Posted by Jamie Bell on May 13, 2010 10:33 a.m.
I can appreciate the Olsen twins for their spin on “homeless chic,” British model Agyness Deyn for her punk-rock-meets-the-80s sensibility, and Rachel Zoe for her luxe bohemian aesthetic. But when it comes to the picture of perfection and class, the number one style icon is arguably that former Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham.
Although many can shove her aside as just another celebrity wife, this high-powered businesswoman, mother of three, and respected fashion designer has a lot of tips and tricks that I’d be willing to incorporate into my own wardrobe. Luckily for us, she put them all into her personal guide to style, “That Extra Half an Inch: Hairs, Heels, and Everything in Between.”
The title comes from Victoria’s favorite footwear, sky-high stilettos, which she is rarely photographed without. The book explores her advice on everything from a woman’s wardrobe and accessories to her hair and lingerie, all told with a hint of British humor that sounds like it’s coming from a close friend.
See this quote from the book for a typical example of Posh’s humor:
“The absolute worst thing anyone can do with their jeans is to pull their g-string over the waistband. There was a period a few years ago when it seemed that everybody and their dog was being photographed falling out of Chinawhite with their g-string hoiked above their jeans. I don’t mind a bit of lingerie showing, like a pretty bra strap under a vest top, or maybe even a peek underneath a dress or shirt (very Dolce & Gabbana), but that is very different from bending over in Piccadilly Circus and showing your thong.”
Each chapter features a shopping section at its end called “From High End to High Street,” detailing her favorite retail locales for picking up whatever pieces the chapter was discussing. The high-end stores and brands she frequents include the predictable Posh staples like Christian Louboutin, Fendi, and Burberry. She also suggests some lower-end stores for those of us with shallow pockets, like Gap, Urban Outfitters, and H&M. The book, which came out about two years ago, is already a teeny bit dated, but it has remained a bookshelf favorite of mine ever since I purchased it. Her advice is perfectly suited to her classy, feminine style and she provides interesting little insights into her own personal style.
Overall, if you’re a fan of Victoria’s wardrobe in any way, this book is a definitely coffee-table staple for yourself or a fashionable friend!