Customer Reviews

The Bombshell Manual Of Style

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

The writers got stuck in a decade they probably didn't even live through -- the 1950s -- and so little of it translates to the 21st Century. They refer to the same few actresses over and over. Apparently the bombshell standard was set by women on screen and the setting for a so-called bombshell's life is a movie set. Then, the only contemporary actresses they feature are Marisa Tomei, Patricia Arquette and Kim Basinger, and I wouldn't place them all in the bombshell category. Sheesh. It took *how* many people to write this little bunch of fluff?

It could have been a lot better. If you buy a book like "The Bombshell Manual", you're expecting some light and fluffy reading. Well, good because that's what you're getting. There were some parts that I found interesting, but more parts that I found too long and tedious like the bombshell horoscopes. Yuck. And who says that redheads don't make good bombshells?

I was expecting a parody, and this book can be read that way... except by the humorless, of course, who will take it far too seriously.

Instead, while much of the book was written tongue-in-cheek, it's also juicy reading, laugh-out-loud funny, and surprisingly inspiring.

It helped me connect with when I was a little girl and idolized Bridget Bardot in old movies on TV. It reminded me of Jayne Mansfield's giggly va-VOOM sense of style. And, this made me go to my closet and look at all the sensible white blouses and Terribly Professional tailored clothing, and sigh deeply.

I went out and bought pink. Pink blouses, pink undies, pink shoes. Not what-a-cute-baby pink, but Bombshell Goddess PINK.

Life hasn't been the same since. And I'm delighted!

If you're looking for a carefully analyzed, dress-for-success, statistically footnoted guide to fashion, this isn't it. Likewise, if you read it with red pen in hand, noting where the pace is too slow and where the logic falters, you probably won't like this book. It's unapologetically frivolous and fun.

BUT... If you want a good, light poolside read with plenty of smiles, this is a great choice. You may also reconnect with childhood fantasies, in the very best ways.

This book is still on my nightstand for when the day has worn me down a bit. After reading just a few pages of it, I slip off to dreamland with visions of pink bubblebaths, fluffy maribou high-heeled slippers, and boxes of soft-centered chocolates.

While reading this book, I felt like I was floating through the world and my interactions with people. I felt graceful, peaceful & calm. Isn't that what every girl wants? After borrowing this book from a friend, I had to have my own copy.

(p.s. I would have given this book 5 stars instead of 4, but some of the stuff I had a hard time relating to. I am a vegetarian and into animal rights and the book gives a few meat recipes and encourages one to wear fur - not for me. But over was good.)

As befits a description of the bombshell lifestyle, this book is charming, capricious, and unabashedly feminine.

I saw that one reviewer, who went on and on like the sort of person for whom a book review is an excuse for a political diatribe, claims that no one dresses like that. Au contraire. This book has changed my life. My calves are muscular and I feel tall and powerful from wearing heels everywhere. I feel glamorous all the time, not just once or twice a year when I'm dressed up for a Christmas party or something. It doesn't take much to be glamorous here in Seattle, home of folks who wear fleece and mukluks everywhere. I don't think of the bombshell mentality as being retrograde, though I do appreciate vintage style and fashion. I think of it, rather, as being much more European-- less about the "me first" American ethic of comfort and functionalism above everything else, and more about enhancing one's confidence and femininity, and for lack of a better word, "diva-hood". To dress for others as much as oneself is not so much vain as it is considerate. We all like to look at lovely things. Either you have the level of confidence to break out of the ordinary or you don't. This book won't make you fabulous-- it just helps you channel it.

I grew up watching old Marilyn Monroe movies and have always been fascinated with "Bombshell" style. Therefore, I was delighted to discover the "Bombshell Manual of Style" by Lauren Stover and Robin Toledo. According to this book, "Bombshells" love men, stilletos, the color pink, are kind to animals, know the seductive capabilities of perfume, and always have a signature lipstick color. On the negative side, however, "Bombshells" are manipulative, selfish, and throw temper tantrums.

This is a very fun little book and gives women great ideas about how to celebrate their femininity. While I do not consider myself to be a "Bombshell" per se, I related to many of the ideas and suggestions in this book.

What I loved most about this book is that it leaves no stone uncovered about proper bombshell ettiquette. The reader walks away knowing how a bombshell thinks, should dress, the type of lingerie she prefers, and even what color lipstick to wear for any occasion.

This book is a quick read but ever so fun! If you know a "bombshell" or someone who wants to explore her (or his) inner bombshell, this book will make a great present!

I think this is an adorable book- but I'm afraid that some of the "post-ers" are taking it a little too seriously. The idea of this book or any "manual" is to take threads of ideas from the book and incorporate them into your lifestyle- whether it's changing your Tommy Girl perfume to Mitsouko, wearing a silk kimono instead that worn terry cloth or just leaving your cell phone at home to use someone else (at least once; just for the experience). The idea is too have fun and feel sexy!

Charming from cover to cover, this book has become a fixture on my bookshelf. Light-hearted, witty and elegant, the advice on scent, fashion and poise is old-fashioned but hardly dated, as well as desperately needed in these times when trashy is chic. This is the secret that we've been waiting for--how to be feminine, witty, seductive. In short, a how-to on being a Bright Young Thing. This is sex appeal that isn't cheap, intelligence that isn't blasé, femininity that is anything but apologetic. Embrace your inner Bombshell, pull out that eyeliner and those sling-back heels and strut. The Bombshell Manual of Style will show you how.

I absolutely love this cute, charming, adorable little book, and I find myself referring to it when I need a pick-me-up and a smile. It's not gospel, it's an homage to the immortal bombshell and everything she stands for. Magnifique. Mwah!

Dear Ms. Stover,
I want to thank you for writting the book "The Bombshell Manual Of Style". I refer to it constantly for a pick-me-up.
Just knowing somebody understands the type of person I am enough to write an intire book is very comforting. Again, thank you. Love, Melissa