In these tight economic times, many of us don't have the fashion budget that we may have once had. It can be disappointing to the fashionista because a lot of clothes from discount stores look cheap because of the poor quality. For cash-strapped fashionistas who aren't familiar with the thrift stores, they can be overwhelmed by trying to separate the stylish items from the outdated fashions and tacky theme sweaters. Many of us need to know how to stretch our fashion budgets without being overwhelmed and look like we shop in the toniest fashion stores. "Style on a Shoestring" is one of those books that will teach you how to do that."Style on a Shoestring" is one of the most comprehensive books about how one can look stylish without spending a fortune or being a slave to the "names". Andy Paige covers nearly everything in a down-to-earth, friendly way.
Here are a few highlights of some of the topics that she covers:
* She goes into great detail about how a jacket/blazer should fit. Most stylists tell the audience to pick the jacket that you can button and take it to a tailor, but they don't explain what needs to be done. Ms. Paige explains step-by-step (including an illustration) of how a jacket is supposed to fit.
* She talks about vanity sizing and sizing of clothes in off-price retailers. While a few people know about vanity sizing, which is occuring mainly in American fashion, not everyone knows the secrets of sizing in off-price retailers. She teaches you a great technique to work around the inconsistent sizing. This technique also works for shopping at thrift stores that don't have fitting rooms.
* She teaches you some of the tricks that you can use to distinguishing "cheap" garments from "bargain" garments.
* She also goes into detail about how other clothing items should fit.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to look stylish without having to spend a small fortune.
As a busy working mother, I felt tired of my usual black and brown clothes and wanted some style advice to choose more wisely the clothes that I wore and purchase in the future.
I did not realise I would read Ms Paige's book twice in 48 hours, try everything on in my wardrobe and after following the guidelines realise that only 5 items were doing me any favors!!
This book teaches you how to put outfits together, and think when you purchase. How to be thifty yet still retain classic wearable clothes that remain fashionable.
I never expected to feel so good about myself when I dress now each day and for the first time in ages really enjoyed going shopping for my clothes... sort of like a treasure hunt. For example: I used Andy's advice when buying pants, checking the leg cut, front and back for signs and surprised myself by the great fit in the changeroom.
I really enjoyed this book and feeling excited about my clothes, and good about myself was a bonus that I didn't expect. Andy's advice is like an honest best friend there to guide you yet allowing your own style to show. This is a gem of a book and I am so thankful that I purchased it.It was just OK. Nothing extraudinary and nothing new. I'd recommend The Pocket Stylist instead. There is info some might useful but to most it should be common sense. For example on how to pick the right fit. Does one really needs a guide to be able to tell if an item fits well or whether you can see undergarments' lines on your clothing or not?
I also found that most recommendations on the styles did not take into account specific body types. I could be wrong, but I got an impression the author was using a particular body type as a model for this book.
The book starts out talking about undergarments and wearing correct undergarment for each outfit, how undergarments should fit etc. Then it talks about how other clothing items should fit and what to look for to get the right fit. Also there is a lot of info on thrift stores and when to shop for what to catch good sales, some on organizing your closet, picking the colors and what each color means. there is also a section on what not to wear.
What I found useful was some info on the pockets, pocket alignment and shape. Information on thrift store was also somewhat useful, as well as the section on what not to do. Overall the book isn't bad at all, just not as informative as one would expect from all the positive reviews.Andy Paige's Cents of Style company has been such a great help in my life I am so excited about her amazing book!
Style of a Shoestring is super informative, and approachable in understanding how to create your own personal style without looking like a slave to trends or blowing all of your money. I never knew all the amazing things in this book. There is an approach to planning a wardrobe and making it all come together and instead of vague statements like, "everyone should own a white shirt" Andy tells you how that shirt should fit, and what it should be like to get a good quality white shirt.
For real, informative, and useful advice on style this book is the best!After having read a good number of publications of this genre, I've FINALLY found one that I'd rate a 5 star. Incredble amounts of incredibly useful information: how clothing is cut and why it does/doesn't flatter a figure, what not to ever waste your money on, where buttons need to be placed to insure a "no gap" blouse, and on and on for the entire book, all written in a conversational tone with a good dose of humor. I'm stopping back to pick up a copy for my sister and my niece; you won't go wrong with this one. Thank you so much, Andy!
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