123 of 127 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Entertaining Guide to Dressing for Ones Body-Type!, June 23, 2003
This review is from: What Not to Wear (Paperback)
With 160 photo-filled pages of Trinny and Susannah illustrating the dos and don'ts for each each of 10 common problem areas (ie. large bust, no bust, big arms, large bottom, no waist, short legs, flabby tummy, saddlebags, short neck, and thick ankles & calves), this is the sort that will be quickly and enjoyably devoured the moment you pick it up. Certainly, these are among the most common concerns for those with less-than-perfect physiques (although it is not an exhaustive list). Nevertheless, this is a helpful little book, the purpose of which is to teach women how to dress to minimize flaws while tastefully accentuating the assets.
Because they deal with problem areas rather than body types, however, one could end up with a situation where one has two problem areas for which the solutions are (in some cases) contradictory. The book really is, therefore, only a guide to get you thinking about your shape and experimenting with clothing styles. One still has to make adjustments for one's own particular combinations of flaws and assets.
The book begins with a very interesting and informative introduction. Having enjoyed the BBC television series "What Not to Wear," I was surprised to find that Susannah and, in particular, Trinny have problem areas that I certainly would never have guessed had they been less than forthright in revealing them, and they are very frank indeed in illustrating their problem areas.
Because this is the sort of book that teaches through illustration, there is little in the way of text--a description of the problem area being dealt with, examples of the best and worst clothing choices, and the reasons why that choice is particularly fatal or favourable. Though sparse on text, the book still manages to be packed with information (not to mention being very funny--I found myself chuckling throughout).
There is also a shopping guide (which is, alas, strictly limited to UK shops). Nevertheless, in the case of boutiques it is well annotated with the lines of clothing carried and the type of clientele (and in some cases body type!) they cater to. A very helpful section for those living in or planning a visit to the UK.
In conclusion, if you have at least one of the problem areas discussed (and who doesn't!) and are looking to develop a dress sense that tastefully flatters your assets while hiding your flaws, you might want to check this book out. Certainly, if you've seen and enjoyed Trinny and Susannah's entertaining and informative BBC television series, you'll enjoy this book.
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126 of 141 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
There are better guides out there, but it's a start, August 21, 2003
I am probably the only person in all of Britain who has bought this book without watching the series, so it has had to stand on the book alone for me. In this book two women, Trinny and Susannah, give tips on what type of clothes suit or are to be avoided for various body parts (e.g. big bust, small bust, fat tummy etc). They themselves feature modelling the clothes in question, and then list shops (British) where you can buy what suits you. These pictures can sometimes be like corny `before and after' shots - `bad' clothes modelling with frowns and slouching, `good' outfits with a smile and great posture - but they are effective at showing you what the authors are trying to explain. The main point any reader would get from this book is dressing well is not rocket science. Every point made in this book is obvious - e.g. wearing a sleeveless top when you have big arms is only going to accentuate your big arms, not camouflage them. But seeing what some people are getting around in, obvious points obviously need reinforcing now and then.
This book has its faults - it manages to contradict itself in places. For example, Trinny (I think) is shown in an A-line skirt and this is sited as an example of `bad' dressing' for her body type, but later in the A-line skirt is there again, this time as a `good' example. Depends what you want to highlight or camouflage when you get out of bed in the morning I guess. And while some people might find the language a laugh (all talk of boobs and jugs and such) I found it a bit contrived. Again, I never saw the TV show, so I will admit that maybe I am missing something.
You don't *need* this book - surely most people could figure it all out for themselves by actually looking at themselves in the mirror before they leave the house in the morning. But perhaps it will be the nudge in the right direction for some, and reassurance for others that yes, they are doing it right.
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31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
If you love the show, here are the rules!, August 18, 2003
This review is from: What Not to Wear (Paperback)
I love the show on BBC America. This is the reason I got the book. It's nice to have a reference for the tips they give since I can't seem to remember them all. The pictures really help visualize the worst vs the best look.
A plus that I found helpful is that they list multiple options to correct problems. Who wants to feel like they only can wear one type of clothing!?!?! Another great feature is the list of shops to find the clothes you want. Fab idea!!! Lastly, the book is thin enough to tuck away and take with you to the stores.
The reason I didn't give this a five is albeit, some picky things. First, patterns weren't realy discussed at length. It would have been nice if they addressed things like stipes (horizontal & vertical), plaids, geometrics, paisley, etc. Also they could have grouped the worsts together to show how to cover multiple issues. Like a big butt and a big bust. Instead they are in individualized sections. Plus color combinations would have been helpful. They have an eye for colors that I wouldn't necessarily think to put together.
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