No comments about Twentieth-Century American Fashion (Dress, Body Culture).

1 comments about Career Diary of a Fashion Stylist: Gardner's Guide Series (Gardner's Guide series).

1. I really enjoyed reading this little volume. There is so little written about the career of Photo Styling. Kim describes the day-to-day reality of the field and marketing herself in the fashion styling arena so clearly. Susan Linnet Cox, author of "Photo Styling, How to Build Your Career and Succeed"

1 comments about Fashion (Oxford History of Art).

1. Fashion Primer for the serious student/follower of womens couture, costume design, and ready to wear. Concise and informative.

5 comments about The Essence of Style: How the French Invented High Fashion, Fine Food, Chic Cafes, Style, Sophistication, and Glamour.

1. Nice book. Gives us an indepth knowledge of how fashion took place and evolved. Nice to read how the many common articles of fashion we see today were styled and how the entire process of style took place



2. Fantastique! As entertaining as it is enlightening! Authoress Joan DeJean's delightful and witty style of writing will make you feel as if you too are partaking of all the lavish indulgences and gossip of King Louis the Fourteenth's court!



3. This is not really a book, but more of a collection of essays examining the origin of various modern concepts of style: hair, culture, fashion, marketing/tourism, footwear, fine dining, coffee, champagne, diamonds, mirrors, nightlife, umbrellas, shopping, perfumes, and entertaining.
   
   As a scholar of French history and culture, the unifying theme of Joan DeJean's work is that the origins of these parts of our modern society came in the reign of Loius XIV of France, and fairly amazing are largly unchanged since their implementation.
   
   By this I mean not the specifics of style, but in the way they function in the greater culture.
   
   DeJean speaks well to the technology being developed at the time as well as the reasons that the late 1600's were the first time these aspects of life could be mass consumed, instead of say, the 1200's.



4. I wasted an hour searching for something of substantive interest in this work. It was time spent in vain. A frivolous book about frivolous things.



5. Topic Selection: B+ Although the book may seem a little all over the place to some, focusing on such diverse aspects of culture as food, clothing, champagne, perfume, parties, and even umbrellas, DeJean does a good job of relating the different parts of the book to one another. She ties them all to a very specific period of history and especially to Louis XIV.
   
   Scholarship: C- DeJean seems to rely fairly heavily on a rather small number of sources, despite the fact that the total number of sources is pretty good. Also, at least some footnotes would help the book.
   
   Readability: A- This book was obviously written to be consumed by a general audience. DeJean's style is very easy to read, although some of the chapters seem repetitive, as she often comes to the same conclusion.
   
   Impartiality: C I detected a definite "France is great" tone to this book that could sometimes be a little distracting. One also gets the impression that DeJean thinks that the move towards rapidly changing fashions was inevitably a good thing, for which she does not give a reason. She was not biased in an overbearing way, but there is definitely a bias there.
   
   Overall: B- I really enjoyed the book and for beginners to this area of history, I think it is ideal. You learn a lot of those little things that you always wondered about, such as where the concept of dessert comes from. DeJean's style is readable and she is obviously passionate about the subject. Serious scholars should stay away, as the book does not always adequately cite it's sources and does not prove its argument as adequately as it could.

2 comments about Sticker Dolly Dressing Princesses (Sticker Dolly Dressing).

1. I bought this for my four year old girl and she has spent hours playing with this sticker book, moving the sticker outfits and room decor from page to page. She is even imagining stories that go with her creations. Much more thought provoking and creative than the sticker books we get at the pharmacy.



2. Our daughter received this as a gift for her 4th birthday. She LOVES it. There are so many dolls to dress and so many accessories that it can't possibly all be done in one sittting. She's had it for over 2 months now and still loves to pull it out and dress the dolls. It's a wonderful activity for little girls that are into princesses.

4 comments about Elegantly Frugal Costumes: The Poor Man's Do-It-Yourself Costume Maker's Guide.

1. nice little book, detailing ways to change existing 20th century clothes into period costumes for theatre.



2. I received this book as a gift, and I am grateful for it. It does have some good ideas, some that I hadn't thought about, some different ways of doing things. It helps to think in different ways, do some brain-exercising.



3. What I like about this book is that it foregoes any esoterica and costuming theory in favor of good old fashioned practicality. The reader doesn't have to sift through the excruciating snobby details, but instead is given the real lowdown as if visiting with a best friend who happens to be a costume mistress.

   This book focuses mainly on costuming for low-budget productions (such as community theatre or a school play), providing useful information and advice on making good-looking costumes from already existing garments and/or thrift store offerings. Information abounds about time period, costume cuts & styles, ways to splurge or skimp on your costumes and still have them look fabulous, as well as details that an inexperienced costumer might overlook (such as using velcro instead of buttons for ease in costume changes).

   I would highly recommend this to anyone who is involved in costuming for a production, or anyone who simply loves costumes and loves to recycle old clothes into great new ones. I love this book and have read through it several times just for inspiration.




4. An excellent book of ideas and help for someone wanting to learn to costume for community theatre. It contains excellent examples of her own work that is easy to follow. It does not overload your brain with useless information. A good starting out book, that aids a person in organizing the information , and research problems needed to suceeded in this field. Also a good read for veterans of the design buisness to give fresh ideas and back up what they have done . After 35 years finally I have found someone who appreciates the use of thrift stores , goodwill and lace curtains for stage costumes. Thank you Shirley for putting it into words and pictures.

4 comments about Beaded Jewelry The Complete Guide.

1. I was rather disappointed with this book as the text is pretty basic and is duplicated in other books. There are some ideas for beading. I found chapters 5-7 the most useful.



2. I loved the detail in the book. From basic stringing to more elaborate jewelry-making techniques, Susan Ray offers a complete guide to creating beautiful jewelry. The size of the book makes it portable and easy to store in any beading case. I gave a copy to my boss who enjoys unique beading projects and she loved it too!



3. Well, Susan has done it again. I love the look and feel of this square, spiral bound book. A floppy book can send beads flying off your table as you grab at your book; how nice it is that you can actually open to the project you want to work on, and the book stays open (gotta love that spiral)!
   
   The projects are inspiring, as are the photos.There is a chapter on creating different types of beads, from polymar to lampworked. How do you determine the length of your bracelet? How do you add the ending clasp? Need to know some basic crochet steps? Do you want to add found objects into your jewelry? There's plenty here to keep you busy. Beaded Jewelry also contains a resource guide and contact information on the contributors. What more could a glass and bead lover ask for?
   
   I sent a copy to my sister and to a friend in Germany and they both love it!



4. Beaded Jewlery: The Complete Guide by Susan Ray is a fabulous book!! Especially for beginning beaders. It not only gives ideas on patterns but also introduces you to the beading world: how to find beads and accessories, the different types of beads, how to select beads, and even a walk through of a typical bead store. The instructions are easy to understand and follow and the pieces are beautiful! A great inspiration to really get those creative juices flowing. It also describes several beading techniques to give your piece that unique look, just the way you want it. Overall one of my favorite guides.

5 comments about Tie Dye! The How-To Book.

1. I purchased this book and found the folding techniques to be very useful. I got tired of making the same tie dye circles and was looking for something different. This book shows several detailed folding instructions to get different results. This list of resources in the back was helpful as well.



2. I'm a beginner and I honestly got more information off of one internet site than I did in this book. It's okay, but not great.



3. I've purchased several tie dye books and DVDs, this is my primary "go to" book. Author does a fantastic job:
   
   1. Tells you at a high level the end-to-end process of tie dying
   
   2. Has text, accompanied by black and white photos on how to tie.
   
   3. Has at least one color photo of each finished tie dye project.
   
   You will understand how to tie dye several different types of patterns, and be successful at your first attempt, if you follow the information and advice.



4. This book was the best! I bought four, two historic, the other way to in-depth and not explanitary enough in simple, quick and easy terms- that was the one AMAZON asked me to write about... but I chose to write about this one instead! This book led me ( mother of a two year old boy-meaning-bath time reading only and dented attention span) by the hand - in easy pease lemon squeezy mode - to instruct 15 or more mothers AND their children at a nursery school! Thank you for applying yourself in sharing the knowledge.. for quick answers and quick easy read before the tie dye project- BUY THIS ONE!



5. Virginia has a good starter book for tie-dye, but like the majority of tie-dye content - only skims the surface. I prefer Jacquard's "Tie Dye To Die For & Batik You Can't Resist" book at $5.95 vs. this how-to book. To be fair, I would purchase it to see her lovely tie-dye work, but as a "how-to" I might look elsewhere.
   
   Michael Fowler

5 comments about Fusing Fabric: Creative Cutting, Bonding and Mark-Making with the Soldering Iron.

1. This happened to be on the "suggested" list and I took a chance on getting it. I have to tell you, this is one of the best art technique books I have purchased in a long time. Very well illustrated and the techniques are varied but all useful if you want to try something different than everyone else. Thanks for this wonderful book.



2. Found this book to be very well issustrated and clear and conciss directions well laid out



3. Another reviewer has said there was no mention of where to buy a soldering iron. Well, I emailed the author and promptly got one mailed to me. No problem. Definitely use with good ventilation and a respirator, especially if you are 'burning' plastic materials.I am enjoying experimenting with the process.Well written, clear instructions.



4. The idea of fusing together synthetic fabrics by melting them with a soldering iron is a creative one. However, on opening the book, the reader is advised of the need for a respirator and an extractor fan to protect against toxic fumes. This is not to be taken lightly. A fire extinguisher might also be recommended.
   For those who decide to forge ahead, it might also have been helpful to have more guidance included about what to search for in a soldering iron. It is not helpful to say that we do not want it "too hot" or "too cool".



5. I am very excited about trying projects found in this book. Margaret Beal gives clear instructions, but yet allows you to express your own creativity. I will be trying these techniques soon!

5 comments about Everything About Me Is Fake-- And I'm Perfect.

1. This is an autobiographical work in which the self-absorbed author likes to refer to herself as the world's first super model. Well, Suzy Parker, Twiggy, and Jean Shrimpton may well take umbrage at that, as they were super models who preceded Ms. Dickinson. Better looking and classier, they leave this author eating their dust.
   
   This book is mildly amusing, at first, as the author cattily takes jabs at her former lovers, naming names. Let me tell you, Mick Jagger and Sly Stallone do not fare too well in this book. In general, the author talks about men in such a derogatory way that, if men were talking about women in this way, they would be called sexist.
   
   The author routinely engages in trash talk, and some of it is acerbically funny. Yet, so often is it repetitious that it begins to pall on the reader. A more shallow, vain, and self-absorbed woman than the author would be hard to find. It is no wonder that she is unable to have long-term relationships, as she seems so one-dimensional.
   
   Still, her book is a no-holds-barred look at her life and the wacky world of modeling, as well as the lengths one needs to go to stay on top of one's game. There is little enjoyment to be had from this book, and a measure of boredom will eventually seep in, as the author repetitively drones on and on about herself. The book is replete with photographs, which show the author in varying stages of her career, including before and after her breast implants.



2. This book is so good! You either love her or hate her, if you love her, read this book! I love her sarcasim, bold, blunt, funny personality. I loved the first book and I love this one as well. She is not just some obnoxious woman and if you cannot think past that thought and see her as a whole, dont read it. She is so many things and sometimes so honest people hate her for it, i guess hate her for saying all the things we think and you just cant say. If you cant think past it and enjoy her as a person, then this book is not for you. I Stayed up two nights just to read as much as I could and laughed a lot.You can gain insight into her true feelings about modeling, her life, family and so much more.



3. In only the candid, cocky, no holds barred way Janice can she reveals her own personal struggles. Yes, of course, (it's Janice Dickinson) she does take every opportunity to brag about herself too!
   
   Janice starts by telling how she was an awkward teenager and how she clawed her way to supermodeldom. Janice is very frank about how even as she was gracing the covers of "Cosmo" and "Vogue" she was still full of self-doubt. She fought that self-doubt by having plastic surgery, doing drugs and having sorrid affairs. She further tells how the image the industry sells to the average woman is totally unattainable. Unless, of course you're willing to starve yourself and undergo plastic surgery. Even then she tells how many of the photo's of even supermodels are airbrushed. She also says many times that cosmetic surgery isn't an option that everyone should persue and it seems at times she discourages it, even tho she's doing it left and right. Her reasoning from the book is that she is an extreme person, who overdoes everything in her quest for perfection.
   
   Janice also throws in some juicy personal anecdotes about her personal life. Sometimes she gives a little too much information! Among her tales are Mick Jagger, JFK Jr., Donald Trump, Jerry Hall, Sly Stallone and many more. Another plus included throughout the book, are several pages of photos from Janice's career and her personal life.
   
   Also, she tells her readers of yoga tips, beauty tips, fitness tips and nutritional advice. She offers the reader lots of straight advice on how to feel and look their best on their own terms. I liked the tips on skin care using household items in everyone's pantry. I've tried them and they certainly work.
   
   The latter chapters of the book are Janice's best. In these she shows her softer side. She writes like she knows she shouldn't be so obsessed with tring to find perfection with surgery, but she says she will continue. Still, she says to other women- don't be so hard on yourselves, that true happiness comes from within.
   
   Overall, this is a fun, fast and at times insightful read from an over-the-top lady, who isn't afraid to let it all out. Tho, as other readers stated she does overdo the four letter words, her sexual life info, and she does contradict herself by being so hard on herself and other women as well. Tho, if you like Janice- the good, the bad & the ugly- you'll probably enjoy this book.



4. Book came brand new as described & the present was a hit for the birthday girl.
   Seller highly recommended



5. This woman is a joke. No talent. I know her personally and she didn't even write this book.