Customer Reviews

What You Wear Can Change Your Life

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

First a Confession: I'm not crazy about the show What Not to Wear. There..I said it. Don't like the format, don't like the criticisms, don't like watching poor souls squirm in embarassment as their fashion faux pas are brought to light.

But I bought this book anyway and here is why: I watched an Oprah Show where the authors were promo-ing this book. They brought out REAL women, including one very obese woman, and showed them in their usual clothes, as awful as you can imagine, and then... showed them in outfits that truly worked for their particular bodies. The transformations were truly amazing and even the obese woman looked gorgeous and sexy. My jaw dropped. I was sold, just like that.
Happily, the book has lived up to my expectations. As I'd hoped, it is aimed at those of us who have problem areas like large hips or flabby thighs. The authors know their stuff and their advice is dead on, proving the there is hope for the fashion challenged and those who've just given up on ever looking presentable for even an hour, let alone a whole day.
They still won't win any votes from me for the format and tone of their tv show but when it comes to writing a solid book with plenty of good, practical and very useful info, they win hands down! Or should I say thumbs up?

Four brilliant stars go out to "What You Wear Can Change Your Life", written by author Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine. Both authors are impressive fashion journalists and also appear as hosts of the hit BBC America series, What Not to Wear.

This is a book that can literally transform you from the tips of your hair follicles to the bottom of your feet. And they do it in a fun, interesting and information way!

I bought the book for my Sister, who had requested the book for her Birthday this week. Just for fun, I started to read the book-first the introduction and then chapter 1. Before long, I found myself purchasing my own copy so I didn't ruin the copy I had bought for my Sister. From the perspective of a man who appreciates every aspect of fashion, I can't express enough how much I learned about ways that I could make simple changes to my wardrobe that might lead to great changes in my life.

It sounds crazy to think that just one book could have so much great and interesting information about fashion and how it can literally change your life. As one real example, I found in an early chapter that I could make a certain change to the type of pants I was wearing-based on my own personal body structure, age, skin type and line of business that I was in. I quickly and very affordably made the changes that they authors suggested and at a cost that was less than a pair of brand-named jeans. After making a few changes, I proceeded to my second interview for a job as an entry level executive at an advertising agency in Phoenix. There is no doubt in my mind that I felt about 200 times more comfortable at the second interview and the only changes I made were taken from this great little book. Some might consider it a miracle, but the bottom line is that I received the job that I was looking for and received an offer for a position in management that was even greater than the entry level executive position I was seeking.

This book is filled with many, many great tips that change ones life. Whether you are seeking a new job or wishing to improve your own self-esteem, try reading this book and take advantage of as many tips as possible. There is no doubt in my mind, not even one small of iota of doubt, that if you really take this book to heart and make the changes they suggest-you're certain to make super changes in your life. So many of these changes can be done with absolutely no cost to you. Don't worry about having to buy an entire new wardrobe. The book will tell you how to utilize the clothing that you already have to wear.

You'll even read about what to wear and what not to wear at different events. Want to feel comfortable on a special date? A few easy changes might make all the difference in the world!
Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine are fashion journalists and hosts of the BBC America television series, What Not to Wear.

From underwear to every possible accessory you could ever imagine, "What You Wear Can Change Your Life" will direct you in a positive, concise and almost confident and humerous manner. Good luck to you and I hope this book brings you as much great advice as it did for both myself and my beautiful Sister.

Feel free to start a conversation about this great new book. I sure wish that these gals would choose this 37 year old man for a total makeover. I'd take the first flight to England to grab any extra advice from these wonderful and talented fashion experts. Happy reading to you!

Peter Vincent Cannice
International Book Previewer and Reviewer
Scottsdale, Arizona
Email: Horsepete@aol.com

This is the 5th book by T&S I have read and I wasn't too sure at first if this one would be as good as the previous ones (let alone 'Ready to dress' that was the weirdest book I have ever read!).

The thing I liked best about it is that they cover areas they hadn't really talked about like colour, pregnancy, travelling, make up and so on. There's still some focus on bodyshape but not as detailed as the first and second books ('Ready to dress' and 'What not to wear').

I found the typo and layout extremely fun and cool unlike several reviewers but I have a passion for colour so maybe it's just me. Speaking about colours I also used to think black would go with any other colour though having seen almost all series of 'What not to wear' and developped my eye for colour I couldn't agree more with them now. Black cheapens colours (apart with neutrals like grey, stone, sand and so on). Being a big fan of colour analysis, I was a bit confused by their own colour system though it eventually gave me ideas for color combo and it REALLY works.

I read also people complaining about T&S not being representative or being the only models in the book. It's true to some extent but they do have features that we can most identify to here and there. And again they 'madeover' women and men from all kinds of shapes and ages and lifestyles, this would be unfair to say they only rely on their own bodyshape. These girls really know what they're talking about. T&S can help you start the journey to self-confidence but remember all the hard work is up to you.

I would suggest that you read 'What not to wear' for a start before you actually buy this one. They complement each other just the right way.

I love Trinny & Susannah. I've been a fan of WNTW since it's beginings on the BBC. I ordered their first book from Amazon UK before it was even heard of here. I loved it. It is brilliant. When I saw this I was so excited. My excitement didn't last long.

The book is entertaining (my reason for 2 stars) but devoid of useful info. Does anyone really try to fit an entire box of Tampax in their purse (page 133)? Put a few in a carrier instead (maybe I should write a book!). Their advice is almost offensive.

Another peeve mentioned by another reviewer. Trinny (a former model) and Susannah (nice body) are the only models. They were in the first one too but the examples were more helpful. In this book the most obvious differences in the "before" and "afters" are bad posture/sad face and standing up straight/shining smile. Are they kidding???? I ordered Clinton and Stacy's "Dress Your Best" and am very impressed. Real people, real bodies, usuable examples.

If you are buying this looking for a fun read then you will enjoy it. Trinny and Susannah are very entertaining. If you want help transforming yourself buy their first "What Not to Wear" or "Dress Your Best".

I wish I could write what I really feel about this book (I would offend too many). Lots have given it a good review and NO, I DO NOT AGREE. I don't just my money back, I want a written apology. Shame on you two. You're are capable of so much better.

I adore Susannah and Trinny. I have 4 of their books (What Not to Wear, What Not to Wear For Any Occasion, What You Wear Can Change Your Life, and Trinny and Susannah Take on America), plus watched their TV show.

We were in a meeting last week, and the woman who was speaking was breaking nearly every rule in the book(s). It was so obvious, and had she known the "rules", it would have cost her no more money to pick out properly fitted clothes. Instead she wore awuful, clunky shoes, tapered, too-short pants, a turtleneck, horrible blazer, and had her hair up in a clip. Give her some pointy boots, long/boot-cut trousers, a jacket with appropriate lapel and buttons, ANYTHING other than a turtleneck, and let her hair down, she would have looked fabulous! No more work to look a 100 times better. It really is that easy.

If you are starting from the beginning, I suggest you start with the first What Not To Wear book that focuses on what to wear for your body shape. I would highly recommend What You Wear Can Change Your Life as a companion. Remember that Trinny and Susannah do not follow the trends like so many others. They believe that you should dress for your shape, and adapt trends to what flatters YOU. It is not a short-term fix. These are classic rules that will help you look fabulous for a very long time!

It starts with undergarments, and I love that they don't wear dainty little nothings under their clothes. We see how Susannah has shaped her body with the properly fitted undergarments, and it makes me feel better that I'm not the only one who needs tummy-tamers and butt-lifters!

The color section confuses me a bit. This is the part that I'm still getting the hang of, and one of the reasons why I only gave it four stars out of five. None of their descriptions fit me exactly, so I'm not 100% sure. But only time will tell. It really is about practice, and playing with color.

The Culling section was OK. It really is common sense, but it is a good visual reminder of how we need to be more critical about what we let take up our precious closet space, and to be more realistic about what we will actually ever wear again.

The Accessories secition is really great. I wish they had these in the first WN2W book! They cover purses, shoes, jewelry, scarves, and belts.

I also enjoy the Storage, Traveling, and Pregnancy chapters. I'm looking for a new armoire/wardrobe, and I'm going to incorporate some of their suggestions when I re-organize.

I hope you enjoy reading these books and incorporating their suggestions into your life as much as I have. When I finally began dressing to my shape, I instantly began getting compliments. I never wore much jewelry before, and now people are always asking me where I purchased them. It may sound frivilous, but there is so much negativity in our lives, that it is nice to feel good about something. It gives you a lift, and does indeed change your life in many small, and large ways.

I, like so many others, bought this book after watching this duo perform their magic on Oprah. Although it's got some good info and some interesting photos, there's not any depth to the book. It touches, and just barely, on makeup, storage, traveling, underwear, you-name-it, but there is nothing on what styles to choose, what lengths are right for what body types, etc. It's a VERY cursory overview that leaves me with a little more information than I had before, but not enough to start shopping for my own new wardrobe. I have to say I was disappointed and feel a bit ripped off after reading this. Why even bother with the quick makeup advertisements disguised as advice, for example? More depth, less LARGE PURPLE PRINT would have been nice.

I checked this book out from the library after seeing this duo make over several people on Oprah. And boy was I disappointed!

Annoying (extremely hard to read) typeface aside, the content in the book was light and focused almost solely on the author's two body types. About the only useful information I found in here was the chapter on posing for flattering photographs.

If you're looking for information on the subjects covered in this book, I'd check out these other sources:

Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body by Clinton Kelly and Stacy London
This book has tips on dressing just about every body shape out there and loads of universal style tips. It's a great resource for establishing cuts and styles that will flatter your body type.

Nothing to Wear?: A Five-Step Cure for the Common Closet by Joe Lupo and Jesse Garza
This book will help you define your style (classic, chic, whimsical, avant-garde, and/or bohemian), provide a step-by-step system for culling your wardrobe and filling in the gaps, and help you create a picture book of outfits that you feel and look fabulous in, so you no longer have to stare at the closet lamenting that you have "nothing to wear."

If it's makeup advice you want, you can't go wrong with Bobbi Brown Beauty. There is simply no better, more comprehensive book out there.

Everything else can be found on the pages of the latest fashion magazine.

I bought the book because like other readers, I saw these women on Oprah and loved the transformations. However, the book offers some quick solutions which are fine if you have one flaw. But most of us see ourselves as having more than one imperfection in an area (i.e. small breasted, back fat, need a full-body smoother). And what average woman has closet shelves like those? I am substantially older than these two women and perhaps that affects my opinions but I think the color combinations they espouse are garish and the costume jewelry is cheap looking.

That said, I found the book fun to read even though I couldn't relate to much of what they said. Still, I would love to see what miracle they could perform on this 64 year old!

I love the way Trinny and Susannah look at color. Their advice for matching colors and finding colors that work for you is second to none. They have a chapter where there is a page for each color. They show several shades of that color and for each shade, they show two complimentary colors and one contrasting color. They also offer good underwear, travel and accessory advice, which can be quite useful.

The problem is, Trinny and Susannah have written several books and they want for you to buy them all. They don't go into choosing figure-flattering clothes in this book so much, because they want you to buy the What Not to Wear book. I would recommend buying a used copy of this book for a few bucks, as well a used copy of What Not to Wear. But if you just want one book that does it all, look elsewhere.

If you are like me--you had lots of black in your closet. I was getting pretty bored with wearing black suits with different color shirts every day. The authors of this book offer some great color photos with bright colors that mix well. I've tried some of the combos and it really does make you feel more cheerful during the day. They recomend saving black for elegant occasions--which really does make black more special. There is a lot of info about selecting undergarments. Proper foundation garments really enhance the mature figure and it's something I need to review more often. Only very young girls can get away with minimal or no undergarments.
There is a big section on dressing well for pregnancy. I wish there had been a book like this when I was pregnant. I will hold on to this book just in case my daughter gets married and pregnant during the next couple years. This book would make a great gift to the newly pregnant. :)