What Not to Read into Fashion

There are a lot of people writing (& hosting TV shows) about fashion. We've all heard the catchwords: "What Not to Wear", "Fierce Style", "fashionista" & so on. You can read books about Audrey Hepburn's & Jackie O's style. But most of us are not America's Top Model or have an unlimited budget. Where can we look for style advice?

I like the following books on fashion as they reinforce the fact that there is no stereotypical beauty in real life, unlike the ideal created (usually by men) in the fashion world. Women come in all shapes & sizes, just needing a little guidance on their own attributes & how to enhance them. All women can make the best of what they have, given a little direction, & be beautiful in their own style.

Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia

Glamour's Big Book of Dos and Don'ts: Fashion Help for Every Woman by Cindi Leive

Style 101: What Every Stylish Woman Should Know from the editors of In Style magazine

Redefining Beauty: Discovering Your Individual Beauty, Enhancing Your Self-Esteem by Victoria Jackson with Paddy Calistro

Just to give you an idea of what goes on, here's a peek into today's fashion world, Chanel-style:



This year, Islamabad has its first Fashion Week!

Also, check out next month's - "FROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS" , NEW WORKS BY RECYCLED TIN ARTIST MARCIA SEDNEK - Mariposa Gallery - Reception Fri, Feb 4 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. "Combining fashion & folk art, Albuquerque artist Marcia Sednek creates mini dresses & ball gowns from vintage tin & found objects." ~from Local IQ

Check out this list of "Worn-Out Fashion Terms" from the New York Times!

Also visit James Laver and Laws on the Timeline of Style.

& here's a question we've all been asking ourselves at the branch:

Sandra Bullock Golden Globes 2011: Hit or Miss?