Stylin
Great Looks for Teens
Marren
2001
Since I am a librarian of advanced years, 2001 doesn’t seem that long ago. However, if you are a teen in 2021, I am certain that 2001 seems like an eon or two ago. Considering this book is around 20 years old, it is helpful to remember that today’s teens weren’t even born when this was published.
The Lane Bryant
Fashion Math Make-Over
The Complete Fashion Guide for Women Size 14 and Up
Lulow and Geddie
1987
If you are looking for some 1980s fashion ideas, your wait is over! Since there isn’t a lot of fashion help for the over size 14 crowd, it is nice that this book exists. However, it should probably be weeded by 2020.
All your 1980s favorites are here: shoulder pads, bulky/long sweaters, overly permed hair, dropped waists, high waist pants, weird sleeves, etc. Such a sad time for fashion.
I am still trying to figure out the math part of the the title.
Women and Beauty
Loren
1984
I am a big fan of Sophia Loren, and my parents introduced me to the movie Houseboat (1958) with Cary Grant. She always seemed ageless to me and I would imagine this book to be a good choice in the early 1980s. I think the publishers were after a book that would show that even though you might be over 40 (gasp!), you can still look good.
Quilted Clothing
Laury
1982
As a half-baked fan of sewing and quilting, I can appreciate the skills that these examples show off. I can also appreciate that they are warm enough for the toughest winters. I recognize that my uniform of dresses and cardigans for work hardly make me a fashionista, even among librarians. I still have to say no to wearing a blanket.
This is basically “how to be a girl” advice for teens. The book is divided into sections such as make-up, hair, hygiene, diets, etc. Once you get all these requirements in place, you are sure to be a successful teen girl.
The book takes an “ABC” approach to organizing topics. I really hate this kind of organization unless you are talking about ABC books, a dictionary, or an encyclopedia. In order to make this work, we have a brief articles (very brief) on topics such as “Xenophobia”, “No-No’s, and “Zest”. My personal favorite was the entry on Menopause. Obviously, this is an important topic for teen girls.
Woman Style
Your Personal Guide to Timeless Fashion
Feldon
1979
Have some Womanstyle, circa 1979. It’s timeless assuming time stops in 1985. The book itself is a basic fashion planning guide. It has all the info on fabrics, style, wardrobe planning, etc. The photography is something else. Soft focus seems to be the photographer’s favorite look for some pictures. Also, since it is about fashion, some of the pictures are not good at showing off the actual clothes.
I was in college at the time of this book and the basic wardrobe was jeans and a t-shirt. Cowl neck sweaters were a thing, but I think that is as far as my friends and I ventured for fashion in the late 1970s. I would have been all over the final picture of the boots and skirt. As you peruse the choices, I better warn you of the picture of the highly decorated reddish/pink room. (ALB is not responsible for any trauma related to looking at this picture.)
Looks That Work Wallach 1986 Time for a working wardrobe circa mid 1980s. This book has a few themes for that gal on the go. First, we have role models: Nancy Reagan, Elizabeth Dole, and a few more. It’s all
Dressing for Glamour
Mackie
1979
Bob Mackie was THE designer for Hollywood glamour back in the 1960s and 70s. His roster of clients was just about everyone in Hollywood, notably: Carol Burnett, Cher, Liza Minelli, and Diana Ross. If the event or show required fashionable bling, Mackie was the guy. I was a HUGE fan of The Carol Burnett show, even into my cynical teen years, and I believe Bob Mackie was the first designer name I actually recognized.
This book was in pretty decent shape for as old as it was. Even with its age, I think it does have a place in a deep fashion/costuming/performing arts collection. This is one of those books that might work in some public libraries and not in others. If you are a student of fashion or costume designer, Mackie is the king.
