Three Black Skirts

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Of little use - Rated
Although the book is set out nicely with cute illustrations and promising sounding chapter titles (Well-Being, Style, Lifeskills, Career etc) it is disappointing on delivery. It is so Americanised that despite having lived in the States for 6 months myself there were still numerous words/references I didn't get. The tips are hardly revelationary (replace sugary cereals with fruit and yoghurt, update an old sofa by putting a throw over it, get some exercise to improve your health)and is quite dated ('if you have anchorwoman hair, try using a scrunchie'). We've heard many of these tips before. In fact, it feels like we've read it all before - just like a collection of articles that get recycled in women's magazines regularly. Despite the 'love yourself' message in earlier chapters ('write a love poem to your ankle')I didn't find it inspirational at all, just annoyed with myself for sticking with reading it.

UK buyers beware - Rated
I bought this book as a little light, uplifting, magazine-style reading while laid up with a bad back. Big mistake.

What doesn't come across in either the synopsis or the previous readers' reviews is that, though apparently written by a British-born author, this is an American book written for an American market: as such, the spelling, vocabulary and slang is very Americanised throughout, and the book is peppered with references to various US shops, institutions, and celebrities that I'd never heard of. Okay, so we Brits are imaginative and practised enough to substitute 'AA' or 'RAC' when Johnson advises us to join the 'AAA' (the American Automobile Association), but the money chapter in particular - aside from thumping home the universal message of 'dept bad, savings good' - bears little correlation to life in the UK. Much of the information, seven years after initial publication, is now likely to be very out of date too. It was at this financial chapter, only half way through the book, that I tossed it to one side in disgust.

There's a great many books like this one on the market. My advice to anyone outside the US is to give this one a wide berth and find something more relevant to your own life and the country you live in.

Nice book but nothing any woman doesn't already know! - Rated
It's a nice book but I found most of it was things any normal woman would already know - there was nothing knew or of any particular interest to me in it. Maybe it would be suitable for 16-18 years old girls?

Modern Girl's Life Guide - Rated
This is a wonderful book for today's woman. It doens't come across as a know-it-all self-help book (the author freely admits in the introduction that she herself only has 2 black skirts!), but a funny and positive way to get a grasp on what is important and not-so important in modern life.

At first glance, the title is somewhat desceptive, as its not really just about clothes, but about many aspects of life for a 20/30/40-year old young woman. It covers everything from car maintenance to break-ups to buying your first house to spirituality, all with a funny, positive and wise edge, which you feel has been inspired by years of personal experience.

But the title of the book is also quite a good description of its overall philosophy, which is all about simplifying. Paring down all aspects of your life to what you really need. You might have a wardrobe overflowing with designer duds and trendy apparel, yet still look like a nighmare when you step out the front door. This book tells women that several key pieces of classic clothing never go out of fashion, and that confidence and individual style are what really sets the elegant apart from the fashion-victims. This philosophy applies equally well to other aspects of your life. Anna Johnson's column for MSN Women has been a long favourite for assessing modern trends and very funny and lighthearted jibe at fashion.

This is a great book to give to a sister, daughter, girlfriend, best friend or anyone else who agrees that style has nothing to do with fashion, and that the most beautiful girls are the ones who can change her spark plugs, discuss the environment, cook a meal, be at peace with herself, and still look a million dollars in a simple black skirt.

I love this book! - Rated
I love this book - it's easy to read, full of useful information, inspiring and just all round fab. Much more useful than I thought it would be and it's one of those books that cheers you up and keeps you positive.