Fashion book review
Well, last night I finished the fashion book I blogged about before. It was overall very informative, and I learned a few new things in it. But... it was written by 20 different women, who did not all agree on some things, and nothing was dealt with in any real depth. Sort of like 20 beginner classes in one book, so you get a decent overview on various subject on personal fashion, and some interesting tips, and then on to the next class you go.
It was also a big infomercial, as time and again, the ladies were sure to pitch "hire a fashion consultant" for more details or to help you with your closet, or to get your colors done right (that last one I saw several times). Ok, if I could afford a consultant for my colors, I would not be buying a $20 book. I would love to get my colors done, but... not at $300-400 for a two hour consult (which is what I found is the current going rate in my area). Maybe someday, when I have money to splurge and a high-paying job that would pay for it, but sadly for them, not in this economic period, and not while I am a SAHM. So, I guess I will not find out my perfect "white" to wear as a shirt, and will most likely end up looking horrible in what white shirts I do have or will make in the future. At least I know that I should be wearing charcoal gray more than black, since I am salt & pepper.
Because it was written by 20 women with different background (a few of them are based in the SF area, a couple in Atlanta, btw) they also clashed on advice given. Yeah, I mentioned that already, but it was that annoying. I sorta liked the early chapter on embracing your body shape, but because it was short on space/words, it was short on the type of info that would really help my with my type, a Contoured Rectangle (a new type which fits my body shape right now). The one tip they gave was to not wear a belt, or do anything to emphasise the waist, just suggest a waist, and that's it. Ok... so do I wear or not wear a jacket that ends at the waist? At the hips? Where? And since this is one time in the whole book that this is mentioned, I get no other ideas in any other chapter on what may or may not work with my body type. And if I want to learn more... well hire a consultant to learn more. {sigh} You know, providing another book with more details would really help.
I also did not like the last chapter, on how 50 is the new 40... if one gets into the latest youth serums, facial peals, lasers, cosmetic unguents that cost a fortune per tiny little bottle, or even get plastic surgery. I felt it really pushed too hard on becoming YOUNG again, and not just looking good no matter your age. That would have been a better write for someone, which in some aspects is what the first chapter was good at, being a Diva, and letting the inner beauty shine through a healthy body. That first chapter I really liked. The last one felt too youth oriented. Ah, it was written by a former Miss USA contestant; no wonder.
But other than those annoyances, it was a nice little fashion book. Updated a bit for the 21st century, helpful with tips on organizings the wardrobe, or what fashion basics to start with, and I have a few ideas I will be using; like the basic pieces which I need to make or buy, or at least try on to figure out what style works best for my body. I just wish there was more than basics in the book. Like an intermediate to advanced book on fashion, like they have with computer books. But I guess there really isn't any such a book, or else we wouldn't be forced to "hire a fashion consultant" to provide them with income, which I am sure is well deserved, and probably in high demand in some areas as people do all they can to get hired for a good paying job in this economy. Ah well, seems I am left to figuring things out on my own as to what does or does not look good on me.
It was also a big infomercial, as time and again, the ladies were sure to pitch "hire a fashion consultant" for more details or to help you with your closet, or to get your colors done right (that last one I saw several times). Ok, if I could afford a consultant for my colors, I would not be buying a $20 book. I would love to get my colors done, but... not at $300-400 for a two hour consult (which is what I found is the current going rate in my area). Maybe someday, when I have money to splurge and a high-paying job that would pay for it, but sadly for them, not in this economic period, and not while I am a SAHM. So, I guess I will not find out my perfect "white" to wear as a shirt, and will most likely end up looking horrible in what white shirts I do have or will make in the future. At least I know that I should be wearing charcoal gray more than black, since I am salt & pepper.
Because it was written by 20 women with different background (a few of them are based in the SF area, a couple in Atlanta, btw) they also clashed on advice given. Yeah, I mentioned that already, but it was that annoying. I sorta liked the early chapter on embracing your body shape, but because it was short on space/words, it was short on the type of info that would really help my with my type, a Contoured Rectangle (a new type which fits my body shape right now). The one tip they gave was to not wear a belt, or do anything to emphasise the waist, just suggest a waist, and that's it. Ok... so do I wear or not wear a jacket that ends at the waist? At the hips? Where? And since this is one time in the whole book that this is mentioned, I get no other ideas in any other chapter on what may or may not work with my body type. And if I want to learn more... well hire a consultant to learn more. {sigh} You know, providing another book with more details would really help.
I also did not like the last chapter, on how 50 is the new 40... if one gets into the latest youth serums, facial peals, lasers, cosmetic unguents that cost a fortune per tiny little bottle, or even get plastic surgery. I felt it really pushed too hard on becoming YOUNG again, and not just looking good no matter your age. That would have been a better write for someone, which in some aspects is what the first chapter was good at, being a Diva, and letting the inner beauty shine through a healthy body. That first chapter I really liked. The last one felt too youth oriented. Ah, it was written by a former Miss USA contestant; no wonder.
But other than those annoyances, it was a nice little fashion book. Updated a bit for the 21st century, helpful with tips on organizings the wardrobe, or what fashion basics to start with, and I have a few ideas I will be using; like the basic pieces which I need to make or buy, or at least try on to figure out what style works best for my body. I just wish there was more than basics in the book. Like an intermediate to advanced book on fashion, like they have with computer books. But I guess there really isn't any such a book, or else we wouldn't be forced to "hire a fashion consultant" to provide them with income, which I am sure is well deserved, and probably in high demand in some areas as people do all they can to get hired for a good paying job in this economy. Ah well, seems I am left to figuring things out on my own as to what does or does not look good on me.