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The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, And Inspiration From The Costume Designer Of Mad Men (2010)

by Janie Bryant(Favorite Author)

3.8 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0446572713 (ISBN13: 9780446572712)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Grand Central Life & Style

review 1: I borrowed this from the library but liked it so much, I ordered a copy. It has a lot of great advice about how to look your best and focus on less is more, but also on how to accent and appreciate one's best features and recognize that our "imperfections" are what make us unique. The tone is not at all preachy though and doesn't have a self-help vibe, which is in itself a huge accomplishment. For example, on page 32, she talks about resolving to change your body image rather than bemoaning something you don't like and spending 10 minutes everyday really looking at yourself and saying something good about each body part until it becomes habit. I have blown through a lot of fashion books this year as I am now in my very early 40s and want to look good without looking like... more I am trying to be 25 and I can't emphasize enough how annoying many books are - assuming readers are either clueless, vapid, overly focused on bling, whatever else. I was really looking for a book that focused on style and self-expression, rather than consumer fashion and creating specific looks and this was it for me. Personal style is how we tell other people what we value or don't value and while I think it's totally fine not to be a slave to or even interested in fashion, it is at least helpful to know how to use clothing as a means for self expression and recognize that other people ARE judging you by your appearance. I really liked the sections on fashion history and inspiration from specific people and periods. If you like the show Madmen, this book is also great for that reason.
review 2: I'm not saying that Bryant gives bad advice, she obviously knows what she's doing and is very good at her job, but honestly? Keeping a fashion diary? Fat ankles as the one flaw you need to overcome in order to dress the way you want? A whole chapter on menswear adressed to the woman who wants her man to dress better? And how many women do you know who collect It-handbags? The style was just too over the top for me to take seriously, so any good advice buried within the heaps of pretentiousness was lost. Much like GOOP, really. I wonder if Bryant and Gwyneth Paltrow are friends. less

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