DAILY PILOT
Published Sunday, May 20, 2007
CHECK IT OUT:
Books to change your look from head to toe
By Mary Ellen Bowman
Everyone runs to pick up groceries, pours gas into the tank, dashes into the drugstore and races to get to the movies on time. Everyone is moving so fast, and everyone hopes that no one will notice the old pants, the sweater with the teeny moth-hole in the sleeve and the sloppy sandals that are so comfortable. And what about that wrinkled collection of commemorative T-shirts? Everyone has them and no one wants to throw them away. But everyone should. Arrange your closets by color; toss the old, the worn and the out-of-date. Resolve to look more put-together every time you step out of the house. Let your outside appearance mirror the true beauty of your interior soul. The library has books to help you achieve your new look.
- "What You Wear Can Change Your Life" by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine: Following up their bestselling title "You Can't Wear That," the BBC's favorite fashionista duo wants you to correct physical flaws by boosting self-esteem with clothing. In addition to discussing topics such as makeup, accessories and pregnancy, they offer advice not usually covered in other publications, such as how to choose underwear that fits, color selection and the perils of straying into the black zone. When your closet is organized, you can concentrate on more important things in life.
- "Off the Cuff: The Essential Style Guide For Men and the Women Who Love Them" by Carson Kressley: The style guy on the TV reality series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy," Kressley offers his impeccable fashion sense for guys who really don't care what is supposed to go with what. His solution is to organize with classic, comfortable clothing that is functional and practical. And keep it ready to wear, not shoved in the bottom of the drawer under the sweatshirt from your alma mater.
- "Sam Saboura's Real Style: Style Secrets for Real Women with Real Bodies" by Sam Saboura with L.G. Mansfield: These fashion consultants demonstrates how women of all sizes can identify their body type in order to select the right clothing and accessories. Let the experts help you define a personal style and overcome a variety of fashion challenges. Not all women are sizes 0-4! See how Saboura offers assistance with up-to-date tips for beauty, dress and fashion.
- "Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style that's Right for Your Body" by Clinton Kelly and Stacy London: The authors address the psychological aspects of clothing, fashion and sartorial etiquette. Why do you insist on keeping that old, outdated dress that doesn't fit? Are you wearing your father's tuxedo because, after all, it's still perfectly good? Find out the real reasons you resist finding your perfect style.
- "You're Wearing That?: Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation" by Deborah Tannen: Mothers and daughters tend to clash over fashion and clothing trends, but what are the truths that underlie the arguments? Communication expert Tannen examines various aspects of this complex bond and shows how to improve family understanding and relationships by analysis of the other's point of view. Learn how to address differences in fashion sensibilities without losing your cool.
OK, this last title really has nothing to do with fashion, but it's a wonderful book to read on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
- "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" by David Sedaris: Read this comical collection of essays detailing the Rooster's wedding, an estrangement that occurs over a rubber versus plastic debate and what happens when somebody gets an upper hand at a slumber party game of strip poker.