April 13, 2005

In the Cards

The Return of the Calling Card

Back in the day, life seemed so much easier.

Marriages were arranged. Beauty rituals were relatively uncomplicated. And, best of all, there wasn’t a cell phone to be found — let alone a Blackberry, Treo, Palm, or wireless notebook.

So indulge in a recent rebirth of civility: The calling card is officially back. And we don’t mean business cards. (In more civil times, after all, who you were was far more important than how you made a living.)

Proof comes in the form of a little rectangle of ivory vellum, handsomely engraved with your name, home address, and occasionally a method of contact. Centered above it? Usually a delicate motif — maybe a small golden fleur-de-lis or perhaps an embossed cricket. We’ve found the prettiest versions at Cross — their scripts make for a simple, sophisticated self-presentation.

Now, if only there were an equally easy solution to beauty and dating.

But don’t hold your breath.

Cross, The Mall at Chestnut Hill, 199 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill (617-527-0530).