Three Black Skirts: All You Need to Survive

by Anna Johnson

It's the real thing. It's about getting your life together. It's about looking damn fine. It's about man handling. It's about the casa question. About solitude. About stain removal. Whether you're a young woman just out of school and starting a career or a successful thirty-something, if you're still wasting time looking for stockings that match or struggling to keep on top of credit card bills, you need help. And not a glossy monthly's unattainable idea of help, but the stuff that works--the nuts and bolts.

Anna Johnson's Three Black Skirts is the book that delivers. In a voice that's knowing, smart, hip and funny--and with the author's own retro illustrations to match--Ms. Johnson cuts right to the core of the chaos that passes for life today and shows how to find order, balance, fulfillment. She covers it all: health, dating, career moves, finances, entertaining, body image, sex, and, of course, the indispensability of owning three black skirts. She offers the twenty basics for money management, and three keys for shopaholics to gain control over their passion. A workshop to build better food habits. Ten ways to get to sleep. Dress codes to the major cities. A Schmoozer's Guide to Compliments. Principles of Modern Courtship. And everything in between, from an extensive stain removal chart to eleven ideas for reawakening your spiritual life.

Genres: Nonfiction, Fashion, Self Help, Reference, Lifestyle, Womens, Chick Lit

247 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2000

Reviews

[Jimmyjane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I adore this book. It's not that it changed my life, it's that when I'm feeling down or unsure or overwhelmed, it makes me believe I *can* change my life...and it will be there to help. It's like a reassuring friend or aunt, with sweet but straightforward, no bullshit advice. I flip it open when I want to remind myself of who I want to be and how to get there, and how to deal with everything in between. It's a sassy little book o' goodness ;)

[Vee Garnett]

should be required reading for all fifteen year old females. We
can afford finishing school but this book covers it all. I am giving copies to all the nieces for Xmas this year!

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

01/07/2017 Some of the information is dated, but that does not detract from the overall message. This was published 16 years ago, and a good deal of the information is still relevant.

12/18/2016 Most likely I am well outside of this book's reader demographic, but I am the author's age. I skimmed the Wardrobe Taming chapter in the Union Square Barnes & Noble in late 2000, and it stayed with me.

There are countless books re: capsule wardrobes, closet de-cluttering, and streamlined wardrobes, but that chapter was one of my early informers (along with Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui).

I decided to read the entire book to see if it stands up 16 years later.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

All I can say about this book is thank God I'm finished it! It has been the bane of my existence and the frustrating part of my, once I start a book I have to finish it. I had a few distractions since I started it and that was a great break but it kept me involved with this book longer than I wanted to be.
The author divides the book up into different topics that would be interesting to some women and then sub headings, and addresses each one. I found it boring and sometimes snobby and body shaming in some of the, what appeared to me, to be snide comments about woman's bodies. I'm sure this wasn't her intention and there was some interesting information put out but for me it was painfully boring. I swore after the last book I read about this kind of thing I wouldn't read another and now I am saying the same thing again.
If this kind of thing interests you and you want to read the writers opinions and maybe come up with some new ideas then go ahead but for me it's a big, huge, no thank you.

[Lauren Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, for women only, and terrific

Anna Johnson unites her diary, autobiography, advice and portraits of diverse, authentic women around the world into a witty, timeless conversation about self-empowerment, life’s challenges, life’s opportunities and, finally, compassion, for self and others. Something will speak to you. A client gave me this as a gift, and I’m glad.

Lauren Williams, Owner, Casual Uncluttering LLC, Woodinville, WA, USA

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a few really good takeaways about body image. Other than that, it’s pretty basic information and advice. I didn’t find it all that helpful but there were some good reminders sprinkled throughout. It was witty and easy to flip through so you could skip the parts that weren’t applicable.

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this for Christmas in 1998 and have read it at least once a year ever since.

It's very much of its time but Anna's sassy yet humble and practical life advice is still so incredibly helpful. If I have a bible, this is probably it.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Kept it as a reference book for year. Also for a pick me up read.

[Chloe Moe · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun lil y2k self help book!

[Jessica]

Recommended in Lisa Hilton’s forward to Live Alone and Like it by Marjorie Hillis

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun! loved the simple, expressive line illustrations (by the author) so very, very much. i expected this to be more about style than it was-- really, there's just one fashion chapter. some of it's a little bit cheesy, but it was an enjoyable read with some excellent tips like charts of stain removal techniques, a basic wardrobe builder list, a toolchest for the girl finally out on her own, etc.

i would definitely recommend this as a grad gift or for a young divorcee or anyone else who might need an encouraging word to make the most out of life.

[Bailey Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My best friend Melinda (love you!) bought this book for me as a Christmas present a long time ago and I referenced it the entire time I was single, and even still when I need to know how to fix small things around the house! It's one of those cute coffee table books explaining exactly how a woman can be sexy, healthy, and resourceful giving step-by-step instructions! It was a great present and although it's a great book for ANY woman, I recommend giving this book to a teenager about to go to college, or any single woman who can flip through these pages and feel more self-reliant and capable!

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift for a while back. I liked the all over idea of the book and the chapter. It covered everything from how to dress to spirituality to work, and covered the topic in a playful and modern way. I preferred the chapters individually over all together. By the end of the book I was feeling a little anxiety that I didn't have it all together like the book suggests it is so easily to do. Reading one chapter at a time and then giving the book a break is like a little pep talk. Reading it all together is intimidating.

[L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhat outdated--especially on the finance count--and outclassed by your general google search. However, there were some. However, the air is very...hmm, classy and chic, I guess I'd say? Being a consummate blue jeans and t-shirt kind of girl (what she labeled as abhorrent, mind you) I didn't have much use for the femme makeup tips that I could've gotten way more detailed on a youtube search.

Anyways, it dates from early 2000s, so I can't hold it too much for that. Besides, I did learn some really vital things about plants, so there's that.

[Sprout117 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not that this book is genius or tells you a lot of things that you may not know, but it can be helpful from a humorous point of view. I found this book in my 20's and gave it to all of my best girlfriends throughout the years...and tags what it's about in a way: discovering your individuality while maintaining the comfort that we all have similar threads that bond us. A nice light read and reference for any girl in her twenties. Great gift idea....love love love!! Everyone else has always loved and treasured it as well.

[Jenny]

I love this book it gives the reader advice into how to live life in the world that we are in. When i first look at the cover i thought it was like a girly kinda book but once i open it, it is not, to me i think that this book gives great advice to people, it is not like life changing advice but like everyday advice

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom gave me this book a few years ago. I read it little at a time. It's sort of like a "Girlfriend's Guide" to major life areas -- from style/beauty/decorating to volunteering/relationships/spirituality. It doesn't delve too deeply in any area, but gives enough information for you to go your own way. The author has a sincere voice and a good sense of humor.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bubble gum self-help/self-awareness book. It reminds me a lot of the ones I used to read as teen but with a little more adult content. I enjoy anything that promotes self reflection and awareness and did find somethings useful to those purposes in this book. Mostly this is just a book to skim through.

[Sonia Wellington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was skeptical when I started to read this book, however I promised Mindy I would read it so read it I did. Surprisingly, its full of wisdom, humor, wit, insight and practical hints. A fun, quick read, best done in small bits here and there. I look forward to adding this to my permanent shelves in the future.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lately I've been looking to these self-help books like they were security blankets. Of course some have been more insightful than others; this one seemed kind of over opinionated at times; kind of like that pushy person who only wants "what's best."
I had more than a few "This is how my life is, and I'm alright with it" moments.

I did enjoy all the old movie references.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I'm bored, I can pick up this book and be entertained. Another favorite simply for the illustrations. Much helpful advice; I intend to give any female high-school graduate aquaintences a copy of this book in their college care-baskets.

[Karen Rowland]

So far it's really cute and thought-provoking, especially if you're ready to change up a few things in your life. It's a book on making small, but positive changes in your life - everything from eating to exercise to sex to fashion. It's a pretty quick read. I'll keep you all posted!

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

You'd have to be pretty stupid to learn much from this book, unless your under 15 -- maybe that's where I went wrong ?

Did read one handy tip though - to remove pilling from a sweater gently sweep it with a razor blade, - will try !

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book fun and helpful.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister bought this for me years ago, and I'm surprised at how often I refer to it for home repairs, style and make-up tips, etc. Sort of silly, but fun and sweet too.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book with general information about a variety to topics: home, finance, fashion, etc...

[Kumu~aloha · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best of all those girl guides--witty and relevant! a perennial gift for all my cousins who graduate college.

[Elizabeth Stasonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun read! It's just a quickie about what three skirts you need and why. It would be a fun, quick read and you're welcome to borrow it if you'd like!

[Nilchance · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am officially too old, too fat, too dyke-y, too crippled and too poor for this book.

The skin-care recipes were nice?

[Juicy_Groot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book!