Rating: 
Summary: The best book on womens' clothing, bar none
Review: Since I was in high school (I'm now 35), other women have stopped me and complimented me on my clothing and the way I put outfits together. Often, the people who admire my clothes the most are women who look as if they have no interest in clothing whatever, but surprisingly, that isn't the case -- they are women who greatly appreciate style, but freely admit they just have no clue how to put things together or where to begin. I've always believed that style cannot be taught, but I think this book may change that. When I first saw it a few years ago, I thought that if I were to write a book on fashion, this would be it. I now happily refer people who ask my advice to read it. I also frequently refer to the book myself to get ideas, or to simply relax. Like all of the other Chic Simple publications, it is practical, yet wonderfully entertaining. And it's great for either the novice or the confirmed fashionista (if you're looking for a gift for the latter, it's just perfect.) A great read that I'm certain will never go out of style.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful to look at but not a practical guide
Review: The design and photos are beautiful and elegant. I loved the layout and it's a book I enjoy leafing through for pleasure. As a practical guide to building a wardrobe I found it frustrating. The clothes shown are lovely but seem very geared toward people with a lot of money and/or time who can afford to purchase chothes at exclusive boutiques (or comb through sales racks & thrift stores). Many items shown also come from private collections. As a small, pear-shaped mom with a limited budget and no time I just couldn't imagine how I'd ever build such a wardrobe. Sooo if you want a lovely book to look at, this is great. If you want a quick, easy to use workbook for any budget, look elsewhere. I continue to dream of a simple workbook that will help a woman with budget, time, and figure limitations build a great wardrobe. (Feel free to email recommendations).
Rating:
Summary: Caveat Emptor
Review: The problem with all CS books is they show pretty outfits, which anyone with a little taste can create, but they lack direction on integrating the pieces into a functional wardrobe. Are the pictures pretty? Yes. Do you need another purple jacket that doesn't match with anything else than one outfit? CS books are about 90% single-outfit ensembles. Consider this before buying.
Rating: 
Summary: when I read this book
Review: the song "get a job" usually pops into my head, because most of the clothes (sans the summer beachwear) are for proffesional wear, and may be too formal for everyday (buisness casual is getting more and more casual). That said, this is the BEST fashion source book I have ever read because rather than focusing on the avant garde, it gives simple instructions on how to build a wardrobe, not imitate anything trendy, and I have seen many reveiws complain that this book is difficult to follow on a thrift store budget, but I regularly shop at the Salvation Army, and haven't experienced a problem finding simple cut black blazers and beige sweaters. (Anything you can find at the Gap you can find at the thrift store three months later) If you do want a good thrift store guide try anything by Rachel Ashwell, or the book Second Hand Chic.
But I think this book can save you money, because it does suggest that you look through your wardrobe for your favorite pieces and shop in your closet, mixing and matching what you already have. Finding new combinations of outfits really can be like having new clothes, it also suggests swapping accesories to vamp up something you already have. These options are much cheaper then running out to the store (even the thrift store) to get new clothes.
This book is also very well designed, with full color pictures and wonderful typography, but the best reason to get this book is the back section, it is true that this is not the flashiest part of the book, that there aren't even any pictures, but it does give a guide of what to wear based on where you live and what your body type is. It covers all kinds of body flaws and how clothes can help you hide them. (If you have a big bust, don't wear high pants with belts, etc.) At the very least, it helped me find a good suit for interviews.
Rating:
Summary: It is like a Bible
Review: This book changed my mind,now i am buying my basic wardrobe and it also inspired me to impruve my life.I am more beautiful and my life changed compleatly.Also it saves you monay,becose you by quality clothes thet lests longer.
Rating: 
Summary: Nice pictures
Review: This book has great pictures -- full color, lots of white space (like those great DK books for kids). I found the clothing to be slightly matronly and not exactly pret-a-porte, but perhaps that's because I'm younger than the target audience (women 30+). What this book does right: give you a basic understanding of a basic wardrobe and how to shop intelligently to put together a good closet of basics; a checklist of must-have items (or at least items to think about owning); a basic understanding of higher fashion and why/when it's useful to own some more expensive pieces of clothing; great photos (of not-necessarily-great outfits). I enjoyed the tone of the book, intelligent and sassy, like an older more-fashionable friend. I also enjoyed a section that gave a general picture of how fashion plays out in different regions, just for the social science buff in me. I wouldn't make this book your fashion bible, but if you are fashionably clueless, it's a good place to start.
Rating:
Summary: Nice pictures
Review: This book has great pictures -- full color, lots of white space (like those great DK books for kids). I found the clothing to be slightly matronly and not exactly pret-a-porte, but perhaps that's because I'm younger than the target audience (women 30+). What this book does right: give you a basic understanding of a basic wardrobe and how to shop intelligently to put together a good closet of basics; a checklist of must-have items (or at least items to think about owning); a basic understanding of higher fashion and why/when it's useful to own some more expensive pieces of clothing; great photos (of not-necessarily-great outfits). I enjoyed the tone of the book, intelligent and sassy, like an older more-fashionable friend. I also enjoyed a section that gave a general picture of how fashion plays out in different regions, just for the social science buff in me. I wouldn't make this book your fashion bible, but if you are fashionably clueless, it's a good place to start.
Rating:
Summary: The perfect book to a young woman who wants to look perfect!
Review: this book is full of beautiful pictures. it explains in a simple way how to buy the nicest clothes. since I read it, my closet is full with outfit which suit my and I learn how to shop best.
Rating: 
Summary: A definition book rather than style or fashion.
Review: This book is terribly simple. It gives no suggestion of style but plenty of definition to the different types of clothing. It does nothing for my wardrobe. The one star is for the pretty pictures. Eventhough one outfit is shown with other pieces, you still have to find and buy those other pieces... more to clutter your closet with. If mix and match is what you want, you are better off taking advice from Spiegel catalogs.
Rating:
Summary: Good but not great advice for wardrobe building
Review: This Chic Simple book is written for those who have a closetful of clothes but nothing ever to wear. It helps women pull together a total wardrobe and focuses on such key elements as: *style
*elements of clothing (color, fabric, texture)
*clothes (underwear,outerwear,suits etc)
*care of clothes
*definitions/glossary of fashion jargon The book is very well illustrated with full color pictures and drawing. It does not give specific advice and seems to be written more for those in the clothing business/fashion designers. But overall, i enjoyed this book.
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