You Are The Style!

3.5 stars.

This is as much a self-help book as a style guide, which isn't a complaint. There is a lot of solid advice for cultivating a happy, healthy body image and sense of self. The book is written in a cheerful, conversational style that comes across as friendly and encouraging. There are some meanders into woo-woo (manifesting, energy, evil eyes) but it's not hard to skim over if that's not your thing.

There are some nods towards inclusiveness (images include somewhat diverse body types, skin tones, etc.) but I was a bit let down to find most of the technical advice running right back to that same old place: "Just think, 'Lean and lengthened, slim and structured'". There are lots of suggestions for how to minimize "flaws" and many, many references to wideness as a "problem". This is also definitely written to an audience of women of means who can afford throw out half their closet (and that have a stocked, dedicated closet) and routinely wear 4 piece outfits (not including shoes or bags).

That said, there is definitely plenty to be gleaned here. Take what you can use and leave the rest--you'll come out better for it!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

You are the style is not your typical how to dress book. Instead Laurie takes you on a journey of self awareness and discovery, explaining that YOU are style not the clothes you wear.

Using some often humorous anecdotes about both her own journey and her clients, this was an engaging and useful book. I picked up a tip or too, and have to say was impressed with the result!

This book was chock-full of good advice! I made several highlights to serve as reminders for myself (and may also purchase a print copy for myself). Sometimes style books come across as frivolous, but the author did a great job with getting her message across. Thank you for the boost of confidence!

This book was a wonder to read. It was definitely a mixture of style guide and self-development.
With the author, being a professional stylist with almost twenty years experience under her belt ( pun intended ), you can feel Laurie’s passion for what she does through her writing.
I love the fact that you don’t need to go out and buy new clothes for your wardrobe, unless you really want to. You learn how to be comfortable in your own skin, and how to place YOU back on your priority list, by setting your day up for success.
I definitely recommend this book to any woman looking for a fresh start to her closet, and her life.

What a great book. Its a motivational book with style thrown in on the side.
It is what every woman that is looking to free themselves from the bad thoughts needs to read. Why do we punish ourselves in our minds. This book is so freeing. Everyone needs to read a book like this and many other books on personal development.
Thanks Laurie!

This book provides strategies on styling and how to re-discover your style. I think the sub-title describes the book better than the somewhat confusing title - An Every Girl's Guide to Getting Dressed, Building Confidence & Shining from the Inside Out. It's easy to read and makes its points clearly. Laurie Brucker Amerikaner shares her style story with the reader and also provides case studies of women she's helped - you'll probably be able to relate to at least one of these women. She captures how women lose their sense of their style and the impact this has on their mindset and wellbeing brilliantly.

This is not a technical, proscriptive book on styling. Instead it offers easy, practical advice and is a joy to read. It makes you think about your own sense of style and the image you project to the world and challenges you, nicely, to do better. After all, that's probably why you're reading the book! I would have liked to see all the body types/shapes mentioned illustrated as this was a key point and an opportunity missed. I also would've loved to see more of Amelia Noyes' vibrant illustrations throughout the book as they were a great visual reminder of what can be achieved and helped get my creativity juices going.

Overall, this is the best book I have read on style. It has amazing tips and guidance which left me brimming with confidence and a desire to embrace my style. An absolute must-read.

Lots of very good advice in this book, less prescriptive and more an aid to self discovery, self awareness and self confidence. Whilst some of the examples and client stories feel a little over wrought and hackneyed the message and advice at the heart of them is warm and valuable.
It gives some solid guidance as to how to re-discover yourself and your style which is very valuable if you feel a little lost due to life circumstances.

This is a great book that addresses self-worth, confidence, feeling good about your body, and the importance of self-care. On the surface it seems to be about fashion, cleaning closets, styling outfits, creating your own sense of style, However, it is much more. It speaks to the idea that there is difference between musts and preferences in terms of feeling happy and good about yourself. It is a preference to be thin but not a must in terms of living a full, happy, and rich life. Additional practical advice on purging clothes and purchasing items that will bring you happiness are included. The intended audience is adult women although I think anyone with body images (high school for example), would benefit. Highly recommend without hesitation!

I had so much fun with this book. It is such a well-written, practical read full of lessons that were easy to apply.

My favorite lessons were on getting rid of assumptions that we hold about dressing. I felt challenged to toss out one that I have heard all my life about gold or gold-coated jewelry being unsuitable for dark skin. I have never owned any golden jewelry because of this but I think I will start with a pair of golden studs. I have also been inspired to go over my wardrobe and make changes. I have been holding to too many clothes that no longer fit or suit me. I was able to pick something that I can apply in my life and wardrobe from each of the chapters.

The writing is quite good, conversational and relatable. Each chapter focuses on a given aspect of style and gives practical lessons that are easy to apply. I like the fact that the author shares stories about different women and how styling tools, mind and behavioral shifts transformed their lives and how they feel about themselves.

What I loved about this book is that it takes a look at different aspects of image. Clothes are the main focus but the author also covers other things like skin care and accessories. She also tackled a very important topic on self-love and feeling good from inside out.

This is definitely a must read for every woman. If you ever look at your wardrobe and feel like you have nothing to wear despite having loads of clothes, this book is for you. If you are like me and have days when you dress and feel like you don’t want anyone to see you, then this book will give you fresh insights to get rid of those feelings. For moms learning to love their new bodies, you will find answers, a friend and guidance between the pages of these books. I can’t recommend it enough! This is indeed a lifestyle guide!

I really enjoyed this book, the advice was good, and the book was well-written. The tips seem like they will def. help the kids of age find out who they are and their style.

A useful book, written in a conversational style, that talks about stylepowerment and the image we present through our clothing. Overall I found it an interesting read, and it doesn't ignore the impact of COVID, discussing this in the introduction. I think that it's a useful book, particularly for those returning to the 'real world' again and wanting to redefine their image, understand how they present themselves to the world, or just generally. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Reading this was like sitting down with your best friend over a cuppa; it was personable and friendly and brimming with great advice. Having lost myself recently after having children and stuck in a style frump I found this empowering and boosted my confidence to no end. I also like how it dispelled any preconceived notions about the rules of style and fashion. Although there is a science to it and a general structure, if you will, to creating a style of your own there are no rules. That in itself was empowering and emboldened me to make some choices that I may not have otherwise made. This was more then a fashion book, it was a great confidence booster and like chatting to a very supportive friend. This is a book that I will revisit when I need that extra boost and empowerment. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to netgalley for an ARC in return for an honest review

Style Made Simple

Laurie broke down the foundational aspects of personal style. Sharing why some looks just work and why others fall flat. She shared easy-to-follow guidelines (like "four and out the door") and tips for finding what resonates with who you are (instead of what's trendy).

I love how the book is separated into two parts. Allowing the reader space to learn followed by a plan of action.

👠👗Book Review 👗👠
Title: You Are the Style
Author: Laurie Brucker Amerikaner
Published: August 2021
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was gifted this copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and insights are my own.

Review: A book about fashion and style had me a little skeptical. I love clothes and dressing up, so I was worried it was going to be a whole lot of "do and don't" rules. I was nervous! Was everything I was wearing wrong?! But I had nothing at all to worry about.
This book was wonderful! It wasn't a list of rules at all. She never said what was "right" or "wrong" for certain body types. Instead she taught how to flatter your form. She promoted confidence and positivity and individual expression!
I was so encouraged and the only thing she promoted getting rid of was anything that made me feel less than my best. She encouraged experimenting with patterns and jewelry. She applauded you being you! (Plus I learned where my actual waist is-not at my hips where my jeans sit. Game changer!)
If you are at all interested in fashion or clothing or are just needing a boost, read this. I promise you will feel encouraged and empowered to be your best, confident self.

✒️Quote: "Next is to drop the comparison game. Love thy neighbor. See the beauty in everyone and everything around you.... We are all sooo different, and we are all beautiful in our own ways. As women, that is something that should not only be acknowledged but celebrated!.... One woman's success and story does not diminish your own. Same goes for style; one woman's style is her style, and by no means does that diminish the light or value of your own style."

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This is a fab book to help you rethink about how you view your body. It also helps you think about how to dress and what is your style. There are many easy but impactful activities for you to complete as part of the book. This is a very useful self-help book.

a great book with ideas on finding your style. Provides great advice and tidbits on finding your style. I look forward to implementing the tips and actions. This is a great read and I think will add value to your life and style.
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