Inspiring books

Last Sunday I sneaked back to Bangkok to have an afternoon tea girl talk with my friends, and of course, shopping. YAY! The flooding situation is much depressing enough I need something to delight myself, don't I?

But my biggest mission was to pick up some books I've ordered at Kinokuniya book store.

Dolly Girl by Anna Sui Autumn-Winter 2011 collection book 
Along with this book comes a leather tote bag

This is what I love about e-mooks! They always come with something else to treasure!

I have been Anna Sui's loyal fan since I was 15 and still never get enough of this magnificent label.

Butterflies, roses, rock and roll, black and purple..

You can tell from the very first glance that it's Anna Sui's. Her originality is in every single pieces of her designs. That's how amazing she is.

Anyways, her line of Dolly girl's AW2011 are fabulous! Autumn colors with a touch of girly vintage looks from the 60's. 

My personal favorites of this collection are this knit cardigan with paired skirt in the print called "forest"

and this red short coat with playful golden heart buttons.

The next one is called "The Fashion File" by Janie Bryant, the award winning costume designer of the famous "Mad Men"  TV series.

She details how she enhances the retro-chic styles for each characters. It's truly fascinating to know how much effort she put to style Joan, Betty and Peggy into perfect looks. Working as a costume designer must be so much fun, but I bet it's not as easy as it looks. 

You can also read about body measurements, make-up tutorials, vintage and where to find, advises and helpful tips about fashion. This book will surely guide you how to look top-to-toe gorgeous in '60s-style. 

Know what the best part is? The illustration by genius barbie designer Robert Best! I absolutely adore them!

 

Last but not least

"Vintage Fashion Sourcebook" co-written by Emma Baxter-wright Karen Clarkson, Sara Kennedy and Kate Mulvey

This book depicts a framework of fashion history over the 20th century, explaining developments and movements of each decade, allowing readers to absorb trends of that specific period and why certain fashions were worn at the time. 

They make it easy to understand with keywords and pictures. In the last chapter there are useful information about vintage shops in England and tips about how to choose a vintage garment wisely. 

While reading, all I thought was "Why wasn't I born back then??" How envious those women got to wear beautiful dresses with matching hats and gloves all the time! La vie en rose! 

Such an enjoyable and easy-to-follow book. Best for vintage lovers who are eager to learn about the origins of their favorite pieces.

Hope you enjoy this book review and if you have any fashion books to recommend, I would really appreciate your comments!