Non-Fiction Review: The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior

THE DETAILS:

Pages: 128

Genre: Non-Fiction, Fashion

Release Date: 01/11/07

Publisher: Abrams

I bought it online.

THE DESCRIPTION:

Much has been written about fashion, in all its aspects, but i do not think any couturier has ever before attempted to compile a dictionary on the subject. -- from The Little Dictionary of Fashion

Christian Dior reveals the secrets of style in this charming handbook that no woman should be without. An indispensable guide that covers everything from what to wear to a wedding and how to tie a scarf to how to walk with grace, The Little Dictionary of Fashion is full of timeless tips. From afternoon frocks and accessories to traveling and tweed, Dior's expertise ensures every girl will know the three fundamentals of fashion: simplicity, grooming, and good taste. Published for the Victoria and Albert Museum's Golden Age of Couture exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Dior's "New Look" and illustrated with delightful photographs and drawings, this handbag-sized classic is the perfect gift for style-conscious women.

MY REVIEW:

Being as interested in vintage fashion as I am I thought this would be a cute read. It's a book that has been referenced in the likes of Vogue Magazine as a must-have and I thought that maybe my wardrobe could do with some old-fashioned structure. As usual with an old-fashioned guide 'The Little Dictionary of Fashion' is cute, half helpful and half full of questionable nonsense.

'The Little Dictionary of Fashion' has some very nice black white illustrations and photographs. The overall design of the book is very classy and some of the things Dior writes really add to the aesthetic of it all. It really is what it should be as far as visuals go. And, with quotes like 'I love separates. They are charming, young, useful and gay' it is definitely the cute sort of book you can gift to that girly friend who's always watching old movies and going out to fancy dinners. 

Admittedly the book is handy. Dior makes some good points and has some helpful advice. There is a big emphasis placed on dressing Elegantly. Dressing in neutral colours, simple shapes and not adding too much colour are all points that are made. There is also advice on how to wear some of those 50s or 60s trends like cocktail hats, fur and feathers, as well as some advice for different figures and what sort of clothes you should take if you are travelling. Some of this is very relevant to modern times, especially if you are part of the vintage society and don't have any sort of guide to follow. 

Some of the advice is awfully obvious though. "The Young Look is very nice on young people." for example. There were definitely a few times when I said "duh" to the book. This may have been helpful back in the day when fashion advice was not as readily available to the masses, but to me many of the points seemed very obvious and pointless. Having said that, I can think of a few daft people who wear any old thing that should probably give this book a read...

And, then we have the weird nonsense stuff about how purple makes you look older, how every girl should own something pink and how leopard print is only for vixens. Times sure have changed... Dior also contradicts himself by saying that it shouldn't matter how much money you have and later on talking about quality being elegance. 

Overall, I think it was really cute book for someone that wants to step back in time and see what was considered good or bad dressing. I give it 3/5 stars because it was lacking in practicality. Would make a cute gift, but is not to be taken too seriously.

Your Favourite blogger,

Natalie

Non-fiction Book Review: 'A Life in Frocks: A Memoir' by Kelly Doust

THE DETAILS:
Pages: 246
Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir/Fashion
Release Date: November 2010
Publisher: Pier 9, Murdoch Books

I purchased this book online.

THE PREMISE:
A Life in Frocks is about the ‘divine obsession’, a woman’s love for clothes. In particular, it is a personal, entertaining, joyous – and seductive – exploration of the significance of clothes, filtered through one woman’s lifelong sartorial infatuation.

MY THOUGHTS:
I've been in a bit of a fashion-y mood lately. I've been on ebay purchasing cheap clothes I probably don't need and on a few book sites drooling over DIY sewing guides and Volumes about vintage couture. I've been regretting not reading as much as I should be (I haven't looked at my Goodreads challenge in ages) and looking at my gigantic TBR pile, knowing that more books will be headed my way I decided that I have to read something. Already part way through more than three books I decided to start this one...

This book was exactly what I needed. 'A Life in Frocks' is a very cosy book with a writing style much like that of Brigid Lowry's 'Tommorrow Everything Will Be Beautiful'. The airy-fairy thought processes and unusual life story of Kelly Doust also reminded me of some of the articles I like to read in 'Frankie Magazine' (warm and cozy, inspiring, addictive). This was the most fun I think a memoir could offer and what a cool way to tell the story of your life, through clothes!

'A Life in Frocks' was a quick read (for someone who hasn't been reading much more than a chapter in her lunch break, reading 246 pages in three days [with breaks for 'Charmed' episodes] is an achievement) that had me captivated from the first page. Okay, maybe the cover... The illustrations on the cover and throughout the book (by Zoe Sadorierski) are very cute. Along with the writing, the illustrations ensure that this is a book to learn from and to treasure.

Doust tells us about how she discovered that fashion (or rather crafting fashion) was her calling. We learn of her mishaps, her inspiration and that sometimes an outfit can make a huge difference to your day. We learn about those dream outfits, the ones she missed out on, the ones that she wore during tragedies, the clothes that were worn until they were worn-out and the clothes she considers to be staples. The most important things Doust taught me during this book was that advertisements can be misleading, some outfits aren't practical for certain situations, don't hang on to something you don't wear and that with a bit of effort a $5 dress can look like a $50 dress. What I didn't quite agree with though was the ruling that every woman should wear heels (even if they are tall). I don't agree. I like to feel a bit shorter standing next to people (a nice change) and I can't walk in heels. Unless high heels are chunky heels, I won't wear them.

The Book features a glossary at the end of a few designers and clothing items that were mentioned during the book incase readers aren't schooled up on who/what they are already. The only thing I really wish this book had, is a glossary of french terms used throughout the duration (at least I think it was french). While it is super classy and chic to be able to speak french (whether talking about fashion or not) it's not fair to the people (like me) who were schooled in a time where french was not the preferred language to be taught in schools.

This book was so cute I thought I'd share some pictures:

 

 ^Underneath the dust jacket (which has pictures of clothes on it) there are pictures of pretty underwear. So when you take the jacket off you are literally "undressing" the book!

 

^One of the lovely illustrations.

Overall, I gave this book 5/5 Stars and a favourite, aside from a few (minor) differences I really enjoyed 'A Life in Frocks'. The luxurious descriptions and little connections the author made between her life and the clothes she wore was very original; very inviting. This is a book I'd recommend to anyone with a polyvore account (that they use frequently), anyone who spends just a little too much time staring at the pictures of glamorous models in magazines, Or, anyone who likes op-shopping not only because it's cheap, but because they like the idea of finding "treasure" (or something they can create "treasure" out of). After you've read it this book will make you want to: buy a sewing machine, travel, go op-shopping, read every issue of vogue you have (twice) and go through your current wardrobe organising and ditching things that no-longer have any appeal to you.

Kelly Doust has written a few other books (which I can't wait to purchase) and also has her own blog 'The Crafty Minx'

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

Covering up

Image Source

 

If you're like me, you might sometimes get turned away from the recent fashions (even ones that you like) because of a plunging neckline, a short hem or a gaping back. Whether it's because of your upbringing, your religion or body image issues, finding clothes that you like that cover everything you want to cover can be difficult. After many years of dance concerts and a few night-time outings I've learned how to cover what needs to be covered even if the dress doesn't quite do it for you.

 

BUYING MORE CONSERVATIVE CLOTHING:

This is where it all starts. I like to look for  something appropriate first, so I don't have to worry too much about covering up. I am a bit of an old fashioned girl and while I have no problem with beautiful people flaunting what they've got (tastefully) I don't feel comfortable dressing that way myself. Dressing conservatively is definitely something I intend to do.

 

One of the great things about buying vintage clothes (meaning 2nd-hand op-shop finds) is that many of them tend to be more conservative than some of the modern-day shop bought clothes. I've also discovered that many of the vintage-inspired boutiques or ranges for department stores are more reasonable where length and necklines are concerned.  What I look for in a dress or outfit is that it is reasonably long (mid-thigh or longer), that it isn't too-low cut in the front (that a t-shirt bra wouldn't poke out of the top), And, that the item isn't backless or too low in the back (again, I don't want my bra to be showing).

 

ACCESSORIES, UNDERGARMENTS AND BASICS THAT MAKE LIFE EASIER:

Sometimes it's hard to get exactly what you want, or you find the perfect dress only to discover that it's a bit see-through or a bit short. It's for this reason that I think it's just as important to have the right undergarments or basics on hand as it is originally to try buying more conservative clothes. The right undergarments can be the difference between tacky and elegant.

 

Bra Straps

Many strapless dresses and bras now come with loops sewn into front and back for straps to be attached. For those who don't like to be hitching up dresses all the time a pair of clear gel straps can stop your dress from falling down.

 

Fashion Tape

I've never used the stuff, because I've never worn anything that revealing that I needed to, but apparently it's useful stuff. I'm not sure how it goes if you get sweaty though...

 

Safety Pins

Great for keeping in a handbag to disguise or fix any wardrobe malfunctions that may occur. I also like to use these to keep cross-over necklines from gaping too low or to keep scarves in place.

 

A Strapless Bra

Even if you don't tend to wear strapless dresses, dresses with one shoulder, a boat neck or spaghetti straps may not look the most tasteful with visible bra straps. So going strapless, or wearing clear straps with a strapless bra ultimately adds more class. Some strapless bras are more rounded and less likely to poke out of the top of a dress like a t-shirt bra with removable straps would.

 

A Boob Tube / Crop Top

You can get plain or lace varieties of these from the underwear section of most department stores, boutiques or even ebay. (I'm not talking about cropped-t shirts BTW. I mean the crop top bras) these are great worn over a strapless bra or alone, under a dress with a low neckline or back.

 

Singlets

Handy for wear under chiffon, lace or white(see-through) tops.

 

Petticoats/Slips

Great for a see-through dress or skirt.

 

Opaque Tights /Leggings

Leggings and Tights are a fun way to convert your summer dresses to winter weather. They are also great for wear under a dress that is too-short.

 

Bike Pants

In hot weather a pair of lace-trim bike pants can replace leggings in any short-skirt-situations. They are also handy for keeping your stockings/tights up in winter.

 

A Bolero or Cardi

If you're a bit wary of showing off your upper-arms a nice cropped cardi can hide them without covering up too much of your dress. Also, great for cooler weather.

 

Colours recommended for undergarments: black or skin-tone

Colours recommended for basics: black, cream, white, navy or grey

Image Source

 

HAVING SOME FUN WITH YOUR LOOK:

Just because you're trying to cover up and be conservative doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with your outfit or show off your figure.

 

-Patterned, beaded or sequin bra straps can add some fun to a strapless dress.

-Substituting safety pins with brooches makes pinning easier (not having to worry about hiding the pins) and can add sparkle to a plain dress.

-some boutiques and department stores are now selling patterned/printed bandeau tops a la Prada SS12

-Bright coloured crop-tops, bike pants and/or leggings are fun with a patterned dress.

-A tulle petticoat can add some volume to a skirt or dress

-add a belt around the waist or tie a ribbon for an instant hourglass (not recommended for baby doll tops)
 



I've noticed only too many times that people feel they can't wear a garment that they really like because it's unsuitable by itself. With the right underclothes and accessories an inappropriate outfit can become appropriate. And, while the aforementioned undergarments, basics and accessories may all be extra cost they will certainly get their use and may even save money where the cost of an appropriate length dress is concerned.

 

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie

Comfort Meets Class

Comfort Meets Class by quirkichik featuring a long cardigan

It's been kinda cold in Australia at the moment. That, and surprisingly rainy. Still not having found a job - I've been wearing my own clothes (as in not ones I allocated for specific work use) whilst doing things like laying in bed reading, sitting on the couch with my laptop, playing some air guitar in my room and painting. So I've had some kind of dilemma. I've decided that I want to dress nicely in case I have to go somewhere with my mum, but I don't want to dress too uncomfortably, because I'm most likely going to be spending the day inside, rugged up in bed, reading. And, then I thought, like the little girl in the taco ad "Why not have both?" and I think I found a way to look good and feel comfortable.

Why should we have to sacrifice comfort for the sake of a good appearance. When you think about it some of the most elegant, beautiful people in the world aren't fidgeting  with their skirt or adjusting their straps. It's all about simplicity and the smile you've got on your face. With some smart styling and a few accesories comfort is class.

Obviously, everyone's Idea of comfort differs. I like clothing items that aren't too clingy and that I don't have to fidget with. I'm a bit of a skirt person. And, I don't like anything that hugs my hips too tightly because I get sore hips and clothing that is too tight only makes it worse.

Some of these ideas came from my recent infatuation with Tumblr and some of the very beautiful, yet comfortable looking models in some of the pictures.

For those in a similar predicament (and a similar idea of comfort) here are some ideas:

OUTFIT IDEAS:

-Loose top (not tucked in) worn with gathered skirt, cardigan and stockings: Believe it or not I find stockings to be extremely comfortable and classy looking. This outfit is most like the one in the Polyvore set above.

-A Loose long sleeved shirt or knitted sweater and jeans (or leggings depending on the length of the shirt/sweater and a nice necklace

-A dress with either tights or leggings and an open long sleeve shirt or cardigan. Got this idea from an outfit that Lanie (charcter) wears in 'She's All That'. She wore a summer dress with a short sleved button up shirt worn over the top.

-Sweater (Not too long), ruffled skirt and stockings.

TIPS FOR EXTRA COMFORT:

-Make sure when buying stockings that you've bought the size closest to the biggest  measurement (weight or height). According to my mum's height she only needs a Small or Medium in stockings, but her weight suggests she needs a Large. I'm only light, but because of my height I am supposed to wear Large. Now I just purchase extra-large, because I like that the stockings feel thicker and aren't trying as hard to stretch over my legs.

-When purchasing a top or Jumper, don't be afraid to go a size bigger or go to the men's section. However, be sure that the top fits loosely stylish, rather than loosely fits like a sack.

-The More Gathered the better when it comes to choosing a skirt.

-Go for fabrics that feel nice against your skin. I've been avoiding jeans because of this.

-If you are wearing stockings around the house and don't want to wreck your floor with shoes or wreck your stockings with the floor, you could wear slippers.

TIPS FOR EXTRA CLASS:

-A nice necklace, hair accessory or pair of earrings never goes unnoticed. Don't go over the top though.

-A bit of eyeliner or lipstick never hurt anybody.

-A pair of dressy brogues or ballet flats can add class to any outfit.

-A belt or ribbon can be used to create a "waist" in a baggy shirt or dress.

FOR THE DARING:

-Thigh High Stockings/ High Socks.

-Patterned/Coloured tights

DIY IDEAS:

-A Button up high waisted skirt can be created using an old men's shirt, some spare material and some elastic. Cut off the collar and sleeves, Create a waist band and line the inside with the spare material and voila! If you have a petti-coat you could skip the lining part.

-A loose fitting shirt can be created by using another shirt as a pattern. Lay the shirt flat on the chosen fabric, trace the outline and cut out two identical sides. Sew the pieces together at the sides.

-If you've got a Smock style top with the elastic at the bottom you can cut off the elastic and sew a new hem to create a new shape.

-If your stockings are too small cut them off at the thighs to create knee length socks (They loose some of their stretch once they have been cropped) or, cut off the toes to create footless tights. Be careful which tights you do this with as the fancier fishnet or knitted ones may unravel once cut.

-A Tube scarf is a way to save on wool and time. They also look pretty snazzy. Knit or crochet the scarf until it is the length that you can put it over your head if the two ends were joined. Cast off and sew the ends together. This idea works well for patterns with some gather in them.

So what do you think? The first outfit idea is my favourite. It feels kind of like a modernised school uniform. I'm still not too sure about the painting. I'm either going to have to be really careful or I'm going to need to allicate daggier versions of this outfit for painting days (which is like, every day...)

Your Favourite Blogger,

Natalie