That Extra Half an Inch

by Victoria Beckham

'I've always been a girls' girl. And I know from experience that making the very best of yourself is something any woman can do. I was never the six-foot-tall pin-up ...I've always been the girl-next-door who got lucky. I've come a long way in the last ten years, but this book isn't my attempt to tell you what or what not to do. It's just to share some of what I've learned.' Based on the phenomenal bestselling hardback, this handbag edition with exclusive new photography is updated with extra tips for where to find your must-have purchases. That Extra Half an Inch is a revealing and practical book on fashion, beauty and style. Victoria shares her secrets on dressing for special occasions, everyday wear, accessorizing, holiday tips and making the most of your wardrobe. Whether you're getting ready for work, a night out on the town or even doing the school run, this is Victoria's personal guide to feeling confident and looking great every time you step out of the front door.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Biography, Self Help, Memoir, Celebrity, Chick Lit

377 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2006

About the author

Victoria Caroline Beckham (née Adams) is an English singer, songwriter, dancer, fashion designer, author, businesswoman, actress and model.

During her rise to fame with 1990's pop group the Spice Girls, Beckham was dubbed Posh Spice, a nickname first coined by the British pop music magazine, Top of the Pops, in their July, 1996, issue. Since the Spice Girls followed separate careers, she has dabbled in pop music, scoring four UK Top 10 singles as a solo artist. Her first single to be released, "Out of Your Mind", reached number two in the UK Singles Chart and is her highest chart entry to date. During her solo music career she has been signed to Virgin Records and Telstar Records.

Beckham has found more success as an internationally recognized and photographed style icon. She has had a career in fashion, designing a line of jeans for Rock & Republic and later designing her own denim brand, dVb Style. Beckham has brought out her own range of sunglasses and fragrance, entitled Intimately Beckham, which has been released in the UK and in the United States. In association with the Japanese store Samantha Thavasa, she has produced a range of handbags and jewellery. In addition, she has released two bestselling books; one her autobiography, the other a fashion guide.

In her television ventures, Beckham has had five official documentaries and reality shows made about her, some of which include Being Victoria Beckham and The Real Beckhams. Her last documentary to date was Victoria Beckham: Coming to America which documented her move to the United States with her family in 2007. She since made a cameo appearance in an episode of American TV series Ugly Betty, and been a guest judge on Project Runway, Germany's Next Topmodel, and American Idol (season 9).

Beckham is married to English footballer David Beckham with whom she has three sons, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz.

Reviews

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

How I Came To Read This Book: My friend Robyn lent it to me.

The Plot: Victoria Beckham is heralded these days as a fashion icon, mostly because it's the only thing she really contributes to the entertainment world. This book is a candid look at her advice when it comes to all things image - from head to toe - including suggested stores, fashion tips, and plenty of glossy photos of the Posh one to 'inspire' you.

The Good & The Bad: The main issue with this book is anyone who actually follows Victoria these days (particularly in N. America) is probably already in tune with fashion. The book is certainly not groundbreaking or revolutionary, and is written very directly and simply, with a bit of Victoria's trademark wit and self-deprecating humour. It almost feels like you're reading a series of blog posts with the simple language and short sentences.

That being said, Victoria, much like with her autobiography, continues to present herself as a much more endearing (albeit shallow) woman than the character snapped by the paps. You can almost picture her standing in front of a classroom of young teens and twenty-somethings talking quite simply about what works for her, and why.

I also give kudos to Victoria for continuing to acknowledge and accept the fact she's only famous because of the Spice Girls. All of her fabulousness would have probably remained wilted on a shelf had she not been picked for the group and emerged as the 'stylish' one. She namechecks Geri several times throughout, and gives a special shoutout to the girls in her thank yous.

The Bottom Line: A not particularly groundbreaking vanity project for the fashion inclined, but fun and endearing regardless.

Anything Memorable?: Nope. Other than the fact I fully want to buy a tutu skirt now.

50-Book Challenge: Book #40 in 2009.

[Kirsten Schlewitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't care who she is married to, I love Victoria Beckham. Except for her love of Abercromie and Fitch. For a woman with plenty of money and, rarer, class, she has a strange obsession with A&F. Other than this strange quirk, there was plenty to love in her book about style. It seemed as though she was right there, sharing her tips directly with me. I loved the Britishness of it all, as well. She never gave actual price points, which is my other complaint (Posh's 'not expensive' is likely not the same as mine) but she did suggest affordable alternatives much of the time. It's mostly practical advice given through the pages of a book rather than over a mug of tea.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ever since she was in the Spice Girls, I've been fascinated with Victoria Beckham. Its kind of hard not to be. Have you seen her husband? And she's known for her fashion. And there's rumors. I swear, I heard one once where the husband wanted her to remove a rib or something so that she will be thinner. I don't think that's true. Anyway, a friend of mine gave me a bunch of old magazines and there was one with an article about Victoria and it talks about this book. So I checked it out. I have very little fashion sense. I have enough to know that wearing stripes and dots and hot pink and other tacky colors look bad on me, and most people. I like fashion. I just can't afford it. That's what happens when you spend all your money on food. That's definitely one of my goals for the new year, to start taking better care of what I'm wearing. Get a bra that fits right as a pair of jeans that aren't baggy. I know that I'll never be comfy in dresses, so I need to play up jeans. In this book she says that she always wears jeans, which doesn't make sense because I never see photos of her in jeans. Shes always in dresses. Anyone can read this book. There's even a section for pregnant women. My only beef with it was that all the places she lists to buy clothes are the more pricier stores. Of course, you can't really expect her to shop at Target or Walmart. Other than that, I found it helpful. So check it out.

[Aspasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am NOT ashamed to say I have this book and LOVED IT! Nor am I ashamed to admit my love for Posh Spice. Despite how she personally dresses (a true denizen of Go Fug Yourself), she dispenses some very good fashion advice in the book.

[Gato Negro · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nothing special here - I totally got suckered in because I love her hair and thought maybe there were some cool hair tips in here. Anyway, it appears to me that this is a literary bl*w j*b - a big gooey "thank you" to everyone in the fashion industry who sends Posh things to wear (as in "WHO are you wearing???" - so annoying). There are no real tips with the exception of a few totally cerebral *jewels* like (1.) don't wear cap sleeves if you have heavy arms and (2.) cut the labels out of your clothes if you are a size 14 or bigger and (3.) see the little Vietnamese guy up the street for a good cheap manicure, etc. Gosh, Posh those are BRILLIANT tips! Wish *I* had thought of those...maybe Blahnik would have sent *me* some cool shoes for being so smart! Anyway, if you have nothing to do and enjoy looking at photos of Posh wearing her wonderbra and a big orange tutu (which she pretty much wears over and over in this book although she swears she never dresses like that) then this book is for you.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun book and light reading, I enjoyed it. Well, Ms. Beckham has decided to part with her style secrets in this fun, colorful book to help us average Janes avoid looking "frumpy or mumsy". Whether giving the scoop on jeans and proper fit, beauty care, or dressing for a special occasion, Beckhman manages to keep the tone practical, light and conversational - what you'd expect if your most stylish buddy sat you down and filled you in on the details, from where to buy to what works with what. She generously lists desginers and stores where you can acquire some of the same attire that she favors. The chapters on packing tips and maternity wear are great - surely this will help many of us poor souls be less dowdy when with child or with skies!

Some of the advice is pretty funny ("The first things I will say about dressing for the holidays is to get all images of reindeer jumpers out of your head."), some of it very useful ("When trying on new shoes, do it towards the end of the day when your feet have had a chance to expand."). Whether or not you are a fan of Ms. Beckham, you will certainly appreciate much of her counsel.

There are many lush, striking photos of Victoria looking very "posh" and chic as well as gorgeous line drawings throughout, making the book eye candy for all of us fashion lovers. This is one of my favorite parts of the book.

A couple critiques: some of the lingo is purely British and takes some getting used to (ex: she refers to tank tops as 'vests' which was very confusing for me) and some of the designers/stores she lists are NOT in America, which is only a hindrance if your sole goal is to imitate her style (not my goal). And some of these designer/stores are VERY expensive, making some of her suggesions out of reach for regular folk like myself.

Lastly, she freely utilizes every opportunity to promote her own line of clothing, dVb, a high end line that she subtly implies is one of the most stylish.

[Eden Silverfox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying that I bought this because I am a fan of Spice Girls and Victoria. I have been for years. I'm not really into fashion. I know what I like to wear and the places I like to shop at, but that's about it. I am just not into fashion. I did like this book though. Victoria knows what she is talking about and gives good tips. I also loved the photos of her in the book.

Even if you're not into fashion, but a fan of Victoria, I'm sure you will still like this even if just for the photos or just to collect.

[Sierra Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't want her secrets

[Blair]

Yes I did own and read both editions, what of it?

[Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so this book does not have a lot of substance, lol. I liked it though. The pictures and drawings are cute. I like the little insights into the life a Spice Girl, it's fun. I was surprised at how much I liked some of the advice though. It's pretty typical stuff, and not much of it is applicable to me as a poor college student; I cannot shop for everyday clothes at Banana Republic at this point in my life. Kitten heels are gross though, bikini waxes are a must when living in a swimsuit, and I especially liked the tip on fashioning one's own maternity jeans out of regular jeans. Even though I'm not at that point in my life either. Don't buy it, pick it up at the library or just sit in a bookstore in order to flip through it, if you're really interested. If you are in fact a fashionista go ahead and make the purchase. If, like me, you only sometimes think about caring about fashion ... just do the library thing.

[Jan De la Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book, hardcover, first edition, the week it came out in London. Always fascinated by fashion and specially LBD's (that Victoria was famous for perpetuating on stage), I have this weird ritual to read it every couple of years and this is my fourth time.
I love all things Victoria but I love all this fab on top of that and the book is really really beautifully constructed, well designed and made to last another generation of style concious girls.
Written to be understood, with simple tips and rules (and never endings lists of where to shop around the world), it's a book I would love to lend but my friends are a lot pickier on nightstand literature than me.

Not a simple guilty pleasure, more an excuse to review, perfect and transform my wardrobe and ask myself how can things be changed for the best.
Also, Pinterest inspiration comes in handy.

Diane von Furstenberg's name is misspelled throught the book, though.
Unacceptable mistake, ha

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came out when I was at just the right age when it couldn't have been more helpful and essential for a tomboy who never gave fashion a second look until she entered the working force and fell out of the sheltered bubble of small town America High School and suddenly needed to know the who, what, how, and why of all things she--I--had until then been utterly oblivious and clueless to.

Without being vapid, materialistic, or superficial, it was in fact cheeky, honest, passionate--because, come one, it was written by Posh Spice, this was her niche. By the time I finished the guide of a book, I even found myself enthused and excited about discovering my style now that I was more self aware, knew where to start and and references to try, the do's and don'ts, how to wear what without forgetting to make it plain that though there may be some fashion laws that doesn't include the sacrifice of one's personal style and personality.

It was a fun read. Plain and simple.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was never as into fashion as many tend to be, and I tend to go for what is accessible/comfortable first. On the days I feel like dressing up, I like to look put together, but I never really had the patience for extensive thought about fashion.

Although I think Victoria Beckham is witty, I did find the book a bit boring with the excruciating detail it includes about different tops/shoes/skirts etc.

I enjoyed bits of it and found some of her stuff intriguing, but also most of it was irrelevant since all her recommendations are usually for those who live in England.

A somewhat fun read, but unless you are deeply (and I mean DEEPLY) interesting in fashion, then maybe just thumb through it like a magazine. Some beautiful photos in there and lots of aesthetically pleasing sketches etc.

[Kristi Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read all my reviews at: https://brainfartsandbooks.wordpress.com

Probably one of the most fun books I've read this year. What girl doesn't love fashion? Victoria Beckham claims she has no fashion or style certifications but just loves putting outfits together and creating her own style. The book is divided neatly into sections including jeans, tops, dresses, shoes, vacations, accessories, and more. The full color pictures and photos really add to the book. Beckham gives the reader lists of shops, both online and brick-and-mortar, that she frequents for each type of clothing. She details her beauty routine and talks about how she loves wearing heels all the time despite being a full time mummy. All I could think was "Ouch!". A fast and informative read packed with fashion and style tips and ideas.

[Ceri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why did I buy this book,I really don't know.
I absolutely hate everything about Victoria Beckham and avoid everything associated with her at all costs usually.
But for some reason I bought this book,despite the fact I don't even like her so called 'fashion sense'.
I suppose curiosity got the better of me and I wanted to see if it was actually any good.It wasn't.
She promotes her jeans,goes on about her skin care regime but doesn't really tell you anything new.

If you need a guide for the basics of style(what are the perfect jeans for you for example) then maybe this is for you.
But if your looking for something that was written by a fashion expert(which Mrs Beckham is most certainly not),I'd give this a miss.

[Marina (Good Reads Mad Reads Radio) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think every woman should be forced to read this book. I grew up not very close with my mother and this is one of those books that taught me how to be a girl.

That extra half inch is written in a very fun way. Victoria Beckham addresses a lot of woman issues especially fashion things you wouldn't think of and lays out the how tos in easy to read sections. you can read it as a good book, take notes on the note pages, or bring it with you shopping. this was my first introduction into fashion and it taught me what my real sizes were how to find your perfect fitting bra and so much more.

The book reads like a big sister giving girlie advice. I have three sisters and this book is definitely being gifted to them the moment they enter highschool

[pri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very fun. Celebrates the art of choosing and wearing things that make you feel and look great. But also provides some useful 'never go outside looking like...' advice. She is very tongue in cheek, self deprecating, honest, and aware that she is incredibly lucky to have the life that she does. Didn't walk away wanting to re-haul my wardrobe, but I did get some packing/traveling tips as well as some useful reminders ("the most expensive thing in your closet is the one you only wear once"). Note to US readers: The version that I had was very UK-shop-centric. So much of her 'you can get this sort of stuff here' doesn't really apply to this side of the pond.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good. if you didn't know much about fashion it would prove useful as it provided lots of tips and ideas, especially if you live in London...
the set out of the book was good; broken up into different sections as to not confuse readers and each section had a double page for notes which is a nifty idea if you're reading this book to change your style or are quite clueless when it comes to styling yourself and where to start.
but really, i kinda only read this for Victoria Beckham. i love her fashion line. some of her pieces are gorgeous and absolute classic pieces that will take you season after season.
good book for a posh spice...

[Dani Cree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I read this book, I didn't even like Victoria Beckham.
I got this stuck-up vibe from her, and I didn't think she would be a person who would want to help others when it came to fashion or beauty in general.
Surprisingly, Posh spills all in this book, from where to buy to how to wear. Even the little tidbits she learned as a kid from her mother are included throughout the sections of the novel.
Although I do recommend reading it by section, rather than front to back, like I did. I find it's more useful if you absorb the information that you personally want to know first.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems to be chalk full of pointers, tips and tricks to avoid the dreaded faux pas of fashion. Definitely one of those books you can pick up, glance through, put back down and come back again. Not something to read once and put aside. Definitely is and will be one of those reads that I keep in the back of my mind when I shop as it helps me keep on the look out for clothes that don't necessarily fit very well. Overall, lovely book. I have no problem recommending this title for random reading or small advice on fashion, and clothing.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is major. This book was a nice little book about beauty and fashion tips, heavy on the fashion and Victoria Beckham also shared a bit about her life in the fashion world. I love Posh, so this book was a must read for me. I bought the UK hardcover version when I finally had some money to spare and then I bought the US version week it came out. There's a whole chapter devoted to blue jeans--genius!

[Tam Starita · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books to read for the fact that it was inspirational, aspirational and speaks from the sensibility of all of us being a girl at heart. It is great to follow her journey and see how she has made a name for herself as one of the fashion icons of our time. A reader gets insight into her process of developing her own sense of style as well. Illustration and photography beautiful as well.

[Mamfale · Rating 5 out of 5]

- This book is definitely my style as I am a closet fashionista. I have always been somewhat into fashion (though not to the catwalk and Fashion Week extent) but I think I hindered myself by letting my body image affect my love for shopping and fashion.
- Victoria Beckham has endless tips and tricks, suggestions and faux-pas to help girls who don't have access to all that POSH glam.
- Love it and will use it more often from now on.
Also LOVE the title!

[Lili Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Victoria Beckham’s fashion style, but I felt like this book was just advertising Topshop and mostly high end luxury brands. Wish she ventured out to other brands versus just reverting back to “vintage.”

I did like how she said, “If the idea of wearing a size 14 freaks you out, don’t try to squeeze into a 12; buy the size that fits and cut out the label.” I have clothes ranging from an XS to a L...the label really shouldn’t matter!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Had to check it out, although my husband teased me mercilessly. Nothing more than a glamor mag. No useful information whatsoever. That alone wouldn't be enough to condemn it outright, but it wasn't even entertaining. I couldn't spend more than 30 minutes reading it.

[Sugarrr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of nice photos, a very colorful book, a few tips I can use but it only gets 4 stars instead of 5 because I could do without it, I've read some better style and fashion books .
It was still interesting though !

[Suzanah · Rating 1 out of 5]

what i learned? how much money can a girl throw away .this is a serious addiction.

[Alexandria · Rating 1 out of 5]

great book on fashion, written by the always-appropriate, always- fashionable Victoria Beckham.

[Julie Sanderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

A book of naming designers...

[Joana Faria]

Nobody has to read this book. I just looked at the illustrations. They're gorgeous.