Book Review: How to Have Style by Isaac Mizrahi - YouLookFab Forum

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Book Review: How to Have Style by Isaac Mizrahi

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Last week I spotted this book at the library so grabbed it, and now that I've finished it and I'm loving this whole blogging thing so much, I decided to write a review!

I have no idea if anyone is even remotely interested, but thought I'd share just in case...

http://fitnessclothesspending......isaac.html

(I’m so nervous about posting a book review online! What if my opinion is so totally askew from everyone else and someone Googles the book, finds my review and decides to read/buy based on my opinion alone?!?! EEEEK!!! Writing a review is really putting myself (ie my inner most thoughts which are my personal opinion) out there LOL)

If you guys all hate my review I might just delete the whole post!!

Book Club

17 replies

Latest reply was from Theresa

rute

Veteran

Thank you for sharing with us! You did a wonderful job!

An

Interesting Theresa. Love your inspiration board. Your review makes me want to have a read of the book.

Karianne

(website)

The inspiration boards are great, and you made me think I might try to make one for myself! I'm also on a "Style journey" trying to define my style, and while some issues are qulte clear, such as the colours I prefer and which shape of garments look better on me, others are still not resolved. At the moment I'm feeling a bit schizofrenic about my style - I've always liiked classic and feminine styles, but lately I've discovered that I really like some of the more trendier stuff, too! I guess that the answer is to somehow try to incorporate these two, and over time this will evolve into a style that's truly my own.

stringy

Veteran

Opinions are what makes the internet go around, don't be shy about having them

When I read a review, I guess what I really want to know is what the reviewer liked and disliked, and to have a bit of an idea of whether the reviewer is similar to me so that I'd like/dislike similar things. (Or if they didn't like it, do they think it's because the thing is objectively bad, or is it just not their cup of tea?)

Your review explained why it was that you liked the book but weren't in love with it, so thumbs up from me. Sounds like a book I'd check out from the library, but not purchase for myself.

Good grief, I just reviewed your review! If anyone wants to review this comment, we might just disappear down the rabbit hole

EiffelDreamer

Actually, I found your review really helpful. After reading your first post about the book the other night, I checked our library, but they don't have it. So I looked at it on Amazon. I find it interesting that the whole quiz appears in the "look inside," but hardly any of the rest of the book. I was strongly considering picking up this book, but your review was really insightful. I have a shopping budget much more similar to yours than his, and it sounds like YLF is a better place for outfit ideas.

So thanks for saving me $10 or so!

AJ

Veteran

I read the book and agree with you. I probably liked the pictures a bit more than you did though. (I was not only looking at the outfit selections but the shapes and color combos.) I especailly liked the gal who chose those aqua heels as a neutral to most of her outfits.
I also thought the bit of tweeking in the hair and make-up was also good information.
I did not do the inspiration board or the quiz and may have to get the book from my library again to try it.
Great job with your review!

Kristine

Veteran

I read it also and agreed on on a lot of your points. I felt bad for the woman who was supposed to walk down the street in a red track suit with her bra exposed. I liked the creativity of pushing them beyond their comfort zone, but hopefully they were trusting their own instincts also.

MNsara

Veteran

Thanks for the review, Theresa. I read his book too, and enjoyed it enough to buy a copy (only $8 shipped to me

I liked some ideas that I know I couldn't trust myself to recall: the deep aqua jeans as a alternative, the stacking of multiple bracelets, the girl with the travel ensemble, the girl in mostly all denim, etc.

I liked quite a few of his ideas (NOT the girl whose bra showed in every outfit - oh my goodness!) and I like his love of color. I hear he is quite endearing in person.

Thanks again!

taylor

Veteran

I love Isaac Mizrahi..He is a great personality and talented designer:) You may like his blog too:)
http://www.isaacmizrahiny.com/.....ISAACSBLOG

Very nice write-up:)

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

aaaarggh I just replied to this, but my tempremental internet connection died as I hit submit!

Anyway the crux of it was, Thank you for your comments - I really appreciate it!

Stringy I really did LOL at the "reviewed the review" comment!

Taylor I'm so pleased to hear your comment because I felt like he was a guy I would possibly quite like, as I read the book. Will check out his blog for sure.

That girl with the red bra hanging out was way too much for me - def not my cup of tea at all - I really hope she was comfy though. My girls (5 & 3) actually thought she looked like a clown in her "evening ensemble"... and I can't say I blame them really...

But there were others I really did like, and you know, as much as I don't think that part of the book did a whole lot for me, I wouldn't say no to having my own copy if someone gave it to me, or I found it cheaply. Just not sure I'd pay full price for it when I can re-borrow it from the library.

I think I would say that if you are super comfortable with your style persona, the quiz (can't believe the whole thing was on Amazon!), and the inspiration boards may not be that helpful, but for a beginner like me, it was great... but I love collages, and could easily see me having mini inspiration boards all over my house!

Will have to see what else my library has for me to read and review now LOL

JennyK (NC)

Nice review. I loved that you put up a picture of your inspiration board. Great job! I love Isaac and have for years and years and years. When he had a collection at Target I bought TONS of his stuff. I nearly died when I made one of my U.S. shopping trips specifically to go to Target and get some Isaac stuff and discovered it gone!

Rosie

Veteran

Theresa, I'm actually selling mine on half.com right now (I am weeding out and have captured the info/pics I wanted) and I would be happy to send it to you instead if you like (free)! Message me and let me know!

I agree with you that some of the stuff was a little unwearable yet other ideas were great! Plus, I just love Isaac.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Super review! I'm glad you posted it. I've had a look at his book and as ALL books on fashion and style, they are interesting. Lots of different perspectives out there.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Jenny! Creating the inspiration board was loads of fun!

I think I would have been devastated if I'd been you - specifically going shopping and finding nothing

Thanks Rosie - have messaged you

Thanks Angie - nice to know a "real" writer like my review LOL

Anonymous

Don't be scared. I am going to review some shoes soon. It's your opinion and we all love to hear opinions. I'm anxious to read it.

Anonymous

I enjoyed your review very much Theresa. Thankyou for doing it. I am going to do an inspiration board now. You have inspired me!

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

hehe Glad I can be of inspiration to you for once San!!

I can't wait to see your inspiration board - you'll have to show us pics!!!