If you are a fan of Tim Gunn, crisp grammar, fashion, and excellent vocabulary, then this book is for you. This is not a style guide that you can just breeze through, and memorize the pretty pictures. First off, there are no pictures but just a few illustrations. Secondly, Tim Gunn takes his business very seriously so his writing is dense. For the most part, I had to have a pocket dictionary beside me when reading this book. I felt smarter after reading this book if not also better equipped to dress better (and appropriately).

Don't get me wrong, this is not a text book or a dull self-righetous tome. Tim has your best interest at heart, and forces you to look inward in order to develop a better outward. Imagine if you had a therapist who was also your stylist! Tim is also very funny. His anecodotes keep the book from being too heavy.

I highly suggest that you buy this book, so you can underline or highlight the vocabulary words and relevant sections. (As a librarian, I'm always urging people to borrow from the library.) ( )

Gunn's trademark wit and style come through wonderfully in the pages of this book, which is filled with helpful fashion tips and saavy advice. For someone who can probably afford the best of the fashion world, I am always surprised that Gunn has such realistic advice for those of us who are much less affluent. ( )

Cute and witty in some places. There was a lot of what shouldn't be done. Things "they" wouldn't do. Complaints of the fashion world gone awry with most of the population. But very little tips on what to wear for certain occasions. And even less suggestions for those closet must haves:
2 pairs of boots - dressy and casual
flats that can go to the office, but work with jeans also
one pair of daring - go with anything evening heels.
It was an entertaining book, but I'm not sure it would be helpful to someone actually looking for style advice. Unless of course you seriously don't know you shouldn't wear flip flops to the White House. ( )

Alright, I admit it, I read these sorts of books occasionally. Reason I fessed up to this one? Tim Gunn is wonderful. He isn't trying to get you to buy some $600 shoes or purse. His emphasis is on the classics, something that a lot of people forget about these days.

This isn't a book about fashion, it's about being honest with yourself. And I can appreciate that. ( )

Tim Gunn could (and should!) write big-worded instructional guides for all aspects of life, and I'd excitedly devour it.

Sure, you might already know how to dress yourself and not look like hell revisited. Maybe you don't care about style at all! Point being, if you derive any enjoyment from Tim Gunn whatsoever, such circumstances should not stop you from reading this book.

(for funzies: Pretend he is sitting at your kitchen table drinking coffee with you as you read.) ( )