The Fashion File
Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men
By: Janie Bryant
Published: November 4, 2010
Format: Hardcover: 192 pages
ISBN-10: 0446572713
ISBN-13: 978-0446572712
Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style
"Knowing your "character" is the key to cultivating your style. Who do you want to be today? With the right clothes, you can be whomever you want to be", writes Emmy-winning costume designer Janie Bryant,Mad Men, in her comprehensive and idea packed book The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men. The author describes, complete with photographs and graphics, how men and women can dress well and present a positive and successful image for every occasion.
Janie Bryant understands clothing and the importance of creating a wardrobe that creates a good first impression. Utilizing the examples of her always well dressed characters on the hit television show Mad Men, the author shows the readers step by step how to select the right clothing for every individual body type and special occasion. For women, Janie Bryant emphasizes the importance of understanding body type, proper fit, color selection, and choosing the correct accessories. For the author, every woman can create a look that looks both beautiful and sophisticated on her. For men, Janie Bryant offers advice for suit selection, tying the appropriate neckties, and for creating a look that is both successful and right for any event. Using the characters on the television show, and from the past and present in the entertainment world as examples, the author guides the reader toward developing a personal style that will lead to success in any work or leisure endeavor.
Janie Bryant (photo left) recommends that a person create their own trademark look. For women, the author shares how she created the signature style of each of the leading ladies on Mad Men. The characters include Betty Draper, Joan Holloway, Peggy Olsen, and Trudy Campbell. Janie Bryant considers the trademark style one establishing an instant presence, that is a natural part of the person's personal style, and not simply an extension of some current trend. At the same time, the signature look shouldn't be the only style presented at work, home, or leisure activities. Instead, the concept should serve as inspiration for always looking one's best. For men, Janie Bryant points to the show's leading man Don Draper as the image of a successful business man, with well tailored suits and impeccably chosen and knotted ties. Janie Bryant stresses, however, that these characters are simply examples of creating looks to fit specific people. For the reader, the author reminds everyone to both feel good about themselves from the inside, and to trust their own instincts.
For me, the power of the book is how Janie Bryant provides a sophisticated, yet personal approach to dressing for success. Not only does the author present her concepts for dressing well, but also demonstrates how to incorporate the reader's own personality and style into the desired signature look. The book contains tremendous advice for using one's own body type to best advantage. With the right fit, style, color, and tailoring, anyone can look spectacular. In a highly competitive job market, presenting a successful image gives the job seeker an edge over the other applicants.
For someone already in a career, the clothing advice can provide a boost up the career ladder. Janie Bryant includes some valuable bonus sections in the book. There are special sections on selecting and fitting underwear, for purchasing the right vintage clothing, and choosing the right accessories and makeup. For men, the author provides a handy graphic on how to tie neckties and for fitting a man's hat. Along the way, Janie Bryant drops handy hints that can be used as needed to create just the right look for any special occasion.
I highly recommend the style enhancing and successful look creating book The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men by Janie Bryant with Monica Corcoran Harel, to anyone seeking to improve how they dress and present themselves at work, special events, job interviews, or leisure activities. This book will help you to establish a signature style that is right for you, for your body type, and your own personality.
Read the practical and successful image building book The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men by Janie Bryant with Monica Corcoran Harel, and set yourself apart from the competition at job interviews, for career promotions, and even for romance.
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