Book Review: Staging a Comeback: Revival for Women Over 45 by Christopher Hopkins -- The Makeover Guy (of Oprah-fame ).
Although this book was primarily written for women over 45, there were so many things I wish I had known when I was 25. Although his transformative makeovers were of women belonging to the baby boomer generation, there is a plethora of information on fashion, makeup, personal style, and hair for women of all ages.
When I say transformative, see for yourself.


Seeing is believing: See more makeovers.
While reading the book, I felt like I was sitting in Christopher's stylishly outfitted office having a personal consultation.
I learned that I should dress not only according to my horizontal shape but also my vertical shape. The Makeover Guy gives you easy instructions on how to measure your body vertically and horizontally and then advises you how to take those factors into consideration when choosing clothing.
In my personal consultation with Christopher, I learned what shoes to wear or not wear --
- Round-toed shoes make your feet look bigger
- Pointed-toe shoes slenderizes your feet
- Square-toed shoes shortens and broadens your feet
- T-straps slenderize your feet
- Ankle straps shorten your legs
-- to how to dress my small-breasted body --
- Cowl necks
- Ruffled tops
- Oval scoop tops
- Strapless ruffled tops
-- to how to dress my long torso --
- Wider belts that match the slacks or skirt
- Raised empire waist
- Jackets that sit above the hip bone.
-- among a myriad of other tips.
Staging a Comeback also helps you identify your personal style. You can also visit Christopher's web site and take the Personal Style Quiz.
According to Christopher,The goal is to identify and simplify—to hone in on your core image. Embrace it. Define it. And, if you like, season it with a bit of your shadow image for interest. You may even have two shadow images. Just remember, the goal is to make life easier—to focus on what truly defines you. Beauty is in simplicity. Now that you’ve defined your IPS -- individual personal style -- you will find it helps ground your fashion, hair, and makeup choices when in doubt. There is freedom in solidifying a unique identity. Reflecting the authentic you makes feeling “right” easy and a daily pleasure.
Surprisingly, the results of the quiz indicated that I was as romantic as I was dramatic. I am still adjusting to the results.
Reviewed by Beckie
Related articles: