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Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style
As Bravo’s style mentor on and Chair of the Fashion Design Department at Parsons The New School for Design, Tim Gunn became a household name. He delivered advice in a frank, witty, and authoritative manner that delighted audiences.
Now readers can benefit from Tim’s considerable fashion wisdom in . He discusses every aspect of creating and maintaining your personal style: how to dress for various occasions, how to shop (from designer to chain to vintage stores), how to pick a fashion mentor, how to improve your posture, find the perfect fit, and more. He’ll challenge every reader—whether a seasoned fashionista or a style neophyte-to “make it work!”
Now readers can benefit from Tim’s considerable fashion wisdom in . He discusses every aspect of creating and maintaining your personal style: how to dress for various occasions, how to shop (from designer to chain to vintage stores), how to pick a fashion mentor, how to improve your posture, find the perfect fit, and more. He’ll challenge every reader—whether a seasoned fashionista or a style neophyte-to “make it work!”
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
128 people are currently reading
1762 people want to read
About the author
Tim Gunn
16 books192 followersTimothy M. Gunn is an American fashion consultant and television personality. He was chair of fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design from August 2000 to March 2007 and is well-known as on-air mentor to designers on the Bravo reality television program Project Runway. Gunn's popularity on Project Runway led to his spin-off show, Bravo's Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, as well as his book A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 337 reviews
January 27, 2019
Tim Gunn is one of my favorite celebrities. The man has class and unlike so many in the fashion world, he also happens to be considerate and kind. I often wish that he would help me with a brand new makeover and clothes shopping! My daughter and I enjoyed his TV Show, “Guide to Style” so much, that we plan on watching them again. I liked this book just fine, but didn’t love it nearly as much as “Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making it Work”.
There were some good tips in this, but nothing groundbreaking. I knew most of it already. For me, it was just an enjoyable reminder. The illustrations are charming.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“There is no reason to have something taking up space in your closet that does not make you feel good. These items must go. Perhaps you like to torture yourself by trying on some jeans from a few years ago to see if you can button them. Clothes do not exist to humiliate their owners. Please do not force garments into performing psychological tasks for which they were not designed.”
“Few activities are as delightful as learning new vocabulary.”
“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.” —Epictetus”
“Although there are few things easier than throwing on a dress, something about them communicates that you have made an effort.”
There were some good tips in this, but nothing groundbreaking. I knew most of it already. For me, it was just an enjoyable reminder. The illustrations are charming.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“There is no reason to have something taking up space in your closet that does not make you feel good. These items must go. Perhaps you like to torture yourself by trying on some jeans from a few years ago to see if you can button them. Clothes do not exist to humiliate their owners. Please do not force garments into performing psychological tasks for which they were not designed.”
“Few activities are as delightful as learning new vocabulary.”
“Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.” —Epictetus”
“Although there are few things easier than throwing on a dress, something about them communicates that you have made an effort.”
April 26, 2008
If you are a fan of Tim Gunn, crisp grammar, fashion, and excellent vocabulary, then this book is for you. This is not a style guide that you can just breeze through, and memorize the pretty pictures. First off, there are no pictures but just a few illustrations. Secondly, Tim Gunn takes his business very seriously so his writing is dense. For the most part, I had to have a pocket dictionary beside me when reading this book. I felt smarter after reading this book if not also better equipped to dress better (and appropriately).
Don't get me wrong, this is not a text book or a dull self-righetous tome. Tim has your best interest at heart, and forces you to look inward in order to develop a better outward. Imagine if you had a therapist who was also your stylist! Tim is also very funny. His anecodotes keep the book from being too heavy.
I highly suggest that you buy this book, so you can underline or highlight the vocabulary words and relevant sections. (As a librarian, I'm always urging people to borrow from the library.)
Don't get me wrong, this is not a text book or a dull self-righetous tome. Tim has your best interest at heart, and forces you to look inward in order to develop a better outward. Imagine if you had a therapist who was also your stylist! Tim is also very funny. His anecodotes keep the book from being too heavy.
I highly suggest that you buy this book, so you can underline or highlight the vocabulary words and relevant sections. (As a librarian, I'm always urging people to borrow from the library.)
August 2, 2007
Tim Gunn could (and should!) write big-worded instructional guides for all aspects of life, and I'd excitedly devour it.
Sure, you might already know how to dress yourself and not look like hell revisited. Maybe you don't care about style at all! Point being, if you derive any enjoyment from Tim Gunn whatsoever, such circumstances should not stop you from reading this book.
(for funzies: Pretend he is sitting at your kitchen table drinking coffee with you as you read.)
Sure, you might already know how to dress yourself and not look like hell revisited. Maybe you don't care about style at all! Point being, if you derive any enjoyment from Tim Gunn whatsoever, such circumstances should not stop you from reading this book.
(for funzies: Pretend he is sitting at your kitchen table drinking coffee with you as you read.)
January 27, 2012
Oh yes, this was the kind of book I was looking for! Gunn's book is a book you can actually use as opposed to just read, which was a great follow-up to the disappointment of Nina Garcia's book. Gunn makes it more than halfway through the book before he even begins to address the clothing you need in your closet. He first covers other aspects of our appearance that affect how the world sees us: attitude, posture, skin care and more. His descriptions are clear and effective, and I can already see a difference in my posture. (Gunn's advice? Instead of the "shoulders back" mantra that gives you a Disney's Pocahontas look, bring your shoulders straight down from the ears. I'm telling you, it works!)
Not only is the book full of great, easily applicable advice, it's well written and full of quotable gems like: "we are constantly told that unless a body part is toned it should be kept, like the crazed first wife of Mr. Rochester, locked away to keep from offending the new governess." But it's not all light-hearted! Gunn rather convincingly works Kierkegaard into the discussion of cleaning out your closet (make a choice or someone else will make it for you--that is, make a choice about your personal style versus what the "fashion experts" say--, and the unmediated choice is the only one you'll regret--that is, if you have to ask if you should keep it, don't!). Overall, this book was much more about finding a way to be confident than about wearing the "right" thing. A great read and highly recommended both for the writing and for the advice!
Not only is the book full of great, easily applicable advice, it's well written and full of quotable gems like: "we are constantly told that unless a body part is toned it should be kept, like the crazed first wife of Mr. Rochester, locked away to keep from offending the new governess." But it's not all light-hearted! Gunn rather convincingly works Kierkegaard into the discussion of cleaning out your closet (make a choice or someone else will make it for you--that is, make a choice about your personal style versus what the "fashion experts" say--, and the unmediated choice is the only one you'll regret--that is, if you have to ask if you should keep it, don't!). Overall, this book was much more about finding a way to be confident than about wearing the "right" thing. A great read and highly recommended both for the writing and for the advice!
May 29, 2007
I absolutely love Project Runway, and I love Tim's voice of reason and wisdom on the show; those aspects of his personality really come out in this guide. Unlike the typical fashion and style book formula, Tim is not going to give you a set of questions and give you a "look" based on a majority of a, b, or c responses. Although his suggestions are somewhat shopworn at times, I really felt this was only because they're universal and... true! My favorite section of the book was on choosing a fashion icon - rather than tell you to buy trench coats and over-sized sunglasses to emulate say, Jackie O, his suggestions are far more about choosing someone whose taste you can admire and whose essence you can channel, all the while incorporating the ideas that make you who you are. All in all, I thought this was a fun, interesting read and a must for Project Runway and Tim Gunn fans.
Read
May 2, 2017Possibly the most useless book I have ever read -- that is, the most useless book for me. This is a guide on how to look elegant for women 25+ years old in wealthy (upper middle class and upwards) societies. I thought this was a book about how to style yourself and dress nicely, but really, the only thing useful in this is how to sort through a closet and eliminate pieces that you don't want anymore before you go shopping again.
This is not to say I don't love Tim Gunn. Here's a hilarious moment on Project Runway that you ought to watch: "Where is Andre?"
This is a wake-up call for me to go back to my list of important books and spend my time with those.
This is not to say I don't love Tim Gunn. Here's a hilarious moment on Project Runway that you ought to watch: "Where is Andre?"
This is a wake-up call for me to go back to my list of important books and spend my time with those.
July 23, 2007
There is really nothing to be learned from this book that you don't already know...but isn't Tim Gunn fabulous?
May 14, 2022
DNF at 55%
This is mostly a book about tips on how to get rid of clothes you don't use, wardrobe staples everyone should own, basic suggestions to correct a bad posture, how to take proper care of your skin and body, how to buy in different kinds of fashion stores, and so on. Of course, style goes beyond what one wears and, while I appreciated that Gunn remarked this on every chapter, everything else that he states is either common sense or something you could easily find in more depth in any fashion blog.
The way it's written and the topics it covers make it seem that Gunn wrote this book with shopaholics and fashion maniacs in mind, people who base their value solely on their looks or who use shopping as a coping mechanism:
"We shop out of boredom, for release, for excitement, for a sense of achievement, for a sense of control over our unruly existences. And every so often, we shop because we need something to wear. Shopping did not always fulfill so many needs".
Moreover, while he acknowledges that the way you dress is the first impression you give of who/ how you are (unfortunately, judging by appearances is inevitable at best and necessary at worst), he never explains how to make clothes reflect your personality, feelings or aspirations.
Sadly, the chapters with more potential ("The fashion mentor: beyond Audrey", "Let's go: shopping at last!") weren't properly addressed. The former didn't have hands-on advice and the latter was one of the shortest sections. I wasn't expecting anything groundbreaking, but I thought this was a handy manual that compiled a wide variety of fashion tips and styles in a brief, organized and clear way. It isn't.
Maybe it's just me, but I was expecting a more profound exploration of personal style from this book. It even reminded me why most people consider fashion frivolous and vapid. Or maybe it's just that fashion and style are two completely separate things. Still, it's entertaining enough to give it a go if it catches your eye, if you're curious, or if you consider yourself to be one of the aforementioned people.
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Rating: 5/10
This is mostly a book about tips on how to get rid of clothes you don't use, wardrobe staples everyone should own, basic suggestions to correct a bad posture, how to take proper care of your skin and body, how to buy in different kinds of fashion stores, and so on. Of course, style goes beyond what one wears and, while I appreciated that Gunn remarked this on every chapter, everything else that he states is either common sense or something you could easily find in more depth in any fashion blog.
The way it's written and the topics it covers make it seem that Gunn wrote this book with shopaholics and fashion maniacs in mind, people who base their value solely on their looks or who use shopping as a coping mechanism:
"We shop out of boredom, for release, for excitement, for a sense of achievement, for a sense of control over our unruly existences. And every so often, we shop because we need something to wear. Shopping did not always fulfill so many needs".
Moreover, while he acknowledges that the way you dress is the first impression you give of who/ how you are (unfortunately, judging by appearances is inevitable at best and necessary at worst), he never explains how to make clothes reflect your personality, feelings or aspirations.
Sadly, the chapters with more potential ("The fashion mentor: beyond Audrey", "Let's go: shopping at last!") weren't properly addressed. The former didn't have hands-on advice and the latter was one of the shortest sections. I wasn't expecting anything groundbreaking, but I thought this was a handy manual that compiled a wide variety of fashion tips and styles in a brief, organized and clear way. It isn't.
Maybe it's just me, but I was expecting a more profound exploration of personal style from this book. It even reminded me why most people consider fashion frivolous and vapid. Or maybe it's just that fashion and style are two completely separate things. Still, it's entertaining enough to give it a go if it catches your eye, if you're curious, or if you consider yourself to be one of the aforementioned people.
-----------------------------------------
Rating: 5/10
December 23, 2007
Basic idea? Stop dressing like a slutty sixteen-year-old. Stop dressing your five-year old like a slutty sixteen-year-old. And oh yeah, don't let your sixteen-year-old dress like a slut. Jesus, people, this is not that hard.
September 20, 2010
I've read a fair number of books on style/fashion so I know something about the genre. This is by far the best one ever written. EVER. Here's why:
Tim is very knowledgable about fashion but he is more interested in style. His tips will help you hone in on one. I loved the way he suggested that we need to pick a uniform. Even better, pick a few uniforms and then do not deviate from them. You already know what you like and what *really* looks good on you. Go with it. I'm a boy. I like to wear jeans and t-shirts and boots. I don't like to wear high heels. I love blazers. And I feel like a drag queen when I put on a skirt that's anything other than a knee length pencil skirt which we all know is the boy of the skirt world.
But, I'm also a German washer woman. I like clogs and pretzels and white blouses. And beer. And braids. And Black Forest ham. Oooh, and Black Forest cake. And streudel. Not so much lederhosen though.
Okay, so Tim knows fashion. So what? Well, turns out he's also rather adroit with the English language which makes his book fun to read. He is also well-versed in things like philosophy and literature. In the chapter on organizing your closet he references Kierkegaard. And he doesn't dumb it down. He expects you to have done the reading and shown up for class prepared.
And Tim is funny. And mannerly. And doesn't care what you think when he says that your velour track pants are a crime against nature. Especially when you pair with the LV Speedy.
"So, what's wrong with this picture? Your diction is clashing with your tone, young lady. Yes, we said it."
Fwahahahahaha!
On wearing obvious labels:
"This is not so much style as armor - 'Look!' these items plead. 'My owner has money and receives the same magazines you do!'"
On the problems of teen rebellion in the modern era:
"When little sister is in a baby Ramones T-shirt...what's a kid to do? Once, thrift shops and small, niche stores catered to lovers of the outré. Today, chain stores sell the old emblems of dissatisfaction to pepole of all ages...Black nail polish, where is thy sting?"
Brills. I haven't finished the book yet but I'm pretty sure I'm buying this one. And one for each of my girls.
Tim is very knowledgable about fashion but he is more interested in style. His tips will help you hone in on one. I loved the way he suggested that we need to pick a uniform. Even better, pick a few uniforms and then do not deviate from them. You already know what you like and what *really* looks good on you. Go with it. I'm a boy. I like to wear jeans and t-shirts and boots. I don't like to wear high heels. I love blazers. And I feel like a drag queen when I put on a skirt that's anything other than a knee length pencil skirt which we all know is the boy of the skirt world.
But, I'm also a German washer woman. I like clogs and pretzels and white blouses. And beer. And braids. And Black Forest ham. Oooh, and Black Forest cake. And streudel. Not so much lederhosen though.
Okay, so Tim knows fashion. So what? Well, turns out he's also rather adroit with the English language which makes his book fun to read. He is also well-versed in things like philosophy and literature. In the chapter on organizing your closet he references Kierkegaard. And he doesn't dumb it down. He expects you to have done the reading and shown up for class prepared.
And Tim is funny. And mannerly. And doesn't care what you think when he says that your velour track pants are a crime against nature. Especially when you pair with the LV Speedy.
"So, what's wrong with this picture? Your diction is clashing with your tone, young lady. Yes, we said it."
Fwahahahahaha!
On wearing obvious labels:
"This is not so much style as armor - 'Look!' these items plead. 'My owner has money and receives the same magazines you do!'"
On the problems of teen rebellion in the modern era:
"When little sister is in a baby Ramones T-shirt...what's a kid to do? Once, thrift shops and small, niche stores catered to lovers of the outré. Today, chain stores sell the old emblems of dissatisfaction to pepole of all ages...Black nail polish, where is thy sting?"
Brills. I haven't finished the book yet but I'm pretty sure I'm buying this one. And one for each of my girls.
December 27, 2013
I adore Tim Gunn, and this is the utterly charming, intelligent, and forthright guide to life and style that anyone would expect from him. Who else, when discussing fashion, could so smoothly drop references to Barthes and Kierkegaard, teach vocabulary (sartorial, tattersall, gamine, ungulate) and pull off statements like "Kurt Cobain may have done more for the cardigan sweater than anyone since Fred Rogers"? He shakes his witty head at a long list of fashion and manner faux pas (and repeatedly at his mother) while empowering the reader with his signature mentoring skills. An entertaining and useful little guide that will make you want to clean out your closet, straighten your posture, step up your game, and make it work. (Though apologies, Tim, I doubt I will ever stop dressing down for the airport.)
July 1, 2007
You can get a sense of Tim Gunn's fashion principles by watching Project Runway - clothes should above all be wearable and flattering, a style can be assessed on its own terms rather than some universal measure of fashionable/unfashionable, etc. So none of this is revolutionary or terribly specific, but it's certainly more fun to hear it from Tim Gunn than from a magazine. And his advice on closet-clearing -- get rid of all the clothes you don't love and wear regularly, period -- is definitely useful.
March 27, 2009
More interesting and insightful than I expected - who would expect to find Roland Barthes and Kierkegaard referenced in a style guide?
September 10, 2022
Most of us know Tim Gunn from his appearances on television programs such as Project Runway and Making the Cut, but of course he had a long and illustrious career long before he graced our TV screens. Calling upon decades of experience in design education and his own formidable eye for style, Gunn offers advice for those wishing to improve their own sense of the fashionable.
Gunn and his co-author Kate Maloney write in a light, whimsical way; the book is full of wry observations and bon mots. I could almost hear Gunn's dry vocal delivery on almost every page, which was fun. The collaborators discuss the state of fashion today, common style mistakes, and finding ones own style mentors. I was surprised, but ultimately pleased, that they spent much of their time talking about things that extend beyond the realm of design. For example, they begin with a discussion of how important it is to know oneself. Without having an idea of who you are, you will not be able to develop a coherent fashion sense. They also discuss subjects such as posture, fit, and context, all before diving into specific recommendations for clothing purchases (or clothing discards).
If I have a complaint about this book, it would probably be that the vast majority of the detailed style advice is aimed at women. I know that's normative for the industry, but I really would have enjoyed a few more tips specifically for us guys. What kind of suit is best for different body types? Are there colors I should avoid as I get older? And so forth. That said, I still took away a few thoughts that will stick with me the next time I go to the mall or the boutique - or when I finally get around to culling my closet!
Gunn and his co-author Kate Maloney write in a light, whimsical way; the book is full of wry observations and bon mots. I could almost hear Gunn's dry vocal delivery on almost every page, which was fun. The collaborators discuss the state of fashion today, common style mistakes, and finding ones own style mentors. I was surprised, but ultimately pleased, that they spent much of their time talking about things that extend beyond the realm of design. For example, they begin with a discussion of how important it is to know oneself. Without having an idea of who you are, you will not be able to develop a coherent fashion sense. They also discuss subjects such as posture, fit, and context, all before diving into specific recommendations for clothing purchases (or clothing discards).
If I have a complaint about this book, it would probably be that the vast majority of the detailed style advice is aimed at women. I know that's normative for the industry, but I really would have enjoyed a few more tips specifically for us guys. What kind of suit is best for different body types? Are there colors I should avoid as I get older? And so forth. That said, I still took away a few thoughts that will stick with me the next time I go to the mall or the boutique - or when I finally get around to culling my closet!
September 20, 2019
I guess I've read too many books like this. Tim has a lovely, warm personality (not "bitchy") but I'm just over the fetishization of French words and New York City. Other than that it was a sweet, fun, fast read.
I liked the section on posture and exfoliation and appreciate that he generally stresses that it's not all about designer brands.
Fans of Tim should check out this lovely podcast interview he did: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/prx/...
I liked the section on posture and exfoliation and appreciate that he generally stresses that it's not all about designer brands.
Fans of Tim should check out this lovely podcast interview he did: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/prx/...
December 31, 2019
A Guide to Quality Taste & Style is a nice little styling book. It goes over basic things to consider like cleaning out closets, shopping, and dress codes. It was a considerably quick read. The information seems like a good starting point, especially if you've never taken a good look at how you dress. I already followed a lot of the advice presented, so there wasn't much new for me. However, I still enjoyed this book.
This book was library borrowed.
This review is also posted on my blog Toile Think Go
This book was library borrowed.
This review is also posted on my blog Toile Think Go
April 7, 2021
I was looking for a good, in-depth look at style and got a few great nuggets in a sea of okay-but-not-great tidbits. I had to pause to look up terms and people every page just to understand the jokes, and I was pretty disappointed in the section on types of style, and particularly in the chapter on where to shop. I'm not a fan of fast fashion, but there weren't any other alternatives presented. I did really like the section on posture, and his sweatsuit alternative idea was great. But all in all not the book I was hoping for.
June 11, 2018
Funny, useful, and contains a surprising breadth of philosophical references.
March 18, 2021
Tim Gunn is a whole mood, and I love it. 🤣
February 20, 2024
The most helpful part of this book was the glossary at the end.
March 18, 2020
I'm very conflicted about this book. On the one hand, it has some good practical advice for building a wardrobe and I did not expect much from the book (it was free). On the other hand, it was published in 2007 and feels incredibly dated - advocating many ageist and sexist biases about fashion that have always existed in the industry, that we've become more conscious of, and are actively challenging.
There are whole sections on "fashion rules," that are essentially monoculture for waifs, that I think we've moved beyond with the body positivity, queer, and burlesque movements. Some examples: 1) Not being able to wear crop tops unless you have a 6-pack, 2) Not wearing certain garments over certain ages 3) Not showing cleavage, 4) Not dressing like Halloween, aka something ever goth has heard since high school, and 5) frowning upon athleisure. Additionally, the author recommends fast-fashion brands like H&M as a way to save money while still shopping trends. This is unacceptable in our current plight for sustainability. Honestly if we could stop trying to make people feel bad about their décolletage, that would be awesome. I'm with the French on that one.
If you can put aside the dated-feeling of this book, you will find some helpful tips! They are buried in sections about: 1) How to organize your closet, 2) How to build an essential (minimal) wardrobe, 3) How to create an authentic personal style 4) How to accessorize, and 5) A super helpful taxonomy/history on retailers (that also feels a bit dated, but is good to know).
There are whole sections on "fashion rules," that are essentially monoculture for waifs, that I think we've moved beyond with the body positivity, queer, and burlesque movements. Some examples: 1) Not being able to wear crop tops unless you have a 6-pack, 2) Not wearing certain garments over certain ages 3) Not showing cleavage, 4) Not dressing like Halloween, aka something ever goth has heard since high school, and 5) frowning upon athleisure. Additionally, the author recommends fast-fashion brands like H&M as a way to save money while still shopping trends. This is unacceptable in our current plight for sustainability. Honestly if we could stop trying to make people feel bad about their décolletage, that would be awesome. I'm with the French on that one.
If you can put aside the dated-feeling of this book, you will find some helpful tips! They are buried in sections about: 1) How to organize your closet, 2) How to build an essential (minimal) wardrobe, 3) How to create an authentic personal style 4) How to accessorize, and 5) A super helpful taxonomy/history on retailers (that also feels a bit dated, but is good to know).
July 11, 2016
I picked this up because I love two things 1) style guides and 2) Tim Gunn. So when there is a combination of these things, who am I to resist?
But sadly there are a couple of problems with this little book. Firstly, its very standard, to the point of being basic- buy good quality classic pieces, find a style icon and study their looks, experiment with something new from time to time and don't let your look become to precious, or too costumey.
None of this is bad advice, but its been done. I was hoping more from this particular guru.
The other flaw, I'm afraid to say, is the worse of the two sins. The book does not read like Tim Gunn. As a devotee of Project Runway, I dearly love the kind and almost educational tone of Tim Gunn, and this book does not read like he is the one speaking to us. Instead it has the gossipy, fluffy tone that is almost the trademark of these sort of books. Thats disappointing.
If the voice was better, I would be much more interested in this little volume. As it is, its basic advice and brief tone makes it the kind of thing you can knock out in an afternoon, possibly two.
But sadly there are a couple of problems with this little book. Firstly, its very standard, to the point of being basic- buy good quality classic pieces, find a style icon and study their looks, experiment with something new from time to time and don't let your look become to precious, or too costumey.
None of this is bad advice, but its been done. I was hoping more from this particular guru.
The other flaw, I'm afraid to say, is the worse of the two sins. The book does not read like Tim Gunn. As a devotee of Project Runway, I dearly love the kind and almost educational tone of Tim Gunn, and this book does not read like he is the one speaking to us. Instead it has the gossipy, fluffy tone that is almost the trademark of these sort of books. Thats disappointing.
If the voice was better, I would be much more interested in this little volume. As it is, its basic advice and brief tone makes it the kind of thing you can knock out in an afternoon, possibly two.
September 11, 2010
I love Tim Gunn, and I was looking forward to love-love-loving this book, but it was a case of Expectations Versus Reality. I was expecting too much, and I was expecting this to be something different from what it was.
I did like the clarity of Tim Gunn's voice coming through in the writing; I could absolutely imagine him saying the whole thing out loud. And I did like the occasional nugget of novel wisdom (e.g., Don't buy anything on sale that you wouldn't buy at full price), but on the whole this book for me was too light, too short on words, and too short on pictures/illustrations.
And I didn't get the one or two digs he has at the expense of his mother! They didn't seem to be in jest, they really felt like tiny little footnoted attacks. I didn't like the spirit of this, and I really didn't think that they fitted in with the content and message of everything else he was saying.
But I still love him.
I did like the clarity of Tim Gunn's voice coming through in the writing; I could absolutely imagine him saying the whole thing out loud. And I did like the occasional nugget of novel wisdom (e.g., Don't buy anything on sale that you wouldn't buy at full price), but on the whole this book for me was too light, too short on words, and too short on pictures/illustrations.
And I didn't get the one or two digs he has at the expense of his mother! They didn't seem to be in jest, they really felt like tiny little footnoted attacks. I didn't like the spirit of this, and I really didn't think that they fitted in with the content and message of everything else he was saying.
But I still love him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2010
The writing style is charmingly goofy and the advice is inspirational and upbeat. There's no snark*, there's no angst, it's all about how to figure out who you are and how you want others to perceive you. Whether you're sartorially inspired by Oprah Winfrey or Natalie Portman, it's all about carefully evaluating your closet and making future purchasing decisions based on what fits you -- your personality, your body and your budget.
For those of us who need a bit more explicit advice about how to know when something fits, how to determine whether or not a fabric will stand up to regular wear and what all a tailor can do, The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look by Kendall Farr might be a welcome supplement.
*Ok, upon reflection, there is a little snark. But it's mostly related to the ubiquitousness of flip-flops and pajamas in public, so I'm giving him a free pass on it.
For those of us who need a bit more explicit advice about how to know when something fits, how to determine whether or not a fabric will stand up to regular wear and what all a tailor can do, The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look by Kendall Farr might be a welcome supplement.
*Ok, upon reflection, there is a little snark. But it's mostly related to the ubiquitousness of flip-flops and pajamas in public, so I'm giving him a free pass on it.
November 19, 2010
Not exactly a page-turner, but lots of very erudite, very good tips from the God of all things tasteful and wonderful himself. Covers lots of ground--from what to wear to how to pack to whose style to idolize to how to interpret dress code on invitations. I basically skimmed and then slowed down for the bits that very much pertained to me, however if fashion and style is your milieu this is probably a bible for you. I learned that I should wear high-waisted things with bottoms (and shoes & socks) all of one color to make my legs look longer and my penchant for low-waists and too-short tops allowing my midriff to be exposed too often is not approved. As a result, I am currently waging a war on clothes that have shrunk too much (or I have grown too much) to fit in properly. Thank you Tim Gunn for being so awesome and poised and magnificent.
January 24, 2012
What this book lacks in substance it makes up in style-- in the very best way possible. I was hoping for more specificity on certain topics, but I was completely taken with the charm of the whole thing. And I really did learn a few things that I plan to apply to my style revolution. Perhaps the more important point about this book is that by the time I was done, I felt more self-assured and, dare I say, more fabulous. The voice of the book really feels like Tim Gunn has taken the time to retreat to his Manhattan apartment and pen 204 pages of sincere advice to help you, the reader, live a richer life. A bit cheesy? Perhaps, but if you find yourself drawn to Tim Gunn's personality and think you'll enjoy this book-- go for it! I bet you'll be right.
December 17, 2007
This book was refreshing and not too preachy. Tim Gunn writes just as he speaks on TV, very proper with references to obscure books and movies. It was nice to read a book which was not an advocate for purchasing high priced fashion...the focus was on identifying personal style. Personal style does not have to come from Saks Fifth Avenue, but can come from Banana Republic or even target. You want to invest in key pieces and have fun with the trends. Style is not just about clothes, but appearance and carriage. I say if you get this book you won't be disappointed and it can be a good reference/reminder for yourself. If you get it...bully for you!
September 8, 2007
I love Tim Gunn on Project Runway and I loved his book! Reading it is like having a personal conversation with him, where he is charming and fun and makes you feel fabulous about yourself. Some of the tips are new but most are classic ideas, based on more traditional standards of taste before our society became so casual. A fun and light read, it reminds you to take care of yourself without feeling guilty, and gives you a little push to finally get rid of the top that is cute on the hanger but wrong on you.
September 11, 2012
I really enjoyed this one. Let's face it, Tim Gunn is one of those men that I do admire -- he's polished, cultured and cultivated, and has a true sense of who he is. I like that. While this book did lack something that I really wanted to see - namely, that list of ten items that every woman needs in her closet -- the rest is very informative, and useful. While it is a rather thin book, I do recommend it. Four stars overall, and very much recommended.
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/content_40368...
For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/content_40368...
August 10, 2007
I really liked this book. Tim Gunn has always come across as this savvy smart man, and the book just feels as if he is there speaking with you. I didn't know who some of the style icons they mentioned, and he used some vocabulary I wasn't even familiar with... which just made me like him more. Most importanly I am trying to use the tips he suggested on improving my posture.
Well Done Tim Gunn.. and your writing partner.
Well Done Tim Gunn.. and your writing partner.
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