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Oh No She Didn't: The Top 100 Style Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them
Muffin tops. Scrunchies. Suntan hose. Slut shoes. Visible panty line.
Who hasn’t had the unfortunate experience of witnessing—or (gasp!) actually wearing—one of these fashion disasters?
The atrocities Clinton Kelly has seen—it’s a surprise he hasn’t gouged out his own eyes. Mom jeans? Fancy fingernails? Tracksuits? In the same straight-talking style that has made TLC’s What Not to Wear a smash hit for eight seasons, the cheeky media personality and author of Freakin’ Fabulous shows women how to outfit themselves with confidence and style as he pokes fun at fashion "don’ts." From the most obvious faux pas (Texas tuxedos) to borderline offenses (peekaboo boobies), Clinton offers detailed and entertaining critiques of our top one hundred sartorial slip-ups. He turns his keen eye to wardrobe, color, cut, cleanliness, hairstyle, accessories, and even posture. And because he loves you, he presents easy alternatives and practical suggestions for creating fabulous outfits that will make you forget you ever wore socks with clogs.
Clinton also explains how to use trends to your advantage at any age, from deciding which ones work for you to understanding how to wear them to keep your look relevant. Because if you’re not comfortable in the sequined mini, everyone around you will know it.
A delightful mix of hilarious dish and expert fashion advice, Oh No She Didn’t will turn anyone from fashion victim to fashionista in no time.
202 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2009
17 people are currently reading
668 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 296 reviews
March 11, 2011
I love Stacy and Clinton and I would never have thought of Stacy as a tempering influence but Clinton by himself--OMG! The tone of this book is beyond snarky, all the way to mean. And his constant references to needing prescription drugs and alcohol in order to cope with the atrocities he's been forced to look at are just too much. And don't get me started about his comments on women's bodies who have borne children/had the audacity to grow older. I'm sorry he finds stretch marks so bleeping offensive that they must be covered at all times. Does he feel the same about men's stretch marks? I've seen bulging biceps with stretch marks--maybe all those guys should go to the beach in long-sleeved shirts. Maybe he was trying to be funny/urbane/sophisticated but it sure didn't come across to me that way. Couldn't get beyond the tone to appreciate the content. And Clinton, if you're reading this, call your mom and thank her for giving you life-- and possibly getting a few stretch marks in the process!
March 6, 2011
Delicious snark. Oh so perfect. And only takes 35 minutes! I read it in bed while wearing a Polarfleece anorak and crappy hair. Irony not lost on me AT ALL.
If you're still on the fence, how about this?
A Xanax Haiku, by Clinton Kelly
You take the edge off
Fewer calories than wine
Generic's nice too.
If you're still on the fence, how about this?
A Xanax Haiku, by Clinton Kelly
You take the edge off
Fewer calories than wine
Generic's nice too.
December 1, 2015
This is the first book I've rated without finishing. I hate not completing a book once I've started it, so no matter how tedious or torturous I may find it, I always proceed until its conclusion has been reached. I did not intend to break that habit any time soon, but there's only so much I can take!
If there was content in "Oh No She Didn't" when the project was first started, it was tossed in favor of belittling, snide snippets. I've never found Clinton to be unbearably asshole-ish on his show, so either this thing was written with a horribly misguided attempt at humor or the editors from "What Not to Wear" are working major overtime. I honestly feel terrible for anyone who purchased this without giving it a brief look beforehand, because all that's here is Clinton talking down to his reader. He kicks things off by lambasting a pair of women who had the gall to approach him (to compliment his show, no less) while wearing horizontal stripes, mom jeans and sneakers. By page 5, he's questioning "how much information your brain can accommodate."
A little less whining about the horrific fashion crimes that his poor, defenseless eyes have been subjected to would have helped. As it stands, all that's here is wall-to-wall snark about all the stupid, repulsive women that cross his precious path.
If there was content in "Oh No She Didn't" when the project was first started, it was tossed in favor of belittling, snide snippets. I've never found Clinton to be unbearably asshole-ish on his show, so either this thing was written with a horribly misguided attempt at humor or the editors from "What Not to Wear" are working major overtime. I honestly feel terrible for anyone who purchased this without giving it a brief look beforehand, because all that's here is Clinton talking down to his reader. He kicks things off by lambasting a pair of women who had the gall to approach him (to compliment his show, no less) while wearing horizontal stripes, mom jeans and sneakers. By page 5, he's questioning "how much information your brain can accommodate."
A little less whining about the horrific fashion crimes that his poor, defenseless eyes have been subjected to would have helped. As it stands, all that's here is wall-to-wall snark about all the stupid, repulsive women that cross his precious path.
January 6, 2011
I think most people would agree I'm a Nice Person. This means I don't say all of the mean things that sometimes go through my head. However, it is DELIGHTFUL to read all of the mean things that go through Clinton Kelly's head. I laffed my arse off. :-)
January 6, 2011
The subtitle of this very small book is "The Top 100 Style Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them". Much as I love Clinton and his co-hort from "What Not to Wear", I have to take this book to task a bit. First, it's incredibly thin - literally. At just barely 200 pages, the retail price is still $25.99, and we all know how I feel about finding bargains when it comes to books. Second, the content is a bit on the thin side as well, meaning that the author and/or the publishers have relied on a full page of pictures for each of the 100 "fashion sins" that we're guilty of. Really? Pictures on every other page? Back in my school days we'd call that padding the paper!
Having told you what's wrong with the basics of the book, let me tell you what's right - Clinton's wonderfully snarky tone. I will admit that I laughed out loud quite a bit while reading this, and it's all due to Clinton's wit. He seems like the kind of person I'd like to hang out with, albeit he'd have to dress me first so that I wouldn't offend him. Yes, yours truly is guilty of some of this fashion faux pas. Not that I really care, though, as I've never tried to be a fashion plate in the first place. Not to mention that I don't have the money to be one, either.
Some of the mistakes are so obvious you wonder why anyone needs to point them out to us again (and again and again, as Clinton claims), things like muffin tops (sooooooo tired of seeing them!), "low boobies", tramp stamps at work (or anywhere but a club, IMHO), "camel toe", etc. One of the mistakes that I used to be guilty of was the "double bubble", a phenomenon that occurs when one with ample cleavage wears a bra with a too-small cup. I've seen this a lot, and I totally agree with the author on this one point: GET A PROFESSIONAL FIT. Wearing the right size makes a huge difference when it comes to the girls; I looked like I lost 5 pounds just by getting a good bra in the right size. And now I realize that the band should be good and snug (not to the point of pinching or causing bleeding or anything), as the band is what does the majority of the support work - not the straps.
But I beg to differ with him on other points, such as cross-trainers (which I can't readily identify when I see someone walking up to me), hoodies, and other "comfortable" clothing. According to our fashionista, we should only wear such things if working out or hiding out at home; they should never be seen in public. Well, sorry, but I have worn hoodies/sweatshirts, tennies of all kinds, and even velour yoga pants out into the world. Look, I get that he wants us to look our best, and that often these may not do the trick. But he's not me, and he's not doing the job I do, and he's not going to tell me how to live my fashion life. I appreciate the advice and will pay attention to some of it, but I'm not going to take it all to heart, running out to replace most of my wardrobe. The biggest thing Clinton advocates over and over again is the help of a good tailor, and I'll agree: clothing looks better when it fits your body. A tailor can take things in where needed, hem pants, etc - but who can afford one these days, a "good" one? And if you live in a small town (or smaller, I should say), good luck finding one. This is why I look for petite pants and am even preparing to order more expensive pairs from Land's End; they'll hem them at exactly the length I need (don't know if I've mentioned it here before, but I am a shortie, barely standing 5 feet!)
My opinion is this: find this book at your local library and check it out. It won't take you more than an hour or so to read it, so I think spending full retail for it is crazy. But don't beat yourself up if you realize you're "guilty" of some of these fashion violations; wear what you feel you look good in. And do take a trusted friend shopping with you, one that will either confirm or gently debunk your opinions.
Having told you what's wrong with the basics of the book, let me tell you what's right - Clinton's wonderfully snarky tone. I will admit that I laughed out loud quite a bit while reading this, and it's all due to Clinton's wit. He seems like the kind of person I'd like to hang out with, albeit he'd have to dress me first so that I wouldn't offend him. Yes, yours truly is guilty of some of this fashion faux pas. Not that I really care, though, as I've never tried to be a fashion plate in the first place. Not to mention that I don't have the money to be one, either.
Some of the mistakes are so obvious you wonder why anyone needs to point them out to us again (and again and again, as Clinton claims), things like muffin tops (sooooooo tired of seeing them!), "low boobies", tramp stamps at work (or anywhere but a club, IMHO), "camel toe", etc. One of the mistakes that I used to be guilty of was the "double bubble", a phenomenon that occurs when one with ample cleavage wears a bra with a too-small cup. I've seen this a lot, and I totally agree with the author on this one point: GET A PROFESSIONAL FIT. Wearing the right size makes a huge difference when it comes to the girls; I looked like I lost 5 pounds just by getting a good bra in the right size. And now I realize that the band should be good and snug (not to the point of pinching or causing bleeding or anything), as the band is what does the majority of the support work - not the straps.
But I beg to differ with him on other points, such as cross-trainers (which I can't readily identify when I see someone walking up to me), hoodies, and other "comfortable" clothing. According to our fashionista, we should only wear such things if working out or hiding out at home; they should never be seen in public. Well, sorry, but I have worn hoodies/sweatshirts, tennies of all kinds, and even velour yoga pants out into the world. Look, I get that he wants us to look our best, and that often these may not do the trick. But he's not me, and he's not doing the job I do, and he's not going to tell me how to live my fashion life. I appreciate the advice and will pay attention to some of it, but I'm not going to take it all to heart, running out to replace most of my wardrobe. The biggest thing Clinton advocates over and over again is the help of a good tailor, and I'll agree: clothing looks better when it fits your body. A tailor can take things in where needed, hem pants, etc - but who can afford one these days, a "good" one? And if you live in a small town (or smaller, I should say), good luck finding one. This is why I look for petite pants and am even preparing to order more expensive pairs from Land's End; they'll hem them at exactly the length I need (don't know if I've mentioned it here before, but I am a shortie, barely standing 5 feet!)
My opinion is this: find this book at your local library and check it out. It won't take you more than an hour or so to read it, so I think spending full retail for it is crazy. But don't beat yourself up if you realize you're "guilty" of some of these fashion violations; wear what you feel you look good in. And do take a trusted friend shopping with you, one that will either confirm or gently debunk your opinions.
October 16, 2013
We've all seen these fashion mistakes. And I've been guilty of quite a few.
This book had me cracking up with my librarian before I even left the building. Hilarious!
My only criticism of the book would be that Kelly willfully ignores the very real fact that many women wear ill-fitting clothes because they do not have the financial means with which to update and refine their wardrobes, or they are too busy working all day and doing all the home work in the evening and have no time to shop, or live far away from any interesting stores.
This book had me cracking up with my librarian before I even left the building. Hilarious!
My only criticism of the book would be that Kelly willfully ignores the very real fact that many women wear ill-fitting clothes because they do not have the financial means with which to update and refine their wardrobes, or they are too busy working all day and doing all the home work in the evening and have no time to shop, or live far away from any interesting stores.
July 11, 2012
Clinton Kelly is to writing what muffin top is to fashion. This book should have never been published; it should have gone straight into that big silver garbage can long before it saw the light of day.
For a man who insists we must all dress our age, he employs a surfeit of underage colloquialisms: "I nearly peed my pants" and "I threw up a little in my mouth", are the obvious and most egregious examples - his book teems with them! This is not a grown man "of a certain age" with an intelligent, considered understanding of fashion and personal presentation - this is a bitter, unpleasant, nasty little man who has a huge chip on his shoulder for whatever reason (one can only guess - perhaps it was the acid wash jeans of his youth). His fantasy scenario where a woman is subjected to public ridicule and reduced to tears is particularly cruel, and yet he seems to get such pleasure out of it.
I'm sure his fashion advice has some merit, but if anyone needs a ghost writer, he does. It drives me nuts that just because a person has had some success in one field, the assumption is that they can handle just about anything else. This book proves that theory wrong, wrong, wrong. I'd also like to add here that, visually, the book (and I use that term loosely) is appalling. It looks sloppy and lazy, a big NO NO according to Mr. Kelly, and for a man who claims to value beauty, and most likely had a more than generous budget, he sure puts out an ugly product. I understand the use of photographs to underscore his message, but it isn't necessary to hit readers over the head with them. We don't need a picture of fake, gnarly, hairy toes to understand that it is nicer to have pretty, manicured feet. Where was the art director for this project? It strikes me as the epitome of irony, that this man who calls himself a "stylist", actually needed one to help him put this book together - and obviously didn't receive one (unless he bullied him/her into submission).
It isn't so much that what he writes is offensive and misogynistic bordering on misanthropic, it is not funny, not entertaining, not thought-provoking and insubstantial. I'm so glad I didn't buy this book and I think all those people who were duped by his winning on-air persona into parting with their hard earned money, should get together and file a class-action lawsuit for damages. Gloria Allred are you there?
After reading many of the reviews on this site, I am dismayed by all the slathering accolades this book has received - I can only surmise that it taps into an endemic female self-loathing (and lack of innate sense of humour). I weep for womankind.
Oh, and Clinton - you look ridiculous in walking shorts and loafers - you don't have the legs for it. Fashionisto, heal thyself.
For a man who insists we must all dress our age, he employs a surfeit of underage colloquialisms: "I nearly peed my pants" and "I threw up a little in my mouth", are the obvious and most egregious examples - his book teems with them! This is not a grown man "of a certain age" with an intelligent, considered understanding of fashion and personal presentation - this is a bitter, unpleasant, nasty little man who has a huge chip on his shoulder for whatever reason (one can only guess - perhaps it was the acid wash jeans of his youth). His fantasy scenario where a woman is subjected to public ridicule and reduced to tears is particularly cruel, and yet he seems to get such pleasure out of it.
I'm sure his fashion advice has some merit, but if anyone needs a ghost writer, he does. It drives me nuts that just because a person has had some success in one field, the assumption is that they can handle just about anything else. This book proves that theory wrong, wrong, wrong. I'd also like to add here that, visually, the book (and I use that term loosely) is appalling. It looks sloppy and lazy, a big NO NO according to Mr. Kelly, and for a man who claims to value beauty, and most likely had a more than generous budget, he sure puts out an ugly product. I understand the use of photographs to underscore his message, but it isn't necessary to hit readers over the head with them. We don't need a picture of fake, gnarly, hairy toes to understand that it is nicer to have pretty, manicured feet. Where was the art director for this project? It strikes me as the epitome of irony, that this man who calls himself a "stylist", actually needed one to help him put this book together - and obviously didn't receive one (unless he bullied him/her into submission).
It isn't so much that what he writes is offensive and misogynistic bordering on misanthropic, it is not funny, not entertaining, not thought-provoking and insubstantial. I'm so glad I didn't buy this book and I think all those people who were duped by his winning on-air persona into parting with their hard earned money, should get together and file a class-action lawsuit for damages. Gloria Allred are you there?
After reading many of the reviews on this site, I am dismayed by all the slathering accolades this book has received - I can only surmise that it taps into an endemic female self-loathing (and lack of innate sense of humour). I weep for womankind.
Oh, and Clinton - you look ridiculous in walking shorts and loafers - you don't have the legs for it. Fashionisto, heal thyself.
February 10, 2012
For what it's worth, this is a 4-5 star book if it were in its own category (short funny magazine articles compiled into a book-category), and I would ask my library to buy it for me again in an instant, but I was kind of turned off by Clinton's tone throughout. He is pretty dang critical and outright mean at times. Also, he has a potty mouth. For the guy who writes books about how to be freakin' fabulous, I would think he would be interested in sounding slightly less juvenile. Seriously. Tattooes on your boobs are tacky. So is needing half of your sentences bleeped out.
Criticisms aside, it was really fun to read this book. I am guilty of a thing or two he mentions (like frayed hems on the backs of my jeans - I KNOW I can tailor them shorter. And I do, when they are a lot too long. But when they are just a little too long (like 1/3 inch) I hate paying to get them hemmed and convince myself I will just wear them with heels only. Then I wear flats. Then the hems get frayed. Would I look better if I paid to get everything hemmed? Yes. Do I deserve the level of criticism he would heap upon me? I don't think so.
I went to pick my son up at preschool right after finishing this book and found myself silently criticizing the appearance of most of the other moms there picking up their kids. When I got home and thought about it, it occurred to me that the women Clinton Kelly got me critiquing so unfairly in my head were probably all wonderful hard working women, with a million great qualities that made up overall for the sneakers they wore to a community center to be seen by 20 four year olds. I enjoyed the book because it was filled with cleverly written tips on how to look better by a gay guy. If it had been written by a woman though, I would have tossed it out by page 30 and called her a mean bitch.
I'll still read anything Clinton Kelly writes because he's fun (and right on about everything fashion), but my opinion of his fabulousness just went down about four notches. He needs to learn to be a nicer person, because that's what makes people stick around and like you after they've moved on from their first impressions of your clothing and accessories.
Criticisms aside, it was really fun to read this book. I am guilty of a thing or two he mentions (like frayed hems on the backs of my jeans - I KNOW I can tailor them shorter. And I do, when they are a lot too long. But when they are just a little too long (like 1/3 inch) I hate paying to get them hemmed and convince myself I will just wear them with heels only. Then I wear flats. Then the hems get frayed. Would I look better if I paid to get everything hemmed? Yes. Do I deserve the level of criticism he would heap upon me? I don't think so.
I went to pick my son up at preschool right after finishing this book and found myself silently criticizing the appearance of most of the other moms there picking up their kids. When I got home and thought about it, it occurred to me that the women Clinton Kelly got me critiquing so unfairly in my head were probably all wonderful hard working women, with a million great qualities that made up overall for the sneakers they wore to a community center to be seen by 20 four year olds. I enjoyed the book because it was filled with cleverly written tips on how to look better by a gay guy. If it had been written by a woman though, I would have tossed it out by page 30 and called her a mean bitch.
I'll still read anything Clinton Kelly writes because he's fun (and right on about everything fashion), but my opinion of his fabulousness just went down about four notches. He needs to learn to be a nicer person, because that's what makes people stick around and like you after they've moved on from their first impressions of your clothing and accessories.
September 22, 2011
Completely irreverent, funny and a bit off-color, Clinton Kelly dishes on what not to include in your wardrobe in Oh No She Didn’t. Each page is filled with humorous pictures of how we shouldn’t dress and contains a rule along with a snarky explanation.
Most of the rules in here are common sense (or at least most of them should be). The rule about not wearing flip-flops outside of the pool or the beach gets a big “Amen!” from my corner. I remember going to the store and looking for sandals for my sons a few years ago and finding an entire aisle of flip-flops and not a single true pair of boy’s sandals. I couldn’t believe that flip-flops had become the default summer foot-wear.
Some of the other no-no’s from the book include: mom jeans, crazy painted fingernails, horizontal stripes, clogs with socks, and cartoon characters. Okay, so I didn’t pass with flying colors. I was actually wearing my favorite Mickey Mouse sweatshirt while reading the book, and I’m sure Clinton would pass out if he could see the pile of horizontally-striped clothing in my dresser, but at least I don’t wear white socks with my black shoes anymore.
Oh No She Didn’t was a lot of fun to read and has some entertaining fashion advice. If you’ve seen a lot of What Not to Wear episodes then most of this will be old hat, but that being said, you’ll probably still love it.
Most of the rules in here are common sense (or at least most of them should be). The rule about not wearing flip-flops outside of the pool or the beach gets a big “Amen!” from my corner. I remember going to the store and looking for sandals for my sons a few years ago and finding an entire aisle of flip-flops and not a single true pair of boy’s sandals. I couldn’t believe that flip-flops had become the default summer foot-wear.
Some of the other no-no’s from the book include: mom jeans, crazy painted fingernails, horizontal stripes, clogs with socks, and cartoon characters. Okay, so I didn’t pass with flying colors. I was actually wearing my favorite Mickey Mouse sweatshirt while reading the book, and I’m sure Clinton would pass out if he could see the pile of horizontally-striped clothing in my dresser, but at least I don’t wear white socks with my black shoes anymore.
Oh No She Didn’t was a lot of fun to read and has some entertaining fashion advice. If you’ve seen a lot of What Not to Wear episodes then most of this will be old hat, but that being said, you’ll probably still love it.
June 3, 2018
Clinton Kelly and Stacy London on ‘What Not to Wear’ were the best! The snarkiness was there then, balanced out with heartfelt comments, which is what made it enjoyable to watch. Yes, in this book Clinton is being over the top snarky. And I was secretly delightfully ready for it due to the title: Oh No She Didn't. When someone uses that phrase, I take it as sassy, since it’s usually followed by truthfully obnoxious but humorous comments. I prefer someone to tell it straight:).
Because like it or not, what someone wears communicates who they are and how they feel.
And this book is Clinton being Clinton, a bit tongue in cheek, and super direct. The photos are helpful and so are the comments. I get that as he continues to make the effort to help women see how to look their best, it drives him to exasperation, so much so he mentions wanting his favorite adult beverage, a g&t, a few (hundred) times. Which made me want one.
If you prefer something with more depth and heart, authenticity with love, check out Stacy London’s, 'The Truth About Style.' If you want a rollicking laugh, as you recall seeing these on the street, at work, or identify having made a few of the missteps, this is a fun book. And if you think you may be offended, check it out at the library or buy it as a used book.
Enjoy the humor and the helpful hints!
Because like it or not, what someone wears communicates who they are and how they feel.
And this book is Clinton being Clinton, a bit tongue in cheek, and super direct. The photos are helpful and so are the comments. I get that as he continues to make the effort to help women see how to look their best, it drives him to exasperation, so much so he mentions wanting his favorite adult beverage, a g&t, a few (hundred) times. Which made me want one.
If you prefer something with more depth and heart, authenticity with love, check out Stacy London’s, 'The Truth About Style.' If you want a rollicking laugh, as you recall seeing these on the street, at work, or identify having made a few of the missteps, this is a fun book. And if you think you may be offended, check it out at the library or buy it as a used book.
Enjoy the humor and the helpful hints!
January 10, 2011
I read a description of this book somewhere and thought it would be a fun, maybe educational read for me. It *was* a fun read. I laughed out loud enough that my husband started asking me what I was reading, and peeking through the entries himself. Most of the mistakes described in the book are common sense, but not all. Toward the end of the book, I got the feeling that the guy was stretching really hard to find 100 style mistakes. For example, apparently wearing pink is a fashion mistake. Huh? Also, much of the advice only applies to an instant in time and space (2009 or early 2010, NYC), which makes it already outdated, and certainly out of place for most of the world. Finally, although I liked the book and laughed a lot, ultimately I closed it feeling a little disappointed -- disappointed that there are people out there who are so caught up in fashion and clothing that they judge you by whether your heels have scuff marks on them rather than whether you have anything interesting to say. I don't think the author and I would be friends. And I don't think either of us would care about that.
April 12, 2012
i realize i am kind of a hypocrite for liking this book so much when i hated
with the fire of a thousand suns, but clinton kelly is just so much better at this. he's an asshole, but he's the kind of asshole you want to hang out with, whereas i just wanted to stuff derek blasberg into a can. clinton kelly is also extremely hilarious, so the whole book comes off as tongue-in-cheek rather than nastily offensive.
(also, clinton says it's fine not to shave your legs as long as you don't wear transparent hose over them.)
i also found some actual helpful information in here that will be useful the next time i go shopping. for example, i have a lot of solids and black and grey that could be livened up. and (sigh) i should probably get a bra fitting at some point.
with the fire of a thousand suns, but clinton kelly is just so much better at this. he's an asshole, but he's the kind of asshole you want to hang out with, whereas i just wanted to stuff derek blasberg into a can. clinton kelly is also extremely hilarious, so the whole book comes off as tongue-in-cheek rather than nastily offensive. (also, clinton says it's fine not to shave your legs as long as you don't wear transparent hose over them.)
i also found some actual helpful information in here that will be useful the next time i go shopping. for example, i have a lot of solids and black and grey that could be livened up. and (sigh) i should probably get a bra fitting at some point.
April 10, 2011
Photographs and "don'ts" of the most common fashion mistakes. Clinton's snide comments are funny because they are so truthful. I am guilty of a few of these offenses--holiday sweaters and horizontal stripes (love stripes!) So what if they don't look good--they make me feel good and that's what counts!
Taken with a grain of salt, it's useful information for anyone trying to dig out of a fashion rut.
Taken with a grain of salt, it's useful information for anyone trying to dig out of a fashion rut.
December 9, 2010
I love a good, sharp biting wit, but there is a fine line between sharp wit and mean-spiritedness. The first one takes intelligence and the second one does not.
This book had some really good advice about fashion faux pas, so I would recommend it for that reason, but skip it if you're looking for anything else.
This book had some really good advice about fashion faux pas, so I would recommend it for that reason, but skip it if you're looking for anything else.
December 12, 2018
Vui và đanh đá không chịu được, dù xuất bản đã lâu nhưng những tips này vẫn áp dụng rất đúng cho xu hướng thời trang hiện hành. Tác giả là nam mà giọng bitchy khủng khiếp, đọc để giải trí cũng rất tốt.
March 24, 2011
What woman doesn't LOVE Clinton from "What Not to Wear"?! I sure do. Out of 100 style mistakes only 4 overtly applied to me, and 3 of these are related and are no surprise. Muffin top and midsection cling are things I am very aware of which I've tried to address with layering. It really helps. But then on page 170 I hit jackets that don't button -YIKES! Probably only one of my 50 or so sweaters and jackets do actually button. I'm not willing to replace a large chunk of my wardrobe, which by the way, would require me to have everything tailored, because if it fit around the middle, it's gonna be huge in the chest and shoulders.
The only realistic solution is to lose weight, and those of us who are not completely in denial know how realistic that is. So I wear nice earrings, makeup and a sincere, enthusiastic smile to draw the eyes upward! :D
The one mistake I was unaware of is on page 48. Clinton hates turtlenecks and the Gawd awful photo looks just like me! I have one in every color and many prints, which to my defense, I only wear under another layer. I already noticed I have been wearing them less this year, as they are too bulky underneath some of the newer, thinner cardigans. He says "But my neck is cold" is no excuse. That's what scarves are for. Well that is my excuse, and while I'm not throwing out the turtlenecks, I will consider scarfing it up a bit.
I didn't count myself as guilty of "covering your ass with an invisibility clock" because I have been wearing tops shorter for a few years. I'll keep in mind Clinton's advice of "The best way to camouflage your rear end is to use what I call the 'divide and conquer' technique. Look for tops that hit at the widest part of the tush. I know that sounds counter intuitive, but it works. Think of it this way: if your tops are very short and hit above the butt, then everyone can see your entire butt and it becomes the primary focus of tour rear view. If your tops are very long, your entire butt is covered, but your silhouette will look very wide and your leg line will look shorter. Shorter legs make you look shorter and then you look wider. But, if you cover the tush halfway, you bisect the butt, reducing its emphasis by half, and keep the leg nice and long.
Obviously everyone will get something different from this book. It is really FUN!
The only realistic solution is to lose weight, and those of us who are not completely in denial know how realistic that is. So I wear nice earrings, makeup and a sincere, enthusiastic smile to draw the eyes upward! :D
The one mistake I was unaware of is on page 48. Clinton hates turtlenecks and the Gawd awful photo looks just like me! I have one in every color and many prints, which to my defense, I only wear under another layer. I already noticed I have been wearing them less this year, as they are too bulky underneath some of the newer, thinner cardigans. He says "But my neck is cold" is no excuse. That's what scarves are for. Well that is my excuse, and while I'm not throwing out the turtlenecks, I will consider scarfing it up a bit.
I didn't count myself as guilty of "covering your ass with an invisibility clock" because I have been wearing tops shorter for a few years. I'll keep in mind Clinton's advice of "The best way to camouflage your rear end is to use what I call the 'divide and conquer' technique. Look for tops that hit at the widest part of the tush. I know that sounds counter intuitive, but it works. Think of it this way: if your tops are very short and hit above the butt, then everyone can see your entire butt and it becomes the primary focus of tour rear view. If your tops are very long, your entire butt is covered, but your silhouette will look very wide and your leg line will look shorter. Shorter legs make you look shorter and then you look wider. But, if you cover the tush halfway, you bisect the butt, reducing its emphasis by half, and keep the leg nice and long.
Obviously everyone will get something different from this book. It is really FUN!
May 21, 2011
I saw this book on a shelf while I waited in line to check out at my local library and picked it up on a whim. I am the first to admit that I know little to nothing about fashion, nor do I really care. I do not care about name brands, purses, high heels, or haute couture. But I also know that I (and apparently, many women in the U.S.) could use some gentle reminders of "What Not to Wear."
Last summer before we moved, I cut my hair and my girlfriends helped me weed out my closet and go shopping to appropriately outfit an almost-40 Mom. I was a little surprised at how many clothes I'd hung onto just because they fit, even though I hadn't worn them in years and shouldn't ever wear them again. Hmmm... In any case, they recommended that I watch the popular TLC show, but I just don't watch much tv. Hence, the interest in this book. And the fact that it promised to be a quick read made me even more interested.
I found this book to be a very snarky, humorous and fast read. It was short on narrative and long on pictures. I was pleased to note that I do have a modicum of common sense regarding fashion and don't commit many of the mistakes he lists. And the ones I do commit (like wearing scrunchies more often than I should) aren't likely to change much. Perhaps I will try to do them less often in public and keep my "fashion mistakes" limited to when I'm at home. And thanks to my girlfriends, I no longer own any of the other ones that I might've committed. I still don't really care all that much about fashion, but I don't want to be an embarrassment, either.
Some of my favorite bits:
"Just be the best, most authentic version of you!" (p. 20)
"...I've decided to be zen with it. And by 'Zen with,' I mean 'bitter about.'" (p. 31)
"Frumpy, dumpy, and lumpy makes me grumpy." (p. 48)
"Say it with me: V-neck, [a high] defined waist, flared skirt [to the knee]" (regarding dresses) (p. 117)
Last summer before we moved, I cut my hair and my girlfriends helped me weed out my closet and go shopping to appropriately outfit an almost-40 Mom. I was a little surprised at how many clothes I'd hung onto just because they fit, even though I hadn't worn them in years and shouldn't ever wear them again. Hmmm... In any case, they recommended that I watch the popular TLC show, but I just don't watch much tv. Hence, the interest in this book. And the fact that it promised to be a quick read made me even more interested.
I found this book to be a very snarky, humorous and fast read. It was short on narrative and long on pictures. I was pleased to note that I do have a modicum of common sense regarding fashion and don't commit many of the mistakes he lists. And the ones I do commit (like wearing scrunchies more often than I should) aren't likely to change much. Perhaps I will try to do them less often in public and keep my "fashion mistakes" limited to when I'm at home. And thanks to my girlfriends, I no longer own any of the other ones that I might've committed. I still don't really care all that much about fashion, but I don't want to be an embarrassment, either.
Some of my favorite bits:
"Just be the best, most authentic version of you!" (p. 20)
"...I've decided to be zen with it. And by 'Zen with,' I mean 'bitter about.'" (p. 31)
"Frumpy, dumpy, and lumpy makes me grumpy." (p. 48)
"Say it with me: V-neck, [a high] defined waist, flared skirt [to the knee]" (regarding dresses) (p. 117)
September 5, 2013
After a crappy encounter with a patron, I came home with this awesome book and read it cover to cover, something I hadn't done in years! And it provided much fun and relaxation, just what I needed, especially since I had to go back to work later to close. I've enjoyed watching Clinton on his TV show "What's not to wear" and have always wondered what he would do with my wardrobe. Other women's mistakes are so obvious but what about myself? I have an extremely limited clothes budget, well, okay, I have no clothe budget so getting to spend five grand on a wardrobe would actually be hard for me. I'd want the cash for other things or buy as many clothes as possible. My style has changed over the years and especially since I went back to work after 20 plus years of staying home with my children. I'm more willing to check out different colors and style and have thus found some of my favorite clothes that way. Gone are the days of the white top and navy or black bottom! While this is a very classic look that looks good on me, it can't be 90 percent to your wardrobe. Gone also are the days of the sweatpants for practically every occasion, except Sunday! As a mother, I looked for comfy clothes that could take a beating. Comfort is still my numero uno, but I want to look more put together while in the public eye and for my own sense of well-being. I've had fun the last few years stretching my clothing imagination. I agree with almost all of what Clinton says in this book (most of it is common sense and decency) EXCEPT for the calf-length skirt. I have ugly knees and wide calves so the calf-length covers this flaw wonderfully. So, if Clinton ever needs to look at my wardrobe, I will hide my beloved skirts!
January 8, 2020
Lần đầu tiên mình đọc cuốn sách viết về thời trang. Do mình vẫn còn khá trẻ và có sẵn phong cách tối giản thanh lịch nên mình cũng không phạm quá nhiều "chuẩn mực thời trang" được đề cập đến trong sách. Có những cái mình thấy cũng học được như người mũm mỉm thì không nên mặc đồ kẻ ngang, nên "đồng điệu" chứ không nên "đồng bộ", thời trang điểm nhấn, mặc quần tất sao cho đúng,... Còn lại thì cái đẹp vốn dĩ là thứ rất chủ quan, chín người mười ý. Ví dụ như tác giả lên án áo phông in chữ, hồng pastel, thêu hình con vật,... Áo phông mình thích nhất lại làm bằng cotton 100% fair-trade v�� có chữ "Be Kind" mặc hoài không sờn không bung chỉ. Chiếc áo khoác làm mình luôn dịu lòng khi mặc là chiếc áo len hồng pastel thêu hình con thỏ. Thời trang ấy mà, miễn sao mặc chúng lên bạn thấy vừa dễ chịu vừa tự tin, và có thể mỉm cười an lành với cả thế giới, theo mình, thế là đủ rồi.
Do mình luôn hướng về giá trị bên trong và không bao giờ nhận xét ai qua vẻ bề ngoài nên với mình, điểm trừ lớn nhất của cuốn sách là tác giả quá mean, quá xéo xắt. Tác giả kể những câu chuyện nhỏ như ai đó lại hỏi tác giả có phải là Clinton không thì ông liền khó chịu, cái này không phải "bệnh ngôi sao" chứ là bệnh gì? Rồi thường xuyên khó chịu khi người khác mình không giống chuẩn mực của mình, biết là bệnh nghề nghiệp nhưng cứ hở tí là khó chịu như thế thì chả trách Clinton cứ liên tục nhắc về thuốc an thần trong cuốn sách.
Mình theo trường phái giản dị "tu hành" nên không cần ai đó thấy mình sang chảnh hay gì, vì mình chưa bao giờ đặt giá trị của mình vào quần áo. Nói chung đọc cho vui để thấy "thế giới sang chảnh" người ta có chuẩn mực như thế nào thì được, chứ đọc để mà dựa vào đó rồi đi phán xét những người không mặc giống là sai, sai lắm lắm.
Do mình luôn hướng về giá trị bên trong và không bao giờ nhận xét ai qua vẻ bề ngoài nên với mình, điểm trừ lớn nhất của cuốn sách là tác giả quá mean, quá xéo xắt. Tác giả kể những câu chuyện nhỏ như ai đó lại hỏi tác giả có phải là Clinton không thì ông liền khó chịu, cái này không phải "bệnh ngôi sao" chứ là bệnh gì? Rồi thường xuyên khó chịu khi người khác mình không giống chuẩn mực của mình, biết là bệnh nghề nghiệp nhưng cứ hở tí là khó chịu như thế thì chả trách Clinton cứ liên tục nhắc về thuốc an thần trong cuốn sách.
Mình theo trường phái giản dị "tu hành" nên không cần ai đó thấy mình sang chảnh hay gì, vì mình chưa bao giờ đặt giá trị của mình vào quần áo. Nói chung đọc cho vui để thấy "thế giới sang chảnh" người ta có chuẩn mực như thế nào thì được, chứ đọc để mà dựa vào đó rồi đi phán xét những người không mặc giống là sai, sai lắm lắm.
November 3, 2010
I'm a huge fan of the television show What Not to Wear and watch it since the very first season with Stacy London and Wayne Scot Lukas. For some reason (probably because of his unkempt appearance - purely my opinion) Lukas was replaced in Season Two with Clinton Kelly. Good decision, I think. Clinton is way more put together, fashion-wise, and his rapport with Stacy is engaging.
Clinton has written two other books: Freakin' Fabulous (I reviewed it here), and Dress Your Best, co-authored with Stacy. This new book, like the others, focuses on style, but it is more in keeping with the show and what not do do. It hilariously countdowns 100 things that women do wrong in fashion with accompanying photos (please don't miss the camel toe picture).
While it's not a book that I will go back and refer to for fashion advice, it made me laugh out loud often and I'm glad I read it.
Clinton has written two other books: Freakin' Fabulous (I reviewed it here), and Dress Your Best, co-authored with Stacy. This new book, like the others, focuses on style, but it is more in keeping with the show and what not do do. It hilariously countdowns 100 things that women do wrong in fashion with accompanying photos (please don't miss the camel toe picture).
While it's not a book that I will go back and refer to for fashion advice, it made me laugh out loud often and I'm glad I read it.
December 2, 2010
I'm a fan of What Not to Wear, so anything by Clinton Kelly works for me. This book is slighter by far than the show, and Clinton bitchier (is that possible?), but I'll admit I've made some of the 100 mistakes in the book (who owns a few hoodies and has a few pairs of pants too long for her comfortable work shoes? THIS gal!) and I was even referencing it to my sister last weekend about the aforementioned too-long pant rule (she has 10 pairs of pants and wears them all with too-short heels--it makes me crazy). So thanks Clinton! And you might have convinced me to finally toss out my beloved tiny pleated skirt that I've had for 5 years because I'm getting too old for something that short...although I'm not quite ready to do that yet. Don't rush me!
Overall, a quick library read, but for God's sake, you can read it in an hour. No need to spend $25!
Overall, a quick library read, but for God's sake, you can read it in an hour. No need to spend $25!
August 10, 2016
3.5 stars/Non-Fiction; Fashion
Oh King Kelly, it must be awful lonely up there on your throne of fashion perfection...
I liked this book and laughed out loud more than once. I would love to meet him in person to see if he really is as snarky as this book sounds. It must be an awful burden for him to have to see all the wardrobe atrocities knowing that he, as one man, can do so little to wake us up to the injustice. I would drink too. ☺
While I agree that most of the content in his book seems like common sense, it never ceases to amaze me how many people I see wearing the exact things that he preaches against.
Does the world need love? No. According to Kelly, it needs less athletic shoe wearing, stretch marked Mama's with a muffin topped tramp stamp. If this is you, please stop torturing the poor guy.
Oh King Kelly, it must be awful lonely up there on your throne of fashion perfection...
I liked this book and laughed out loud more than once. I would love to meet him in person to see if he really is as snarky as this book sounds. It must be an awful burden for him to have to see all the wardrobe atrocities knowing that he, as one man, can do so little to wake us up to the injustice. I would drink too. ☺
While I agree that most of the content in his book seems like common sense, it never ceases to amaze me how many people I see wearing the exact things that he preaches against.
Does the world need love? No. According to Kelly, it needs less athletic shoe wearing, stretch marked Mama's with a muffin topped tramp stamp. If this is you, please stop torturing the poor guy.
April 10, 2011
did i tell you i saw clinton kelly give the keynote speech at the college & research library convention and i died a thousand deaths it was so wonderful and everyone got in such a huff about "a man" telling us "what shoes to wear" but i live and breathe for you, CK, and i read your book in sweatpants and a cardigan while baking a pie, i am SORRY about the sweatpants? did i tell you that?
oh.
oh.
May 28, 2012
I kind of didn't like it. Book Clinton comes off as quite snarky, and show Clinton comes off as so sweet. The two personae didn't jive in my head. Also, I like my white cross trainers. My feet never ever hurt, and I don't get blisters when I wear them. I don't need Clinton Kelly to tell me they're not fashionable, but what if I just don't give a crap?
January 2, 2020
Snarky and hilarious
I live Clinton Kelly and want him to become my new best friend, the one who invites me to cocktail parties (my drink of choice is G & T too), dishes on the lady in chintz, and, yes, tells me my LBD is lay-haim. Don't get me wrong, I'll still rock my cherry red lipstick. But at least it will be intentional, like wearing brown or navy shoes with it.
I live Clinton Kelly and want him to become my new best friend, the one who invites me to cocktail parties (my drink of choice is G & T too), dishes on the lady in chintz, and, yes, tells me my LBD is lay-haim. Don't get me wrong, I'll still rock my cherry red lipstick. But at least it will be intentional, like wearing brown or navy shoes with it.
September 28, 2015
This book is laugh out loud HYSTERICAL! Clinton Kelly is at his no holds barred, snarkiest best; saying all the things we think in our heads but don't say out loud. Clinton does! Muffin tops, camel toe, whale tail, gnarly feet and horse hair are just a few of his subjects. I can't put this down!
December 9, 2017
If you like TLC's What Not to Wear, you will probably like this book by Clinton Kelly. You can almost hear his voice as you read it. The book gives a fairly comprehensive list of style faux pas to avoid, delivered in Clinton's witty, no-holds-barred manner.
October 18, 2010
I'd be really pissed if I had purchased this. The first few chapters were okay. Not funny enough to hold my attention or make me want to purchase it.
November 21, 2010
Oh no he didn't...write a good book.
November 25, 2012
Entertaining, but a tad too vicious for my liking.
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