Work It!: Visual Therapy's Guide to Your Ultimate Career Wardrobe

I liked this book because of all the makeover books out there, the clothes and hair are terribly frumpy--but this one's NOT. I am 48 and wouldn't be seen in many of the outdated clothes in these books. WORK IT actually looks modern; a little like Lucky magazine, but a lot neater and less quirky than Lucky because it's for the office. My only change would be to add a section on "what type are you" in fashion styles, but they did that in Nothing to Wear. They overview it in the beginning of the book; a whole section would've been fun, but that's ok... Overall, I give this book an A+ because of the makeup, hair, and clothing being more 21st-century, and it was a fun read. There are NO bad "before" pictures--you just see the transformation in normal conditions, which is nice. Although I've read a lot of books since 1982 (starting with Color Me Beautiful!!!) and enjoy categorizing myself and my friends according to their style types (it's fun doing this with friends!), this is the first one that I see my style in, and it also helped me realize that I love streamlined clothes with wavy hair and pretty earrings. I use this "uniform" everyday, and now it's helped me stay focused when I shop--I know not to go into looks that I'll never wear, and I like knowing that my hair and chandelier earring express my artsy side in contrast to my neat and uncluttered daily look with my favorite look of fitted pullovers and Express "Editor" pants. I haven't wasted ANY money since buying this book! Another nice touch is their inclusion of "boss ladies"--they give you a perspective that employees just can't have. There was a particular quote from one of them, "She looks like she's solved her dressing issues" (not the exact words, but paraphrased)--that stuck with me--you really are judged by the way you put yourself together. Your clothes, hair, and makeup speak volumes about you before you ever open your mouth. It made me resolve to put myself together before I leave the house for ANYTHING... NOW I wish they'd have a "What to Wear for Any Occasion"--I think the just-published "Look Book" is cute, but that's it--"cute"--while these stylists know how to identify people's styles and dress them for self-expression. I do recommend all 3 of their books...they are the best and the most fun of the bunch!!! I don't always AGREE with their color-typing of individuals in Life in Color, but I found it as easy to follow as the 4 seasons in Color Me Beautiful... NOTHING TO WEAR (find your style) LIFE IN COLOR (find your colors) WORK IT (find your work look)

WORK IT! VISUAL THERAPY'S GUIDE TO YOUR ULTIMATE CAREER WARDROBE comes from two stylists who have spent years revamping wardrobes and showing women how to look good. This focus is on business attire and covers all the basics, from determining individual work personality to establishing career goals and customizing a wardrobe to meet them. Any business or women's issues library needs this.

This book was easy to read and chock full of interesting and helpful information. I love the pictures and the various types of work environments featured. Models are diverse and it's easy to find what fits your lifestyle as well as body type. Love, Love, Love this book!

The group that brought you "Life in Color" applies the same color guide to work. The four types are Sun, Moon, Earth and Star. For this book they chose people of different ages in different work situations who fit the different personalized palettes to show by example how you can use the color guide to update your work look. I don't think the purpose of the book is to show you step by step how to change your look, so much as show examples to inspire you. They give advice on how and why they updated the person's work look. A benefit of the book is that they show examples of how you can update your look not just for the cubicle or corner office, but also for networking or going out to cocktails with coworkers, for example. Maybe it's because I've studied fashion for many years and really know what colors work for me, but I didn't have any trouble knowing which color palette was mine from their first or this book (Moon). However, I can see where someone new to fashion might not be sure which one fits them. To me the keys are knowing what colors you are drawn to (although the authors in their previous book "Life in Color" say that you can be drawn to a color that is "bad" for you) and knowing what colors look good on you (your cheeks look rosier, your eyes brighter, your skin clearer). If you are not sure which palette best fits you, look in a mirror and hold up material (skirt, blouse, whatever it's made into) right under your face. Unless you like looking like a sallow, wan, red splotched version of yourself, you should be able to tell which colors make you look better and see which palette best matches those colors. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fashion and/or is looking for some inspiration.