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Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Act, Eat, Sleep, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better Than Everyone Else
Clinton Kelly won't just revamp your wardrobe -- he'll revamp your life!
The huddled masses yearn to be fabulous, and finally Clinton Kelly is heeding their call. As co-host of TLC's popular What Not to Wear, he regularly transforms dumpy fashion disasters into traffic-stopping, get-an-instant-promotion, reignite-the-passion-in-that- relationship makeovers. But fabulousness doesn't stop with style. Let's face it: you might look good, but if you're chomping on that crudité with your mouth wide open, nobody at the party will talk to you -- even if you can explain to them what crudité actually is.
Of course, the keys to being better than everyone else aren't always so obvious. Don't worry; Clinton's here to help.
How do you make a flat butt look big and a big butt look flat? What's the one trick that will slim down your entire silhouette and make your ta-tas look va-va-voom? How do you eat an oyster without getting kicked out of the best restaurant in town? What's the grammatically correct form of "lay" to use when propositioning a Baldwin brother?He'll teach you how to look your best, sound your smartest, use the manners your momma taught you, poach an egg, fix a perfect gin and tonic, throw the most popular parties (and top the guest list at other soirees), make your home the envy of your neighbors, and generally be the fabulous person you always knew you could be.
From the three style criteria he uses to dress any shape for any occasion, to his eloquent approach to appreciation, to his four must-memorize recipes for whipping up a last-minute meal, Clinton Kelly shares it all in Freakin' Fabulous.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2008
2 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Clinton Kelly
22 books125 followersClinton Kelly is an American fashion consultant and media personality known for his role as co-host on What Not to Wear, a reality program that features fashion makeovers. He shares on-air duties with Stacy London. Kelly started his career as a freelance writer for several fashion magazines. Although he still continues to write he has since expanded into fashion consulting and designing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
May 29, 2009
My non-fabulous moment: I ate a donut this morning. I was wearing a tank top under a scoopneck t-shirt. Well, certain chest areas get a little (A LOT) bigger when you are pregnant and mine has become a catch-all for crumbs. Remember that.
I ate the donut at 8:30 am. About 11 am, after a whole parade of people had come by my office, I happened to walk by a window. I always peek at my reflection, just to see how fabulous I am. Somehow a great big crumb of cinnamon sugar had fallen between the layers of my shirt and lodged somewhere right around where my right nipple resides. So all morning I had had one big old sharp nipple sticking up.
Ok, I’ll admit: I pulled it out and ate it.
But about the book: this guy really thinks he is fabulous. It was cute and funny at the first of the book, but by the end I was irritated with him. And honestly, I am not even embarrassed that I leave my dish soap in the bottle that says ‘Dawn’ or that I pour my cereal right out of the box that it actually came in. I’m too lazy to be fabulous. However, if you would like to try out all the recipes in this book and invite me over for a dinner party…I WILL BE THERE!!! They look delicious.
Also, the grammar/how to speak fabulously section bored the living poop out of me. I may not talk good, but I’m ok with that.
Umm…and I think I might have enjoyed this book more if I have not just read Isaac Mizrahi’s ‘How To Have Style’. Two “fluff” books right in a row. I am a person of fabulous depth. That’s why I watch America’s Next Top Model. Ha!
I ate the donut at 8:30 am. About 11 am, after a whole parade of people had come by my office, I happened to walk by a window. I always peek at my reflection, just to see how fabulous I am. Somehow a great big crumb of cinnamon sugar had fallen between the layers of my shirt and lodged somewhere right around where my right nipple resides. So all morning I had had one big old sharp nipple sticking up.
Ok, I’ll admit: I pulled it out and ate it.
But about the book: this guy really thinks he is fabulous. It was cute and funny at the first of the book, but by the end I was irritated with him. And honestly, I am not even embarrassed that I leave my dish soap in the bottle that says ‘Dawn’ or that I pour my cereal right out of the box that it actually came in. I’m too lazy to be fabulous. However, if you would like to try out all the recipes in this book and invite me over for a dinner party…I WILL BE THERE!!! They look delicious.
Also, the grammar/how to speak fabulously section bored the living poop out of me. I may not talk good, but I’m ok with that.
Umm…and I think I might have enjoyed this book more if I have not just read Isaac Mizrahi’s ‘How To Have Style’. Two “fluff” books right in a row. I am a person of fabulous depth. That’s why I watch America’s Next Top Model. Ha!
February 25, 2016
I love What Not to Wear and, honestly, was expecting this book to be a lot like the show--minus Stacy--and similar to the other What Not to Wear books that are out there. The book turned out to be better than I thought it would be, though.
Clinton is much more saucy--and clever--than I expected. I was a little surprised, at first, by the tone of the book. His fashion tips were expected, but still useful. His grammar tips were awesome. The section on cooking was fun, though, since I am a vegetarian, I did not find it extremely useful. (The non-meat dishes do look good, and I will try making some of them.) I also was impressed with the etiquette section.
All in all, this was a great book--even better than I thought it would be, which is always nice. Kudos, Clinton.
Clinton is much more saucy--and clever--than I expected. I was a little surprised, at first, by the tone of the book. His fashion tips were expected, but still useful. His grammar tips were awesome. The section on cooking was fun, though, since I am a vegetarian, I did not find it extremely useful. (The non-meat dishes do look good, and I will try making some of them.) I also was impressed with the etiquette section.
All in all, this was a great book--even better than I thought it would be, which is always nice. Kudos, Clinton.
March 26, 2011
I like this version of Clinton Kelly, unconstrained by the censors at his sanitized cable show. He's boozier, funnier, saltier, and smarter than his television self. I've learned nothing from the book so far. Delicious.
January 23, 2009
For what it was, this book was totally fabulous. If you disagree, that just proves how much more fabulous I am than you.
This book wasn't highly applicable to me, but it was highly entertaining, and it took me all of, um, 2 hours to read basically the entire thing (I did skim the section on wine pairings, but I think that's excusable considering my entire circle of friends and aquaintances is dry). Anyway, it's basically a big, easy-to-read magazine.
I had seen Clinton Kelly on "What Not To Wear," but never realized how truly hilarious he is. His personality is what made this book so enjoyable.
On the slightly downside, if you are a normal person, this book will probably make you feel unfabulous for not having your clothes tailored or serving canapes at your cocktail parties. On the upside, the general theme of this book is that we can all be more fabulous, which basically means living better and being a better person. Snobbery is not fabulous, but gentility is, and this book is loaded with it.
This book wasn't highly applicable to me, but it was highly entertaining, and it took me all of, um, 2 hours to read basically the entire thing (I did skim the section on wine pairings, but I think that's excusable considering my entire circle of friends and aquaintances is dry). Anyway, it's basically a big, easy-to-read magazine.
I had seen Clinton Kelly on "What Not To Wear," but never realized how truly hilarious he is. His personality is what made this book so enjoyable.
On the slightly downside, if you are a normal person, this book will probably make you feel unfabulous for not having your clothes tailored or serving canapes at your cocktail parties. On the upside, the general theme of this book is that we can all be more fabulous, which basically means living better and being a better person. Snobbery is not fabulous, but gentility is, and this book is loaded with it.
January 19, 2009
I thought this as going to be a piece of puff. While the writing is casual, the information is exquisite. I would highly recommend this book for any teenager (or adult for that matter) who appears to be going off the rails grammatically, sartorially, behaviorally, in culinary matters, etc. His writing style is pithy and contains much wisdom.
Also, there are some amazing hors d''oeuvres recipes in here and I'm here to tell you, those things are difficult to find.
Also, there are some amazing hors d''oeuvres recipes in here and I'm here to tell you, those things are difficult to find.
January 3, 2010
I really enjoyed reading this book. You can tell that Clinton Kelly majored in journalism in college. It is well written and humorous. Clinton writes with his similar attitude and charisma that he imparts on his show What Not to Wear. He shares with his readers such topics as how to look our best, sound our smartest, use good manners, cook a meal, fix a perfect drink, throw the most popular parties, make your home the envy of your neighbors, and generally be the freakin' fabulous person you always knew you could be. Freakin' Fabulous is a book that lives up to its name; it gives readers a crash course to help make the best possible first impressions when entertaining and socializing.
Those who are not already familiar with Clinton Kelly may be in for a bit of a surprise with his more colorful language, since the unsuspecting reader might think that a book on manners would be written in antique prose. Nothing could be further from the truth! Clinton Kelly writes in a style like your up-and-coming night-life-loving best friend might, complete with informal off-the-cuff remarks that are sometimes shocking, and almost always amusing.
One special treat about the book that I did not expect were the wonderful recipes in it, and how well written the recipes were. The downsize of the book, was that I did not expect a lesson on proper use of grammar in a book like this, and personally didn't think it was necessary, and for the people that need a lesson on grammar, I don't expect them to read it here. Other than that I loved the book.
Since I am from Long Island, I am especially proud of Clinton Kelly in writing this book and doing so well since he was raised on Long Island. I was thinking what would Clinton say to fellow Long Islander, Billy Joel after he sang the following quote from his song:
"Don't go trying some new fashion, Don't change the color of your hair. . . .I could not love you any better I love you just the way you are."
Would Clinton love us just the way we are, or want us to look Freakin' Fabulous? I think he would want us to look Freakin' Fabulous. Rock On Clinton!!
Those who are not already familiar with Clinton Kelly may be in for a bit of a surprise with his more colorful language, since the unsuspecting reader might think that a book on manners would be written in antique prose. Nothing could be further from the truth! Clinton Kelly writes in a style like your up-and-coming night-life-loving best friend might, complete with informal off-the-cuff remarks that are sometimes shocking, and almost always amusing.
One special treat about the book that I did not expect were the wonderful recipes in it, and how well written the recipes were. The downsize of the book, was that I did not expect a lesson on proper use of grammar in a book like this, and personally didn't think it was necessary, and for the people that need a lesson on grammar, I don't expect them to read it here. Other than that I loved the book.
Since I am from Long Island, I am especially proud of Clinton Kelly in writing this book and doing so well since he was raised on Long Island. I was thinking what would Clinton say to fellow Long Islander, Billy Joel after he sang the following quote from his song:
"Don't go trying some new fashion, Don't change the color of your hair. . . .I could not love you any better I love you just the way you are."
Would Clinton love us just the way we are, or want us to look Freakin' Fabulous? I think he would want us to look Freakin' Fabulous. Rock On Clinton!!
January 25, 2025
I highly recommend this book for 2 groups of people. People who are in their 20's and 30's who haven't really entertained; and people who love a sarcastic sharp wit (a healthy dose of snark in their humor).
Anyone who is unfamiliar with Clinton Kelly should look up "What Not to Wear" - a fabulously funny look at the reality of how poorly most people dress for their bodies, their age and their career aspirations. Followed up with a style and grooming makeover. Some of the people looked completely different and 100% better in their "after version". I highly recommend binge watching multiple episodes with a few close friends and several bottles of wine.
This book is an excellent, very basic book on how not to be a bleh host/hostess/human being. It gives some solid information on how to dress appropriately for your body and life in general so you don't find yourself online in a segment of "people of Walmart". There is a place and time for pajama pants and sweats - and it isn't in the public eye people.
He does carry on a bit about how to properly communicate without a lot of slang or bad grammar. I do understand his point - given the dramatic rise of communication through texting and emails & tweeting, etc - most people are unable to express themselves clearly and coherently in face to face contact.
The section on entertaining covers food (easy recipes that everyone should know) and beverages, including how to calculate how much you will need for a dinner party, bbq, etc. No one wants to be a poor host/hostess who runs out of food and drink while entertaining.
Another very important bit of information covered in the book is how to clean and style your homee - because nobody wants to see dirty dishes, dirty laundry, your 50 year collection of beanie babies or heaven forbid a dirty bathroom.
Give it a read, if not for the important information - at least for the snarky humor.
Anyone who is unfamiliar with Clinton Kelly should look up "What Not to Wear" - a fabulously funny look at the reality of how poorly most people dress for their bodies, their age and their career aspirations. Followed up with a style and grooming makeover. Some of the people looked completely different and 100% better in their "after version". I highly recommend binge watching multiple episodes with a few close friends and several bottles of wine.
This book is an excellent, very basic book on how not to be a bleh host/hostess/human being. It gives some solid information on how to dress appropriately for your body and life in general so you don't find yourself online in a segment of "people of Walmart". There is a place and time for pajama pants and sweats - and it isn't in the public eye people.
He does carry on a bit about how to properly communicate without a lot of slang or bad grammar. I do understand his point - given the dramatic rise of communication through texting and emails & tweeting, etc - most people are unable to express themselves clearly and coherently in face to face contact.
The section on entertaining covers food (easy recipes that everyone should know) and beverages, including how to calculate how much you will need for a dinner party, bbq, etc. No one wants to be a poor host/hostess who runs out of food and drink while entertaining.
Another very important bit of information covered in the book is how to clean and style your homee - because nobody wants to see dirty dishes, dirty laundry, your 50 year collection of beanie babies or heaven forbid a dirty bathroom.
Give it a read, if not for the important information - at least for the snarky humor.
January 4, 2014
I can appreciate why others gave this book three or four stars. If you like the author, or his show, it is easy enough to feel his charisma throughout his text. I am not one of his fans, but also do not hold that against his book. The tone can be fun at times, and at other times, his bantering is downright boring, lol. The first part of the book is about style, but on a very fundamental level. The next parts, socializing and such...again fairly fundamental. If you like etiquette books, the only purpose this one really lends is its novelty outside of those fundamental boundaries....and the wittiness of the author, lol. The speech section, however, is actually quite good, if a bit hasty in its approach. The food section is ok, too....though when I bought this book I was disappointed that the last third or so was recipes, and not work on etiquette. Overall I give it two stars, though 2.5 might have been more accurate.
September 7, 2017
An addictive read - hard to put down. Clinton has a unique voice and is really funny. The book's format/layout changes every couple pages which usually would annoy me, but somehow left me wanting more.
Minus one star because his humor got uncomfortably edgy and "adult" at points. Examples include mean-spirited, snarky, better-than-you, bad behavior glamorized & alcoholic jokes. There were a couple drugs and male genitalia jokes too. In one section, he uses a picture of Mother Theresa for a mild joke. :-/
Interestingly, Clinton is purposely vague about his sexuality. He jokes about having a lot of sex, but never uses pronouns/names. I got the sense that he keeps some private things private, which I respect. In the manners section, he also cautions readers to never make religious jokes (among other prohibited topics like racial jokes, ect) which I appreciate. I got the sense (especially after reading the epilogue) that his "Clinton Kelly" character is snarkier and meaner than his actual personality. Or maybe I just want to believe the best about him.
This book is divided into 7 sections - dress, speak, behave, eat, drink, entertain and decorate.
- On How to Dress: This section was the reason I picked up the book and the expertise for which Clinton is famous. Attractive and interesting to read.
Advise that I especially noted:
Wear large prints & accessories for large frames.
Tailored jackets hide tummies.
My body figure works well with items that emphasis the waist line, such as wrap dresses and faux-wrap tops. The idea is to create the hourglass silhouette.
Every woman needs a structured jacket and medium-rise dark straight leg jean.
- On How to Speak: This was all stuff that Sr. Mary Theresa taught our class in 5th grade, so I was able to skim it. Sadly, the advice is needed in today's society. People who can't speak English properly just sound so ignorant! I've met many beautiful people who open their mouths and ruin the effect of their carefully assembled image.
I learned that Clinton got his graduate degree in journalism. Interesting. His discussion of the English language was surprisingly comprehensive and on point. It made me like & respect him more.
- On How to Behave: Manners! Love it! Again surprisingly comprehensive. Clinton has more substance than just fashion.
Oh, how I wish I could get certain people to read this and take the table manners to heart. They aren't just my personal silly rules! I love you, but I don't like eating with you. Cringe. Once again, I felt like Clinton was a kindred spirit with his recognition and insistence on good table manners.
Some tips that I forget after being surrounded by the mannerless:
- The soup spoon is scooped away from you. And the soup bowl is tilted away from you.
- Be polite to restaurant servers, but don't say thank you for every interaction. I have a tendency to over thank!
- Bread and butter should be spread, and meat should be cut, as you go. No more than a couple bites at a time. This one is hard for me.
-Clinton says not to acknowledge accidentally "making noise" by saying "excuse me". I'm not sure if this is proper manners, but I feel the same way. Just pretend it never happened!
Good hostess gift suggestions:
Small box of quality chocolates
Good book
Pretty cocktail napkins
Jar of herbs
Coasters
*Attach a little card with a pleasant note for them to read later.
DON'T bring flowers. Flowers require too much on-the-spot work for the hostess as she is welcoming guests & doing last minute tasks. Send flowers the next day instead with a thank you note. I would LOVE to receive that as a hostess!
NEVER bring food or drink unexpectedly that you expect to be served at the party. From Clinton's lips to God's ears! As a hostess, I HATE when guests try to coop my parties and turn them into potluck.
- On How to Eat: There were just a few pages of advice here and then recipes. I'll not a fan of entertaining books the contain tons of recipes. I'll pull out a recipe book (Betty Crocker!) if I want recipes. This could be uncouth of me, but leave my mid-western food alone!
I did like that he suggested a knife-skills class to learn to cut/prep food properly. I've wanted to do that for a while.
- On How to Drink: Skimmed. Lots of drink recipes I can look up later, if interested. I'm not really a drinker.
- On How to Entertain: Just like Clinton, I'd rather throw a party than attend one. He had a good reminder that frazzled hosts = uncomfortable guests. And hosts that talk about the prep that went into the party are a bore! Make it look effortless or don't do it.
Clinton says to always hire a bartender for parties with 30+ guests. Interesting. He also says that you need 1 pound of ice/guest for drinks at indoor parties. 2 pounds of ice/guest, if it is a warm outdoor party. What? How many drinks are you serving???
After a few good pages of advice, this section turned to recipes. Ughh.
- On How to Decorate: This could be my next project after updating my wardrobe! Unfortunately, this section was random and not comprehensive. He offers the helpful advice that you should withhold sex if you partner doesn't like you decorate as you wish. :-/ And he discussed the placement of condoms in the bedroom décor section. :-/
I did like that he suggested fresh flowers in at least one room of the house each day. I'd love that! I need to get better about picking and arranging my own bouquets in the summer.
Minus one star because his humor got uncomfortably edgy and "adult" at points. Examples include mean-spirited, snarky, better-than-you, bad behavior glamorized & alcoholic jokes. There were a couple drugs and male genitalia jokes too. In one section, he uses a picture of Mother Theresa for a mild joke. :-/
Interestingly, Clinton is purposely vague about his sexuality. He jokes about having a lot of sex, but never uses pronouns/names. I got the sense that he keeps some private things private, which I respect. In the manners section, he also cautions readers to never make religious jokes (among other prohibited topics like racial jokes, ect) which I appreciate. I got the sense (especially after reading the epilogue) that his "Clinton Kelly" character is snarkier and meaner than his actual personality. Or maybe I just want to believe the best about him.
This book is divided into 7 sections - dress, speak, behave, eat, drink, entertain and decorate.
- On How to Dress: This section was the reason I picked up the book and the expertise for which Clinton is famous. Attractive and interesting to read.
Advise that I especially noted:
Wear large prints & accessories for large frames.
Tailored jackets hide tummies.
My body figure works well with items that emphasis the waist line, such as wrap dresses and faux-wrap tops. The idea is to create the hourglass silhouette.
Every woman needs a structured jacket and medium-rise dark straight leg jean.
- On How to Speak: This was all stuff that Sr. Mary Theresa taught our class in 5th grade, so I was able to skim it. Sadly, the advice is needed in today's society. People who can't speak English properly just sound so ignorant! I've met many beautiful people who open their mouths and ruin the effect of their carefully assembled image.
I learned that Clinton got his graduate degree in journalism. Interesting. His discussion of the English language was surprisingly comprehensive and on point. It made me like & respect him more.
- On How to Behave: Manners! Love it! Again surprisingly comprehensive. Clinton has more substance than just fashion.
Oh, how I wish I could get certain people to read this and take the table manners to heart. They aren't just my personal silly rules! I love you, but I don't like eating with you. Cringe. Once again, I felt like Clinton was a kindred spirit with his recognition and insistence on good table manners.
Some tips that I forget after being surrounded by the mannerless:
- The soup spoon is scooped away from you. And the soup bowl is tilted away from you.
- Be polite to restaurant servers, but don't say thank you for every interaction. I have a tendency to over thank!
- Bread and butter should be spread, and meat should be cut, as you go. No more than a couple bites at a time. This one is hard for me.
-Clinton says not to acknowledge accidentally "making noise" by saying "excuse me". I'm not sure if this is proper manners, but I feel the same way. Just pretend it never happened!
Good hostess gift suggestions:
Small box of quality chocolates
Good book
Pretty cocktail napkins
Jar of herbs
Coasters
*Attach a little card with a pleasant note for them to read later.
DON'T bring flowers. Flowers require too much on-the-spot work for the hostess as she is welcoming guests & doing last minute tasks. Send flowers the next day instead with a thank you note. I would LOVE to receive that as a hostess!
NEVER bring food or drink unexpectedly that you expect to be served at the party. From Clinton's lips to God's ears! As a hostess, I HATE when guests try to coop my parties and turn them into potluck.
- On How to Eat: There were just a few pages of advice here and then recipes. I'll not a fan of entertaining books the contain tons of recipes. I'll pull out a recipe book (Betty Crocker!) if I want recipes. This could be uncouth of me, but leave my mid-western food alone!
I did like that he suggested a knife-skills class to learn to cut/prep food properly. I've wanted to do that for a while.
- On How to Drink: Skimmed. Lots of drink recipes I can look up later, if interested. I'm not really a drinker.
- On How to Entertain: Just like Clinton, I'd rather throw a party than attend one. He had a good reminder that frazzled hosts = uncomfortable guests. And hosts that talk about the prep that went into the party are a bore! Make it look effortless or don't do it.
Clinton says to always hire a bartender for parties with 30+ guests. Interesting. He also says that you need 1 pound of ice/guest for drinks at indoor parties. 2 pounds of ice/guest, if it is a warm outdoor party. What? How many drinks are you serving???
After a few good pages of advice, this section turned to recipes. Ughh.
- On How to Decorate: This could be my next project after updating my wardrobe! Unfortunately, this section was random and not comprehensive. He offers the helpful advice that you should withhold sex if you partner doesn't like you decorate as you wish. :-/ And he discussed the placement of condoms in the bedroom décor section. :-/
I did like that he suggested fresh flowers in at least one room of the house each day. I'd love that! I need to get better about picking and arranging my own bouquets in the summer.
February 10, 2009
I had no idea Clinton was so snarky! I've always loved What Not to Wear and thought Stacy was the beeyatch but I was mistaken. But his advice is solid and the book is fun. I wish I would have bought this book instead of Stacy's new one.
October 2, 2011
This book is basically a refresher course for most of us on "how to dress, speak, behave, eat, drink, entertain and decorate"...his words but it's clever, very visual, and includes recipes that even I think I can do. Please bring the crab-stuffed mushrooms the next time you come over.
February 4, 2009
I am now FREAKIN' FABULOUS!!!
September 18, 2009
Love What Not to Wear. Made the salad dressing twice
March 27, 2011
Very cute. Clinton is likeable as he makes fun of most things I do! lol
May 28, 2021
I loved watching Clinton Kelly in the early 00s. Literally the only show I watched on TLC was What Not to Wear. This book is a mid 2000s look at fashion and tips. It’s kind of funny, because some of the before outfits for this book are what’s actually in now. Comfy clothes and new balance tennis shoes were Clinton’s no-no’s but looking at it now in 2021 it’s all actually what’s in style. I would say it’s most entertaining because of that. And some of the other outdated ideas. It has cooking in the front of the book, then crafts and then style tips. I think the style tips were the best half of the book.
January 3, 2020
I've been "reading" this book for almost five years. The truth is, although I love the type of advice this book offers (how to look great, impress others, throw awesome parties, etc.) the author's voice was so nasty that I dreaded picking it back up after my first reading session. I want to be fabulous, yes, but I don't think fabulous necessarily equals stuck-up asshole. There are other books from which I can get the same advice without being taught by a jerk.
July 3, 2018
A lot of good, helpful advice in here and Mr.Kelly is hilarious so that’s the good side. What I didn’t like was how judgmental the book felt, and the hyper-fixation on what other people think of you. As if we all have to dress the same and be wine connoisseurs and throw fancy gatherings together like it’s nothing. It just felt weird to me.
September 20, 2017
If you're socially inept of just generally clueless (I often am) this book is a godsend. It gives good tips on dressing, wine, and etiquette. It could say a bit more about men's shoes and a bit less about hors d'oeuvres.
May 18, 2019
A great all-around overview book on style. Easy to read, visually stimulating; good to have as a reference later. If you're looking for specific clothing style pointers though, I'd recommend "Style Bible" first.
May 13, 2017
This was a pretty funny book. I like the attitude Clinton projects.
May 30, 2017
I was kind of bored reading this. Ok very bored - especially the grammar part. Some of the fashion stuff on dressing shapes and sleeve lengths were interesting.
August 11, 2020
It's fun but it's dated. Worth picking up for fun from a used book store but wouldn't buy it new.
August 31, 2021
Funny!!!!
March 5, 2023
this book? fabulous. now that i’ve read it, i can be fabulous, too.
September 20, 2025
Cute and funny! Made me laugh.
October 22, 2020
I like Clinton’s sense of humour and directness, and his elegant style. So many useful tips, advice, and skills that I wish I knew 20 years ago😆
January 14, 2010
Right off the bat I don't like the title. In my mind, someone who is freakin' fabulous doesn't aspire to be better than everyone else.
That aside, Kelly takes on a little too much in this book in a relative short space but the book is entertaining, which is the goal, I suppose. He's basically trying to show us proper etiquette as well as being cool without trying to hard. I commend him for saying you don't have to advertise how much you know about wine or talk about yourself constantly. These are definitely good goals.
The how to dress stuff was very limited but he's already co-authored another book on that subject, Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body, and it is what he does for a living, so most people reading this book probably have already heard his views on the subject. He focuses instead on how to dress for different occasions and events.
Overall the advice is fairly reasonable, although he assumes people have a lot more money and time than I do. For example, he recommends that if you throw a party for more than 20 people you hire a bartender. He also recommends fairly complicated and ritzy hors d'ouevres. Sure, if it's a cocktail party and something that's a big deal, but for an everyday sort of party that's a bit over the top. You can be freakin' fabulous and not ultra-formal. I've been to great parties where the canapes were pot-luck and no mixed drinks were involved. (I'm not saying I'm fabulous, but the hosts sure were.)
I liked the chapter on how to speak and write because seriously improper grammar in writing is a pet peeve of mine. I think he had someone help him with it, though, because he broke one of his own rules at least once that I saw.
A huge chunk of the book is devoted to his favorite recipes. There's a 30 page how to eat section (drink is separate) and then another 43 pages of hors d'oeuvres in the entertaining section. The latter seems really excessive. I did appreciate his really short intro to wine. I found it incredibly helpful since I don't drink much and wine not at all.
Over all the book is mildly funny and his tone is a goofy arrogant, I think it's supposed to be tongue-in-cheek.
That aside, Kelly takes on a little too much in this book in a relative short space but the book is entertaining, which is the goal, I suppose. He's basically trying to show us proper etiquette as well as being cool without trying to hard. I commend him for saying you don't have to advertise how much you know about wine or talk about yourself constantly. These are definitely good goals.
The how to dress stuff was very limited but he's already co-authored another book on that subject, Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right for Your Body, and it is what he does for a living, so most people reading this book probably have already heard his views on the subject. He focuses instead on how to dress for different occasions and events.
Overall the advice is fairly reasonable, although he assumes people have a lot more money and time than I do. For example, he recommends that if you throw a party for more than 20 people you hire a bartender. He also recommends fairly complicated and ritzy hors d'ouevres. Sure, if it's a cocktail party and something that's a big deal, but for an everyday sort of party that's a bit over the top. You can be freakin' fabulous and not ultra-formal. I've been to great parties where the canapes were pot-luck and no mixed drinks were involved. (I'm not saying I'm fabulous, but the hosts sure were.)
I liked the chapter on how to speak and write because seriously improper grammar in writing is a pet peeve of mine. I think he had someone help him with it, though, because he broke one of his own rules at least once that I saw.
A huge chunk of the book is devoted to his favorite recipes. There's a 30 page how to eat section (drink is separate) and then another 43 pages of hors d'oeuvres in the entertaining section. The latter seems really excessive. I did appreciate his really short intro to wine. I found it incredibly helpful since I don't drink much and wine not at all.
Over all the book is mildly funny and his tone is a goofy arrogant, I think it's supposed to be tongue-in-cheek.
April 5, 2009
I finished this book last night in my closet at 2:30 AM. I went in there to get down on all fours and stick my butt in the air, the only way I could force this soon to be born baby (with the power of gravity) off of a giant nerve ending in my crotch. This book would lie open by itself on my floor. I also drank a big bottle of water (I know, dumb!) while reading it, and had to get up like 7 times to pee before Benjamin came and woke me up this morning at 7:30. My husband stayed in bed until about nine. And he actually asked me, "Did you sleep good last night?" Ahhhh! How can he ask a 9 month pregnant woman how she slept? How can he be so unaware of my pain and suffering? I just told him I hadn't slept well, but I did finish my Freakin' Fabulous book, and the white socks he wore with his dark suit to Priesthood Session of General Conference were not considered fabulous.
This book was all right, I enjoyed it. I liked his chapter about bad grammar the best ("How to Speak") and vowed to stop saying/typing "anyways" instead of "anyway" since it's not actually a word. I'll probably accidentally type it in the next paragraph, though.
I probably can't use most of his advice. For example, I probably won't ever hire a bartender for my cocktail parties. 1. I don't drink, and 2. The biggest party I threw in the last year was my 2 year old's birthday party. And no one even brought me a bottle of wine for a gift, the losers.
I can see how fancy people may think that I am uncultured, what with not knowing the different types of eating styles (American or Continental - depending on which hand you put the fork in to bite the food, and how to lay the utensils down when you're done) or not tailoring every (any) item of clothing I own. I think I look just fine in my favorite pair of jeans from Walmart, but apparently that wouldn't fly in the circles of fabulousness the author circulates in.
Good thing I know I am freaking awesome, (even if not fabulous), huh?!
This book was all right, I enjoyed it. I liked his chapter about bad grammar the best ("How to Speak") and vowed to stop saying/typing "anyways" instead of "anyway" since it's not actually a word. I'll probably accidentally type it in the next paragraph, though.
I probably can't use most of his advice. For example, I probably won't ever hire a bartender for my cocktail parties. 1. I don't drink, and 2. The biggest party I threw in the last year was my 2 year old's birthday party. And no one even brought me a bottle of wine for a gift, the losers.
I can see how fancy people may think that I am uncultured, what with not knowing the different types of eating styles (American or Continental - depending on which hand you put the fork in to bite the food, and how to lay the utensils down when you're done) or not tailoring every (any) item of clothing I own. I think I look just fine in my favorite pair of jeans from Walmart, but apparently that wouldn't fly in the circles of fabulousness the author circulates in.
Good thing I know I am freaking awesome, (even if not fabulous), huh?!
February 16, 2017
Fun; easy-to-read; some useful information; a bit naughty.
March 19, 2012
Everyone should own a copy of this book. Where else can you flip for fashion advice (it covers everything from proportion of accessories to appropriateness of the event to how to hide/flatter certain shapes), then skip ahead to the recipes (my copy has splatters on some of the pages because I referred to it in the kitchen), then go back a chapter to remember when to use "whom" vs. "who," and then flip ahead to how formal you should be in a thank-you note to your ex-husband's sister for inviting you to that party you really didn't want to go to in the first place.
Clinton Kelly gives us all this information and more, using his master's degree in journalism paired with a couple decades experience in the fashion industry. He never talks at you or over you - his voice is approachable and he phrases his rules so they can be easily remembered. You'll remember the subjunctive voice because of the examples he uses - "if she *weren't* a hosebag, she would get invited out to dinner more often."
After a couple years of watching What Not To Wear, I started shopping with Clinton's (and tv co-host Stacey) voice in the back of my head. After reading this book, I now have his voice following me when I'm out to dinner, writing business emails, and when I'm trying to figure out what to cook for a fourth date. And surprisingly...it's a good thing.
Clinton Kelly gives us all this information and more, using his master's degree in journalism paired with a couple decades experience in the fashion industry. He never talks at you or over you - his voice is approachable and he phrases his rules so they can be easily remembered. You'll remember the subjunctive voice because of the examples he uses - "if she *weren't* a hosebag, she would get invited out to dinner more often."
After a couple years of watching What Not To Wear, I started shopping with Clinton's (and tv co-host Stacey) voice in the back of my head. After reading this book, I now have his voice following me when I'm out to dinner, writing business emails, and when I'm trying to figure out what to cook for a fourth date. And surprisingly...it's a good thing.
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