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Rating: 
Summary: not much content for the size
Review: The first thing you notice is the avant-garde wannabe type setting which distracts from the message. Then you notice there is a ton of "fluff" in the book. Quotes from books written in the 1940s that are supposed to convey what fashion was like back then and stuff like that; I didn't buy this book to find out about the history work fashion through this century.The book does have some useful information when it starts talking about fitting clothes and finding quality. However, Josh Karlen's "The Indispensable Guide to Classic Men's Clothing" does a superior and more comprehensive job in this department. The best part of this book is when it starts talking specifics about ensembles. Unfortunately the captions that go along with the pictures often lack details that are necessary for a clueless shopper. If I had a clue I probably wouldn't be looking in this book. What kinds of slacks are those? What color are they? What fabric are they made of? I know that I need to find my own what suits my own style and tastes but give me something to at least start with! The downside is that this kind of information -- displays of men's clothing ensembles -- can be found in magazines like GQ for a fraction of the cost of this book. If you want to learn more about some of the "theory" of fashion look to another book. If you want more "concrete" examples then leaf through this book at the bookstore...and get a subscription to GQ.
Rating:
Summary: not much content for the size
Review: The first thing you notice is the avant-garde wannabe type setting which distracts from the message. Then you notice there is a ton of "fluff" in the book. Quotes from books written in the 1940s that are supposed to convey what fashion was like back then and stuff like that; I didn't buy this book to find out about the history work fashion through this century. The book does have some useful information when it starts talking about fitting clothes and finding quality. However, Josh Karlen's "The Indispensable Guide to Classic Men's Clothing" does a superior and more comprehensive job in this department. The best part of this book is when it starts talking specifics about ensembles. Unfortunately the captions that go along with the pictures often lack details that are necessary for a clueless shopper. If I had a clue I probably wouldn't be looking in this book. What kinds of slacks are those? What color are they? What fabric are they made of? I know that I need to find my own what suits my own style and tastes but give me something to at least start with! The downside is that this kind of information -- displays of men's clothing ensembles -- can be found in magazines like GQ for a fraction of the cost of this book. If you want to learn more about some of the "theory" of fashion look to another book. If you want more "concrete" examples then leaf through this book at the bookstore...and get a subscription to GQ.
Rating: 
Summary: a visual treat, with a focus on quality clothes
Review: This book boasts the catchy, elegant chic simple layout, with fully accessorized outfits laid out against a white background. The focus is on classic (and expensive), quality clothing (cashmere twin sets, Chanel flats, $300 Hermes scarves)-- but you could copy the ideas using less expensive basics. The idea is to pare down your wardrobe to the essentials, accessorizing the essentials to look polished & perfectly put together. The text is interesting, filled with quotes from movie stars and other famous people, with witty comments about the clothes, what one leans in business school, etc. However, you'll probably be drawn to the photographs and captions the first time through. Only about a third of the book is devoted to female attire, so if you're a woman, looking for advice about women's wardrobe concerns, you might be better served looking elsewhere.
Rating:
Summary: Fashion Advice for Beginners
Review: This is the sort of book one gives to new grads, people re-entering the workforce, people starting a new job in a different company/region/field/etc. Lots of visuals, which is always a good thing in fashion advice books. Some of the printed info could have been better arranged. (The creators need to sit down with all three of Edward Tufte's books.) The type face of some pages was waaaaaay too small! Another thing. This isn't really a book for women. The section containing advice for women is just thirty pages out of a total of 174. (hmm.) Still, I'm glad I bought it a few years back. It has lots of good, basic info on clothing construction, fabric, color, classic style, etc., none of which has dated at all. (Actually, I think I need to re-read it.)
Rating:
Summary: Fashion Advice for Beginners
Review: This is the sort of book one gives to new grads, people re-entering the workforce, people starting a new job in a different company/region/field/etc. Lots of visuals, which is always a good thing in fashion advice books. Some of the printed info could have been better arranged. (The creators need to sit down with all three of Edward Tufte's books.) The type face of some pages was waaaaaay too small! Another thing. This isn't really a book for women. The section containing advice for women is just thirty pages out of a total of 174. (hmm.) Still, I'm glad I bought it a few years back. It has lots of good, basic info on clothing construction, fabric, color, classic style, etc., none of which has dated at all. (Actually, I think I need to re-read it.)
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