Style [Hardcover]

Kate Spade (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2004

A few lucky women have been born with style -- think Diana Vreeland and Jacqueline Onassis -- but for most of us, style is something that comes with time and experience. Above all, style begins with a sense of who you are and your self-confidence. Style comes from opening yourself to the world around you -- to books and movies, art, music, travel, and especially to other people.

In this upbeat and engaging book, designer Kate Spade talks about the many people and experiences that have inspired her. For Kate, movies as varied as The Swimmer and The Red Balloon have influenced her vision of style, as have such places as Mexico (where she and her husband, Andy, vacation each year), Napa Valley, and her hometown of Kansas City.

In the pages of Style, you'll find a large section devoted to the colors Kate most loves and suggestions for combining them. Accessories, which are the backbone of her wardrobe, are given full treatment here, including shoes, handbags, hats, gloves, and jewelry; and a portfolio of Kate's personal favorites from her own closet is showcased. Style in the office, evening style, even ideas for style when you travel and when you play are all featured here. The last section of Style focuses on maintaining your wardrobe, including tips on organizing your closet, caring for vintage clothes, and keeping your jewelry in good condition.

Style, with 230 watercolor illustrations, is a wonderfully personal and friendly book intended for readers of all ages and style temperaments. If there's one rule Kate espouses, it's that true style comes when you follow your own rules. Moreover, as the writers William Strunk, Jr., and E. B. White once wrote, "To achieve style, begin by affecting none."

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Moving from creating handbags to dispensing advice, Kate Spade, of the eponymous fashion house, plunges into publishing with a smart little book akin to Coco Chanel's oh-so-classic little black dress. Surprisingly, her volume yields a goodly amount of verve and veracity, wit and wisdom. It begins with a few questions and answers (called "Have you ever wondered?"), which function as teasers to what lies within. The book is divided into three sections; two are filled with direct advice and the third is a collection of miscellany The advice is classic and always in the best of taste. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author

Kate Spade grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. After graduation she went to Mademoiselle magazine and became senior fashion editor/head of accessories before leaving in 1991. In 1993 she and her boyfriend, now husband, Andy Spade launched kate spade handbags, which has grown exponentially over the past decade and has established Kate Spade as a style icon.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 112 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1st ed. edition (March 30, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743250672
• ISBN-13: 978-0743250672
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Reads like a magazine, April 16, 2005

By 

Bookworm (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Style (Hardcover)

This book has a layout more like a magazine than a traditional book- each page has short paragraphs, quotes, lists and pretty watercolor illustrations. Kate Spade discusses different things that have influenced her own style- her favorite movies, fashion icons, artwork, music, etc. She also talks a little about her favorite colors and favorite color combinations. There is some info about accessorizing (imagine that!) and jewelry/clothing care. While this is a cute book, there is not much substance to the book. It was an entertaining one-time-read that can be finished in about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Cute book but needs more substance., July 5, 2004

By 

bookgirl (AR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Style (Hardcover)

I bought this book expecting more fashion tips. There are several useless facts about how Kate finds style in everyday objects. The book was interesting even though it wasn't what I expected. If you really want a book about fashion and only fashion I would heed the words of other reviews. If you decide to get the book I recommend waiting for the paperback or buying a used version.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Ideas for Fashion and Style, January 25, 2005

By 

Evin "Writer, Photographer, Traveler & Food E... (Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Style (Hardcover)

This cute little book has many useful visual ideas and stylish prompts. Ideal for someone who has no sense of color or fashion. Though this book is a nice resource offering some clever ideas to those of us who have a sense of style. The sizing charts are also practical even though each designer tends to have a different perception of the dimensions of a size six figure.

I enjoyed my first reading of the book and like the watercolor illustrations. Admittedly, I won't be referring to many of the pages again since I prefer to use this guide for outfit brainstorming. Mrs. Spade does try to get the message across to "Dress by your own rules." The whole thing reminds me of a book I had as a child titled, "I Spy" with drawings of various household objects and their words. Simple, but entertaining none-the-less. The simplicity of the book jacket is appealing and Kate Spade's attempt to be the Emily Post of fashion is admirable.