Welcome to "Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor" – the podcast where old money meets new manners, and your Auntie Kiki spills the tea on all things etiquette, with a side of laughter and a dash of aristocratic charm! Join the illustrious Kiki Astor, author of smutty romance novels and grande dame of decorum, as she tackles your most pressing etiquette questions with the finesse of a debutante twirling at a ball. Wondering about the historical roots of fork placement or the proper way to declin ...
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Monogram Etiquette, Style, Tradition, and Rules: old money preppy, or tacky?
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29:59In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we tackle the timeless, tasteful, and occasionally tacky world of monograms. From heirloom linens to luggage tags, monogramming is the original quiet luxury flex—if you know how to do it right. Kiki explores the history of monograms, their role in old money culture, and the subtle etiquette rule…
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The old money photography secrets Slim Aarons knew (and you may not)
51:56
51:56
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51:56Today, we’re turning our lens—quite literally—toward the fascinating intersection of photography and old money. From the earliest daguerreotypes in stiff collars to the poolside glamour captured by Slim Aarons, photography has always been a mirror, revealing not just what we look like—but who we *think* we are. We’ll begin with a little history: ho…
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Table for one, please: the lost art of intentional, elegant solitude
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34:17In this elegantly introspective episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, etiquette expert and romance author Kiki explores the timeless allure and quiet power of solitude. From the romance novel heroine brooding on a windswept terrace to the old money doyenne dining solo in a tucked-away bistro, being alone is not a condition to be pitied—it’s…
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Heritage or hype? The true value of luxury handbags in 2025: an old money perspective
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48:27
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48:27In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we dive into the true value of luxury goods—especially designer handbags—amid a shifting global economy, social media overexposure, and growing transparency about where and how these so-called “heritage pieces” are actually made. In the age of the Wirkin, or Walmart Birkin, and in the wake of th…
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Social skills hacks that actually work: Etiquette vs social anxiety
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33:42If you suffer from social anxiety, you might think that the old money, high society types you see effortlessly navigayting cocktail parties were simply born with a socializing superpower, or that they learned it in boarding school, and that it's too late for you, but that's not true. In this calming yet cheeky episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki…
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The rise of the Nouveau Pauvre: Status in the age of economic instability and inequity
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39:27When your host, Auntie Kiki, says she’s an “ex rich person” and espouses the label of “nouveau pauvre,” you may be left wondering whether that means she’s fabulously wealthy or delightfully destitute, or somewhere in between. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore our society’s love-hate relationship with wealth, performat…
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The ultimate guide to old money style garden parties and outdoor entertaining
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50:45Is there anything more elegant and romantic than a garden party? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dishes on the secrets of hosting the perfect old money garden party, because it takes a bit of behind the scenes preparation to exude effortless charm. From phrasing the invitations, to selecting the right garden party dress code to mas…
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Unbothered & Elegant: Let's discuss Mel Robbins' “Let Them” theory
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29:45Whether it’s at a cocktail party, on the tennis court, or around the dinner table, Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory is the pop culture, pop psychology self-help phenomenon on everybody’s lips. But what does it really mean, and how does one apply it to living an authentic, elegant life on one’s own terms? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki A…
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Welcome to the nouveau pauvre club: a glam life, on a budget
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30:56If you have always felt you have more taste than money...that you aspire to elegance and refinement, but are on a restricted budget...that you would be absolutely darling at spending oodles of cash, but for now you're making do with less...Welcome to the club! You're not poor, you're nouveau pauvre, my darling. Nouveau pauvre is an offshoot of old …
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Behind closed doors: the secret world of private clubs
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41:44You're either in, or you're out...and who wants to be on the outside looking in? For many people, the words "welcome to the club" are music to their ears and the fear of being blackballed looms large, because, as the advertaisement famously states, membership has its priviledges. It's a basic human evolutionary need to feel that one belongs, and be…
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Nautical but nice: mastering the fisherman aesthetic
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32:12The fisherman aesthetic is having a moment, to put it mildly, but those with old money sensibilities have been living with it for generations, sporting weathered knits, salt-washed trousers, and perfectly battered Barbours at their seaside second homes long before even coastal grandmother was just a twinkle in the internet's eye. In this episode of…
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Ski and Après Ski: Etiquette on and off the slopes
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31:55Strap on your ski boots and grab a hot toddy—Kiki Astor is taking you to the slopes! In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, we’re diving into the refined (and sometimes ridiculous) world of ski and après-ski etiquette. Whether you're navigating the chairlift like a seasoned Aspen regular, mastering the art of looking effortlessly chic in Gstaad, or …
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If you regret not having gone to charm school, here is your opportunity to learn the crucial social skills you might have worried you were lacking. First off: curtseying is less important than you might have thought, but there are some crucial ingredients in charm, and they are easier to combine than you might have feared. Social anxiety is no matc…
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Live a big, beautiful, elegant rich life...on a budget!
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40:59Here’s the thing about wealth: it can go up and down. Even old money families tend to lose their fortunes after three generations. The stock market, the economy, your relationships, and your health can all change on a dime...which is why knowing how to still have a rich, happy, fabulous life without two nickels to rub together is the most valuable …
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Real romance tips... from a romance writer?
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35:00Most of us were raised on Disney-fied takes of princes and princesses, and even if we scoff at that stuff as adults, we still dream of a happily ever after. The romance readers among us may be ashamed to admit that we fantacize about a love like the one we read about in our novels, but let's be real: everyone wants a happy ending. That prince, that…
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FOMO, JOMO, and the etiquette of invitations
54:48
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54:48Did you ever receive an invitation and promptly contact the host or hostess and inquire about further details, including what you should wear? You may worry that Auntie Kiki will label this behavior as rude, but in reality, if the invitation was not clear enough, that is the hosts' fault, not yours. In this fascinating episode of the Awkward Etique…
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In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, and to celebrate the launch of her latest book, Art, Love, and Other Miracles, set in the international art world including galleries in Roma Norte, CDMX, and Art Basel Miami, romance author, ex rich person, and art enthusiast Kiki Astor delves into the fascinating world of art collecting, offering practical ti…
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Timeless or Tired? The Old Money Aesthetic in 2025
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43:34New Year, New You... So is the Old Money Aesthetic Out? How does one reconcile reinvention and tradition? In this first of the New Year episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore the tension between tradition and reinvention in the ever-evolving world of the old money aesthetic. Kiki talks about her New Year's resolutions and goals, a…
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Bitter bloodlines: How to resolve family feuds elegantly
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31:05Old Money isn’t always old harmony. In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, your host Kiki Astor, aka Auntie Kiki, begins by delving into a famous Astor family feud that led to the creation of the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Using this dramatic historical anectote full of rivalry, egos, and its unlikely legacy as a jumping-off point, Kiki expl…
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What is true wealth? It may be more attainable than you think
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36:10In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we explore what it truly means to live a rich life, far beyond the balance in your bank account. Kiki delves into the essence of true wealth through the lens of the old money lifestyle, uncovering how timeless values, understated luxury, and intentional living can elevate your daily experience. …
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These books will make you look richer, smarter, and more popular
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48:39
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48:39Sometimes it's not the clothes that make the man. It's not which model of Barbour jacket you have chosen, or where you get your tweed suit. What is between your ears is much more important than the Rolex watch on your wrist or the Stubbs and Wooton slippers on your feet. As AUntie Kiki says, education is often free. Obviously, much of this come thr…
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Modern manners? Which etiquette rules are outdated, and why
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45:52In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, hostess Kiki Astor dives into the fascinating world of etiquette and manners, exploring which traditional etiquette rules may now feel outdated and why. From rigid social scripts to the nuances of dining decorum, Kiki examines how changing societal values, cultural shifts, and modern social skills are transform…
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What's in a name? Trending vs "old money" baby names, name history and etiquette
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54:52What's in a Name? Our moniker might be our most important attribute, influencing how we succeed and how we are perceived. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, Kiki Astor dives into the delightful—and sometimes awkward—world of names. Starting with the hottest naming trends for 2025, sourced from Nameberry, Kiki explores how some baby names go in a…
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Awkward but necessary: addressing microaggressions
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34:28In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, your hostess, etiquette maven and romance author Kiki Astor, dives deep into the world of microaggressions—those subtle, often unintentional comments and actions that can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Although they may seem small, microaggressions accumulate, leading to emotional distre…
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Chic Gatherings: The secrets to affordable "old money" style entertaining
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35:21Have you been wanting to entertain at home, but you are intimidated? Have you been thinking of repaying your friends in kind for dinner invitations or jaunts aboard their yachts, but you can't afford an evening in a restaurant? In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, romance author and amateur etiquette expert Kiki Astor will inspire you …
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Old Money Aesthetic and fashion etiquette for Fall/Winter
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44:01Winter is coming! Some of you dread this turning of the seasons, and some of you celebrate it. Those of you who love winter, admit it- it's all about the fashion, isn't it? But with more layers come more problems and questions: how does one layer? Which socks are we suposed to be wearing? Can I wear trendy chocolate brown with black? Which shoes ar…
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What is good taste, and how do you cultivate it?
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43:02In this enlightening episode, your Auntie Kiki steps out of her romance novelist slippers and leans into her identity as an etiquette coach and amateur social anthropologist. With a rich background in old money society, interior decorating, fashion, and history, Kiki Astor explores the essence of good taste and how to cultivate it in today’s world.…
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Old Money vs New Money: Navigating Class & Etiquette in Modern Society
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45:34In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, your host Kiki Astor ,etiquette maven and romance author, dives deep into the enduring tension between old money and new money, exploring the historical roots and modern-day dynamics of wealth, class, and social status. From feudal societies where aristocratic lineage dictated power, to the Industri…
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Oops! The most awkward, cringe-worthy social slip-ups, and how to recover from them
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33:39It's hard not to dwell on embarrassing public slip-ups, but according to psychologists, etiquette experts, and social anthropologists, moving on elegantly is more important than you might think. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we’re diving into the issue of the most awkward and cringy of all: those embarrassing public faux pas…
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High Seas, High Drama: Yacht Etiquette, Style, and Scandals (Yachting part 2)
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1:02:59Set sail into luxury and high society with this cheeky episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor! If you love aspirational travel, the old money aesthetic, and juicy scandals at sea, this is the perfect listen. In this episode, Kiki Astor, etiquette maven and author of Low Season in St. Tropez—a romance novel about a yacht interior designer, obv…
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Yachts, Part 1: Tradition, Style, and Etiquette on the High Seas
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41:54In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we're pulling back the velvet rope to reveal the hidden world of yachting—the ultimate symbol of wealth and power. Join your Auntie Kiki, your trusted guide through the nuances of high society, as she uncovers thehistory of recreational yachting, spills the secrets behind yacht naming convention…
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In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, your Auntie Kiki, Kiki Astor, author and ex rich person, dives into the old money approach to back-to-school season, a time that can bring up a host of classic etiquette concerns. With her children having successfully navigated private schools, boarding schools, and beyond, Auntie Kiki reflects on t…
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Preppy vs Old Money: Battle of the aesthetics?
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41:39In this episode of Awkward Etiquette, your hostess Kiki Astor, author, ex rich person, and etiquette maven, dives into the differences between the Preppy and Old Money aesthetics. From their deep-rooted histories to their cultural significance today, Kiki unpacks why these styles have endured and evolved over time. Learn the key differences between…
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Travel Chic on the Cheap: Snob-Worthy St. Tropez Tips for the Nouveau Pauvre
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41:37A crucial question for you, darling: Do you, do you, do you, do you Saint Tropez? As the iconic song states, everyone in the world crams themselves into St Tropez in the summer, and so, too, might you. Kiki is back from her summer break, and in this first episode of the new season of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, otherwise known as Kiki Astor's No…
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Never be intimidated in high society again- How to talk to anyone
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22:27Join Kiki Astor on a very useful episode of "Awkward Etiquette" Delve into the intricate world of high society as romance author and etiquette maven Kiki breaks down the archetypes you're likely to encounter at prestigious cocktail parties and galas. From the elegant Grande Dame to the charming Debutante, the eclectic Eccentric Artist to the formid…
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Elegance is refusal? The art and etiquette of saying no
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28:09In this delightful episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, your charming host, Kiki Astor, explores the timeless elegance of old money aesthetics. Join Kiki as she reveals the secrets to embracing simplicity and sophistication in both your wardrobe and home decor. Discover how to achieve that coveted, understated luxury look with tips on sele…
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Summer House Etiquette for hosts and guests
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35:00Summer House Etiquette for hosts and guests In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette Podcast, we dive into the do's and don'ts of summer house etiquette for both hosts and guests, especially for those living or emulating an "old money" lifestyle or old money aesthetic. Join us as we explore how to create a welcoming environment, handle tricky situa…
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Old money aesthetic beauty: what everyone gets wrong
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21:25"Old money beauty." When most people, especially on social media, think of this, they are envisioning a beauty from a vintage Ralph Lauren ad. That vision is reductionist and couldn't be further from the truth. In this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast, your charming hostess, author and etiquette maven and ex rich person, TikTok personality …
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Inheritance woes, trophy wives, and trust fund babies
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26:22In this intriguing episode of "Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor," we delve into the fascinating world of inheritance words, trophy wives, and trust funds, particularly within the realm of old money families. Join Kiki Astor as she unravels the complex social etiquettes and unspoken rules that govern the lives of the wealthy elite. Discover the nua…
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Where do you summer? How to vacation like old money
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22:20Auntie Kiki is going on a trip! (No she is not "summering"- because she's Nouveau Pauvre!) But this got me thinking- old money people don't do summer like the rest of the population. Where do they go, what do they do, how do they speak of it and most importantly, how do you make your povvo staycation sound Old Money, how do you make your basic trav…
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Packing secrets of socialites: elegant travel tips
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41:24Are you traveling soon, or wish you were? In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor: - Discover why packing light can revolutionize your travel experience and make travel less stressful. - Dive into Auntie Kiki's exclusive packing hacks: Learn the tricks to maximize your space and and options. - Curate your chic carry-on capsule wardrobe…
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Graceful goodbyes: a funeral etiquette guide
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41:24Yes, saying goodbye to loved ones is sad, but a funeral doesn't have to be all doom and gloom. Remember, it's about honoring the dearly departed and comforting the loved ones and family left behind. Get ready to lighten up the somber mood with Kiki Astor on this episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast! We're diving into the unexpected world of fun…
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Old money rite of passage: boarding school
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33:41Join Kiki Astor in a revealing exploration of the quintessential old money rite of passage: boarding school. In this enlightening episode, Kiki delves into the traditions, expectations, and unique social dynamics that shape the experiences of those groomed in the world of old money. Discover the secrets behind the prestigious institutions that have…
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Cue the pregnant pause: the awkward etiquette of pregnancy
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28:00Get ready to chuckle and cringe in equal measure on the latest episode of "Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor" as host Kiki Astor tackles the confounding and sometimes cringe-worthy world of pregnancy etiquette. From belly pats to baby showers, Kiki dishes out witty insights and practical advice on navigating these sticky social situations. Join Kik…
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Join your Auntie Kiki, etiquette expert, romance novelist, and nouveau pauvre jet setter Kiki Astor, on a journey through the dos and don'ts of airplane travel in this insightful episode of the "Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor" podcast. Whether you're a seasoned jet-setter or a first-time flyer, mastering airplane etiquette is essential for a smo…
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From old money to nouveau pauvre or rags to riches? Navigating financial ups and downs in style
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28:16Join Kiki Astor on a riveting episode of Awkward Etiquette as she delves into the complexities of transitioning between extreme socioeconomic statuses. In this thought-provoking discussion, Kiki shares her personal journey and insights on what it's truly like to experience the rollercoaster ride from riches to poverty and vice versa. From the nuanc…
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Secrets of old money aesthetic homes: Interior design hacks
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27:44Join your Auntie Kiki, Kiki Astor, on the latest episode of the Awkward Etiquette podcast as she delves into the art of interior design, offering expert tips to transform your home into a haven of sophistication and elegance. Discover the secrets to infusing your home with the timeless charm and refinement of the old money aesthetic. From classic f…
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Sorry, not sorry- The delicate art of the apology
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24:27Sometimes "sorry" is not an apology, but rather an insult. In this episode of Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor, we delve into the fine art of apologies. Tune in and explore the intricacies of saying sorry, including knowing when to apologize and when it's best to refrain. Discover essential etiquette tips on navigating social situations with grace…
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Old Money vs New Money Travel, Travel Dupes, Instagram Travel, and Palm Beach
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31:39Modern Jet-Set Travel in the age of Instagram: Travel Tensions and the Palm Beach Identity Crisis Join romance author and etiquette maven, ex rich person Kiki Astor, as she celebrates the launch of the Palm Royale TV show on Apple TV and the release of her latest book, "Pink Palazzo," set against the opulent, tropical backdrop of Palm Beach. When y…
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The etiquette of insults: how to maintain your dignity around rude people
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32:22Discover the Art of Graceful Comebacks and Social Poise in this 'The Awkward Etiquette with Kiki Astor' Podcast Episode. Respond to Insults with panache and confidence! Join etiquette expert Kiki Astor as she delves into the question of navigating insults with finesse. Learn the intricacies of maintaining your dignity while facing rude remarks, exp…
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