Over the past ten years, I have written a few books and many more blog posts. I offer advice, and people have been known to follow my suggestions on occasion. I am, by definition, an author, but I cringe at the thought of being an authority on the subject of how to live. In fact, … More Blanc et Noir: A Wardrobe Option
Regretfully, we’ve experienced a recent surge in political tensions resulting from wars and terrorist attacks. Following these events, it is inevitable that we hear unsolicited opinions, forceful demands, and passionate pleas from celebrities and others who have been given a public platform, even if they do not hold public office or have any stake in … More Time and Place
Bethany, one of our Members of the Tribe here on the blog, recently asked “How much do you spend on your children’s education?” She astutely noted that I do place a great deal of emphasis on education in The Old Money Book and on this blog. It is, as many have noted before me, the … More How Much Do You Spend On Education?
Recently, I received an email concerning what I’ll call “the management of friendship.” The sender’s inquiry went something like this: I have a couple of longtime friends whose company I enjoy. However, they aren’t as attentive to their finances as I am. When we go out for dinner or drinks, they order and spend without … More The Best of Friends
Our globe-trotting correspondent David provided the following article on a well-dressed Spanish aristocrat. As I am in Paris, bolstering the inventory of shoes and shirts, I thought it might be appropriate, and that you all might enjoy. Thank you, David… The best-dressed royal you’ve never heard of – and what he can teach you about … More Aristocratic Style: Fernando Fitz-James Stuart
I am back in Paris for a couple of weeks after a couple of months of ongoing renovations to the south wing. Surprisingly, it is very distracting, time-consuming, and fatiguing to have someone else in your home every day doing work. My initial thought (made in error) was that my wife and I would interview … More Update From The Homefront
We often read about how rewarding and important it is–personally and professionally–to go against the grain, blaze our own individual trail, and stand out from the crowd. Conformity is seen as surrender, the absence of courage, the acceptance of the status quo. Some people think that it signals a lack of independent thought or originality. … More Reconsidering Conformity
I’m delighted to let all of you know that the second video I did with Tom Miler of M Publishing in Poland is now online. (Some of you have already seen the video and congratulated me. Thank you again.) Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/RGjVyxxFHVM Among other things, Tom and I discuss the concept of having a … More Old Money Video #2
A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles. The novel has subsequently been adapted for the screen, premiering March 29, I believe, on Paramount+/Showtime, and Canal Plus for those of us living in France. I will finish the book before watching Mr. Ewan McGregor in the lead role. The story follows the life of a Russian … More What I’m Reading Now
I’m always inspired by articulate, informed, and enlightening writing, especially when we’re talking Old Money and its values. Lady Colin Campbell, aka Georgia Arianna, is an author, television personality, and socialite, is probably as qualified as anyone to comment on the subject, and the excerpt below testifies to that. Serena, one of our loyal and … More Lady Colin Campbell Talks Old Money