Change Your Clothes, Change Your Life. Finished 2-26-2020, style, 4.25/5 stars,278 pages, pub. 2014
More than a style guide, this revolutionary book by a seasoned stylist teaches a method of conscious dressing that begins with a powerful internal change. Instead of just grabbing for whatever’s on hand, you’ll learn to set your goals for the day, determining how you want to be perceived, and then dress in a way that helps manifest those intentions. Change Your Clothes, Change Your Life reveals the true power your clothing has to affect your life, showing how this second skin impacts your job prospects, your romantic life, your income, and even your deepest sense of self. Translating his styling methods into a philosophy anyone can apply on her own, Brescia also delivers tips and tricks of the trade to help convert even the most hapless dresser into a happy and educated shopper. Because the goal is to have you not only looking great, but feeling more confident, too. From major closet overhauls to a whole new philosophy on color, this is a comprehensive manual for anyone who’s ever looked at her closet in despair.
from Goodreads
I’ve been reading quite a few books outside of my comfort zone lately. My March 30 day challenge has to do with clothes so I’ve picked up a few books and this is the one I really liked. George is a NYC stylist and his warm personality really came through the pages. This is not a book filled with pictures of outfits to wear or different ways to tie a scarf, it’s about being more mindful of what you show the world every day when you step outside of the house. This is something I’ve struggled with since I had Gage over nine years ago. The first few years with an infant it’s acceptable to look like you’re wearing what you slept in and to not wash your hair enough, but at some point you get past that stage and live in yoga pants and that’s okay, so is every other mom at Little Gym. Fast forward to now where I just haven’t had the time or energy to invest time in a wardrobe for a body I’m not comfortable with. Thank goodness George doesn’t judge.
I will never be a fashion queen and I’m okay with that, but I do want to be more mindful as I go about my day and taking that extra few minutes to make sure what I’m saying with my clothes is what I’m feeling on the inside is a good thing. George is big on you asking yourself what does this outfit say after you get dressed in the morning. If it doesn’t say what you want then take a minute to tweak it. He gives some checklists on what you should have in your closet and how to evaluate the clothes you already have. He believes that every piece of clothing should be a 10, a perfect fit with colors that flatter you. He helps with the colors (the one thing I’m doing okay with in my closet) and can coach you through the rest. As much as I love George, if I had all 8s or 9s in my closet I would be okay with that. But, hey, it’s good to have a goal.
I liked this book a lot and found it helpful. It’s about clothes and the way you present yourself. Even though the clothes worn in New York City may be different than those worn in Cleveland or Austin or Salt Lake City, the intent is the same. A fun book for this non-fashionista.
Stacy's Books 
That does sound interesting but how do you find the perfect fit? I’ve tried everywhere I can think of and can’t find pants that fit me right. I know I can have them altered but that gets expensive so I don’t do it. I’ve found one brand/style of pant that fits me okay and I have it in 5 different colors.
I tend to do the same thing. He suggests spending a shopping session at a big department store trying on every brand of pants until you find the one that fits you best. Then tailor if necessary. Then you have your best brand out of the largest sample. Who wants to do this? No one. But is is on my list of things I need to do too. The book has a shopping section that was useful for it’s focus.
I was always “big” into clothes when I had to dress professionally and, even though I’m retired now, “clothes are just my thing.” I do have a problem with pants as I’m 5’4″ but 28″ inseam which had always been difficult. I finally found the perfect store and pants for me – J Jill, ankle length – which makes them hit just right or, there regular length in petite. Most all of their clothes fit me perfectly.
I’m jealous of those of you with an ease with dressing well! And you found the pants that fit you best. Still something I need to do. I keep putting it off hoping my bottom will ‘rebound’ but nine years is a long time to wait 🙂
My only problem with clothes is that I’m 5′ 0″ and 99% of the clothes I look at are too long. And like Kathy said, getting them hemmed is expensive. I should have let my mom teach me to sew! I did make a shirt in Jr. High but my mom had to redo it 😦
My mom does my hemming. Every time I’ve tried any sewing I end up having all kids of problems with the machine. I’m almost 5’2″ so bottoms are a struggles for me too.
In junior high we sewed stuffed animals – at least yours was something useful. 🙂
When I was working, I always had my clothes altered to fit me better by a seamstress who lives just down the street from me and who is very inexpensive. I need to take her a few things soon.
Thanks for sharing this book with us.