3 comments about American Costume, 1915-1970: A Source Book for the Stage Costumer (Midland Book, Mb 543).

1. Though intended for the stage, I got it because a writer needs lots of details to interest the user, and books like this have details you wouldn't necessarily know about any other way.



2. I felt that the black and white line drawings were inappropriately "chunky" and a bit misleading about the fashionable silhouette for certain decades. Nonetheless, this book is, as far as I know, the only reference that systematically describes the elements and accessories of 20th century costume, and judging by the decades for which I have personal experience, it is largely accurate. (Note: This review is based upon the 1982 trade paperback edition of this book).



3. I've always been into nice clothes, and several years ago I figured out that nice clothes hit their peak of style and class in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. Ever since then I have searched high and low for a book that had both written descriptions and adequate drawings of the clothes I like to wear. I found that book: "American Costume". The research that has gone into its writing was obviously exhaustive. Not only does the book have sensational drawings depicting the various styles from 1915 to the 70s, it also has extremely detailed descriptions of the styles. Through these thorough descriptions, the reader can not only see what the styles look like, but how they are made, what accessories to wear, and how to style one's hair to period authenticity. It is quite simply an excellent resource book, and and invaluable tool for anyone interested in costumes or clothes.

No comments about Fashioning the Body Politic: Dress, Gender, Citizenship.

3 comments about Victorian & Edwardian Fashions for Women, 1840-1919.

1. I enjoy all of Kristina Haris' books on fashion, and I am so thankful that she has taken the time to show everyone actual pieces of fashion history. One poster remarked that it was hypocritical of Kristine to photograph women in these delicate vintage clothes that need to be preserved -- as a museum director, I understand that remark, yet I believe that sometimes it is good to show how the clothes would have actually looked on a real person, especially with accessories. I am just delighted Kristine shares pictures of these outfits with us, because good color photos of authentic historical dress are very hard to come by.



2. When I first began collecting antique clothing, I picked this book up. It has some beautiful pieces pictured, and seems to be competently written. I know that not all antique clothing is worth collecting and preserving. But it seemed that it was the intent of the writer to encourage people to care for antique clothing properly in her writing. However, the photos of modern women being skinned into fragile pieces of history, playing dress-up for a photographer is a bit hypocritical. I can not take this book seriously, and it makes me cringe when I try to flip through to reference the styles. It doesn't often come off of my bookshelf, and it's almost been donated to the book exchange a couple of times.



3. This book is a perfect companion to Alison Gernsheim's compilation of vintage B&W fashion photographs (for Dover). Schiffer, best known for its books aimed at antiques collectors, presents this survey by Kristina Harris (who herself models some of the outfits) of women's fashion decade-by-decade from 1840 to the edge of the Jazz Age. Most of the outfits presented here are reproductions, but perfect ones; as Harris explains, real vintage clothes dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian periods are often too fragile to wear and are better suited for display purposes. The photography is mostly full-color, of modern models wearing the clothes (mixed with an ample number of vintage photographs and illustrations) and excellent. The text is smoothly written and highly detailed, going over every detail of Victorian costume from hats to underwear. Put this in your vintage-fashion library!

1 comments about Jeans Style: Must-Have Looks Using Embellishments (Style).

1. I thought the embellishments in this book were so cheesy! I'm not going to use hot glue for attaching things to my jeans! I thought the best embellishments were in the preview of the book. They were so basic and a bit ridiculous. Save your money.

5 comments about The Fine Art of Dressing: Make Yourself a Masterpiece by Dressing for Your Body Type.

1. I had hoped that this would be an interesting book providing a new perspective on dressing if you have a "Rubenesque" figure, but it was just the same old bull about how you need to wear enormous shapeless clothing to create a "flattering, slim" silhouette. Note to the world: enormous, shapeless clothes do not make you look slim, they make you look enormous and shapeless. In addition, even though this book was published in 1999, all of the suggested outfits look like they're from the 80s. No wonder it's out of print. I am giving the book 2 stars rather than 1, however, because it does have some nice appreciative descriptions of body types that aren't anorexic models. At least it was a cheap book...



2. I really enjoyed this book because it celebrated many different body types, showing how best to enhance each one. It can be frustrating that today there is such a narrow definition of "beauty" and this book goes beyond that.

   I also enjoyed the concept of labeling each body type by the artist that celebrated that shape, as opposed to fruit labels, i.e., "pear" or "apple". For instance, the Rubens shape is all-over voluptuous and generous. That doesn't fit today's "ideals" but why shouldn't one be able to look lovely just the same?

   I myself felt like I was somewhere in between Modigliani (very slender above the waist and curvy below) and a Renoir (similar shape, but more solid above the waist)...it depends on my weight. In any case, some of the same styles apply to both body shapes.

   I can say that following the advice of empire-waist dresses and dresses with bolero jackets for the Modigliani shape has garnered me compliments, both from my husband (a spontaneous, "Wow! That looks really nice on you!") and from others. And that feels great.




3. The author includes detailed charts and drawings, which are indeed helpful. My problem with the book is the rigid categories for body types. My type is almost a Picasso, but deviates from some of the Picasso's key characteristics -- rendering most of the advice for this type useless. I'm somewhat of a Pop Art, too, and the advice for this type contradicted much of that for the Picasso, so I ended up feeling confused. I suggest checking for this book in your local library to determine if it's a worthwhile purchase for you.



4. Finally a book on fashion that makes sense..Margaux has given me the tools I need to go to the store and shop for me. I went through my closet and took all the styles she recomends for my body type and she is right. I was trying to figure out if it was the lable, price, or store that was causing me problems with fit. I am looking forward to another book by Margaux.



5. I was actually somewhat disappointed with this book after having read all the rave reviews. My basic disappointment is that my body type apparently doesn't exist. I don't fit clearly into any of the six catagories that the book outlines and so was left trying to guess which things in two categories applied to me.

   The book does have a lot of useful drawings that can help choose appropriate clothing but I would much rather have had things organized by groups like tips for full hips or petite women. Having to try to cram myself into a category that I didn't really fit in made it more work than it should have been and left me wondering which tips to mix and match.

5 comments about Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals.

1. FANTASTIC PHOTOGRAPHS AND HISTORIC REFERENCE OF BLACK MEN AND STYLE, VERY LITTLE IN TERMS OF A GUIDE FOR MEN ON HOW TO'S ,A VERY GOOD OVERVIEW ON MIXING STYLES AND THE PEOPLE WHO INFLUENCE IT,I HOPE MR.BOSTON IS GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THIS AND GIVE US BLACKMEN A GUIDE TO FINE DRESSING AND PUT MUCH DETAILS AND AN OVERALL PACKAGE TOGETHER,THAT CAN BE USED INDEFINITELY......



2. Lloyd Boston is totally awesome to have written this book. I stumbled upon this book while researching men's hats for a school research thesis. What I found was not only men and their hats, but historical detail about the Black man and his hat and who the man is with and without his headcovering. The sad thing at the time was that I had to return it to the library; but now that someone gave me a gift from Amazon.com, I am now purchasing this reference material, conversation piece This book a must have in my library and collection of fine art.
   
   THANKS LLOYD BOSTON for sharing Men of Color: Fashion, History, and Fundamentals. And Thanks Amazon.com for allowing me to get it at an affordable price.



3. This book is NOT a fashion book as the understated subtitle suggests. Instead, I am looking at a GALLERY of fine Black men throughout the ages with their "fashions" being very secondary.

   This book is filled with WONDERFUL color and black and white photos of Black men -- famous and unknown, past and present. This book is monumentally political for it demonstrates why the Black man is loved, hated, feared, hunted, and reverenced throughout the world! This book is a job well-done.




4. I thought the book was excellent. It artfully combines historical content with practical advice that any African American male can use. I always thought it took a lot of money to look great. But using this book as a guide definitely helped.



5. This book is simply amazing. I received the book as a gift from my fiancee and have treasured this book ever since. First, the photographs are amazing, pleasant, and necessary reminders of the way stylish men of color have shaped style and fashion over the years. Second, there is the instructional aspect of the book that covers matters outside of clothing and which I can't say enough about. After reading the section of the book that dealt with hair and skin care, I was motivated to go buy shaving soap and shaving brush and dispense with the shaving gel. Thanks to Lloyd Boston and this book I have had the best shaving experiences of my life. I can't say how necessary this book is for the many black men who go through the drama of ingrown facial hair. I have less drama than most in that department, but I have still seen a remarkable improvement in my skin, as would any man after following the book's advice. The book even arms you with the necessary vocabulary to navigate your way around a men's shop with ease. There is even instructions on how to do the perfect shoe shine! And as Lloyd Boston points out, well-shined shoes are the best complement to any wardrobe. So,to sum up this book, it is NECESSARY! It is necessary for any stylish man and any man who strives to be so. It is more than worth the money.

5 comments about Living It Up.

1. This deserves three stars, at least, for its wit. Even as I disagreed with Twitchell, I found myself wanting to read more.
   
   There are several things terribly wrong with his argument, such as his ignoring the mindlessness of much consumption. He thinks consumers are aware, but that doesn't hold water, or advertisers would not make or spend so much to influence everyone, and they would not be so successful.
   
   The real trouble I have with this book is that Twitchell never, ever connects the growing consumption of "unnecessary" luxury goods with the incredible destruction they are causing all over the world. Even a passing acknowledgment of the environmental catastrophe related to our consumption would make this a better book. At least he could admit he's only interested in luxury as a construct, as something to play with philosophically.
   
   Still, it's definitely worth a read.



2. The author has no familiarity with his subject and routinely provides the reader with incorrect information.



3. Living it Up starts with the premise that consumption--even overconsumption--is good for the economy and good for your community. Twitchell makes a coherent argument that those who pay ridiculous prices for things they don't need make it possible for the rest of us to pay lower prices for the same things. Then, what used to be a luxury to one generation (indoor plumbing, cars, computers) becomes a necessity for the next.
   
   But somehow, Twitchell seems guilty about all this. He even quotes Gekko (from the movie Wall Street), a bit sheepishly. He praises "first-users" (those who buy the first VCRs, etc. at high prices) while sneering at the stereotypical yuppie with all his toys. Professor Twitchell mocks the voluntary simplicity movement by picking the most hypocritical example he can find, of a back-to-nature advocate who buys acres of her neighbor's land. But he ignores such aspects as not spending more than you have, reducing the amount of stuff you own, enjoying the occasional luxury rather than shopping as a habit.
   
   Interesting reading if you are fascinated by our consumer culture, but a bit confusing as the professor tries to decide where he stands on over-consumption.



4. This is a landmark book. The author analyzes in very detail the mechanisms behind selling luxury to the public, including the religious attributes affixed to those products.
   "Probably it shouldn't get into the hands of consumers", because they might find out they are spending too much money for ordinarily manufactured goods with high status affixed by advertising. On my trips to the US, I wondered how big, luxury only shopping malls could survive, this book tells the reason why. Europe is still more conservative with luxury spending.
   I wanted to give it 5 stars, but the language used is very difficult to read. To exclude most luxury spenders?



5. Entertaining book, well written, thought provoking, ultimately absolving us of our sins of posh LUST.

1 comments about Masks of the World.

1. I enjoy this book every time I look at it. The culture of Papua is beautifully told and well illustrated. A good introduction for me about a
   country I will never be able to visit.

2 comments about Baubles, Buttons and Beads: The Heritage of Bohemia.

1. To further my passion for beautiful well made vintage jewelry I looked for books to help me. Realising that the Bohemian style was an inspiration, I searched for any books suitable. This book filled every need and interest. The photos are beautiful with many full family histories and photos of the makers and the often tragic end to the Bohemian dynasties because of wars.
   I use my book constantly and have gained so much from the detailed descriptions, the families and the great variation in the Bohemian glass industry, both jewelry and other glass objects. I certainly recommend this book.



2. A beautifully done & informative book. I've enjoyed all of Jargstorf's books & feel they are an important contribution in an area where so few substantive works are available. This holds even more true with regards to beads of Bohemian origin...If you are interested in beads in general, it's recommended; beads of bohemian & czech origin, it's essential reading.

No comments about Ingenue in White: Reflections of a Costume Designer (Art of Theater Series).