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Style Yourself
Style Yourself is just like advice from a personal stylist - whispered right into your ear. With mix-and-match tips, trend reports, DIY tricks and creative styling guidance from the world's hottest fashion bloggers, this unique and resourceful volume will equip you to look your own personal best all the time. Join these up-and coming international style icons, which include Susannah Lau - who was named Britain's top fashion blogger by The Telegraph - as they explore the international concept of style. With expert advice and hundreds of illustrations that will help you tell a stiletto from a slingback or a trench coat from a duffle (plus tons of examples of how to wear them), Style Yourself puts the entire world of fashion at your feet, and then helps you choose the perfect heels to put those feet in. So...what are you going to wear?
- GenresFashionNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Tavi Gevinson
19 books416 followersTavi Gevinson is an American writer, magazine editor, actress and singer. Raised in Oak Park, Illinois, Gevinson came to public attention at the age of twelve because of her fashion blog Style Rookie. By the age of fifteen, she had shifted her focus to pop culture and feminist discussion. Gevinson is the founder and editor-in-chief of the online Rookie Magazine, aimed primarily at teenage girls. In both 2011 and 2012, she appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 in Media list.
Source: Wikipedia
Source: Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 24, 2011
Won a copy of Style Yourself in a goodreads giveaway.
This was a surprisingly informative book on style. The book is a collection of fashion ideas from various different fashionistas bloggers.
The book is broken down into basic garment styles, from different types of shirts and skirts to simple dresses and formal ones. There are even topics on shoes, accessories and bras.
This book can help you become more fashionable with the clothes you already have. Clothes you only wear once (e.g. brides maids gowns, prom dresses, etc) can be completely transformed into other styles by layering other garments over them, under them, or pinning the fabric in different ways. Other, more heavily worn items can be implemented into your style in different ways, for example pairing a pair of great fitting shorts up with different tops and accessories will produce completely different looks. You can revamp your look without having to spend a fortune, just by wearing things already in your closet in a different way.
The pictures are gorgeous. While some of the styles shown seem extremely awkward to me, some of them are really unique ways to wear clothes. I never thought to wear a scarf as a skirt for example.
This is a must read for anyone that is stuck in a fashion slump, or anyone that is just looking for new and fresh ideas. I really enjoyed reading this. I have listed my copy on the goodreads bookswap to pass along to anyone interested.
This was a surprisingly informative book on style. The book is a collection of fashion ideas from various different fashionistas bloggers.
The book is broken down into basic garment styles, from different types of shirts and skirts to simple dresses and formal ones. There are even topics on shoes, accessories and bras.
This book can help you become more fashionable with the clothes you already have. Clothes you only wear once (e.g. brides maids gowns, prom dresses, etc) can be completely transformed into other styles by layering other garments over them, under them, or pinning the fabric in different ways. Other, more heavily worn items can be implemented into your style in different ways, for example pairing a pair of great fitting shorts up with different tops and accessories will produce completely different looks. You can revamp your look without having to spend a fortune, just by wearing things already in your closet in a different way.
The pictures are gorgeous. While some of the styles shown seem extremely awkward to me, some of them are really unique ways to wear clothes. I never thought to wear a scarf as a skirt for example.
This is a must read for anyone that is stuck in a fashion slump, or anyone that is just looking for new and fresh ideas. I really enjoyed reading this. I have listed my copy on the goodreads bookswap to pass along to anyone interested.
February 19, 2017
This was a really fun book about fashion details featuring bloggers from all over the world.
Each chapter is broken down into types of clothing - tops, bottoms, shoes, etc. From there are pages with drawings featuring each type. Then there are little photo shoots focusing on particular bloggers and quotes and also ways to mix and remix items of clothing.
I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because some of the details, names and descriptions were more amateur then professional. Also, while it listed different clothing types, most of the time it didn't say what body type suited it.
This book appears aimed more at the teen - 20s age range. For those older fashion readers, I recommend the Lucky style guide. It's older, but still a classic, and in this readers opinion, more professional than amateur.
Each chapter is broken down into types of clothing - tops, bottoms, shoes, etc. From there are pages with drawings featuring each type. Then there are little photo shoots focusing on particular bloggers and quotes and also ways to mix and remix items of clothing.
I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because some of the details, names and descriptions were more amateur then professional. Also, while it listed different clothing types, most of the time it didn't say what body type suited it.
This book appears aimed more at the teen - 20s age range. For those older fashion readers, I recommend the Lucky style guide. It's older, but still a classic, and in this readers opinion, more professional than amateur.
January 22, 2012
Style Yourself is very well-formatted and the photographs are done very well. The page layout is artistic and easy to read. The content is interesting and sometimes useful, but sometimes not.
I really loved the sections showcasing pictures of different types of clothing or accessory, which were labeled and given brief overviews. For example, I always called my "spectator" shoes "heeled Oxfords" because I didn't know they had their own separate name, but they do! These overviews were provided for anything you could think of—pants, skirts, shorts, shirts, dresses, formal dresses, bras, swimwear, boots, flats, heels...all of it had a two-page spread detailing the different types and occasions for each.
That part made the whole book worth having, in my opinion.
I mentioned before that the photographs were really nice, and they are! But much of the fashion outfits that Style Yourself showcased were really only wearable by fashion bloggers, and not everyday people. Instead of a two page bit entitled I am wearing a box. On. My. Head! which was, as you can guess, about wearing a paper jewelry box as a hat, I would have liked to see different ways to take the clothes I've got in my closet, and make them more exciting.
Style Yourself is full of unwearable outfits like this, and some look like the dirty/frumpy things you throw together to go to the grocery store in when you're hung over and desperately need an aspirin. That is where this book falls short, and that is why I only gave it 3 stars.
I really loved the sections showcasing pictures of different types of clothing or accessory, which were labeled and given brief overviews. For example, I always called my "spectator" shoes "heeled Oxfords" because I didn't know they had their own separate name, but they do! These overviews were provided for anything you could think of—pants, skirts, shorts, shirts, dresses, formal dresses, bras, swimwear, boots, flats, heels...all of it had a two-page spread detailing the different types and occasions for each.
That part made the whole book worth having, in my opinion.
I mentioned before that the photographs were really nice, and they are! But much of the fashion outfits that Style Yourself showcased were really only wearable by fashion bloggers, and not everyday people. Instead of a two page bit entitled I am wearing a box. On. My. Head! which was, as you can guess, about wearing a paper jewelry box as a hat, I would have liked to see different ways to take the clothes I've got in my closet, and make them more exciting.
Style Yourself is full of unwearable outfits like this, and some look like the dirty/frumpy things you throw together to go to the grocery store in when you're hung over and desperately need an aspirin. That is where this book falls short, and that is why I only gave it 3 stars.
August 31, 2011
In terms of beautiful photos and visual identification on styles of tops, dresses, shoes, etc, this book is fantastic. For me, it wasn't very useful because it didn't cover how to make your own style, or dress for your body shape and size, or many tutorials. There were a few "this is how you can reuse a ballgown into something else" tips, which was nice, but they weren't my style. However, if you're in an industry (or school) where you can dress in funky and bohemian styles, the pictures of other people's outfits may give you some inspiration.
I received this ARC through the Goodreads First Read giveaway.
I received this ARC through the Goodreads First Read giveaway.
December 23, 2013
This book delivers what it promises. It's the best book I've read on the subject! Attractively styled, informative and it tells you the names of every detail you need to know of different styles of pants, tops, scarves, bags, shoes, etc. I learnt plenty from here, and would have this as a reference book, lest I forget the names, and I know I would. It's a book I'd go to again and again when I want to know the type of pattern of this cloth I saw.
It's a keeper, and a total fashion nugget. I feel the same when I browsed and when I read the book. It's a coveted piece you would not want to miss!
It's a keeper, and a total fashion nugget. I feel the same when I browsed and when I read the book. It's a coveted piece you would not want to miss!
April 23, 2013
I really liked this (hence the 4 stars) especially the part about Tavi Gevinson and her licorice outfit. :) What I didn't like was how everything was about 'finding clothes that flatter your form, so you look hot and sexay and anorexic'. But whatevs. That may appeal to some, but it just isn't my interest.
Anyways.
If you haven't read this book, you should, or just look at the pics, because that's good too. If you like Tavi Gevinson, read the 2 pages of her and all of the rest of the book.
The End
And Happy Birthday to whomever you may be. Just felt like saying that.
Anyways.
If you haven't read this book, you should, or just look at the pics, because that's good too. If you like Tavi Gevinson, read the 2 pages of her and all of the rest of the book.
The End
And Happy Birthday to whomever you may be. Just felt like saying that.
June 25, 2019
In my review of early to mid aughts fashion books, I've like this one the most! It feels fresh and relevant because it's focuses on style, not fashion and trends. The photography is nicely styled. Reviews basic terms (e.g. the difference between a sheath and a shift). Nicely international representation of contributors.
August 13, 2012
I really liked this book. Fashion is for everyone, but there are rules!
May 19, 2015
It was like reading a magazine or a blog, which I like. And it might be useful.
June 19, 2019
Very cute book for fashion inspirations
January 7, 2019
It was a nice way to pass the time. There are a lot of pretty pictures (and outfits) and some of the stories/opinions are pretty interesting. There are a couple of tips here and there. It's not extremely professional, but that just makes it more approachable in my opinion. There are different sections based on different things (tops, shoes, colours, etc.), so there's a nice structure going on. Lots of visuals (kind of a must) and some explanation here and there (although some parts were lacking). In other words, it's fine.
One thing that I do like is that it's not all white people. There are more white people, but when I look at the pictures, places and names it doesn't look like it's by much. There are a lot of different aesthetics too.
Some of the tips are genuinely useful, others feel more like filler (like, you're only going to do those if you're really into fashion and people know that or they just didn't know anything else and just threw stuff at the wall to see what would stick). I don't get the feeling though that they're telling you that this is what you must do, only that this particular thing has this effect (I didn't see any plus-size women though... and that would've been nice). But most of the brands mentioned are kind of expensive (and making your own stuff isn't exactly cheap either 90% of the time). And, you know, as a college student I wouldn't mind some more budget friendly options that are still a bit... eccentric? Out there? Different, at least. Anyway, it's a shame because it appears to be for my demographic and most people my age I know don't have that kind of money.
I personally like this book better for drawing inspiration and to look up certain thing for when I'm making my own clothes (yes, I know how to sew and knit). Also, some of the clothes are really cute and I definitely found things that became part of my aesthetic.
But most of all, this book makes me wish that being a bit more eccentric and not basic would be more socially acceptable in the Netherlands. Not that there's anything wrong with being basic... It's just all about accepting individuality for me (ugh, this sounds pretentious but I promise it's not).
In short, it was nice. Just don't read this if you either don't care about fashion at all (in which case, what are you doing here?) or if you already know a lot about it (because it's not going to tell you anything new).
One thing that I do like is that it's not all white people. There are more white people, but when I look at the pictures, places and names it doesn't look like it's by much. There are a lot of different aesthetics too.
Some of the tips are genuinely useful, others feel more like filler (like, you're only going to do those if you're really into fashion and people know that or they just didn't know anything else and just threw stuff at the wall to see what would stick). I don't get the feeling though that they're telling you that this is what you must do, only that this particular thing has this effect (I didn't see any plus-size women though... and that would've been nice). But most of the brands mentioned are kind of expensive (and making your own stuff isn't exactly cheap either 90% of the time). And, you know, as a college student I wouldn't mind some more budget friendly options that are still a bit... eccentric? Out there? Different, at least. Anyway, it's a shame because it appears to be for my demographic and most people my age I know don't have that kind of money.
I personally like this book better for drawing inspiration and to look up certain thing for when I'm making my own clothes (yes, I know how to sew and knit). Also, some of the clothes are really cute and I definitely found things that became part of my aesthetic.
But most of all, this book makes me wish that being a bit more eccentric and not basic would be more socially acceptable in the Netherlands. Not that there's anything wrong with being basic... It's just all about accepting individuality for me (ugh, this sounds pretentious but I promise it's not).
In short, it was nice. Just don't read this if you either don't care about fashion at all (in which case, what are you doing here?) or if you already know a lot about it (because it's not going to tell you anything new).
November 13, 2021
This is a colorful, comprehensive, and understandable book, and an excellent reference book for writers to have on their shelves.
September 30, 2011
It's an interesting book, this one. Supposedly taking the secrets of fashion bloggers to the masses and informing them how to be unique, just like everyone else.
I can't fault it on throughness. It's divided into different sections (tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories etc) and then those contain two page spreads detailing different styles of skirts, pants, shorts etc. It's also packed full of assorted hipster lovelies modelling clothes they get from either thrift stores or expensive designers. (No middle ground, it seems.) There's some great bits on how you can wear different items-such as scarfs-different ways.
There are some critiques I have to make, however. Most of the bloggers featured seem to be young and skinny, which may reflect the blogsphere itself but might put anyone over a size 4 (and the age of 27) off. And, it has to be said, books like this will date fairly quickly. One might make a claim that fashion bloggers are 'stylish' rather than 'trendy' but looking at this book one is forced to come to a rather different conclusion, given the ninties revival running through these pages.
It's not bad but it's not a fashion bible for the ages, either. But then, to be fair, nothing ever will be. It's fun for what it is (if teeth achingly twee in some parts) and is worth a brief read.
I can't fault it on throughness. It's divided into different sections (tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories etc) and then those contain two page spreads detailing different styles of skirts, pants, shorts etc. It's also packed full of assorted hipster lovelies modelling clothes they get from either thrift stores or expensive designers. (No middle ground, it seems.) There's some great bits on how you can wear different items-such as scarfs-different ways.
There are some critiques I have to make, however. Most of the bloggers featured seem to be young and skinny, which may reflect the blogsphere itself but might put anyone over a size 4 (and the age of 27) off. And, it has to be said, books like this will date fairly quickly. One might make a claim that fashion bloggers are 'stylish' rather than 'trendy' but looking at this book one is forced to come to a rather different conclusion, given the ninties revival running through these pages.
It's not bad but it's not a fashion bible for the ages, either. But then, to be fair, nothing ever will be. It's fun for what it is (if teeth achingly twee in some parts) and is worth a brief read.
September 1, 2012
I ordered this book thinking that I would love it but I didn't. It wasn't that the book was so horrible or that I just hated it, but a lot of the clothes just weren't my style. If you are a fashion blogger or are really into fashion blogging, I would suggest you read this, especially if you know some of the bloggers featured in the book. For women who are looking for simple style tips, like what you should have in your closet, I would recommend this. For women who don't really care here nor there and you kind of just like to buy what you think is cute, I don't think it's worth it.
September 16, 2015
What I liked most about this book was that it gave a picture chart of almost all the blouse, skirt, pants, etc types found out there today. Very handy for determining the name of a style you like, or finding a style that suits you. Book is also very well-designed - colourful, with good photos, visually pleasing, et al. There are distinct fashion styles/themes too. The only drawback was I felt there was a little too much vintage style featured; was hoping for more modern and creative takes on styling.
April 21, 2012
this book is a waist of money. if you have any knowledge of fashion you will find it completely redundant. i bought it because of the blogger content, but you;d get a lot more from just reading their individual blogs, and those are free. for content i'd recommend the lucky manual of style, the who what wear series, so much better.
Read
August 9, 2011I enjoyed this book with many great ideas about how to style yourself.
September 7, 2011
I found this to be very light on content - it had nice pictures, and then it was like, oh, look at this pink jumper I'm wearing. Or, oh, I love this tote - maybe the title should have been different.
September 16, 2013
Great book to start styling yourself an amazing book for beginner in this area!
August 29, 2018
Reread May 28, 2016
February 23, 2014
I really enjoyed the great pictures and different styles.
April 10, 2016
Lots of helpful information & suggestions.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews