FASHION BOOKS & MAGAZINES

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  Reasons why I like this book:

The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look Once in a while I get the feeling that nothing is wearable in the closet and I can't seem to find a good pair of outfits for the day. Some other days I don't feel like mixing and matching, and I will simply grab the freshest top from the wardrobe. Later in the afternoon I will regret choosing the outfit and feel uncomfortable all day long. A little extreme on my side, but choosing the wrong outfit can indeed be a frustrating saga. Do you think so too?

This is a shoe guide book by John Peacock (ex costume designer for BBC London), available on Amazon.com for USD 26.40. The cover immediately catches my attention, and the title is an obvious bait. This book is definitely a must have for shoe lovers or shoe designers who wish to expand horizons and get insights on the art of shoes through the decades. It is a super complete pictorial book with hand-drawn illustrations of shoes from the ancient times to the various designs in the later years. Imagine sandals, peep-toes, wedges, stilettos, boots, sneakers, pumps, Crocs, heels, slippers, all kinds of shoes coming together in a book of histories, art, fashion and passion for footwear.

Another fashion inspiration of mine is a manhwa (Korean for manga or comic drawings). It is popularized in a Korean drama series by the same title, also known as Princess Hours. The outfits worn by the main character in the manhwa and the drama are totally different, the former more eclectic, while the latter represents more of a modern style. The manhwa is delicately drawn by Park So Hee with very eccentric fashion styles. The main characters are often drawn parading in a mix of traditional and modern outfits. Since they represent a modern day princess and princes, they wear traditional Korean outfits made with hand-sewn thread details, but with a touch of stylish contemporary fashion. In the manhwa, the main character is portrayed as a stylish young woman who often appears on magazines because of her fashion sense.