4 comments about Autobiography of a Wardrobe.

1. I bought this because it was "recommended for me." Does anyone really care about a communicating wardrobe? No insight, just criticism. Save your money.



2. If your wardrobe could talk, what would it say about you? Author Elizabeth Kendall tells the story of B., her evolving self, by creating a delightful narrator--Wardrobe.
   
   In the first chapter, "How I Was Born," Wardrobe says: "I came into being in the last moments of that two-centuries-old institution called Childhood, in which everything was ironed: collars, sashes, sailor suits. Nowadays it's different."
   
   Elizabeth Kendall rebelled against the Country Club look her parents loved. At twelve, she saw in a store window a new kind of dress. It was sleeveless red coral with a dropped waist and white piping, just like the dress she'd seen in Mouseketeer Magazine!
   
   Wardrobe's report of the incident: "The only problem: the mother recoiled from the red coral dress. 'It's brassy,' she said. 'It's not,' said B. 'It's...modern. And if I don't get it, I can't be myself.'"
   
   And so the story goes. Kendall gives us vivid descriptions of her various careers--fashion designer, dancer, writer, Parisian bohemian--and the way they were reflected in her clothing, all through the voice of Wardrobe. It is clever writing, and for someone like me who spends far too much time searching for "the right look" for every occasion, it was a delightful read that made me laugh at myself.
   
   I also enjoyed the book as a study of a unique way to write about one's life. My own writing may have improved a notch or two from having observed Kendall's skillful style.
   
   by Donna Van Straten Remmert
   for Story Circle Book Reviews
   reviewing books by, for, and about women



3. Autobiography of a Wardrobe is just that-"a tale told from the point of view of one woman's Wardrobe, as if it were a person (hence the logic of capitalizing the word Wardrobe through out this review). Wardrobe imparts to the reader the story B, of her owner, with all of her hand-me-down and retail mishaps, as well as successes, recorded for posterity.
   
   Most women will easily relate to the confusion in our early fashion lives as we were dressed by those who nurtured and cared for us. From Wardrobe's descriptions, you sense that B was at the hands of well-meaning relatives who wanted to imprint their style onto a young B, without consideration for her desires.
   
   Wardrobe describes B's teen years as a hit-and-miss proposition, although she purchases her first true classic, a raw silk dress and tiny gold earrings. It is a hint of the woman emerging from the cocoon of childhood.
   
   As B matures, Wardrobe describes her life as continuing to be a haphazard fashion free-for-all, but a chance purchase of a sweater-jacket gives B a polished look that gets her a job with Conde Nast. It is the beginning of B's career as a writer, which will take her around the world in both words and fashion. A love of dance brings B to her true passion as a writer, and Wardrobe is soon filled with pieces that reflect a tribute to dancers both past and present.
   
   The book goes quickly but feels a bit rushed at the end, as if Wardrobe suddenly missed the peace and quiet of a dark calm space in which to "hang" out.
   
   For fashionistas, or anyone whose ever searched through the racks at Bloomingdales for the perfect little black dress, this is a must read.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: Fun chick lit all will enjoy.



4. Autobiography of a Wardrobe is one of the most creative and original memoirs I have ever read! The reader follows B. (and her wardrobe) through her successes, failures, tragedies, triumphs, loves and life. I laughed, cried, cringed and smiled as B. evolves into her adult self and finds her true calling as a writer. I think Autobiography of a Wardrobe will be a great book for book groups, who will find endless topics for discussion in its pages. Don't miss this wonderful book!!

3 comments about Universal Beauty: The MISS UNIVERSE Guide to Beauty.

1. You'll love it! If you were in the Miss USA pageant, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe you will love this book... Especially if you're a winner. Since it's one big celebration of these pageants or any pageant by Donald Trump complete with him giving a bragging opening ''foreward'', pictures of all the girls, them on the back giving fab reviews for it and talking all about themselves in it with only minor beauty information. Stuff everyone basically already knows- but if you want a guide with some beauty pageant contestants/winners this is it... Other than that don't expect too much.



2. This would be a really great book if you loved pageants. It's got a lot of good tips, but nothing that you haven't already heard in numerous beauty/fashion magazines. It also has lots of photos and information on pageant contestants too. If you're really into that...then go for it. But if you're looking for some real beauty "secrets," then I wouldn't bother.



3. If you want only one 'beauty bible' filled with color and insights, it should come from an authority - and UNIVERSAL BEAUTY; THE MISS UNIVERSE GUIDE TO BEAUTY doesn't get any more authoritative. Contributions come from the former Miss Universe titleholders and pair advice from beauty writer Cara Birnbaum with the experts' insights. From choosing beauty products and understanding labeling to beauty secrets that helped win the crown, UNIVERSAL BEAUTY comes packed with expertise and plenty of color photos.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

No comments about Camouflage.

5 comments about Famous Jewelry Collectors.

1. as a collector and wearer of gem stone jewelry, this book caught my attention. the photographs of the collectors and their jewels did not disappint. i would recommend this to any serious jewelry lover.



2. ...for everybody who loves great jewellery.
   
   The books provides both, interesting information about jewellery and gorgeous pictures. It shows the treasure chests of collectors from the aristocracy, society as well as from stars of the stage (both movie and opera). Although I'm particularly interested in noble jewels, it's the mix of collections in this book I really appreciate.
   
   It's always a pleasure to read and look. My book hasn't found yet the way to the bookshelf - it's still right to my hand on the table...



3. I really enjoyed this book, the images are crisp and the text is fascinating. The people in this book live for their jewels and many of them, particularly the Duchess of Windsor, had impeccable taste. Some of the pieces are just stunning, and the background on the collectors is most interesting. I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in beautiful jewelry.



4. This book is wonderfull, the jewelry is wonderfull. It renews my faith that at one time people with money DID have some taste. This book is well worth the money spent.



5. An entertaining book with memorable personalities and their world famous baubles. The section on socialities and the nobility is fun to read; especially countess Mona von Bismarck. The incredible story of Poor Little Rich Girl, Barbara Hutton and socialite Daisy Fellowes (she must have been an incredible woman, reading her self-improvement on her nose!). Some of the gems are world famous, like the bejewelled menagerie of the Duchess of Windsor, her cats, her flamingo, her tiger lorgnette etc. All in all, a fun book to read, but not only for lovers of jewellery, but also for people who are interested in royalty, fashion and high society. In short, a nice coffeetable book!

2 comments about 18th Century Costume in the National Museums and Galleries of Mersyside (National Museums Galleries).

1. As a reenactor, ordering this book was a leap of faith as it hasn't been mentioned much in 18th century enthusiast circles. As one who likes to have photos of as many extant garments as possible, it was great to add some never before seen items to my library. For the beginner, the text is a good overview of 18c fashion - but it would be with Linda Baumgarten in the Bibliography. There are some novel methods of trimmming in the photos which are within the range of the reenactor.
   I was pleased with the book and recommend it.



2. This is a fabulous bargain for people interested in this period. When I first saw the price, I feared that perhaps it was only a listing of holdings, but no, it is beautifully illustrated with more than 50 photographs in full color.
   
   The text is relatively brief, but extremely well-written so as to be very informative and not make too many assumptions about the prior knowledge of the reader. Styles in fabrics as well as in cut are noted. It is accompanied by a selection of well-placed illustrations. The only flaw I detected is that "calamanco" is used several times before being defined. That such a trivial error stands out it indicative of the high quality.
   
   Most of the pictures are together in a section following the text. The introduction notes that there are gaps in the museum's collection of men's clothing, so these are supplemented with period portraits. The pictures include many accessories such as shoes, kerchiefs and aprons. I was particularly intrigued by a shoe that was shown with its matching clog. Both front and back views are shown of the gowns. There are also many shots of the details of trim as well the complete garment. The costumes are all middle and upper class, excepting one painting featuring a jockey; the introduction notes that working class people generally wore out their clothing.
   
   I think that any costume library would be enhanced by this book.

5 comments about Historic Costume in Pictures (Dover Pictorial Archives).

1. This book is a reproduction of the 1907 book "Costumes of All Nations" (3rd edition), which in turn was reproduced from a series of plates produced by Braun and Schneider in "Zur Geschichte der Kostume" between 1861 and 1890. Unfortunately, in the process, all of the text (both the German and English) was removed (as was the color). So we have no way of knowing what went along with these drawings.

   Furthermore, there are no references of any kind, so you can't go back to the "original" painting, or source to verify the information. It may be helpful for getting ideas, but not for any serious costume design.




2. If you are interested in the proper history of costume, this book is not for you. It was created in the 19th century, when costume history was at its beginning and it reflects all major faults of the researchers of that time. Many things, claimed to be true at that time, are now proven to be completely wrong. Personally, I have found some blunders in this book. So, if you want to do a thorough and accurate research for your costume, refer to the modern researchers, authentic paintings and manuscripts. Definitely not this book. It is like using 14th century manuscripts for studying modern English.
   But if you want to compare the work of modern and Victorian authors - go ahead, this is a wonderful example.
   This book can also be quite suitable for those, who are interested in theatrical costume, where looks come first and authenticity does not matter.



3. If you're a serious student of costume history, this book is not for you. But if you're a beginning re-enactor, or you work with them, it's an excellent source for getting the "feel" of a period. It is typically Victorian in line, as are many similar books still in print. BUT it's comprehensive through many time periods, shows accessories well (which a lot of similar books do not), and makes for a good beginning point.

   I've found it very useful in getting beginning costume students to pick a period for further research.




4. This is another book of Victorian redrawings of historical garments and outright inventions and fantasies where ancient clothing is concerned. While it might be useful to theatrical costumers, Victorian recreationists, or those interested in the history of costume illustration or interpretation, it is of no use to those doing historic costuming or interested in costume history.

   If you want accurate representations of historic clothing, get a book with reproductions of art from the time period of the clothes you're interested in.




5. As a costumer for the high school i find it difficult to find books that are comprehensive with pictures of enough time periods to find what i am looking for. This book shows enough examples to get the styles across, unfortunately it is in black and white but it is still detailed and wonderful.

2 comments about The Fairchild Encyclopedia of Menswear (Fairchild Reference Collection) (Fairchild Reference Collection).

1. Read the galleys and I'd buy this just for the entry on "Nudie"--it's a hoot.



2. This book has all the info about men's fashion that you can't find anyplace else - not on the web, not in other reference books (because they deal with women's fashion), plus lots of trivia that just makes it a fun read.

5 comments about Jackie: The Clothes of Camelot.

1. While this book features some interesting facts and pictures, I was very disappointed to find that the author almost completely disregards Jackie's use of accessories. I had hoped to learn about the handbags Jackie used, but despite brief references to her clutches, the only time he talked about them was to wrongly call the Gucci 'Jackie' bag - named after the woman herself - a Hermes tote. He also craftily avoids the subject of her shoes. Disappointing.



2. Having grown up in the 60's, and being a Fashion Major as well as a big fan of Jackie Kennedy I was excited to read this book, and pleasantly surprised with Mulvaney's perspective on Mrs. Kennedy's wardrobe. I own many books on Jackie Kennedy and was particularly impressed with the photos and information presented in this book on this fashion icon. I read this book from cover to cover in one day. The photos are stunning, and images of Mrs. Kennedy through her husband's White House years as well as post years are presented in black and white along with color. If you are a Jackie Kennedy admirer, or a Fashion History buff; this is a phenomenal book to add to your collection...well worth the hardback price anywhere!



3. I absolutely loved this book. Jackie just looks so beautiful. Her fashion sense is remarkable. And she looks so elegant and beautiful. She was simply the greatest.



4. I am not a die-hard Jackie O fan, but I love fashion in general. I have always thought of Jackie O as a fashion icon, and wanted to learn more about her. Until now, I have never seen a book that pictorally does her sense of style justice. However, in this book there are enough photographs both in black and white and in color to satisfy any fashion junkie or Jackie O fan. No matter what the situation, Jackie O was always appropriately and fashionably attired. This book does an excellent job of showing this by portraying her clothing choices through the years and in a variety of categories. This book does not go into great detail about Jackie O as a person or historical figure, I don't think it was written with those objectives in mind, but it should satisfy the fashion cravings of most people. I highly recommend it.



5. Who else, in all the other First Ladies, could have worn all those beautiful clothes with the chic and style Jackie had! Not many I guess. In this beautiful book, there are some never seen before pictures, that demonstrates what elegance in fashion is all about. It will take a long time before we can see that again in the White House. I treasure that book that makes me relive that unique period of refinement and class that once was in the White House, thanks to Jackie!

5 comments about Grace Kelly: Icon of Style to Royal Bride (Philadelphia Museum of Art).

1. A bride figure of really beautiful Grace.
   The photograph which photographed her is splendid. Various articles used at the time of marriage are carried.
   This is a precious document.



2. I bought this book for the sole purpose of learning more about Grace Kelly's wedding dress. At the time I bought the book, I was planning my own wedding and I wanted a wedding dress that looked similar to Grace's. However, I had not been able to find good pictures of the dress online or in other books I had of Grace. Therefore, I was delighted with this book, which has beautiful pictures of the dress. Furthermore, the book has also proven to be a great addition to my collection of Grace Kelly books as it provides particular attention and detail to one of the most important days in Grace's life. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is interested in Grace, and particularly in her wedding dress.



3. I, for one, think that Grace Kelly was the epitome of the most beautiful, elegant brides of the modern edge...even to Princess Diana..that dress and the work that went into it is mindblowing. I've seen the dress in person and it TRULY is BREATHTAKINGLY stunning! The lace, alone, in this modern age (although no longer available) would be over $10K ALONE! I plan to copy some of Grace's elegance in my very own wedding...a Rose Point Lace garter, the beautiful Juliet Cap...all I can say is this: It's not a Grace Kelly Bio--this is strictly dedicated to the dress and it's making: fabrics and laces used and how they were all put together. Truly and informative book besides being a wonderful reference as well as a Keepsake. At LEAST 5 stars on this. Check it out..you won't be disappointed!



4. This book gives a very detailed representation of Grace Kelly's Wedding Dress. It also gives lots of details of the events leading up to her wedding day. It is not a biography of her life. It focuses on her wedding day and the events leading up to it with the wedding day itself being the culmination.



5. I was a bit disappointed when I received the book as I thought it would have more colored pictures of her wardrobe. Many were in black and white. The photos of her wedding dress were lovely though -- I guess that was the true focus of the book.

2 comments about 305 Authentic Art Nouveau Jewelry Designs.

1. This was a gift to a friend in Europe and he LOVED it! Very quick shipment and everything great. Amazon is fantastic, as usual!



2. I LOVE this book, and have turned many of these designs into tattoos. Never seen anything like it on any other person, either.