1 comments about Nudie the Rodeo Tailor.

1. Leave this on your coffee table and it will be picked up. Nudie's name gets their attention, but then his work keeps them looking. Some may label his work as kitsch. I contend Nudie was a great American artist.
   
   This book is worthy of the man. Nicely laid out. Die-cut on the front. A great gift or addition to your library.

3 comments about A Chicago Tradition: Marshall Field's Food And Fashion (Chicago Cultural Center Foundation).

1. First of all the format is way, way too small, what was there was nice but I wanted to see more of everything, more recipes, more historical photos, more contemporary photos of the interiors, some advertising and graphic design would have been nice, I came away unsatisfied. Perhaps the author didn't have access to alot of the archival materials since it was going to be sold off to FDS. BOO!



2. This book not only has recipes from Marshall Field's Restaurants, but also beautiful pictures and a history of the store itself. I was very pleased with this book, I bought three of them, one for myself and one for each of my daughters as a remembrance of all the wonderful times we've spent at Marshall Field's. We all intend to make the recipe for the Walnut Room's famous Chicken Pot Pie!



3. This is the one of the neatest little books on Chicago that I have ever seen. Recently, I was on a business trip to the windy city and purchased two little books by Joan Greene that were done as a series for the Chicago Cultural Center Foundation.
   
   The one on Marshall Field's is great -- wonderful photos -- old and new and a good tribute to a Chicago institution that will be changing it's name next year. Growing up near Chicago, Marshall Field's Walnut Room Restaurant was always a treat at Christmas time and I love that the books has several recipes included. What I did not know and the book talks about is the number of retail first that began at Marshall Field's. If you like shopping or history or Chicago, this little easy-read is a must. I am ordering one for my sister to enjoy over Christmas.
   
   P. S. The Chicken Potpie recipe from Field's is included. I remember my mother ordering that when I was a child. The book made me want to stop by Field's for a meal the next time I am in town.

2 comments about Language of the Robe.

1. "...an Omaha girl was seen flitting among the tall prairie flowers, shifting her white blanket to suit her varying moods - now letting it float as she swept in ever-widening curves, or at the slightest sound, hiding her glossy head and laughing among its soft folds." ~The Omaha Tribe, Alice Fletcher
   
   Robert W. Kapoun documents the wide variety of trade blankets in this fascinating study of Native American culture. He describes the blanket as a poetic statement that is given a voice by the wearer. If you have ever wrapped a blanket around yourself for comfort or used a scarf as a fashion statement, then you begin to understand how a robe can create various moods and gives the wearer a sense of fashion.
   
   "These blankets are not merely being worn to provide warmth; they create a statement, if you will, which says, "These blankets are part of our culture." ~Robert W. Kapoun
   
   The writing in this book is especially poetic and while learning about the cultural significance of the blankets, you may also start to feel a deeper connection with nature. These blankets promote a sense of community and are used as gifts, to carry children, to display wealth and to protect from the elements.
   
   The designs on the robes make an interesting study when you see the charts for the terminology of the designs. Then this becomes art appreciation as you identify a dragonfly, a feather, clouds, lightning, turtles, teepees, rabbit ears, birds and leaves. The brightly colored blankets either have stripes or intricately woven patterns. This book identifies collectible blankets and also explores the historical significance.
   
   The way to find modern versions of these blankets here at Amazon is to apparently type in "Pendleton Woolen Mills." I tried just about everything else.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



2. Over three hundred photos beautifully spice a history and survey of pre-World War II Indian trade blankets, revealing not only examples from the five major manufacturers, but some surprises confronting the common myth of Native blanket-making. Collectors, textile artists and Native American history enthusiasts alike receive a thorough survey of these blankets, how they became a symbol of Native history, and how they were traded and constructed. From machinery purchases and business transactions within the manufacturing industry to how tribal customers directed the Indian trade blanket designs and manufacturing process, LANGUAGE OF THE ROBE is a fascinating, unusual history.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

No comments about The Embroideries at Hardwick Hall: A Catalogue.

4 comments about Sweatshirts With Style (Starwear).

1. I found the book I had been searching for in like new condition for only $.41! I am well satisfied with my purchase.



2. I've had this book for years and have used the principles in it to make many sweatshirts into comfortable cardigans. They are wonderful for slipping on and off easily when you have arthritis and aren't as heavy as a regular jacket. By coordinating fabric you can make a cardigan that matches your pants and skirts. Using the ideas in this book there are many ways to adapt and make nice looking cover-ups for disabled people who have special dressing needs such as larger neckholes, etc.



3. This book gave tips on how to revise sweatshirts in ways that I should have thought of years ago but never did. Well worth the price-in fact, it was a steal! I would recommend this book to anyone who can sew.



4. you sold a used book that you had already sold and was not available and I have no way to tell you. I wish I did. so this
   is a review of your service not the book.

2 comments about Dressing Renaissance Florence: Families, Fortunes, and Fine Clothing (The Johns Hopkins University Studies in Historical and Political Science).

1. It's surprising to note that professor Carole Collier Frick's DRESSING RENAISSANCE FLORENCE: FAMILIES, FORTUNES AND FINE CLOTHING is the first in-depth study of the Renaissance fashion industry. Here are insights into the social and political meaning of clothing in Florence, with black and white photos throughout displaying changing styles and fashion innovations, visual impressions and how family fortunes were invested in wardrobes. A fascinating college-level study, recommended for any collection strong in fashion or Renaissance history.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. I'm extremely impressed. I think this book would make an outstanding addition to any Renaissance-lover's, or garbaholic's, bookshelf.

   It is not about how to make Italian-persona clothing. Instead, it focuses on how Florentines of the Renaissance used clothing to make social statements. Along the way, it examines some things that garbmakers would like hearing about (one table lists various color combinations found in gowns and linings), but mostly, it's about the sociology of fashion.

   Chapters:

   * Craftspeople and tailors (including how clothes-making guilds were organized and the role women played in these guilds)
   * Tailoring Family Honor (how Florentines viewed honor and how they thought honor was expressed through clothing)
   * Family Fortunes in Clothes (how much they spent, and a bit about the secondhand clothes market)
   * The making of wedding gowns (you'll love learning how many opinions went into one and how totally political it all was)
   * Trousseaux for Marriage and Convent (how they differed, and lists of what went into each)

   And stuff about sumptuary law, information about layers of clothing, types of dyes (and an examination of mourning clothes), types of fabric, and clothes as depicted in art -- and how art might have distorted how people really wore clothes. Embroidery is also covered.

   Needless to say, the painter Ghirlandaio features pretty prominently here. There are also b/w repros of portraits, unfortunately not super well detailed, but there are a few here I haven't seen before. There are also appendices that are very useful -- lists of currency and measures, categories of clothiers, yardage required for various garments, glossaries of what yardage terms meant, and a HUGE bibliography and glossary of terms.

   It isn't a physically large book, clocking in at around 300pp, but it's very rich in detail, and the writing is pleasant to read. I'd definitely recommend this book to anybody wanting to immerse in the period -- and DEFINITELY for any Renaissance costumers out there. It might not be a bad idea to have some basic grounding in the period before reading this, but it's written well enough that if any is required, it isn't much.

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.

5 comments about French Fashion Illustrations of the Twenties: 634 Cuts from La Vie Parisienne (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. As a reference for fashion history, this book is very nice. However, the fasions that are included bear only a faint resemblance to what we in the US think of 1920s fashion. Where we think of Flapper Era fashions as characterized by straight lines, dropped waists, and cloche hats, the fashions in this book are a definite departure from that. Most of the dresses have round skirts and definite waist lines. When I say rounded shirts I mean rounded skirts. They are like balloons of fabric. I would recommend this book to those who have a real interest in. or curiosity about French fashion of the 1920's, then this will serve you well. Otherwise it is a disappointment.



2. I have lots of fashion books and this is one of my favorites just for the illustrations. There is very little text, but again if you want fun and inspiring illustrations this book is the best. I personally like these little drawings better than even Erte's illustrations.



3. Yes this is a good book that captures the general feel of the time-periods. However, as an owner of said book, I must point out that more than a few fashions are repeated in the "years/chapters". This gives the book a clip-art feel and detracts, somewhat, from the over-all quality. The book is all in straight Black & White and some people might be put off by this but it preserves the charm of the periods the book aims to capture. So I say this is a fair purchase for those interested in 20's art and not too obsessed whith graphics.



4. Found this book very useful when doing research on clothing for a fashion history class.



5. Found this book very useful when doing research on clothing for a fashion history class.

2 comments about Shoes and Slippers: From Snowshill, One of the World's Leading Collections of Costume and Accessories of the 18th and 19th Centuries.

1. Buy this. Gorgeous pictures, charming and scholarly text, what more can a designer, clothes lover, or dress historian ask from any book? The introduction of these pretty jewel-like volumes on Shoes and Hats provide pleasure and inspiration for designers and fashion fanciers. And the detailed inset photographs on construction makes "Shoes & Slippers", and its sister volume "Hats and Bonnets" obligatory reading for costume makers. Who knew that the Snowshill Collection held this treasure trove of costume? Hat's off to Althea Mackenzie for her terrific work on these fresh additions to the costume and fashion bookshelf.



2. Beautiful photos of a wonderful collection of 18th & 19th century footwear. A terrific reference for anyone interested in either century.

5 comments about Dressing the Man You Love: A Woman's Guide to Purchasing, Coordinating, and Caring for His Classic Wardrobe.

1. The title and odd graphic on the cover might scare away male readers, but the book is equally useful to a wife and for the man himself. I'd recommend it as a gift to any male graduating and entering the world of work.
   It's excellent in explaining the options, what to wear with what, and when to wear certain types of clothing. I like the chapter explaining what casual Friday attire really should be.
   Some of the tips for wives (or girlfriends) include care of the clothing and not to project your color preferences onto him. The author advises having your man try on everything in his closet. Good luck. I wouldn't ever try on all the things in my closet, so it's hard for me to imagine a man being willing to do this.
   The book is packed with information on the classic male wardrobe from shoes and socks up to the tie around his neck. The sketches nicely complement the text. Quite a useful book for anyone wanting to dress appropriately in the world of work as well as casually.
   I do wish the print was larger in the book, but it packs a lot into 275 pages.



2. If, like me, your husband is the kind of guy whose attitude is, "I'll wear if it a) fits and b) doesn't stink," this book will be a huge help to you.
   
   Of course we all want our husbands or gentleman friends to look halfway decent. But if he doesn't particularly care to extend much effort in that direction himself, Betsy Durkin Matthes' "Dressing the Man You Love" will be your boon companion in understanding the ins-and-outs of men's clothing (a little more complicated than it looks!) and in caring for that clothing.
   
   In addition to an excellent, thorough overview of men's clothing from types of tweed to types of tie patterns, Matthes covers body types; alterations; figuring out what colors best suit his skin tone; dealing with store salespeople; and more.
   
   The book is sensitively designed, graphically attractive, and sprinkled liberally with funny quotations about fashion, style and clothing. Daniel Cooney's black-and-white illustrations suit the text and tone of the book, and are detailed enough that they're not there just for decoration; you can actually learn from them.
   
   I'm thrilled to have this book on our bookshelves, and consult it when shopping for my husband. Thank you, Betsy Durkin Matthes, for a much-needed basic guide!



3. .
   Beginning with the basics size & shape of your man, Betsy Durkin Matthes asks questions that are easy to answer, but very important in picking the right kind and color of clothes for your man... or men, for yourself.
   
   Chapter 1: Classifications include: the perfect (and not so perfect) man; the string-bean - or lanky; the short challenge; the larger man and his needs; ironclad men (those with the 6-pack belly and muscles like The Rock. Additionally a chart with suggestions for the body types helps pick out the right items.
   
   Chapter 2: What colors are best? Years ago I was classified as an Autumn, and found that the fall colors enhance my appearance; I also buy clothes in the other seasons such as bright yellow (spring), black (winter), sky blue (summer). With the colors outside my season I change the way I do my make up. Since most men do not wear makeup, the choices are more important. Keeping the seasons in mind is helpful in buying the right color clothing and accessories to bring out the best in your guy.
   
   Chapter 3: This is tricky because there are probably a lot of clothes that need to be tossed out -- so you attack his closet...but don't shock him, get him to help you and to understand why his wardrobe needs an update.
   
   Chapter 4: If you don't generally shop in the men's department, just take the plunge and browse. Follow the guide she provides, and fill in the form for your man. Some of these items are jacket size, sleeve length, pants around the waist and to the floor, even tie length because a tall man needs a longer tie. This is filled with good information.
   
   Chapter 5: The salespeople -- if they are on commission, they may try to get you to buy more than you need. That is the value of all the previous questions, answers, and guides. You'll know if they want you to buy everything or the ones that are right for you. You are in charge.
   
   Chapter 6: Now the suits - every man should own at least one suit. This chapter is loaded with pictures that display the cuts of jackets, pockets, lapels, etc. We see the current fads everywhere, but the classics are sharp and can make the man.
   
   Chapter 7: What's the best fabric for a suit? There are a variety of wool types and other fabrics, and some are better for the cut and type of a jacket than others.
   
   Chapter 8: The covers patterned fabrics such as: pinstrip, chalk stripe, window pane, and more. The chart Matthes provides has clear pictures of each type, thus making it easier to discuss with your man and the salesman to find the right one for your man.
   
   Chapter 9: How do you get the right trousers. Suit trousers really don't work as dressy slacks. With a bunch of pant types pictured for you, you'll know cuts, cuffs (yes or no).
   
   Chapter 10: Covers vests -- to wear or not to wear?
   
   Chapter 11: The Tailor is truly the person who can make an off the rack suit look custom. When you find a good one, consider him a jewel.
   
   Matthes' Glossary will answer all of your questions so that if the tailor asks if you want barrel cuffs on a broadcloth pant, you'll know what to say.
   
   With 25 fascinating chapters, you'll find that you are able to choose the best way to dress your man, or for a man to dress himself.



4. Betsy Durkin Matthes' book DRESSING THE MAN YOU LOVE is a tour de force illustrated guide to helping a man dress his best according to classic standards of clothing excellence. The illustrations and tone of DRESSING harken to a more civilized time when people expected men to be gentlemen and consistently look their best, while it presents an up-to-date modern awareness of materials and style.
   
   This is a thrilling book for anyone who's wished to know the secrets of what makes the difference in appearance for a well-dressed man, as it takes the reader into the fascinating world of men's fashion. Matthes sets precisely the right mood for helping anyone dress their favorite man to the nines, regardless how little they may already know. With a friendly tone, DRESSING inspires, educates, and helps to empower and embolden us to offer solid mens fashion assistance in ways that make a huge difference.
   
   DRESSING is relaxing and reassuring to readers of all levels of fashion awareness, as it sets one's mind to correctly prioritizing what areas to focus on in improving your man's wardrobe... from the best places and times to shop, to what to shop for... to how to work most effectively with a tailor. Matthes consistently achieves the perfect balance between providing the "big picture" of fashion planning and a wealth of information on all the little things that together make such a big difference in the overall look. Details such common suit weave patterns, tie patterns, color coordination, sleeve and hem lengths, and proper alterations are covered beautifully with vivid descriptions and ample sketches.
   
   Highly recommended!



5. Being a man, it was not easy for me to sit down and read this book based on its title. I must admit that I did not know what I was going to get out of this book. However, after reading the book I must now admit that I have learned much from Betsy Matthes' book.
   
   The book is just what the title suggests: a book on how to dress for men. It is actually a well written book that moves quickly. The illustrations in the book also were helpful and the pointers that Matthes gives are well worth your time.
   
   Overall, I was happy to have read the book. I have learned that some of my own dressing habits need to change. It's amazing how much you don't realise goes into dressing for success until you see it in this work. Good job Betsy!