Plus Style: The Plus-Size Guide to Looking Great (Paperback)
by Suzan Nanfeldt

Review: Best Book on Style
I bought this book some months ago, and it sat on my shelf until the other day, when I picked it up. It was SO good that I finished it in two days. I only wish I had read it sooner!

This author writes very clearly, and in an interesting, readable style. The color photos of plus-sized models are FANTASTIC. The drawings and diagrams included in the book are extremely informative and helpful. I learned so many things in this book. For example, the reason many plus-sized clothes in stores (or sewn from certain patterns) don't fit is that they are not designed for the TRUE shapes of plus-sized bodies-they are just sized up by two inches from sizes designed for small-sized bodies. Also, when ordering from many catalogs, they give various measurements (such as arm length or hip), for which I have never quite figured out PRECISELY where to measure. This book explains VERY precisely and exactly IN PLAIN ENGLISH, in a clear way that leaves no ambiguity. Now I feel really confident taking ALL my measurements, for the first time ever.

Aside from all I learned, the three MOST useful things, to me, in this book were as follows. First, I thought I knew how to put outfits together before I read this book. But this book taught me SO much more than I had known before. For example, it discusses how to put together a lot of things I had never even considered, such as two different patterns in the same outfit-how to tell which ones could be worn together, and which ones couldn't. Second, it presents the idea of "capsules"-not claiming the credit for this idea, but showing HOW PRECISELY to plan your wardrobe on a long-term basis, and how to intelligently decide what pieces you need to tie everything together. It suggests you get out your EXISTING clothes, AND A NOTEBOOK (I had never thought about using a notebook before, and it REALLY made a difference). You also get out all of your accessories, such scarves. Then, you systematically evaluate, for each piece in your wardrobe, what different combinations you can wear together, and WRITE THEM DOWN in the notebook-all the different possibilities. I didn't have time to get out my whole wardrobe in one day. But I did start with three or four skirts/dresses. I had one scarf I had received as a gift several years ago, and always loved, but had never figured out what to wear it with, or how to wear it. This scarf has a pattern of bright red, turquoise, and purple-kind of odd colors together. Following these suggestions, I suddenly discovered that a purple dress I had purchased recently was the same purple as in this scarf, and I remembered I had a turquoise turtleneck that I had also not really found anything to wear with for several years. I put the three together (even though I never would have DREAMED previously of putting together purple and turquoise), and suddenly, I had a smashing outfit. I wore it the same afternoon and got compliments from four separate people! Now I can hardly wait to go through the rest of my wardrobe with the same technique. By using the notebook technique, you can figure out EXACTLY what you NEED in your existing wardrobe to tie certain outfits together (for example, a red blouse, or a scarf with certain colors). Then you can go shopping intelligently for those particular items, instead of buying things on impulse, and finding you don't have the right things to go with them. She also discusses the concept of "cost-per-wearing." When you get things to go together in outfits, you wear them more often, and they don't sit expensively in your closet, seldom worn. Something else may have been expensive to buy, but if you end up wearing it all the time, then the cost-per-wearing is low-in other words, you are really getting your "money's worth" out of the piece. The third really helpful resource was the 19-page appendix at the back, listing clothing resources for the plus-sized woman (for UK readers, these are USA locations, but many/most can be found on the internet, and do mail-order business). My only criticism of the whole book was that while the author did list names, addresses and phone numbers, she did not list web site addresses, leaving the reader to search for those on her own. However, I was able to find the ones I needed right away. I would not have been able to find them had I not seen them listed in this book.

In summary, while is the best book I have ever seen for plus-sized women and fashion, I feel it is also one of the best books I have EVER seen on ANY SIZED-women's fashion. No matter what your size, you can benefit from this book. Enjoy!!!

Review: THE BEST BOOK ON FASHION-HANDS DOWN. WHATEVER YOUR SIZE
THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU. Yes, its billed as for just plus size but we ALL have our little flaws or features that we waqnt to play up or down. This has, by far, the best information on putting together an outfit or whole look than any other book I've read...plus size or other wise. The hints are timeless. classic, attainable and i kept banging my forehead theinking "now why didnt I think of that" this books great.

Review: Even my not-plus-size friends loved it
I've had this book for a few years and would skim through it now and again. I finally picked it up this past fall when I decided to do a wardrobe overhaul. I am SO glad I did.

This book isn't just for and about plus-sizes, it's for every woman who wants to make her clothes work for her, regardless of budget. I have spent over $100 on a sweater that I feel more frumpy in than when I wear my $11 sweater I bought off of Ebay.

It's so good, I loaned it to two friends who are not plus sizes. It took me days of begging just to get it back. One friend even told me she was getting compliments on her commuter train on how "different" she looked. Why? She followed Suzan's advice on how a bra should fit. And I admit, my friend DOES look 100% better with a good fitting bra.

Review: I wish she would come out with a volume II edition
I refer to her book twice a year when I'm about to do my seasonal shopping. She gives great advice on how to look great, how to shop, applying makeup, you name it. Anything that has to do with looking good. Although 90% of what she said is still relevant, I wish she would come out with a new book with more up to date pictures of clothing and maybe some new "tricks" on looking stylish. I highly recommend this book.

Review: Very Professional and Well Rounded
Suzan Nanfeldt does an excellent job of not only laying out principles for the plus size woman to follow when it comes to fashion and style, she also writes in a refreshingly positive manner. Let's face it, plus size women get the short end in just about every category of living. Sue's book was a delight to read. I bought copies for five of my friends after I read it, and they all said they found it to be "breakthrough" and the best book of its kind on the market.

Review: This book changed my life
This book has changed my life. I never understood why I was so often in tears trying on outfit after outfit in the dressing room. Now I know what to look for in the style of a garment so that it will be flattering to ME instead of the hanger! It has given me a whole new confidence in myself because I look so much better even though I haven't lost a pound. This book is great for anyone who wants to look good no matter what size they are.
It even has sections on organizing your closet and also a chapter for those who sew their own clothes.

Buy this book - you will love it!

True Beauty: Positive Attitudes and Practical Tips from the World's Leading Plus-Size Model (Paperback)

Reviews:
This combination memoir and self-help manual authored by a successful plus-size model with the assistance of writer Paisner, who collaborated with Montel Williams on Mountain, Get Out of My Way, is addressed to women whose larger shapes do not fit the cultural idea of a trim body. According to Emme, over 60% of American females wear, like herself, a size 12 or larger, but their self-esteem is constantly eroded by media images of thin, super-fit women. She details the sad but engaging story of growing up with a stepfather who constantly badgered her to lose weight. His insensitivity, combined with the untimely death of her mother, plunged her into years of obsessive eating behavior that she overcame by getting involved with crew rowing and building a career. Emme offers larger women some fairly superficial advice on building self-esteem and a positive attitude, as well as more useful information from a model's perspective on improving fitness, posture, makeup and dress.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

In three unique approaches, these books convince their readers to accept and enjoy their size 14-plus bodies. True Beauty is an autobiographical account of Emme, "the world's leading plus-size model." Her well-written story captivates the reader and presents a wonderful example of how a large woman can learn to be healthy, successful, and happy. This book is enjoyable and will appeal to those who like to read a story. In Well Rounded, Lippincott, another successful plus-size model, devises eight steps to follow to become happy with life in a large body. From accepting and enjoying your size (step 1), through getting to know your body (3) and assessing your body's strengths and weaknesses (4) to a discussion of movement and exercise (8), her advice is both practical and esteem-building. Each step includes a toolbox of activities to perform. This book will appeal to those who want an outline or guide explaining how to achieve their goal. Therapist Erdman (Nothing To Lose, HarperSanFrancisco, 1995) presents ideas to help women accept and enjoy their large bodies. Each page consists of an idea, a brief paragraph describing that idea, an affirmation, and an activity. This book will appeal to those who are searching for an ongoing program of development and reinforcement. All three books include sections for recommended readings and resources. Each will appeal to a different kind of reader, though True Beauty and Well Rounded may be best formatted for libraries.?Elizabeth Caulfield Felt, Washington State Univ. Lib., Pullman

Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description

"At five-foot-eleven and 190 pounds, supermodel Emme is immediately recognizable. Her image has appeared on billboards and in newspapers and magazines, including print ads for Bloomingdale's, Macy's, and Liz Claiborne. She has been featured in the New York Times and she was named one of People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People in the World." Many women feel that if they aren't a perfect size 6, they can't be beautiful. In True Beauty, Emme shares her story of triumph over negative body image and offers tips on developing a positive self-image and overcoming stereotypes through dressing, shopping, dating, relationships, job interviews, travel, and exercise. Emme's story will comfort and inspire any woman who has battled with issues of self-esteem and body image.

Positive Attitudes-- Do You Love/Hate Your Body?
World famous plus-size model Emme tells her story which will comfort and inspire any woman who has battled with issues of self-esteem and body image. We're also recommending other books that cover this potentially tough subject.
'True Beauty: Positive Attitudes and Practical Tips from the World's Leading Plus-Size Model'
'SEXY AT ANY SIZE : The Real Woman's Guide To Dating and Romance'
'Well Rounded'
'Wake Up, I'm Fat!'

In-Depth Research and Analysis
Get down to the nitty gritty, do your homework, and make informed decisions about your weight and health. The following books, while not exactly light reading, they are excellent sources of information on the topics of body image and nutrition.
'Self-Esteem Comes in All Sizes: How to Be Happy and Healthy at Your Natural Weight, Revised Edition'
'Just the Weigh You Are : How to Be Fit and Healthy, Whatever Your Size'
'Zaftig: The Case for Curves'
'Real Women Don't Diet!: One Man's Praise of Large Women and His Outrage at the Society That Rejects Them'






Life Is Not a Dress Size: Rita Farro's Guide to Attitude, Style, and a New You (Paperback)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
When Rita Farro discovered that she could make clothes that not only fit her "gifted" figure but flattered it and made her feel good about herself, an inspirational personality was born. Finally looking good in her clothes changed her life, and since then she has been sharing with others her upbeat, humor-filled message: "How to Dress with Style When You Feel Like Cher but Look Like Roseanne." Her advice on finding the right look for different body types, accentuating your positive features, planning a wardrobe, working with accessories, and much more is clear and practical and told with wit, and the clothes are colorful and extremely flattering. This is not about losing weight to look good; it's about developing a personal style that fosters self-esteem and gives you back your life. --Amy Handy

From School Library Journal
A welcome practical handbook. Overweight women have been trained to be ashamed of their size, hiding inside lumpy sweats and shapeless layers. This can be especially true for teenage girls, who will find scant support at the local mall. Well, "life is not a dress size," says Farro. Instead, careful attention to fit, style, and "that all-important vertical line" can help overcome the fashion barrier that encourages poor self-image. The author includes the usual chapters on body types and the styles that work best for each. A bonus sewing section provides a few simple patterns for garments and accessories, as well as valuable information on altering patterns for larger sizes. The author also includes important sections on attitude, self-esteem, and personal grooming. The book is well illustrated, though most of the models are clearly adult women. Nevertheless, the format and tone will appeal to teens who can benefit from Farro's exuberant and humorous approach to this closet problem.?Robin Deffendall, Prince William Public Library System, VA
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

It was such a pleasure to read a book (aimed at the "gifted") which shows a delightful awareness that fashion should be fun and reflect individual style. Unlike other books aimed at this market, this one is neither a dreary "self-help" approach nor an appeal to look "professional" (which, especially in NYC, generally means "dowdy.") This book should be on the shelf of everyone who enjoys both sewing and individuality in fashion, not only those who are plus sized. Rita's humour makes the reading marvellously original - her style gives a sense of sheer (or, perhaps, "shear") enjoyment. I especially liked her emphasis on colour and adapting patterns. For some, Rita's taste may seem a bit over the top (even I, who have rather bold tastes, would find the "carwash skirt" a little much), but her ideas can be adapted to the reader's personal style. For example, the "suit types" can use Rita's swing coat in any fabric, over a simple dress, and both have an "office look" and avoid the skirt-and-blouse cutoff point that is unflattering to most large women. Rita, most refreshingly, does not offer stock "self-help" talk, nor does she explore the current trends towards relating size to "issues" or "self-esteem." This is pure fashion, where building on one's own style and tastes makes for a wonderful look.

Rita Farro worked with what she affectionately calls "gifted" women (or women any size over 10) for over a decade; first as a fabric store owner, then as a workshop presenter. The knowledge behind Life is Not a Dress Size also comes from her personal experience at being gifted herself.

This book is about living in "a country that worships thinness", "developing personal style" and "learning to value yourself". A tall order for this little book. It also boasts a bonus sewing section with a few basic items like a wrap, scarf, belts. It's about working with what you have.

Despite being almost ten years from its original publishing date, everything still applies (except the overstated eye clashing outfits...and stirrup pants). She delivers her story and thoughts from the perspective of an old friend instead of someone with a PhD who's never been 20lbs overweight in her life. The tone is conversational, honest and straight forward. Behind each opinion she offers legitimate commentary to back it up. She delves into the realms of low self esteem, fashion, style, sewing and being happy. She gently reminds we all have value.

We are our own worst enemies. Farro insists our segregation from society is less to do with the food we eat and more to do with how we dress and carry ourselves in public. Because of Farro's personal voice/style this is an easy and quick read that leaves the reader refreshed instead of in a depressed afterglow. A large majority of the book is about first impressions, body types and how to camouflage them.

She briefly touches on the fat stereotypes like, "She's fat, she must be lazy". Farro says we need to spend more time on our hygiene, clothing, make up and hair. That means no more running out to the corner store without a bra and the inner thigh material eaten out of your pants. Farro also strongly believes we should let go to the fantasy we are going to lose some weight. It's important to live in the moment and wear clothing that fits us now.

She lightly mentions the diet industry but weight loss isn't a focal point in Life is Not a Dress Size. Despite the occasional bad cliché it's entertaining, easy to read, understandable, and educational. The few quizzes are simple and non-threatening. The glossy pages and short chapters make it durable and easy to use as a resource.

Review: wanted to like this more
I think that if I had read this book ten years ago, I would have given it a higher rating; I really did enjoy her positive, up-beat take on size acceptance, and she was very honest about how difficult it can be.

However, to be truly honest, I simply could not enjoy the clothes! At 27 years old, I don't want to look like an explosion at a crayon factory. I love that Rita Farro wears just what she likes best, but I myself would rather look stylish and sophisticated instead of clownish. Again, this is my very own personal preference - I applaud Rita for following her vision, it's just not mine.

Review: 5 stars for the message, 1 star for the clothes.
Whether you sew or not, Rita Farro's book is for all women of size. She uses wit, warmth and a large dose of common sense to get the message across that large women are just as entitled to be happy and productive as anyone else and those "fataphobics" who have a problem with us plus size gals...well, it's THEIR problem. All we can do, she says, is change ourselves for the better. We CAN be happy. And she's right. I spent years sitting at home feeling terrible about myself but after reading Rita's book, I started taking control of my life and in small steps, try to be better every day. I can't recommend this book too highly. I just wish Rita would hurry up and write another book!

I was hoping for some great stuff. There was some stuff, some tips for pattern fixing and accessory-modifying. But not much about what works and what doesn't. It is heavily geared toward women who DON'T work in a heavily tailored environment (i.e. suits). It wasn't the colour emphasis (which was good) but the lack of styles in that area. I was fairly frustrated when I finished the book.

Review: Fantastic, inspiring book!!!!!!!!
I picked this book up two years ago and have since read it several times. It is an excellent resource for anyone who does not fit "society's" standards. The author gives insightful and witty advice on how to present ourselves in the best possible manner to a world that is often hostile. As an added bonus, the sewing section at the end of the book was extremely useful. Kudos to Rita. When will she write her next book?






Real Women Don't Diet!: One Man's Praise of Large Women and His Outrage at the Society That Rejects Them (Hardcover) by Ken Mayer

Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
There have been books and magazine articles asserting that our society is dangerously obsessed with a single standard of female beauty, namely that of the thin body. Mayer's book stands out because it is written by a man and is a paean to what he regards as real beauty; strong, large women (preferably well over 200 pounds). Expressing heartfelt pain over tortures that overweight women endure (many were prescribed diet pills by alarmed doctors in their early teens), the book will offer comfort to any woman who falls outside the waif-like ideal. Mayer, a "large-size" fashion photographer and freelance writer, rallies facts and figures that verify that "overweight" women are not unhealthy and promotes the sensible idea that if a woman feels healthy, she probably is. Along the way, he throws in a lot of his own extraneous philosophy and practical tips (for instance, on how to reduce the cost of a home loan), and a veritable diatribe against this country's medical establishment and the destruction of the environment. However, with its arresting title and cover (a beautiful, 200 plus-pound woman, obviously pleased with herself and enjoying life), this book will have wide appeal.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Mayer is in line with writers like Naomi Wolf ( Beauty Myth , LJ 4/1/91) who severely criticize our society's standards of feminine beauty. He focuses on body size or weight, arguing that big is not only beautiful but also healthy and takes to task the fashion and diet industries and physicians for encouraging women literally to harm themselves in order to be thin. The early chapters take the form of a personal journal about Mayer's coming of age and attraction to big women. Later chapters critique society's values in general to show that our obsession with body shape is just another flawed value. Mayer is correct that big is beautiful, but he loses some credibility when he argues that only big is beautiful. Still, any big woman who needs encouragement to accept herself will find it here, and other readers may be sensitized to the issue.
- John Moryl, Yeshiva Univ. Lib., New York Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

This book opened up my eyes to what our society is like! Since I read it I can no longer stomach looking at some of the sick looking models that do jean commercials. Why would anyone look like that? What about some of the really beautiful larger women? Someone like Camryn Manheim? How come they never do those commercials.

I happen to be a workout fanatic and eat and exercise to feel good. Looking good should not be starving oneself and have a frame that looks like it will snap in two.

I admire women of all shapes and sizes. A pretty face and shapely body (not a pencil thin one)is what I like in looks. Usually, a warm and cheerful personality makes the face beautiful (not tons of make-up). People need to stop falling for advertising by people that are trying to sell you a false bill of goods.

Bravo Mr. Mayer!

Wish I had this as a Teen or even young Adult!, December 2, 2001
Reviewer: T. FLUHR "SystemSpec" (Louisville) - See all my reviews

Being written by a man, I chose this as my first book on Fat Acceptance/Advancement. Namely because it was so unusual to me to see a man standing up and saying he loved woman-sized women. What a concept!!!! I chose well! After reading this I have surpisingly discovered that a whole library of these most liberating and revolutionary books exist and have been doing a lot of 'catching up' reading since. This book really opened my eyes and my life. Had I read or heard any of these things when I was younger, I would have never subjected myself to all of those self-defeating, demeaning, and dangerous practices of trying to make my body something it wasn't. I am in the prime of my life and can finally see things with clear eyes. Thank you Ken Mayer (and Marilyn Wann (Fat!So?, another GREAT book).

Good short stories and antecdotes make this discussion of our society's expectation of women an easy read. The basic theme is that we, as a society, are wasting a precious resource by keeping women's energies focused on living down to the supermodel ideal of a small package with nothing in it. The author offers a man's perspective on why so many in our society find abundant women so threatening, and calls for the end of weight prejudice. A great book! Very positive for women. If you like this one, I'd suggest "No Fat Chicks," for look at the same theme from a woman's perspective.

Its nice to see a book out that shows and tells the stories of plus size women, the pictures are the best, they show the womens true beauty. It also talks about the pressure put on men in society to date and marry that size 6 woman. I think women will like it for the fact that there are men out there that like them for how they are and not the way society claims they should be.

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