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Ask the Countess

Ask the Countess: Baptisms and Graduations

The Countess answers your questions about baptism attire and graduation announcements.

May 5, 2009

 

We are baptizing our baby girl soon in the Catholic Church. I was thinking of wearing this pretty, semi casual long white dress. It was a dress I wore after getting out of my wedding dress, and going to dinner with my husband after our wedding. So it is an important dress to me. Anyways, I wasn't sure if only the baby wears white? Thanks!
Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,
Congratulations! I think you should wear your white dress and use some accessories for color. It's sweet to wear something that is meaningful to you. Best.
The Countess

Quick question: Is it okay to send out my graduation announcements after I actually graduate from college? I have exams all next week and I don't know if I'll have time to send them out beforehand. Is that okay?
THANKS! P.S. The NYC season is my favorite :)
Alison Elizabeth

Hi Alison,
Thanks darling. I think it's perfectly acceptable. Concentrate on your finals and send them out just after. Good Luck!
The Countess

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Countess,

I wanted to tell you that as pediatric audiologist, I was pleasantly surprised to see on the finale that you support a school for children with deafness and hearing loss. Thank you for your support of this deserving group of people.

I had been a faithful viewer of NYC Housewives...found it a hoot and sometimes got really riled when your or Kelly were misunderstood.

Sadly, my son passed away from yet to be determined causes (he had congenital scoliosis and an autopsy showed that vital organs were not being hydrated... a preliminary diagnosis.

I am writing to you now because I have certain friends who I call and put me on call waiting while I need to share. I NEVER use call waiting, I think it is rude.

I posted a comment on this before this happened. I don't see it, but may well be there.

I exploded at this friend tonight because while she was on her landline, she got a call from her cell minutes after and said she would talk to him in 5 minutes.

I hope your book addresses matters of etiquette in the high tech world we live in. I find so much of this so rude esp at a time like this.

Should I apologize? Knowing her, she will not. Perhaps she is not a friend. What to do?

I hope this isn't your last blog, because I have a question. I am planning to go overseas, and there is a great possibility of meeting an archbishop, and I do not want to embarrass myself if I do get this opportunity. How does one properly greet an archbishop?

Thank you for your reply, and for an entertaining season on the "Housewives".

I am simply amazed that anyone would want advice from you after you showed such bad manners on the show so many times.

I have to disagree with the viewer Susannah stated that you have and Kelly have been misunderstood. You are very forthright and upfront with your opinions and frankly I don't see or understand how you could be misunderstood. You have a great sense of integrity and you, Bethanny and Jill are my favorite housewives. You know who you are and stand up for what you believe and I honestly haven't had much to disagree with you about. If you don't know the whole story on a situation you hold back your judgement until you know more and that's a very classy thing to do. Now for Kelly she isn't misunderstood either. Her behaviour is extremely obvious and she has proved herself to be a very dishonest person and very irratic. I thought Ramona was irratic until we met Kelly and Kelly actually almost makes Ramona look sane and I hate saying that. Kelly is unbelievably immature for a woman with two small girls and hopefully she will wake up and mature by seeing herself as other's see her so later one she doesn't embarrass her girls but her lack of maturity and her lack of truthfullness and honor. She just needs to quit saying "stop, stop, stop" and start listening and maybe she will learn something. The other thing that she has made famous is "you mean nothing to me", well she better start feeling something for other's or she will be continued to be seen as a very cold immature woman. Maybe you could give her personally some lessons in etiquette to make her a better person like you are. She sure could use them!

countess,or i like lulu better.i am glad that you are priviledge also. we should all be so lucky. i am proud that you are not ashamed that you are an american indian. you have come along way. is it true that your husband wants a divorce..you do have class, you have a great presence, i like your manners and the way you are raising your children.. countess maybe we can see a little more not so proper ways from you, let your hair down tell us jokes, be a little bit silly.. peggy ca.

It would be nice if you would ude this space to blog about the show, as it is intended. Even though you seem to believe it to be true, you are not the modern day Emily Post, or even Dear Abby. You have your moments where I find you enjoyable but being full of yourself is not one of them.

Countess, I'm not sure if this is the spot where I pose a question, but hopefully you will be able to help. I got married at the end of April in Las Vegas. Due to the state of the economy, my husband and I didn't ask family or friends to go, because we couldn't afford to pay for their trip, and asking people to pay for a trip during this time in the U.S. just didn't seem right to me. However, a lot of family and friends are now asking me if my husband and I are going to have a wedding reception, and if we are registered anywhere. Is it ok to have an informal wedding recption, is it in bad taste to register for gifts, and how soon would we need to have this reception if it is ok to have one? Cheers, Amy

One thing I noticed watching the show: you generally make an effort to refrain from judging people too quickly, and that's to be commended. Once criticism though: I wish you and Bethenny hadn't been so condescending to Rosie in that last episode. You treated her like she was a child or, at least, a different class of human being -- speaking patronizingly of her boyfriend, acting as if you were humoring her by letting her offer dating advice. It made me sad. Why wouldn't she have something legitimate to offer? It made me even sadder to hear that she has four children who she probably never sees.

I admire your sense of style. You dress in a fashion forward yet ladylike manner. Scenes of your home reveal an equally refined level of good taste. Have you given any thought to writing a book or a series of articles on fashion and decor?

Countess,

My husband's niece graduates from college next week. As the youngest of four, she is the first to graduate "on time," four year plan and not the 5-6 year. We would like to do something extra special for her graduation, a weekend at the beach with her friends. We did not do anything along these lines for her siblings; we sent cards with money for each of the three. Is it appropriate to give her an "extra special" gift for finishing in four years?

Countess,

Unrelated, I am dying to know who does your hair!!!! I LOVE IT!!! I have similar color/texture of your hair - although differently styled than yours, I just know I would love your style on me! Would you be at the liberty to say? Much Thanks! Anna S.

The Countess:

Thank you for replying to my question, I was so exited to see you actually read it! Thank you! Also, I think you seem like a great person on the show.....don't listen to anyone who's trying to put you down. Hope you and your family are doing well.

~R

I wanted to know if the Countess will be back next season? I really hope she will. She has class and brings much to the show.

Hi Countess,

I really think you are the most likeable woman on the show. You are funny without making jokes at people's expense. You try to stay above the fray when the other women get into fights. Your kids seem so smart and level headed. I can tell you are a good mom and a kind person. I really liked the way you went to the school and played basketball with those girls and reminded them that you are just a simple girl from CT and you ended up a countess and that they can live their dreams too. My heart goes out to you with the divorce. You are smart, pretty, accomplished and truly your own person and you will be fine. Maybe even date some hot models ala Kelly Bensimon!! Stay well, be well :)

Countess, I would genuinely be interested in finding out where you purchased the fabulous camel color pointed toe boots that you where wearing on the episode where you were teaching Bethenny how to perform on the catwalk....Please let me know....the are gorgous!

I just want to say that I love the show . You and Beathanny are my favorite. Please let me and everyone know how you keep such a great figure. I look at you and Bethanny and just wish I knew what you both do to look so good and stay in shape. Thanks for the season!!!

As a hearing technician I was very happy to see you support the school for children with hearing loss. What a marvelous idea!

Hello Countess YOU ROCK! I wish and your family well. Your book is great. A suggestion for your next book – it could be about style. Although you are younger, a book teaching women 40 to 60 how to dress would be very beneficial. I had been over weight for 16 years but now after losing over 135 pounds I am trim and want to be stylist. I do not know what to wear. I know what wore when I was thin is not appropriate for now. Suggestion would be appreciated, I am 55 look 40 am more traditional/classics then trendy although I am modern. I do not own sweats, t-shirts, khakis or any dresses with white collars and smocking.

I have to agree with another viewer--that it was extremely sad and disheartening to find out that Rosie has four children...she doesn't get to see often...or ever? Doesn't this bother you? Have you offered to have them visit? Seeing how family-oriented Rosie is, I can't understand why she would want to be away from them, unless being employed with you is her only chance for an income? I have a hard time believing that. Life is too short--she should be with her children.

I'm sorry, I have to say this. This is something that's been driving me nuts since my wife started making me watch your show. If you're an American citizen, you don't have a title of nobility. It is actually in the Constitution of the United States (Article 1, Section 9), American citizens may not be granted titles of nobility. So please, for all of us, stop calling yourself "the Countess" and just go by "LuAnn" or "Mrs. De Lesseps". It's embarrassing.

(If you've renounced your American citizenship, then please accept my apologies for not understanding the situation.)

Countess with class is suitable for you. I've never seen you get into an argument. Sure, you've voiced your oppinion, but fight? no. It's terribly difficult to hold your tongue when angry or upset ( example when Ramona said your husband is twice your age. God help her..she's so insulting to everyone ). It took me 46 years to learn how to do only voice my oppinion when absolutely needed and only with family or friends who ask.

Anyhow, just wanted to send you a message. You're awesome and your hubby and kids are as well. Wish you were all coming back..sighs. I suppose I'm now forced to watch the NJ one's. I will deeply miss you NY'ers. Live well and always keep your amazing smile. You really did teach me a heck of a lot by watching this program and I'm older than you are..umm..:)

Luann,

Your pomposity exceeds no bounds. How many times did you talk about a cast member behind her back? We all have heard several times that you were married to "the Count". Get over yourself. True aristocracy does not run around making sure everyone, including a driver last season, knows your marital pedigree. You are trying too hard to attain something you don't have: class

Just bought (and read) your book and really enjoyed it, especially the parts having to do with your time in Italy.

My only "issue" is that on one page (when you are describing your husband's 50th surprise birthday party) you write about a Bob Hope/Sophia Lauren (sic) skit...

Whoever edited/proofread this book should be talked to...it goes without saying that her name is Sophia Loren.

Other than that, I thought the book was really entertaining!

I starting watching RHW Nyc on vacation this past week and am appalled. The RHW of America you do not represent. We are Blue Collar Moms. We worry about how to pay for graduation announcements, pictures, and then college tuition. You do represent the true housewife of America. We do not have nannies, housekeepers, etc., we earn our money by putting in 12 and 8 hour days of real work. We still have the catty nature of privileged people but we do all the work ourselves. I work two jobs in the health care field and my son has an intern position to make ends meet. We talk several times a week and share finances to put him a better position. So next time you NYC housewives get together realize you do not represent the real working housewives of America. I work hard, love what I do and have more heart and motivation than you can appreciate. So next time you think your biggest worry is what dress to wear realize you do not represent the meaning of a true housewife.

LuAnn, yes I dare call you that! No one cares that you consider yourself a countess. The title wouldn't be so bad if you didn't have to constantly remind everyone about it. I was VERY disturbed by the way you treat those you consider 'below you' or 'not at your level'. You actually made Bethanny tell her driver to call you Mrs.!! I was furious how poor Rosie had no time to recover from her long flight and you immediately made her do your laundry. Absolutely disgusting.

Countess....of all the housewives I think you and Bethany are the most beautiful. You have a natural beauty and do not wear alot of makeup and you look awesome. Ramona does not wear makeup and I think she should. She is not pretty, pretty rude tho. I liked it when you said to her at Jill's party about Simon that she should make him feel welcome even tho it was a "girl's night". Went right over her head. Her behavior was shocking leaving like that. Had she done that at my dinner party I would have called her on it right then and there. She is so insecure as well as Kelly. Kelly is such a phony. It comes across in her contrived smile and she is always looking around to see who is looking at her. The jog in the streets wearing that skimpy outfit she was doing it strictly for attention. Anyway, I like you alot. You are classy and very much a lady.

Hello Countess,

I am not witting in regards to an etiquette question, but to commend you on your work with the deaf/hoh community. My daughter, Hannah was diagnosed with hearing loss at birth and she has been wearing hearing aids since she was 8 wks old. Obviously, this is something that is very close to my heart. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw your support for the NYC Auditory School. Lack of funds for these programs are at an all time high. I was living in Boston and had to uproot my entire family to North Carolina to provide the proper education for my daughter! While I am not complaining it was wonderful to see you and your husband support a cause that is so often overlooked.

Thank you,

Alisa

Mrs. De Lesseps, you are gorgeous & polite & continue to stay away from the drama ! you just keep doing you girl ! you are one of my favs ! the only thing that im disappointed about is that you kinda brought kelly into thee show :[[ && i truly dislike that one _ i believe you would be doing the right + countess like [lol] thing and send her on her way with a copy of your book in hand ! that could very possibly be one of your greatest moves :]] hope you are doing well and cant wait to see the reunion ! im so excited !!

I love you alot and you were the only one on the show with the most class. I love what youre doing because you can help so many people. You are the HOTTEST HOUSEWIVE and youre the only one that has the stronger head and the one who strives for the best with love. I would love meeting you oneday.

Countess: I LOVE YOU! My sister and mom and I love quoting you. You are so precious and I adore how you are such a straight shooter and mediator. An acquaintance of mine recently acted out at a friend's birthday dinner and her manners were god awful. I thought, "Gee, I really wish the countess were here to put this 18 year old child in her place." YOU'RE THE BEST! And you're pretty.

Love, ME

Luann, You are by FAR my Fav. Housewive! I just wanted to tell you -you always made me laugh- the whole thing w. you and Bethanny (airbrushing scandal was ridiculous on her part)the whole Ramona thing (the issue she had w. your husband's age) was so ignorant on her part- I dont think you overreacted as they claimed I think shes so disrespectful to do that ESPECIALLY in front of Victoria, I think you handled it w. class ;)

I just wanted to know where did you get that Turquoise and Sliver necklace? I love that necklace. Also your one of my favorite housewives you rock!!!

You are a huge joke with your Countess act. You are the only person impressed with yourself and are embarassing yourself by acting like you were born to money. Try being a little more humble about your good fortune and less self absorbed. It's so silly and unbecoming. With your money, you should do far less self promotion and far more things that could impact the World in a positive way. That is a true Countess's role...not this superficial, status game you demonstrate each week on the show. Sad. Very Sad.

You are classy and beautiful! I wish you the best!

Tracy

LuAnn,

I think you are a very kind and beautiful person. I see it in you, thats why I am not sure why you put on this act. I feel that no one has been able to see the real you. Drop this Countess stuff, no one cares. What I am interested in is LuAnn and who she is. Who are you??

LuAnn, you are the epitome of grace & poise. Don't pay attention to the posters who give you a hard time for the "countess" thing. It's a title I would be proud of, too. I think you're a class act and look forward to seeing you next season. My best to you & your family.

I love you countess. I can't believe some of the comments and attitudes you have put up with!! I really liked it when you told Ramona, (when she was going off about Simon being at a party)that we are going to welcome him now that he is here.....or words to that effect. You show real class over and over again. I can not stand Ramona. She is the most hypocritical, rude, and overbearing person I've seen in a long time. She needs to act her age and stop trying to be a hot-mama! That will never happen. But I'm sure you will treat her better than she deserves. I don't blame you for being upset at her for the snide remarks she makes about your husband and your relationship. It may be TV, but it is none of her business.

Countess LuAnn:

I wish you all the best. I know it's hard and having to deal with your life being an open book. Take each day as it comes. Breathe in and breathe out. Enjoy what you have. You are an excellent friend, mother and wife. You are fierce because you are YOU! Don't ever change!

I wish I had the opportunity to know you! I know you are going through some hard times. I'm an only child and lost my mom a year and a half ago. However,the most important thing is taking care and nurturing you!!!!

Most importantly, you are the COUNTESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cary

Countess,

As a University professional, I see a LOT of bad manners, poor grammar (seriously...), and just plain rude 20-somethings. Yikes. In addition, I am also a descendant from the French aristocracy and my mother has kept the family name alive and well, instilling in my sister and I the importance of our family history, and how it makes us who we are today. Watching you and your pride in the De Lesseps family name has brought me a new pride and awareness that not everyone has this kind of history...thank you for reminding me of it.

You are a great lady, I try to hear your voice (next to my mothers) in my head whenever there is a situation on campus when I might be tempted NOT TO BE a Lady!;-)

Hang in there with your family, know that there are a lot of people wishing you well and sending you prayers.

Best, Lynn Emery Rasmussen

Luann I loved when you asked your son if he fed the fish and he told you the fish was dead!! Come back on soon you guys are my weekly escape through a very tough time!!

Luann I loved when you asked your son if he fed the fish and he told you the fish was dead!! Come back on soon you guys are my weekly escape through a very tough time!!

Do you really think you were helpful or a role model at the boys and girls club? Do you really think they connected? Who the hell cares if you are a Countess and by the girls faces they could care less. If you are going to do charity or nice things at least try to get down to their level and understand them (not them understand you). Next time just give them the money.

LU LU,

thats better, you are very beautiful and I understand good manners, but hanging out with Kelly is not good manners. I like you Luann and your a cool person , don't throw Bethenny under the bus or anyone just because Kelly doesn't like them or says something about them.You are smart , nice and are a good mother so when the cameras are on and someone says something about someone thats not nice, you shouldn't automatically agree with them, theres some good manners. Otherwise you are a very unique person to watch and learn from. dawn

Countess LuAnne. I love your sexy voice, just had to say. There is so much all of us viewers could say and I just realized as I wanted to add my two cents in that there is no point. You Housewives are all good people and good mothers when it comes right down to it and I think that is all that matters in the end. I cant believe I just simplified all the complex comments I wanted to say. Good luck to you in all of your endeavors and that son of yours (both of your children) is adorable. Hold him close, because they are only at this tender age for a second. I cant stress that enough. Give him a special nite of your attention one night a week. I'm incorporating that as I speak with my 14 year old son at this time. Your son's yearning for your time became apparent through the show and taught me something. Please consider. God Bless.

Dear luann,I am watching the reunion tonight and I was shocked to hear that you and the count are seperated and he emailed you to inform you that he had someone else, OH! how tasteless,tacky and heartless, and he is a count oh give me a break, I guess the saying is true they come in all colors and from every walk of life and since I am a lady I won't say what he is after all you put in 16 years. Sister countess keep your head up,and strutt your stuff you will love again.

Countess,

You go girl. You tell that Ramona off girl. She needs to be shut up.

LuAnn, I think you are a person with a great intergrity and a sense of responsibility, you talk straight to the point but your persona seems cold, you need to loosen up have more fun be yourself. i wish you good luck, I'm so sorry about your husband he is a looser.

countess come on i can't believe people could possibly care about an inept and inarticulate title such as countess. stop the holier than thou pompous act and you might lend some credence to the show otherwise who needs all the bluster with no substance.

Greetings LuAnn, watching all the ladies on the show has been inspiring, at first I found myself judging each one and then I found myself wishing I was a little like a little part of each one! I adore your fashion sense; fashion these days is very confusing, with 40 being the new 30 and forty year olds then dressing like twenty year olds, I find it difficult to put a look together but you show how a forty something should look, classy, sexy and stylish! I think your next book should be about fashion tips for women over 30. Thanks .