Alyson Walsh

It has some good advice but it's mostly from people in fashion, the illustrations are very stylised so unless you know what they're talking about you will have to google the designers and the concepts, people lovingly describe favourite outfits or clothing and they're drawn quite simply, I do like the illustrations but not for this book.

While it talks about style and cultivating your own, but then it derides some styles and fads and while I agree with some of it I think it's a bit prescriptive and not really about finding your own style, more about finding an approved style.

What really made me nod in agreement is the final section on Eliminating Faffage and Throw it in the Fashion Bin. Yes, clutch bags are the devil, however if someone wants to wear over-the-knee boots I won't stop them, the off the shoulder top or something that requires special underwear being wrong, yes spanx and their ilk are evil (I have some for very special events), high heels aren't my thing (pass me the 2 inch heel though, flats are painful for me) but I know people who adore them. Clothes from polyester or acrylic I am against in general principle but sometimes acrylic mix is useful (and you can pry the acrylic mix in himselfs sock yarn from my cold dead body, it has made them endure so well); I have never worn thongs and the idea of c-strings makes me shudder. I like garments that have historical elements and would love some steampunk garments, historical re-enactment for the win. But yes, I don't understand buying damaged garments, frays and holes in my garments are reasons to get them mended or to dispose of them, it's a sign that they have served their purpose.

Overall it's not a bad read but I found myself disagreeing with chunks of it. It wasn't really about helping me find my own style, more about seeing other people's styles and how to imitate them.… (meer)

Not hugely helpful
By sally tarbox on 15 September 2017
Format: Hardcover
Well it's moderately interesting to browse through, but style is such an individual thing, I'm not sure it can be relevant to everyone. Reading about well-cut trousers and a silk blouse - well, that's some people's style and good for them, but as a slightly bonkers Gudrun Sjoden/ hippy chic older lady, it's not mine. (I get far more helpful style tips from Sjoden website and various fashion forums I belong to, where participants share my taste.)
Although the author does enthuse in places about charity shops, the brands mentioned tend to be costly ones, the people interviewed are acresses/ celebs/ fashion editors, so out of my league.
Some photos would have been good - instead the looks mentioned are illustrated in same way as the cover - cute but maybe not as helpful.
I would also query the author's recommendation of dressing all in denim - I thought that was the height of lack of style??
Borrow it from library for couple of hours light reading but wouldnt recommend you to buy it.… (meer)