16May

How to: “Proper”ly greet someone

Every new day presents us with an opportunity to meet someone new, and as my daddy always says, “first impressions are lasting impressions.” Here in the South, a strong hand shake and look in the eye is the key to success, whether that be meeting for business or assuring a father that you’ll take care of his sweet girl on a date. Follow the steps below to become the gentleman that companies fight over and daddy’s take for a cigar.

- Always go into a situation with an open mind and receptive attitude. Never approach it with any bias or pre-conceived notions.

- If meeting someone new, always initiate conversation and firmly shake his or her hand, look them straight in the eye, and start by, “It is a pleasure to meet you, (insert name here).” By saying his or her name, it will show the other person that you are focused and intentional in the conversation to follow. If you are meeting an elder or someone your senior, ALWAYS say “sir” or “ma’am.” If you live in the South, these are must-do’s.

- Actions speak louder than words. Make sure that you keep your body language relaxed but attentive. Keep arms by your side. Never cross your arms, sway side to side, etc. You want to feel/ look/ and act composed and confident.

- SMILE. Act engaged and involved in the conversation. Keep eye contact throughout the conversation, appropriately smiling and laughing when conversation calls for it.

- Make sure to respect the other party’s personal space, but if you feel comfortable, lean in a slight bit, showing interest.

- When ending a conversation, always thank the person by name, end with a firm handshake, and kindly excuse yourself.

Most importantly, always be confident and composed. Be yourself, and be comfortable in your skin. Business men can sense weakness, and daddy’s can sense discomfort, so assure them with that unmistakable sweet southern charm.

Every new day presents us with an opportunity to meet someone new, and as my daddy always says, “first impressions are lasting impressions.” Here in the South, a strong hand shake and look in the eye is the key to success, whether that be meeting for business or assuring a father that you’ll take care of his sweet girl on a date. Follow the steps below to become the gentleman that companies fight over and daddy’s take for a cigar. - Always go into a situation with an open mind and receptive attitude. Never approach it with any bias or pre-conceived notions. - If meeting someone new, always initiate conversation and firmly shake his or her hand, look them straight in the eye, and start by, “It is a pleasure to meet you, (insert name here).” By saying his or her name, it will show the other person that you are focused and intentional in the conversation to follow. If you are meeting an elder or someone your senior, ALWAYS say “sir” or “ma’am.” If you live in the South, these are must-do’s. - Actions speak louder than words. Make sure that you keep your body language relaxed but attentive. Keep arms by your side. Never cross your arms, sway side to side, etc. You want to feel/ look/ and act composed and confident. - SMILE. Act engaged and involved in the conversation. Keep eye contact throughout the conversation, appropriately smiling and laughing when conversation calls for it. - Make sure to respect the other party’s personal space, but if you feel comfortable, lean in a slight bit, showing interest. - When ending a conversation, always thank the person by name, end with a firm handshake, and kindly excuse yourself. Most importantly, always be confident and composed. Be yourself, and be comfortable in your skin. Business men can sense weakness, and daddy’s can sense discomfort, so assure them with that unmistakable sweet southern charm.

22Sep

Say goodbye to summer…

As September creeps closer and closer to October, Pransey sees gentlemen savoring those last bits of summer. Whether they are strolling down main street or out for a final sail, Nantucket reds always linger as the last of the warm-weather wear. As we at Southern Proper gear up for fall, and dare we say it, winter with our jewel-toned Gents, cashmere and corduroy we wanted to say goodbye to summer with a quick clip of our favorite colored canvas! XX, Pransey
As September creeps closer and closer to October, Pransey sees gentlemen savoring those last bits of summer. Whether they are strolling down main street or out for a final sail, Nantucket reds always linger as the last of the warm-weather wear. As we at Southern Proper gear up for fall, and dare we say it, winter with our jewel-toned Gents, cashmere and corduroy we wanted to say goodbye to summer with a quick clip of our favorite colored canvas! XX, Pransey

16Aug

Proper Pointers :: Be a sharp shooter!

Whether in the field or on the line, great shooting glasses are great for both style and safety. With shatter resistant lenses and frat-house-find frame quality, Randolph Engineering shooting glasses are a step above the rest. Available with 16 custom tints, the outdoorsman is prepared for any and all conditions, always looking classic and capable of bringing anything down. Not big on game hunting? Well, Randolph has still got you covered! American in style and in make, Randolph offers sunglasses that have been supplied to the US Military and Air Forces since 1982. A must for America’s top gun pilots, the ‘Aviator’, ‘Concorde’ and ‘Sportsman’ styles have been, tried, tested and made tough for any proper pursuit! Randolph Engineering
Whether in the field or on the line, great shooting glasses are great for both style and safety. With shatter resistant lenses and frat-house-find frame quality, Randolph Engineering shooting glasses are a step above the rest. Available with 16 custom tints, the outdoorsman is prepared for any and all conditions, always looking classic and capable of bringing anything down. Not big on game hunting? Well, Randolph has still got you covered! American in style and in make, Randolph offers sunglasses that have been supplied to the US Military and Air Forces since 1982. A must for America’s top gun pilots, the ‘Aviator’, ‘Concorde’ and ‘Sportsman’ styles have been, tried, tested and made tough for any proper pursuit! Randolph Engineering

08Aug

Need to Read :: True Prep by Lisa Birnbach

True Prep by Lisa Birnbach “Wake up, Muffy. We’re back.” Since the release of “The Official Preppy Handbook” in 1980, we have yet to see another author capture the preppy lifestyle like Lisa Birnbach. Whether discussing the look, the pose, or the proper accessories, her tongue-and-cheek account of pink and green, prep schools, and how to summer has stayed with us. Released in September, the sequel brings old-school style to new-school notions. While Birnbach stays true to timeless prep culture, readers will see such sections as texting at the table and brands will be a bit more upscale than the original LL Bean and penny loafers. Whether you are stuck in the past or smooth sailing (in a yacht, no doubt) toward the future, the 200 original illustration and photographs make True Prep a need to read! XOXO, Pransey
buy the official preppy handbook mugs, tshirts and magnets
A book written by Lisa Birnbach in 1980 as a tongue-in-cheek guide to preppies. Currently out of print, it details the preppy lifestyle “from toddler to Alumni Fund Raiser”. It contains “the look, the pose, the proper accessories.
buy the official preppy handbook mugs, tshirts and magnets
A book written by Lisa Birnbach in 1980 as a tongue-in-cheek guide to preppies. Currently out of print, it details the preppy lifestyle “from toddler to Alumni Fund Raiser”. It contains “the look, the pose, the proper accessories.
True Prep by Lisa Birnbach “Wake up, Muffy. We’re back.” Since the release of “The Official Preppy Handbook” in 1980, we have yet to see another author capture the preppy lifestyle like Lisa Birnbach. Whether discussing the look, the pose, or the proper accessories, her tongue-and-cheek account of pink and green, prep schools, and how to summer has stayed with us. Released in September, the sequel brings old-school style to new-school notions. While Birnbach stays true to timeless prep culture, readers will see such sections as texting at the table and brands will be a bit more upscale than the original LL Bean and penny loafers. Whether you are stuck in the past or smooth sailing (in a yacht, no doubt) toward the future, the 200 original illustration and photographs make True Prep a need to read! XOXO, Pransey
buy the official preppy handbook mugs, tshirts and magnets
A book written by Lisa Birnbach in 1980 as a tongue-in-cheek guide to preppies. Currently out of print, it details the preppy lifestyle “from toddler to Alumni Fund Raiser”. It contains “the look, the pose, the proper accessories.
buy the official preppy handbook mugs, tshirts and magnets
A book written by Lisa Birnbach in 1980 as a tongue-in-cheek guide to preppies. Currently out of print, it details the preppy lifestyle “from toddler to Alumni Fund Raiser”. It contains “the look, the pose, the proper accessories.

08Aug

Frat House Find :: Croffix Sailing Belts

Kiel James Patrick Croffix Sailing Belt The Croffix Sailing belt by Kiel James Patrick is a sure way to make a statement this summer. The old-fashioned design is just begging to be combined with casual kakis and weather-beaten boat shoes. With over twenty different multi-colored designs, you are sure to find one that sets you apart. Each belt is handmade in New England, using nautical rope from T.W. Evan and Italian pebbled leather. With superior craftsmanship and classic style, these belts quite are the frat house find! XOXO, Pransey
Kiel James Patrick Croffix Sailing Belt The Croffix Sailing belt by Kiel James Patrick is a sure way to make a statement this summer. The old-fashioned design is just begging to be combined with casual kakis and weather-beaten boat shoes. With over twenty different multi-colored designs, you are sure to find one that sets you apart. Each belt is handmade in New England, using nautical rope from T.W. Evan and Italian pebbled leather. With superior craftsmanship and classic style, these belts quite are the frat house find! XOXO, Pransey

17Apr

Ask Pransey?

POSTDear Pransey,

One of my favorite parts of entertaining is the invitation. I just think it is so important to set the mood and with all the beautiful paper out there, I don’t see how you could resist. But my question is, what is the proper way to invite friends to a last minute event or party? When I don’t have the time to pull together a paper invitation, is a well-written email or text my only option? They just seem so informal and I want my parties to feel special! Could you suggest a more festive option?

Thank you so much,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth,

Pransey P has just the thing! I too love a beautiful invitation.  They are something I never forget to give and always remember getting! But when proper planning is impossible, and a last-minute party becomes likely, I use POST! This wonderful little iphone application has tons of invitation designs for theme parties, birthdays, holidays and more! They are fun and sophisticated and I can even send a monogrammed card! They are quite simple to create and I can send them right from my phone through email or text message! So when I can use pretty paper, I always use postage, but when I cant, I use POST!

XOXO,

Pransey P.

POSTDear Pransey,

One of my favorite parts of entertaining is the invitation. I just think it is so important to set the mood and with all the beautiful paper out there, I don’t see how you could resist. But my question is, what is the proper way to invite friends to a last minute event or party? When I don’t have the time to pull together a paper invitation, is a well-written email or text my only option? They just seem so informal and I want my parties to feel special! Could you suggest a more festive option?

Thank you so much,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth,

Pransey P has just the thing! I too love a beautiful invitation.  They are something I never forget to give and always remember getting! But when proper planning is impossible, and a last-minute party becomes likely, I use POST! This wonderful little iphone application has tons of invitation designs for theme parties, birthdays, holidays and more! They are fun and sophisticated and I can even send a monogrammed card! They are quite simple to create and I can send them right from my phone through email or text message! So when I can use pretty paper, I always use postage, but when I cant, I use POST!

XOXO,

Pransey P.

08Apr

Just another Day at the Races!

Say hello to the horses with a sip of spring! The races are on, but that doesnt mean you need to move fast. Take a slow sip of two drinks that have always made me say “mmmmm……”. The Mint Julep and the Mojito are perfect for days when you need help forgetting the heat! So grab your Salisbury sterlings and pick your favorite pony! It’s just another day at the races! Mojito :: 2 tablespoons of crushed fresh mint leaves, minding the over-meddling 1 ounce Simple Syrup 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1 1/2 ounces white rum 1 sprig fresh mint and small lime wedge for garnish Crushed ice Serves 1 Mint Julep :: A Mint Julep is best if made a day in advance! It allows the flavors to mix and the sugar to properly sweeten! 4 cups of bourbon, Blanton’s of corse! 2 bunches of mint 1 cup distilled water 1 cup granulated sugar powdered sugar to taste Shaved ice Take 3 1/2 cups of bourbon, adding a cup of simple syrup to the mix! In a separate container, let 40 or so mint leaves soak for 15 minutes. Collect them into a paper towel and wring them out and back into the bourbon. Combine both containers and refrigerate for 24 hours. (The longer it sits, the more you savor!) Once poured, garnish with a sprig of mint and a short straw, sprinkling powdered sugar on top for taste! serves 10 A Simple Suggestion from Pransey… To make your own simple syrup, combine equal parts granulated sugar and distilled water in a small saucepan. With low heat, stir the sugar until dissolved! Mojitos and Mint Juleps!
Say hello to the horses with a sip of spring! The races are on, but that doesnt mean you need to move fast. Take a slow sip of two drinks that have always made me say “mmmmm……”. The Mint Julep and the Mojito are perfect for days when you need help forgetting the heat! So grab your Salisbury sterlings and pick your favorite pony! It’s just another day at the races! Mojito :: 2 tablespoons of crushed fresh mint leaves, minding the over-meddling 1 ounce Simple Syrup 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice 1 1/2 ounces white rum 1 sprig fresh mint and small lime wedge for garnish Crushed ice Serves 1 Mint Julep :: A Mint Julep is best if made a day in advance! It allows the flavors to mix and the sugar to properly sweeten! 4 cups of bourbon, Blanton’s of corse! 2 bunches of mint 1 cup distilled water 1 cup granulated sugar powdered sugar to taste Shaved ice Take 3 1/2 cups of bourbon, adding a cup of simple syrup to the mix! In a separate container, let 40 or so mint leaves soak for 15 minutes. Collect them into a paper towel and wring them out and back into the bourbon. Combine both containers and refrigerate for 24 hours. (The longer it sits, the more you savor!) Once poured, garnish with a sprig of mint and a short straw, sprinkling powdered sugar on top for taste! serves 10 A Simple Suggestion from Pransey… To make your own simple syrup, combine equal parts granulated sugar and distilled water in a small saucepan. With low heat, stir the sugar until dissolved! Mojitos and Mint Juleps!

07Apr

Pry them open the proper way!

While all southerners certainly appreciate the warming weather, they all know there is something much more significant in March and April than the sun. Its the “r”! Indicating oyster season, that little letter leads us to decks, docks, and dives all over the Southeast to pry one open. Its our first chance to taste the sea after a long winter season and sharing them with friends makes it all the better! So make the most of this spring by prying them open the proper way! Dressing the part… While any old glove and shucker will do, I love any opportunity to dress the part. Whether you are informal or fancy, here are a few of my favorites… W. Lee O’ Quinn Victorinox Swiss Army Allen LeBlanc RH Forschner Grip Guard Know what’s what… WIth your gloved hand, hold the oyster with the hinge facing up. Holding the shucker in the other hand, wedge the blade in-between the two shells on the narrow end. keeping your gloved hand steady, twist your wrist steadily until the top shell comes off. You’ll just love the leverage! Share the secret…. Whether they are raw, steamed, fried or gratineed, enjoying oysters is a secret that is better shared! Nothing beats a bivalve bake or a shucking soiree to celebrate spring, so invite all your friends! if nothing else, they will always make it for the menu! Pry them open the proper way! Pry them open the proper way! pry them open the proper way! Pry them open the proper way!
While all southerners certainly appreciate the warming weather, they all know there is something much more significant in March and April than the sun. Its the “r”! Indicating oyster season, that little letter leads us to decks, docks, and dives all over the Southeast to pry one open. Its our first chance to taste the sea after a long winter season and sharing them with friends makes it all the better! So make the most of this spring by prying them open the proper way! Dressing the part… While any old glove and shucker will do, I love any opportunity to dress the part. Whether you are informal or fancy, here are a few of my favorites… W. Lee O’ Quinn Victorinox Swiss Army Allen LeBlanc RH Forschner Grip Guard Know what’s what… WIth your gloved hand, hold the oyster with the hinge facing up. Holding the shucker in the other hand, wedge the blade in-between the two shells on the narrow end. keeping your gloved hand steady, twist your wrist steadily until the top shell comes off. You’ll just love the leverage! Share the secret…. Whether they are raw, steamed, fried or gratineed, enjoying oysters is a secret that is better shared! Nothing beats a bivalve bake or a shucking soiree to celebrate spring, so invite all your friends! if nothing else, they will always make it for the menu! Pry them open the proper way! Pry them open the proper way! pry them open the proper way! Pry them open the proper way!

10Mar

Quotes as Southern as Sweet Tea on a Summer Day!

Some of the most Southern Quips & Qoutes as submitted by our darling gents and belles! Thank you to everyone who sent us your favorites! Enjoy…because I sure did! “Sharing…it’s the best part of a supper!” - Eryn Houck “Well that is just so common!” -Vernon Pringle Parish Weber “What can be more Southern than to obsess about being Southern?” -Elizabeth Fortson Arroyo “I can shoot straight, if I don’t have to shoot too far.” -Scarlett O’Hara “Bless your heart” “A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know where it is today.” -Robert E. Lee “Do Southerners laugh at different things than Northerners do? Yes–Northerners.” -Roy Blount My sister says Southerners are like other people, only more so.” -Blanche McCrary Boyd “Lettin’ the cat outta’ the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.” -Will Rogers “I’ve always said that next to Imperial China, the South is the best place in the world to be an old lady.” -Florence King “Well, they’re Southern people, and if they know you are working at  home they think nothing of walking right in for coffee. But they  wouldn’t dream of interrupting you at golf.” - Harper Lee “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” - Mark Twain “Well that just dills my pickle!” “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”
Some of the most Southern Quips & Qoutes as submitted by our darling gents and belles! Thank you to everyone who sent us your favorites! Enjoy…because I sure did! “Sharing…it’s the best part of a supper!” - Eryn Houck “Well that is just so common!” -Vernon Pringle Parish Weber “What can be more Southern than to obsess about being Southern?” -Elizabeth Fortson Arroyo “I can shoot straight, if I don’t have to shoot too far.” -Scarlett O’Hara “Bless your heart” “A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday does not know where it is today.” -Robert E. Lee “Do Southerners laugh at different things than Northerners do? Yes–Northerners.” -Roy Blount My sister says Southerners are like other people, only more so.” -Blanche McCrary Boyd “Lettin’ the cat outta’ the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.” -Will Rogers “I’ve always said that next to Imperial China, the South is the best place in the world to be an old lady.” -Florence King “Well, they’re Southern people, and if they know you are working at  home they think nothing of walking right in for coffee. But they  wouldn’t dream of interrupting you at golf.” - Harper Lee “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.” - Mark Twain “Well that just dills my pickle!” “A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

17Feb

Southern Sayings: Whether it’s a quip or quote, Pransey will take note!

Southerners have never used one word, where ten or twenty will do! With centuries of charming chit-chat and delightful dialogs, we find ourselves with many a quip to quote. May it be from a memorable movie, a real good read, or a casual conversation, send me your favorite southern sayings! Please email them to pranseyp@southernproper.com and I will be back with the best…Bless your heart!
Southerners have never used one word, where ten or twenty will do! With centuries of charming chit-chat and delightful dialogs, we find ourselves with many a quip to quote. May it be from a memorable movie, a real good read, or a casual conversation, send me your favorite southern sayings! Please email them to pranseyp@southernproper.com and I will be back with the best…Bless your heart!
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