How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World

by Jordan Christy

{ 2009 | Center Street | 208 pgs }

I won a copy of this book from a giveaway on someone’s blog. It sounded interesting: being classy instead of trashy, and examining why people like Paris Hilton capture the media’s attention.

Christy definitely makes some valid points. Better to be somewhat in the background as a well-dressed woman than splashed on the front page for not wearing underwear. Being poised and articulate will help you appear classy. Don’t let your guard down on social networking sites; potential employers won’t be impressed by your spring break pictures. Modesty = great.

Aside from the fact that, at least for me, these are no-brainers, Christy spends an inordinate amount of time giving fashion tips. She offers several quizzes to help you determine your fashion style, then fills pages with suggestions on what stores to shop at depending on your style. Ditto for makeup. Frankly, even though I got the book for free, I didn’t spend time reading it just to hear that Nordstrom’s has good clothes. The idea of emulating Audrey Hepburn for her grace quickly devolved into an issue of Elle or Vogue.

Pass on this one.