The Metrosexual Guide to Style: A Handbook for the Modern Man (Paperback)

~ (Author) "It is clear from these cringe-inducing examples that no one is entirely safe from publicly embarrassing oneself..." (more)
Key Phrases: metrosexual man, yon arc, chances arc, Dignity Factor (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

For those who avoid the style pages, the newly minted term "metrosexual" refers to a man with a sense of fashion and a taste for culture, who loves to shop and look good, and may be of ambiguous sexual orientation. According to journalist Mark Simpson, the metrosexual "might be officially gay, straight or bisexual, but this is utterly immaterial because he has clearly taken himself as his own love object." Metrosexual wannabes who need some style pointers will find their questions answered in Flocker's handy manual. Like an extended episode of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, the guide gives readers a crash course on music, film, art, home decorating, dating, fitness and grooming at the same time that it teaches them an updated version of Emily Post manners. All the while, the author, a sometime actor and sometime features editor for AOL Time Warner, dispenses his advice with the playful tone of a witty, club-hopping mentor. "Every man can benefit from a little self-improvement," he writes in his introduction. "Just as you regularly upgrade your computer, your car and, hopefully, your underwear drawer, you can upgrade yourself to become a player in the new era of the metrosexual man." Though Flocker's suggestions are occasionally too dogmatic-he advises readers to always drink imported beer, for example-this guide is a timely capitalization on the recent news articles about metrosexuals, and it approaches its material with thoroughness, warm humor and, yes, style.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A guide of head-to-toe tips to keep men at their stylish best...a fun-and functional-read." -- Rocky Mountain News 11/13/03

"A guide of head-to-toe tips...A fun-and functional-read." -- Rocky Mountain News 11/13/03

"Head-to-toe advice on everything from dining out and dressing to home decorating and culture choices." -- Kansas City Star 11/18/03

"If you're an aspiring metrosexual, The Metrosexual Guide to Style should help you out." -- Salt Lake Magazine April 2004

"Inspires confidence...It's a quick but informative read, and a great reference tool to have on hand." -- Frontiers 11/27/03

"The book is a thorough lol on clothes, grooming, d cor, and dining for the guy who wants it all." -- Playgirl June 2004

"The book, enjoying a stay on The Times' bestseller list, offers guidance on matters from grooming to art: appreciation of." -- Los Angeles Times 01/11/04

"Witty, playful tips and advice on fashion, music, and travel." -- Boston Phoenix 11/28/03

"[This book] was the first (and remains the definitive) source for defining and understanding the metrosexual." -- Lexington Herald-Leader 7/8/04

A one-stop shop on everything from travel to etiquette." -- Chicago Sun-Times 12/17/03

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (October 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306813432
• ISBN-13: 978-0306813436
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #466,942 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Lifestyle for Dummies, November 20, 2003

By	Zecon - See all my reviews

Consider this: metrosexuality is really nothing new. Stated in the most simplistic manner, metrosexuality is no more than a polite man who understands how to dress and appreciates the finer things in life. In a nutshell, a metrosexual is what used to be known as a gentleman. The term gentleman may not be politically correct or interesting enough to sell books in a day when the new straight is gay. So to sell this lifestyle book, the author has capitalized on the latest social trend.

In general this is a hip and fun book. I'd recommend it for the young man whose upbringing didn't include, for example, exposure to manners, tipping, wine selection, or dress. In general, this is a `how to' lifestyle guide for dummies. It isn't a serious guide to style. So, if you are serious there are far better style books or magazines to buy.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Okay, but not groundbreaking, July 28, 2005

By	AJ (Midwest) - See all my reviews

The trend of metrosexuality has exploded within the last couple of years. This little handbook from Michael Flocker is hoping to help you jump on the bandwagon! The book has 12 sections: Introduction, Etiquette, Wine, Dining, Art/Culture, Music/Books/Film, Fashion/Style, Grooming, Body/Fitness, Sex/Romance, Home Decorating, and Metrosexual Mindset. There are many reasons why you might enjoy this book. First the layout is fantastic because in each chapter are subsections which give you an overview and then zero on in with the details in bullet points. Also the book has some new and interesting tidbits that you may have never thought of which can help give you an 'edge' to just the plain metrosexual. The information is fun to read and enlightening. I learned for example that the new desirable body image is a leaner toned body rather than the muscular beefcake. Also it tells you how to do the european air kiss and seduce someone. If you'd like to read about those things as well as the general stuff like what fashions you should always avoid and how to order wines in a resturant then this is the book for you. The one downside is the book may be TOO simple for those metrosexuals who all ready have it all down and were looking for much finer details than the book has. Recommended for people new to the whole thing, not recommended for those who are looking for an all comprehensive guide.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nothing really new here..., November 25, 2003

By	Matthew Stratton "film geek" (Lisle, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There's not much in here that you won't find in the various Esquire guides, or in the much better _The Modern Gentleman_. But still some good advice. I'd say if you want a *complete* library of men's style books, then pick this up. Otherwise, give it a pass.