5 comments about Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You'll- Actually-Use Guide to Looking Your Best.

1. I was really excited to read this book, as I am just venturing into the realm of makeup and hair care. I've always been makeup-free and just thrown my hair up as I walked out the door in the morning...but now I'm taking a stab at making myself look a bit more presentable each day. I picked this book because at first glance at the store it seemed relatively simple in format and very easy to read. It has everything from tips on what hair styles look best for different hair types to tips for what to do at salons when they offer you a robe to change into to how much to tip various people.
   
   I can see how some people with loads of experience could find parts of this book a little less informative than I did, but I still think there are lots of tips that most people will find useful. It was fun and easy to read, and I know I'll be referencing it in the future as I venture into other areas of beauty. It's also useful to me, who wants some makeup and hair care advice without being bombarded by an assortment of things that everyone absolutely must do/use.
   
   Overall, I really liked this book, even in areas I did know something about. The style is very fun and honest...and it makes you excited to go try some new products (not just brands) that she suggests in each chapter.



2. There's a lot to like about this little book. First, she provides some great lists of "best" products, like:
   -- The Products in Every Beauty Editor's Cabinet
   -- Greatest Mascaras of all Time
   -- Best Intensive Conditioners, etc.
   
   Second, at the end of each chapter, she provides lists of all the products she mentioned during that chapter, along with information on cost and where you can buy the product. Very helpful.
   
   Third, she writes in a funny, conversational style. For example, in the chapter on complexion, she says, "What do you see when you look at your skin in the mirror? Do you think, 'Oh my God, I am so gorgeous?' (Hey, there, Paris!) Or do your eyes immediately zoom in on whatever "flaws" you may have, real or imagined? (Or, um, is this just me?)"
   
   The book is easy to read, and offers some really good advice. She does jump around a bit, but not so much that it detracts from the value of what she has to say. It's well worth the read!



3. By far the best, most detailed and most objective beauty book I have ever read. I think every woman should own a copy of this book along with her dictionary and thesaurus.
   
   Nadine breaks down the book in to easy to read sections dealing with different aspects of beauty and makeup. I love how she gives options for different products in every price range -- I honestly read the book with a notepad and pen so I could make a list of items I needed to purchase.
   
   Overall, a great book, well worth its cost, and one you will keep dogeared and nearby for years to come!



4. I'm one of those gals who flips through beauty magazines wishing I could recreate the looks I see on the pages. Nadine Haobsh's Beauty Confidential: The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You'll- Actually-Use Guide to Looking Your Best breaks down today's looks in a way that women of all ages can understand. Want smooth, healthy hair? Check. Get long, luscious lashes? Check. Seeking a dewy complexion? Find it here!
   
   Her tone is fun, frank and much like a gab session with your best friend. I liked the book so much, I ended up buying a couple extra copies as Christmas presents for female relatives.



5. I read so many beauty magazines that I was sceptical about reading a beauty book - what could it possibly tell me that I don't already know? But with Beauty Confidential, I was pleasantly surprised - for once all the vital information was presented in a fun and snappy, easy-to-absorb format and I found myself making lists of beauty tips and must-have beauty products. The book answered tons of beauty questions that nobody else in the industry seems to have addressed before. And because there is no blatant advertising in the book, you know you can trust its advice. The author's chic-lit writing style is so charming you feel like you know her (and honestly, I kind of felt her talent is wasted as a beauty editor - she should be writing novels!) BUY THIS BOOK. You won't be sorry.

5 comments about Big Book of Fashion Illustration: A Sourcebook of Contemporary Illustration.

1. i loved the illustrations that were selected for this book, its orgenized in an easy to read maner. great source of insperstion.



2. When I bought this I was worried that I would be stuck with another "how-to" manual for fashion illustration. I just received my copy and wow! I'm so pleased with the quality of the illustrations and the variety of styles presented within- I can't wait to get drawing!
   
   This was exactly what I was looking for, a source for stylistic inspiration to bring into my own drawing skills.



3. This was a really useful source book of current fashion illustrators. Both the layout and quality were very good.



4. This book consists of fashion illustrations of many contemporary artists. There are no tutorials in the book but finished drawings. They are prepared in many different mediums and with use of computer programs as well. For me they are great source of inspiration. I recommend the book.



5. We hoped for a quality fashion tutorial type of book but this is nothing but page after page of immature (kindergarten style) cartoonish 'artwork' with name credits only. There is no text, no instruction, no worthwhile notations. We looked forward to the importing of art into Adobe for finish work, a before and after, but found none. The Glamour section began with poorly cartooned men and women naked in showers. Perhaps they were wearing the finest of the Emperor's new clothes? We were so disappointed we returned the book immmediately.

3 comments about Let Me In!.

1. This was a hard book to find. But, like anything you have to wait for, it's worth it once you get it! It is gorgeous! From the moment I took it out of the box, I didn't move. I even took it to my best friends house the next day and shared it with her. I love photography and especially photos of my favorite celebrities. I highly recommend this book. It's also a good-looking book on your coffee table.



2. Beautiful photos of celebrities in their more casual moments. Though some of the photos are posed, they are all stunning and vivid. A great gift for the movie fan/celebrity watcher in your family.



3. First of all, let me tell you I may be a little biased with my review, because I love Mario Testino's work as it is. His photos of beautiful glamorous worlds and people living in them are always sleek, suave and well-polished, and they display, to my taste, a delicate sensitivity within image, reality and make-belief. You know: the whole smoke and mirror thing, but it is obvious his mirrors and smoke have some magic in them. All the celebrities, models etc, or let's say his subjects, look like a million bucks, especially in this carefully edited book. Not that any of them are not gorgeous in real life, but they seem extra sublime, and believe it or not, still human. By risking to sound superficial, and shallow even, I daresay I love it. I appreciate to see so-called 'glamor' handled and manufactured in a way this sophisticated and tasteful.
   
   'Let Me In' is a wonderful piece of high profile celebrity photo collection, which tends to catch its subjects in parties, social gatherings, or behind the scenes at fashion shoots or editorials. It is rough, time-to-time feels out of focus as a collection: more like a photo album of a photographer's 'work in proogress' pile. Some photos I had seen before, but some are fresh from the oven. It may seem obviously celebrity obsessed to look at the photos of these actors and models that only display their general celebrity magnetism and magnificence, and one may ask what the difference is between this book and let's say a junk like People magazine. And it is this: these photos do take joy in their pop culture value in a tongue-in-cheek way. It has no excuses for it other than it's title: LET ME IN! It is a naughty, almost forbidden, and intimate collection.
   
   I love it. I love the roughness of the photos, how generous Testino is, and how wonderfully generic most of the photos look. It does not mean to say anything special. It is what Testino does best: beautiful people, a lot of skin and a surprising sense of intimacy. I highly recommend the book for anyone who appreciates the perception of a high fashion photographer on celebrity and the slight obsession that we are all in.

2 comments about Drawing Fashion: The Art of Kenneth Paul Block.

1. My wife, B.J. has asked me to forward her review of Drawing Fashion: She writes:
   "As a former advertising fashion artist in the sixties, I was especially thrilled with Kenneth Paul Block's new book. I have been a fan of his work in WWD, W and various fashion magazines for many years. I have in my files a great many copies of his drawings from these publications.
   
   I love this big book full of his fashion sketching masterpieces with interesting narrations. I agree with the designers and others that photography cannot capture the exciting proportions and movements of the figure as well as KPB did. His illustrations are fabulous!
   
   I'll never understand why W magazine does not use his drawings. (I wrote a letter to them on this subject several years ago.) My only criticism of the book is with the descriptive type face that is unnecessarily small. This is a beautiful, colorful, marvelous book to enjoy over and over."
   B. J. HAGGLAND



2. The Art of Kenneth Paul Block is a long awaited book of astonishingly vibrant fashion and portrait drawings of swan necked beauties by a much admired fashion-insider. Mr. Block studied at The Parsons school of Design and illustrated the work of the most influential fashion designers from about the mid 20th century to the nineties before unoriginal, mediocre photography (and unskilled illustrations) completely dominated how fashion was communicated to the celebrity obsessed, style challenged, uninformed masses. With seemingly effortless ease (the energy in the art looks like it could have been sketched yesterday!), Mr. Block drew the ever changing mood of fashion from London Mod to Italian Modern, Preppy Classic to Japanese Experimental, French couture to American casual and inspired many generations of fashion enthusiasts in the process. Mr. Block's portraits showcase a few of his favorite ladies. A rare and exquisite breed who set the standard for elegance and chic for most of the 20th century. Society beauties like Mrs. Guinness, Mrs. Paley, Mrs. Guest, Mrs.Vanderbilt and Mrs.Kennedy speak of a time when grace, poise and mystery mixed with a certain sense of knowing defined a chic, stylish lady. These ladies took pride in their dress and manners, forever refining their personal presentation while facing life's challenges at full gallop...no wonder they are legendary....and his drawings of them continue to delight.
   Included in the book are also several personal, previously unpublished drawings of legendary eccentrics as well as published drawings of lush interiors and glamorous accessories...further highlighting Mr. Block's wonderful wit,extraordinary sense of observation and imagination.It is also important to mention the role Mr. Fairchild (the publisher of WWD and W) played in showcasing Mr. Block's drawings of the best in high fashion and high society. Not a hard decision to make when you fall under the spell of mr. Block's mastery in handling paint, pencil and the utilitarian,lowly magic marker in deliciously expressive gestures. What Mr. Block did with a marker,is Magic indeed. An essential book celebrating the work of an American Artist with a rare and elegant eye.

4 comments about Quilt National 2007: The Best of Contemporary Quilts (Quilt National).

1. I purchased this for a quilt friend, having received one as a gift from a prior year's showing. If you're in to art quilts, this is a must have book



2. I have all the Quilt National books. Although they are good reminders of the biannual show, the photography cannot capture the unique nature of the works. This year, I have also heard of a complaint from one of the entrants that one piece was not photographed in its entirety. Nonetheless, if you can't get there to see the show in person, the book is your next best alternative.



3. Even after 14 other exhibits of "the best of contemporary quilts," the quilts gathered for Quilt National 2007 and showcased in the print version of the entries, also entitled Quilt National 2007, still represent innovative ideas and techniques. These works defy the adage that "there's nothing new under the sun," for they adhere to the definition of quilt, yet take that form to new levels.
   
   This, the first exhibit since the passing of Hilary Morrow Fletcher, who guided the project for 23 years, is truly a feast for the eye, albeit rendered as ink on paper.
   
   The textile treasures run the gamut from the realistic/pictorial to the wildly abstract and include sculptural pieces as well. The content taps into nature, the psyche, politics, urban life, and other subjects both deep and simple, but all rendered thoughtfully.
   
   If you can't view the actual show (on display through September 3, 2007, at the Dairy Barn and then traveling in part or entirely to St. Louis, MO; Houston, TX; Lancaster, PA (two exhibits); and Bloomingdale, IL, through 2009), then by all means visit it vicariously through the pages of this book.



4. This book is subtitled "The Best of Contemporary Quilts" - and that's an understatement. Quilt National is *the* art quilt show in the world, and the jurors have again done an amazing job of whittling the 1151 slides from 545 artists, from 45 states and 19 countries other than the USA down to just 83 quilts. I would love to see the show hanging - but the book is the next best thing to being there.
   
   This book has been thoughtfully designed and produced - as were the other two Quilt National books I own (Art Quilts: A Celebration: 400 Stunning Contemporary Designs and Quilt National 2005: The Best in Contemporary Quilts (Quilt National).
   
   There's enough white space to let the quilts stand on their own, and the photography shows the beauty of the quilting stitches featured in some of these artworks. The book's design flows beautifully from each page to the next - each double page spread is sensitively composed.
   
   Each time I turned the page I said "this, THIS is my favourite quilt of the show" - only to be awestruck at the next page turn and a new favourite. Whether the artists chose a traditional bed quilt format, or ventured into the realm of 3-D textile sculpture; whether using very old surface design techniques such as dye or the latest in computer manipulated and printed imagery, every one of the 83 quilts in this book is stunning.
   
   The artists statements accompanying the photos are concise and add insight to the maker's thought processes. There's no long winded waffle, just clear statements about the works. Very refreshing!
   
   Anyone who doubts that quilts should indeed stand beside "fine art" in galleries needs this book - it will surely change their perception.

5 comments about Sensual Crochet: Luxurious Yarns, Alluring Designs.

1. This is the best crochet book I have ever seen. Fabulous designs throughout. I want to make every item.



2. Nice book, nice sweaters. Wearable crochet but nothing very different as far as stitches go.



3. This is a very well-produced book, with designs that I think represent some of the best in crocheted garment design today. (I have not made any of the patterns, so I can't say how accurate they are, otherwise I would give it 5 stars.) The crocheted items are beautifully photographed. Stitch diagrams and schematics are included. To substitute yarns, info is given on the total required yardage, weight and composition of the yarn, and knitting gauge (usually found on the skein wrapper and in catalog descriptions of yarn). Information is given about the properties of the fibers used. The crocheter is encouraged to use fibers which feel good, look good, and will last a long time. This I think is good advice, but some of the recommended yarns are extremely expensive. For example, Lorna's Laces Angel seems to sell for about $14 a 50-yard skein. The cover sweater is made in Angel and requires 21 skeins for 28" bust ($294) and 35 for 44" bust ($490). Besides the cost, that is a heck of a lot of ends to weave in! So, the yarn substitution info is likely to come in handy.
   
   There is a range of items, from revealing strapless top to the relatively covered-up sweater featured on the cover. Many tops will require a camisole underneath, but some are quite bare and would be hard to wear a foundation garment under. There are several skirts and a dress. Most are, in my opinion, beautiful designs, but a few are pretty ordinary, like the 2 boleros, a small bag and a white scarf/belt. There is one scarf made in a very fine silk (with steel 8 hook) that I think is quite pretty. Sizes range from 28" to 50" bust for some articles. Quite a few items use fairly fine yarn and hooks from C to G, and a few use H-J hooks.
   
   Most of the designs are by Amy Swenson, and other designers include Robyn Chachula, Annie Modesitt, Debora Oese-Lloyd, Amie Hirtes, Dana Codding, and Amy O'Neill Houck.



4. I purchased this book because I own Sensual Knitting, and like most of the designs there. Sensual Crochet, on the other hand, is terrible. The only thing I would consider making from it is the sweater on the cover - everything else looks cheap and tacky to me. However, lots of other people who have reviewed this book seem to like the designs, so maybe it's just me - but I would recommend you look at the designs before you buy the book. I'm very disappointed.



5. This book offers a variety of patterns, but women who aren't model-size may have to search carefully to find appropriate garments here. The Butterfly Cardigan is a good design for all. Stitch schematics are sometimes included and I would love to see more of them in future books -- they are so much easier to follow than miles of words. The inclusion of substitute yarn info is very welcome.

5 comments about Handbags: The Power of the Purse.

1. Handbags is a light-weight (as in no information on what makes a great handbag great) lots of very good photographs of iconic "classic" and "it" bags. Lovely biographical sketches of taste-making handbag designers and many historical bags and historical details (but not adequate if you are doing historical costumes). One brief sketch of how a very high-quality (Hermes) bag is constructed. All in all a lovely read, though, because of the pictures.



2. Another excellent book on handbags with beautiful photographs and descriptions by designer/historical context.



3. This is a great product because it shows you all the collection of purses that have been made. It has the expensive ones and the wierd ones and how they are made popular.



4. I somehow thought this would be a much larger book. It's quite small in size. Still it's lots of fun to see all the variety of handbags over time. It's a light hearted subject.



5. This book helped my mom and I understand the different handbags out there that are really looked at as high fasion. We are both into fashion and after reading this book, she bought two authentic Hermes birkins - WOW!! - from Haleys Couture Galleria aka hermes galleria and MightyKismet. Both excessively nice ladies. Awesome news for us. We recommend this book as it helps you learn all of the styles out there and is really like one big encyclopedia. Awesome. Thanks.

5 comments about Jewels: A Secret History.

1. Very interesting book that's well-written. I bought another of Ms. Finlay's books, "Color" because I liked this one so much. I like how she's organized the 'chapters' on the Moh scale of hardness, and the stories of her adventures in discovering each of the gems are just wonderful. A great, informative, enjoyable read.



2. This book is similar to the other one by the author on Colors. I enjoy the history and the facts. I am sometimes bothered by her style that is often too emotional and overly emotional for my taste.



3. This book gave the history, stories, and myths about each stone. I loved this book. A very quick read.



4. With this book - which is effectively a sequel to her book on colour - Victoria Finlay investigates the history, myth and reality of the jewels we often place so much status on. She starts with Amber the softest of the semi-precious jewels and works her way through to Diamonds, which are much more common and not as indestructible as the jewellers and marketers would have us believe.
   
   This is an interesting read, and while not exhaustive, will still manage to tell some new stories about gemstones even if you have read many other books on the subject. A combination of travel diary, history and general knowledge this book is educational and may make some readers view the stones in their jewel box in a new light. And as for "birth stones" - read the appendix at the end, it may open your eyes on one of the great marketing hoaxes.



5. For anyone who is interested in the fascinating story of some of the worlds most popular types of jewels, this book is for you. For anyone who is interested in visiting little know and remote parts of our planet, this book is for you. For anyone who is interested in better understanding why people are mesmerized by beautiful objects and why other people undertake dangerous jobs to find them, this book is for you.
   
   The author not only shares the fascinating history of how these jewels have been used throughout history but she tells the even more fascinating story of those who make their livings finding and selling them. Ms Finlay has not let distance or danger inhibit her desire to see first hand where the gems come from and to speak with those who spend, and often risk, their lives in their pursuit. Their stories are as interesting and varied as the stones themselves. Like Patrick Leigh Femor and other top travel writers, this author seems to be able to put almost anyone at ease and entice them to tell her their stories with amazing candor. She has then been able to blend historical facts and current circumstances into a really fascinating read.
   
   For me, her quest was really to better understand why jewels which, while beautiful, are basically useless command so much time, effort and even in some cases human lives in their production. After reading this book I believe that each person will be able to form their own answer to this question.

5 comments about Brenda Kinsel's Fashion Makeover: 30 Days to Diva Style!.

1. The book is for women over 40, but you don't really know it till you start reading.
   It has some interesting points of views on colors and accessories, but most of the advise are for the cooler times and i didn't find anything useful for the hot summer times...



2. If you're ready to take hours and hours to find your "diva style", this book is for you. I was looking for something that didn't require so much "homework".
   
   The "spa" sections of the book I thought were ridiculous... like hiring a masseuse to come to your home to meet you and your friends for a "spa" day. I can't think of 1 person that has that kind of money to throw away.
   
   There are several "assignments" in the book that really do help you determine your style if you need that kind of help.
   
   The section on cleaning out your closet was a great help to me. Sometimes you just need that kind of kick in the pants.
   
   I didn't care for her writing style. It was a bit too wordy and too "happy" for my taste, but others might enjoy it.
   
   Some of the ideas for working with your body type were great for me, and proved very useful, and for that I am truly thankful. So while I didn't love this book, it was still quite helpful in the long run.



3. I really wanted to like this book but it was not possible. There really is not a lot of advice about anything that is of any practible benefit, the first chapter says you can do the exercises in a week without ever getting out of your pajamas. Geez, that really has never been one of my goals. Not a word about what items to actually put together to make a comprehensive and fashionable look. Do yourself a favor and buy the much better "How Not to Look Old" by Charla Krupp. You will find you have spent your money to much better purpose.



4. This book was great for expanding the imagination, setting goals, and updating your closet for YOU. If you do not already love clothes, it provides a sort of role model as to how to get in there and really have fun with them, without a lot of "shoulds." However, since I am fashion challenged I needed to get a second "should" book about how to put together an outfit and be told which are the basic pieces. If you are a mature woman, I recommend Nifty After Fifty as the antidote to this book, because it brings you back down to earth, back to basics about what to wear on what occasion, based on a few basic colors and your personal life situtaion.



5. I had so much fun with this book! I read through the whole thing in one day and immediately started on the different exercises...using the quizzes, I was able to clarify and articulate my personal style, poring over magazines, I ripped out examples of color combinations, accessories, and textures that I am attracted to, and then I got started on my closet...cleaning, organizing, and putting together fun, layered, and accessorized outfits. I even had my son take pictures of the outfits. It was so much fun! It was just the right pick me up in the middle of a cold and dreary winter. Interestingly, I discovered that I don't need to do very much shopping...so that was a definite plus. I had most of the pieces already and also had a variety of fashion bundles already in my closet. I also have a HUGE pile of clothes to donate. I love the way the book was structured and organized. It was simple to read..no extra text, lots of use of text boxes, quotes from women. The only suggestion I would make for improvement is that I would like to see large glossy photos of women with before and after pictures as well as just inspiring photos of divas rather than boring pencil drawings! If I were the author, my second book, would take it to the next step, with the marketing of a resonance journal/workbook, that includes pockets to include inspiring photos and words, as well as before and after photos showing ideas on how to combine different accessories, colors, and textures together.

No comments about Fashion Wonderland - Uncover the Power of Illustration in Fashion.