Beauty fades. Fortunes vanish. But style—the kind old money has mastered—is eternal. In this week’s episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we unravel the old money secret to staying unforgettable long after the roses wilt and the cheekbones soften. From patched Barbour jackets to grande dames in caftans, from Brooke Astor’s birthday notes to Diana Vreeland’s “garden in hell” apartment, this episode explores how true style outlasts both beauty and wealth.

We’ll meet the archetypes of age and authority—the Dowager, the Grande Dame, the Patriarch, the Patron, the Spinster Aunt, and more—each a living proof that permanence comes not from youth, but from cultivating eccentricity, rituals, and presence. Along the way, you’ll discover why old money never throws anything away, how to turn quirks into calling cards, and the simple rituals you can borrow to make yourself unforgettable in a disposable age.

If you’ve ever wondered why the old money aesthetic keeps trending—or how to build a style that even time can’t erase—this is the episode for you.

What makes a home look quietly elegant… and what makes it look like a Cheesecake Factory in disguise? In this episode, Kiki Astor breaks down the common, supposedly “old money” decorating elements that actually cheapen a house when done wrong.

From blinding white exteriors and shiny DIY lacquer walls to overdone marble countertops in modern farmhouse McMansions and Greek columns that aim to make a 60's ranch-style home look like a neo-Palladian estate but instead fall painfully flat, Kiki explains why these popular choices fail — and how true old money interiors whisper rather than scream. Drawing on the lessons of icons like Billy Baldwin, Tony Duquette, Bunny Mellon, Nina Campbell, and Ralph Lauren, she reveals the timeless principles of proportion, context, and patience that create authentic elegance. But don't worry if your home was built in this decade rather than inherited from Gilded Age great-grandparents, we have some savvy budget-minded tricks in this episode that will surprise you- and even some shocking hacks that you won't believe.

Expect sharp insights, a few scandalous design confessions, and plenty of cheeky etiquette along the way, including working with a friend who is a decorator. Whether you’re dreaming of old money style, redecorating on a budget, or just curious about the fine line between tasteful and tacky, this episode is your field guide to avoiding the most common “new money” décor mistakes.

What happens when ordinary people become multi-millionaires overnight? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore the lessons people who come into an unexpected fortune can learn from old money families about handling sudden wealth with grace, restraint, and dignity.

Whether you inherited a lot of money, are a lottery winner, a successful entrepreneur or entertainer, or had a similar financial windfall, Kiki unpacks the essential etiquette of newfound fortune: what to spend on (and what not to), how to avoid the biggest mistakes lottery winners make, and why appearances of restraint often matter more than flashy purchases. She also shares timeless strategies for dealing with friends and family who ask for money, guidelines for giving to charity without turning yourself into a public ATM, and how to build a lifestyle that lasts longer than a single windfall.

Whether you’re daydreaming about winning Powerball, navigating an inheritance, or just curious how the wealthy maintain their composure, this episode offers witty, practical advice on how to live richly—without losing your head.

In this week’s episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we’re diving into the fascinating—and often unspoken—world of grooming, beauty, and personal presentation in high society. What’s the difference between old money grooming and new money beauty trends? Why does understated polish signal heritage wealth, while flashy cosmetic enhancements can read as nouveau riche? From skincare routines and subtle hair maintenance to manicure etiquette, fragrance choices, and the art of looking “effortlessly well-kept,” Kiki unpacks the codes that separate discreet refinement from try-hard opulence.

Whether you’re curious about old money style, preparing for social events, or simply want to elevate your everyday grooming habits with timeless elegance, this episode blends etiquette, history, and humor into practical advice you can use. Expect tips on navigating salon culture, luxury beauty treatments, cosmetic procedures, and the do’s and don’ts of presenting yourself with sophistication in any setting.

Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor – Episode: “Starting Over Without Moving Zip Codes”

Think you need a new city to reinvent yourself? Think again. In this episode, Romance author and old money and etiquette expert Kiki Astor dismantles the myth of “new city, new me” and reveals how true personal reinvention happens quietly, elegantly, and right where you are. From the psychology behind why we crave fresh starts—like escaping our past selves, chasing romance, or seeking novelty—to the subtle, old money–approved strategies for refining your identity without uprooting your life, Kiki shares actionable insights that blend sophistication, etiquette, and real-world charm.

Discover how to:
Embrace subtle reinvention by editing routines, wardrobe, and rituals instead of making dramatic changes
Build community credibility and strengthen your local social circle while evolving your personal brand
Become a tourist in your own town, uncovering hidden gems and cultivating intellectual leisure
Refresh your home, hobbies, and reputation with grace, polish, and elegance
Avoid common mistakes like equating reinvention with relocation, chasing trends, or broadcasting your “new self”

Packed with historical and cultural examples—from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to Princess Diana and Lady Ottoline Morrell—this episode blends romance novel fantasy with real-life psychology, showing listeners how to cultivate sophistication, confidence, and transformation at home.

Whether you’re craving personal growth, elegant reinvention, local chic, subtle transformation, or old money wisdom, this episode teaches you how to feel renewed without a U-Haul, turning your everyday environment into a stage for your most sophisticated self.

In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, novelist, hostess, old money and etiquette expert and recovering debutante Kiki Astor unpacks the awkward etiquette mistakes, social faux pas, and embarrassing moments that happen to everyone — whether you’re navigating high society, old money circles, or just a tricky cocktail party. From using the wrong fork at a formal dinner, spilling champagne at a gala, or being snubbed by a shop assistant, to passing gas in public, stopping up a toilet, or being pooped on by a bird, Kiki reveals how to recover with impeccable manners, polished social skills, and quiet confidence. Explore why grace under pressure is the ultimate status symbol, how to turn a mortifying moment into a masterclass in poise, and why another person’s bad manners say far more about them than about you. Drawing on etiquette traditions, social graces, and real-life examples from Oprah Winfrey to Jennifer Lopez, this episode is your chic survival guide to overcoming humiliation, avoiding social blunders, and mastering the art of old money composure — no dramatic “Pretty Woman” scene required.