Social Climbing With Beth Dunn

Below follows my interview with Beth Dunn, author of Social Climbers book and blog, founder of The Preppy Mafia annnd the most popular girl in Bloggerville. It's like the head cheerleader asked me to sit with her at lunch!

Why "summer is a verb?" I love the title, it says SO much with so few words. Something every writer from Truman Capote to little old me wishes they could do.

I believe Ms. Birnbach said it best when she wrote, "The summer is the high point of the Prep year, the time when Prep blossoms into fullest flower, the point of reference for everything else in life. You choose your clothing, car, friends, pets, on the basis of where and how you summer." Yup, this lil floribunda is all about the ocean, the tan, the beached blond hair and theee best clothes of the entire year...

What are your favorite accessories for your stylish life?

A fabulous white bikini, enough Lilly to fill a small museum, a haircut that does not require blow drying, good pearls, the ability to laugh at oneself, and a husband that puts up with and furnishes it all. That, and my Johnstons of Elgin blackwatch cashmere shawl and B² smoking jacket. Both of which I planned to be buried in.

Tell me about your fab life, what do you do besides go to the gym and watch Oprah (I'm also your stalker on twitter-LOL)?

The gym is très important for prancing around in the above mentioned white bikini and, Oprah is my workout for the soul. I usually try and time it so I'm at the gym during Oprah thus, killing two birds with one workout stone. Besides that I enjoy needlework, Diet Coke, gossiping while running distance, Lynard Skynard, chocolate anything, Vueve Cliquot Rosé, oyster roasts, foxes, and laughing til it hurts...

Do you consider yourself preppy? Did you read TOPH?

Ohhh, this prep's blood runs pink and green. And, not only did I read The Official Preppy Handbook but, I still have my original copy. My friend Joanie's sister-in-law helped write TOPH and is also the model throughout the 'Social Studies' chapter. I've been threatening to get her to sign my copy for years. Yup, it's definitely one of those items I would "save in the event of a fire".

What do you think about mean girls grown up and Social Climbers?

Well, as a rehabbed mean girl, married to a rehabbed mean boy, I totally understand how they operate . You know, kind of like hiring an ex-burglar to consult on preventing break-ins? And, I think a little social climbing never hurt anyone. Unless, of course, you suddenly begin to act to the manor born or step on people during your accent. Karma doesn't discriminate between Loubs and Bean boots so tread lightly on your way up. Besides, it's waaay more fun to have your friends with you when you do reach the summit...

Kindness of Beth Dunn, author of Social Climbers for giving me a leg up. She's the one in Loubs feeding the knotted bed sheets out through the tower window a la Rapunzel to all her preppy peeps in bloggerville...XXOO