I am a bit of a fashion and style guide junkie. OK. More than a bit. I have read them all, looking for that perfect explanation of what to buy to be impeccably in style. And Simon Doonan has solved my problem. Buy what I want- as long as it is unexpected and makes me happy. Or buy nothing and make my clothes from poodle fur. A "to thine own self be true" for the style challenged! Not only did the book make me laugh, it made me look at my safe wardrobe choices and want to throw them out the window and dress only in gold lame'. I hope Mr. Doonan is pleased with himself.

I don't know if you'll take the advice in this book, but you should read it. How can you not read a book buy a gay British guy who both impersonates Queen Elizabeth and quotes Flava Flav?

Okay, some of the advice you shouldn't take. Ignore the permission to wear "a gold leotard with your lesbian aunt Sylvia's mauve nylon fanny pack." Unless you live in NYC, people will talk about you and not in a good way. At least they will if you live in Southwest Michigan.

Still, Doonan is hilarious. I laughed out loud several times and that's not normally true of fashion books. Okay, not true of any books, but most fashion books take themselves so seriously.

Interspersed with stories and interviews with Glamorous Eccentrics is bits of advice, some of which I might actually take. For example: I collect handbags, totebags, etc as I'm always in search of the perfect bag. Doonan thinks that a woman - at least a Glamour Eccentric, one of which I think I am not, should only have one great bag that she takes everywhere. He encourages a person to buy the Hermes Birkin bag they are coveting. That is advice I might take! Of course, chances are good I'll buy a knock off first and see if I really like that style, etc before I save up TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS to buy one of the damned things. Still, I covet that bag.

Doonan is kind to his reader. He reminds the reader that you are a work in progress and to be patient with oneself.

An example of the things that made me laugh:
These are some of the things that made me laugh: (they are all direct quotes from the book.)

* I am pro-pot dealer: the arrival of a mysterious and attractive criminal adds a memorable frisson of excitement to any occasion.

Doonan dispenses relationship advice that will either work or get you divorced more quickly. There are bits of wisdom that would be helpful to all of us, regardless of whether we are glamorous or eccentric. Sadly, I suspect I'm neither. For example, "alluring" is not cheap & tawdry. To paraphrase Doonan, it's timeless, it's beautiful and sensual. Alluring is "irresistible charm, which ever fails to mesmerize the viewer, regardless of gender."

I can't decide if this is a "fashion book" or a "self-help book" but it's definitely an entertaining book and I highly recommend it.

I have loved Simon since the first time I saw him on those VH1 "I love the..." series. He is extremely witty, wry, and hilarious. True, not everyone will "get" his sense of humor and sarcasm, but for those who do, this book is a great read. No, it's not Hemmingway, but for those of who enjoy some "mind candy" to read over summer vacation, this is the book for you.

Thought this book would be fun as well as helpful. Had a hard time getting through even the first few chapters. Nothing really helpful here if you are truly trying to find out what clothes suit you best, general fashion rules and tips, or how to create your own sense of style (that is not over the top). I should have trusted the poor reviews I read.
I'm giving this one to my sister, who considers herself a fashionista and may enjoy the author's style.

I love this book! Simon Doonan captivated me with his witty, sly and pithy writing style. I didn't want to put it down! The way in which Simon distills fashion into three styles - Gypsies, Existentialists and Socialites is fascinating. I'm now seeing examples of those distinct looks in ads and fashion magazine layouts. Few and far between are people who love fashion and aren't afraid to express their individuality and really "dress up". What we now take for eccentricity in dress would have hardly seemed out of the ordinary in the 60's and 70's. I believe the poor grooming habits and lack of style in the majority of Americans is the result of the jeans and tee shirt culture we're living in now. As music has become dumbed down so has fashion. People have lost their sense of fun and creativity in getting dressed - they have a fear of standing out from the crowd. Here in San Diego where I live I'm always non-plused at how sloppy and down right dull folks like to look! It isn't uncommon to go to some ones home for a beautiful sit down dinner and find your dinner partner in jeans and a plaid shirt!! I'm talking about VIP's in the county! "Eccentric Glamour" in a way fulfills my longing for real style. For me the book gets 5 stars.