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The Bombshell Manual of Style Hardcover – May 16, 2001
Purchase options and add-ons
- Print length190 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHyperion
- Publication dateMay 16, 2001
- Grade level8 and up
- Reading age18 years and up
- Dimensions5 x 8 inches
- ISBN-100786866942
- ISBN-13978-0786866946
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Stover, Forrest and their colleagues are . . . shrewd and insightfully observant field anthropologists . . ." -- Tom Robbins
"With prose and perception of rare and natural grace . . . deserves a place beside Neumann's The Great Mother . . ." -- Nick Tosches
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
A Bombshell is full of contradictions. She is a combustible blend of confidence and vulnerability. Sauce and naivete. She wears high heels but kicks them off at every opportunity. Adores negligees and charmeuse gowns but can't wait to get out of them. She always expects to run into someone who matters, even if she's home alone. A Bombshell never dresses carelessly and wears marabou mules around the house. She behaves as if all life's a movie in which she is the star.
A Bombshell Radiates Confidence
When she enters a room, everyone looks. When she exits a room, everyone looks. Not because she is more beautiful than other women, or because her clothing is ooh-la-la, a Bombshell's magnetism flows from the inside out.
A Bombshell doesn't edit her feelings or her body language. She is, in fact, extravagant with her body language. She touches people. Spontaneously. She expresses her feelings as openly as she displays her curves. Her body may be human and imperfect, not at all mannequin-like, yet she puts herself on a pedestal as easily as she lounges on a couch. "She wasn't classically beautiful by any means," writes W.J. Weatherby in his book, Conversations with Marilyn, "but she had a strong, attractive body and chameleon moods that could make her body convey anything she wished."
A Bombshell Believes in Her Fantasies
Even if her bracelet is dime-store cheap, she wears it as though it were Cartier. She doesn't need real diamonds to feel like a million dollars. She expects people to send flowers and stop by with champagne. And somehow, they do. Watching her emote over a bouquet is a performance that her suitors and fans want to see again and again.
A Bombshell Is Authentic
Some women cultivate a blase attitude. They act bored. They think this makes them sophisticated. The Bombshell is never bored and, therefore, never boring. She never pretends to be anyone other than herself. She is not censored, careful or contrived. She does not read the rules or follow the rules, or color her hair to conform to the latest trend. The Bombshell cannot pretend excitement not deeply felt, nor gush over movies and books and art she finds disagreeable.
A Bombshell Is Vulnerable
While some women contrive to cover their hearts, the Bombshell reveals her feelings without calculating the consequences, regardless of the risk. She is so in tune with her emotions that she allows them to surface in a heartbeat. However, she is so endearing that most people are more inclined to come to her rescue than to do her harm.
A Bombshell Is Resilient
Bombshells prove you don't need to have an enchanted childhood or privilege to triumph. Failure- a film that bombs, a job that doesn't pan out, a marriage on the rocks, an unpublishable manuscript- is only a mild setback, and will at least garner some sort of publicity. No matter what's going on in her life, the Bombshell finds everyday occurrences thrilling.
A Bombshell Puts Glamour Before Comfort
A Bombshell is willing to overcome a little discomfort for a nude leg. She doesn't complain that her feet hurt in 4-inch heels. She endures the constraints of boned underpinnings, and even celebrates them. She dresses up for evenings at home with friends, even if it's just to watch the Academy Awards.
A Bombshell Is Compassionate
She always follows her heart. She wants to rescue animals. All animals. Lions, monkeys, kittens, beagles. She is too loving and innocent to be malicious. While she might have a temper- one of her charms- she never plots. She is a good listener. She cries if you cry, then she'll try to cheer you up.
A Bombshell Is Intelligent
She's smart enough to know that it doesn't matter if other people think she's too sensual or pretty to be brainy. She's never obnoxious or loud when she's right. She doesn't correct people. A Bombshell brushes up on topics that will enhance her social life. She does this not only because she has a genuine interest in everything, but because she wants others to feel comfortable.
Product details
- Publisher : Hyperion; First Edition (May 16, 2001)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 190 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0786866942
- ISBN-13 : 978-0786866946
- Reading age : 18 years and up
- Grade level : 8 and up
- Item Weight : 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions : 5 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #949,491 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #456 in Style & Clothing
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
I write fiction, nonfiction, short plays, poetry, letters, postcards...Prefer pen and ink and have a manual typewriter but confess to writing my most recent books on a PowerBook. I've published three books and write for The New York Times and The New York Observer. I went to art school in Baltimore, took photographs, painted and fell in love with Japanese woodcuts. Instead of writing classes, studied Ancient Egyptian Grammar and Biosocial Aspects of Human Sexuality at Johns Hopkins, French at Peabody. Drink tea steeped in vintage teapots-- it fuels the fury. What I'm writing-- stay tuned for something about Marilyn Monroe inspired by my visit to Christie's basement.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book enjoyable and well-written. They appreciate the beautiful illustrations and sketches. The book is described as bubbly and airy, a tribute to strong and independent women who embrace their femininity.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book enjoyable and lighthearted. They appreciate the bright, joyful illustrations. Readers mention it's a neat and nice read for little tidbits on the lives of these celebrated figures.
"...It's a lighthearted, frivolous, bit of a read, but I quite enjoyed it! Even if it was a bit of..." Read more
"...As in Stover's other work, the illustrations are bright, joyful and just as delicious as the text; the whole book is beautifully designed...." Read more
"...I love this book, it's fun to read, the illustrations are adorable and I keep it to read it as often as I can. Thank you!" Read more
"...good: building confidence, dancing to your own beat, and feeling good about yourself...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's illustrations. They find the illustrations charming and witty, with cute ideas. The book covers topics from fashion to travel to exercise and wildlife. Readers describe the advice as old-fashioned and girly.
"...Deja Vu encountering it again. The advice is old fashioned, very girly, and quite hysterical!..." Read more
"...As in Stover's other work, the illustrations are bright, joyful and just as delicious as the text; the whole book is beautifully designed...." Read more
"...of the 30's, 40's and 50's when women were sexy, confident, dressed impeccable with a sophisticated flare. I'm not much of book reader...." Read more
"Warning: this book is outdated. There are cute things in here, but the truth is, most Bombshell / Pinup / Retro / Vintage / Rockabilly gals have..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's bubble content. They describe it as airy and fluffy, like a meringue.
"Ah, this is a treat. It's as airy as a meringue, yet with a satisfying crunch and sweetness...." Read more
"Fun read. Taken with a glass of champagne, it's perfectly bubbly ;)" Read more
"Fun, Fluffy Book..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's feminine perspective. They say it's an homage to strong and independent women who embrace their femininity. The book depicts women as complex creatures with potent sexuality, intelligence, kindness, and an ability to enjoy life.
"...symbols of all time were actually complex creatures, a combination of potent sexuality, intelligence, kindness and exuberance as opposed to pure eye-..." Read more
"...it gives a nice reminder to kick back sometimes and just enjoy life and our femininity." Read more
"...it's more an homage to women who are strong and independent enough to embrace their femininity, sometimes to the point of hillarity...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2012This book covers everything while referring to our sisters from the 20's - present (although, mostly the women of the fifties). Jean Harlow, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, and Elizabeth Taylor are just a few women who are referenced through-out this amazing little guide. I have owned mine for over a year and still reference back to it. There are no biographies in this book, instead different bombshells are brought into the fold with each new section. From hair color, to makeup, to clothing and home decor, everything you could imagine is mentioned in this book. I discovered a love for Etta James, Frank Sinatra, and classical music because of the music list in this book. At 21, these artists were known by me but never listened to. Now, I can't get enough of what my past sisters were listening to. I have become a master at the "Garbo eye" and have tossed my foundation goodbye. I also tossed out my Erno Laszlo skin care system in favor of Ponds and my skin has never been better for a fraction of the price. I will admit that not everything that is recommended is in my budget (I can't afford to walk around in Burberry trenches while wearing the latest pair of Ferragamos) but I now save to buy these pieces when I see them heavily discounted. I now perch instead of sit and know how to make an entrance. Sip your Dom (or a glass of Chardonnay) while reading this book and discover your inner bombshell like I did.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2018I bought this book recently on a whim. As I read through it, it started to seem
very familiar, I think possibly I purchased this book through a mail order book
club the year it was released, 2001. Especially once I got to the lipstick section
that mentioned "Revlon's Cherries In The Snow", which my Great Aunt used to wear,
she was born in 1897! :)
It's a lighthearted, frivolous, bit of a read, but I quite enjoyed it! Even if it was a bit of
Deja Vu encountering it again. The advice is old fashioned, very girly, and quite hysterical!
Certainly not for budding feminists, but good for a chuckle if you are of a certain age.
I also have Laren Stover's Bohemian Manifesto, which I take out and read every few
years, and I wish she would write a new book someday soon!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2006For some reason, the people who buy this book expect to see a step-by-step guide on how to become Marilyn, Elizabeth, and Sofia. However, there is no such thing as step-by-step guide on becoming a bombshell. The bombshell tendency is often born into a girl (or boy) but is carefully cultivated into the full-blown bombshell that we know and adore. While I admit some of the things are dated, why can't we incorporate a little bit of the forties and fifties into our lives? Champagne baths are a tad much for those of us with budgets, but why not have a grocery store-cheap bottle in the fridge for those toasting those special occasions like a dove landing on the windowsill? This book was an eye-opener for me, showing me that I can be my own type of Marilyn or Elizabeth in the modern world, it just requires a little bit of glam and a whole lot of confidence. While you and I never may be listed with the Bombshells of legend, we know we are Bombshells, and so does everyone else with the swish of our hair, the champagne in our refrigerator and our genuine effervescene for the movie of life in which we are the star.
Don't purchase this book if you want a step-by-step guide or tips on how to become Marilyn Monroe. This book is not that. It's more of a catalogue of famous Bombshell tendencies (which bras, makeup, shoes, music, etc.) that you either find just like yours, somewhat like yours, or nothing at all like yours, and you could use these tendencies to cultivate your bombshell status. But no step-by-step. Sorry.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2005Ah, this is a treat. It's as airy as a meringue, yet with a satisfying crunch and sweetness. Stover constructs and deconstructs the image of the bombshell in this charming and witty book (it's all about the performance of femininity and it's cheaper than critical theory, too!). Stover's skill as an ethnographer of the bombshell takes on a persona that is larger than life (as in her later book, _Bohemian Manifesto_) and makes it a source of frothy delight. This is not actually a manual, per se, but more of an observance of the bombshell at work, at play and in the boudouir.
And play is important--Stover stresses the fun in acting like a bombshell, while not losing sight of the fact that it is an act, a performance--there's a reason so many bombshell examples come directly from movies (and anything that loves Jayne Mansfield as much as I do, well, that's all right with me.)
As in Stover's other work, the illustrations are bright, joyful and just as delicious as the text; the whole book is beautifully designed.
My only suggestion would be a film list of the "bombshell" films; we have a list of favorites *of* the bombshell, but I'd love a fuller resource to see more of this glamour onscreen! I'd also like to less of a heterocentric viewpoint since so many bombshell characteristics have shown up in femmes and as such have become symbols of both femininty and suberversion (maybe _The Bombshell Manual of Style_'s next edition will include Tallulah Bankhead? I hope! Or could we hope for a book on the Bombshell Bohemians?) as have drag queens.I think this could add to a richer understanding of bombshell as a beauty and as a tool to explode forms of conciousness. However, these issues may be for another book (and Ms. Stover, I hope you write it and if you do, _The Femme's Guide to the Universe_ is a great resource...)
Still, this is glorious fun and if you have a taste for the girly in girly girl, I think this will be delightful. Brava!
Top reviews from other countries
- Circle of PeaceReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 24, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars I can cross my legs elegantly now....
I got very strange looks when reading at work...I am an ancient hippy who lives on a boat. Maybe it is too late for me...sighs.
-
"vulgarity"Reviewed in Japan on November 2, 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars 爆笑
私は昔のゴージャス・ハリウッド女優を見るのが大好きなので非常に楽しめました。しかし現実にこのマニュアル通りにやってる女性がいたら皆ひくでしょう。ブラをつけずにニットを着た女性が職場にいたら…会議にドレスを着てくる人がいたら…雨の日に傘を差さずに裸足で歩いてる女に出くわしたら…かなり怖いです。
なんにしても久々のヒット本でした。
- SooReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 3, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars A must for all beauties
Wonderful little book full of humour and cute tips to preserve and present your inner bombshell
-
Violetta PurpleReviewed in Germany on September 18, 2007
4.0 out of 5 stars Schmunzelnd...
... hat Frau einfach einen sehr lustigen Nachmittag beim Lesen dieses Buches.
Eine wundervolle, sexy aber dennoch unnahbare Ausstrahlung fasziniert die meisten Menschen, maennlich wie weiblich - und das unabhaengig von "Size-Zero" oder "Barbiegesicht", wie viele "Goettinnen" beweisen, z.b. Laetitia Casta
Dieses Manual gibt eine unglaubliche Fuelle von Tipps und Checklisten, was eine "Sexgoettin" so zu tun, zu lassen hat, wie man sich pflegt, kleidet und einrichtet und vor allem, wie man die Herren der Schoepfung Schlange stehen laesst!
Nicht alles sollte man also ernst nehmen und manches ist nicht zeitgemaess, bzw. nicht fuer die normale arbeitende Frau umsetzbar, aber viele der Tipps sind anwendbar und danach hat man einfach ein gutes Gefuehl! Alleine das hat ja schon einen enormen Einfluss auf das eigene Wohlfuehlen und damit auf das Auftreten - und die Reaktionen der anderen geben einem Recht! Man muss halt mit den boesen Blicken der anderen Damen und einigen Laestereien umgehen koennen, aber das macht ja eine Sexgoettin aus, oder?
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makimoonReviewed in Japan on July 21, 2004
4.0 out of 5 stars 気分はレイディー
この本はなかなかヒットでした。
実際のところ、実用書としては全く使えないけど、日々、忙しく髪を振り乱して働いていたり、あまりにも変化がない生活で、このままババァになっていくのかと不安を覚えたりする時に、こういう本がいいのではないでしょうか?マリリンとかにイメージされるようなセクシーダイナマイト系の女性(でも、決して意地悪じゃない)になるための本です。実際にこれを地でやる人はこんな本など読まないだろうけど、こういう本を読んでちょっと非現実世界でワクワクする気分を味わうのはいいと思う。私は何気にこの本に載っている香水を購入してしまいました。
女性ってマニュキュ一本で気分転換出来たり、プチハッピーになれるのがいいところだと思う。この本も、そんな可愛いさでいっぱいです。