Big City Look: How to Achieve That Metropolitan Chic

Rarely does a style book come along that is practical, real, and much more than the usual pie-in-the-sky beauty lecture. Big City Look is a celebrity-studded how-to by Vincent Roppatte, Saks Fifth Avenue's master beauty stylist and spokesman for Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salons. Vincent is a legend in his field, and the most celebrated women in the world are his friends and clients. His book, Big City Look, clearly deconstructs the extraordinary and stylish appeal of urban women in different regions of the country. And you don't actually have to live in a big city to have that confident, put-together look that whispers elegance and grace.

What exactly is it that gives panache to that stunningly chic New York woman--even when she's not a classic beauty?

What secrets does that feminine and gorgeous Atlantan woman keep--the secrets that bestow the southern Big City Look?

How does that radiant Chicagoan manage to look so classy--even when plowing through the legendary snow and wind?

That Dallas delight--how does she dress and wear her hair to give her such seductive and stylish advantage, such captivating attitude?

What's the Washington, D.C., style formula--the one that bestows that insider in-control allure on that important capital woman?

How does that enchanting L.A. woman manage to epitomize the glamorous heart of Hollywood?

While certain clichés ring true (Dallas sports gorgeous big hair, New York dresses in black, Atlanta loves headbands), there are so many more subtle, regional differences when it comes to great style. Understanding and being able to duplicate these fashion, makeup, and hair secrets results in a smashing, appropriate, and wonderful look. Even if you live in a tiny village and are on a small-town budget, the look of urban style can be yours.

So how does the woman with the Big City Look develop that flair for clothes and makeup, that seductive attitude we universally admire? Vincent knows. And he tells you in Big City Look.

A celebrity-studded book by Saks Fifth Avenue's master stylist deconstructs the extraordinary and stylish appeal of women in six big American cities: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Atlanta.

If you are serious, check out Emily Cho.


Useful for Someone Who Travels...   June 26, 2001
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Big City Look is somewhat limited in for those who don't live in or regularly visit any any of the big cities mentioned. However, it does give some interesting insights into social life here, there, and everywhere, making it a pleasant and informative read for someone who enjoys paging through fashion magazines.


This book is unintentionally hilarious. . .   December 6, 1999
19 out of 25 found this review helpful

Boy the reader from "fashionable Washington, D.C." hit the nail right on the head. This book is definitely for the over 60 crowd. Vincent's fawning prose over his "It Girls" of today were funny and puzzling. Kathie Lee Gifford? Claire Shipman? Liz Smith? These women often look like they need grooming tips and a good bath. Others like Julia Ormond, Adrienne Vittadini, Isabella Rossellini, or Nina Griscom do indeed have that extra something, but Vincent didn't really manage to define it. The tips on dressing were okay, but nothing that most mothers haven't already taught their daughters. The only real thing that elevates this book and makes it partially worthwhile, is that Vincent is donating his portion of the profits to charity. Next time either he or Sherry Suib Cohen write a book, they should also scan the pages for really glaring glamour discrepencies, like showing Diane Sawyer's or Phyllis George's fillings, either edit them out or have these women close their mouths. I also think that the women presented seemed like mindless sheep, and that their cities and fashion codes which they live by were stereotyped and parodied. While this book is an okay general guide to give the reader a feel for how a certain portion of the population looks and dresses, I'd recommend watching CNN Style, or Fashion File and simply paying attention.