InStyle
Pages: 486
Hits: InStyle has been redesigned, and no wonder it's one of the only fashion books that is up in circulation: The merch is mostly under $1,000. What a novel concept - stuff people can actually afford. They've had to ditch the big red-carpets in favor of smaller, less covered celeb parties. The Look section seems to have expanded with more trends off the carpets, with new additions such as "Style Standoff," which this month compares the Slouchy vs. Lady bag, and "Her 10 Best Ever," on Julianne Moore's greatest hits. Love the new Shop It! section, including Simon Doonan's new column "Where Style Starts." Also adore the Clothes We Love section - easy to understand, attractive and (mostly) well-priced. The Life section at the back feels like a big bonus, a throwback to the first incarnation of the magazine.
Misses: There are some sections we feel we've seen a million times, such as Jennifer Aniston's many hairstyles. Less successful is the "Fall Shoes A to Z," though there are good finds here. The styling and photos in the features, including the Uma Thurman story, are a bore.
News You Can Use: This is the how-to bible along with Lucky, so there's no shortage of how to wear ruffles, one jacket three ways, and other figure flattering answers for new trends. Harem pants only just seemed to arrive, and already there's a how-to-wear-them (quick - name five people you don't want to see wearing them!). In the same vein, "Recharge Your Style" offers timely tips and items to update your look.