Use imagination in all you do
Creativity is the magic that will transform the way you live – how you present yourself, set a table, arrange flowers and how you see things. Money can never do what imagination can achieve.
Rise above things
When people gossip or blame you, shut up. Never complain and never put out a statement.
Dress to feel good
If you like what you see in the mirror and the way your clothes make you feel, it will weave the same magic over everyone who sees you. Identify your best feature, then flaunt it shamelessly. If all you’ve got are great elbows and ears, then cut holes in your sleeves and wear chandeliers everywhere you go.
Put your faith in the classics
That goes for everything, from frocks to flooring. As a general rule, choose plain over patterned, understated over overstated. Avoid fashion, especially fads. Some dress rules are for life: never wear clothes with words on them, polar fleece, cheesecloth, plaits or Jesus sandals.
Maintain your standards
Prune your wardrobe seasonally, bin chipped china, toss stained linen, hang those pictures, file and frame photos, reupholster that tattered sofa. Throw out everything that’s broken – relationships included. You will feel free to get on with the rest of your life.
Don’t try too hard
Gold-plated taps, unnecessarily enormous houses and clothes with designer labels on the outside scream ‘‘I’ve arrived!’’ You will be treated accordingly. Simplicity is more stylish. Sometimes it’s more sophisticated to serve smoked salmon on toast than a five course meal.
Aim for a compliment a day
Even if it’s just flirting with the butcher. Compliments give you confidence.
Make a great first impression
You’ll never reclaim the lost ground if you don’t. Develop a firm hand shake, a warm smile. It’s free and it’s the most effective thing you’ll ever do.
