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sbaunsgard's review
4.0
Part fashion history, part fashion advice. Enough information to be interesting and to move along at a good pace. I will say, though, the bit about Aran sweaters is a MYTH. I think they are gorgeous. They are not fishermen's sweaters. They are not knitted with family patterns in case the fisherman die.
http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/aran-sweaters.html
http://www.irish-genealogy-toolkit.com/aran-sweaters.html
brinnet's review
3.0
I love the voice of Tim Gunn and it comes through loud and clear in this book. It's encouraging, it's challenging (I mean, check out the man's vocabulary!), and it's real.
This is mostly a "how to clean out your closet and find your sense of style". It's a super quick run through Style 101, with a few peeks into more "advanced" style lessons.
As someone who's read a number of other fashion books (and watched all seasons of What Not To Wear), I did find some of this information repetitive; however, it's a great start for someone who's new to fashion and has some great reminders/ideas for those of us who are still find their style a work in progress (isn't it always?)
One thing that I like about this book (although I've seen it in another Tim Gunn book) is a list of movies for inspiration. Fire up the Netflix queue and prepare to be inspired. The book also contains some style icons to refer to and a glossary with a list of fashion terms you may never have heard of before.
All in all, worth a read for those new to fashion and a glance
Also, the repeated mentions of ungulates made me smile. Probably should have bumped it up another star for that, but it didn't seem entirely kosher.
This is mostly a "how to clean out your closet and find your sense of style". It's a super quick run through Style 101, with a few peeks into more "advanced" style lessons.
As someone who's read a number of other fashion books (and watched all seasons of What Not To Wear), I did find some of this information repetitive; however, it's a great start for someone who's new to fashion and has some great reminders/ideas for those of us who are still find their style a work in progress (isn't it always?)
One thing that I like about this book (although I've seen it in another Tim Gunn book) is a list of movies for inspiration. Fire up the Netflix queue and prepare to be inspired. The book also contains some style icons to refer to and a glossary with a list of fashion terms you may never have heard of before.
All in all, worth a read for those new to fashion and a glance
Also, the repeated mentions of ungulates made me smile. Probably should have bumped it up another star for that, but it didn't seem entirely kosher.
mhall's review
3.0
We are cursed to live in the age of the fashion ascendance of the capri cargo pant. This book argues that people in general would be happier if their clothes were a little more uncomfortable, or at least if they wore "sweatsuit alternatives" as opposed to actual sweatsuits.
Tim Gunn offers a quick look at all sorts of garments and the history of their development, from gloves to dresses to the suit. Sometimes he offers his analysis, as when he says there are two main dress silhouettes - draped or fitted - and the draped is based on ancient Greece, and the fitted from ancient Egypt. This actually turns out to be practical advice for dress shopping, because you can think of which silhouette you are most drawn to, and choose styles based on that.
Tim Gunn offers a quick look at all sorts of garments and the history of their development, from gloves to dresses to the suit. Sometimes he offers his analysis, as when he says there are two main dress silhouettes - draped or fitted - and the draped is based on ancient Greece, and the fitted from ancient Egypt. This actually turns out to be practical advice for dress shopping, because you can think of which silhouette you are most drawn to, and choose styles based on that.
bealittlebrave's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of little interesting tidbits from fashion history.
michrichter1's review
3.0
Interesting and his personality shines throughout the writing, but this is a far more like a textbook than a lifestyle book as his previous books have been. Beautifully designed, and large trim size, it is a resource rather than a romp.
leighkhoopes's review
4.0
This book isn't really directed at serious fashionistas, but even as someone who enjoys the history and terminology of fashion, I was able to find new little nuggets to learn from everyone's favorite dapper uncle, Tim Gunn.
It's chatty and informative, without being gossipy, but still retains enough of Gunn's intellectual wit and professorial charm to keep it smart and interesting. It's a quick read with textbook-esque photos and insets, and concludes with a review and tips to enhance your own wardrobe.
While I disagree with Gunn on some sartorial philosophies (such as: I am a firm believer in jeans and t-shirts going everywhere as long as you accessorize appropriately) it's still interesting to learn the etiquette and history behind different types of suits and which kinds of dresses to wear when and the intriguing history of hosiery through the centuries.
It's a cute, fun and informative little book, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in fashion and historical context, but it's not for serious fashion academics or anyone who doesn't care about the importance of designers. I would also recommend that men interested in enhancing their own style quotients take a look--it's a not-scary and friendly intro to basics, especially the suit chapter.
I also just love Tim Gunn and would read his version of the phone book. I'm sure it would be super-chic and adorable as well.
It's chatty and informative, without being gossipy, but still retains enough of Gunn's intellectual wit and professorial charm to keep it smart and interesting. It's a quick read with textbook-esque photos and insets, and concludes with a review and tips to enhance your own wardrobe.
While I disagree with Gunn on some sartorial philosophies (such as: I am a firm believer in jeans and t-shirts going everywhere as long as you accessorize appropriately) it's still interesting to learn the etiquette and history behind different types of suits and which kinds of dresses to wear when and the intriguing history of hosiery through the centuries.
It's a cute, fun and informative little book, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in fashion and historical context, but it's not for serious fashion academics or anyone who doesn't care about the importance of designers. I would also recommend that men interested in enhancing their own style quotients take a look--it's a not-scary and friendly intro to basics, especially the suit chapter.
I also just love Tim Gunn and would read his version of the phone book. I'm sure it would be super-chic and adorable as well.
ejdecoster's review
3.0
A fun and interesting introduction to fashion history, in an accessible and not overly academic way. But I think my favorite fact is finding out Tim Gunn drinks Dunkin' Donuts!
marybeth77's review
4.0
If you love Tim Gunn, read this book. You can hear him narrating it as you read! A good historical overview of the evolution of clothing and how pieces relate to fashion as a whole.
voya_k's review
4.0
Delightful and scholarly look at history seen through different articles of clothes. Tim Gunn's voice and opinions come through -- how do you feel about capri pants again, sir? -- but the overall effect is that of a really interesting college course. Reminds you that the man is a professor.
peachykeenreviews's review
5.0
Being a fashion designer myself, I found this book to be a great quick read on the history of the most popular garments in our world today. Highly recommended.