Eccentric Glamour: Creating an Insanely More Fabulous You

by Simon Doonan

A personal style guide for women by a style arbiter offers counsel on how to break free from retail-dictated choices and how to use fashion to convey individual style, mood, and personality.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Self Help, Humor, Memoir, Personal Development, Pop Culture

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2008

About the author

Writer, fashionista, acclaimed window dresser and author Simon Doonan is the Creative Ambassador for Barneys New York. His books include Confessions of a Window Dresser, Soccer Style, Eccentric Glamour and Gay Men Don’t Get Fat. His memoir 'Beautiful People’ was turned into a BBC TV series starring Oscar-winners Olivia Coleman and Brenda Blethyn. Simon appears as a judge on the NBC television show Making It, co-hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman.

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, so I have both a problem and a strange fascination with fashion books. Fashion books are mostly name-droppy, classist, expensive, dictatorial twaddle that make women feel bad while purporting to make them feel good. "Oh, honey, you can't have square glasses with that square face!" "One Balenciaga handbag should be kept as an investment piece." SERIOUSLY. PLEASE STOP. Even those books that supposedly take "an irreverent look at fashion" or whatever fall prey to at least some of this. Yet I continue to occasionally read them.

Part of this is because I am constantly annoyed with clothes in re 1. how expensive they are, 2. how stupid and ugly and horribly colored in the season's hot colors they are, and 3. how none of them ever fit me unless I make them myself. And yet I want better clothes, because I, the girl who still wears her little brother's twelve year old uniform oxfords with the sleeves cut and hemmed after she went through all of their elbows, care about how I look. I see clothes as a high-level investment, even when I'm (always, always) shopping at Goodwill. I want fashion books to give me some damn ideas for how to get better clothes in the face of all this. Fashion books, give me some ideas! If you don't give me ideas, what good are you? I mean, you pass time on the train without requiring much concentration, so I can keep an eye on where we are.

This is actually one of the better "irreverent" fashion books I've read in a while. Simon Doonan is pretty funny, which helps a lot. He doesn't just tell people that a classic black jacket is the one essential for their wardrobe, which helps even more; instead, his fashion choices are generally, gasp gasp, Interesting. He has also had a number of eclectic, non-standard contemporary fashion people talk about style and clothing. I don't know who half of them are, and I'm all the more interested for it. Could this book be giving me IDEAS?

At the least, it provokes some thought while being entertaining, not condescending, and that's all I really want from a book about clothes.

[tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

To those of you who (like yours truly) have been scorned, mocked and ostracized for their unique sense of style and otherwise bizarre penchant for utterly weird and wicked wardrobes then this, I say, is the book for you.

Simon Doonan not only validates but praises my fabulous fellow fashion freaks, while blatantly pooh-poohing the Paris Hiltons of the world with absolute candor and such a wonderfully twisted sense of humor. For this, I must give him 5 rhinestone-encrusted stars and two vixen-painted thumbnails up!

Read this book, my beloved revolutionary fashionistas…and, whatever you do, just "SAY NO TO HO!!!"

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if you’ll take the advice in this book, but you should read it. How can you not read a book buy a gay British guy who both impersonates Queen Elizabeth and quotes Flava Flav?

Okay, some of the advice you shouldn’t take. Ignore the permission to wear “a gold leotard with your lesbian aunt Sylvia’s mauve nylon fanny pack.” Unless you live in NYC, people will talk about you and not in a good way. At least they will if you live in Southwest Michigan.

Still, Doonan is hilarious. I laughed out loud several times and that’s not normally true of fashion books. Okay, not true of any books, but most fashion books take themselves so seriously.

Interspersed with stories and interviews with Glamorous Eccentrics is bits of advice, some of which I might actually take. For example: I collect handbags, totebags, etc as I’m always in search of the perfect bag. Doonan thinks that a woman – at least a Glamour Eccentric, one of which I think I am not, should only have one great bag that she takes everywhere. He encourages a person to buy the Hermes Birkin bag they are coveting. That is advice I might take! Of course, chances are good I’ll buy a knock off first and see if I really like that style, etc before I save up TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS to buy one of the damned things. Still, I covet that bag.

Doonan is kind to his reader. He reminds the reader that you are a work in progress and to be patient with oneself.

An example of the things that made me laugh:
These are some of the things that made me laugh: (they are all direct quotes from the book.)

• I am pro-pot dealer: the arrival of a mysterious and attractive criminal adds a memorable frisson of excitement to any occasion.

Doonan dispenses relationship advice that will either work or get you divorced more quickly. There are bits of wisdom that would be helpful to all of us, regardless of whether we are glamorous or eccentric. Sadly, I suspect I’m neither. For example, “alluring” is not cheap & tawdry. To paraphrase Doonan, it’s timeless, it’s beautiful and sensual. Alluring is “irresistible charm, which ever fails to mesmerize the viewer, regardless of gender.”

I can’t decide if this is a “fashion book” or a “self-help book” but it’s definitely an entertaining book and I highly recommend it.

[Nilchance · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was full of slut-shaming, "Gypsy is a synonym for romantic", and "be your own person but if you don't shave your legs you're repulsive" ideas. Unfortunate.

The adorable stories about Doonan's marriage to Jonathan Adler are what saved this book from one star, but I doubt I'll read another of Doonan's books.

[Mary Helene · Rating 4 out of 5]

What fun! and with original insights about what style is and does. What did I learn? "Just say no to ho!" and to buy a case of lipstick. And to watch how I enter a room. To stick with one purse. Shop vintage. oh, and did I mention, to have fun with what I wear?

I thought the interviews were a little weak, but it did sharpen my appreciation of glamorous eccentrics in my own environment. I'm glad he sang the praises of those folks in his life.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you know me, I'm just about the least glamourama gal out there save for the occasional sparkle skull pin. Yet, I've got a sweet spot for high fashion and reading about these iconoclasts was entertaining. I'm gonna show up to work some day in a purple chinchilla jacket, just wait and see.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tongue-in-cheek, but enhanced my creativity with wardrobe decisions, which makes life more fun in the long run.

[Lauren Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for everyone. But I re-read it whenever I need cheering up. Any one who says that Miss Piggy epitomizes eccentric glamour is okay with me.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

It didn’t age very well and it seems reductionist and worse than that, basic. I’m too fabulous for this. Abandoned.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book serendipitously fell into my hands out of the “miles and miles” of books at The Strand in NYC. I am so glad I found it, as an aspiring glamour eccentric (some might say I’m already there…)

A lot of it really had me laughing. For example where he said to find a life time supply of lipstick in your signature color and I thought, already done! If MAC Saint Germain ever goes out of production, trust me I’m set.

Definitely a fun read for me. Don’t wait for a special occasion to wear that dress. Make life the occasion.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me some huge and long laughs. I don't think Simon convinced me to dress differently but aside from the fun he has with the reader there is some serious and good advice. The theme is, be yourself, be true to yourself and enjoy yourself through your clothing. He points out people will either notice you or not notice you. Either is fine.

[lady cherise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming style guide written by a charismatic gay man. While his love of drama, bad advice, and loud cell phone conversations may make me recoil in fear should I ever meet him in real life, I am in love with Simon Doonan's sharp-witted writing persona. His warm personality oozes out from the ink squiggles. On top of everything that I love about Doonan, he is also the husband of Jonathan Adler, one of the coolest stationery designers out there. What does being husbands with Jonathan Adler say about him? That he has great taste in men, of course.

Eccentric Glamour is dedicated to helping women find a distinct style in clothing instead of going for a generic "ho" look. There are three main categories that the fashion world tends to revolve around: gypsy, existentialist, and socialite. Doonan goes into the subcategories of each type, even noting the types of personalities that each style would depict. What image do you want to send to the world? The point here is to be aware that whatever you choose, even if you're unconscious about the choice, you are sending the world a message about the type of person you are. This message doesn't even have to be related to fashion. Certain styles imply intelligence and thoughtfulness, and Doonan gives you the option of dressing a certain way to either celebrate your personality or to hide it (if you're a professional).

With that being said, Doonan encourages his readers to be confident about whatever their size is, because that is how they will pull of whatever style they have. There is a section on doorway poses and etiquette (he's pretty relaxed about it). Oh, worried about aging? It's going to happen anyway, and the worst thing you could do is waste away your youth worrying about becoming old.

I don't know what kind of gals that Doonan hangs out with, but my social circles don't really have people with the "ho" problem of botox, collagen implants, boobaciousness, and super-revealing clothing. Nope. Here, near the coast of California, we have a different problem that is also acknowledged by Doonan: the pressure to underdress. Doonan deals with these fashion issues elegantly and flamboyantly.

This brings me to the point of being an "eccentric glamour," who is the opposite of a timid dresser or a conformist. An eccentric glamour has it figured out: they know who they are and what they want.

Doonan's writing can veer into the sarcastic realm in which you're not too sure whether he is being serious enough. Let's just say that the guide on men is really tongue-in-cheek (look at the intelligent awesomeness that is Jonathan Adler!). I'd be bored out of my mind if I dated a guy who was into stereotypically manly stuff and wasn't too bright. ;) Either way, his voice is very entertaining to read. I recommend Eccentric Glamour to anyone who is looking to develop their signature style.

Glamorous Book Lounge

[Noelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel a little sheepish giving so many stars to a book that's not "literature" but Simon Doonan is hilarious. I laughed out loud so many times I can't count.

I didn't get this book for style tips, rather, I'd heard about him for a while in the fashion business and was curious. He'd be in the same category as David Sedaris for me. And now I need to go get his other books and check 'em out.

"Say no to ho" -Simon Doonan

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wickedly hilarious railing against the homogenization and "pornification" of fashion and glamour. Doonan encourages women to eschew the big-lipped bimbo look and/or the monochromatic uniform French Chic and cultivate their individual, eccentric glamour. Bring on the leopard-print mules and the maribou trim!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book, I realized how much I was trying to look like everyone else. No more...I purchased from a consignment shop in Georgetown a wonderful "Twiggy" style dress for the summer.

I laughed a lot reading this book.

[Diana Nagy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ah, Simon Doonan...what a character! Some of his tips are pretty good and while I think I've got it down, there are definitely are some pretty ladies out there who cpuld use his advice in becoming the beauties they truly are...just by taking a few hours to read this book.

[K Thibault · Rating 3 out of 5]

Style advice by a questionable character. Read with skepticism.

[Lisa London · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Told with wit, wisdom and a few cheeky celebrity anecdotes, (the Shelley Winters story is hysterical) it's the perfect rainy day on the sofa read. Slip on a glamorous satin robe, open up a box of yummy chocs, kick off your marabou mules and dive in. Simon Doonan totally nails the joys of unapologetically eccentric, quirky, unique and over-the-top glamour. As he rightly says, why wear one string of pearls when you can wear ten and remain in people's memories? Lovers of eccentric glamour do not want to run with the herd - they love to be noticed! This book is a favourite on my shelves and is often taken down and read again, especially if I need reminding why it's powerful to dress exactly as you wish and not worry about other people judging you. In fact, as Doonan opines, they probably won't be judging you at all - they will be enjoying you! A decadent delight from start to finish, after reading this book I am a confirmed glamorous eccentric and Simon Doonan fan!

[Lyrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK: In my pursuit of finding the perfect style book that actually advocated for experimentation and a no-rules approach, this seemed to fit the bill.

I admit I was at first quite disappointed to find out that the author was a man, because I never looked at the author when I bought it on Thriftbooks. That actually leads to my biggest problem with this book- his opinions of women can be quite odd and his anecdotes are often unrelated and seemingly random (namely, the completely random section about exorcising ghosts?). Despite this, I heavily annotated this book. Doonan writes effective one-liners (perhaps why he tends to repeat himself often) and there are some genuinely inpsiring quotations and concepts I think anyone interested in fashion should learn. It emphasizes the fun not only in fashion but life itself, which the world always needs more of. While Doonan is not a superb writer, it was a very satisfying read I will likely return to. All in all, I recommend it.

Rating: 3.5

[Carol Pedro · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I think I does reek of Carrie Bradshaw commentaries along side a brunch conversation of sex and the city -less focused on relationships-, it is a good book. It has its flaws but I do have to say, the contradictions made me like the book far more. It’s a nuanced conversation, it’s specific to certain scenarios, if it contradicts itself than it references itself and permits the thought to be correct and way more delimit (as he does realize the contradictions). It’s opinionated and it’s what you can expect. GREAT character are included on the questionares. An act against being ashamed and toned down. Again, it has bad takes but far less than what I expected from an NY fashion skinny white guy… especially considering the 2000’s and the oblivion of how gay guys can still be sexist.
The “blowup dolls” is a bad take, but it talks down on the society, the beauty industry and the belief that beauty is the reproductive element on someone and it does say,in fact, that this women were pretty earlier on. You can not copy eccentric glamour, you can’t buy it.

[One More Page · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loved Simon's book on his career in window dressing, but isn't even in the same category. I disliked the recommendation that plus size women should wear boho clothes that better hide their bodies, but I kept reading. What stopped me was when he makes a blatantly racist statement about Black women. If you come across this book, throw it in the trash.

The part that made me stop reading starts on page 15.

"Not every stylish black woman is a ghetto escapee, but the girl who is will always tend to recoil from the raggedy ass hippie style of the Gypsy."

Read it for yourself in this free PDF: https://archive.org/details/eccentric...

[Tabitha · Rating 3 out of 5]

well.... this was disappointing. I'm only giving it a 3 (instead of 2) because some of the stories were genuinely hilarious and Simon Doonan is a good writer. It's just that most of the content felt dated and silly, and the actual style advice was pretty vague (besides "don't dress like a ho"), and I felt like he spent a lot of time putting down women rather than lifting them up.
I agree with the basic premise, though-- be yourself and dress with purpose and joy, which is something I used to be better at and am excited to slowly re-embrace!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the very least, this book is funny and fun to read. It might be preaching to the choir if you, like me, have been embracing eccentricity for many years, but I would still recommend it to anyone with offbeat taste. The only off-putting things I encountered were Doonan's apparent disdain for sex workers and the chapter on weight loss (because there's nothing more boring and conformist than dieting, in my opinion).

[Jillian W · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Nobody is judging you. Some people may not even notice you. Most people will be enjoying you.”

“You would do well to think of it as a movie production wherein you have two star credits: female lead and costume designer.”

“The impulse to surround yourself with like-minded folk in like-minded frocks signifies the end of civilization. I want every social event to be like the happening in the movie Midnight Cowboy, or better yet, the party scene from Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.”

[whylittleolme · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hoot! Except all the anti-hoe rhetoric. History reveals the harlots to be the trend setters. From lipstick to bikinis, women who were spoken of as Mr Doonan speaks of the fictional bimbo Eva were always at the fashion forefront normalizing many of the tools employed by today’s “respectable” glamorous eccentrics. A ball of a book, nonetheless.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

One to chuckle over, sometimes because the fashion advice is ridiculous, or because the author truly believes it. I did appreciate the overall message of non-conformity though. Clothing is a reflection of you, so wear what you love! Own it!

[Alyssa Smith-Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started this book about 6 years ago and just picked it back up to finish.
Just as entertaining today as when I first began it.
A fun, witty and insightful read about fashion and styling, with a playful snarkiness.

[Dawn W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems like Mr. Doonan was writing my life story in the intro. An excellent read if you are one of us that dresses eccentrically.

[Stephanie Grey Glass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great voice. Insane list of art and cultural references.

[Itch Iseatingnandos · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is funny but this must be the only non fiction book I've read where I didn't learn anything