5 comments about Frederic Fekkai: A Year of Style.

1. 
   This is a lifestyle book, referencing topics such as makeup, hair, style, food, spa, etc. Timeless advice with a French perspective. This book is set up according to month, with daily tips/ideas listed in the sidebar. Gorgeous pics & the layout is very visually appealing. Makeup looks, such as the "natural face" or the "confident face" include pictures and basic instructions but are not step-by step detailed (which also means no diagrams). Makeup (and all other advice) leans toward the super simple. No specific brand-name product recs. Obviously, as this is Frederic Fekkai's book there are a lot of hair related topics (including hair cuts, color, styling, & care).
   This is one of my favorite books on beauty. I've owned it for years & reach for it every few months just because of the classic advice & beautiful pictures



2. Small tid bits of information on a daily basis. Love how it is broken down by months and days. Simple advice. Glad I own this book.



3. This book is absolutely beautiful, both the pictures and the text are lovely, making it a great coffee table book. It is also filled with wonderful advice on beauty and life. I love all of Frederic Fekkai's products and was very impressed that he does not use this book to advertise his products, like so many of the beauty books out there. I have read a lot of beauty books and this is by far my favorite!



4. I liked this book a lot. It has many good beauty tips and a great ambiance with beautiful pictures. Frankly though, at times, I found Frederic a little stuffy and ridged for my taste. Also, as another reader here mentioned, some of the suggestions might be a little impractical for someone who can't afford pedicures and facials every week. Overall, I think it's a good investment and I would totally reccomend it for anyone who wants a beauty and style makeover and who wants good, basic beauty information. I think my mom would love this book!



5. this is the best style/beauty/life book ive ever seen. its my life manual. When you read it, it just makes you want to live a simple, stylish, delicious life. not only does it give great beauty/style tips, but its also a great lifestyle book. i love its recipes, its tips for being a great host or hostess, its gift giving tips, it encourages you to write letters instead of email. he also has a little tip for each day of the year. one of my favorites is to paint at least one wall in your room a great red color, becuase red makes you feel more beautiful when you wake up. i plan on painting one wall in my room red. One part i frequently read is the part about taking a trip in april, he talks about going to St. Barths, i think it was. just hearing him talk about what to pack and what to do makes me want to go on a vacation to cleanse and relax the spirit. i read his tips on applying makeup, figured out that i was applying cocnealer wrong, started using his tips and saw much more flawless looking makeup. every single one of his tips is amazing. he promotes simple, beautiful style with great accessories, and savory every little part of life. this book feels uncluttered, simple, stylish. i HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY reccomend this book.

5 comments about Vintage Knits: 30 Exquisite Vintage-Inspired Patterns for Cardigans, Twin Sets, Crewnecks and More.

1. As a collector of vintage knitting patterns, I was excited to see what a talented designer would do with classic designs. Quite a lot, is the answer. That said, I do have to agree with some of the criticisms offered in other reviews. This seems to me to be a book for the adventurous knitter who is both willing and able to adapt and individualize patterns to "fine-tune" fit and appearance. I am 5'9" with a 40" bust, and am an experienced knitter. I typically have to adjust size, and usually substitute yarn, color and stitch pattern to meet my size, style and stash reduction needs. This probably is not a book for newer, or less confident knitters who may struggle with these skills. It is a book for knitters who love intricate, polished style, body concious fit and fine technique. I do feel that schematics and charts should have been included to help those knitting the patterns as written and those of us who need to make modifications. Interesting that the Great Britain edition got them and we didn't. I have made 2 sweaters from the book (short-sleeved cardigan with neck tie and Missoni-like wave pattern pullover) and was very pleased with the results. My next project? -a "blouse" from a 1930's era Beeehive yarns manual-written for a size 32" bust with a 32 stitch lace pattern repeat. (Sarah Dallas, I wish that you had gotten to this one first!)



2. I know that this book has been out for a while. But, I'm just waking up to it. There are a few things about this book that really pull it out from the others for me. First, they take old photos from magazines and ads - all the patterns are based off these old photos. So, you get a great feeling for where they are coming from. Second, they have a bit of a modern flair to them. This is wonderful. Lastly, I want to make every single item in this book. It isn't often that I open a book and desire EVERYTHING. But, this is one of them. The patterns range in difficulty and I promise that you will find something in this book to love.



3. The patterns in this book are really lovely, and it's so interesting to see pictures (albeit tiny ones) of the original inspirations from the 1940s and 50s. There are several patterns I would love to knit once I feel comfortable with my knitting skills. This is a book I would probably buy down the road, once I am a more advanced knitter.
   
   I didn't really like how the pictures were all in the front of the book, and the patterns in the back. I'd rather have them side-by-side. Just a small complaint.



4. When I opened this book my first thought was, why did they soft-focus the photography? Pictures should be clear so we know what the garment will look like when we knit it. Next, I was sorry to see that there were no schematics for the patterns. In order to see how fitted a garment is, it is necessary to read the pattern closely, whereas with a schematic you can see at a glance. This is especially needed because the modern photographs show much looser fitting garments than the original photos.
   
   It was not clear to me if the patterns have been modified to make them easier for modern knitters, although I'm guessing they have. Too bad they did not give us the original year of each pattern, because as knitters of vintage patterns we like to know what era we are wearing!
   
   All that aside, I'm looking forward to knitting some of these patterns because they are attractive and look fun to knit.



5. I just recieved this book from Amazon (two days before the earliest estimated delivery!) and I pored through it with the passion of a 1950's child with the Sears Wishbook.
   
   Things I like about this book:
   The patterns are all reasonably authentic in terms of vintage syle, especially if you compare them with the (unfortunately small) inspiration piece photos at the top of each pattern page.
   The pieces look from the patterns (I've not yet knit any of them up) to be largely simple enough to tackle for an advanced/adventurous beginner, although the Tyrolean Cardigan and the Fair Isle patterns seem directed at someone with a more intermediate to advanced skill level. (Then again, a whole Fair Isle piece never seemed like a beginner project to me) The good news is, this means that the book can grow with your skills, instead of some others that wind up on the bottom shelf because of the tediously simple patterns.
   Vintage knits is a book that a twenty three year old rockabilly lady (me) and a 40+ Respiratory Therapist (my mom) can both enjoy. It seems like a lot of the pattern books I find on my Recommendations list can come off as immodest, outlandish, or dowdy. There are markets for each of those categories, but this book has a good combination of fashionability, class, and just plain prettiness that can take the wearer from afternoon business meeting (dress slacks and flats) to evening out (pencil skirt and kitten heels), as well as from college dress up into job market friendly.
   
   Why this book didn't get 5 stars:
   The size range. Perhaps some of the styles are, shall we say, ill suited to the more voluptuous wearers, but in the same breath I am going to have to adapt some of the patterns to fit my appropriately voluptuous mother. (Just because you have two children shouldn't preclude you from having a fantastic wardrobe) Also, as was mentioned by another reviewer, it is more common for the modern woman to take on more Amazonian proportions in height and bust size. If my grandmothers can be any indication, the ladies the original patterns were designed for were TEENY.
   As other reviewers have noted, the suggested yarns are not the least expensive out there, and I can accept that for the "higher end" feeling designs. However, the detail information for the yarns, such as weight, yardage, and fiber content is completely absent, making it very difficult to substitute yarns, or to find a replacement for yarn that may be discontinued in the future. For me, this is a nearly must have feature. I will be making handwritten notes in the margins about the yarn details so that I have the information later on.
   
   All said and done, I look forward to making almost all of the patterns in this book, some of them (like the twin set) in several colors! I consider Vintage Knits, in spite of its flaws, to be a good recommendation for "advanced beginner" level and up knitters who are rather slender and enjoy feminine, vintage style.

4 comments about Robert Lee Morris: The Power of Jewelry.

1. I read the book and enjoyed all the photos from cover to cover!
   Robert Lee Morris is such a great natural designer, very genuine as human being.
   
   I found many similarities with his life and mine as a jewelry designer.
   I discovered that my first pieces were much like his style, when I didn't knew who he was and never saw his work before.
   
   Totally inspiring. You can be tempted to tear and frame the photos of the book as art pictures!
   
   Benjamin P.
   Puerto Rico



2. This book is more that the best expected. I am familiar with The RLM jewelry line and know this artist to be innovative and creative. This book gives an fascinating look at the man as a sculptor and jewelry designer.



3. In a world of cookie cutter jewelry where factories manufacture the latest trendy piece, thank goodness there is Robert Lee Morris. RLM is a very spiritual designer who is attuned to nature, human sensuality and an unending stream of creativity. I have never been to his studio in Soho, NYC. But I do buy his stunning silver jewelry on QVC. Whenever he is on tv, he presents pieces that are not only unique in design, but pieces that beg to be touched. His pieces are filled with spirit and love. For example, he created a twisted heart bracelet where the hearts literally flow into one another, rather than connecting them with the usual chunky links. He created a large molded heart ring that has FORGIVE inscribed on the inside. He takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary.
   
   I encourage those who are not familiar with his pieces to try a pair of his exquisite earrings. I also encourage all current and future jewelry designers to study this book and his pieces. Here is one of the most innovative and prolific designers of our time. Study his book, go to his Soho studio, and check out the shopping site that sells his jewelry. You will be glad you did.
   
   One more thing. RLM's book is not just a history of his jewelry and how it was made and sold over the past thirty-five years. This book is a history of fashion, makeup and accessories and how they were designed and sold via the runway over the past three decades. This is a fascinating history of some of our most famous designers and the marriage of fashion and accessories.



4. 
   Women have been adorning themselves with jewelry and body art almost since time began. What earlier generations did not have was the imagination of award winning designer Robert Lee Morris whose bold, dramatic creations in gold and silver are worn by the famous, such as Madonna, Oprah, Cher, as well as the lady next door.
   
   The son of an air force pilot and a former fashion model, Morris was exposed at any early age to differing cultures. A four year stint in Japan left him with lasting memories of the beauty and customs of that country. Undoubtedly, this experience and others have been an inspiration to him.
   
   "I had a very powerful vision in my head when I first began to make jewelry," he writes. "It was this specific, cinematic image that grounded me and gave me a sound place from which all my work sprang in the early years, from 1970 to 1980. I could envision a post-apocalyptic world populated by Amazon women....."
   
   A major jump start for his career occurred when he was chosen to design the jewelry for Donna Karan's collections. Ms. Karan, an unabashed fan, wrote the foreword for this volume. "Robert's designs are remarkably sensual, They beg to be touched. When you hold or wear them they become part of you....."
   
   Evidently Calvin Klein and Karl Lagerfeld shared her enthusiasm for Morris also did collections for both of them.
   
   Morris's designs have been among the most wanted and noted for over 25 years, and he claimed the Platinum Guild International Grand Prize for Design Award in 1999. He continues to offer collections in his signature style of ethnic flavor and high fashion flair.
   
   Enjoy and wish as you leaf through this lush 180 page volume with 230 full-color illustrations. With his candid, chatty narrative Morris proves himself to be a gifted communicator as well as designer.
   
   - Gail Cooke
   

2 comments about Dress at the Court of King Henry VIII.

1. I just recently got this book, and am just loving it. Much Like Elizabeth I's Wardrobe Un'locked, it drips with all the information I love to read. As a Costumer, it gives deeper insight into creating accurate costumes. When I first fell in Love with the Tudor Era, I didnt realize just how little REAL information there was to the construction, fabrics, the real names of pieces of clothing and such. This really lays out the details of who, what and where. I will be able to use this resource for many years to come.



2. This book has a lot of information covering the age of Henry VIII, the Tudor King of England in the early part of the 16th century. There is information regarding the fashion styles of his wives, sisters, and children. I would suggest this book for those who are into researching this time period for costuming, and who can form their own conclusions on the research provided. I would not suggest this book for those looking for a how-to on costume creation.
   
   I looked forward to this book for over a year, and ... was a little frustrated when I was able to read some of the sections. There is a lot of info waiting for the reader, from the written inventories that survive that is given in the appendix. There are a number of images of interest, most of which I have seen in other books I've collected, but here they are available in one book, some of which are in color (most are in b&w).
   
   One of my frustrations dealt with three images that provide a front, side and back view of a man's extant short gown; the kind of gown Henry is commonly seen wearing. But there is only a one sentence mention (that I've found so far) of these photos of this surviving garment, and that one sentence says very little. If these are of a surviving garment, and the garment is still available to look at, then it would have been a lot more help to people to actually provide info on the inside view, or how the pleats are attached, or something more than the one little sentence and three photos. I do appreciate those three photos, tho. I've not seen them anywhere else, and I can't even find them online at the museum they are in (but that server connection keeps dying, so I can't explore for long).
   
   Another area I had issues with covered fur collars and capes, and the author cited another author's article on this. I've had the pleasure of meeting Prof. Tawny Sherrill ("Fleas, Fur, and Fashion: Zibellini as Luxury Accessories of the Renaissance"). Ms Sherrill in her scholarly article proved the term of "flea furs" as being a Victorian term, not a word that's really appropriate to the use or wearing of furs (especially zibellini - the point of Sherrill's article), but Ms. Howard not only cites Sherrill's article, but continues to use the "flea fur" term, perpetuating this costuming myth to her readers.
   
   Another area; Ms Hayward goes into commentary of later women's dress... and suggests a new masculine style of bodice, possibly a doublet with what is modernly called a "Medici collar", although she admits that none of the records has any entries for women's doublets. I've done Tudor costume and research for awhile. To me the two images she offers appear to be the standard gown with a high necked partlet of black that is a different material than the gown. The third portrait appears to be a long loose gown. The only thing all three have in common is the style of their collars. If there is possible support for a doublet style, she should have provided some more info to prove this, especially since she does cover partlets as a garment item, so she is aware of them.
   
   These items have cast a shadow of doubt over the rest of Ms. Howard's conclusions in her book.
   
   On the good side so far (as I am still reading this book... it is pretty extensive). There are aspects that I've not seen elsewhere, like the original transcriptions for the Wardrobe accounts from different time periods of Henry's reign. There are a few images I've not seen elsewhere, either, including the extant garment images I've mentioned. I really like the inventory listing in the back. This is nice, and similar to the inventory listing in QEWU. I can't wait to get into reading this further.
   
   Maria's conclusions at a few points are a bit... stretched, as I've already mentioned. But the amount of info included, including a break down of different garments by name vs the years they are worn, and a color chart and fabric chart that is similar. The new images, some other quotes and comments found from other original sources, and more, are things that are not found in other books I've read.
   
   The book author states this book was done in the style of Janet Arnold's "Queen Elizabeth Wardrobe Unlock'd". There are a lot of good and well researched information from various written texts, surviving textiles, and the inventory transcripts... but there are aspects that have left me a bit frustrated considering the updated research that is available today.

5 comments about Professional Digital Techniques for Nude & Glamour Photography.

1. This book is disappointing compared to many of the glamour books for digital photographers that are now available. Author Bill Lemon offers little that is new and rehashes much of the same info that is already out there. Save your money on this purchase and look around a little more before you buy. You can do much better for your money.



2. Photos were good and some poses were interesting,but thought it would be more technical in what the shoots were Light positions Exposure settings,etc



3. This book provides great tips for beginners like myself.



4. A said before, book consist of basically "well, i was there and i asked {ModelName} to do this, and she selected this pose, which makes this nice image" paragraphs...
   
   So this book is collection of images with few not to detailed sentences about every shot.
   
   I certainly expected more from this book.



5. The book isn't very good at really explaining how the shot was created. So if you want to learn about how or why a certain setting was used in detail, this isn't the book for you. If you want to get some good ideas of tasteful nude/portrait photos, this could be the ticket. Some of the narratives of the motivation behind the shot is helpful. However by the end of the book, you may end up disappointed that you read the whole thing. About half way through the book just skim the verbiage and enjoy the photos.

5 comments about Tiffany Pearls.

1. A great reference book for those who love vintage jewelry and for those who make jewelry. I think this is the best pearl book and book on Tiffany jewelry there is.



2. We saw the Martha Stewart TV show when John Loring was a guest and immediately ordered his book.It is a wonderful addition to our library of precious gems. We highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in knowing more about pearls. [...]



3. Gorgeously illustrated, in-depth history of the spherical nacre form. It's a must read for anyone who has even entertained the idea of owning pearls, or for anyone who has inherited grandma's necklace.



4. Gorgeous photos! Enjoyed this beautiful survey,documentation of tiffany pearl jewelry designs very much.



5. THE most wonderful gift for that special woman in your life that loves pearls! Seduces you with breathtaking photos of collectable pieces & educates you about the history of pearls & how to care for them. Also stirs the imagination to create similar...
   I consult in an exclusive jewelry boutique, (The Jewelry Doctor/Vienna, VA) and am ordering my SECOND copy as one of our clients loved the book so much that I gave her my copy; mournfully, yet happily to see her love for it...
   You simply will not believe the high quality photos and the depth of the historical information provided by this author...a wonderful gift idea for the holidays! ~Shannon @ THE JEWELRY DOCTOR, Platinum & Diamond Boutique, 703.255.1330

3 comments about Fashion Entrepreneurship: Retail Business Planning.

1. This is an ideal resource for building a business plan to secure funding for a fashion retail store. Step-by-step guidelines for writing the plan and operating the store. There is nothing else like this book on the market!



2. This book is required reading for those interested in opening any form of fashion retail business. The text provides step-by-step guides and well thought-out examples for the reader to follow in preparing a business plan unique to this type of retailing.



3. If you are entering the world of retail fashion or the fashion industry this book is an absolute necessity. Excellent detailed information taking the reader through the fashion retail process, e-commerce and writing a buisness plan. The CD rom that comes with the book is superior to other business plan software and makes writing a business plan easy.

5 comments about Attention to Detail: A Woman's Guide to Professional Appearance and Conduct (Attention to Detail).

1. Luckily, I checked this out from the library rather than purchasing it. This very thin, very basic booklet is more like somthing I would expect to get free as a promotional item, not something I would pay $12.95 for.
   
   If you've ever been in the workforce, or your mother taught you anything about how to dress and act, you don't need this book.



2. I bought this book, thinking the same as another reviewer, that it would be about DETAILS, not basic stuff. I was extremely disappointed. This is good for high school students or a high school guidance office, but it's not useful for someone who is starting out of college with a professional career. A MUCH better choice would be The New Women's Dress For Success, by Molloy.
   
   This book was extremely thin, 64 pages, and overpriced. I paid much less for a different book that was MUCH more informative and helpful.



3. This guide is a very simple and easy to read guide for women who need some extra advice creating the right look and improving their appearance.



4. Save your money - there's really nothing new here.



5. My mentor at work gave me a copy of this book my first day on the job. Thank you for this guide, I fell much better about myself and what to say and do when I'm in the office.

1 comments about The T-Shirt: A Collection of 500 Designs.

1. I really enjoyed this book. It had a historical overview, organized sections, and lush color photographs. It's a *great* book to browse through looking for inspiration; there's a totally unique or fun-n-strange idea at least every few pages. There were a few things which knocked it down to four stars, however:
   
   The tips (and most of the text in general) were next to useless; their screen printing tip, for example, described the process with about as much detail as a dictionary entry.
   
   A wider variety of shirts would have been good for some areas; the "counter culture" and corporate "logo" sections were bursting with material, but the "historical" sections seemed to fast forward from the early 20th to today, with a brief stop at the 60s and 80s. The "Design" section had some of the most interesting shirts of all, yet was a smaller chapter towards the end. They could have put in a wider variety of t-shirts, and could have found room for them by cutting out many of the repetitive examples (they had EVERY World of Warcraft t-shirt, even if it was just two different characters in the same pose as characters from the previous t-shirt.
   
   Still, I'd recommend this to anyone interested in t-shirt making, or just fashion in general.

3 comments about Essentially Lilly: A Guide to Colorful Holidays.

1. This book was written by the Grand Dame of Palm Beach for those of us who love to entertain. It has many different holiday menus filled with yummy foods and beautiful pictures. Lily includes a lot of helpful hints and ideas to make your celebration the best one. Try her Peach Muffins with Pecan Streusel, the Lemon Blueberry Bars, Seafood and Avocado Salad with Lime Vinaigrette and the Baked Ham with Ginger Pineapple Glaze and you will get rave reviews from family and friends.



2. I love Lilly Pullitzer's outlook on life. This book has great recipes and ideas for the holiday's. The illustrations are wonderful too! A delight and treat for yourself.



3. I purchased this for my mother for Christmas, she loves Lilly Pulitzer and her clothing. The illustrations are great, lots of cute quotes and interesting recipes, too. I purchased the Entertaining version last year. I hope she will release a new theme every year.