Stacy London’s truth… ladies, you can learn something here.

I occasionally go on a “What Not to Wear” jag, catching up via on demand with Stacy London and her dapper sidekick, Clinton Kelly, as they make over some unfortunate duckling who needs a $5000 NYC shopping spree, lessons on what to buy, a decent hair style and some make-up in order to emerge as a rapturous swan.  So I was pretty jazzed when I spotted her new book, The Truth About Style.   Yes, I read every word.  I didn’t just look at the pictures.  Although the photography is great!  And while none of the women featured are my clone (which would have been excellent), I did find useful information.  And I had a super good time on the couch with a steamy cup of coffee and the world’s tiniest cookie.   For the full effect, you need the stories, the photos, and the context, but here are some snippets to hold you over until your order comes from Amazon.

Stacy says:

• Jackets must close across the chest.  That’s part of their job.  If they don’t close, they don’t fit.
• Style has no price point.
• Don’t waste a waist.
• Dressing well doesn’t can following the pack.  It means knowing what does and doesn’t work on you.
• Accessories must be proportional with your frame.
• Get a professional bra fitting.  85% of women are wearing the wrong size.
• Look for interesting details (like piping) on classic pieces (like a white shirt) to give them a twist and add some sophistication.
• Denim is a great wardrobe chameleon.  You can wear it to work or dress it up for evenings or dress down with it on weekends.
• Sweaters with bunnies on them are only cool if you’re twenty, wear big bug-eye glasses and live in Brooklyn, Portland or Madison.
• You will be judged, whether you want to be or not.