Published by the editors of Elle magazine (hence the extra “l” in the title), the book is a collection of interviews of 25 subjects ranging from R & B singer Estelle to Mad Men Costume Designer Janie Bryant. It features beautiful photos and layouts that suggest a peek into the life and the closets of its famous subjects. The book also distills the subject’s style into a few key elements and tips the reader can use to inspire her own style.
As I’ve said before, I am a sucker for any book that promises to help me unearth my personal style. But there was something about this book that kept me from shelling out $30 minus the 25 percent coupon from Borders to buy it.
Celebrities are modern archetypes. It’s appropriate to use them to illustrate a point. But it seems unfair on some level to show women photos of famous people with a wealth and resources and suggest that they too could look like Olivia Wilde, Alicia Keys, or Dita von Teese. These women have carefully crafted images whose style decisions are made by other people – record label executives, stylists, hairdressers, make-up artists, etc.
Style is personal. It’s something at which a woman arrives after years of “what was she thinking” outfits and bad hair days.
I wish personal style guides and magazine articles would help regular women distinguish what qualities in themselves they would like to enhance and express through fashion. For example, how would a curvy woman who loves menswear or rocker chic express her personal style? How does a mother of three who is equal parts bombshell and tough girl express herself? Annnnddd….the suggestions should offer women a range of suggestions for under $200.
That’s a lot to ask, which is why my dream book hasn’t been published. Will I buy Ellements of Style? Maybe. I could always use another fashion coffee table book.
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