Calling Cards
calling card: noun:
1) a distinguishing characteristic or behavior.
2) a written greeting that is left to indicate that you have visited

It's amazing how we come up with so many different calling cards. In college, it's your sorority. After that, it's your job. What was, "Who is she friends with?" becomes "What does she do?" Following a few years in the working world, your calling card becomes your image, your look, your wardrobe. (Funny how the wardrobe comes after the job. You'd think it would be the other way around, but alas, work is work, but an image -- that's another thing all together.) I think it's because we start paying attention to details like style and quality. Instead of simply wanting to own one of everything that's cute from the Gap, we really contemplate our look and assemble the key pieces necessary to achieve it. (During this stage, our homes are war zones left destitute by budgets blown on a pair of heels and a handbag that cost more than a monthly mortgage payment. Our fridge is bare, our floors vacant (save a designer bra or panties) and our walls empty. This stage can go on for years.)

And then something happens. We grow up, and there's a new calling card. Or perhaps our definition of 'calling card' changes. We enter a new stage that is not so much about impressing everyone 'out there', but is more about impressing them inside. (No, not with your personality. I'm not that mature yet.) I mean, inside our dwelling, our abode. We have a desire to visit people in their homes, and in turn have them visit in ours. Granted, we want to be well shod and dressed during said visits, but equally important is the environment in which we call. Which finally brings me to my point -- it's time for me to sophisticate my abode.

Actually, Shop Girl gets all the credit. Because of her valiant (and harrowing) efforts made in staging an intervention with me and Ben and Jerry and my cable knit sweaters, I've really stepped up to the plate with regard to getting my life in order. And all of a sudden, I want everything in my life to be chic. No more desert war zone of blah-dom for my home. Au contraire, ma jolie. I'm getting the abode spruced up and am just about ready to have you over for tea.

8 Ways to Sophisticate Your Abode:
1) Minimize clutter. When have you ever seen a sophisticated home with junk everywhere? It sounds overwhelming, but the whole clean-up was very liberating. Simply ask yourself, would this item look good in a photograph of my home for Veranda magazine? If you're anything like me, you'll be quickly left with a clean slate. It seems none of my bric-a-brac is magazine-expose'-worthy. Which brings me to #2.
2) Think quality, not quantity. Like your past binging experiences with the Gap, it's time to move on towards fewer pieces of greater value. Your grimy plastic cups, mediocre window shades and dingy towels can carpool to Goodwill with the icky vase banished from exercise #1.
3) Cleanliness is next to Godliness. If you're not a clean sort of girl, hire a professional to come in and get the job done right. Note: if it takes you an hour to prepare for her to come, review steps #1 and #2. Once she gets it spic and span, you can do the maintenance.
4) Simply Shabby Chic. Great news for everyone, Shabby Chic has debuted a line for Target that should not be overlooked. I sprung for her white slipcover for my sofa and curtains for my windows. (You can't always use white when you're married with tots, so you might as well embrace the opportunity now.)
5) Spring to life. Nothing says with-it like a vase of fresh flowers on the table or mantel. After all, they're alive. Thus, you must have 'tended' to your home in the last week. A very good sign. Take note, however: when they die, remove immediately.
6) Be artsy, or start thinking that way. The old prints of couples kissing and movie posters should probably go visit their old friends at Goodwill. Start shopping around for an original artwork to start your collection. Visit local galleries in your town. You'll be amazed as to what you can find from local artists for not too much cash-ola.
7) Attend to your bathroom. 90% of your guests will come by for a drink. As such, they will very likely have to relieve themselves while there. This makes the guest bath as important as the living room, so make it grand. Consider a fresh coat of daring paint. You don't have to live in this room, so you can afford to be a bit bold. Candles are always a nice touch, as are sassy linens.
8) Tend to your face. Your front door is another primary focal point, and just as you wouldn't/shouldn't leave home without your concealer, you should always take time to groom your stoop. Potted plants, fertile ferns and a swept step are sure signs that a sophisticate lives inside.

And so, there you have it. I'm no longer about purchasing the umpteenth pair of cropped pants (well, actually, I am, but so much more). I've morphed into having a new kind of calling card. I'm all about dwelling well and having a home that says 'chic'. And as for calling cards, I'm going for the real McCoy. Seriously, I'm picking them up from the printers this afternoon. Shop Girl is rolling her eyes at the notion, and says that everyone will think I'm whacko when they see these things sitting on their tables. But, in time, I'm sure that she'll have her own. After all, what could be more fun that getting dressed up to visit in your own home? With no where to walk, think of how high your heels can be.

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