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.
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!)
- 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.
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.
