Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style (Tim Gunn's Guide to Style)

I looked at this book a couple of times at the bookstore but passed it by because it didn't have a lot of glitzy photographs. Then I ordred it anyway. To my surprise, it is chock full of great advice. Tim Gunn writes with humor and humility. He NEVER speaks down to the reader. In fact, he's very encouraging as he tells the reader to celebrate our flaws and to not be so hard on ourselves. He doesn't insist that everyone run out and buy the lastest fad, in fact, he discourages it. He urges simplifying one's wardrobe and continuously emphasizes scale and silhouette. Just because an article is a great piece doesn't mean it is right for everyone of every shape and size. Mr. Gunn discusses quality vs quantity...but he's always on the lookout for a bargain. He touts buying those few really great pieces and filling in with basics from you local discount store....IF you can find good quality for a good price. All in all, I was very happy with this book and the advice given by its author.

I am a big fan of Tim Gunn. He seems like the quintessential style guru and I enjoy watching him every week on Project Runway. I was very excited to read Mr. Gunn's book. After reading it, I was neither overwhelmed nor extremely disappointed. Gunn offered a lot of useful advice, but sometimes the book read like one of my college textbooks. The stories about Gunn's upbringing and how he came to be Tim "Make it work" Gunn was charming and witty. I wish he would have included some pictures or illustrations to reinforce his advice. All in all, this is a nice book for those who want to truly look their best at all times.

First of all, let me say that this review will be biased. I absolutely LOVE Tim Gunn. Doesn't every girl wish that they had Tim as an uncle that you could call up for fashion advice? If so, my teens, twenties, and thirties wouldn't have been such a fashion disaster!

In this style tome, Tim gives direction without locking you in. Part of developing your style is doing some of the work yourself and he gives you the tools you need to do that. I love fashion personalities and Tim's definitions are clever. Great read.

Like many people, I am addicted to Project Runway, in large part because of Tim Gunn. His taste is impeccable, his care for the students radiates through the television, and you never know what polysyllabic word is going to come out of his mouth next. He is probably the only man in America who could use the term "ungulate" four times in a style guide, and "make it work."
This book is an intelligent approach to style, from the inside out--literally! One of the most helpful sections to me was the guide to correct posture. I was able to identify one major area where my own carriage was incorrect, and have been working on carrying myself properly ever since.
This is not a guide to fads, to trends, or even to fashion--it just provides the basics to help the reader discover their own style and how to make it work.
Aside from these great essentials, the book has a fun, breezy style, with all the charm and wit we've come to expect from Mr. Gunn. A delightful read, and one worth coming back to.

I love Tim Gunn's approach to style. His advice about buying and wearing only clothes that make you feel great is timely in an age when we all need to reassess the damage we are causing to the environment through conspicuous overcconsumption of resources. Following his recommendations, I edited my closet, giving away all those "great deals" that don't quite work and leaving only those pieces that make me feel and look great when I wear them. I now shop for clothes with a purpose: I know exactly what I'm looking for, and I'm not tempted to buy things I don't need just because I stumble across them or they're on sale. I pay more per piece because I invest in quality and style, but I spend a great deal less overall.