Boobs, Boys, and High Heels

by Dianne Brill

New York City's busty, brazen Queen of the Nightlife offers expert advice on everything from romance and fashion to the art of being a contemporary sex goddess in this outrageous guide for girls. In the tradition of Mae West, Brill has the goods on dates and diets, bras and bathing, clubhopping and trend-setting. Illustrations and photographs throughout.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1992

Reviews

[Dane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dianne Brill is a bombshell and a glamourpuss and a lot of fun. Reading her stories about life in parties and clubs is like listening to your bold, funny cousin who lives a life you never will. But she is more than that!

She has a fantastic strategy for mingling your way through a party, every single clique in it, that seems genius and useful to this introvert, and next time I'm stuck in a party and feeling awkward, I am trying it!

She knows her business as far as writing a pampering and beauty book. "How to get ready in just under six hours" is not a false claim. Hell, she even lays out for the reader exactly how to get in and out of a skintight rubber dress (and the care, shining up and maintenance of it.)

But the best and most amazing thing this book has to offer? Brill is no snob or elitist and is amazingly kind and supportive. This book was written in the very early '90s and reads like it was written today. Throughout the entire thing, she is all about body positivity and wholeheartedly and genuinely supporting every woman. There is an entire chapter dedicated to the fact that every breast in every size and shape is beautiful (including interviews with men proving her point) and another entire chapter dedicated to body size - if you're bigger, how to dress to show that off, how to eat to get that way if you want to (!!) and what size of man will look best standing next to you (God love her). Also, if you're smaller, she includes all the same info for you. And it's all coming from a warm, generous place of 100% genuineness.

The one downside of this book? That it's so hard to get hold of and so expensive to do so. It regularly goes for over $100 but I got a used, beat up copy on Amazon for $15. Keep your eyes peeled on Amazon or Abebooks. Edit: at the time of writing, there are like 4 copies on Abebooks for no more than
$4.50, shipping included.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an excellent, funny book, full of joyous twaddle to remind you how ridiculously fun it is to be a girl. Dianne Brill is no Carole Bouquet, nor is she Twiggy, but still she's a babe, and freaking awesome.

I gave this book away years ago, stoopid me. Wish it would make its way back to me.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a silly piece of fluff, but it's fun fluff. Sadly, I'm pretty sure this one is out of print.

[Muffy Kroha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute Book- I always admired her ability to work her physique- definitely inspired me in my late 20's - Alvaro did the illustrations

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the 90s and I think it changed me entirely! I love Duane Brill's sex-positive, boy crazy, joyful take on life. She has lots of great tips, fun stories, and interesting takes on how to be the life of the party. I just thought of this book today because I was reminded of her belief that men love outfits with bows, buttons, straps and ties because they love a pretty package to open. Anyway, it's a great read and a fun look at what NYC was like in the 80s when she was active on the scene. Enjoy!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very quick and quirky read that shamelessly lets you into Brill’s life of glamour, seduction, and social opportunism. Most of this read is light hearted, almost satirical, from the outside looking in but there are a few lovely and affirming moments, such as the section on body positivity and shopping smartly despite the temptation of luxury experiences. Overall an interesting look into the 80s nightlife icon with great photos and illustrations sprinkled throughout.

[Sam Schulenburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bought this book a few years ago when I was very interested in the early years of the New York Club Kid scene, Party Monster et al, and have only just found the time to read it. A fun read for those interested in a trove of pure 80s glam, candid snapshots of major celebs standing next to a face you're sure you've seen somewhere but can't quite pin, and lifestyle tips from a woman who recommends thinking of your dream beau as a viable dessert option.

[Amphitrite66 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely blast from the past. Some of the advice felt a bit dated (of course) but honestly it was such a fun and empowering read

[Hilari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously, this is one of my favorite books. And I'm hard pressed to tell you why. I've owned it for years and I still read it at least once a year. It's fun and silly and I'm sorry it's out of print, or it would probably be my go-to birthday gift. What ever happened to Dianne Brill anyway?