A Stylish Book Report: Classy by Derek Blasberg

Classy, the bestseller by Derek Blasberg, is a guide to help the youth of America avoid a downward spiral into an embarrassing adulthood.  It is light hearted in its presentation but filled with valuable words of wisdom.  This is not your Emily Post etiquette guide but it just may be the perfect book to give as a gift to the teen (young enough to listen but old enough for curse words and serious topics) that seems destined for disaster.  Derek approaches important topics each guardian would want to broach with an impressionable mind, like the importance of learning, what appearance says about a person, responsible texting, tattoos gone bad, sex tapes, smoking, drinking, drugs, art, culture, and much more from an alternate direction.  If your stern words of caution don’t work in these areas perhaps Derek’s reasoning will appeal to the vanity of youth. 

Reading this as a more experienced person you may feel the guidance is not teaching you much you do not know but you also will find the compilation of humorous essays an amusing social commentary.  The personal experiences and opinions from Mr. Blasberg peppered throughout the book are enough to intrigue as they provide an interesting look into the fabulous and folly of the New York fashion scene.   Just learning or reviewing there is something for everyone to enjoy.

As anticipated, after completing the book and quizzes, I can confirm I am more “lady” than “tramp” by Mr. Blasberg’s definition.  I found many of his thoughts to be familiar to my own, and after reading “A lady goes abroad” and the declaration that “the airport is one of the few remaining places where you might randomly meet a good looking guy,” a point I have been reiterating (despite having no lasting results to speak of) for years, I am convinced we could be friends. Not to say there were not take a ways for me as well.   I found valuable tidbits in each of the chapters.  “A Lady gets dressed,” “A lady receives an invitation,” “A lady throws a party,” “A lady goes abroad,” “A lady makes friends,” “A lady looks for love,” “A lady faces temptation,” and finally “A lady is always learning” were all quite informative and illustrative, even from a “Lady’s” perspective.

Personally, I appreciated several specific areas for the following reasons:

• -“What your eyebrows say about you” indicated that “an arched brow is for the girl with a slight rebellious streak,” (p38). Coming from a family with a dominant arched brow, almost to a point, I feel this could not be more accurate.  Yes I, and my entire line of family with our genetic peaked eyebrows are all a little rebellious (in a good way).
• -Providing the accompanying playlist for many situations from dinner, to “getting your dance on” was much appreciated since I never remember the titles of songs.  Thank you Derek.
• -“A lady throws a party” I appreciated, as the area I think will help me learn the most.  Derek you didn’t need to tell me but that party I threw where people showed up and I was still icing a birthday cake was especially embarrassing.  Sure I have thrown some successful parties and people seem to have fun but his tips can only help me add to the next one.  Now on the list of 2012 action items: “throw the perfect party and be ready on time.”
• -The aforementioned “A lady goes abroad” chapter was awesome all the way around!  First, I agree with pretty much everything in this chapter, and secondly, I felt like I, for the most part, have it down.   This chapter gave me a nice feeling after replaying my missteps during my last fete in the proceeding chapter.
• -I also loved the lists of movies, artists, plays, and book recommendations in “A Lady is always learning.”  It may take the dedication of an undergraduate degree in art history, film, and/or fashion to fully review all of them but it is nice to have some reference points to come back to as time permits. 

Scariest part of the book, as a Lady that has made it through the angst of youth, a person that has younger relatives, and hopefully a future mother at some point, is “A lady faces temptation.”  So many scary things in the world that have amplified since I found myself first exposed to temptation.  Just looking at one before and after meth addict photo makes me want to run to my nearest middle school to organize a PSA.  These topics are important but yuck.

As a refresher, a learning tool, or point of quick reference Classy is something to check out.  With short chapters, pictures, and illustrations it is a quick read, or easy to put down and pick up to accommodate a busy schedule.  Whether your perspective is enlightened agreement, or youthful sponge there is something to take away from the humorous yet insightful tales from Derek Blasberg. 

Stylish (?) Book report: The Secrets of the FBI

Just finished the book, The Secrets of the FBI by Ronald Kessler.  As usual, I started it while on a plane.  It really didn’t match my mood while flying to South Beach and then a cruise to the Bahamas but in a bookstore full of similar fiction items and over emotional novels, the shiny black cover and large red lettering “FBI” screamed, “read me.” The last three chapters have been screaming “read me” from my coffee table for the last several months so today is a win for finishing things!  I do not have anything “stylish” to report.  I take that back, the items about the FBI dress code through the years, and ways to conceal ones identity with dress were interesting.  They were interesting but probably not going to help you get dressed on Monday.   In any case, here is my report:

 

The Secrets of the FBI is full of interesting items communicating the evolution of the Federal Bureau of Investigation from establishment to present day.  It gives an honest view of the changes over time.  It presents interesting secrets, and does not shy away from revealing shortcomings of the past.  It concludes with a description of the positive developments in the most recent ten years leaving the reader with confidence and a feeling of protection by capable hands.

It is rare that a book can be striking and dramatic without embellishment or emotional lament.  Ronald Kessler is speaking from experience as he reveals so much new information about the FBI.  Reading this evokes a variety of emotional responses but there is a clear dedication to truthfulness that is refreshing.  The stories cause intrigue, slight nausea at times, fear, and reassurance with straightforward presentation.  This fascinating look inside the guarded walls of the FBI is worth a read.

Bossypants: always in style.

I just finished reading Bossypants by Tina Fey and I am trying to decide if, even though I do not normally have a chance to finish a book unless on a plane, I can find time to reread it.  This is not a book about fashion.   Maybe the one very short comment about shag haircuts could be considered somewhat style oriented, but even if not, this book is so hilarious I feel the need to blog about it.   

This book is so good that I laughed out loud to varying degrees of intensity on my way to and from my recent trip to Boston.  In the airport waiting to board the plane to bean town I had two people tell me my out loud laughter had cinched their decision to buy the book ASAP.  On the plane to Boston I laughed so hard I cried causing the guy next to me to pretend to sleep in fear I was having some kind of a breakdown… he did not fool me.  In the few short days I was visiting I attempted, and failed, to regale those around me with a dramatic retelling of passages on no less than six occasions.  Finally on the flight home to Cincinnati my constant smile and feminine giggles attracted the attention of a handsome man across the isle. 

In short, reading Bossypants you will laugh, you will cry, and you will be more attractive having read Tina Fey’s hilarious book!

A Stylish Book Report: The Style Strategy by Nina Garcia

Finally a style how-to book I can fully embrace!  You may have picked up from previous posts I am somewhat of a clothing collector that loves to reinvent vintage, and embraces the cyclical nature of fashion.  You probably do not know I am lucky to act as steward to a small collection of hand-me-down duds from generations of my relatives from the 1800s to today.  Daunting, maybe, but a ton of fun!  With this in mind I always get annoyed when the first instruction in a style book is to purge anything you haven’t worn in a year.  Leave it to Nina Garcia to make me happy with her book The Style Strategy.

The Style Strategy is described as “A less-is-more approach to staying chic and shopping smart,” clearly it was written with the most recent economic downturn fresh in the mind, but it is more than a recession-ista guide to being stylish.  Nina gives great guidance on logical editing, reinvention, construction quality, and appropriate care of clothing and accessories.  She presents all of this sometimes less than sexy information with the same colorful illustrations, interesting historical fashion facts, and enthusiastic love of all that is stylish as her other fantastic guides.  The Style Strategy is a great intro for vintage shoppers, conservationists, fashion history enthusiasts, and artistic types alike.  

First in the book is a section on evaluating what you have and, yes, there may be purging involved.  Unlike other guides that direct blind purging, however, this evaluation section provides knowledge of garment quality, historical reference, and teaches an eye for how to find the treasures.  There are two types of clothing: disposable and collectible.  Many of today’s affordable clothing falls in the disposable category not because it isn’t stylish but because the construction is not finished to last longer than a few seasons.  After a few seasons unfinished edges begin to fray, colors significantly fade, hems pucker, or fabrics stretch out of shape.  Such is the case with some vintage as well.  Challenging are the fabric crazes of different eras.’  Some by necessity and scarcity of materials, others as technologies newest and greatest synthetics have fallen out of favor.  Sections one and two of this guide help you sort through them all to determine what really needs to go, and what can be reinvented and incorporated into new styling. 

When it comes to vintage, and some newer things also, a split seam, or imperfect fit is not necessarily a sign of low quality or a reason to give up hope.   Time could be the culprit in such wear and these errors may be cheated with appropriate care.  Section 3 of The Style Strategy describes the how, what, and where to get these workable imperfections addressed.  By highlighting tailoring, mending, caring for clothing and accessories it gives the option to extend the life of each item, and opens the wearer up to creating one of a kind and unique items.  It is also full of interesting info on how to tap stores off the beaten path for low cost, high quality items to incorporate into a wardrobe going forward.  Dance stores for tights, and flats; import boutiques for tunics and beaded items; and a plethora of other shopping resources.  Nina gives us her personal references on how to navigate so many shopping options for a find. 

In The Style Strategy Nina Garcia turns a frugal approach to fashion into an opportunity to feature individuality and ingenuity.  If you enjoyed reading the other style guides she penned you will also enjoy this book.  If you are looking for a light and fun introductory guide to discerning value beyond brand label you will also love this book.  The Style Strategy is a book to read for entertainment, knowledge, and is a good one to keep for reference.

A fashionable book report ...Isms: Understanding Fashion

Did you know that Princess Diana’s voluminous wedding dress was part of a mainstream cross over of “New Romanticism”, an evolution of the London Punk scene?  How about that this movement, an attempt by Punk enthusiasts to distinguish themselves from ‘posers’ adoption of their slash trash look, was inspired by revolutionism of 1789, hollywoodism of the 1930s’, and Glam of the 1970s’?  How about that the original Punk was a form of deconstructionism that draws parallels in its message to Japanese Avant-gardism of the same time period?  Do you know the requisites for a design house to truly be considered Haute Couture?  These are all very intriguing questions that one may not think to ask but may still be interested to know.

...isms: understanding fashion by Mairi Mackenzie is full of interesting fashion items of note.  Part of a series of “ism” books looking at everything from religion to architecture, this installment provides analysis of fashion trends from the 17th century to present day. The structure is standardized for each trend providing a brief synopsis with dates, influences, key characteristics, influential figures, terms, examples, comparisons, and places to view key collections.  Also included are beautiful pictures, and color-coded pages making the book as visual as it is informative and interesting. 

This analysis of fashion is presented with a global eye and while interesting enough to read from cover to cover as a chronological story could also be used as a reference guide.  It presents timelines for easy view of overlapping trends, a glossary of fashion terms, glossary of notable names, and global exhibitions.  It also acts as a starting point for resources of additional study. 

The brevity of each ism may leave something to be desired for a studied fashion student, but for the average fashionista ...ism: understanding fashion is the right dose of information to be inspiring, entertaining, and educational.

Stylish book report The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia

Nina Garcia what is it that makes you tick?  I see you sitting by the runway quiet; seemingly emotionless as you size up the competing would be designers.  Your thoughts are organized and analytical.  Some times your comments are harsh but most often they are constructive.  You look together, well accessorized but unassuming.  Your accent is not familiar, a combination of many places perhaps.  Your smirk is jovial, your eyes genuine and warm.  If I met you in person I would look you straight in the eye because, at the risk of sounding much like a crushing teenager, I want to get to know you.  So I am reading our book-or one of them.

Stylish book report: The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia.

As previously mentioned, I do not like people telling me how to dress.  However, I do love being inspired.  In The Little Black Book of Style Nina Garcia states early on that her goal is not to provide a list of rules for readers to follow.  Instead she begins the book by sharing her personal inspirations then urges readers to look to themselves for the ultimate inspiration.  She offers observations on ten basics principles she feels style icons often share and then offers insights and pop culture references as evidence.  If you love the study of modern style you will love this book.

I was originally intrigued to hear Nina’s voice.  This book did not disappoint.  As she regales scenes from her childhood growing up Columbian and learning to incorporate many styles from around the world I was charmed.  When she, like me in the initial paragraph written before reading the book, talked about the type of woman whose style pulls her in I felt a kinship.  Her references of so many recording artists, movie recommendations and time frames made me want to invite her over for a style film viewing party and girl gabfest.  And when Nina interviewed some of today’s most admired designers for their take on everything from shoes to “not giving a damn” I was in awe.  This is a woman who has lived an incredibly stylish life and continues to traverse each day with an openness to continue to identify the amazing to come.   Intrigue deserved.

Taste: Acquiring What Money Can't Buy; A book report.

So what is it that makes a woman stand out in a crowded room or stay in the mind of those around her for an evening, a month, a decade?  Taste. Acquiring What Money Can’t Buy by Letitia Baldrige attempts to answer this question with a study of style and the influential people that wield it over time.  More than a commentary, Taste is an interesting look at art and culture, as well as  a peek at the life of the author herself, a woman that made a career on advising others on matters of taste.

Beginning with an attempt to define the title Letitia, also an authority on manners, artfully manages not to offend any specific tastes as she limits her commentary to kind words while evaluating them.  Process of elimination seems to be the starting point for the analysis.  Letitia gives many examples of what true taste is not, 

Assembling wonderful elements doesn't do it.  Size, fit, and

appropriateness are all essential to style.  We should dress to disguise

one’s imperfections not magnify them. 

(53)

She stresses the importance of attention to detail, “even the best clothes cannot compensate for negligent grooming.” (p54)  And presents many arguments for why injecting taste into your regimen is important:

The conspicuous minority that instinctively dress with taste always stand out in a crowd... an attractive part of the scenery.  They are also propelled forward in business and social life.  People want to have them around... They are considered sophisticated and knowledgeable. 

(31)

After much analysis and the process of elimination a conclusion is reached with a simple description of taste as an “understanding of what appropriate means.”

Next Letitia looks at taste through the ages and across cultures.  She presents the often omitted observation of the Native American’s sophisticated fashion trade as a precursor for our current love of fur and organic materials.  Then weaves the contribution of French fashion and the House of Worth’s practice of creating mannequins to size garments for their clients great distances abroad into the fit.  She demonstrates her understanding of fashion today and how it was formed.  Expanding the discussion to include social graces, entertaining, and interior design she demonstrates her versatility.

When we were organizing a dinner in honor of a UN official who was

planning a visit to Rome, I suggested that the ambassador...print the guest

of honor’s latest important speech on fine paper and bind it in a

decorative endpaper as a memento for each dinner guest. 

(175)

The analysis provides a good sense of the many influences that made fashion and taste today a possibility.  

Letitia concludes her analysis with ample examples of tastemakers throughout history.  These case studies are perhaps the most colorful and endearing portion of the book.  Letitia worked for embassies abroad, she spent time as a social representative for the Kennedy White house, and navigated fashion social circles for decades.  She provides very personal accounts of each of these.  Letitia talks in detail about responding to letters on behalf of Jackie Kennedy.  She talks of the first Ladies passion for creating an environment that represented the residence of the United States in a respectable way.  Letitia talks of the style support team that helped make Jackie and other admired women as memorable as they continue to be  and evidences the strength of the women themselves with examples such as Nan Kemper’s dinner spent pant less in defiance of a dress code keeping women in dresses.  This recounting is entertaining and inspiring.  Insights into each of these situations also provide a feeling of privilege at being held in confidence. Letitia inspires us with her recounting and many examples while providing insight into humanity of the icon.    

Taste: Acquiring What Money Can’t Buy by Letitia Baldrige is not a book to tell you how to dress but rather it is an investigation of the underlying elements that have worked for those deemed iconic in the past.  The author offers historical context to design elements and personal observations about common practices of some of the most famous over the ages in an attempt to find a common thread.  While some similarities are present, Letitia comes to the conclusion it is really each person’s environment, focus, and individual opinion that matter most.  

Bibliography:

Baldrige, Letitia.  Taste. Acquiring What Money Can’t Buy.  New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2007.

A book report

I knew I liked Tim Gunn but this was reinforced on page one of A Guide to Quality, Taste, and Style.  Let me count the ways…

First, Tim dedicated the book to me the reader and my style.  I love that Tim is not trying to squeeze me into the pages of someone else’s ideal.   Secondly, I learned early in the book by his mention that Tim is a great friend with Diane Von Furstenberg, another one of my favorite style icons! Her quote, “I did not know what I wanted to do but I knew the type of woman I wanted to become.” (American Express commercial 2009) is prominently displayed on my facebook page and drives me to think how each of my ventures in life may work together to achieve a goal of my own.  This relationship speaks positively for both Tim and Diane.  I hope to sit down with Ms Von Furstenberg and Mr. Gunn for a stylish and thought provoking lunch at some time in my life.  Tim Gunn may be best known for his presence on popular television but he truly is a life long fashion professional and exquisitely qualified to write a guide on quality, taste, and style.

Perhaps one of the reasons I love this book is its personal delivery.  Tim starts the book with depiction of his own personal style evolution, his experiences, and drivers.   It is just the right amount of personal storytelling to establish the voice of the book.  This is not another book about trends, or shopping now but it is Tim Gunn sharing his wisdom in a way only Tim can.

Tim gives great insight into how to be the best and most fashionable YOU possible.   I learned a lot about other notable style personalities and personas.  Admittedly, I did need to Google a few but I enjoyed learning about these Google topics, new terms, and classical references.  As I read through chapters covering many difficult to navigate looks and situations I laughed, I identified, I read without stopping.  When I encountered the section on “Packing,” and the description of “Aspirational Packing Syndrome” I recalled a recent trip to Rhode Island for which I ended up packing Keds, a boatneck stripped top, and a mariner’s sweater just in case I ended up meeting a man to teach me to sail and contemplated sending an email to the author himself just to say, “here, hear!” I enjoyed every minute of this book.

I truly feel like A Guide to Quality, Taste, and Style by Tim Gunn and Kate Molony is a book every aspiring or interested fashion pursuant should check out as they develop their style identity.  This book has moved me forward in my growth as an informed fashionista. Throughout the book, Tim Gunn offers fashion reference and perspective in his own delightful voice but consistently encourages the readers to look at themselves as the most important voice.