What on Earth Are You Wearing?: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Fashion

by Michi Girl, Chloe Quigley, Daniel Pollock

Every fashionista worth her Louboutins cares as much about a book's outfit as she does about its content. This pursesized encyclopedia dons a cloth cover stamped with shimmering silver foil and a satin-ribbon page marker. Alongside vibrant illustrations, a team of fashion forecasters defines more than 285 terms from acid wash to zebra ("fatigues are really just exhausted clothes") and answers sartorial quandaries ("What do I do when I've bought a genuine 'Channel' handbag in Hong Kong?"). Equally snarky and stylish, this insider's guide is sure to be on all of this season's best-dressed lists.

Genres: Fashion, Humor, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jemma Takle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book two stars purely on it's illustrations alone... I would have rathered there be less text and even more pictures.

I didn't laugh once at the authors witty toned definitions. It would have been much more engaging if she had of written facts about the various items of clothing, brands etc. rather than just waffling on and trying to be funny.

I'm tempted to cut all of the illustrations out of this book and throw the original away.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrible attempt at humor. Lovely illustrations. Averages out to 3 stars.
Look at these zingers, for example:
Kimono: Japanese gown tied at the waist. Do you have memoirs of any geishas?
French Cuff: A smoking hot Frenchman who ties up your sleeves.
Demi Toe: A toe that bears an uncanny resemblance to Ashton Kutcher's wife. 'Ouch, I just stubbed my Demi...I think she's broken.'

There are some good ones, but most sound like they were trying too hard.

[Milliebot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was funny and I loved the artwork.

[Celly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe I will study fashion design

[Isabella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not fully sure what the purpose of this book was...
It was either to:
1. Entertain
2. Inform
3. Give personal opinions on fashion

It did a bit of all three, but it usually wasn't very informative and the entertainment came from the author's sometimes witty remarks. I'd give this book a 2.5/5 if I could, if only for the wonderful illustrations - that probably did most of the informing.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wonder if I would have found this at all funny if I had a better idea of what Michi Girl is all about, but I doubt it.

[Aja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Problematic on a few pages but overall made me laugh a lot and a rip roaring good time. A fun afternoon read for when you need a pick me up and a few laughs.

[Mina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for something fun, clever, and informative, but this book comes off as catty fluff instead.

[dhldhln · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish there's more genuine definition or description of the words instead of overly done witty comments. but a plus point for the gorgeous illustrations

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A-z of fashion speak. Informative funny snippets. Beautifully illustrated

[Alexander Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

it's funny and you learn stuff too even though it's sarcastic it's obviously written by someone who knows 'the industry'

who is Michi Girl?

[Audrey Tobin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect blend of style, illustration, & humor

[Dana Al-Basha | دانة الباشا · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Monday, ‎August ‎19, ‎2013] I got this book yesterday as a gift to support my so-called talent in fashion. It's a gorgeous book filled with watercolor fashion illustrations.



[Wednesday, ‎January ‎22, ‎2014] This is a fashion dictionary of sort. The illustration was fabulous, the words picked were very good, the explanation sucked, that's why I dropped a star, it was so cynical, mean, and ironic but not in a good way, and it didn't explain much.

[dini · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cures mild boredom, but neither informative nor witty. I like the idea of a humourous, snarky book on fashion but this failed to live up to its potential.

I'm giving it an extra star because I especially liked one illustration which encapsulates my idea of luxury: lounging around in a pink robe surrounded by glittering jewels and adorable cats.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The "zings" aren't all that zingy.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a serious fashion encyclopedia - this is not it. If you are looking for a hysterical spoof on the subject of fashion - this book is it! Enjoy with a good sense of humor. :)

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and witty asides.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this! It's beautiful, funny, and a little bit informative. I wonder if the US publication was changed at all from the Australian version.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations and layout, however attempt at humorous writing got old real quick. I did learn what ikat is and how merino wool is made, so that's something.

[Anh · Rating 4 out of 5]

the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous.

[Tanya Kam Hudson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um, the illustrations are cute...kind of Snarky?

[Reem Al-Awadhi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

[Rosa]

I love the painted pictures, they are pretty to look at.