Subtle signs of class

[Anonymous]

My parents grew up working class/poor, I was real middle class growing up, now I am high earning UMC and will be the first in a long line of people to leave a considerable inheritance to the kids. And man, I so wish there was a defined path where the kids could get the $ and security without all of this class terribleness. I sincerely hope my children do not give one whit about this nonsense. I would cry if my kids were on here embarrassing themselves about their furniture that was handed down to them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The real question isn't WHAT furniture you have (it should already be impeccable), but WHERE you put it:

1. Your McLean/Bethesda 'main house,' 2. Your McLean/Bethesda 'guest house' (across the pool), 3. Your Nantucket beach estate or 4. Your Jackson Hole chalet.

And this is how you live, I suppose?

If not, who are you to look down on others for not having a second and third home in the most expensive resort areas of the US?

This is what I mean by gate keeping in this thread.

It’s a bunch of people talking out of their asses about how other people live, not themselves.

I talked about myself, and you posters who claim to be uninterested slammed me. Very classy of you....

I'm actually the original poster of this comment. But 'Classy' poster - I like your style.

I don't live like this, but the subject was 'subtle signs of class.' I ran in circles for a long time with people who DID live like this.

My take away is... the wealthiest people I know NEVER TALKED ABOUT 'CLASS,' they just lived their lives (in their three amazing estates across the country.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Even buying a "set" with matching table and chairs (which is what I assumed you meant by "dining set") is a class marker. It's silly, maybe, but it is what it is. My parents did not inherit a lot, but they never bought sets. And they mixed-and-matched estate pieces with custom furniture. E.g. their dining room furniture is a mix of antique chairs that have been reupholstered and a custom dining table (Henredon and Baker, I think, but I'm not sure).

So your parents furniture doesn’t match (and is probably looking worn). What about YOUR furniture? You’re an adult. Time to stop talking about what your parents have

Not sure why the hostility. My parents have 12 matching, antique dining room chairs (two with arms) that are reupholstered. I think the patina might be original, but either way the finish is almost perfect. They paid quite a premium for that at auction. PP asked a question about why people were suggesting that a "dining set" is a class indicator, and I'm explaining. I don't think it's better...it just is what it is.

The majority of my furniture is new or used but not antique. I like cleaner lines than what my parents like. But I also don't like matching sets (maybe because of how I grew up), so the pieces have been purchased individually. Like Stacey and Clinton from WNTW, they don't match, they "go".

I don't really care about any of this, but I am aware that people notice these things. And it is a class advantage to have been raised in a certain way that defines your tastes etc. That advantage matters more in some settings than others. If it doesn't matter to your life or job, NBD. But it matters in politics, so it matters to a lot of people in DC.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Nobody’s saying you have to buy antique furniture. It’s just that class is the subject of this thread. Also, reupholsters and refinishers (although preserving original patina is valued and is historically responsible) exist.

You don’t even realize that you’re STILL talking about Old Money WASP culture as if it’s the be all and end all. It’s not!

It is, however, the subject of this thread. Find a new thread if you don’t like this topic.

There are lots of rich people though.

What about Hollywood elite? Tech elite? Southern rich? Indian rich? Chinese rich?

None of them aspire to live like miserly WASPs.

Don’t waste your time PP. People have been trying to point this out for pages but a few posters refuse to move on from WASPs as the epitome of UC culture. There’s no other way of being rich in America

The funny thing is, most of their fortunes have dwindled over the generations and very very few of them are anywhere near as rich as the groups you mention.

It sounds like some of you are butthurt that your furniture isn’t considered upper class.

And yet you claim you don’t care about any of this.

So why on earth are you still here? Go outside and enjoy the warm weather before it rains.

To tell you the truth, I am offended that someone called me lower class because I bought some Stickley furniture. It is so rude and dumb.

Honestly, your furniture sounds lovely. Nobody called you lower class, but they did say it was middle class because you were putting it out there as being upper class. That’s the risk we all take when we put personal stuff on DCUM, as we’ve all found out at one point or another.

I wasn’t though! Truly. People were talking about Pottery Barn and how it is overpriced and mass produced. I agree it is overpriced for what you for what you get (wood veneer). Someone asked “where can you buy real wood furniture” and I said we like Stickley. It’s all wood and hand made, not mass produced. That’s it, that’s all I said.

Then I get a bunch of so,Kent’s saying “snort” and “oh dear”. So I said, “what’s wrong with Stickley” because I was seriously not aware that is considered low class and it evolved from there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Nobody’s saying you have to buy antique furniture. It’s just that class is the subject of this thread. Also, reupholsters and refinishers (although preserving original patina is valued and is historically responsible) exist.

You don’t even realize that you’re STILL talking about Old Money WASP culture as if it’s the be all and end all. It’s not!

It is, however, the subject of this thread. Find a new thread if you don’t like this topic.

There are lots of rich people though.

What about Hollywood elite? Tech elite? Southern rich? Indian rich? Chinese rich?

None of them aspire to live like miserly WASPs.

Don’t waste your time PP. People have been trying to point this out for pages but a few posters refuse to move on from WASPs as the epitome of UC culture. There’s no other way of being rich in America

The funny thing is, most of their fortunes have dwindled over the generations and very very few of them are anywhere near as rich as the groups you mention.

It sounds like some of you are butthurt that your furniture isn’t considered upper class.

And yet you claim you don’t care about any of this.

So why on earth are you still here? Go outside and enjoy the warm weather before it rains.

To tell you the truth, I am offended that someone called me lower class because I bought some Stickley furniture. It is so rude and dumb.

Honestly, your furniture sounds lovely. Nobody called you lower class, but they did say it was middle class because you were putting it out there as being upper class. That’s the risk we all take when we put personal stuff on DCUM, as we’ve all found out at one point or another.

Also, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the furniture criticism was coming from the same trolls that are derailing the thread now.

[Anonymous]

Stickley is not low class. It is just super stodgy and what a 65 yo would have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My parents grew up working class/poor, I was real middle class growing up, now I am high earning UMC and will be the first in a long line of people to leave a considerable inheritance to the kids. And man, I so wish there was a defined path where the kids could get the $ and security without all of this class terribleness. I sincerely hope my children do not give one whit about this nonsense. I would cry if my kids were on here embarrassing themselves about their furniture that was handed down to them.

Good for you, PP. Yes, only 'aspirational' people are obsessed with all of these ridiculous labels and material trappings (that actually keep them from building real wealth in the long run.) Teach your children to be kind, compassionate, and appreciative of well made items (not trends), and they will be just fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Even buying a "set" with matching table and chairs (which is what I assumed you meant by "dining set") is a class marker. It's silly, maybe, but it is what it is. My parents did not inherit a lot, but they never bought sets. And they mixed-and-matched estate pieces with custom furniture. E.g. their dining room furniture is a mix of antique chairs that have been reupholstered and a custom dining table (Henredon and Baker, I think, but I'm not sure).

So your parents furniture doesn’t match (and is probably looking worn). What about YOUR furniture? You’re an adult. Time to stop talking about what your parents have :roll:

Not sure why the hostility. My parents have 12 matching, antique dining room chairs (two with arms) that are reupholstered. I think the patina might be original, but either way the finish is almost perfect. They paid quite a premium for that at auction. PP asked a question about why people were suggesting that a "dining set" is a class indicator, and I'm explaining. I don't think it's better...it just is what it is.

The majority of my furniture is new or used but not antique. I like cleaner lines than what my parents like. But I also don't like matching sets (maybe because of how I grew up), so the pieces have been purchased individually. Like Stacey and Clinton from WNTW, they don't match, they "go".

I don't really care about any of this, but I am aware tople notice these things. And it is a class advantage to have been raised in a certain way that defines your tastes etc. That advantage matters more in some settings than others. If it doesn't matter to your life or job, NBD. But it matters in politics, so it matters to a lot of people in DC.

PP, your comments and ithers like them are why I am reading this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stickley is not low class. It is just super stodgy and what a 65 yo would have.

DP and one of the “classy” posters. Go away, troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My parents grew up working class/poor, I was real middle class growing up, now I am high earning UMC and will be the first in a long line of people to leave a considerable inheritance to the kids. And man, I so wish there was a defined path where the kids could get the $ and security without all of this class terribleness. I sincerely hope my children do not give one whit about this nonsense. I would cry if my kids were on here embarrassing themselves about their furniture that was handed down to them.

Why are you so emotionally invested in this discussion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My parents grew up working class/poor, I was real middle class growing up, now I am high earning UMC and will be the first in a long line of people to leave a considerable inheritance to the kids. And man, I so wish there was a defined path where the kids could get the $ and security without all of this class terribleness. I sincerely hope my children do not give one whit about this nonsense. I would cry if my kids were on here embarrassing themselves about their furniture that was handed down to them.

Would you cry if your children wasted their time reading these nearly 40 pages and posted sanctimonious stuff like this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Nobody’s saying you have to buy antique furniture. It’s just that class is the subject of this thread. Also, reupholsters and refinishers (although preserving original patina is valued and is historically responsible) exist.

You don’t even realize that you’re STILL talking about Old Money WASP culture as if it’s the be all and end all. It’s not!

It is, however, the subject of this thread. Find a new thread if you don’t like this topic.

There are lots of rich people though.

What about Hollywood elite? Tech elite? Southern rich? Indian rich? Chinese rich?

None of them aspire to live like miserly WASPs.

Don’t waste your time PP. People have been trying to point this out for pages but a few posters refuse to move on from WASPs as the epitome of UC culture. There’s no other way of being rich in America

The funny thing is, most of their fortunes have dwindled over the generations and very very few of them are anywhere near as rich as the groups you mention.

It sounds like some of you are butthurt that your furniture isn’t considered upper class.

And yet you claim you don’t care about any of this.

So why on earth are you still here? Go outside and enjoy the warm weather before it rains.

To tell you the truth, I am offended that someone called me lower class because I bought some Stickley furniture. It is so rude and dumb.

Honestly, your furniture sounds lovely. Nobody called you lower class, but they did say it was middle class because you were putting it out there ats being upper class. That’s the risk we all take when we put personal stuff on DCUM, as we’ve all found out at one point or another.

I wasn’t though! Truly. People were talking about Pottery Barn and how it is overpriced and mass produced. I agree it is overpriced for what you for what you get (wood veneer). Someone asked “where can you buy real wood furniture” and I said we like Stickley. It’s all wood and hand made, not mass produced. That’s it, that’s all I said.

Then I get a bunch of so,Kent’s saying “snort” and “oh dear”. So I said, “what’s wrong with Stickley” because I was seriously not aware that is considered low class and it evolved from there.

You got replies like “snort” and “old dear” because you used the phrase “dining set” not because it’s Stickley (which I agree is nice).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Nobody’s saying you have to buy antique furniture. It’s just that class is the subject of this thread. Also, reupholsters and refinishers (although preserving original patina is valued and is historically responsible) exist.

You don’t even realize that you’re STILL talking about Old Money WASP culture as if it’s the be all and end all. It’s not!

It is, however, the subject of this thread. Find a new thread if you don’t like this topic.

There are lots of rich people though.

What about Hollywood elite? Tech elite? Southern rich? Indian rich? Chinese rich?

None of them aspire to live like miserly WASPs.

Don’t waste your time PP. People have been trying to point this out for pages but a few posters refuse to move on from WASPs as the epitome of UC culture. There’s no other way of being rich in America

The funny thing is, most of their fortunes have dwindled over the generations and very very few of them are anywhere near as rich as the groups you mention.

It sounds like some of you are butthurt that your furniture isn’t considered upper class.

And yet you claim you don’t care about any of this.

So why on earth are you still here? Go outside and enjoy the warm weather before it rains.

To tell you the truth, I am offended that someone called me lower class because I bought some Stickley furniture. It is so rude and dumb.

Honestly, your furniture sounds lovely. Nobody called you lower class, but they did say it was middle class because you were putting it out there ats being upper class. That’s the risk we all take when we put personal stuff on DCUM, as we’ve all found out at one point or another.

I wasn’t though! Truly. People were talking about Pottery Barn and how it is overpriced and mass produced. I agree it is overpriced for what you for what you get (wood veneer). Someone asked “where can you buy real wood furniture” and I said we like Stickley. It’s all wood and hand made, not mass produced. That’s it, that’s all I said.

Then I get a bunch of so,Kent’s saying “snort” and “oh dear”. So I said, “what’s wrong with Stickley” because I was seriously not aware that is considered low class and it evolved from there.

You got replies like “snort” and “old dear” because you used the phrase “dining set” not because it’s Stickley (which I agree is nice).

Not quite. But let’s not reopen that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Nobody’s saying you have to buy antique furniture. It’s just that class is the subject of this thread. Also, reupholsters and refinishers (although preserving original patina is valued and is historically responsible) exist.

You don’t even realize that you’re STILL talking about Old Money WASP culture as if it’s the be all and end all. It’s not!

It is, however, the subject of this thread. Find a new thread if you don’t like this topic.

There are lots of rich people though.

What about Hollywood elite? Tech elite? Southern rich? Indian rich? Chinese rich?

None of them aspire to live like miserly WASPs.

Don’t waste your time PP. People have been trying to point this out for pages but a few posters refuse to move on from WASPs as the epitome of UC culture. There’s no other way of being rich in America

The funny thing is, most of their fortunes have dwindled over the generations and very very few of them are anywhere near as rich as the groups you mention.

It sounds like some of you are butthurt that your furniture isn’t considered upper class.

And yet you claim you don’t care about any of this.

So why on earth are you still here? Go outside and enjoy the warm weather before it rains.

To tell you the truth, I am offended that someone called me lower class because I bought some Stickley furniture. It is so rude and dumb.

Honestly, your furniture sounds lovely. Nobody called you lower class, but they did say it was middle class because you were putting it out there ats being upper class. That’s the risk we all take when we put personal stuff on DCUM, as we’ve all found out at one point or another.

I wasn’t though! Truly. People were talking about Pottery Barn and how it is overpriced and mass produced. I agree it is overpriced for what you for what you get (wood veneer). Someone asked “where can you buy real wood furniture” and I said we like Stickley. It’s all wood and hand made, not mass produced. That’s it, that’s all I said.

Then I get a bunch of so,Kent’s saying “snort” and “oh dear”. So I said, “what’s wrong with Stickley” because I was seriously not aware that is considered low class and it evolved from there.

You got replies like “snort” and “old dear” because you used the phrase “dining set” not because it’s Stickley (which I agree is nice).

And you posted how much you paid for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My parents grew up working class/poor, I was real middle class growing up, now I am high earning UMC and will be the first in a long line of people to leave a considerable inheritance to the kids. And man, I so wish there was a defined path where the kids could get the $ and security without all of this class terribleness. I sincerely hope my children do not give one whit about this nonsense. I would cry if my kids were on here embarrassing themselves about their furniture that was handed down to them.

Would you cry if your children wasted their time reading these nearly 40 pages and posted sanctimonious stuff like this?

No. It is exceedingly important to learn about your neighbors.