Fashion Victim: Our Love-Hate Relationship with Dressing, Shopping, and the Cost of Style [Hardcover]

I related so much to the chapter on body image, in particular. It really worked because she didn't take the obvious holier than thou approach. And I actually laughed out loud to some of her Fashion Victim's 10 Commandments.

A fascinating book by a talented writer. Five very enthusiastic stars!

She starts you off by defining a fasion victim, and I doubt that any of us could read this passage without agreeing that we've been a fashion victim once or twice. From there, she takes us into the world of models, clothing manufacturing, and all things related to fashion. She gives thorough treatment to the violent past of clothing makers and the sweatshops--if you don't know much about either of these topics, she gives you a GREAT education. The chapter where she covers designer knock-offs and clothing quality is an interesting read. Prepare to be surprised!

One of the main themes of the book concerns the illusions that the fashion industry creates for consumers. I didn't realize fashion shows only last 10-15 minutes at best, and I laughed out loud when she quotes a friend who went to a runway show and at its end remarks, "THAT'S ALL?!" Michelle also makes a fantastic point that the world of fashion was once esoteric, but now, the whole industry is very mainstream. Industry magazines sit right alongside issues of Newsweek, and Fashion Week now has TV coverage! Models have become household names. She reminds us that many models were just really skinny young girls who grew into older really skinny girls, and she makes her reader feel less intimidated by divulging that they are created to look perfect by lights, airbrushing, tape, heavy makeup, you name it. Knowing that a model fights with common skin issues or clothes that don't fit right will make you breathe out. :-)

I appreciated how she relates her story about stuffing herself painfully into a size 2 dress for fashion's sake--and how the dress only looked right when she was standing. I've been there a few times myself... You'll find yourself nodding and agreeing with her in a LOT of places.

I gave this one 4 stars because I felt that her chapter on fur ran on a little too long. I'm not a fur fan, but this chapter made me sympathize with the farmers--read about the Ebbets Farm Raid and be stunned how 'good' intentions of activists destroyed a family. There's no way to cover the subject without rousing strong feelings on either side, but I really wished she'd have given more page space to another topic. Fur and fashion could be a whole separate book. The fur chapter runs on significantly longer than the others in her book.

Overall, a refreshing, fun read that anyone who is interested in the world of fashion would enjoy!