No comments about Inside Out: A Brief History of Underwear (National Trust).

1 comments about Floral Knitting.

1. This book is really neat, with beautiful photos of the sweaters. Lots of colorwork, so you can use up your stash.

   My only complaint is that there are no squares of the colors used near the patterns, so that it makes it difficult to match colors--you have to use the photos if you can't afford to buy the yarn used in the book, and yarn companies are always adding and dropping colors so color squares would help a great deal.

   The sweaters have lots of colors in each row, so if you can knit backwards it is a big help. There are also designs for babies in here, as well as one mens' sweater.

   This book needs to be in print again--even if you don't feel like doing an entire sweater, worked in worsted weight yarns you could make some nice pillows or afghan squares with these designs.

No comments about Men's Wallet - J. Fold Racer - Color:(Hunter Green w/Orange Interior).

No comments about Valentino (The Universe of Fashion).

3 comments about In the Russian Style.

1. When this book was published the Cold War was still a fact of life - and yet this exhibition focused on the costumes and fashions of the Imperial era of Russia. This was not something that the Soviets liked to highlight - but despite that they pulled out a dazzling aray of costumes linked to the Imperial court for this book (and exhibition I believe).
   
   If this book had been fully published in colour it would still be a real classic, but as it is there is only a few pages of colour images which is a real shame. However, there are still some rare images in Black and White to be found in this book if you enjoy Russian costume. Its not all aristocartic - there are some festival costumes from the country, but this is a good introduction to the glory of Russian dress from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
   
   Around this time a rather big and lush colour book on costumes in Russia, with many of the same clothes was published called "Art of Costume in Russia: Eighteenth to Early Twentieth Century" that is worth seeking out if you enjoy Russian costume.



2. I bought the book based on the cover, so I was disappointed to see that there were just few color photographs, which are gorgeous nonetheless. Because the majority of the photographs & the illustrations are in black & white, the intricate details of the costume were not enhanced as well as the colored photos.



3. I love this book--I've worn out two copies of it already. A great mixture of text (the description of a Winter Palace ball is heaven) and glorious pictures. I wish there was a bit more about the royal family and some detail photos for the clothes (which are stunning--if you love vintage costume this book is a must have!) but those are quibbles. Great if you love old Russia, Royalty/Court Life.

2 comments about Rebel Style: Cinematic Heros of the 1950s (Memoirs).

1. Boyer's fine essay combines with a great batch of photos to bring back an often unappreciated time in American style and fashion. Yes, it's short--Assouline needs to think bigger!--but it's a lovely trip back in time for anyone with a sartorial bent.



2. Too short and full of images I could find on Google Search.
   
   Nice quality book, however.

No comments about Purple Fashion 9 Spring Summer 08 With Annees Erotiques, The Christophe Brunnquell Purple Book.

No comments about Latex and Lingerie: Shopping for Pleasure at Ann Summers Parties (Materializing Culture).

No comments about The Invention of Chic: Therese Bonney and Paris Moderne.

No comments about Tori Richard: The First Fifty Years.