Customer Reviews
The Rules Vol 2 for Special Occasions in Pocket Form - By: virginiawoolf theorist, 25 Jan 2007 
I wish they put this out first or perhaps miniaturised ALL their books given their indispensability on Shopping Trips.
Given that I am a devotee of Trinny & Suzzana & unhesitatingly recommend them to alll & sundry I wish their numerous Publishers would consider such a move in the First instance. Then shrunk books could be a standard item & only those hard nuts like me could have the standard size books as well.
Some very useful info, but several irritating flaws - By: BookWorm, 19 Nov 2006 
My feelings about this book are mixed, but I suppose the best way to sum up my opinion would be to say that despite it having several flaws, I still found it very useful & don't intend passing it to the charity shop any time soon.
While the first 'What Not to Wear' tie in book focussed on dressing to disguise unappealing anatomical features, this second volume gives advice on dressing for various special occasions. It's a good basic idea, as most women (and the book is only for women - there's nothing for guys here) will identify with the problem of trying to decide what to wear to an interview, wedding, or even on holiday.
The occasions chosen rather typify my main problem with the book; its target audience is too narrow. It's aimed at middle aged, middle class women, which is a shame when one of the strengths of the TV series was the appreciation that women of alll ages & social circumstances can have difficulty choosing clothes. In fact, many middle aged women have more idea of what to wear to particular occasions than younger ones, who might never have had to attend a wedding before, for example.
The selected occasions are weddings (winter & summer are usefully covered separately), two types of job interviews (first job & returning to work), work wear (for PAs, executives & bosses), school events, summer holidys, winter holidays (this means skiing), & partying. There is also a chapter on underwear & on 'work to play' - ways in which work outfits can be easily transformed for the evening.
Each occasion is further broken down into sub-classes; usuallly smart, trendy & casual, depending on the occasion type. For each, there is an example of a bad outfit & a good, annotated with simple explanations of what does/doesn't work, & a humourous 'what it says about you' comment at the bottom of each. These are quite amusing, but again betray Trinny & Susannnah's upper middle class mindset. Interpretations of dress will differ greatly between individuals, & the examples given thus seem rather irrelevant to me & my life, as they must to probably the majority of readers. There are overalll tips sections at the end of each chapter, which are generallly useful, & directories listing clothes shops.
Despite it's shortcomings & irritations (including the silly poses/facial expressions used by the authors when modelling the 'bad' outfits - when it would surely make the point better if they remained netural), there is a lot of useful information in this book. Like alll advice, it should be taken with a pinch of salt & tailored to the individual. Though you're not going to be able to go out & buy the exact 'good' outfit for each occasion, even just looking at the pictures can provide some good ideas.
If nothing else, the book reminds us of the importance of dressing correctly & the (often false) impression that our appearance can give. This isn't about looking like a supermodel, it's about wearing clothes that suit the occasion & the person, & give the positive impression that we would wish for. Whether we mean to be or not, it's human nature to be influenced by how people dress & knowing this is the first step to making it work in our favour. Social conventions concerning dress can also be a minefield, & so this book is welcome from that point of view.
Overalll, it's a good idea & there's plenty of use here if you're selective about what advice you take. It would be strengthened by addressing a wider audience & including more occasions - funerals would be a particularly helpful one.
At the end of the day, like them or not, when it comes to clothes, Trinny & Susannah are usuallly right.
funny, clever and extremely useful - By: , 01 Dec 2005 
bought this book thinking it was the hardcover edition so was surprised when a silver slimline diary sized(9x18cm)version arrived. However I'm now pleased as it's a far more portable size, fits into a bag easily for shopping or reading on the bus. I'm a huge Trinny fan so laughed my socks off alll the way through at her piercing observations on social behaviour.
Not only is it hugely entertaining but its also extremely insightful & useful - A "Mrs Beaton" on good dress sense & social etiquette
Cheated - By: , 14 Sep 2005 
Only buy if you don't already own their previous book.
Otherwise same old formula with a bit of additional information on cosmetics - which is sadly way out of most people's price range.
Colour information was also vague & very brief. It seems like they just made a few notes after reading a color me beautiful book.
I feel cheated that I have bought basicallly the same book twice & my copy is on it's way to the charity shop.
For beginners in fashion but not more - By: Love_Books, 14 Aug 2005 This is a book that very clearly demonstrates the very, very basics of style, so it might be useful for ladies that completely have no clue what fits them & what doesnt & what to wear for different occasions. Others, who already have some understanding in clothes & style might get some ideas just by browsing through the book in a bookshop, buying this book for them would be a waste of money.
