Rating: 
Summary: A book every woman who wants to look her best should own
Review: In the sea of so called 'fashion experts', Farr is a real standout. Her approach to style differs greatly in that it instructs women how to honestly assess their wardrobes and logically pinpoint their individual body type. She clarifies how to flatter any figure (including plus sizes), incorporate trends and individual style, mix and match pieces, shop on a budget and avoid falling victim to common fashion mishaps. The book isn't limited to just clothing - bras, stockings accessories and tips from beauty experts are also thoroughly covered. Best of all there are pages and pages of tips, places to shop and stylist secret weapons that even the most fashion savvy girl probably doesn't know. My favorite section of the book is 'Your Tailor is Your Best Friend' which details everything from having a garment fit to having a piece custom made. Unlike other guides I have read, this book is written without condescension and truly aims to make all women feel beautiful and stylish. This book is not only an incredibly useful tool but is also a great read. Farr writes with humor and gives the reader a number of hilarious personal, real women and celebrity anecdotes.
This is without a doubt the fashion guide to buy. I have given a few copies as gifts and my friends loved it too.
Rating: 
Summary: Common sense at at last!
Review: Like many of my girlfriends, I have always found the world of fashion to be a rather exclusive club to which I've somehow be denied membership. Thank you so much Kendall Farr for being a kind, wise and very funny friend! Reading Ms Farr's book is like be taken by the hand by a generous insider and led gently but confidently into a new world where I can at last have a comfortable bra, pants that fit, clothes that flatter and I don't have to feel like a loser for hating thong underwear! Style CAN be for every woman. If you want to look and feel better in your clothes, read this book!
Rating:
Summary: great guide
Review: The Pocket Stylist is one of the few fashion books I've found that lives up to its promise. It steers clear of the personal and lifestyle advice usually offered under the guise of fashion and provides a thorough guide to the little things that make you look better.Ms. Farr offers simple clothing and makeup advice, but the real (and perhaps fleeting) strength of this book is its wealth of wardrobe care and planning resources. She names names and provides phone numbers. This is not a glamorous book- despite its chic little illustrations. But its tips are the underpinning that can keep you looking elegant yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Doesn't fit? Fix it or toss it.
Review: The reviewer that said Farr `instructs women how to honestly assess their wardrobes and logically pinpoint their individual body type' is right on the money. The Pocket Stylist is very useful when it comes to advice on fit, measurements, tailoring and accessorising, and for these points it is worth the price of purchase. It is also written in a friendly tone. I find it refreshing that Karr speaks to her readers as if they were individual paying clients.
I have my misgivings about the presentation of proposed body types. Types A, B and C fit almost every woman I know, of any size. So why the other three types, which are simply the same silhouette in `plus-size'? It would have made more sense to add a section for plus sizes in each of the first three types (rather than risk implying that plus sized women are some kind of distortion of the original...)
Farr warns readers against jumping on every fashion bandwagon (I agree) and against prominently displaying logos and initials not the bearer's own (special thanks for that!). On the other hand, she is, I think, a little too impressed by `classic' fashion - Hermes scarves, Vuitton handbags (the ones without logos), etc. Many women may find this off-putting from a book that promises to help you find your own style. Personally I've met several very stylish women who woudn't be caught dead in a little black dress. In her defence, though, I think that her priority is to raise people's standards and steer them towards good choices. After all, people with a very developed sense of style don't need this book anyway!
Her basic advice is very solid: think primarily of what fits your silhouette and your measurements; determine the right scale for your accessories; use a tailor to get the best fit; if it doesn't you fit perfectly, don't wear it.
I think the book could usefully include more information on how to establish the right colours - after all, it can make a big difference to your look. Having undergone a colour consultation myself, I discovered that the trick is to sit near a good source of sunlight, wipe off all makeup, frame face with perfectly white cloth and hold up various colours - looking at your face, NOT the colour you're holding up -
to check whether they make you look more alert or more tired (more shadows on your face). The main direction you have to establish is between silver and gold (cool and warm tones - do you look better in orange or pink?) and between strong contrasts or blends of similar tones
The lists of shops (except online), tailors etc. are only useful if you live in the US. Brand names, luckily, tend to travel more. I suggest the publishers include metric conversion in the next edition for Canadian and European readers. The format of the book is excellent - sturdy and handy enough to take along on shopping trips. And with Farr's help, you'll be able to tell what fits without trying it on.
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