This is an excellent book, which covers subjects such as clothes, the home, entertaining - and includes a chapter entitled "husbands - can you afford one?". Throughout, the author emphasises the importance of taking a creative and cheerful approach towards economising, and encourages her readers to prioritise so that they can afford orchids - or whatever their preferred luxuries are. In the section on clothes, where she lays down firm rules about planning one's wardrobe for maximum versatility, she points out that though many women believe they would be well-dressed if they were rich, in her view those who know about clothes, and make them a priority, will be well-dressed essentially regardless of wealth or poverty.
Her ideas on entertaining are also stylish and creative, including suggestions for holding brunches or afternoon teas as a more economical and unusual alternative to fancy dinners.
Besides her tips on style on a budget, the author takes a very firm line with those who get into serious financial difficulty.
Although the book was written in 1937, it has generally stood the test of time very well, and as the advice was given shortly after a time of general depression in US, much of it resonates now.