5 comments about How Not to Look Old: Fast and Effortless Ways to Look 10 Years Younger, 10 Pounds Lighter, 10 Times Better.

1. "How Not to Look Old," by Charla Krupp is such a fun book to read. I purchased this book about six months ago and immediately started initiating some of the steps Krupp recommended on how to fight the aging process and have a blast doing it. Until reading it I had no idea how outdated most of my beauty and styling techniques were. There are so many easy-to-use tips that can instantly take years off of your face and body.
   
   As Krupp says in her book, "aging sucks" and we don't have to do it gracefully. For me personally, some of the tips I used with success were changing how I wore my eye makeup, letting my hair grow out, having a great stylist color the gray while adding highlights and long bangs, whitening my teeth, and getting some cool eyeglasses. I also learned how to spruce my up wardrobe and threw out a lot of stuff that I really shouldn't be seen in. Ever.
   
   My moment of glory came during the holidays when one of my sisters overheard two relatives talking about me saying how they could tell I "had some work done," meaning cosmetic surgery. Not true! Although I'm not opposed to that and may even consider it someday, I'm quite content with how I feel about myself right here and now.
   
   Now, I'm off to order Krupp's latest book, "How Never to Look Fat Again."



2. I recommend this book for women who, somehow between raising their kids and working full-time, have completely forgotten how it feels to look in the mirror and feel satisfied. Even pleased. There are many bits of advice that are affordable. Even free. "Don't wear tennis shoes with jeans." So true. We do it for comfort, but if we really want to look good, we shouldn't. Good advice on hair, make-up, underwear, outerwear clothing, . Love it.
   
   She offers a three tiers of options for almost everything, so if you can splurge a little at Bath and Body Works, go for it. But an Olay product is on the list, too. She recommends $200 jeans and $20.00 underwear, but I'm sure they do what she says. Maybe they are even worth it, if you have the money.
   
   Sometimes the author's rich, New York City attitude is kind of irritating. And this from a Southern California professional. Get a closet professional in my house to clean out for the new fashion season? Are you kidding me? As if I have the money to hire a profession closet/fashion consultant and then purchase the newest fashions. Talk about out of touch with regular people.
   
   Still, it does inspire if you are feeling in a forty-something funk and are wondering, "What the heck happened?"



3. All these little gems are what every girl from the age of 12 to 92 should review and keep in her personal libray as one of the best reference books on how to look like a lady.
   I am 65 and bought 4 copies to share with my daughters and girlfriends. Thank you Charla.



4. Well, I wouldn't have ever called myself high maintenance, but after taking the quiz, I realized I really lean that way. I just wasn't steering my $$$ towards great choices. As many other reviewers have noted, the advice is simple and obvious, yet we weren't doing it. I added the recommended bangs and highlights in my next hair cut... and got many seemling genuine compliments. I went out and bought a little black straight skirt at exactly the right length to wear with cute top I already had and purchased high black sandals for an evening event, not to mention my natural nails and pink plump lips and felt oh so Y&H (young and hip) compared to the matchy matchy crowd... Husband was away when I did the makeover and came home and said "what did you do, you look younger." Okay, so he knows how to lay it on but really. At any rate, let me say, I GET IT! I know how to do it now. No looking back. Thank you Charla.



5. I was so looking forward to this book. As I have just entered into my 40s, I was looking for something that would help me to balance the tightrope walk between frumpy stay-at-home-mom in sweats and you-need-to-stop-shopping-at-Forever-21.
   
   Unfortunately, this book wasn't it for me. It really is aimed more at women who are in danger of appearing like "Old Ladies," or "OLs," as author Charla Krupp calls them. The advice on wrinkles (don't have 'em), grey hair (ditto), and helmet hair just didn't apply. I'm more apt to go out in sweats than in a polyester pantsuit.
   
   There were some good takeaways for me: Take a little more time on your appearance, you have to work at it (and so does everyone else), and you CAN age gracefully if you fight hard.
   
   I would have loved more before-and-after, top-to-bottom makeovers of REAL women. Seeing Glenn Close from 20 years ago compared to today doesn't help those of us without her stylists, makeup artists, hair and skin people, and bank account. Instead, I wanted to see pages of women like me, being made over and looking hot.
   
   It wasn't a bad book -- it just wasn't the book I was looking for. I think my mom might like it, though.

5 comments about Sewing Clothes Kids Love: Sewing Patterns and Instructions for Boys' and Girls' Outfits.

1. I had such high hopes for this book and unfortunately, there is not one thing that I would be able to make, based upon the confusing directions, descriptions, etc. The skirt on the cover looked like something I would have enjoyed making, but I would not know where to start. You probably have to be a very experienced seamstress to make it, along with all of the other patterns in the book. Such a disappointment and waste of money



2. Be aware of the exaggerated style lines of these patterns. I expected when I purchased this book that I wouldn't like the embellishment and fabrics used in the garments but others have said that looking past that, the underlying patterns are great. Well I've now tried two, the "Dortje" pants and the "Insa" skirt, and even in simple fabrics I'm finding the styles odd. I've been sewing for my daughter for several years now and I've had such nice results that I half believed it reflected my skill. But after these two flops, I realize I've just been using good patterns. For the pants, I took the width of each leg panel in by 1/2" to better suit a slim girl, but even with that they are very wide and the bottom flare very pronounced. The waist placement is good but the waistband is a mile wide. I also really hate the pentagonal shape of the back pockets. All these proportions might look nicer on a taller girl but in the middle range 110/116, not at all flattering or current. The instructions suggested cutting elastic the width of the waist plus 1" but I ended up needing to cut at least 2" off of that--what's the point of an elastic waist if it doesn't touch the body? (The instructions also told me to leave a 1/2" wide opening for inserting the 1" wide elastic, obviously a mistake but repeated in the diagram and translated to metric, so not a simple typo.) The pants were very quick and easy to assemble and I asked my daughter if I should try them again but she requested "normal" pants instead (I guess not love at first sight). On to the "Insa." I was excited about the pattern as the overskirt has a pretty petal shaped bottom contour and the elastic sheering looked clever. With the exception of the same directions for the long waist elastic, the instructions and fit are fine. But in the finished skirt the over skirt is so puffy and odd--definitely a little much for a day at school even in simple fabrics. This might be cute as a silly skirt on a toddler but on an older girl the flare distracts from the girl more than it flatters. I'm beginning to think the over embellishment is necessary to mask the clunky shapes of the patterns and in fairness I did end up liking some of the fabric combos shown.
   
   As far as the text of the book, it really seems the author had little to say. There are random tips thrown in, but as much bad advice as good--use strips of fusible web to secure patch pockets before topstitching (why?? a couple pins have always worked for me). Resist the urge to use antique thread (sensible, but is this a common mishap?). I don't think there is nearly enough information to help someone new to sewing (although there are certainly other resources for that). I wish there was a more complete size chart included (only height/chest/waist/hips are given for the standard sizes). They explain how to measure a child in additional areas but don't tell you the corresponding dimensions the patterns were drafted for. Measuring pattern pieces will help but then you have to wrestle with design ease, if you suspect your child has narrow shoulders it would be helpful to know how she compares to the pattern maker's ideal. The philosophical bits are awkward, "Sew with the Flow" is as forced as a midnight term paper. And when it comes to technique, there is little analysis of the heavily styled garments photographed beyond "One trim is seldom enough... anywhere you add a ruffle there is room to put a line of rickrack..." Why not include at least some practical reasons for trim. I've found trim over a seam distracts the eye so that carefully matched prints aren't expected which is particularly helpful between bodice and skirts. Even if you have a pile it on approach to embellishment, there is room to discuss balance and design. I believe the examples photographed were carefully conceived but there is no insight given as to how. There is also no account of which patterns were used where and there are photos of patterns not included in the book. Sadly, there is nothing in here I'll try for my son and the discussion of boy sewing is uninspired which is too bad because it really is possible to home sew for boys, too.
   
   When it comes to the projects section, at least the writing has purpose. The instructions seem pretty good if a little wordy--more is often less with sewing instructions. And along the way new techniques are introduced in natural succession. I can accept that cutting layouts are unnecessary if you are using multiple fabrics but a simple labeled diagram of the flat pattern pieces should really be provided. This makes finding and tracing the pieces simpler and makes the instructions readable without pulling out the tissue paper. Also the cutting lists should take every opportunity to remind the reader to cut right- and left-hand versions of asymmetric pieces like pant legs, not just say cut two. This may sound petty but it's an easy to make mistake especially especially when cutting from multiple fabrics and so frustrating. On the other hand I didn't find tracing from the tissue to be as bad as others have said even with the faint dashed lines and I've already pulled the tissues out multiple times and they are holding up fine.
   
   I still have hope that one of the two dress patterns will be a winner but I'll definitely be setting this book aside for a while before I consider attempting one. For now I'm regretting my time spent with this book but I give it two starts because there are so few contemporary books devoted to childrenswear.



3. I do a great deal of sewing for my daughter. I would place my skill level at "intermediate" - zippers still scare the heck out of me, but I can read and follow a pattern with confidence. This book is very well-written and extremely inspirational. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who enjoys custom clothing creation and wants to stretch their skill level. Oh, one more thing - I totally love the design of the book. It isn't bound traditionally but has a spiral binder so it actually lies flat on your work table.



4. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RGNCAJ5YST09C A couple of things to note about my video review:
   
   1. I did a video review to give others a better look inside the book.
   2. Please read some of the other reviews. There are much better seamstresses than me who left very detailed comments.
   3. I did not realize that this book came with 10 patterns, until I received it. This is a tremendous value $$.
   
   Really, a great book, just short on boys inspiration. Overall this makes a great reference book. ENJOY!



5. Looking for something new and different? This book is filled with beautiful illustrations with fun innovative ideas. Step by step projects can be easily made by both the beginning seamstress and the experienced. You decide how much embellishment you want on the project. Use of color and prints are used in delightful ways that inspire your own creativity.

No comments about Take Ivy.

5 comments about The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons from the World's Most Elegant Woman.

1. I received this book as a birthday present a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it! It's funny and helpful, advice from strong women has always been important and interesting to me and this book really hit the nail on the head!



2. Karen Karbo hits another one out of the park.
   
   The Gospel According to Coco Chanel is a humorous look at the life of Coco Chanel filtered through the wit of Karen Karbo (How to Hepburn: Lessons on Living from Kate the Great, The Stuff of Life, Motherhood Made a Man out of Me)
   
   Essentially a meta-biography, Karbo takes us on a stroll through the world of Chanel. Her whirlwind love life, the amazing story of Chanel no5, her initial attempts to enter the world of fashion (hats) and her later successes, amazingly credited to the invasion of France, are all fascinatingly relayed with Karbo's signature wit and humor.
   
   If you are looking for more than just another dry bio of Coco Chanel, this is the book for you!



3. I love Chanel anything, so when I came across this book I had to buy it. I have not been able to put it down eversince. The wit and humour mixed in with glitz and glam is awesome. I feel like the author is right here in my living room just shooting the breeze with me about Coco Chanel. It's a really fun read. I intend to pass this gem on to my daughter.



4. I've read lots of books and there are several I've considered sending back to the publisher- "Gospel According to Coco Chanel" is one of those books. Don't waste your time or money reading this interpretation of what KK thinks she knows/understands about Chanel and attempts to regurgitate it in a manner that is supposed to be humorous, but falls flat. Not what I expected. Disappointing.



5. If you are looking for a meaty biography on Coco, this isn't it. To be fair, the book delivers exactly what is promised in the title. The author presents her version of the history of Coco Chanel and what she thinks of as Coco's life lessons.
   Here are the problems I had with the book:
   1. The first half of the book tells the story of Coco's life in a logical sequence. The second half of the book begins jumping forward and backwards in Coco's life in order to illustrate "gospel lessons". This can be frustrating and starts to feel somewhat haphazard.
   2. I didn't always agree with the author's analysis of of how a particular "Coco anecdote" supported a particular life lesson.
   What I liked:
   1. The author presented biographical information on Coco that I have never read before. Only a Coco-fanatic would have located some of this info.
   All in all, this is fun chick-lit, not a substantial read. Get it at a low price point and enjoy it for what it is.

5 comments about The Sartorialist.

1. This book is well worth the money. It's got tons of great photos and enough informative text as well. It's quite a lot of pages, yet small enough to be comfortable to look at anywhere.
   
   This book reminds a bit of the now classic Juergen Teller Go-Sees except that it deals more with the fashion aspect.
   
   Great book for anyone interested in fashion, portraits or street photography.



2. This is acclaimed fashion photographer Scott Schuman's joyous celebration of style!
   This gorgeous coffee table delight is filled with a bounteous abundance of stimulating, fun snapshots taken not on runways but on the streets of some of the world's most stylish cities. Schuman dares to record the unique personal styles of citizens of all shapes and sizes. There are few words but this images satisfy a visual hunger and promote fashion as a vehicle for those with a unique personal statement to make and an eye for the beautiful and bold. Enjoy!



3. Wonderful, witty, stylish and fun. A Perfect little compendium on the fine art of personal style. Hail the revolution! McFashion is boring



4. I was suprised at the size of this book. It's on the smaller size but very thick and inside I found so many great fashion photographs. It really made me want to dress up and travel the world! I especially loved the photos shot in Paris--so stylish! Overall, this is a great purchase and I am so glad to add it to my collection.



5. Purchased this item as a gift for the holidays. It was delivered in record time. Great service.

5 comments about The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own.

1. I think I'm in love... With this book! And I am not won easily! Nina's advice is practical and leaves room for you to adapt her advice in your own personal style. She really sticks to the PIECES as opposed to the style or cut of them (which can make reading style books hard).
   
   The illustrations were BEYOND fabulous and got me so inspired. They made me feel womanly, sexy and strong!
   
   A lot of the things you may already own! There are some things you will be inspired to update (in your own personal style) and there are some things you may want to skip! Cool!
   
   In addition the links/references provided give you the resources to research and find the best combination of things for you!
   
   As with anything eat the meat and spit out the bones! But I have been looking for something like this for a LONG time!



2. I enjoyed this book, but I got it as a gift for a very fashion conscious young friend. Being snoopy, I looked through it. The next thing I knew I was reading it. The cover of the hardback is silver. I promise my hands were clean and with no oils on them but you can see my hand prints all over the cover! The inside is still pristine, but I can hardly give it to her in that condition. The book was great fun. I enjoyed the quotes and the little bits of history Ms. Garcia included. My favorite quote was "There are no ugly women, just lazy ones." Helena Rubenstein. It would be best to dream with your own copy and treat any hardback copy you are ordering as a gift with kid gloves or have it sent directly to the recipient.
   
   I may have also loved the book because, although my youth can only be viewed in the rear view mirror, I was happy to note I have/had many of the 100 she recommends. I will be looking for one small taste of "animal print" because I haven't given up the good fight just yet.
   
   One thing: many of us can not afford to buy at the level she is listing, so a little forethought is going to have to go a long way.



3. this is one of the most amazing life-changing books i have ever recieved! ( i got it as a gift:) it completely set my ideas on fashion and clothing straight. i now feel so confidant giving the fashion advice i am known for because all my views were finally perfectionized! (if thats a word lol) anyway... enjoy, and keep it forever!!!



4. I bought this book and absolutely adore it. Cute pictures and witty advice. I also bought it for my girlfriends and each one feels the same way I do. I frequently refer to it when I make wardrobe purchases and it is a manual for the ultimate "closet cleaning" experience. I recommended this book to anyone that cares about clothes and desires a classic look.



5. From those with a love for fashion, to those who just want to learn more about it, this is a great one to add to your collection. This is not one of those super obvious books that offends the reader with no-brainer advice. Nina Garcia really caters to those of us who would like to go the extra mile with our wardrobe. This book is fun to read, it does not drag on or repeat itself. The illustrations were absolutely adorable and I love the fact that Nina suggests which designers make good versions of whatever she is talking about. Chanel little black dress, La Perla underwear, etc. Fun facts also make this book interesting. Only thing that would have made this book better in my opinion is more pictures; don't get me wrong though because there is already an abundance of them. Definitely my favorite book about fashion and style. The only one so far that taught me something new.

5 comments about Esquire The Handbook of Style: A Man's Guide to Looking Good.

1. For the guy wanting to live and appear like a real man, this is the book to have.



2. Esquire has made a terrific and complete all around guide to men's style. But unfortunately, they spend too little time on how to get buy on a budget.
   
   It's really tough to do, but... with resources [...] (cheap shameless plug) it can be done. Esquire will forever be a great resource for stylish guys. Take their suggestions, then figure out how you can do it without spending thousands. They set a great example, the key is getting it done on the cheap.



3. This book can help you achieve a timeless style. One that looks great today and will look great in the future.
   
   It goes into great detail about suits, shirts, sweaters, pants, shoes, coats, accessories and even personal care. There's a lot of detail about fit and buying the right clothing for your body type. The book also covers what to wear for different occasions like work, casual and formal.
   
   One handy section has illustrations showing several different ways to tie a tie. Don't know the difference between a double windsor knot and a four-in-hand knot? This book will show you.
   
   Also helpful are the photos (although only in black and white) of men who exemplify timeless style: Steve McQueen, Jack Lemmon, Spencer Tracy, The Beatles.
   
   Caring for your clothes is also covered. Did you know a clothes steamer is often better for your garments than expensive dry cleaning? I'd never even heard of a steamer, but I'll be buying one in the near future.
   
   I really like this book. It's a great reference and will help me update my wardrobe. I recommend it along with Details Men's Style Manual: The Ultimate Guide for Making Your Clothes Work for You.



4. This small book is jam-packed with valuable information regarding men's stylings and fashion. The size lends well to a portable reference book, while the density of info makes it well for the personal library. The variety of topics covered is exhaustive, with included details on form and functions. Compared to other style books, I would say this has the most longevity. The only problem I had with it was the pictures are all black and white, and tiny. Details referred from the text are lost in the small photos. But still, highly recommended.



5. Solid, if quite general, information on basic mens style. The writing is good, occasionally snarky, and the advice offered will still be relevant several years from now. The layout is well put together and the celebrity images run from vintage to recent. And I disagree with other reviews dismissing this range as dated. There is a certain classicism represented in the choices, and I appreciate a restraint which avoids too many trendy faces that will be forgotten in a year or two.
   
   Unfortunately what weakens this edition from four to three stars is the omission of any color photos. One cannot properly compare dark brown and black shoes in a B&W photo. A page that purports to guide the reader in pairing shirts, trousers, and jackets is ineffectual as a grayscale reproduction. Fashion in our daily lives always exists in full color, and any book claiming to be a style guide should mirror this reality.
   
   The publisher should correct this in future editions.

5 comments about Style A to Zoe: The Art of Fashion, Beauty, & Everything Glamour.

1. Great book came on time and in Great condition. A must read for all the wanna be fashionistas



2. I bought this book looking for inspiration. I found it merely contained the aspects of Rachel Zoe's glamorous lifestyle and glitterati friends. However, the photographs were 'nice'. The content is rather poor and definately not a style guide. Choose something else. My 2 star rating is rather generous.



3. I bought this book after watching Rachel Zoe's show on Bravo. I fell in love with her personality and sense of style for her clients. However, this book has nothing to do with what I saw on the show. I was expecting great practical tips and a good insight on how she became a stylist, but everytime I picked it up I became bored of her talking about DVF, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and other countless people who clearly the average person can't afford to wear.
   
   I adore these designers, but clearly this book was written for the rich who can afford these designs. Also she included pictures of what I consider B list celebrities who she's dressed. And countless other pictures of family and vacations with her husband Roger. What I got out of this book was just like everyone else has been saying "Look at my fabulous life." I didn't get any sense of styling out of the book at all. And frankly it was a boring read as well. Try other books, def. pass on this one unless you want to see how Rachel Zoe lives her life day to day.



4. This book is neither informative, nor well-written. This is more of a biography than a guidebook. Rachel explains her lifestyle and the way she was brought up. She talks about how she traveled quite a bit growing up and lived without want. That alone causes her to lose major credibility. Most true creators create from next to nothing and not from being able to have access to any and everything. It's easy to create a full outfit and wardrobe when you have access to so much. It would be more beneficial to hear from the voice of someone who has lived with want and that has had to create masterpieces from the very little that they had.



5. Not all of us have a natural instinct for hair, makeup, or style. Hopefully we've learned some, or a lot along the way, but Rachel's book is sensitive to all of us, not just the glamorous; her advice is excellent. Why not be more sensitive to how we look?
   
   I love the book, both for myself and as a gift. It's really a good reference book; one to get back into when we need a little advice. Very entertaining!

5 comments about Built by Wendy Dresses: The Sew U Guide to Making a Girl's Best Frock.

1. I really like the book. It's very well explained.
   It's more than what I expected.



2. I have Wendy's Sew U: A Guide to Creating Your Own Wardrobe and both this book and that one are missing steps in her instructions. She leaves out complete steps on some of her projects. Important steps. I can't really understand why or how but she did. However, I did enjoy both books. There were some great tips and I really liked her patterns. And because I'm not a total beginner I can figure out where she left out steps and what to do. Even if it takes a little seam ripping or cutting out new pattern pieces. I am not "dogging" this book. So far I really like it, but her instructions are a little hard to understand and again she leaves out total steps. The dresses are great in this book, too. A few I don't like, but not everyone can like everything. I just want to let any true beginners know: this book(or any of Wendy's books) may not be the book for you.



3. Very good, well detailed but not complicated book, containing three easy to use patterns. Well worth the money.



4. I am a huge fan of Wendy Mullin. I greatly enjoyed her first book on sewing, Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe, and created several successful pieces from the included patterns. So when I saw that she had written a book on dresses, I immediately bought a copy.
   
   Mullin's book includes paper patterns for three dresses: the shift, the sheath and the dirndl. Mullin then demonstrates how these basic patterns can be slashed, stretched, cut and gathered to create totally different looks.
   
   She mentions this fact several times in the text but it bears repeating: THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS. It assumes that the reader has a working knowledge of sewing and can do such things as insert a zipper, apply bias tape and know how to hem. Further, the included patterns do not have seem allowances. These will have to be added. So you have to remember when to have seam allowances, when to make them bigger (for hems and self-facings) and when to eliminate them altogether (for edges to be finished with bias tape). This can be a lot for someone who is just learning the difference between a straight stitch and a zigzag.
   
   I have a fair amount of sewing experience but none in pattern making. I chose the Oktoberfest-inspired frock (a modified sheath dress) and got to work. First, I made a muslin of the basic sheath pattern. Mullin covers fitting issues, mostly the bust and hips, but does not have information on more complicated adjustments. I have a swayback and square shoulders to account for. I consulted Vogue Sewing, Revised and Updated and added a back dart to fix the swayback issues. The raglan shoulders were roomy and required no adjusting. I think that a narrow shouldered person will likely have to take them in a bit.
   
   The basic muslin done, I started on the Oktober dress. The pattern separates the bodice from the skirt (it's all one piece in the basic sheath pattern) and then widens the skirt. The neckline is also widened. The first problem I noticed is that the dress calls for two fronts but the layout on the book has the front cut on the fold of the goods. I caught it but it might be confusing the a beginner. I don't like having to second guess patterns.
   
   I followed the measurements to a T. The second problem I noticed was the width of the neckline. It was sliding off my shoulders. My square shoulders. I can only imagine what would happen to a gal with narrow or even average shoulders. I decided to take in the neckline at the shoulder points, creating a puff cap sleeve.
   
   After I sewed on the skirt, things really went wrong. The picture in the book and what I wanted was a sassy little baby doll dress with a German accent. What I ended up with was what looked like a grade school uniform jumper. Dowdy is not a word that I usually associate with Built by Wendy but it is the only one that describes the result. And because of the nature of the front opening, it is not feasible to take in the bodice.
   
   I ended up whacking back the skirt and creating what turned out to be a pretty cute top. But I wanted a dress, not a blouse. Plus there is the wasted fabric to consider.
   
   Bottom Line: I love the concept of the book but the typos are distressing. The dress I attempted required so many changes to be wearable that it really was more trouble than it was worth. However, I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt and think that perhaps the style just did not suit my body type. I just don't know if I want to sew another item out of the book.



5. I will confess to having made most of my own clothes through high school. Back then it was more affordable to sew your own (not necessarily the case anymore, with cheap imported garments) and..I was hard to fit, being rather tall and lanky. Pants were inevitably short on me and unable to be altered--no hem allowance. So I was interested to see this book. Knitting has taken a strong upturn among fashionable young people, what about sewing?
   
   The book has the 3 styles of dresses, the sheath, the shift and the dirndl. You don't have to draft your own pattern, or use those strange multiple blue-line patterns from Europe that you sketch onto pattern paper, something Americans don't learn in sewing class as a rule. Instead, there are 3 full-size patterns included in the book, and step-by-step instructions, too.
   
   The book covers "why dresses?" which are now much more in style than in past years, as well as basics about alterations (inevitable), seam finishes, zippers, linings, even how to press as you go. The final chapter is on recycling or altering old dresses or even vintage and thrift-shop finds to suit your fashion ideas.
   
   Excellent if you want to start sewing your own dresses, and the three shapes will suit most figures. If you are a beginner, the fitting and seaming instructions will help; advanced sewers can use the basic patterns and launch on their own design ideas.

5 comments about Instyle the New Secrets of Style: Your Complete Guide to Dressing Your Best Every Day.

1. InStyle siempre se ha caracterizado por ser una guía inteligente para las compras, para el estilo personal. Esta edición contiene consejos interesantes para saber sacar el mejor provecho a nuestro tipo de cuerpo.



2. What I liked about this book is how it explain all the styles of various pieces of garment (dresses, clothes etc.) and which ones would best suit what type of body.
   On the other hand, since it is plenty of images it is kind of difficult to follow the discussion and it's difficult to avance! I think it's best to buy it as a complement to other style book like Tim Gunn's or the Budget Fashionista.



3. I did not like the first book that InStyle published. I thought it was very unoriginal and not up to par with other style books I have read (and I read them all.) The New Secrets of Style is just the opposite. I like the layout, the suggestions and the information. The outfits that they put together are "real" and not just for celebrities, the young or the thin. I would recommend this to a friend, even one who has great style and is well read on the subject. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this book.



4. First off, the book arrived as scheduled and the condition was pristine. Second, the content is in fact a sort of summary of what has been published on InStyle's pages. I liked the book because it shows information on different pieces of clothing (sweaters, the suit, etc.) and how to take advantage of them depending on the figure (short, curvy, etc.). However, it does not go towards just the body type, such as The Body Shape Bible by T&S. Another good point is the fact that it includes valuable data such as laundry, storage of clothing, types of fabrics, etc. Finally, it is good to see that the book respects the "classics" and is not 100% in favor of trends. The point that I think was missing? Some tips from other cultures, such as how to take advantage of scarves (like French women do) or how to maximize the combination of colors (like Italian women do).



5. I have this book and many others in the 'closet makeover' category and I'm sad to say that his one isn't worth the purchase price. I don't say that often yet this book really is a rehash of old ideas without anything new to add. It didn't offer anything in the way of fresh perspective or innovative ideas. Maybe if you are such a fashion neophyte that you you don't know pumps from flats this book will help, but so would a little time shoe shopping on a decent website, and that education won't cost you a thing. Nice pics but it really isn't enough to save this book.