| | The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style: How to Wear Iconic Looks and Make Them Your Own |
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 2009-01-06 - Upper Division Fashion Course
I pre-ordered this book and waited with baited breath and nibbled fingernails awaiting its arrival as I have nothing but the highest praises for Lucky's Shopping Manual. However, like many reviewers, I too was struck with a moment of disappointment that this book was not as Fashion 101 as their seminal text. Having taken a couple of months with the book, I realized the fundamental difference between the two: The Lucky Shopping Manual is the Introductory Course for newbies, and budding fashionistas. The Lucky Style Manual is more of a 200/300 level course, so if you begin there, you'll be like, "huh?? Wait a minute... did I miss something?"
As an owner of both texts I can appreciate how timeless and Back to Basics the Shopping Manual (1) is and how the Style Guide (2) moves into "Mastery" just as the title suggests.
If you are consistently drawn to fringe and bohemian prints, there is a way to master this look. Chuck Taylors and leather moto jackets? There is a way to master this look as well. If you are a straight up Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Crisp, white, button up girl, then the American Classic section has a robust collection of outfits, accessories, and icons for your perusal.
Lastly, through a careful read of the text, you will come to realize that like most women you aren't just one, monolithic, style ALL the time. Sometimes you want to switch it up, spice it up, or pare it down. What the book provides is OPTIONS for you to do just that and the freedom to be as creative as you want and still be bold, yet stylish. I give it four stars instead of five because the book has to grow on you and it is still growing on me, but it is a great addition to my collection and I HIGHLY recommend that you snag Lucky's first book BEFORE or IN ADDITION TO this one and you'll have all you need to move to the head of the class.
2008-12-31 - Not really a how-to guide. :-)
I do think the book was perhaps a touch mistitled. It is definitely not a how to guide, nor is it a text book on wearing iconic looks. That being said, I really enjoyed the book and I am certainly not thin or particularly young or wealthy. The book has style with not much substance, but I found that apropos for the subject.
What did I get out of the book? I enjoyed seeing the items of clothing displayed, and the different looks assembled from a few key pieces. I also got some ideas for new things I want to pick up to expand my wardrobe. I think if you have a style already that fits one of these, you might get more out of it. Although, like a previous reader, I was a bit perplexed at the amount of lingerie "key pieces" shown for the bombshell. Not my style at all but I still thought that was a bit of a copout. I didn't see that problem with any other style.
What you will not get from the book: A how to guide on changing your actual style to fit an iconic look. A guide on making looks fit your body shape etc. If you are looking for that, I suggest you try another option....
 2008-12-26 - Worth a Look But Seems to Promise More Than It Offers
As I grow older I have become so preoccupied with my responsibilities that I do not keep up with the fashions as I used to in my younger years. But I still enjoy this aspect of femininity which makes Lucky magazine and the book compilations so fun. With their famous no frills photography and forthright store and price information captioned below each item, even the busiest woman can take a few moments to glance through and get a sense of the current fashionable offerings.
When Lucky's latest style guide arrived at the library I was quick to check it out. Intrigued by the title "The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style" I was curious - what are the names of the current styles and how are they achieved? I flipped through in an evening and though I especially enjoyed the various beautiful blouses and tops pictured, I have to conclude that the book does not live up to its title.
There is little copy, which is to be expected from Lucky, but with a title calling itself a guide to various styles, I expected a checklist or bullet points of have-to-have items for each type. Instead the authors highlight a few key pieces of each style and then rely primarily on sparsely captioned photos to relay the sense of personality in each mode. If you are already well-versed in current fashions or are a visual person, then you will find this sufficient, but I would have liked a bit more copy. If you are trying to recreate a certain look from scratch you may find yourself still a bit confused as to what is required.
Short articles supposedly giving a well-dressed woman's take on fashion actually came across as thinly veiled promotionals for these young women and their retail or design businesses. All of the featured women were young (so young one wondered how they can afford such expensive clothes so early in their careers,) very slender and were part of the arts and fashion industry. Aren't bankers, lawyers and doctors also fashionable? Or, gasp, maybe even the working class professions such as customer service reps and nurse's aides may sport a few examples of beauty and taste.
The magazine is so fun, as was the previous volume "The Lucky Guide to Style" and this one certainly has terrific photos and provides a pictorial overview of the current looks for you to decide which is your cup of tea. I am still coveting many of the artsy vintage looking blouses and wondering where I can buy them for the right price in my hometown. Lucky broke new ground in their magazine format and with their inclusion of Target, a mass market retailer as one of the stores whose products they sometimes highlight. I hope they continue that tradition by creating more style watch compilations, but this time with a more egalitarian focus such as "Create The Iconic Styles with Items Under $100" or in an area much overlooked by Lucky itself, "Plus Size Fashion That Flatters." Do give this volume a look-see but don't expect to use it as a guide to revamping your wardrobe.
 2008-12-24 - great update to any wardrobe
Definitely for the fashion-conscious lady. Love the tips and photos !
It is helpful for shopping your closet and updating your look .
2008-12-12 - Great style book
I ordered this for my best friend (secretly hoping she'll let me borrow it soon!) and it's the perfect gift for both of us. We both have the original Lucky Guide, and this is a great follow-up to that one.
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