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Average Customer Rating:

Secrets of style reveald

Customer Rating:

Nina Garcia sure knows what she's talking about. She gives the best definition of style in this little book beautifully illustrated by Ruben Toledo. She provides a solid foundation that will help you to develop your very own style though the hard work is left to you (and there's a lot that has been left aside eg colours and bodyshapes). It may take some time but once you've figured it out, it's one of the most exciting journeys of life. What I particularly liked in this book is the link to art and all the unexpected places where you can find inspiration. The secret lays in a few words: Make it your own. The things I liked least about the book is chapter 4 called 'what to wear when' that I found somehow useless because most of us already have a sound idea of what to wear when going to a wedding or a job interview, this is just common sense that didn't need a full chapter in my opinion. I would have expected more development on what to wear according to the seasons or the weather as I often find switching from one to the other a bit challenging. The chapter containing the basics are fairly known already and despite I agree the little black dress is a must, black is not a colour that suits everybody as well as for ballet flats. So I'd say don't follow everything in the book to the letter but give yourself a good look in the mirror and decide whether some of these basics are for you or not. You may find other basics that totally work for you (as for myself it's tights, boots and berets). Some contradictions too: She mentions that it's not about money (which is true) though she makes many references to top designers throughout the book. As much as I appreciate luxury, we all know that the majority of us will never be able to afford these unless they save for months if not years.

Style worries banished

Customer Rating:

I found this book amazing, and plan on reading it a second time, this time carrying out research on the way. The underlying message is wear what you want as the most stylish item is your self-confidence. When reading the book's 'setting the scene', it makes you wish you were a witness to Nina's life as it sounds so exotic and indulgent, and makes you just keep on reading. The clothing items you are advised to invest in are classic items that you always promise yourself you will buy, but in the end you let your head run away with the latest trends and go for the pair of rainbow platform shoes instead of the black cashmere cardy. This book gives reasons as to why you should believe in the basics, the crisp white shirt, the black cashmere. The only downfall is that it has the most beautiful drawings of chic ladies, but when the book describes items of clothing such as Jackie O's jeans, it doesn't show a picture of what is being referred to. But in all, love it, and it is taking pride of place on my bookcase.

wish I'd got this years ago

Customer Rating:

I found this book really helpful, My wardrobe was full of clothes that didnt do anything for me, I never knew what to put on in the morning, I got confused between style and fashion and just put on my safe clothes instead. This book helps you to bring out your own style and its so easy. I had the ultimate compliment from my husband, he said I looked good but it didnt look like I'd tried at all. I've been trying to do that for years (I'm 42!!)