Southern Etiquette Rules and More ...

A little history ...
Some of you know my mother died right after I was borne, my dad decided he did not want me so he gave me to his sister. Her name was Sally - she was "my mama". (1st rule of the South - your mother is called Mama)  Sally was 60 when she took me to raise as her own. She had already raised six children of her own who were by then grown. We lived in remote west Texas and she raised me as an only child. I loved her and she love me. She taught me things I never dreamed I would be traveling the country teaching to others as my career. The values she taught me we're never referred to as "The Rules of Etiquette", it was just the way things were done - common sense.

Here are some examples:

• Treat others the way you want to be treated. (later to find out, that one is in the Bible - Luke 6:31)
• Always be nice to those who aren't nice to you. This one has paid off big time! (hey, that one is in the Bible too - read Matt: 5:44)
• Do your best! (now I know why I stay confused whether my mama said it or if it comes from The Bible - See Col:3:23)
• People will let you down - God won't. (come to think of it, she was teaching me Scripture all along, I just didn't know it - Matt:28:20)

At an early age, she taught me to set a table properly, write a thank-you note immediately, and put away white after Labor Day (always my birthday weekend). We brought out our linen clothes and patent leather after Easter each year. The reason was never discussed and I never asked why - it was just the way we did it.


Here's a question asked on my "Just Ask Joy" email regarding dress after Labor Day.

Dear Joy,

I read your "Socially Savvy" book, follow your blog, and your Tweets too. Here's my question: With so many people claiming to be fashion experts, there are no firm rules to follow. Can you tell me traditional fashion rules since you are a Texas/Southern girl.

Thank you,

RT 

Hello RT, Thank you for your question.
Let me give you some valuable traditional information below, then we will ask our audience what traditional values and rules of etiquette their Mama taught them!
Traditional Rules for dressing after Labor Day:

• No linen
• No white clothing (not to be confused with winter white, champagne, or cream - of course you can wear white shirts, but not linen)
• No white handbags
• No white shoes
• No white watches
• No flipflops
• No patent leather - shoes or handbags
• No straw bags or hats
• No seersucker
• No madra shorts or tank tops

This was switch-out weekend. I switched out summer to fall clothing. 

Here's a glimpse of my shoe closet before the switch-a-roo.

Before the switch-a roo

Spring and summer shoes from closet waiting to be packed for annual trip to storage

Summer suits and dresses

Bright white and linen clothing - off to storage

I could not resist showing you this picture of Scooter (my snoopy cat) sticking his head out of part of the wall closet mirror during the switch. Do you see his head? (middle right - he is black and white)

Okay - now it is your time! Please advise RT and me about your traditional values and rules of etiquette that you were taught.

Love and hugs to you,xoJoy