Book Review: The Shopping Diet by Phillip Bloch

I love me some Phillip Bloch...ok there, I said it! However, that doesn't mean I can't give an objective, concise review of his new book, The Shopping Diet. In addition to being one of the most sought after A list Hollywood stylists ( we're talking Oprah, Michael Jackson, Halle Berry, Heidi Klum and many others), he is a former model ( no surprise, he's got stunning good looks), he hosts Cause Celebs on ABC World News, he's an actor (and a fabulous one, made me cry as Sammy in The Unseen), been on numerous TV shows as a fashion and pop culture commentator (VH1, CNN, and E!) . Come on now, Phillip, is there anything you haven't done?

Well, I had to get his book, as the premise is spend less and get more...and it's written by a stylist with impeccable taste. As a starving artist who dresses like Napoleon Dynamite, this was a no brainer!

The book has a lovely forward written by Simon Doonan, the Creative Director of Barneys, and in it he gives us a little insight into Phillip Bloch's fashion philosophy...he really cares about women, and combines the fun, artistic side of fashion with good old fashion sensibility. This is quite evident throughout his book.

Phillip does not just approach this as a fashion how to...it's much deeper than that. It makes you take a step back, and reexamine any issues you may have with body image, self esteem, money. This is big brother Phillip talking, and there is a comforting quality in hearing this advice from a man who has dressed some of the most beautiful women on the planet...

There are "Blochbuster" tips sprinkled throughout the book...for example "For every negative thing you say about yourself, think of three positive things to replace it..." There are many others, just as inspiring, some with juicy, inside trade secrets. Love them all!

Before giving out the golden fashion advice he's actually known for, he guides you through a process that includes a closet cleanse, an evaluation of your finances and health. When he does give out his fashion pearls, he is extremely generous, including many references to find good deals in a Shopping Diet Directory.

I loved The Shopping Diet, and recommend it highly...not because I think Phillip Bloch is a stellar human being, which he is, but because it delivers. It's a book that can be referred to time and time again, and will never become outdated. It's inspirational, sensible, and if you follow his advice, you'll not only look fabulous, you'll have some money in the bank.

The Shopping Diet by Phillip Bloch
Simon and Schuster/ $15.00
http://www.amazon.com/Shopping-Diet-Spend-Less-More/dp/B005IUNK90/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327063688&sr=1-1