5 comments about Charmed Bracelets.

1. I loved this adorable little book, and you will too. It is written with charm (pun?) and wit and made me smile lots of times. The pictures are beautiful and will inspire you to want even more charms than you already have. Definitely buy it if you are at all interested in charm bracelets.



2. This is a nice picture book and fun to look through but when it comes to putting together charm bracelets the suggestion is to take it to a jeweler. Charm bracelet collectors, buy this book. Charm bracelet makers, look elsewhere.



3. Yes, this book about charms is, well, charming! If you like jewelry, themed or not, you'll like this book. I was smiling as i looked through it, and I make themed charm bracelets myself, so it was fun to see what other people have done over the years. So many charms, so little time!



4. If you have ever had a charm bracelet, currently collect charms, or have ever wanted to start a collection - this book is for you! The ideas, history, and photos of the bracelets are all wonderful. It inspired me to clean up my old charm bracelets and, along with my current one, put them on display. They are works of art that tell a story. This book is also a great gift. It has inspired those I've given it to as it inspired me.



5. I was browsing one day at the Gardner in Berkeley, CA and saw this book. I bought it for a friend and it was so fun that we decided to start charm bracelets of our own. The fever caught on and now there is a group of us that are trading and swapping stories. My bracelet is becoming my history and its great to watch it evolve.
   
   The book is beautifully designed and written.

4 comments about Shoes, Hats and Fashion Accessories: A Pictorial Archive, 1850-1940 (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. This book is great. It is just what I was looking for in doing some period research. The illustrations could only be better if they were in color. Anyone interested in fashion accessories of this period will not be disappointed.



2. This book is exactly what it claims to be - a pictorial archive. For descriptions or details, Dover has a wide selection of books that will be of immense help with materials, construction, and history. For those who already have a working knowledge of the century in fashion, this book is a candy store of visual tidbits.

   Just a note: very few fashion illustrations of the nineteenth century were colored; hand-coloring was a labor-intensive process reserved for high-end publications with limited runs. Check my Listmania list for some books with color illustrations.




3. This book has lovely pictures, although the author admits she has taken the liberty to decide which should be included for each year. It would be an even better book if the articles were named, better yet a small description, sometimes I wondered if a shoe were a man or woman's.

   I think the book is good but stops short of being great but it is interesting and I would like to a sequel with the other drawings that were left out of this edition.




4. This review is from the viewpoint of a home sewer and crafter who adores vintage clothing, not a fashion historian, designer or illustrator.

   Never having purchased any of the Pictorial Archives series before, I was surprised and initially disappointed by the black and white illustrations and the complete lack of text.

   While it is fascinating to see how fashion accessories evolved over the decades there is no indication of whether an item was casual and day wear, or dressier for afternoon or evening. An index naming the style of each piece and/or notes explaining popular colors of the day would be helpful.

   The black and white illustrations do render the detail of the accessories beautifully. With over 2,000 copyright free illustrations of wide variety of styles for men, women and children included I look forward to years of inspiration for fashion embellishment.

3 comments about M. Joan Lintault: Connecting Quilts, Art & Textiles.

1. Ms. Lintault describes how she developed as a fiber artist. Her philosophy is very inspiring. Finding your own voice is important but not always easy while you are being assaulted by others' images and ideas. But per her philosphy, if you continue on your own path you will be rewarded.



2. I thought the pictures were amazing. It just wasn't quite what I expected. I found the book a little hard to read.



3. I was so impressed by the cover of this book that I preordered it. I gave it four stars instead of five because, although I found it inspirational, it is not really a "how to" book. It seems more like an artist talking about the way she came to making unique and impressive quilts.

3 comments about Marc Jacobs (Memoirs).

1. 
   A disappointing, fluffy book that fails to go into any kind of depth about the designer. On a surface, introductory level it is sufficient. But Jacobs has far more to him than what this book offers. I'll hold my breath and wait until something with greater coverage and depth comes out about this brilliant designer.



2. Though it is a cute book, not nearly enough information about the designer. Marc Jacobs has been around for many years and this book does not cover most of his work and I was very disappointed.



3. This small, adorable book has about a 16 page mini-bio about Marc Jacobs. It takes you through his good times as well as rough. From his time at Perry Ellis to launching MARC JACOBS. And as you start the book great personal candids are showcased. As well as behind-the-scenes shots of his shows, to photographs of his earlier work. A lot of candids of famous friends such as Kate Moss, Sofia Coppola, Zoe Cassavetes, and his partnership with Robert Duffy. Although I would have loved his collection of great Ad Campaigns which I love seeing it's something great to add to your personal library. And if you're like me and can't afford his faboulous clothes you can certainly afford this book and show it off to all your friends.
   
   A Great buy for anyone who loves fashion and anyone who loves Marc Jacobs.

No comments about Cartier: Innovation through the 20th Century.

1 comments about Modern Menswear.

1. Great visuals and it breaks it down by designer. My only wish was that it didn't just wrap up each designer with a little blurb and then some pictures. It could be more complete but since this is a book about a group of people, it appears that they left the extra information for you to seek out elsewhere. Otherwise a great reference for newer menswear designers.

1 comments about Essential Fashion Illustration: Poses (Essential Fashion Illustrations:).

1. it's okay. not quite what i expected. i would have liked to see more nude drawings and even maybe some photos of models and then a simple sketch of them.

1 comments about Medieval Costumes Paper Dolls (History of Costume).

1. This paper doll book is great for teachers or people who enjoy the study of medieval culture and the history of costume. Tierney's drawings are lavish and nicely detailed, with a variety of costume styles for different classes and eras. Teachers will find these dolls a great visual aid for teaching students about the Middle Ages, and all readers will find the accompanying notes helpful and informative. This is a great series, and these books are well worth the price!

No comments about 365 Days of Handbags Calendar 2009 (Picture-A-Day Wall Calendars).

No comments about Joanie's Design Elements: 8 Easy Lessons to Adapt and Use Quilting Designs (Quilter's Workshop).