Woe is me: White blouse blues.

This feminine winter white summer weight blouse is gorgeous, and available at Dear Golden Vintage on Etsy. I've had fabulous luck shopping there, but sometimes there are things that are just not my size, sending me into a spiraling depression that lasts at least 4 solid minutes.

Find the shirt here. And shop Dear Golden here.

Party etiquette: How to get more invitations!

We throw a lot of get-togethers at Chez Charles, and have noticed there's some bad behavior going around regarding invitations, feelings, and RSVP's. Here are some of our thoughts on being a thoughtful guest, and gaining more and more invitations for yourself.

Accept invitations

My rule of thumb is that if I extend more than three or four invitations to someone, and they don't show up, I stop extending them. Invariably, there's always a bit of sulking if word gets out to a neglected non-attendee. Generally, these sulkers are people who never RSVP, rarely inform anyone they aren't coming, and also, never show any genuine interest in anything anyway. These thoughtless people are more interested in stroking their egos (receiving invites) than actually socializing, and Mrs Charles has no sympathy.

Extend invitations

To get invitations, give them. People cannot be expected to remember you, if you don't make yourself memorable. One of the very best ways to make yourself memorable is to show others a good time. Invite them somewhere! Museums, lunch dates, your own parties or movie night--all are great reasons for someone to associate good times with you. If you like someone, ask them somewhere once in a while. There's a saying "one good turn deserves another", and this is certainly true with extending invitations. You'd be amazed how quickly the karma pays off. (Beware that invitations don't turn into a game of cat and mouse where you extend one just to be "courteous" with no intention of ever getting together. No one likes their time being  held hostage by plans that never seem to come to fruition.)

RSVP, for heaven's sakes

There's nothing worse than sending out an invite and having everyone wait until last minute to decide to come (which is very inconsiderate to hosts), or not responding at all. Hosts need to prepare food and drink, and a head count is a very helpful thing to have. It also shows interest from attendees, which gets the hosts pumped. Showing appreciation is as simple as clicking Yes, No, or Maybe, and thanking the host and letting them know you're sorry to miss, hopeful to rearrange your schedule, or very excited to get together soon.

And, finally, don't be insufferable.

Most importantly, be a good guest. Socialize and circulate; participate in activities. Don't complain if you hear of a party you weren't invited to--that just annoys the host and makes them deliberately avoid inviting you in the future.Considerate people are charming people, and those who show genuine happiness at being thought of and invited out, will most likely be invited out often.

Now, Mrs Charles must excuse herself and finish making her Summer Pink Sangria.