|
So you’re in the market for a style guide? But...what to choose? After all there are so many on the market!
We’ve done all the hard work for you by reviewing everything from Trinny and Susanahs Body Shape Bible to The Little Black Book of Style. Read on to find out which style guide is perfect for you!
 The Body Shape Bible
Trinny and Susannah
RRP: $47.99
Your Wardrobe will thank you for: Sus’ and Trins’ 12 body shape guide is really very good (we are talking completely comprehensive here). It forms a paper and ink version of their much loved show with shopping and dressing guides for almost every situation a Skittle or Pear could ever come across. What your wardrobe will really love you for in the long term is the recycle section at the back which shows you how to re-work those pieces which were whim’s and mistakes so they actually work for you!
But ignore... Like a textbook this tome is heavy in information, with every rule you could possibly need. Read it lightly the first time over and take a little snippet of information here and there to avoid getting too bogged down. And remember, as someone that works in fashion I haven’t met a rule that isn’t worth breaking. Whilst Trin and Sus know their stuff, remember to work yourself into those outfits as well. Also give the rather extensive, but very UK centric shopping guide in the back a miss, unless you want to torture yourself with stores you can’t shop at!
My favourite tip: “Have a pattern made from those perfect trousers so you have a couple of new pairs every year.”  How to Look Good Naked
Gok Wan RRP: $34.99 Your wardrobe will thank you for: The extensive section on underwear, coming from Goks’ belief that good outfits really start from what’s underneath, is stellar. Underwear can not only make inches appear or disappear but it can also dramatically increase the amount of items you can wear – and this clear guide by body shape will give you the tools to start finding that out for yourself. But ignore... The whole book is a little on the brief side, but that can also be a benefit for the complete novice as it’s not as intimidating (or rule filled) as something like the Body Shape Bible. However, if you consider yourself a bit of a style maven, skip the guides at the front and head to the back for the underwear, makeup and naked photo taking tips. My favourite tip: “Best all-round pose for a naked photo? Lie on your back on a bed with your head slightly tilted back over the edge of the bed. Let the weight fall off your face and highlight your bone structure. Casually drape your hands and arms over any parts of yourself you wish to conceal.”  The Little Black Book of Style Nina Garcia RRP: $29.99 Your wardrobe will thank you for: Whilst other books busy themselves with body shape guides and what not, the little black book of style is just that; it’s about style and fashion over everything else. From the basics your wardrobe should include to insider tips and tricks from the likes of Dianne Von Furstenberg. Think of it as a stylish best friend in book form. But ignore... Whilst I love this book it’s not the most accessible for the every day non-fashion fixated person. If you love fashion you will love this book, if you are looking for a reason to love fashion or an easy way to get into the whole realm, this is probably not the book for you. My favourite tip: “I have found that the women who take fashion and style too seriously start to go a bit crazy, and crazy looks good on a very, very select few. Cool, calm and confident however, looks good on pretty much everyone…”  The Cheap Date Guide to StyleKira Jolliffe and Bay Garnett RRP: $49.99 Your wardrobe will thank you for: Introducing some individuality into your wardrobe! This is not a book about creating the most flattering line, or giving you a rundown on fashion history. Instead it’s more of an encyclopaedia on individual style from interviews with fashions renegades like Vivienne Westwood or Karl Lagerfeld, to a guide on thrifting. To me this is the perfect pair for the Trinny and Susanah Body Shape Bible, they say after all “there are no rules”. But ignore... Having rules makes life easier, so if you don’t have any real understanding of what looks great on you then this maybe a little hard to get your head around. However the book is a valuable tool for those building a personal look, especially if they love stuff with a street edge and already have an understanding of what looks good on them but don’t know how to take it to the next level. My favourite tip: “You can get a lot of satisfaction from giving clothes to friends you know would love them, equally having a reputation for taking hand-me-downs reaps rewards.”  Makeup; The Ultimate GuideRae Morris RRP: $60.00 Your wardrobe will thank you for: Investing in a really good makeup book that walks the line between being informative and over laden with information you will never use really, really well. This is a good book for a beginner covering preparation, to what each tool does to basics like getting your foundation right. But for the person that wants to learn more, there are lessons on highlighting and contouring amongst others. What I love is that the makeup isn’t your typical three shades of beige and a highlight on the brow ridge kind of deal; some of it’s out there but all of it’s fun! But ignore... OK it’s not necessarily a bad thing but there are some more editorial like makeup looks in here, things like orange and blue looks and a fetching exotic eye in gold, purple and blue. However, don’t be intimidated by it as there is as much everyday advice and work friendly looks too. My favourite tip: When buying lippie “use your fingertip if you can’t test the lipstick on your lips. Yes your fingertip – why? Well, have a look at the difference between your lip colour and back of your hand they are completely different”. Your fingertip has a much closer colour tone to your lips with its pinkish tinge; your hand is too blue to be a good stand in. Anya Merryfield .jpg)
|
