Charla Krupp (1953–2012)

Charla Krupp has spent more than thirty years editing fashion magazines including many that I read. I expect this is why her style seems so comfortable and familiar to me. It's almost like reading a letter from an old friend. This tone makes it easier to accept her tips about how to dress in a manner that will help camouflage my many body flaws. I found some really helpful tips that I am already beginning to utilize. I knew I had certain “problem areas,” but after reading this book I show more sadly discovered several more. Krupp’s light-hearted manner made these discoveries a bit less painful.
This book is filled with simple tips that anyone can use. Styles, necklines, and patterns that help stream-line your look are suggested for a variety of body flaws. My only criticism is that the particular items she recommends, whether beauty potions or lingerie, tend to be a bit pricey. I have discovered that she is right, however, about high-waist Spanx. I may have to take out a second mortgage to buy them, but they’re worth it! show less

My 69-year-old mother requested a "beauty book for old people" for Mother's Day this year. This is not the book I sent her, but I did come across this title during my search and decided to check it out from the library, out of curiosity.

It does actually contain some helpful information, but overall the author seems to think everyone over the age of 40 should look exactly the same: boring. She suggests everyone lighten their hair (blond is her top recommendation), and keep it long and show more layered, with bangs; neutral colored clothing; light colored makeup; pencil skirts that hit exactly at the knee; heels. Sure, her suggestions are conservative and classic and are probably flattering on many people, but they are not very fun, and certainly leave no room for individuality.

I really hope the book I ended up getting my mom was the better choice. show less

It was a weak moment that I picked up this book wishing for a younger looking body and thinking this could help. I should have realized it's for women that have perfect and healthy looking bodies with beautiful skin and lovely smiles. It cost a lot of money to keep up a body that everyone wants. The book has hints for what to wear, the best make-up, and the kind of clothes that work. The photos were shown with women that were all gorgeous - many that are Hollywood stars. Most of us would show more love to look like models but let's get real. Life doesn't always go according to the plan - or book ideas. show less

I'm a big girl, and even though in the beginning Krupp states that obese (anyone over 50 pounds) should loose weight before using these tips I think that anyone can really benefit from dressing nicer. I've always been taught that feeling good about yourself is the best way to make a change. If you dress up you feel better, and to keep that feeling you are then more willing to make other changes (such as loosing weight).

I like how the book was broken down. Krupp goes through each of the show more problem areas women have and gives tips on how to dress that area properly. Many of the tips transcend multiple areas so you won't be standing in a store thinking "this shirt helps here but not there". By including the same items through a few different body areas you can buy a few "no-fat" or "low-fat" pieces to add to your wardrobe, instead of paying for a whole new wardrobe.

I also like the section in the back where she tells you to go through your closet. She gives you a brief step-by-step to really get the "high-fat" clothes rid from your life. The reason I liked this section is that just going and buying a few new pieces and adding them to your closet isn't going to keep you from dressing in the "high-fat" clothes. To really take advantage of the tips in this book you need to start with a clean slate, so to speak.

After reading this book, seeing the pictures that show the tips she gives, and really analyzing the clothes you currently have and the clothes you are going to buy you should be able to dress thinner without ever stepping foot into a gym. Although even with a new wardrobe the gym is never a bad thing. (She even has hints on how to dress at the gym! How great is that!) show less