You Should Read, "Anything Other Than Naked"

"Anything Other Than Naked" is a small, easy to read and invaluable styling book for men, and women will absolutely love its practical, no nonsense and humorous tips for how to look good and feel confident and fabulous. The author, Glen R. Sondag, is a well dressed Investment Advisor who is the father of four boys, so is more than qualified to give advice. At Toronto Fashion Week, I shared this little gem with five men. First of all, they loved the title and picked the book right up. Who can resist naked? I think that the sentence:" A guide for men on how to dress properly for every occasion", right under the cover picture, both challenges those who already know and calls to those who truly want to know more. They said they liked that the author was male and that the book looked professional - no silly pictures and very well organized. Bold headings, a table of contents and the 45 Tips for Dressing Well are all easily accessible and make looking for specifics a breeze.

We all liked the specifics: choosing the best jacket, pants and colours for your body type and complexion, how to build the wardrobe, where to buy and the Potpourri of details like pocket squares, nose trimmers, colognes, collar stays, dry cleaning/laundering and much more. I loved the idea that a full length mirror is the best investment. But this book is also about relationships: how to find a good tailor, a good salesman and a good dry cleaner and how to develop long term partnerships, much as people do in their workplaces. Right from the Dedication, the Forward and the Acknowledgments, the reader can see that everyone around this writer is acknowledged and appreciated as a partner and as a mentor. Presenting oneself well and treating others well go hand in hand. Sondag's hope for his audiences is that:"

...the insights offered are helpful and perhaps cause you to think about how you present yourself when you are anything other than naked."

Each chapter is headed by a quotation, some ancient and some modern but all applicable. "Know, first who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly." Epictetus, Greek Philosopher,

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." Mark Twain, American Humorist and Writer.

This book is published by Langdon Street Press and is an 86 page paperback, $12.95. It was published in February 2011 so is current. I highly recommend it as your next purchase, along with a full length mirror, if you don't already have one.