New Style Books - YouLookFab Forum

Category

General

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

New Style Books

carissa

(website)

I am reading a great book I heard about in the wall street journal: wife dressing by anne fogarty. the trick is that it was published in 1959. it talks about gloves, 18 inch waists (via the girdle), etc. but really the advice is timeless. I can't believe just how timeless her words are: get rid of wire hangers, dress for the occasion, etc.

On the other hand I also just read Isaac Mizrahi's new book, the name of which is fleeing me right now. I didn't think it was good at all.

Angie has most of the good books on the side bar of the blog, that is what first attracted me to YLF, she had five books or so up that I had already read.

Have any of you read good style/fashion books to recommend?

General

19 replies

Latest reply was from Ellen

cinncali

I just finished "How Not to Look Old" by Charla Krupp (style expert for the Today Show and former beauty director for Glamour). It was released about a year ago so it may be old news to some, but I just discovered it last week while browsing the local library shelves.

I thought the book was really good, with lots of useful tips on how to look up-to-date, or Y&H (Young and Hip) instead of OL (Old Lady). You don't have to be "old" to appreciate the style and beauty advice in the book. She covers topics like make-up, hair, jeans, shape wear, skirt length, shoes, bra fittings, etc. I loved her sense of humor and I learned a lot from the book (nude hose and dark lipstick are so OL!). Here is the Amazon link if you want to check it out: http://www.amazon.com/How-Not-.....038;sr=1-1

I also started Clinton Kelly and Stacy London's book (same shelf!) but it didn't hold my interest from the start like Charla's book did. I'm a fan of the WNTW show though.

Nicole

Veteran

I am going to pick up some books the next time I'm at B&N--I'm not reading anything good right now anyway (which is very unlike me). I don't know if I'd fully appreciate "Wife Dressing"--I think I need more real time help right now. How Not To Look Old sounds like something I'd enjoy though. I'm always trying to walk that fine line between not looking old and not looking haggy. (I don't know if that's a universal term--but that's what my husband and I say when someone my age or older is dressing like a child.) Right now, My only fashion advice comes from here (and people watching). I'm a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to fashion.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Better a late bloomer than no bloomer at all, Nicole

carissa

(website)

haggy -- you made me laugh out loud with that word!!!

Tanya

Veteran

I have never heard that word before Nicole, I keep learning new (non-fashion related) things on this forum.

My favorite fashion book by far is "The Pocket Stylist". I will also check out this one in two weeks when it becomes available, since I tend to really like the columns that the author has been writing in the "In Style" magazine:

http://www.amazon.com/Style-Cl.....038;sr=1-1

shiny

Veteran

I have the Pocket Stylist, Lucky Style Guide, and two WNTW books (Trinny & Susannah version and Clinton and Stacey version). I like them all, but the WNTW (T&S version) was the most eye-opening for me.

I think it's a personal thing, but for me the biggest stumbling block was figuring out what clothes flattered my figure type. Seeing T&S switch clothes made me realize I had this long habit of dressing for a totally different body shape! Once that lesson sunk in, then the style lessons in the other books could sink in too.

Has anyone read this book yet:

http://www.amazon.com/One-Hund.....pd_sim_b_3

It sounds intriguing to me. I hate those lists that only ever give 10 every-woman-must-have items (LBD, white shirt, etc). They always seemed lame to me. But 100 items? That could be interesting (and could keep me busy for awhile, hee hee).

Ellen

I borrowed the One Hundred book from my cousin, Shiny, and I love it! It has the basics as well as unique items. From the outset she states that these are 'her hundred' and that everyone has to adapt it for themself. I definitely see that, since there are things on that list I would never wear.

But I found the book SO inspiring. Combination ideas, items I'd never thought of, fashion insider tips and names, etc. I loved seeing that I do already have a lot of those items and the book also gave me some definite direction on how to fill in accessory gaps I have. I keep it lying out and page through it often. This is not a one-read sort of book, it's one that you'll want to go over and think about different elements and ideas.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

If Angie were to write a style book, I wonder what the title would be?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I will look into that book Shiny and Ellen. I like the sound of the title.

Speaking of titles Laura :”Look fab and feel fab” the do it yourself guide to renewing your style (*snigger*).

Ana

(website)

Veteran

Shiny, I have that One Hundred book as well. I have read all the way through it, and it's an interesting read. I like it because it gives a broad range items, and you can sort of pick and choose those that would work best for you and your style. For instance, I don't think I'd ever wear a kaftan outside of vacationing in Morocco (yeah, right) or be caught dead wearing Minnetonka moccasins--those things are just not me. I do like cocktail rings, big chunky cuffs and animal print though. Ellen is right, it's kind of a reference manual, rather than a read through once kind of book.

Also, I really like Lucky's Guide to Mastering Any Style. This would be especially helpful for people who aren't really sure what their style is, or want ideas on how to wear new looks but also fit them into their wardrobe. I already had a pretty sold idea of what "my style" was when I read it, so I found I really strongly identified with the "Euro Chic" look in the book. I also liked bits from a few of the other sections. It's a fun read, you can at least check it out from the library and probably get some enjoyment out of it.

So, Angie could be writing a fashion book someday, eh? Sounds like you already have a title in mind, too. Well, if it does happen, could I mail my copy to you and have it autographed?

shiny

Veteran

I may have to check out this book - though it sorta sounds like Nina was scraping bottom to make 100 items if she included moccasins???

Angie - from a marketing perspective, "You Look Fab" is the perfect title of your upcoming book. For a few reasons, but mostly, if someone googles that, your blog will come up too.

I hope you do write a book!! A whole series of books, and a t.v. show...

susan

Oh yes, Angie! You should definitely write a book!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think I’ve read most of the style books out there - even some in Dutch. I want to read that book “How to not look old”. The author was on the Oprah show. I know the book is selling really well, but when the author (whose name escapes me) said that we should all wear polo necks to hide our neck wrinkles, I lost interest in what she had to say (silly I know). I shall pick that book up again next week.

Shiny, thanks for the marketing input and encouragement. But if I wrote a book on how to give yourself a style renewal, could you still call the book ”You look fab”. I’d love to hear your additional reasons for calling a book that I wrote YLF.

Ana, I hope we can at least share a cuppa and a shop if I’m ever, EVER going to autograph my own book

carissa

(website)

WOW, thank you for the new recommendations ladies. I'm excited to read what you've been reading. I think most style/fashion books break down into two categories: 1) eye candy, and 2) serious soul searching.

eye candy are all the high gloss uber picture oriented books: in-style, WNTW - both sides of the pond, etc. they are like magazines.

by far the most soul searching style book i read was "i don't have a thing to wear". so helpful, but so hard to go through also. it takes a lot of energy, but well worth it.

maybe the pocket stylist was a good in the middle. it is a go-to style book.

we can all chant together, "you look fab, you look fab" . . .

Emily

I also liked "Tim Gunn : a Guide to Quality, Taste & Style."

Tanya

Veteran

Angie, I also hope you write a book! I am sure it would be the best style book ever and we would all get it in a heartbeat.

shiny

Veteran

Angie, yes absolutely, the book could still be about style renewal - the title is about the outcome of the process. And "the do it yourself guide to self-renewal" would be a great subtitle - the "you" bolsters up the "do it yourself" part beautifully.

Other reasons.. let's see...

I guess "Look Fab" and "You Look Fab" are just as punchy, but the latter boldly speaks to the potential reader. I like that.

The "and feel fab" part, I have to admit, has me stumped. If I saw this title on Amazon, I'd wonder if your book had chapters on vitamins or exercise or something?

Ultimately, you already have the web site domain! For me, that's the big clincher. The book would sell first to your blog readership. Then those who hear about it elsewhere through publicity or word of mouth, if they google for more information, they will find not just the book but your blog site too.

But of course, I'm not in the book business! So take my recommendations with a grain of salt!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I value your ideas Shiny, and am grateful for your input. There is truth and logic in what you’re saying. Thank you! Time will tell.

Ellen

Haha, Shiny, I laughed out loud at your comment about the moccasins. Those did strike me as a funny choice. I think she was looking for the basics, the 'extras', and then as well as elements that are just unusual and can be worn in very unique ways. See also the caftan comment!

Also, I think she likes to draw inspiration from Kate Moss, who would wear something like a moccasin with a completely unusual outfit.

I'm in line for Angie's book!