Hipster Fashion (What's Your Style?)

"Whether kids need help defining their personal style, cultivating it, or both, the books in the What's Your Style? series can help. A quiz kicks off each title. If you have a penchant for the '60s, earthy colors, and fringe purses, then you're into Boho Fashion. With hip images and current information, Kenney explores stars to turn to for style inspiration, as well as types of clothes, accessories, and hairstyles to fit the desired style bill. DIY instructions for making a headband and styling a messy updo, and 'Boho Chic Resources' conclude. Hipster Fashion, on the other hand, is marked by 'nerdy and unexpected' styles, Converse sneakers, and black-rimmed glasses (think Zooey Deschanel). Retro dresses, layers, and Doc Martens may be your go-to pieces. The DIY here involves making cutoffs, a scarf, and 'chalking' your hair with streaks of color. For a complete 180, there's Preppy Fashion. To achieve this style, think classic: oxfords, boat shoes, a sweater draped neatly over the shoulders. Style icons include the Obama sisters, Taylor Swift, and Justin Timberlake. The design of each title echoes the style presented (batik patterns for boho, for instance), and the information is accessible, helpful, and should inspire kids to express themselves." --Booklist

"The books in this series are a fun mix of fashion and self-discovery, with a little DIY thrown in for good measure. The layout is magazine-like: slick and well designed, bright illustrations, numerous photos of clothing and celebrities, and even a multiple-choice quiz to help determine which style would best express the reader's individuality. Each book provides examples of famous people who model that particular look and also offers choices of colors, patterns, and styles to make that look work for the not-yet-a-celebrity reader. Makeup tips, hairstyle examples, and advice on choosing accessories to represent each style are also included.
Emphasis is placed on exploring options to find the best way to highlight the reader's own personal style. Creativity is also encouraged through various projects to craft accessories, like scarves or headbands. There are also ideas for refashioning shoes and clothing for a new look. Finally, the author provides a playlist of songs and suggestions for movies and television shows to suit the newly discovered fashion vibe." --VOYA

"These books, nominally about exploring fashion identities, will fly off library shelves due to the superabundance of celebrity photos. Readers can compare their taste in clothes with those of public figures: Malia and Sasha Obama are preppy, while Kristen Stewart is identified as edgy, and noted three-piece suit enthusiast Ryan Gosling is picked as a hipster poster boy. Editorial, candid, and runway photos illustrate sections that break down the history and elements of each style and offer how-to advice. Accessories, hair and makeup are not overlooked, which brings up the point that despite photos of male fashion exemplars like Jay-Z, Shaun White, and Justin Bieber, these books are aimed at girls and at those who wish to style them. Three simple DIY projects, such as a decorated baseball hat or canvas shoes, are included in each volume. Pictured celebs seem to be chosen in part for their durability--Taylor Swift and Solange Knowles are likely to be well known for a while--giving these books a fighting chance of remaining relevant for a few years or until their bindings wear out." --School Library Journal, Series Made Simple