Rating: 
Summary: Good Basic Wardrobe-Building Information for 20-Somethings
Review: In Style is a good, current magazine brimming with ideas, and this book also has a very inviting look. It seems best suited to the Twentysomething generation of women who are bridging between studenthood and professional adulthood, interested in how clothes make up an image investment and not just a current fashion statement. The book contains useful information about building a wardrobe based upon (your) wearable neutrals; buying classic items clothes and accessories (and identifying what the classics are); judging material and tailoring quality, and adding a bit of individuality to the mix. It isn't a manual of comparisons, like "What Not to Wear," and it's not an analysis of what works and why about celebrated womens' styles. For instance, you won't find why Jackie K.O. wore sleeveless shifts and large sunglasses, or why Nicole Kidman chooses particular types of gowns, and how to apply that knowledge in your own case. All in all it's a good book if you're a bit overwhelmed by all the choices out there (and who isn't, when you walk into some stores :-), but if you've been reading a variety of women's magazines over the years or have seen fashion spin a few rotations, you may have already absorbed much of the information.
Rating: 
Summary: Not really helpful
Review: It's easy to be impressed by all the gorgeous outfits they've put together, but I found this book short on helpful advice on how to do this oneself. I was hoping for more basic suggestions for what shapes and styles look good together.
And some of their advice about "must-have" basics just isn't universally applicable. Half of their "6 figure-flattering classics no closet should be without" are not great. As a curvy woman with tendency towards pear-shape, I have yet to find straight-leg pants than don't make my legs look like tree trunks; I do much better with bootcut. A straight-cut turtleneck? Completely hides my waist and makes me look boxy. And flesh-colored pump? Yuck: double yuck. How about you show us *one single example* of an outfit in this entire book with flesh-colored pumps, and then I'll agree that this is an important basic.
So after buying and reading this book, I feel like I wasted my money. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know from reading fashion magazines
Rating:
Summary: Secrets of Perpetuating Self-Hatred
Review: Like most women's magazines, this InStyle book makes the twisted assumption that all women hate the way they look and must "camouflage" their countless flaws. Its persistent notion that anxiety is our key motivating force is, in a word, depressing.As well, in an effort to be a comprehensive primer, it tends to be patronizing and ridiculous. We KNOW what a turtleneck is, thanks. I was amused to see the rave review here from "Tracy Lawton" who is obviously related to InStyle's editor, Charla Lawton. Disappointing.
Rating:
Summary: Secrets of Perpetuating Self-Hatred
Review: Like most women's magazines, this InStyle book makes the twisted assumption that all women hate the way they look and must "camouflage" their countless flaws. Its persistent notion that anxiety is our key motivating force is, in a word, depressing. As well, in an effort to be a comprehensive primer, it tends to be patronizing and ridiculous. We KNOW what a turtleneck is, thanks. I was amused to see the rave review here from "Tracy Lawton" who is obviously related to InStyle's editor, Charla Lawton. Disappointing.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent resource to help you look your personal best!
Review: The book "Secrets of Style" describes itself as, "the complete guide to dressing your best everyday" and it does not disappoint. Jam-packed with detailed information, fine illustrations and beautiful color photographs, the book is a treasure for the woman who wants to look great. "Secrets of Style" is an offshoot of Instyle Magazine. The magazine's fashion coverage over the years has been extensive. The author, Lisa Arbetter and the editors of Instyle, have compiled the information from the magazine and transformed it, into a working guide for the reader. The beauty of the book is the information will not become dated. This is not a book about clothes. This is a book about style. By reading the book and visually seeing the examples you will learn how to develop, expand and enhance your sense of style. We all want to look good. To wear our clothes and not let them wear us. To build a wardrobe of garments that meets our needs, gives value for our dollar and makes us look our personal best.
And within these pages you will learn how to do exactly that. "Secrets of Style" includes chapters on selecting the clothes to best flatter your figure. How to spot quality. Vintage shopping. Best fit for jackets, pants, skirts and more. A look at lingerie. Picking shoes and bags. Care, repair and storage of items. There are sections on a stylish pregnancy and tying a scarf. The editors have done an exhaustive job to cover everything from head to toe and more! The color photographs are lush and telling. Nothing like seeing a picture to gain a clear view of what looks great. Many of the photographs are from issues of Instyle and these are classics. Kate Hudson glowing in her champagne Versace. Jane Fonda booted in a scene from Barbarella. Sela Ward with a lipstick red bag adding "punch" to an all black outfit. Despite the use of celebrities many in designer duds it's still very effective in teaching those of us in Gap what works and what doesn't. This book will help you analyze your wardrobe, find your best look and pull it together with confidence. An excellent resource! Lee Mellott
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource to help you look your personal best!
Review: The book "Secrets of Style" describes itself as, "the complete guide to dressing your best everyday" and it does not disappoint. Jam-packed with detailed information, fine illustrations and beautiful color photographs, the book is a treasure for the woman who wants to look great. "Secrets of Style" is an offshoot of Instyle Magazine. The magazine's fashion coverage over the years has been extensive. The author, Lisa Arbetter and the editors of Instyle, have compiled the information from the magazine and transformed it, into a working guide for the reader. The beauty of the book is the information will not become dated. This is not a book about clothes. This is a book about style. By reading the book and visually seeing the examples you will learn how to develop, expand and enhance your sense of style. We all want to look good. To wear our clothes and not let them wear us. To build a wardrobe of garments that meets our needs, gives value for our dollar and makes us look our personal best.
And within these pages you will learn how to do exactly that. "Secrets of Style" includes chapters on selecting the clothes to best flatter your figure. How to spot quality. Vintage shopping. Best fit for jackets, pants, skirts and more. A look at lingerie. Picking shoes and bags. Care, repair and storage of items. There are sections on a stylish pregnancy and tying a scarf. The editors have done an exhaustive job to cover everything from head to toe and more! The color photographs are lush and telling. Nothing like seeing a picture to gain a clear view of what looks great. Many of the photographs are from issues of Instyle and these are classics. Kate Hudson glowing in her champagne Versace. Jane Fonda booted in a scene from Barbarella. Sela Ward with a lipstick red bag adding "punch" to an all black outfit. Despite the use of celebrities many in designer duds it's still very effective in teaching those of us in Gap what works and what doesn't. This book will help you analyze your wardrobe, find your best look and pull it together with confidence. An excellent resource! Lee Mellott
Rating:
Summary: Secrets of Style: InStyle's Complete Guide to Dressing Your
Review: This fashion manual is written with the same exuberance and focus on practical advice as In Style magazine. With its index and tables, it is a user-friendly guide rather than a fashion book, though it does contain information on fashion history (e.g., "A Short History of Khakis"). The book's goal is to help readers develop a personal style that works with their body type, and, with more than 150 photographs and 100 illustrations, anyone is sure to come away with a better sense of which fabrics, cuts, and colors best highlight assets and downplay weaker features. Aside from the basics such as suits and dresses, the book features sections on what items to invest in, how to shop for vintage items, the best time to shop the sales, and how to use a personal shopper. Though geared toward women, this shoppers' bible will also benefit men. A timeless work that focuses on style and classic pieces rather than fashion trends, this will be a valuable addition to any public library
Rating: 
Summary: Playing up Your Strengths
Review: This is a book about developing your own innate style rather than following fashion trends. They define style as, "a distinctive way you speak, act or dress." In other words, style is YOU! This was a good read. I actually got through the first 50 pages in one evening. I have read other books with "style" tips and this is a top notch resource from everything from sweaters, accessories to maternity wear. I am an odd person to fit (short and still a bit chubby) and yet I found this book very applicable to myself. I went through my closet and started really looking at what works on me. I discovered very quickly that the nice flat front khakis and soft tight knit sweater I love best are the best for my type. These are also the items that were only about $5 to $10 more than the normal cheap items I buy. I like that this book does not push buying expensive items but does discuss the best types of fabrics and even gives you tips for vintage shopping. If there are any drawbacks I would have to say I would have liked to have seen more about choosing fabrics and perhaps a section to show different body types in the best types of outfits. If you are interested in learning how to shop for clothes that will really work for you then this is definitely a good read and definitely a good gift. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: style 101
Review: this is a great book for it emphasises the basics of style and why things work for certain people. it isn't the same as the lucky guide on building a wardrode. they should've added more pictures to the diamgrams to help better visualize the concepts they are trying to convey.
Rating:
Summary: style 101
Review: this is a great book for it emphasises the basics of style and why things work for certain people. it isn't the same as the lucky guide on building a wardrode. they should've added more pictures to the diamgrams to help better visualize the concepts they are trying to convey.
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