5 comments about Russian Textiles: Printed Cloth for the Bazaars of Central Asia.

1. As a collector of, and dealer in Central Asian garments, I have long been fascinated by the printed, cotton linings of these garments. Some of the fabrics are so beautiful, that my customers turn the coats inside out, and wear them in reverse. How delightful to find a book on these fabrics. The book shows many different patterns of fabric, as well as a number of coats, turned inside out, to show the wonderful patchwork patterns. Well done.



2. while this extravagantly illustrated compilation of Russian printed fabrics from 1900 to 1950 will be invaluable to both artist and collector, it is a visual delight to the general reader as well. The author skilfully weaves the history of the Cental Asian tribal peoples into the tapestry of mass migration and technology which produced stunning roller and block-printed cotton clothing.



3. This book is stunning in a visual sense. Each print illustrates the creative choices of the Central Asian people and also reflect the influences of the world around them. More than a book reviewing Russian textiles, it records the history of a region of the world that is not commonly explored. So beautifully photographed, one can almost feel the weave of the prints. Cloth is so commonplace we take its history for granted. This book reminds us its importance. Its interesting that a swatch of fabric can weave a story of time and people.



4. This book is not only visually stunning, it is also a fascinating read. This is the first time that these beautiful and unusual fabrics have been given their due recognition both as designs and as an important part of Russian/Soviet history.



5. A book that will appeal to history buffs, appreciators of indigenous cultures, and those ready to plunge into viewing page after page of artistically-laid-out photos of visually stunning Central Asian robes and their Russian linings. The opening chapters introduce us to the peoples of Central Asia, the "social life" of cloth, and how the Russian textile industry came to play such an important "undercover" role in the clothing worn by Central Asians.
   
   It is a book that you can leave on your coffee table as a wonderful treat for the eyes, or you can read the text and become that much more knowledgeable about a part of the world which continues to gain in strategic importance day by day.
   
   An extraordinary synthesis, this book makes for a great gift to oneself or others.

5 comments about Fashion Sketchbook.

1. This book is a great source for aspiring fashion illustrators. I would highly recommend it. Teaches you how every aspect from shading, to creating fabric folds, to drawing lace, and plaids. In addition to this book I would also recommendDraw Fashion Models! (Discover Drawing Series), which briefly goes into how to draw flats.



2. This book is great. It's excellent help for anyone interested in sketching fashion figures or going into fashion.
   Bina Abling has published lots of books, but each edition of this Fashion Sketchbook keeps getting better and more refined.



3. This is The authority on illustrating for fashion. Abling's attention to detail and artistic ability make her a perfect tutor on the topic, and every explanation is clear--it's the sort of thing where you look at the example, and it clicks in your head, "Oh, Now I see!".
   
   The book goes over Everything you need, but in case you want to know exactly what is inside, here is a quick summary:
   
   Ch 1: Fashion Figure Proportions
   Figures on grids broken down in several ways, extensive work on proportion. Abling divides figures into geometric shapes: foot, head, hips, chest, upper arm, thigh; she then puts them together, showing how they fit and relate to one anther. It then goes further and shows how different poses and types of movement affect the torso (upper and lower), as well as different types/shapes of figures, from the elongated fashion figure to petite and full. The chapter also features a figure map, interpretations of anatomy, different poses and artistic approaches, balance, and movement.
   
   Ch 2: Basic Figure Forms
   Drawing legs, arms, feet, shoes, hands, fingers, and foreshortening. There are so many helpful diagrams from multiple perspectives, numerous poses.
   
   Ch 3: Model Drawing
   Gesture drawing, exercises on isolated sections of the body, angles, and more; balance line, supporting leg (where the weight is distributed so the figure looks planted to the ground, not floating around or unevenly/awkwardly perched), arms.
   
   Ch 4: Fashion Heads
   Faces, different ethnicities, facial features, dissection of the head with a map on the placement of eyes, nose, lips, etc. The head in different positions, from different angles; techniques to maintain proportion and balance: diamond technique, working with angles and planes of the face, shading/highlights/shadows. Hair: styles, hairlines, period styles.
   
   Ch 5: Drawing Men
   Comparison to female figure, legs, arms, hands, hair, gesture, dressing the figure, suits, and details on how the fabric falls, where to put certain features like the cuff, armhole, etc. Proportions, classic menswear techniques, fashion croquis technique, vintage styles.
   
   Ch 6: Drawing Children
   Proportions by age, with many dissections and comparisons, tons of helpful illustrations and examples. Infants, toddlers, children, tweens; heads, facial expressions, hairstyles, arms, hands, legs, feet, vintage styles.
   
   Ch 7: Garment and Garment Details
   Necklines, collars, sleeves (different types, lengths, etc), skirts (folds, fall of fabric, gathering, flaring, volume, pleats), pants (folds, gathering, lengths, fit), blouses, blazers, jackets, coats, ruffles, smocking, shirring, cowls, fur, quilting, formal gowns, applying the concepts to garments.
   
   Ch 8: Accessories
   Jewelry and how they sit on the body, eyewear, hats (male, female), belts (types, fit), trims, notions, closures, handbags, shoes (different angles, heel heights, types).
   
   Ch 9: Basic Rendering Techniques
   Working with stripes and other fabric types/prints. Shading, highlighting, rendering with marker, fall fabrics, more fabric types: shiny fabrics, flat/matte, sheers, layers, velvet, satins, chiffon, etc. Working with all black fabrics.
   
   Ch 10: Color Rendering
   Chapter features color renderings to show skin tones, menswear with marker, children; using gouache, using watercolors, rendering hair in color.
   
   Ch 11: Drawing Knits
   Necklines, knit patterns, treatments/embellishments.
   
   Ch 12: Designer Sketching and Fashion Illustration
   Poses: I-pose, S-pose, X-pose, T-pose. Attitude, "look" and feel, style, emphasis.
   
   Ch 13: Drawing Flats and Specs
   Layout styles, freehand sketching, proportion, chart on measurements by size: Women, Men, Unisex, Belts, Hats, Socks. Gathering, buttons, closures, top stitching. Mixing croquis and flat drawings.
   
   Ch 14: Layout
   Combining multiple drawings, elements, or figures; groupings,
   
   Appendix
   More necklines, collars, sleeves, armholes, tops, dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, coats, sleepwear, underwear, design details, ties, hats, waistlines, pockets, handbags, shoes, collars, cuffs.
   One of the neatest sections in the book is titled "problem spots" and features examples of the right and wrong way to do various details. Showing examples of how amateurs or beginners make mistakes and then showing the correct way works So well! Better than explanation, this simple and clear approach is crucial.
   
   This book is filled with immensely helpful diagrams, exercises, and demonstrations. Every part of it is useful to students and designers, and because it is so comprehensive, this could be the single most important book in fashion illustration. If you could only have one book on the subject, get Fashion Sketchbook by Bina Abling.



4. This book was exactly what I needed for my fashion illustration class. I received it in perfect condition. I really like it!



5. This sketchbook is very comprehensive and great for all levels of fashion sketching. It is a wonderful book if you are trying to conquer the croquis. I was an absolute beginner and this book has developed my skills greatly and the step by step lessons in the book are extremely helpful. This book is spiral-bound which makes a big difference when practicing, especially if you like to using tracing paper prior to your sketching attempts. Not all fashion drawing books are spiral-bound so make sure you take note, it makes a big difference when working on your art.

5 comments about Patterns of Fashion 1: 1660-1860 (Patterns of Fashion).

1. I was a bit disappointed in this book. Especially as compared with the book that precedes this one in time period. The Elizabethan period book has all sorts of YUMMY details (photographs) of actual garments. Those details more accurately illustrate how a technique was carried out, and should look when finished. This book has exactly TWO photos! And both are of finished modern replicas. ALL the illustrations are line drawings. Exceptionally done line drawing. Very well executed. But nothing holds a candle to a photograph.
   The greatest covered fashion period in this book, is about 1750-1800. It is nearly bereft of 17th century examples. And there is only a handful of Victorian era (1830s-1860) examples. That was refreshing, as there are enough other books that cover Victorian decades.
   All that being said, it is still a VERY INFORMATIVE and well illustrated book. You could certainly learn a lot about construction techniques and cut.
   
   -- Metric conversion chart included.
   -- List of source references
   -- instructions on altering a modern dress form to work for period
   -- Pattern layouts are not modern with PRECISE measurements. They are
   period layouts that assume knowledge of drafting and fitting



2. My Wife is absolutely thrilled with the material in this book ....she has told me several times, in less that a month, that "I've learned something new !!! "
   
   It doesn't get any better than that
   
   thanx



3. It was with great reverance that I approached my first look at the Patterns of Fashoion. I have heard so many great things that I was almost afraid I would be disappointed. Not so, this book has exceeded my wildest expectations. I own at least a score of books on Tudor/Elizabethan clothing or general costuming and can resolutely say that there is no equal to this book when it comes to detailed exactly how a garment was constructed. Each piece of extant clothing is given multiple pictures and the most detailed descriptions of any book I've seen. While this is not a guide that may interest the average costumer ...if you're serious about period costuming this is your resource.



4. I was very excited to receive my copy of Patterns of Fashion, Vol I by Janet Arnold. As a Revolutionary War reenactor, my interest in 18th Century clothing is continually deepened by more and more detailed research, and this book is a treasure trove of information. The specific details, such as a discussion of how saque-back gown sleeves were set into the body of a gown, are invaluable insights into garment construction, and equally invaluable how-to aids. Although the book covers a wider range of period garments than just 18th Century clothing, it seems to concentrate on the 18th Century,(at least, that's my perception!) and it's easy to use the book in order to put the Revolutionary War period into perspective in the timeline of fashion. The addition of useful tools such as the metric conversion chart are bonuses.
   
   Even if each garment were not charted on a grid, making it possible to draft a pattern, just the discussion of the details of each garment would make the book a must for every seamstress' or shelf. If you can only afford a few books on historic clothing, this one is a must.



5. As everyone has said, this is a great reference, with details about each garment you can't dream of anywhere else. It has a great variety in here as well. The drawings are beautiful, the patterns are easy to draft and as far as the one's I've made, go together beautifully (it helps that the one's I've made so far are my size though!) It really is full of great information and beautiful, inspiring dresses and gowns. The two from the hoop era are just stunning, as are the regency and French Revolution era gowns.

5 comments about In Style: Instant Style (Your Season-By-Season Guide for Work and Weekend).

1. The information contained in this book was quite general and I did not feel that it was detailed enough regarding classic versus contemporary fashion. The information provided was something anyone would come up with on their own if they read even a few fashion magazines. Regretfully, there was not a single item in the book that made me re-think my wardrobe or give me any "Ah-hah" moments.



2. I loved this book. It's a great follow up to the other Instyle book's I've collected over the years. This fashion guidebook provides helpful and relevant insights to the young adult shopper. I especially like the info about how to jazz up an otherwise plain outfit with cool accessories.



3. Things I liked: The way this book showed more than one way to wear a piece. I also liked how it identified items that you should splurge on. Of course both of these things can be found in any magazine or online at little to no cost.
   
   Things I didn't like: The book doesn't really address different body types, which plays a large role in what styles you buy. It also doesn't say how many of any certain item you should have. Should I have 1 suit or 20??
   
   Overall, if you want a book on style I would buy the Luck Shopping Manuel. That book is worth the money!!



4. Really enjoyed this book ....it was nice to know as I age I can still look stylish without looking like I was dressing to young. Thanks for the tips on keeping in style for seniors.



5. I was disappointed with this book. I have the first In Style book and I really liked it so was looking forward to this. There was very little variety between the different styles shown and all the clothes were very formal, especially the winter weekend outfits were often more formal than I would wear even to the office. There is only one style of clothes showed and this book did not inspire me.

5 comments about Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams.

1. This book isn't so much about refashioning your clothes so much as a basic sewing and fit lesson. I felt this book was WAY too basic for me. There really weren't any patterns and the pictures were pretty unimpressive. I was really disappointed with this book. If you are curious, get it from the library, but don't waste your money!



2. I think that this book is great for beginning sewers - - very young look.



3. I bought this book for my daughter who loves it. She buys in thrift shops and remodels clothes to her own liking. This book is the best on this subject that I have come across. It has clear and concise directions and ideas. This book is great for the person who is concerned about the environment and utilizing things as best as possible as not to be wasteful!



4. First of all this book is OK for the beginner...
   The projects are simple and kind of outdated in my opinion...
   I had to give this a 2 to lower the overall rating a bit, normally i go by amazon feedback, as i did with that and was pretty disapointed.
   Just a warning cause if you are like me 4 1/2 stars is a big yes...this one not so much.



5. This book has really impressed me. It has way better content than the Generation T book and the 99 ways book. This book can be helpful for beginner sewing as well. It runs through how to sew as well as some tailoring tips and how to use different notions and cut fabric. It's great! Much more bang for your buck! I checked out there website and got a really nice sewing machine.
   www.sewfastseweasy.com

5 comments about No Lifeguard on Duty: The Accidental Life of the World's First Supermodel.

1. This book was AMAZING!!! SOOO good i thought it was fiction. A fantastic read.



2. This memoir delivers! Laugh out loud funny, and full of juicy show biz gossip. Janice rats out everyone in here. I like that her voice comes through 100%--it's like you are sitting with her listening to her stories over drinks, one on one. There is more to Janice's story--a darker side with a totally messed up childhood that shaped who she became. Think what you will of her, but she is never boring. A great read.



3. I must say that I truly enjoyed reading this book. There is one thing about the author that I like best and it is the fact that she is real; she tells it like it is. She has guts! This by itself makes the book worth it! I honestly believe that she shares honest and truthful tales about the modeling bussiness and her personal life. I give this book a 10.



4. So, I am a fan of crazy-gorgeous-extreme model types, because they are so much the opposite of me.
   
   Take Janice Dickinson, for instance. Janice walks in a room, and everyone knows it. Maybe they smell her heady melange of booze, perfume, and cigarettes. It could be the obnoxiously loud string of foulness that always enters before she does. And perhaps it's because she's gorgeous and has those crazy -- as in substantially unstable -- eyes that demand attention in a Charlie Manson kind of way. I don't know. Whatever it is, I want it, as do millions of young ladies.
   
   So I really wanted to like this book and experience a lot of "Oh no she di'int" admiration, but mostly, I was stumbling over the lackluster, disconnected writing. Does anyone believe celebrities of her caliber -- low, that is -- really write their own material? I suppose her "writing partner" is partially to blame for the poor quality, but having seen Dickinson in action (critiquing ANTM contestants and manipulating her way through the D-list dumpster that is The Surreal Life), I don't doubt for a second that she'd have creative control and final say on the content and style.
   
   Janice does deliver some juicy bits. For example, way back when Sly Stallone was her man, Janice was regularly given mystery "vitamins" by the Rocky that, in light of recent events, may've been an early iteration of HGH. Hm. Plus there's tons of drugs and boyfriends (and girlfriends), although I could've done without the explicit descriptions of sex ham-fistedly sandwiched into random spots. (It's like she forgot she wasn't writing a Harlequin for a couple of pages.)
   
   As in other memoirs by people who shouldn't necessarily be writing any, there's the usual childhood drama blown out of proportion. Being abused is drama enough -- why add the Lifetime Movie of the Week fanfare? It feels a little... exploitative.
   
   But I suppose that's the point. Dickinson made her career out of exploitation -- of her body, the camera, other people's bodies... you name it. I appreciate the candor she shows, and no-holds-barred "outing" of celeb secrets is balanced by kind words for others (for instance, Christie Brinkley is -- or at least was -- a saint). This could've been an excellent book if only she'd taken an intensive in English composition and pulled out a thesaurus. (At least it wasn't as bad as Iceberg Slim!)



5. I thought this book was v interesting & honest...a true look into Janice's Dickinsons life. She is a strong character & has survived a hell of a childhood - now i now why she still acts kinda crazy when you see her on tv!

5 comments about Audrey Style.

1. If you admire Audrey Hepburn, you'll enjoy this book. This is my inspiration for my sewing projects.



2. Even though I'm definitely an AH fan, I thought that the author went overboard with praise for Miss Hepburn's personal qualities. No doubt AH herself would be embarassed to read all this fawning and adulation.
   
   This book attempts to combine into one an AH biography and an analysis of her fashion style. Unfortunately, both fall short. The only worthwhile text was the introduction by Hubert de Givenchy.



3. I think Audrey Hepburn will be eternally remembered not only as one of the kindest and most generous women that has ever volunteered for Unicef, but to us women as a timeless, most graceful role model of style. She's the perfect embodiment of the adagio that in elegance less is more. Her streamlined, understated style that yet made one of the biggest statements in fashion history continues to be an inspiration to us women of the 21st century despite the forty years that separate us from "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Clarke Keogh's book captures Audrey's spirit like no other. It is beautifully illustrated and there are contributions from Hubert de Givenchy, Ralph Lauren or Gregory Peck, among other people who generously share with us souvenirs of this angel of grace that they had the chance to meet in person. Her wardrobe and makeup are meticulously reviewed and this book will prove an invaluable tool and source of inspiration for all those women who want to bring more elegance and refinement into their lives. One of the best assets in your style bookcase and one that you will gladly pass down to generations of graceful women to come.



4. If they reprinted this without any words, it would get 5 stars.
   
   Random examples of the writing:
   
   "'Oh, they were fated to meet,' says Connie, curiously choosing the exact same words used to describe Audrey's friendship with Givenchy." (Like OMG! Someone said Audrey was _fated_ to meet Givenchy! And someone else said she was _fated_ to meet another person!)
   
   "... she intones with the well-bred vowels of a Farmington girl, with some of her old boss, Diana Vreeland, thrown in for emphasis."
   
   Pamela Clarke Keogh comes off like an untalented high school student in a creative writing class. You know the sort, under the impression that bludgeoning the reader with random vignettes and a morass of clauses is "descriptive."
   
   And don't get me started on the over-the-top hagiographic nature of this book. Look, I love Audrey as much as the next person. Probably more. But how many quotes like "and she couldn't have been sweeter! So gracious! Beyond gracious! Heavenly!" do we need? There's such a thing as praising so much it becomes meaningless.



5. It's putting the quirky details together that makes this book more revealing than the standard saccharin drenched puff piece.
   
   For example, Hepburn is quoted as saying that she wears a size 8 1/2 shoe, while the author clearly states later in the book that Hepburn wore a size ten.
   
   Her mother's quotes, if accurate, provide convincing evidence that the Baroness Von Heemstra was more than a little jealous of her far more beautiful daughter.
   
   The author's claim that Audrey "didn't eat during times of stress" directly contradicts close friends Audrey Wilder and Doris Brynner, who claimed that Hepburn loved to eat. As for her staying so thin due to malnutrition that "permanently altered her metabolism", this is unlikely. According to the author, Hepburn speaks of gaining twenty pounds early in her career. Other bios confirm this. Perhaps in later years Hepburn simply watched what she ate.
   
   According to the author, Hepburn washed her hair every four or five days. She SMOKED. Whew, draw your OWN conclusions about that one!
   
   I've found Robert Wolders a bit creepy ever since I read about him in "Queenie", a superb biography of Merle Oberon. From Merle to Audrey to Shirlee Fonda; this guy clearly has a THING for wealthy, older glamour girls. He's always described as an actor/businessman. Hmmmmmmm.
   
   An additional strength of this book is its focus on her personal fashion philosophy--not just her association with Givenchy.
   
   Audrey Hepburn is my absolute favorite and always will be. She had many lessons to teach; not only about beauty and elegance, but also about tolerance, grace and kindness. No star of today can compare.
   
   PS-I'm just tucking into the Barry Paris book, which is FAR more in depth. I recommend following Audrey Style with this one if you haven't already read it.

5 comments about Professional Model Portfolios: A Step-by-Step Guide for Photographers.

1. I wanted to start shooting models but I didn't know where to begin. This book was just what I needed. It covered all the information I needed to start shooting model. I give it 4 stars b/c it needs to be updated.



2. Most of the things covered in this book are already known to photographers that have worked in the field, but for photographers starting in shooting models, this guide gives them a good start in the field.
   
   Even though the book is titled 'A Step-by-Step Guide for Photographers', the information in here is even more valuable for models. Info on height classifications, measurements, posing, etc. I'd say all new models, and those that want to be models, this is a 'must have' book.



3. This was a fantastic book. So much information. Every model and photographer should read this.



4. This really helps with up and coming models who need a bit of direction.
   I share this book with every new model I use.
   Brings ideas to both of us.
   It helps the models understand thier side of the business also.



5. It's very pro, a little out of fashion, it's a 2004 book, so that's normal I guess. If you don't work in the USA market, it is a good guide about how to work.

5 comments about The Goddess Guide.

1. Even though I am on the other side of the world to this author I can easily use many of her useful suggestions and if I should get to some of the spots she recommends....travel being a business and personal pastime that I enjoy from time to time, then I will surely look for some of these haunts.
   
   There is plenty to occupy a goddess at bedtime in here!



2. This book almost has multiple personalities. The outside is befitting a Goddess with it's fuschia cover adorned w/black velvet cutouts. The inside is like a full color magazine with thicker pages. Christian Louboutin is interviewed, handbag brands like Chanel, Hermes, Gucci etc are featured, There's even a picture of Chanel's Cruir de Russie Parfum featured in the book. However, the layout of the book is almost -- college-student-esque -- not in an amateur way but in a sort of Urban Outfitters/Bust Magazine almost 90's grunge feel -- plus it has advice on clubbing. For a cover that was so elegant, I would have expected more of a Jackie-O meets Audrey meets Marilyn sort of feel to it. Also, be aware that if you live in the U.S. the book is written from a very U.K. perspective. The advice is certainly very good. It even gives you websites to check out. Very useful -- Not all of the advice is timeless & certainly some of the brand names & websites will no longer be in existence with time.



3. I love this book, i couldn't put it down! it's very useful in so many ways!! im getting 2 more copies for my friends, it's a great GIFT!



4. I know they say never judge a book by its cover, but this book's cover in only a small indication of the wonders to come! This would have to be my #1 choice for the gift to give to those girls turning 21, or any age really. There are little gems in this book, and I now wonder how I got by with out knowing them. I believe this may be the modern version of A Guide to Elegance. A wonderful read and something pretty for the bookcase!



5. I saw this book in Elle magazine last month and wanted it immediately. It's too cute and very beautifully presented inside. Very different to any other style book I've read before because the author asks some great questions of celebrity fashion designers and beauty gurus and they reply with so many useful answers. In their replies they reveal their favourite books, their favourite perfumes, smells and the names of their favourite secret places. It's more like a style diary with tried and tested fashion, beauty, food and shopping secrets. I especially was blown away by Linda Evangalistas celebrity trainer David Kirsch helping her reach her healthy body weight and Evangalista training right next to her. Judging from the author's pictures in the book she isn't one of those size zero skinnies either. There's no self-importance in this book, it's just very laid back and cool. It's put together like a scrapbook containing beautiful little things that she has collected from all the cities that she visited and I particularly love it when she goes to Paris to meet shoe designer Christian Louboutin. (The modern woman's Blahnik if you ask me.) It is a magnificently researched down to the most secret addresses in New York, London and Paris and so many useful websites. For me the best pages are on perfume, denim and coat shopping, the writing in the opening of each chapter is also nothing short of magical. She offers beautiful advice for the 21 Century woman, very different from any magazine I have read except perhaps Oprah's O. I hope that the next Goddess Guide will appear soon, it's better to me than Sex & The City!

5 comments about New York Look Book: A Gallery Of Street Fashion.

1. This is a great book for anyone. Visually the images capture the the personality of New York, and each subjects bio is as diverse as their fashion style. Once you pick it up you can't put it down. Makes for a great gift!



2. A very New York look at fashion and people and style. Great interviews. Gee I miss NYC



3. An amazing collection of New York City's most stylish inhabitants by a photographer with a keen eye for the extraordinary. Highly recommended.



4. If you love New York and New Yorkers, this is your book. The essence of New York Street Style beautifully photographed by Jake Chessum and ready to uplift any homesick New Yorker abroad. A collection of one of my favorite New York Magazine columns now available to embellish the display on any expat coffee table. If you're in New York, get up, walk the streets and enjoy the real thing, you won't need the book.



5. The Book is a wonderful document of what the city is all about:
   Be yourself and express it with creative confidence!