1 comments about Take-Along Totes: Mix & Match Your Way to Creative Organization.

1. My brain's perking with all kinds of ideas after getting this book today. Not only will this give me great creative totes for projects, but I'm thinking that I can use what I've learned for all those funky handbags I'm making.
   
   I especially like Marilynn's choice and use of fabrics. She writes about this and it's importance.

2 comments about Fabric Reference (4th Edition).

1. My spouse is an avid quilt enthusiast that has for some time wanted to delve more into fabrics, their manufacture and individual characteristics. My gift to her of this standard reference work gives her the long awaited opportunity to really understand the materials before she designs a new quilt. She can now also select new and different fabrics for their inherent characteristics rather than only select "off the shelf" fabrics usually found at most fabric shops.



2. The Fabric Reference, along with the Fabric Glossary provides the best comprehensive reference of basic textiles that you can obtain anywhere in today's market. To make it a perfect reference set, you can purchase the Fabric Glossary Swatch Set directly from Ms. Humphries, which provides fabric samples to be taped into the Fabric Glossary while giving the history, manufacturing (weave, knit, lace, etc.) description and fabric content for each swatch allowing for a realistic study of fabrics. This Fabric Glossary can be continually added to as you find new fibers and fabrics - keeping an updated reference at your finger tips.
   These boks are a must for fabric designers, interior designers, pattern drafters and anyone interested in fabrics or textiles, this is a three part set, which when purchased becomes all inclusive. It is rare to find any books on textiles where you can actually touch the fabrics, providing a realistic knowledge of specific make-up and texture of the fabrics. I searched for years to find a book which I could use to give a compressive overview of the textile industry, before I found Ms. Humphries set of books, and I have been using it for the past three years as the foundation of my college course. Please note that in the fall of 2003, the third revision came out and it provides a wealth of information about the new micro-fibers that are found in today's market.
   This three part set (2 parts you can purchase from this company and the swatch set you need to purchase separately - information to do this, is in each book) is the best reference of textiles available.

5 comments about Who Wore What?: Women's Wear 1861-1865.

1. This is a great book to really tell you as well as show you what people wore during the Civil War. It is based on photographs, thousands upon thousands of them, and a lot of research. Plus some plain common sense.
   
   I recommend it highly to any woman who wishes to dress properly at any event as a true "living history" example. I went to my first event after reading this book, finding a good seamstress, and got away with being thought of by both the staff and the public as a professionally paid "living history" actress! I was asked over and over how it felt to dress this way every day...I was able to spend two nights in a fine historical fort which played a large part in the Civil War and actually slept in the Colonel's Quarter's, which had two camp beds, along with another of the ladies that was also playing a part those two days.
   
   That is how good both my seamstress was, and this book I stuck to the guidelines of!



2. A great book, but take it with a grain of salt. There were a few things in this book that I disagreed with but it really is the best book of its kind. The price tag on this book has scared me for years, but now that I bought it, it really was a good $30 to spend and I am pretty frugal! A good reference book and needed on the shelf of every lady reenactor.



3. After reading all the reviews on this book, I can see that it has stirred up a pot of controversy. I admit that I use it often as a reference for "common" style. I am an amateur historian, but the conclusions drawn by the book seem plausible and are not presented as "carved in stone" fact. Notwithstanding that I can't be assured of the exact economic or regional history of the women in the photos. It is laid out with a very practical and applicable approach, to determining an average period look. As with any historical theories, even those made by people with PHD's in the feild, take them with a grain of salt.
   
   The book has a very easy to follow lay out. With very clear points of fashion illustrated by period photos. It covers snoods, gloves, collars, cuffs, bodice cut and style, jewelry, pleating arrangement of skirt, outer-wear, hats, and generalizations of what age group was most often observed wearing certain elements of style.
   
   As an outline for reference, this principle could be applied to your individual region. If you found accurately dated photos from your area, and applied the same generalizations, you could construct a better historical persona. With more in depth study of what fabrics were available and what the socio-economical make-up of your region was your persona would be that much more believable. But that is what re-enacting is about, right? The in depth study and refinement of your character.



4. I loved perusing through this book and seeing all the pictures. It was full of useful information.



5. I enjoyed this book and found it informative. However if you have a general knowledge of the time then some information will not be helpful. For instance the author spoke of mourning clothes and some of the different stages. I believe most people who are interested in the time already know such facts.
   
   Some of the pictures were outstanding and are very haunting.
   
   I wonder how many pictures the author studied. It was a thought that ran through my mind, and where were these women from? These were just offhanded questions I had and I wondered if it would have changed some of her theories.
   
   There was one part I did not agree with. If I recall correctly( I had to give my copy back to the library) the author states that the reason mammy was upset that Scarlett wore her dress to the barbeque was because it was childish, and cut in a childish style. Yet I seem to recall mammy saying that she was not to show her "bosoms before 3 o'clock." And if you look at the dress Scarlett wore, it wasn't a child's dress but a ball gown worn at the wrong time of the day.
   
   My suggestion is to get this book from the library. If you really enjoyed it and believe it can be a great resource for you then order a used copy. I am unsure I would put the money down on this out of print book, especially if you already have some fashion knowledge.

3 comments about Techno Textiles 2: Revolutionary Fabrics for Fashion and Design.

1. I love this book. It is super visual and has so many crazy textiles and designs. This book is great for inspiration for design.



2. This book was not at all what was expected...
   It almost has no purpose.



3. TECHNO TEXTILES: REVOLUTIONARY FABRICS FOR FASHION AND DESIGN will prove an exciting pick for any designer or artist working in fabrics. Here are features of new textiles developed from carbon, steel and even glass: materials which protect wearers from the environment or offer new versatility traditional fabrics can't match. Accompanying color photos of fabrics in use are discussions of changing trends in fabric construction, design and style - an outstanding display of images in a top-rated title juxtaposing art and functional style. Very highly recommended.
   
   Diane C. Donovan, Editor
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Authentic Victorian Dressmaking Techniques.

1. As others have stated this book is more Edwardian period fashions and not Victorian, although one must remember that many of the same sewing techniques where used since not many people could afford to own a sewing machine. It shows how to sew even stitching by HAND which would be period correct for victorian or Edwardian sewing. Having studied and made civil war period clothing I found this book invaluable to recreate hemms, hand sewn plackards on skirts with hook and eye closures and how to finish the bottom of a boned bodice with NO lining in it. I would have been lost trying to figure all this out on my own. This book has wonderful illistrations of hand sewing and photographs from the early 1900's.



2. I've had it a year and the binding is unraveling. The information in this book is very useful. Some improvements to the text, illustrations and binding in the book and it would've made it a 5 star book.



3. I make reproductions costumes for our NYS Historic Preservation Costume Department. I have been trying without success to find an authentic 1885 Norfolk Suit and knickerbockers to replicate for a boy aged 8 years old. This wonderful sewing manual had a detailed description of both. Although it was written in 1905, the sewing techniques have been the same for many, many years. This manual is my most treasured for authentic techniques of the Victorian/Edwardian era.



4. Victoria was queen from 1837-1901.
   A reprinted dressmaking book from 1905 should not have it's title changed to include the word "Victorian". It's very misleading.
   This book is for the S front pidgeon breasted style of Edwardian clothing only.
   It does not even mention bustles, hoopskirts, fitted bodices, or any of the other key elements that defined Victorian costume.

   This book does not include any patterns, but it does tell you how to alter and sew garments from existing patterns, and might be useful if you have some vintage patterns that you'd like to adjust and use.

   I am highly disappointed and I plan to return this book.




5. This book should say that it only covers techniques from the late Victorian era through the turn of the century. Earlier techniques are not covered, otherwise it is a good book. If you are looking for dressmaking techniques prior to near the turn of the century, look elsewhere...

5 comments about The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color.

1. This book is nothing like any other "celebrity" how-to-book you've ever read. Let's face it, celebrities set trends, style, fashion, good or bad. Looking at them we think, I'd look fabulous too if I had a person to do my hair and make-up flawlessly! Iman says you CAN have someone to do it, YOU! And because no one was really interested in doing make-up for darker hues when she stepped onto the runway, she had to do her own. But the silver lining is that now she can share everything she learned. Her first point is crucial, she emphasizes that women must begin by looking in the mirror and seeing that they are beautiful without the makeup. When I heard her on Oprah's Show, I couldn't believe she was so real, down to earth, and connected to women. That connection is detailed as she provides little girl pictures of all the beautiful ceebrity women she showcases, and there is great diversity among them. This is ideal for little girls who feel like ugly ducklings,in that the book allows them to see there's a whole lot of growing into their beauty they will have to do. She also shows that few of us are born with, and keep, perfect skin, but we all have beautiful skin to work with. Whether light or dark, the book includes the do's and don'ts in an easy to follow language and doesn't endorse a bunch of expensive products. Instead, there are basic rules of the trade, products that she considers must haves, and examples of every look one might want for any event (including the I just ran to the store look!). Finally, the directions are detailed for skin, lips, eyes, eye brows, and much, much more. Most importantly, she shares that any woman can enjoy different colors with no holds barred. Express yourself! Beautifully photographed, illustrated, and packed with information, Iman uses humor and grace to connect and make you feel like a friend. Makes a Wonderful gift!



2. Former supermodel Iman, now founder of a successful cosmetic line, focuses on the entire gamut of skin tones - from light to dark - with this quality coffee table book.
   
   Full of chapters on skincare and makeup, Iman also debunks the myths and provides insights from top beauties like Selma Hayek, Eve and Tyra Banks. Sure to be appreciated by all women of color - whether black, Hispanic, Middle Eastern or Asian.



3. I bought this book as christmas gift to myself. This book tells of basic makeup application for the eyes, skin, lips, etc. It has different looks for you to try and it gives you instruction on how to apply it. I rated this book 4 stars because I thought their should have been more african-american women in our variety of colors, but the book is the the book of color. I have tried one of the looks and I can say I looked HOT!! Good for beginners.



4. I love this book! I checked it out of the library but I'm planning on purchaseing it soon. So many great tips and everything is explained so nicely. I love Iman's voice in it too. She's sweet and funny and is open-minded about how there are rules in applying make-up but no rules! Allow yourself to be creative! The only reason I'm not giving it a five star is because no book is perfect and also because I didn't see one picture of a woman with the same shade of skin as mine. I have a unique color. Not dark brown but not light tan. So, I was in between a lot with the advice on what colors to purchase. Plus, it didn't help that women like Vanessa Williams and Halle Berry are in it claiming to be African-American (black pride) but we all KNOW that they wouldn't look like that if they weren't biracial. Yea, your black with blue eyes?! Let me not go there....two points for Alicia Keys who said she is biracial. Anyway, enjoy and don't forget to have fun!



5. I am a MUA and i have to say that this book is freakin' AMAZING!!! its beautifully inspiring...and a great reference book for women of color! i love it!!!!! BUY IT !!

5 comments about Uniforms: Why We Are What We Wear.

1. Paul Fussell narrates the legacy of society's garments through to their modern inheritance. He analyzes not only the uniforms we commonly associate with blue-collar workers, but also the nature behind dress outside of the workplace. Fussell shows the ways in which human nature leads us to want to fit in - to assume our uniformity - while claiming to maintain individuality. His writing is crisp, refreshing, and cutting - his words convey comical anecdotes, historical accounts, and incisive analysis in a palatable fashion. While tracing uniforms throughout history, Fussell's work primarily focuses on the uniforms in our contemporary society today. Uniforms: Why We Are What We Wear transcends mere history, making probing social commentary and examining deeper meaning of cloth - showing how society might just be made out of cloth. Fussell's work is a treasure and remarkably astonishing - Uniforms tells the reader just how important our clothing is in conveying our place in society, how uniforms speak volumes beyond their superficial appearances, and how uniforms persist even in the absence of official doctrine. This book brings to light many things that we take for granted and demonstrates the significance of our society made of cloth.



2. This book was a disappointment. My expectations were of something much deeper than the surface this book examines. Very little effort is put into unpacking the psychological "condition" of a uniform's wearer, past and/or present. Instead, one finds page after page of wordy musings on the decoration of uniforms and personal biases. Our intellect is a bit more evolved than this book suggests.



3. Okay, I'll admit it. I borrowed this book from the library and I'm glad. Glad that I didn't pay money for it.

   It really sounded like an interesting topic...chapters on just about every group that wears a uniform: military (of course...actually several chapters in all), military reinactors, delivery men (FedEx, UPS, Post Office), nurses, doormen, ushers, athletes, you name it.

   Well, the delivery is just downright boring. The author writes as if he is trying to be scholarly. But then he lets his personal biases come poking through in little parenthetical comments. He's really big into finding a sexual meaning behind almost everything (military shoulder boards, football shoulder pads, even the UPS driver's shorts) and has a real fascination with buttons. Yeah, I guess a lot of uniforms have buttons, but it gets really old after about the fifth revelation. Gee, Gen. Patton liked silver buttons. Great.

   Anyway, I found the book to be a disappointment. I kept waiting for it to get better and it never did...I read about two thirds of it over six or seven nights and then just quit. Don't waste your time or your money on this one. Even if you suffer through it once, I guarantee you won't come back to read it again.




4. Mr. Fussell has written one book too many. This is a stream of thought on the subject. If ever there was an opportunity to illustrate, it was missed here. At less than 200 pages, he was obviously in a hurry. One wonders, why he even started. I heard an interview with him on NPR and it was interesting. Perhaps, Mr. Fussell should consider selling the tape.



5. Uniforms: Why We Are What We Wear is a fun little compendium of facts on an interesting subject. This work, however, lacks the heft of Fussell's earlier works, including The Great War and Modern Memory and Class. Uniforms reads more like a haphazard collection of "scrap material" rather than a detailed analysis of its subject. Fussell also does little to answer the titular question: "why we are what we wear."

   One of the advantages that a uniform affords its wearer is the ability to skimp on "the work of remaking one's external character all the time." That, of course, is one of a uniform's many advantages, but the flip side is a concurrent loss of individuality. Sometimes, as in the case of Levi's blue jeans, an effort to rebel and stand out gets adopted by so many, that it becomes the new uniform.

   As would be expected, Uniforms talks about all manner of military attire and even the general military attitude (many a generalization here!) of a nation's people.

   Besides military uniforms, Fussell also briefly points out uniforms in many other codes of dress. A nuptial dress, which is usually white, religious uniforms, and Boy Scout uniforms are but some of the examples outlined in the book. Long baggy boys' shorts and pants, we learn, are derived from prison wear as an act of rebellion against parents. Then of course there is the cute UPS truck driver in his cool brown uniform classified as "delivery chic."

   In his book, Fussell points out the overwhelming masculinity of the subject (women came to uniforms pretty late). He also says that: "Dressing approximately like others is to don armor against contempt." Any woman who has tried buying her guy a purple shirt can attest to the verity of both of those statements....

2 comments about Fifty Years of Fashion: New Look to Now.

1. This book takes us from decade to decade from the 50's to now with an examination of social, cultural, economic, and historical factors both setting the backdrop to and influencing changing fashions. This is an intermediate book in fashion, if you compare it to picture-only books to the other end of the spectrum where text dominates (often no pictures), and we see a treatise on aesthetic theory, anthropological roots, feminist writings, and studies on human sexuality and psychology.
   
   This book is a very light introduction to the type of questions you see in more advanced texts, but will not alienate the dilettante fashionista or costumer. The pictures provide exemplary examples of the styles discussed, and the chapters summarize everything quickly enough to have a solid overview of our recent fashion history. Again, I am sure this book will gain lots of interest, whether for browsing or seriously perusing an interest in a compelling aspect of human history and society. Check Steele's other books as well--she writes with insight, but doesn't overdo it with the dry academic stuff; she also has excellent taste with her picture selection.



2. This book has both beautiful photographs and informative text. The only reason I took off one star is that I think more photographs from each designer should have been included. I especially would have liked to have seen a few more photos of clothes from American designers from the 1990s. Throughout the book, the author mostly displays clothes made by European designers. I would not have expected much attention to be focused upon American designers before 1980s or 1990s. Arguably, it was not until the 1990s that American fashion really started to influence Europe, instead of the other way around. Because this reversal of influence was such a change, I would have expected more attention to be paid to it visually. Therefore, the lack of representation in this era makes me think that American designers were somewhat shortchanged in this book. However, I agree that all the designers selected, both European and American, did heavily influence their own time periods.

   This book covers Post War 1940s through 1990s. In each era the author focused on a few key designers. The author chose Balenciaga, Balmain, and Dior to represent the 1940s and 1950s. The author primarily showcased Correges, Yves Saint Laurent, and Quant to represent the 1960s. Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were the focus of the 1970s era. More designers are represented in the 1980s. The book has one or two photos from Chanel, Lacroix, Blass, Herrera, Azzedine Alaia, Armani, Gaultier, Comme des Garcon, and Issey Miyake, among a few others. The 1990s are represented by a photo or two of designs from Versace, Anna Sui, Chanel, Tom Ford for Gucci, Galliano, Donna Karen, Westwood, Calvin Klein, and Prada.

   Just as it is the maxim for fashion in general, so is it for this book in particular...less is more. The photos in this book capture the essence of each era and the text details the stylistic atmosphere to which each designer contributed. I highly reccommend this book. Despite having access to it at the library, I plan on buying it.

5 comments about The New Professional Image: From Business Casual to the Ultimate Power Look.

1. It seems that in our ever-increasingly casual society, we have lost some of our common sense when dressing for the office. This book has no surprises - there are no hidden secrets for compiling a work wardrobe - if we put a bit of thought into it, I'm sure most people could determine on their own that belly tops, sandals, frayed jeans, see-through blouses and poor grooming are potentially career-limiting moves.

   The information in this book is pretty basic. Save your money - you can probably get this quality of advice from Mom - for free.




2. If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to making a positive impact through appearance, this is your book. I am a recruiter with a Fortune 100 company in the US, and a professional image consultant recommended this book to me when I originally began my position. As a person who was looking for solid guidelines around professional dressing, as well as a reference for others who are looking to improve their appearance, I have found no other book to be comparable.

   There are many aspects which make this book such an important resource for professionals:

   1. The author provides specific guidelines around what items should be in a professional wardrobe, even going as far as to outline what quantities are particularly helpful of each piece of clothing.

   2. The book is filled with "before and after" pictures, which allow the reader to see first-hand how the author's recommendations can make a startling appearance alteration.

   3. To reflect the variety of workplace formality levels, there are six levels of workplace dress covered in the chapters. For those people who work for companies that have never successfully defined "Casual Friday", this book gives a lot of great hints of how to dress casual but still remain professional.

   4. Two separate chapters outline accessories and generic grooming guidelines, and I have only found those hints in this particular guideline book.

   5. For people looking to improve their wardrobe on a limited budget or a first job out of school, the author does not suggest spending a fortune on designer clothing. Rather, she suggests some key pieces to acquire first, and then others that can be obtained after your finances begin to improve.

   Overall, I see the negative impact every day in my position from candidates who do not make the extra effort to go from "dressing up" to "looking professional". I strongly suggest that you make the $15 investment in this book, since it could help you to acquire the high paying career of your dreams!




3. This book is an excellent guide to dressing for the workplace regardless of where you work. I especially liked the sections on business casual (for both men and women). This section helped me to see that, though I am a manager in my firm, I was dressing like the delivery man. There are so many options for dressing these days and dress has become so casual that we lose sight of the impact that our clothing has on others and the subtle signals we send. The authors do an excellent job of demonstrating how important dress is, especially for women. And, it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to dress well, it just takes conscious buying and this book as your guide. If you feel like you are not making the impact at work and maybe in your life that you would like to make, get this book. Perhaps your appearance is sending a different message.



4. As a young woman entering the workforce, I recognized the need to make a strong first impression. What I lacked was the concrete rules to pull this off. This book is outstanding! Given to me as a present, it will surely serve as my dressing bible for years to come. I was especially helped by the dress/grooming guidelines given for specific occasions and the tips for creating a more polished overall look.

   Just be forewarned that the women's photos show fashions which are about five years out of style, but the overall ideas are still applicable to everyday life. Men's fashions are a lot more constant so their section is still current.




5. I am currently beginning my second career and needed the Zero to 60 information, now, to level the playing field. You may think, gee, this guy should know all the rules--but my first career was 25 years in the military. Susan Bixler and Nancy Nix-Rice have me confident that when I walk into the interview, I will have the external factors covered (the first 30 seconds)--they even give you hints on how posture, speak, and express the internal you--your knowledge, skills, and ability. I notice people much more now--I look for the suit and tie color, suit make, belts, shoe style, etc., to see the type client the individual is playing up or down to. If you're at all uncertain--this is your next book--you will not be sorry.

1 comments about Wallpaper.

1. one of the most innovative and good books i saw lately.inspirational and professional. well done