"People will talk."

For ages, this has been used as an excuse for not doing something that could be incredibly rewarding, be it starting a business, writing that book, making the art, or wearing the dress or the lipstick that makes your heart sing.

In this week’s episode of Awkward Etiquette- Old Money and New Manners, Kiki Astor explores one of the oldest social anxieties in the book: what people say about us—and why it still stings, even - or esecially- in the age of curated feeds and public personas. From the elegant discretion of old money circles to the performative transparency of modern social media, Kiki dissects the etiquette of reputation, how to navigate gossip gracefully, and why not caring what others think is the most powerful (and chic) move of all, and a social skill you'll want to develop as soon as possible.

Listeners will learn how to protect their reputation without becoming paranoid, reclaim their narrative with composure, and turn criticism into quiet confidence. Kiki also unpacks how online notoriety has changed the rules of reputation—what still matters, what doesn’t, and how to maintain dignity, mystique, and good manners even when “people will talk.”

It’s a witty, psychological, and oddly reassuring guide to surviving the spotlight—whether it’s the country club, the comments section, or your own circle of frenemies.

Hosting doesn’t have to be hard — unless, of course, you make the tragic mistake of calling it a potluck. In this sparkling episode of Awkward Etiquette: Old Money & New Manners, Kiki Astor reveals the secrets of easy entertaining the old money way. From what to wear as a host or hostess to the timeless menu formulas that never fail, Kiki shares how to create effortless elegance (even on a budget).

Expect chic dinner party ideas, old money anecdotes, and the kind of practical charm that transforms chaos into calm. You’ll learn why gracious hosting is less about perfection and more about good manners, atmosphere, and the right lighting. Whether you’re planning a weekend luncheon or a supper for six, this episode is your guide to sophisticated entertaining with wit, warmth, and a dash of scandalous truth.

Topics include: old money entertaining, hosting on a budget, elegant dinner menus, what to wear when hosting, modern etiquette for hosts, and how to throw a proper dinner without losing your mind.

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.