How to Have Style (Isaac Mizrahi)

I love Isaac Mizrahi and his flamboyant but pragmatic advice. (No seriously, some of the makeovers are pretty out there, but they work.) How he differs from the myriad style books out there is that he wants his participants to reach into themselves and find their inspirations- people, places, things- and start with a dream about themselves before they start buying clothes or cutting hair. Other books mention that, but this one goes into greater detail about the process of getting there. Some of the makeovers I didn't agree with- I would never do some of the things he advised- but I would say everyone looked more like the person they said they wanted to be in the after pictures. Now, I will say that he was as ridiculous as everyone else who writes such a book with his recommendations for 30 or so essential accessories. Strangely enough, my daughters (15 and 9) were more offended by his expensive recommendations than I was, for whatever that's worse. Personally, I'm going to pre... Read more

If you are looking for a book with TONS of photos, this book has it! I applaud Isaac for taking the time to photograph each and every outfit he mentioned in this book. Most fashion books simply do not do that! I also liked the photo examples of accessories in the back. In addition, many of Isaac's photos of the models show a progression (from the very basic layer, to the next,and next, etc). Many fashion books do not do this either. The reason I gave this book a 4 out of 5, is because, as other reviewers have stated, some of Isaac's fashion choices have to be taken with a grain of salt. They are not for everybody's taste. For instance, some readers may love the fashions in this book, but some may not (and then some readers may find the fashions mostly acceptable, or so-so). I think, though, it would be hard for ANYBODY to write a fashion book that pleases every single female's fashion taste. After all, even the very best current fashion magazines out there today, do no... Read more

the book is a pleasure to touch and watch, with lots of great bits and pieces of insider knowledge - and the pictures! shots from the sessions, drawings giving insight into how Isaac works - all great, as they allow you to see the process. you will find out how genius he is (for noticing instantly what will work great on a person), and that even he will let himself change his mind and reconsider an idea. the overall scheme for discovering your style is something you must do! it starts with your inspiration board, and that will probably give you more information about yourself than you thought you knew. fun to flip through with frieds/sister/mom, it could inspire you or put right some of your oldest mistakes. my one little "but" is that you can tell it is from a designer living in the States, and the American approach to style is less than universal at times (cf. the style for the only Redhead in the book). otherwise - the book is great, and a must have for any girl.

If you are looking for a book that tells you how to accentuate your good points and to hide your flaws (real or perceived), this is not it. I've already had my hair cut and my make-up redone, but even after reading this entire book I have no better idea what would flatter me and my figure. I do like the concept of creating your own personal style board to see what resonates for you, but how to apply that was missing for me. While I've seen his designs and usually like them. I have to agree with the reviewer that criticized some of his style choices (I did like the bleach blonde she hated, though). I was hard pressed at times to pick what he thought were good outfits from the bad. I'd suggest that you look through this book before you decide to buy it. It seems to have hit a chord with some women, but it sure didn't for me.

There's no philosophy about style. There was a double truck layout with outfits owned by a client and comments by I.M. and I literally couldn't tell why he thought some were great and others were awful. And I don't share his taste. Although he makes fun of himself in the blurb, he and his assistants look so sloppy in the photos that one wonders why women are supposed to drive themselves crazy creating an illusion of glamour when the professionals don't even bother.