5 comments about Patterns of Fashion 2: Englishwomen's Dresses and Their Construction C.1860-1940 (Patterns of Fashion 2).

1. This book is awesome. Although, as someone else said, a few of the items are not the best representation of their period, they are all quite gorgeous. I have made a few of them already, they are easy to draft and the ones I've made luckily were my size! It's a great reference, it's extremely detailed in construction (not a how to, but an explanation of the details of what they did.) Overall, a fantastic book at a great price! If you want something with more sizing for the bustle era, try Fashions of the Gilded Age.



2. Very good book showing how the dresses were made. However I found that the clothing that were shown were for the higher class of people than what I was looking for. I was interested in the regular day to day clothing of the average woman, home or working.



3. ...I just totally felt in love with this book as a student a couple of years ago and what a good surprise to find it back, now, on Amazon....Amazing references on the Victorian main silhouette, good selection of patterns and relevant information on the inside construction of the styles proposed. A lot of visual, sketch are clear and the ideas suggested are really interesting. I am a pattern maker myself so I never used the patterns as is from this book, but pick up a lot of information and integrate it in my projects... You probably need at least a bit of experiences as a seamstress or pattern making to fully appreciate and understand it. I personally recommend it. Have fun!



4. This book is one of the essential books for a historical costumer! The authentcation and documentation can not be disputed, and the patterns are easy to follow and construct!



5. I have all three of the Patterns of Fashion and they are GREAT, if you need information on historically correct clothing these are the books to have.

5 comments about Style.

1. This book is a quick read, but lots of fun. Great tips. Great quotes, and the illustrations add a lot. It is nice to look at, reference and read. If you are feeling that your current look needs a bit of updating, this can help.



2. This book is a perfect gift for any woman who loves style, fashion, and beauty. kate spade has beautiful watercolor pallets with different color combinations that are sure to put a twist into any woman's closet. The message that she convays is being true to yourself because that is how your personality will come through what you are wearing. The other thing that is great about this book are the comments from her husband Andy who chimes in to give the male perspective, an important factor missing in most style guides.



3. I am a costume designer, ex-fashion editor and for those of you who don't know, Kate has a degree in journalism. Kate Spade was also an editor for a fashion mag and sold half of her company to the Neiman-Saks corp for 34 million dollars just seven years after she launched. This book IS about Kates own inspiration and personal favorites on the subject of color and style. It is not meant to be a step by step guide as much as it is her tid bids of cultual and artistic info to inspire. Outside of the beautiful watercolor images my favorite is how she lists her favorite stylish movies and favorite fine artists. Kate is a true designer, an artist, not a silly talk show TLC show host with no previous training in fashion or style. Her book is creative and feminine. These books are keepsakes.



4. the book should be titled "everyone should have my style". it's just filled with lists of things kate spade likes, in other words all things preppy. the only real style advice are the three or four tidbits that she borrows from real style icons such as d vreeland and c chanel... and you will aready know those... don't bother buying this book and contributing more money to her overpriced designer knock-off company.



5. I bought Kate Spade's book on Style because I was in the mood. I find it to be charming and light- nothing to get serious over. The water color illustrations are pretty and reminds me of sunny days and daydreams. While I know what I like, it's nice to get fresh ideas from a true designer. She talks about color combinations and collecting items you enjoy. I think she means for fashion to be whimsical and fun- nothing to take too seriously! Some of these reviewers are completley missing the mark! I do not think Kate Spade is thinking about become a famous writer!

5 comments about Photographing People: Portraits, Fashion, Glamour.

1. This is actually a combo of previous "how to" cook books with all essence on it. If you don't have his previous works or want to have "One" only, this is your choice..!! The weight of this book is kind of heavy, but very useful and interesting..!!



2. This book does a great job of giving a really clear graphical overview of the lighting setups of each photo in the book. My biggest hangup was that some of the pictures have no lighting setups at all or are setups with only an on camera flash, etc. Obviously it's nice to know how different looks are achieved, and in a way it's nice to have a reference that you might consider, "how not to take a photograph", I guess I was expecting to see more conventional pro photography. (examples: the Strange Trinity photo, Orange Trousers photo, etc.)



3. the idea and concept for this book is brilliant . BUT the diagrams are the only thing that look modern in this book, the pictures are really old and theres not one i'd aspire to take. Infact by todays standards of photography they look amateurish. Theres a shot of two supermodels , but they are obviously 20 years old and probably amongst the first and the worst they've done. This book should be retitled ' how not to photograph people' . If the authors kept everything the same but had decent modern looking pictures by people that would not be laughed out of a picture editors office then it would be worth its weight in gold!



4. I was looking for a good lightning book and got this one because of the relativ good reviews. BUT BUT.. i dont even think the authors are pro photographers - just have a look at their web site - a joke!!. Anyway this is not a book with images done by them but by other pros. But it is their text, one must assume, made for every lightning setup and it is lacking everything. Just diagrams - sometimes with up to 9 umbrellas / heads for one shot without any further explanation. Totally waste of money - for learning; get cristopher greys " master portrait lightning".



5. This is a good book, definitely not for beginners, and some of the setups shown are ridiculously overimplemented.

5 comments about Creating Romantic Purses: Patterns & Instructions for Unique Handbags.

1. Instead of repeating what others have said, I will summarize: 1) Great Designs and Patterns; 2) Incredible and Doable embellishments to make the purses/handbags attractive and desirable; 3) Romantic but also give a vintage-feel to the purses/handbags; and 4)GREAT Inspiration for all interested in fiber/fabric arts as these can be applied to other items, dresses, belts, scarves, hats, etc. IF you are so inclined. Compared to my other purse books, I will definitely refer to this one more frequently for inspiration than any other one, yet each purse design book does provide this to one degree or another. Enjoy!



2. Unless you've got a really nice collection of antique laces, trims and appliqués, these projects are going to be expensive, and probably not as scrumptious as if they were made out of original materials. When I'm in DIY mode, I'd rather not spend hundreds at a couple stores to make one purse, I want to use what I have on hand --and be able to make substitutions, even big leaps of substitution. This book tends to use the same materials (looped fringe for example), and if I don't have it for one handbag, I'm not going to have it for another either. So a special trip for all the materials in one handbag would be required.
   
   Yes, the purses are awesome while serving their purpose: holding your stuff. But know that your project will probably be very expensive, and if you don't bother to spare the expense, you're going to be highly disappointed (if you have good taste.) Also, these are all busy, frilly, Victorian handbags, so don't buy it thinking you'll get anything but.



3. Very rich book with great ideas! It needs some experience because does not explain step by step process, but it is worth enough to get it.



4. Very good tool for the handbag designer. Love all the detailed instructions and photos. Easy to follow patterns. Fun designs.



5. The book has beautiful photos of purses which would inspire even the least creatively challenged. There are detailed instructions, a material list, preparation, and construction instructions, and there are patterns in the back of the book(which you need to enlarge). There are at least 14 bags, all beautiful and distinct. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wants to create a lovely purse.

1 comments about Sew Many Bags. Sew Little Time.

1. This is a great book for bag makers who've been struggling to find innovative ideas which mirrors what the Japanese bags makers have accomplished. We need more books like this - in English. Thanks Sally!

No comments about Jackie Handbook.

5 comments about Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America.

1. This review is more on a personal note, than an explanation of what the book entails (the other reviews have got that covered!). As a newly natural black beauty - I was still struggling with others perecptions of me and my "new" (e.g. natural hair). And of course - I was struggling with my own perceptions of beauty as well. This book allowed me to finally see that our hair is a unique source of pride that needs to be flaunted - not "fixed". Something shifted for me when I read this book, and I finally was able to own not only my new hairstyle (a budding 'fro) but to love my hair in its natural, uninhibited glory. Black women, regardless of our hair texture - straight, wavy, curly, kinky, nappy - we are all so wonderfully beautiful! Hallelujah - I FEEL SO FREE TO BE ME! This book is a must read - share it with every black woman you know - and encourage them to teach our children and our men how to live a life that says "black is beautiful". Spread the knowledge to people of other cultures as well! God bless!



2. Excellent book about black hair and black culture. Would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more about both and how they relate to the "American" ideal.



3. I've recently made the decision to go natural and as I did, I pondered, "Why do I have to 'decide' to be the way I naturally am?" It was then that I realized how unfortunate it was that black women, more than half, find their "naturalness" to be unattractive. I myself have gone through hair extensions, braids, and the dreaded relaxer that has damaged my hair and scalp for years. Now I wonder what it was all for. I wasn't being true to who I was.
   
   This book helped be to know something that I should have already known: my hair. The history of black hair is one that is very interesting and telling. I learned more about my hair in this book than I have ever learned, even from members of my own family. There is also a sense of confidence one gets from reading books like these. I am letting all of my friends and family read it as well.
   
   You will not be disappointed in your purchase.



4. This book is great begining for people that are redescovering themselfes aftermaking the decision or are trying to decide wheter go natural or not. It helps you to understand how we got here , how black beauty is not well accepted and why. It make you wonder, questionning yourself and others, and in my case keep learning.



5. If you don't already know, this book is definitely worth the time that it takes to read. The book goes into detail about the history of Black hair. Prior to slavery, Africans took pride in their hair. The intricate braid designs date back to that time. It wasn't until after the slave trade that hair straightening became common. Also, it's a little known black history fact that Annie Tumbo Malone was the first black woman entrepeneur to market black hair products. Madame CJ Walker actually worked for Malone before going into business for herself. This book chronicles so much history about Black hair. After reading this book, I was really encouraged to stop chemically processing my hair.

5 comments about Fashion Babylon.

1. its was ok to read, good airplane book, bit mediocre, can make u smile if u know the stereo types



2. I've been hooked on nearly all of Imogen Edwards-Jones & "Anonymous"'s books for a while now. First was Hotel & Air Babylon, but now she's starting to show that yes, she hit the nail on the head with a good thing, but she's lost it. After reading this and her most recent book, Beach Babylon, in quick succession, I found myself very disenchanted with the whole series. Beach Babylon I thought would have been ideal after coming back from a beach holiday, but she aimed too high, by setting it on an expensive island resort, which really, the book is not aimed at the kind of person who would go there.
   
   Fashion Babylon - where do I start? It's everything you already know about the fashion industry. The drugs, the stick thin models, the clothes that are "in" one month, and which you won't be seen dead in the next month. Skinny jeans seem to be sticking around for the moment, but for how long? Normally when I get into a fashion, they go out of fashion. And everything's "vintage". And then there's the celebrity name dropping. There's not a page that goes by without Kate Moss or someone else being dropped in there.
   
   Unlike Air & Hotel, which were set over 24 hours, and Beach, which was set over a week, Fashion Babylon was set over six months, and it's a very tedious six months. Imogen did well setting Air & Hotel over a period of 24 hours, as they're fast paced, and barely leave you any time to think. Fashion Babylon is set over six months because it's that amount of time that you need to get ideas for your next 'collection', to getting it onto the catwalk. Interlaced with everything you can possibly imagine, from frills to pink satin, it's confusing, and certainly not aimed at someone like me, but made out to look like it is.
   
   I have to say, as much as I like Imogen Edwards-Jones, I'm going to give her Babylon books a rest for now, and try some of her other books - which seem to be all about her fertility and babies. Funny that.



3. FASHION BABYLON: LOOKING UP THE SKIRTS OF THE WORLD'S MOST GLAMOROUS INDUSTRY questions the foundations of what is fashion and what is fashionable, from what makes a fashion trend - and changes it - to how supermodels evolve, how designers rise to fame, and who makes money. To achieve these insights, six months of a designer's life explore how a fashion concept is put together and tested, from idea into the shops and magazine covers. It's the behind-the-scenes insights of an industry and art libraries - as well as general-interest collections where fashion is of interest - must have this.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



4. this is a quite interesting book that have lost of gossip, and some time inoformation in side~ let u to know more about the market.



5. I purchased this book because I will be going to fashion school soon and also because I wanted an idea of the real nitty gritty that they don't talk about in class. I don't know many of the "players" in the fashion industry so I sometimes found it hard to relate to the gossip and it wasn't totally shocking to find out how much coke the models do, but it was crazy to find out that some men turn gay to get ahead.
   
   This book is set over in Europe so most of the language/slang is from there, people say things like "fag" for a cigarrete and "bloke" for friend but I quickly got used to it. A good thing about this book is that it really shows how the strings are pulled and how certain trends are made, also I would definitely reccomend this to any aspiring fashion designer because it will show how hard it really is to be a designer and it's not just sitting around drawing up cool designs. All in all I enjoyed reading the book, but the fashion industry is probably no more shocking than the movie or music industries. Although it might have been more shocking if I knew more of the names who the gossip was about.

5 comments about Get Your Crochet On! Fly Tops and Funky Flavas (Get Your Crochet On!).

1. This book, much like Afya's other book (which focuses on hats) is awesome. One huge problem as a stylish, hip crocheter is finding summer-appropriate and funky patterns, and here they are. And they're easy to do. I also love that this book has patterns that echo traditions from multiple cultures, not the typical argyle, Celtic, and cable patterns (which are all pulled from white culture). Between my roommate and I, we've been rockin' out the patterns in this book. I can't wear any of it without being slathered in compliments.



2. OOOH! I love this book. It's definitely got "flava". The author is from the South, but the patterns are sexy and adaptable to the Los Angeles climate and fashion scene. It's refreshing to find crochet patterns in one collection that are more "Hip-Hop" than "Hippie". Fast, simple and sexy patterns for women AND men. There are the usual standards (armwarmers, halters, tunics), but they are snug fitting and photographed with an fresh, urban feel. I like her simple, but colorful yarn choices in the pics too. I'll be making a bunch of these patterns in the Summer months. ADDED 3/14/08: I suggest you use stretchy yarns (lycra/spandex blends) to make the little pullover tops. They are very snug and crochet stitches usually create a dense unstretchy fabric that doesn't spring back into shape.



3. not much new here or usable unless you are new to crocheting altho it does give nice tips helpful tips on crocheting
   There wasnt much usable flash I want to design for my friend things others have never seen,AND would WANT to wear



4. This book was okay enough to add to my knitting and crocheting library. I have her Hats and cool Caps pattern book and I love all the hats in that book, so I figure this book would be the same. I give this book about a C average because I can only see myself making about four or five items, maybe next book she can add more cute tops like the one on the cover (this made me want the book in the first place).



5. Afya is very talented and creative. I love both of her pattern books. The patterns are easy to follow and she gives great tips in the begining so even a novice would be able to tackle these projects. I would totally recommend this book if you are looking for unique and beautiful designs. My sister is already requesting that I make her everything in the book.

5 comments about Shoes: A Celebration of Pumps, Sandals, Slippers & More.

1. I bought this as a gift for someone else but had to wait and give it to her after I read it. I originally bought it as a gag gift because the recipient loves shoes, but the book is really very informative and has some great pictures. It was interesting to see what some women will endure in the name of fashion.



2. What a cute little book. I received it as a gift and it was full of informative details and beautiful photographs of shoes from the old to the new. I loved this book.



3. I bought the book for my mother-in-law, but as I flipped through it, I wished I had gotten a copy for myself. Now I'm actually looking forward to visiting my mother-in-law so I can flip through the book. (heh heh)



4. very fun gift for the shoe -lover. Some content, some varying photos that are fun to look at and browse through.



5. Got my shoe junkie wife a picture book fix. Saving me money? Not sure yet!
   
   The book seems nice though; take that with a grain of salt. This is a husband who owns 4 pairs of shoes.