No comments about The London Cut: Savile Row Bespoke Tailoring.

3 comments about Costume Jewelry for Haute Couture.

1. I haven't finished reading this book but the images of jewelry are beautiful and inspiring.



2. I've been keeping an eye on 'high fashion' for 25+ years as my own one-of-a-kind bead & jewelry business evolved. I could never figure out why some of the very unusual and creative jewelry I saw in couture and pret-a-porte' runway shows was rarely covered in detail in the fashion books or magazines. Finally this book was created to begin answering my prayers! Bravo - I love it, get lost in it!
   While I love all kinds of jewelry, I'd gotten my fill of the books featuring more traditional gold/diamond-type jewelry! If you like the more unusual side of the universe, then you will treasure this book.... and I say all of this before I've even studied the text!
   I hope publishers will pay attention and give us more, more, more! This is the tip of the iceberg and I'm delighted.



3. Expertly co-authored by fashion historian and consultant Florence Muller and haute couture costume jewelry collector Patrick Sigal, "Costume Jewelry For Haute Couture" is a profusely illustrated compendium showcasing dazzling, one-of-a-kind jewelry designed by skilled artisans to complement and adorn individual couture pieces for fashion shows and photo shoots. Representing outstanding examples from Coco Chanle in the 1920s to Yves Saint Laurent in the 1970s, to the creation of Lanvin today, "Costume Jewelry For Haute Couture" highlights some of the greatest jewelry creations by some of the greatest artists the fashion industry has every known, including examples by Balenciaga, Diro, Schiaparelli, Givench, Vionnet, and so many others. Beautiful and informative, "Costume Jewelry For Haute Couture" is enthusiastically recommended for personal, professional, academic, and community library Art History, Fashion History, and Jewelry reference collections.

3 comments about Cowboy Boots.

1. This book is so fun! My passion for cowboy boots started several years ago, but it hasn't been till recently that I started paying for the best. This book is better than bad sex for sure! The craftsmanship that goes into some of those books is amazing. Every page is like a new piece of tantalizing candy. I love it so much that I show it off at my restaurant in Seattle for all to enjoy!



2. Cowboy Boots picks up where Tyler & Jim's "Art of the Boot" leaves off. This book has more than 51 known makers, and nearly 400 pairs of cowboy boots... all photographed in crisp detail by Jim Arndt. Wow.
   
   Here are just a couple of the very speical pairs:
   
   Page 143. "The Mexican" is a remarkable pair of boots made by the El Paso company called Tres Outlaws. Your eye is naturally drawn to the 22 rare Mexcian coins inlayed across the pair...but what is more astounding is to discover that the tooling pattern on this "matching pair" each completely different on the right and left boot. The difference is difficult to detect because the design is so well balanced. An amazing tribute to the rich history and culture of Mexico.
   
   Page 25. "Ray Jones Boots 1960-1970s with Eagle Inlay." Ray Jones was famous for the "plain" stitched boots he made for working cowboys. These boots show us another side of this maker's skill.
   
   This book's small size lends itself to endless page flipping. After 3 years, I'm still inspired by the boots I find inside.



3. TYLER AND I THINK THAT THIS IS ONE 'KICKIN' BOOK !!!
   A GREAT COMPANION TO OUR OTHER BOOKS, 'THE COWBOY BOOT BOOK', ART OF THE BOOT', AND 'ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF WESTERN WEAR'. ENJOY!
   TYLER AND JIM

1 comments about Renaissance Fashions (Dover Pictorial Archives).

1. I just purchased these Dover COloring Books for my mother and she loves them. The detail is out of this world and the variety of colors you can use are only limited by your inagination. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

5 comments about Fun-to-Wear Fabric Flowers.

1. I own about every how to textile book in print; so I really do know a good craft book when I see one. This is a good one. The directions are clear and easy to follow, the examples are good, and there are plenty of variations offered for each method. I would certainly highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to make fabric flowers to use on garments, journal covers, collages, gift boxes, and a myriad of other possibilities. I checked it out of the library before buying it and ordered it as soon as I had read it, as it's one I know I'll use over time.



2. This is a book filled with really simple fabric flowers. When it arrived my craft group each chose a design and we made them at the next meeting. The directions are easy to follow and the range of designs from small pieces of fabric is very appealing. A different flower to dress up every garment is very achievable.



3. I just recently purchased this book, so I have not had a chance to use it yet, tho I have looked thro it. There are lots of patterns and ways in which to use them, and most of them seem simple and straight forward enough. I may write another review once I have used the book.



4. I was very impressed with this book, attractively presented with easy to read instructions for the projects. Not all of the projects appealed to me personally but there were more than enough to justify the purchase of the book. I am hoping to include some of the flowers as embellishments to my shibori dyed georgette jackets.



5. This is exactly the type of book I've been looking for !!! Thank you Elizabeth Searle for writing it and designing all of these ***fantastic*** flowers. The directions look to be very informative and easy to follow. What an awesome assortment to choose from. I AM SO EXCITED !! I just received it today and can hardly wait to begin making some myself. The only problem I foresee is choosing which design to make first !! Got to go ! I can hear the fabric calling me !!! THANKS AGAIN !! PS: BUY THIS BOOK NOW !!!

5 comments about The Cowboy Boot Book.

1. This is Tyler & Jim's first "boot book" and it has turned more people into boot collectors and bootmakers than any other.
   
   I think it's because of the great personal stories it tells ...and the portrait Jim took of each maker. This book has the look and feel of a treasure map.
   
   Originally printed in 1992, it's remarkable that it's still in print. Get it while you can.



2. If your're looking to buy this book then you've probably heard of the legendary book titled "Texas Boots" now out of print. Don't fret--this book is better. Whereas the older book was mostly black and white, this one has beautiful color pictures, and most of the bootmakers listed here are still alive. In fact, if you buy this book don't bother to consider "The Art of the Boot" by the same author as the two books are about the same, except that Art costs more and has a few more pictures, but the Cowboy Boot Book has a much better history of the cowboy boot.



3. This is a book that works on many levels making it a great introduction to the history, art, and craft of cowboy bootmaking. It quotes Jack Reed, the only owner of a one-man boot shop left in Texas, saying it takes 372 steps to make cowboy boots, but is not detailed enough to list them all. Until I read this book, I had no idea that there was a market in vintage cowboy boots. I found out that original ornate tops can be fitted with a replaced foot to bring old boots back to life. Jim Arndt's photographs of boots, bootmakers, and boot collectors are outstanding throughout and really bring the book to life. The beginning of the book does an admirable job tracing the history of cowboy boots back to the old Texas-to-Kansas cattle drives of the post-Civil War era. This is followed by a great A - Z directory of the various skins that have been used to make the boots including characteristics, care, and current availability. The next section is a great history of the major boot making factories and the people behind them with chapters on Justin, Nocona, Tony Lama, Lucchese, and Rocketbuster. The rest of the book covers the rest of the cowboy boot business and personalities. Included are descriptions of individual bootmakers and cowboy boot collectors. Each is lavishly illustrated with pictures of them and their boots. The author and photographer are avid collectors and their collections are covered in this section of the book. The book ends with an outline of the retail side of the industry. Major sellers of new and vintage boots are described and a state-by-state Store Guide is included. Of course, not every state has a custom bootmaker or a vintage cowboy boot store, but you can still find the nearest one if this book has convinced you that you are ready for the next step above looking in the Yellow Pages under Western Apparel. The only place where I felt this book went too far is when they say in the caption to a photograph: "the details of this pair of boots could be compared to a fine oil painting." But if you want a basic knowledge of cowboy boots, or love to look at cowboy boots either in a store or on other people's feet this is the book for you.



4. Yep, I'm a boot wearin' Jewish cowboy! (A doctor, in fact!) I started Country & Western line dancing a couple years ago, and from there I got into boots. Been wearin' 'em ever since!

   That said, I was totally blown away by the unbelievable hand-made boots in this book. Spectacularly photographed, they appear as works of art. (I see that the same authors are publishing a book later this year called "The Art of the Boot". You know I'll be buying a copy!). I personally have a couple pairs of wonderful Tony Lama boots that fit like a glove, but the boots in this book are in a different class entirely - we're talking ten times more expensive than anything you might find on the shelf at a western wear store.

   It'll be a while before I can afford any of the boots in this book, but it's nice to admire them, and appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that went into making them.




5. Filled with great photographs and lots of info, this book is a visual kick in the butt as well as an interesting look at wearers and makers of boots. (Surprise inside - Imelda wasn't the only one with a problem.) The author's interest in the fancy, short boots of the 40's is apparent in the book; after all, they are fascinating to look at. On the other hand, there is not a lot of history associated with the development of the cowboy boot as an article of working clothing, or how it became a touchstone of American culture. In a nutshell, the book is a magnificent coffee table work that is much too informative to leave in the living room. There is nothing else quite like it in print and it is a must have for anyone into things Western.

4 comments about Poinsard: Tropical Blend.

1. I was impressed with the high quality of the photos and the design of the book. The photos on odd and even pages have a matching color or shape that is pleasing to the eye and creates a thread for the eye to follow. The photographs of the female body are tasteful and beautiful.



2. After browsing his homepage, I started to look for his book in book store and finally got it. As same from the title, Tropical Blend, so pics inside this book has trees, forest, or beach..really tropical!!. So, now I put his book on my bed side table, which I can flip it after work or beside rest. This is one of the best on my collection..!! Don't miss it..!!



3. 
   Bruno Poinsard might not be a name on the forefront of the nude photographer world yet, but if this book is any indication of what's to come you can bet that he's going to be.
   
   Starting from the great cover shot and continuing through almost every page inside, this collection shows off perfect shots one right after another like a machine gun. This work is clearly heavily fashion influenced and is very contemporary: this work is typical in the sense that you can see pictures like these in many top-end fashion rags, but here you have the added bonus of nudity. That typicalness is the one short coming in this collection, but there are indications that this guy is making his own mark on the subject and if that aspect grows he could be the next Andreas Bitesnich. This is an excellent book, extremely well laid-out, the quality of the paper and the printing are excellent, the size is big and bold (nice!), and the book feels like quality. I'd have liked to see more pages. But 140 isn't too bad.
   
   So great photography, great production quality, and let's mention the subjects. His choices in models are excellent. All these beautiful, youthful fashion girls with waif-like bodies. Very nice.
   
   So why the 4 Stars and not 5? As I mentioned the work is typical of it's genre. There are a lot of photographers whose work is also excellent and also looks a lot like this. That said, Poinsard clearly has >>something<< that is "him" and I'd like to see him define that further in his next book. Also the price could be a bit lower considering there are just 140 pages in this book. Not highly overpriced, but a bit too expensive for this size. Those two factors are enough to take away one star.
   
   But this is still a great book and well worth having. You won't regret this purchase if you like trendy-sexy-cool photography of beautiful girls.
   
   DBAX



4. TROPICAL BLEND is a recommended pick for any college-level art library holding: each page is packed with color photos of women in tropical environments and varying stages of undress - each balanced against beautiful ocean and background settings for added impact. These are outstanding shots - close-ups, unique angles and artistic presentations filled with unexpected moments: the artistry and color surprises and delights here.

5 comments about InStyle Getting Gorgeous (Hardcover).

1. the title sounds kinda cheesy but it really is an informative book about every last detail of beauty. You will find many answers to questions that you have always wondered about...down to how to alleviate the pain of waxing!



2. I am glad I did not pay full price for this book. It is geared toward women who know little to nothing about beauty products and make up application. It did offer some good reference material and it could have shown more detailed "how to" illustrations in the chapters regarding make up application.



3. I got this book for my sixteenth birthday from my BFF. At first I was like, well I'd never bother to buy this myself... but you should, it is SO helpful! I wouldn't say I was a beginner at beauty, but I can barely put eyeliner on straight. This book was perfect for me because the advice it gave was specific to an idividuals looks (ie, it has tips for different eye shapes, mouth shapes, face shapes, and how to pull it all together...) and it has TONS of helpful facts that I had no idea were true! Like, in the perfume section it talks about which kinds have been proven most sexy to men. Thats just one example, there are dozens more. I LOVE THIS BOOK! It has all the tips I can experiment with and wear for a daytime look, a night look, or a formal event... it is definitely worth it!



4. Wow. I bought this book a few weeks ago and for the first time I'm disappointed with a purchase. Their other title, Instyle Secrets of Style: The Complete Guide to Dressing Your Best Every Day, was very well done but this book is not. The pictures of famous actresses look like cut and paste and the graphic design and layout looks amateur.

   This book doesn't inspire the reader to turn the page. It's dry and clinical and there is nothing unique that sets it apart from similar publications. Aveda Rituals and the Body Shop books like Body Shop Spa are gorgeous to look at, inspiring and make it feel as if you've stumbled upon a secret.

   InStyle is a good magazine, not at the same level as Vogue but well done nonetheless. When I purchased this book sight unseen I thought it would take much from magazine, at least provide case studies. It offers none of that and surprisingly makes you feel that unless you want to sink a lot of income into chemicals and plastic surgery, then being beautiful is out of your reach.




5. I have been extremely inpressed with In Style's large print, large volume, hard back books and this one does not disappoint.
   
   I personally am not someone who wears a lot of makeup or spends a lot of time taking care of my looks but generally that is because I am of unsure of how to begin. I now have great notes to take with me when I go to the store the next time.
   
   I was also pleased that the book did not simply serve as advertisements for overpriced prodcuts. They did mention exclusive salon type items but I also found that Clnque Turn Around Cream and Fructis Conditioner (which I already use) are perfect for me.
   
   This is a great resource for such a wide variety of people but I think it would be a terrific gift for a young lady. I would have loved to have had more details then just how to apply blush when developing a daily "beauty" regiment. I think the sections on skin care would be essential for young teenagers who really need to take care of themselves for life.
   
   I highly suggest this item as a great reference too for any woman.

4 comments about The Complete History of Costume & Fashion: From Ancient Egypt to the Present Day.

1. The most complete book of History of Costume I have found is "Survey of Historic Costume" by Phyllis Tortora and Keith Eubank. The title of this book "The Complete..." and the lack of content simple don't belong together.
   
   This book is a beginners basic introduction to costume. It needs to be reviewed and mistakes need to be fixed.



2. There are cool pictures and all but seriously you cannot cover the whole egyptian, etruscan, greek...periods in 3-4 pages. The book plainly describes what people were wearing in these periods (and it does not give you the complete info) and it does not tell you much about the story behind these costumes which I found pretty lame.



3. Always on the lookout for any new costume reference, I was
   eager to leaf through this one. Unfortunately, it was nearly
   a waste of time.

   I say "nearly", because Cosgrave provides quite a few helpful
   illustrations, though the objects depicted are often mislabelled and period paintings are seldom fully cited.

   In general, I found this volume to be shallow and badly researched. It's full of bad generalizations and misused terminology. Cosgrave makes numerous statements which are at odds with everything I've come to know about historical costume. Seldom are these bald statements backed by sources discussed in the text. She also has a 'thing' about Byzantine costume. Everything worn in any other place or time suffers in her constant comparisons.

   One of my favorite absurdities is that her entire discussion of medieval jewelry is a dismissal of the same as "crude". (Though she does allow that the Irish did some nice work. And, of course, it suffers by comparison to Byzantine jewelry.)

   Another example: The caption regarding a painting of people in Burgundian Court Dress urges the reader to "Note the Byzantine influences". Huh?!!

   In general I'd recommend that the re-enactor or Costume History
   student look at the pictures and ignore the text.




4. This is a beautifully designed publication certain to be rewarding to someone seeking an overview of the subject. The text, while not truly in depth, is very readable and is written in a vernacular yet polished style. Customs of the various cultures and periods, along with manners and gender roles in society, are covered as well. Ancient Europe and the Mesopotamian cultures (Sumer, Babylon, and Assyria) are omitted. Some of Ms. Cosgrave's information about other early cultures - especially the Egyptians - does not totally coincide with other authors and should not be taken as gospel, but rather as a possible interpretation. In other chapters, some of the observations and conclusions are quite insightful. The illustrations are wonderful and astutely chosen (with the exception of some 19th century line drawings used to illustrate early Egyptian, Greek and Roman costume.) The illustrations are also reproduced well, and the number of color plates is quite abundant for a book of this price. The books main weakness, and this is a big weakness, is that these beautiful and well chosen illustrations are not consistently attributed with the date, name of the work, artist, or museum, and in fact some of them are incorrectly identified or dated. Also, in the sections of the book on the 19th and 20th centuries - both in the illustration placement as well as the text - the reader does not really get a clear picture of the looks of the individual decades and periods within these centuries. Given the rapid changes of silhouettes and styles that occur in these years, a more thorough and detailed account would be welcome. With these notable reservations, this publication has still achieved reasonable success, and is still a recommendable text on the subject, especially for novices. The attractive price - especially the Amazon price - makes this a good value as well and contributes to its overall rating.

4 comments about Shoe Fleur: A Footwear Fantasy.

1. I have given this book as Christmas gifts and all who received it have said they loved it.



2. Michel Tcherevkoff has created a masterpiece that is a botanical flight of imagination. His creations are hypnotic; a journey into a fanciful floral wonderland. This book has become a source of refuge when I need to retreat from daily stress; I can easily change my attitude after spending a few minutes within the pages of this tour de force. Thank you Mr. Tcherevkoff for the unlimited hours of enjoyment I will receive from this gem.
   Chuck Henry
   Director of Show Design,
   Southeastern Flower Show
   Atlanta, GA



3. I bought this book as a gift for a "shoe lover". It was perfect.
   it is unique, perfect for the coffee table conversation piece!



4. The pictures in this book are gorgeous and so creative; got three for Christmas presents already.