by Penelope Illston

Created on: February 27, 2008

Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Jennifer Lopez, [insert your name here]... the list goes on.

Being a diva is about being confident and fabulous - it's a frame of mind, not a series of actions or choices. But in order to be a visual, stereotypical diva, here are some top tips to being a goddess/prima-donna/queen of the divas (clicks fingers with attitude and struts away...)

So how on earth can us ordinary human beings catapult ourselves into the stratosphere of diva fabulousness, well they often say the pen is mightier than the sword, and so here are a selection of goddess bibles, to help you on your way to your own entourage, faux-fur (we may be divas but were still not going to annoy PETA) and over-sized handbags and sunglasses.
Now let's have a contentious look and a good long pout at the diva lit on offer.

How to Be a Social Diva by Peg Samuel and Lexi Tabback
Influenced by the fabulousness of the Sex and the City ladies, this book is a guide to how to be a socialite, telling you where to shop, what to wear, and how to sustain a late night out. In short a bible to help guide you through the modern etiquette and little drama's that may arise for the 21st century girl about town. This is a slightly more realistic approach to the concept of the diva, one who prances between the real and surreal worlds in her designer high-heels.

The goddess guide by Gisele Scanlon
For a slightly more high class affair, consider the Goddess Guide. This is a sumptuous looking, handbag friendly little treat ideal as a coffee table book. The book covers every aspect of the life of a real-world goddess. From food, fashion, etiquette, clubbing, cooking, homemaking to online shopping and gardening in the upmost style.

Things I Wish My Mother Had Told Me: Lessons in Grace and Elegance by Lucia Van Der Post
OK so this isn't the best advocate of great parenting, but the fact that this piece of diva lit gives lessons in grace and elegance another aspect to the world of diva. Whilst this book gives advice on poise an elegance, at the same time it provides a cosmopolitan guide to all aspects of life and how to balance them like a lady.

Now you could read any of these to get a good idea of how to be a diva. But diva's can be unpredictable, and you could rip up the rule books and make up your own.
You go girlfriend...

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