Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners

Sometimes 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 through in polite cocktail party conversation. But ho...

In 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dives into the fascinating world of etiquette and manners, exploring which traditional etiquette rules may now feel outdated and why.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 transforming what we once considered polite behavior. Tune...

What'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 and out of style and why certain ones are making a...

In 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 distress and a feeling of being marginalized. Kiki disc...

Have 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 and share her tips on achieving an elegant old mon...

Winter 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 are appropriate? How does one wear formal gloves? Mu...

In 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.  Listeners will gain insights into: -What good ta...

In 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 Industrial Revolution's rise of self-made tycoons, and the...

It'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 that happen to even the most polished society div...

Set 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, obviously—delves into the world of yacht life. Expl...

In 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 conventions, and explains the not so subtle, very telling d...

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 the lessons learned over the years. She offers prac...

In 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 these two classic looks, the societal signals the...

A 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 Nouveau Pauvre Chronicles, author and ex rich person...

Join 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 formidable Power Couple, and the influential Influencer...

In 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 selecting classic pieces and creating a refined livin...

Summer 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 situations, and ensure everyone has a memorable time. W...

"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 Kiki Astor, delves into the nuances of the "Old Mo...

In 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 nuances of inheritance language and how it shapes fam...

Auntie 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 travel sound chic even though you are going to the sam...

Are 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: Find out which versatile pieces are essential fo...

Yes, 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 funeral etiquette, sprinkled with a dash of humor and...

Join 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 long been synonymous with aristocratic upbringing...

Get 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 Kiki for a dose of humor and honesty as she shares la...

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 smooth and enjoyable travel experience. In this episo...