The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style - YouLookFab Forum

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The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I got this book from the library and have been enjoying reading it. I've looked at it before (I have the 2008 version- I think they do one every year). It's always nice to get a new perspective on style. For anyone who hasn't seen it, they go through these style personas:
Euro Chic
California casual
Rock and Roll
Posh Eclectic
Mod
American Classic
Bombshell
Arty Slick
Bohemian
and Gamine

I don't feel like I fit really well into any one of those genres, but it has been interesting to see which ones I am drawn to- and which particular pieces. Obviously, California Casual and Bohemian hit a chord with me. The aspects that I am drawn to are the same in both- the floaty shapes, floral prints, and vintage feel. If I were working in a place where I needed to dress up, I would probably head more into a Euro Chic style. It doesn't lend itself to casual, though. I find myself drawn to mix in American Classic as well. That seems an odd combination, but I have always been drawn to certain pieces that are very American Classic Sportswear- nautical looks, pinstripes, classic sweaters, etc. Now that I can define that look that I am drawn to, I can mix it into my more edgy style. I think that is a great way to head with basic pieces. I've also always been drawn to the Gamine look, but it's much of the same pieces that are also American Classic (nautical, trench coats, etc) I'm drawn to the eclectic mix and vintage pieces of Posh Eclectic, the edginess of Arty Slick, and the vintage pieces of Bombshell (but not the silhouette).
I think that reading this and really taking the time to see how it apples to me, I have gotten a better understanding of my own style. Obviously- I am drawn to all things vintage, classic basic pieces and edgy accents/combos. This book seemed to completely leave out the earthy/ethnic look that I also adore. I wonder why that is?
Anyone else read this book?

Book Club

27 replies

Latest reply was from Tanya

rute

Veteran

I didn't but I've heard so many people saying it's a good book to invest.. I do think you tend towards Bohemian style.. which I love.

Scarlet

Veteran

Actually I have this book and quite enjoy referring back to it from time to time for inspiration. I was pretty surprised that American Classic best described my style and Gamine came in second. I am drawn to Euro Chic, but it's not really a practical style, though it starts to make more sense to me as I get a few years older. It's surprising how many times I can go back to this book and appreciate something new.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Scarlet- what year is yours?

Scarlet

Veteran

Mine is 2008. I think there is only one, but it has four different possible covers. They also have a different one from 2003(?) that is more like a general style manual (called the Lucky Shopping Manual). I have that one too, but it's in storage. I would love to look at it again and see what I think of it now.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

OK- that makes sense!

tarzy

Veteran

I keep meaning to pick up this book - thanks for the reminder. It's not so much that I want to categorize myself, but I often find myself wondering why my outfit seems a little off, and I think if I understood the subtle differences between styles, it would really help me.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Sounds really interesting! I will look for it...my taste seems to be all over the place- maybe thats why Im not too happy with my stuff....

Sally

Veteran

If I am right, this is a book I flicked through in a bookshop and wanted to buy. Since people are recommending I'll go and buy it. Last holidays I borrowed another book called something like simply gorgeous ( I will have to go to library and look up the title) and it had about 10 different styles. The thing I liked is that it had the staples for each look and showed variations on each look that might suit different people. I find those books quite inspiring because they transcend fashion. Also like the book of Trinny and Suzannah's "who do you want to be today"

Sally

Veteran

Picked this up in the library today and it looks really good. Am going to enjoy reading it ...hadn't seen it before. I like the way it mentions movies that inspire looks. I like watching films for the clothes sometimes.

Marley

Veteran

I've seen this book, but have not ever read it. Sounds really interesting and as though it would help me to not only fine-tune my outfits, but also edit my wardrobe. I think that I tend to buy a little bit of every style and then nothing works together! Going to look for this tomorrow! Thanks for the reminder!

MNsara

Veteran

Ha, Marley - I feel the same about myself with little bits of too many different styles. . .

Someone here once referred to it as Style ADHD. I've definitely noticed it more in my closet thanks to SYC!

MsMary

Veteran

This looks great. Just ordered it! Thanks!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the head's up. Just placed it on hold at my library. I've been needing a book to read anyway!

catgirl

Veteran

I found the other Lucky book at Goodwill (!), the one about shopping for a basic wardrobe. I found that one REALLY helpful in sorting out what one might need and why - not that I've applied it. YLF has gotten me more motivated because of the interaction with all of you.

Barbara

Veteran

chewy, I OWN that book! I quickly discovered that I can identify with MANY of these styles. I don't think anybody fits into just ONE category and that's what makes it such a blast to read. Before I read it, I classified myself as a "Euro-Prep-Sporty-Artist" and after reading this book, I still do! I just have a LOT more ideas about putting looks together. I think they meant for the BOHEMIAN look to be earthy-ethnic, but that's a HUGE style category and difficult to cover in just a few pages.

Another book worth owning is the first LUCKY book: "The Lucky Shopping Manual: Building and Improving Your Wardrobe Piece by Piece"

And Lucky Magazine, although it is aimed at the under 30 fashionista, is also fun to read and provides LOTS of fashion inspiration.

MsMary

Veteran

LOL, I tell my hair stylist that I only go there to read the Lucky mags!

Barbara

Veteran

I highly recommend Kendall Farr's POCKET STYLIST and STYLE EVOLUTION. I consider them essential style reference guides with tons of common sense advice and loads of inspiration.

My very favorite book, however is Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style . This man is always right and is a class act.

Sally

Veteran

Have taken note of the books Barbara and they are in my local library....hooray! Interesting read last night of the lucky book. If I look at the clothes in my wardrobe, they are all bohemian, california casual and american classic(I'm not even American!). But I dont know if that is my style ......wondering if I should build my style around what is in my wardrobe or start thinking about who I am. I know the American classic stuff is around me wanting to look more professional at work.

Theresa

(website)

Veteran

Well, after reading this, and attempting to get my local library to order it in unsuccessfully, I ordered this book. It arrived yesterday and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it!! Definitely one of my favourite books so far on style etc.

I realised that the Gamine style is EXACTLY what I am most drawn to - everything about it is me to a T.

Bombshell was a close second but I think that would be my "evening" persona LOL

American Classic, and surprisingly, Mod were next - I'd never considered Mod style looks before but this book showed me them in a more day to day way, rather than the costumey idea I had in my head.

Euro Chic probably would have been further up the list, but like Khris said, it doesn't translate to a casual lifestyle so well.

There were certainly elements of the other styles that I liked, but they would only be incorporated in small ways.

I really liked seeing the individual pieces and then seeing the whole outfits put together.

Thanks for starting this discussion Khris and everyone else for your opinions - I feel like this is one of the few books that helps with the practical side of it (for me anyway - but I thrive on lots of visuals!).

Sally

Veteran

another good one...which I mentioned above but didn't know the title at the time is how to be gorgeous by nicky hambleton-jones. shows a whole lot of different fashion personas and how to do the look ...what essentials you need. I like the fact that the models she uses are different body shapes ......you might like the gamine one in there too.

Sally

Veteran

another good one...which I mentioned above but didn't know the title at the time is how to be gorgeous by nicky hambleton-jones. shows a whole lot of different fashion personas and how to do the look ...what essentials you need. I like the fact that the models she uses are different body shapes ......you might like the gamine one in there too.

MsMaven

Veteran

Great discussion. I have the Lucky book and I am going to dig it out. After spending so much time on YLF I may have a different take on things now.

MsMary

Veteran

To my surprise, I am a definite Bombshell, with American Classic coming in second. I think if my body type were taller and thinner I'd be more American Classic, but one works with what one has, I guess. VERY interesting and eye-opening, I must say, and it helped me organize my thoughts very nicely to come up with my own "business bombshell" fashion persona!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I flipped through it but it didn't grab me necessarily. I think I may straddle too many styles for one to jump out and say, "yes, that's me exactly!" So I found it nice to look through but not groundbreaking for me in any way. It was neat to see some pieces put through the 4 seasons and worn dressed up or down. I'm mostly Calif Casual with touches of rock n roll or even bombshell by their definitions. I'll stick with my own 'causal cute' leaning toward flirty or edgy depending on the mood of the day.

jen321

I looked thru this book at Barnes and Noble the other day. I found myself to be california casual and then classic after that. It really helped me identify some things I like. =)

Scarlet

Veteran

business bombshell - MaryK--I like that!

Tanya

Veteran

I have this book and have enjoyed it a lot. I found myself to be a mix of euro, rock, gamine and bombshell styles; the final one reserved for evening occasions.