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The Grown-Up Girl’s Guide to Style
By Meg | June 6, 2007
I just got done reading the book The Grown-Up Girl’s Guide to Style: A Maintenance Bible for Fashion, Beauty, and More… by Christine Schwab. While this book is aimed at forty-something women and above, I actually found that most of the information was just as applicable for 20-something women like myself. The book covers many aspects of image from clothes to cosmetics to cosmetic surgery, though with a large emphasis on what not to wear. If you don’t like being told what not to wear, this book is not for you. For many women, the rather basic style advocated in this book might seem less fun (or less eccentric) than what they are used to. However, the result is a trend-proof style that a woman can wear at any age and look classy. In fact, I do recommend this book for women my age since a lot of us do have a hard time pulling together a professional image after years of t-shirt-and-jeans-casual through our school years. The book is also great for those wanting to work around body issues, even if they aren’t age related.
Now for some harsher words… I would never consider fanny packs “the bag of choice when you need your hands free.” She may prefer fanny packs to backpacks, but I have to disagree. It is not a “backpack replacement.” I also disagree with her statement that loafers are “the perfect companion to pants and many skirts”. I have rarely seen a loafer that I like, and much less with any type of skirt. There are many other styles of shoes out there that work much better. Try pumps, kitten heels, mary janes, ballet flats, espadrilles, sandals, boots, pointy-toed flats, skimmers, sneakers, flip-flops - anything, before loafers. O.k., anything but crocs.
Those two things, fanny packs and loafers, are pretty much my only big criticisms - which is not to say that I totally advocate her style for myself or anyone. I do think there are a lot of good ideas in the book, though. Also, the pictures of what not to do are worth flipping through the book whatever you might think of her advice. My favorite “oh I can’t believe they wore that” picture is on page 45, by the way. I have the eerie feeling that I’ve seen that outfit before.
Tags: Age Matters, Book Reviews, Fashion
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June 6th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Knowing the rules means you know when to safely break them, I like these type of books. I don’t mind loafers, but only EVER with pants (and casual ones at that), but a bum-bag? Never!
June 6th, 2007 at 11:57 pm
I agree - knowing the rules does help you break them safely. I’m also glad to know that I’m not the only one to feel strongly against fanny packs. I disagree slightly when it comes to loafers, though. I think they work best (if ever) with dress pants, but then maybe that’s because I associate them with “office conservative dress”. It would also depend on the type of loafer. I’ve seen loafers with jeans, but that always looked terrible. That could be that they always seemed to be black, plain, and accompanied by tapered, light-wash, too short, high-waisted jeans. Let’s call it the “80’s casual elementary school teacher” look. I’d love to see some pictures of outfits where loafers really do work.
November 13th, 2007 at 1:43 am
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha — you guys are hilarious!!! I HAVE to share this site with my Mom!!! She’s such a classy lady overall, but then once in a while she pulls out the fanny pack and “sensible shoes”…aah, poor Mom - we give her a hard time!
November 13th, 2007 at 2:32 am
Oh, yes, we all have our days. I admit, I’ve had a few recently. No fanny packs, though. And fortunately my sensible shoes were still pretty cute.
The trick is to get rid of all the stuff that isn’t in the least bit classy so it’s not there to tempt, then replace it with stuff that’s both cute and functional.
That’s why I get so much use out of ballet flats and jersey dresses. They’re my sweat suit alternative as Tim Gunn would say.
But yes, do send your mom on over! I’d be glad to have her perspective on things : )