Author Jordan Christy

“A true lady really does stand out from the crowd. Cute, sensible outfits. Polite, kind behavior. Those are rarities these days and when you embody those traits, you really do shine brighter than the rest.” – Jordan Christy

Of course, on Nonsense & Sensibility, it’s always a dream to have the opportunity to interview an intelligent, beautiful, and classy author. So, when I finished How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World by Jordan Christy – I knew I absolutely had to track down the writer of this refreshing work.  Of course, a charming southern belle, Jordan took a peek at this blog and agreed it would be a perfect fit.   Jordan Christy lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and children and is a publicist for Warner Brothers Records.  She has worked with many celebrities, artists, and media outlets. Her book left me so inspired, that I had a few additional questions to ask on my own.

First of all, where and when did she have the idea to write a book like this? “I’d had the idea since high school, but truly never thought it would come to fruition. I’m still shocked by the whole thing!” she said. Since it had been something on her mind for quite some time, how did Jordan know it was finally the right moment to bring her dream to life? “The whole idea was to let other girls know that it’s okay if you don’t want to go out partying,” she said, “It’s okay if you’re not part of the in crowd. You can stand tall and be proud of exactly who you are; you don’t have to conform to any popular standards to be liked, accepted, or happy.“  In fact, Jordan shared that when she is happiest, she is playing with her children, shopping with her mom and sister, watching old TV shows on DVD with her husband, or simply – writing.

The current trends and popularity of certain negative figures in the media was also a trigger. “With all the pressure to look and act like certain celebrities, it seemed like a perfect time to encourage girls to just be themselves,” said Jordan. And, of course, girls are more apt to listen to someone they can or hope to look up to and with Jordan’s loving husband, children, and an impressive career at a young age – she assuredly fits the mold. And, does the author usually follow the rules and advice she has ever-so-politely suggested in her novel? “Yes and no,” she laughed, “When it comes to personal matters, I always act on intuition and whether or not I ‘feel’ that something is right. And my husband always says my ‘feelings’ are never wrong, ha. But when it comes to style and etiquette, I find myself following very traditional rules, i.e. write handwritten notes to say thank you, don’t let your bra straps hang out in public, etc.”

purchase Jordan’s book here.

Jordan’s own personal role models range from close family members to modern style icons and literary figures. “My mom is my greatest influence in all things, big or small,” she said, “In terms of fashion and style, I love Blake Lively and Reese Witherspoon. My writing role models are people like Jean Shepherd, Nora Ephron, and Amy Sherman-Palladino. “  So, how does she advise remaining true to the positive figures and individuals you look up to, when there are so many other (often negative) influences?  “This may not be the answer people want to hear, but the fact is that it’s easier to distance yourself from that lifestyle when you turn it off,” she said, “Read a book. Start a window box garden. Take up a new hobby like photography or painting. Pretty soon you’ll lose interest in what the Kardashians are up to this week! “ But, the classy and appropriate behavior isn’t usually what’s airing on the television or printed as the latest news in the tabloids.  Does Jordan wholeheartedly believe a true lady can still gather the right kind of attention in 2011? “Oh yes. Because that behavior is by and large the norm these days, a true lady really does stand out from the crowd,” she said, “Cute, sensible outfits. Polite, kind behavior. Those are rarities these days and when you embody those traits, you really do shine brighter than the rest.”

“Guys know who they like and who they don’t like, and if they’re interested, they will let you know.” - Jordan Christy

According to Jordan, what you don’t want is to have to go out of your way to get attention – especially when it comes to dating. “We’ve all been duped into thinking that chasing the guy will work at some point,” she said, “But the truth is that when you’re on the hunt for a relationship, guys are truly just creeped out by girls who Facebook stalk, show up at their place of work unannounced, and text them incessantly about how great they looked in that Fossil jacket. Guys know who they like and who they don’t like, and if they’re interested, they will let you know. You can quote me on that!”

In her book, Jordan has written an entire chapter on this idea titled: “Let Him Come Calling.”  Does she truly believe that with all of the other females out there avidly pursuing men and constantly putting themselves out there, that a busy lady with traditional ideals will still find a perfect match? “Absolutely! I have many success stories to prove it! Ultimately, there really is a fine line between letting a guy know you’re available and smothering him,” she said, “My rule is that it’s absolutely fine for girls to approach guys and introduce themselves, make conversation, etc. Beyond that, a guy will let you know if he’s interested.”  She believes that again, technology and the accessibility it provides can often work against us. “When we start texting, calling, and being needy, guys rarely respond positively,” said Jordan, “That whole back-and-forth thing can go on for quite a while, but ultimately, it almost always ends in failure. If a guy is interested in pursuing a relationship, he will always let you know.”

And, coming from a charming lady like Jordan who’s favorite holiday happens to be Valentine’s Day- what’s not to believe. “I really, really like Valentine’s Day,” she shared, ”What a happy day! It’s all about love! And the color scheme is just so fun, too. Pink doesn’t get much face time on the holiday scene. When I was in kindergarten I had pneumonia and had to spend Valentine’s Day in the hospital, so perhaps I’ve just spent my life trying to compensate for that one missed day.”

If you’d like to hear more advice from this modern day Hepburn, be sure to purchase her book and of course, follow Hepburn Girls in a Hilton World on Facebook.