5 comments about Designer Style Handbags: Techniques and Projects for Unique, Fun, and Elegant Designs from Classic to Retro.

1. I'm usually pretty skeptical about buying craft books that I can't flip through before purchasing. I was very impressed to be able to "look inside" and see such a great variety of projects that were viewable. I still had a few reservations, but there were so many positive reviews, I decided to take the chance and get it.
   
   This book really has a lot of great ideas in it. Many of the bags require a certain degree of sewing ability, but there were some nice ideas to embellish pre-made bags as well. There are also several other styles of non-sewn bags such as a decoupage cigar box purse.
   
   No, I wasn't particularly interested in many of the purses, but there are definately 4 or 5 that I am looking forward to making. The best part about this book, is that there are NO REAL PATTERNS NEEDED! Most of the sewn purses (with some exceptions) were made from simple, rectangular pieces - nothing to enlarge or trace! While some had sewn handles, others used pre-made wooden or plastic handles (many of which I have seen in my local craft stores). With a little creativity and ingenuity, the bags can be re-sized, embellished, and details like the style of handles or straps can be interchanged.
   
   Although the sewn patterns are nicely done (with full linings) they are a little challenging to understand, and a beginning sewer might find them a little daunting. If that's you, don't try them yet. The leading pattern companies such as Butterick, Vogue, and Simplicity have many handbag patterns almost exactly like those in the book. The step-by-step instructions (and patterns) included in those will be much easier to understand and will really give you a leg up for when you attempt one of the bags from the book.
   
   So, in a nutshell, great inspiration and nice variety. Not for the beginning sewer, but the many non-sewn bags make up for that. Some bags were very polished, others more casual, some a little too crafty (but a fun project to do with a teen or pre-teen). None were overly embellished - unless you want them to be - you could use them everyday and depending on the fabric, you could wear them with a sundress or a suit. Few really had that hokey, overly quilty/crafty feel. They all used supplies that I have seen in stores locally - so no extenseve internet hunting is necessary (unless you really want to make it special)and if you do, there's a great suppliers list. I really like this book and see myself flipping through it often for ideas.



2. I originally checked this book out at my local library, but since there were several projects in it that I wanted to try (and I have), I truly felt it worth the money to buy it. I loved the way she took the basic tote and showed the different variations for me to try. The directions were understandable and easy to follow.
   
   Thanks!



3. If you learn visually like I do this book has very good instructions and pictures. I'm not a very confidant crafter or sewer. This book however helped me start sewing again and to actually like what I made. I sewed the Hoop Handle Bag pictured above and although not without flaws, I was thrilled how it came out.
   
   The first part of the book has basic instructions about tools and fabrics. Pages 29-83 has sewn bags, crochet, woven, photo transfer. Even a bag crocheted out of plastic bag strips. Good for teens. I use the instructions for the Oil Cloth Tote to make shopping totes any size and out of any fabric choice. Something I did do different from this books instructions: I do not trim the seams as much as instructed or trim off the triangle after sewing the bottom of the cloth purses. I think this ruins the integrity of the stitches. Leaving that little piece of fabric does not really add bulk. I use my totes for grocery shopping and they are holding up really well. (if you have trouble finding the plastic hoops for the Hoop Bag, search ebay under stores and you can find a wide variety of colors and sizes at good prices)
   
   Pages 86-125 are all no sew and embellished bags. Honestly I will probably never make any of these bags but there are instructions for a cigar box purse, vinyl purse, tin can purses, book binding purse and more.
   
   All in all having a little sewing experience will help and you may find you do alter some instructions a little, but this book is a great place to start making purses!



4. I order every one of Sherri Haab's books because she seems to be interested in everything I am interested in and all of her books are fun and fabulous. I would highly recommend this book if you are interested at all in making handbags of any sort.



5. I ordered this book because of it's 5-star rating. When it arrived, I found the purses to be more artsy/craftsy where I was expecting something upscale and designer-like. My fault, the cover photos should have given me a clue. Anyway, I was disappointed and ended up returning the book.

5 comments about Patterns for Theatrical Costumes: Garments, Trims, and Accessories from Ancient Egypt to 1915.

1. This is a good basic costume pattern book. Easy to use and patterns are easily redrafted and understood. Good historical references. I recently used it for Ancient Greek costumes (easy), as well as Medieval (good ideas). I know that I will be reaching for this book over and over again whenever I need to costume a historical play.



2. A book for someone who is wanting to begin exploring theatrical costume design or production.



3. I found this book around 25 years ago. At that time it didn't have any explinations, only the designs and some general info in the front. I do pre 1660 re-enactment and still use and teach from my well worn copy. I put it in a notebook and lend out sheets to explain how pieces go together. It isn't totally accurate, but it is a starting place for new costumers. It is easier to explain changes to make it accurate from there.



4. I am a costume designer and have had this book for many years. I
   recently purchased a copy for one of my student workers who has
   gone on to pursue a degree in costume design. It is a great book
   for fashion history overview. It is full of basic period patterns
   that are simple to draft and then use your own details.
   It accessible to beginners but a wonderful resource for professionals
   as well.



5. I bought this hot off the press 22 years ago, and wouldn't be without it. This dog-eared book has been borrowed many times! I copy pages, draft patterns. Now, I'm going to get a copy for my son's drama teacher. It is a wonderful, basic reference, with enough patterns to get started. Really valuable for getting an idea of historical silhouette. I can't wait to see what changes have been made from my edition!

5 comments about The Beauty Buyble: The Best Beauty Products of 2007.

1. I bought this book because I am addicted to beauty products. Unfortunately this book is mostly about items you buy in the drug store and some brands that I have never heard of. I don't feel that the book gives enough choices - I wish it would have had a drug store section and a higher end section. The samples that come with it are not ones that I would use - I was expecting more.



2. I bought several of these for last minute, on hand gifts and they are great for little gift exchanges, chinese auctions or that certain gal that you have no idea what to get. For $20 you get a bunch of great samples that are fun to play with, who doesn't like samples?! I also ended up giving one to my sister and she seemed to really enjoy it. She is just now becoming more 'high maintenence', starting to really experiment with make-up and skin care so this was a nice little treat for her.



3. I purchaed this item for myself and then as gifts for my daughters. Since they are difficult to buy for, it was a fun gift -- like an adult play kit. Most of the tips were basic but there are always a few new things to learn from the book.
   
   I look forward to a new edition.



4. This item is worth the money for the samples alone. They are mostly full size and all are interesting, though not perhaps what you would buy. The information regarding cosmetics and skin care products is not worthless, but it doesn't seem much more scientific or informed than advice from a friend you hardly know. Some of their choices, based on my own personal experience, are certainly not how I would have ranked or evaluated the products. So buy this for the samples and consider the information to be their personal opinions. A beauty advisor at Sephora's or Ulta would likely be a better guide to choices for a particular individual.



5. This book introduced me to a few products I'd never tried before. The samples for the most part were good,just one dried out cream in a small jar that I put a bit of water in and by the next day it was useable.All in all I had fun with this and found some things I'll probably buy from now on.

5 comments about D.V..

1. It's time the world rediscovered Diana Vreeland. She's the maven we'd all love to be. Friend to all the rich and famous, she moved freely in high society, imprinting it with her personal style and never losing her earthiness. When she made her faux pas, they were so hilarious that nobody even thought of suing her. Owners of major European fashion houses gave her their clothes because they knew that they'd be seen by all the best (read "richest") people, who would no doubt pay the clothes more attention than they did dear Diana's plain face (she acknowledged it as so herself). If ever a person made the most of every card she was dealt, it was Diana Vreeland. And "DV" is a narrative of her very own world with details you never knew before. (I'll give you one tidbit as a hint: Edward VI made up his mind that he didn't want to be king LONG before he met Wally Simpson.) Buy this book and enter Vreeland's parlour for some revealing and often amusing gossip about nearly every high society character of her times--royalty, high profile politicians (including the Kennedys in their prime), artists, authors--everyone who made the news worth reading. Warning: once you enter Vreeland's world, you'll never want to leave. A person like this comes along at best once or twice in a century. A marvelous read and look at a world we'll probably never see the like of again.



2. If you're looking for some insights into fashion and/or the fashion world, look else where. I thought I'd gain some insights to the world of fashion (an area of life that I'm not famailiar with) but I was very disappointed. Nothing but nothing in this book had to do with fashion, the fashion business, nor the intellectual exercise that goes into fashion. This was simply the rambling lifetime memories of a well respected player from the fashion field. Childhood, young adult, married, Europe, here, there, everywhere... if you like name dropping (and I admit she did drop some impressive names) - this book is for you. If you're looking for some insights into fashion and/or the fashion world, look else where.



3. Okay, all the stereotypes might be true for this one, but it's a classic. She's in charge, in control and just amazing. I've bought more copies of this book to "loan" but of course no one has ever been stupid enough to return it. Truely, buy two copies to begin with, so you aren't crushed when the one you loan out doesn't come back. I think of it the way Gideons think of Bibles.



4. The only complaint I could make about this book is that it was too brief. I could have read this for weeks, and I would have loved another couple thousand pages. There is a paucity of photos, which is a shame, because Vreeland loved the camera as much as it obviously loved her strong, aristocratic features. Some people might dismiss her as a featherweight, but I wouldn't. To do so, would be to fail to understand a singularly fascinating woman. During her time on earth she met most of the big and small names, and has something to say about most of them. I was so enamoured of this small book, that I am going to have to buy a biography. When you read this book, she tells you everything and nothing personal at the same time. A rare gift, to be sure, and not one that I appreciated! As someone else noted, it seems a great pity to only be able to give this delicious tour de force 5 stars, but there you are: life is seldom fair. I would love to have a best friend as fascinating and maddening as Vreeland, but I doubt I ever will. She is a product of another time and another generation. If you ever wanted to be able to sit inside someone's head and watch them think, this book should do the trick. There are better writers and better subjects than D.V. but this book will spoil you for any of them.



5. Ok, so, I picked up this book because it was mentioned in the movie To Wong Foo and I thought, "Well this better be fabulous!"

   Boi was fabulous an understatement! Why can't I give this book 6 stars?!?!

   This is one of the few books where I can agree with all of the fluffy praise quotes peppering the cover LOL

   A simply gorgeous work, Diana Vreeland is a fabulous, fabulous woman! Such taste! Such elegance! Such style! This is a MUST READ for everyone that wants an example of a true lady!

   D.V. isn't just about clothes and decorating. While admittingly not a feminist, Mrs. Vreeland is obviously an independent, determined, disciplined woman who is, if not a role model, an inspiration to all!

   God, I can't even put into words the qualities of this book that are just overwhelmingly fabulous! Its like anything full of good taste (although, as Diana points out, alittle bad taste is needed sometimes, its NO taste that's truly revolting) and true elegance, it leaves one feeling better about themselves and the world around them.

5 comments about Bulgari.

1. What a beautiful book. I appreciated the jewellery before but this book is a lovely way to see how it is made, the desiging and the creating stages. The photographs alone make it a worthwhile investment. As a jewellery appreciator, I think it's a wonderful addition to my library. I don't get to see these pieces up close so this is a wonderful way to expand apreciation and understanding of jewellery.



2. Any college-level art library strong in jewelry history needs BULGARI: a lavish, oversized and powerful collection of color photos and archival pictures that trace the unique Bulgari style which was born in Rome in 1884. The book first appeared in 1996: its updated edition represents an extensive revision and reflects newly-discovered historical material and historical facts on the Bulgari firm, making it a top pick.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. I was pleasently surprised when I recieved this book. When I looked over the discription of the book I thought I'd enjoy it but didn't know just how much until it came. The images are beautiful, full color and the discriptions are well done. This book gives a great overview of the design house Bulgari. I would recommind this book to anyone interested in learning about Bulgari or if you are just a lover of beautiful jewelry.



4. This is probably the best book of jewelry I own. I can't recommend it enough.



5. I have been interested in the science of jewelry for 40 years, and am a metalsmith as well. I have been collecting books for many years, and this is one of the best. In addition to having wonderful color photographs, space has been given to showing the back of major pieces, to show construction and craftsmanship. The book is well organized to show the progression of design by the house of Bvlgari, from beginning to current day. If you are serious about jewelry, this book will provide many hours of enjoyment, and will be an excellent reference book for style research.

No comments about Agent Provocateur Exhibitionist.

1 comments about Breaking the Mode.

1. Wonderful book full of fabulous photos. Haven't been able to put it down. Great reference for deconstruction clothing ideas.

No comments about The Fashion Designer's Directory of Shape and Style: Over 600 Mix-and-Match Elements for Creative Clothing Design.

5 comments about Fresh Fruits.

1. Every time I go to Japan, I buy a copy of the magazine "Fruits". I sometimes detour through otaku-town in Osaka to see what's new on the videogame front, and to see what some of the kids are wearing. Aoki's magazine and books (which are best-of collections from the magazines) are immensely interesting and enjoyable when we divorce ourselves of our American mainstream prejudices and see these young people defining their own fashion and developing their own aesthetics, appropriating high and low and non fashion to express themselves. What happened that American youth are generally so homogeonized, everyone essentially wearing the uniform of their declared social group? It's no fun, really, not compared to these kids.
   
   Sadly, the 'Fruits' in Japan are also slowly disappearing, being choked out by conformity and a changing local landscape. A sign of the times, for sure, and not an encouraging one.
   
   Well, borderline expat digression aside, this is a wonderful book. It's a semi-hardcover, real cloth binding, so with care it should last for a long time. There is no text to speak of (aside from some of the kids' names and what they're wearing) so it's an accessible book for - well, literally for anyone. I gave a copy to my eight year old niece last Christmas and she loved it, as did her parents. I have both "Fruits" and "Fresh Fruits" (as well as about ten different copies of the magazine) and they are equally good. If you have lots of books, the bright colors on the spine stand out nicely when these books are shelved, if that matters.
   
   'Bright colors standing out nicely' just about sums up the spirit of these books.
   
   By the way, a few years ago I showed the magazine to a professional fashion-designer friend of mine in New York and he fell in love with it immediately. You'd have to be pretty stodgy not to enjoy this book, highlights of the magazine, and document of a gradually fading, colorful and inventive subculture.



2. i saw that book when i was in Germany and wanted it ever since. Now i finally have it and i'm very happy about it. I like all the series of the Phaidon books and already have Fruits. The idea of this book is really great and i hope Phaidon will have some more books like this in the future!



3. Though it's pretty much the same as the previous Fruits book, I guess it's best if you keep it the way it is.
   It's a great quality book, completely filled with photos which are not only unique and beautiful, but also makes you question yourself about what is fashion, and what is acceptable or not on everyday life clothing.
   
   There should be more places around the world like Harajuku.



4. Great book, made my girlfriend quite happy. She is very into Japanese street fashion and this book just captivated her, she looked through it about 20 times the day i gave it to her. I enjoyed it too, but it was mainly for her.



5. Manga, anime, and Tokyo street fashion have a devoted following here in the States, and fans of the above should find this volume entertaining/fascinating. The ensembles displayed in Aoki's book range from super cute (supaa-kawaii) to imaginative to outrageous. Some of the teenagers look almost intimidating, but the funny thing is that if you get lost in Tokyo (easy enough to do), you can walk up to one of these apparitions and ask for directions. In almost every case, they will probably bow, smile, and respond in the most polite and respectful manner imaginable.

5 comments about From the Neck Up: An Illustrated Guide to Hatmaking.

1. Since telling others I purchased this book, I have discovered it to be somewhat of a Milliner's "Bible" and is greatly in demand. This is with good reason as it is a highly comprehensive text book for the craft of millinery - with a particular emphasis on hat-making for costume, theatre and film. The book is set out intelligently and the beautiful period drawings are a delight. All facets of millinery are in here - from design, materials, techniques and construction of a variety of hats. Line drawings of construction and techniques are supported by b/w photographs and clear written instructions. Highly recommended for beginners and more experienced milliners.



2. From the Neck Up is the ultimate "how to" book for anyone interested in making her own hats or making costume headgear. Step-by-step instructions, lists of materials needed and directory of sources make this the most practical book I have ever seen on the subject of millinery.
   
   Susan Donahue



3. This is one of those books that costumers always talk about and tell you you must have a copy. Well, I'm another telling you to get this book. When I found a copy at a used book store I pounced! The instructions are clear and concise, the pictures are great and you can go to the website [...] for hat making supplies!



4. This is the best book on millinery available. It is very thorough on many aspects of millinery, from wire whimsys to hats. There is alot of information in this book. I can only give it my best recomendations as it will answer many of your questions plus provide much more information that you didn't know you need. A great reference book. I can't applaud it enough.



5. While at the library, I found their copy and read through it.. After spending all my time with this book, I just had to have one of my own :) If you like costuming, this is a great book to finish off any outfit; whether new or old.