The Meaning of Sunglasses: And a Guide to Almost All Things Fashionable

by Hadley Freeman

Book Overview

The author of the popular column Ask Hadley in The Guardian examines the joys, silliness, and occasional insanity of our love affair with fashion. She dissects the love-hate relationship with how we look and offers tips on how to look better. Illustrations.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0670018678
• ISBN13: 9780670018673
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Viking Books
• Length: 234 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 7.7"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Fashion deserved this

As much as I'm a fanatic about following Project Runway, the fashion industry takes itself waaay too seriously, so this book is a great leveler. The "encyclopedia" approach makes it a perfect book to dip into little spoonsful at a time and, like the best premium pint of ice cream, it's rich with humor and not too sweet.

Get: a copy of this book

This book is just too much fun! If you've ever pondered the amazing power that fashion holds over the females of this species, you will find here much to tickle your funny bone. Ms. Freeman wittily exposes our bizarre, lemming-like tendencies in this collection of mini-essays. You will laugh out loud while reading because if you don't recognize bits of yourself in this encyclopedia of dos, don'ts, and why did Is, you will certainly recognize someone you know. My favorite bits in the book have to do with fashion trends and the choice between "looking fashionable and looking good". I also enjoyed the section "Get: fashion that girls do and boys don't". Hats off to Ms. Freeman for her ability to poke fun in such a wicked and yet ultimately sympathetic manner. In short, Get: this book. And you, too, will know the real meaning of sunglasses. Jennifer Skinner Author of The Very Small Closet

Absolutely spot-on and hilarious!

What an astute and wonderfully witty analysis of life as we know it, or for many of us, would like to know it! Ms. Freeman's fluid writing and clever, laser-like insight about today's style, real feminism, and important life priorities is exceptional! This is a manifesto of manners, not just a discussion, and a must read for all who love contemporary commentary on social custom -- as well as for those who value the insights of Jane Austen and Tom Wolfe! A real must read of our time!

a scream

For any woman really interested in fashion this book is great. Very Funny . I bought two for friends who are also fashion aware. I don't mean a fashion victim or in the industry, just someone who likes fashion , is fun and wants a good laugh. This book contains so many nuggets of absolute truth, don't miss it.

Fun, funny, fierce!

I read about this book in Mediabistro's Galleycat section about a week ago and HAD to go see it for myself because it seemed like something that I would enjoy. Much more of a bookworm than a fashionista, I felt that the author's essays on the industry would appeal to both senses and I was not disappointed. This book is an insider's hysterical, snarky encyclopedia of the fashion world; what we love and hate about it, where and how we all fit into it in some way, and how we can each maintain our individual swagger. It's also the perfect book for those of us who primarily don't even GIVE a fvck and are more concerned with the perfect sentence than the perfect shoe, DEFINITELY don't wanna look like EVERYONE else just because something has been declared the "in" look of the season (*gag*), but love to be informed all the same. LOL I had to come on here and give this chick her props and I highly recommend this book! You will be sold from the first entry, which is about accessories and how designers are making a mint because they've found that women "WILL pay $1000 for a Marc Jacobs hat" (or double for a bag, cause it's easy to tell the fakes among THEM as opposed to a dress from Marni or H & M) and also now-ubiquitous keyfobs to be displayed on the bags ("now your accesory needs an accessory!"). Or the charm bracelet or the little Tiffany heart necklaces you see. And what about rationalizing buying expensive bags for their longevity, then reading that it's the "IT bag" for only one season? I could go on and on about how great this book is, but you should just see for yourself...and I'm sure you will agree!