my bible for the past 30 yearsJuly 27, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I bought this book as a young teenager when it was first published. It has been my guidebook ever since. It lays down timeless principles of simplicity and elegance which, in this day and time, have been forgotten. Although some of the advice is a little outdated, the time has come to return to its eternal principles of dressing beautifully.
Dahhling, do you really want to wear that?May 29, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Madame Genevieve takes your manicured hand in hers and guides you through the minefields of faux pas. She was the directrice for Nina Ricci, so you are with a trusted and informed confidant. Your "obstacles", as a fine tuned lady, are defined in alphabetical order. The gentle suggestions are charming and helpful, yet a little antiquated. There is a lot of information on etiquette and when accessories should be used. I truly recommend this for the classy chick who wants to know what the old guard has kept a secret. I don't like the fact that she suggests draped silhouettes for fuller figured women. Women's bodies should be celebrated and not tarped for fumigation.
How to be stuffy, bland, with no real friendsMay 23, 2008 5 out of 8 found this review helpful
Perhaps this book should have died back when women realized their self-worth shouldn't be measured by what their husbands think. The material is dated, and I don't mean just fashion-wise. I wish I still had to book to pull out passages that left me speechless because they sounded absurd.
It advises you not to shop for clothes with your girlfriends because they are your rivals. I pity the poor author who never had great friends who are as smart and accomplished as they are secure in their identity. Some of my best outfits have come from encouraging friends who assured me I could pull that off. And they were right--I get the most compliments when I wear them.
I'm also puzzled that a woman would pay so much attention to what the man in her life wants her to look like and the images she should portray. If the man is in your life already, there was clearly something there worth liking in the first place. Live well, dress well--but do it for yourself as well as those around you.
I skimmed other sections, and certainly take issue with the age to stop wearing bikinis. I am in my mid-30s, and my bikini is just fine for me. I don't anticipate giving it up anytime soon.
Save your money on this book and put it towards a cute scarf or a pair of shoes.
Quaintly charmingMay 14, 2008 Written for a different Age, but contains some pearls of wisdom, memorably my new motto "I can't afford to shop cheaply". Worth the price.
Fabulous!February 26, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love this book! I have read it twice already and keep it handy on my bookshelf for little tips here and there. It is apparent that Ms. Genevieve Antoine Dariaux is high fashion (hermes, etc.) but she translates a style that is applicable to any budget. She gives great tips on coordinating and teaches that elegance is more than dressing well, it's a state of mind.
