

 

[Lanolin]

INSTITUT VILLA PIERREFEU

Welcome to Institut Villa Pierrefeu (IVP) the most renowned Finishing school in the world and a recognized leader in teaching international etiquette and protocol since 1954.Attracting students from all over the world, we offer a truly multicultural environment in the heart of Switzerland, a...

ivpworld.com

Wow just looked it up the website really says what it's all about. I will try and post it here.

 

[Lanolin]

What is a Finishing school?​

The old-fashioned image is of a place where girls learn to become “ladies” by walking around with books on their heads. Although it might have been true a century ago, it is certainly not our philosophy today.

At IVP, we educate by exploring the diversity of cultures, customs, traditions, and etiquette while respecting individual values. There is no one way of living or a universal rule for every situation.

Madame Faillettaz, the school’s founder, once said, “You are ready to communicate meaningfully when you realise that differences in opinion are natural. Education and good manners are about finding consensus.” We believe in showing courtesy to others and ourselves through self-respect, a pleasant appearance and effective communication – essential skills for finding the right balance in everything.
Good manners and politeness are always about being natural. We try to teach that etiquette is more than elegant gestures and a variety of cutlery; it is also about how people feel in your company. In this ever-changing world, it is also essential to remain flexible and, at the same time, well-organised.

Madame Neri, our principal, says: “We should not call it a finishing school but rather a `starting school` as we start our students off on a path where learning never ends.”
About us

 

[Lanolin]

Yea its kind of more than 'putting on airs' actually the exact opposite. Not being affected, but having a grace that comes naturally in every situation.

I need that lol.

 

[Lynx]

The high life isn't just if you have money and using it to influence or manipulate people
It's kind of more to do with politeness and poise, and you can sort of do that even if you are poor, maintaining your dignity.

In Chinese culture which has its refinements, there is a concept called 'saving face' and you do it so as not to embarrass others. It's not necessarily about having pride.

And things like, if you disagree with someone, to do it in a way that doesn't end up in an argument. How to be a lady or a gentleman.

That's exactly what I meant. Observing, conjecturing about and discussing the high life is your McDonald's.

 

[Sculpt]

Yea I'm kind of curious
Things like deportment and how to handle social situations. I'd imagine it would be kind of like the scene in Titanic where Leo/Jack learns how to use cutlery at a fancy dinner, and how to tie a bow in his tuxedo.

There are some books about etiquette there's a famous one called Debretts.
I've picked up a modern day one which is about having life skills. How to do things 'properly' instead of trial and error like most of us do in life. How to avoid making faux pas. Things that your parents can't always teach you. How to have manners.

I mean sure, please and thank you is a start, but some people don't even know to wash their hands after using the toilet. lol

We can take up a collection if you'd like to go to Fishing School. I'd live to see that!

We'll do a Youtube series and track you through it. We can do a before and after. We'll start you out at a swanky party with all your natural social faux pas; and then end the series with the new you! Are you in?

 

[Sculpt]

That's exactly what I meant. Observing, conjecturing about and discussing the high life is your McDonald's.

Hey Lynx, what's your McDonald's? (I just realized there's an apostrophe in McDonald's)

 

[Lanolin]

We can take up a collection if you'd like to go to Fishing School. I'd live to see that!

We'll do a Youtube series and track you through it. We can do a before and after. We'll start you out at a swanky party with all your natural social faux pas; and then end the series with the new you! Are you in?

Fishing school?
Where you catch fish?
Or a school that teaches you how to not have typos??