Customer Reviews
Better Than the Last Book,
2009-11-12
by P. Cox (Milwaukee, WI)
I did not like the first book that InStyle published. I thought it was very unoriginal and not up to par with other style books I have read (and I read them all.) The New Secrets of Style is just the opposite. I like the layout, the suggestions and the information. The outfits that they put together are "real" and not just for celebrities, the young or the thin. I would recommend this to a friend, even one who has great style and is well read on the subject. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this book.
Muy bonito y útil (very nice and useful)!,
2009-11-04
by Elena Ma Brito Quijano (Mexico City, MEXICO)
First off, the book arrived as scheduled and the condition was pristine. Second, the content is in fact a sort of summary of what has been published on InStyle's pages. I liked the book because it shows information on different pieces of clothing (sweaters, the suit, etc.) and how to take advantage of them depending on the figure (short, curvy, etc.). However, it does not go towards just the body type, such as The Body Shape Bible by T&S. Another good point is the fact that it includes valuable data such as laundry, storage of clothing, types of fabrics, etc. Finally, it is good to see that the book respects the "classics" and is not 100% in favor of trends. The point that I think was missing? Some tips from other cultures, such as how to take advantage of scarves (like French women do) or how to maximize the combination of colors (like Italian women do).
Nothing new here,
2009-11-03
by fina (iowa)
I have this book and many others in the 'closet makeover' category and I'm sad to say that his one isn't worth the purchase price. I don't say that often yet this book really is a rehash of old ideas without anything new to add. It didn't offer anything in the way of fresh perspective or innovative ideas. Maybe if you are such a fashion neophyte that you you don't know pumps from flats this book will help, but so would a little time shoe shopping on a decent website, and that education won't cost you a thing. Nice pics but it really isn't enough to save this book.
Lacks a point-of-view.,
2009-10-14
by Assunta Sciarretta (Suburbia, USA)
Don't waste your money on the hardcover edition of this book. This is more like a catalog than a style book. There are bold, colorful pictures detailing all the different types of dresses, styles of purses, types of watches, and each element of clothing. However, there is not really any guidance about putting all of it together. There are so many good books about style (e.g. How to Have Style, The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style: How to Wear Iconic Looks and Make Them Your Own], [[ASIN:1594630283 Nothing to Wear?: A Five-Step Cure for the Common Closet, Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style (Tim Gunn's Guide to Style)) that this does not belong on a shelf with style books that can really provide guidance.
Within each garment description, there is a chart listing different body types (i.e. curvy, short, boyish, etc.), but even within this, there's nothing inspiring, nothing easy to take away or envision.
This book is like a catalog from a popular retailer - there is a lot to look at and comprehensive product description, but it's not really very fun, and there's not advice to take away and apply in one's own wardrobe.