08 February 2013

The Annapolitan's Rules for Monogramming

"If it's not moving, monogram it." - Reese Witherspoon

While this is a nice idea and a cute quote, I can't say I agree entirely. Don't get me wrong; I'm obsessed with monogramming--but we've got to stop somewhere. Too much monogramming can be extremely tacky. I've compiled a list of practical vs. impractical things to monogram. These are strictly my opinions.
Monograms

Practical:
  • Backpacks, boat bags, clutches, wallets, luggage, makeup bags, jewelry rolls
  • Phone cases, phone chargers, laptops
  • Water bottles, tumblers, mugs, flasks, wine glasses, koozies
  • Headbands, belts, croakies, cufflinks
  • Oxford shirts (a small breast or pocket monogram ONLY; never monogram the cuff)
  • Necklaces, bracelets, keychains
  • Pens, clip boards, planners/agendas
  • Sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, towels, robes
  • Kitchen trays
  • Wall decorations in home, doormats
  • Stationary, thank you notes
  • Dog collars/leashes (with your dog's initials, of course!)
Impractical:
  • Earrings (unless done very tastefully--CAN be tacky)
  • Cars (for some reason, I just don't think it's practical to monogram cars)
  • Shoes
  • Shirt cuffs (pretentious and tacky)
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Dresses
  • Bowties
Things I'm on the fence about:
  • Sweatshirts, cardigans
  • Hats
  • Norts
  • Rings
  • Scarves
The Annapolitan's guidelines for monogramming:
  • Monogram things that are unexpected, like a headband or a water bottle.
  • Don't double letter. You don't want to be wearing five things with your initials on them at once--that's not tasteful or subtle. We get it. Your initials don't have to be on EVERYTHING.
  • Wait until you're married to start monogramming linens and housewares you're going to have for a long time--towels, sheets, pillowcases, kitchenware. Otherwise, you'll end up with a bunch of stuff that has your maiden name on it.
  • Monogram with discretion. Stick to time-honored traditions. If you have a suspicion that something is tacky, it probably is. Keep it classy, tasteful, and subtle.
  • Monograms always go with pearls, seersucker, or chevron.
Monograms II

The Annapolitan's favorite things to monogram:
  • Buy a headband from Lululemon and have it monogrammed. There is a stand at the Annapolis mall near Victoria's Secret that monograms anything and everything.
  • Order some custom monogram stickers from Etsy.com and put them on water bottles, planners, laptops, phone cases, etc.
  • I love these monogrammed wallets from Tuckernuck. They're subtle and tasteful.
  • It is traditional to monogram stationary and thank you notes. There are tons of styles of Etsy.com.
  • Buy a wooden letter (or letters!) from the craft store and cover them in scrapbook paper using Mod Podge. You can buy the letters at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I used pages from an old Lilly Pulitzer agenda, and mine came out great! The letter can be used as a door or wall decoration.
Monograms III


Oh, and one more thing: Cupcakes should always be monogrammed.