I'm all excited about this giveaway, I have this book myself and it's something that I think every fashion lover and student should have. It's especially helpful for us fashion bloggers who time and time again find ourselves plotting along just fine in a post until we want to describe a particular detail on a garment and we have no idea what it's called! It sounds so much better to say "epaulettes" instead of "those loopy things on the shoulders."
So thanks to Laurence King Publishing, I have a copy of Fashion A to Z: An Illustrated Dictionary to give to one lucky reader! It covers every detail, accessory, garment and costume you can imagine and gives a brief history of the item so it's a great way to expand your fashion brain. Writer and designer Alex Newman wrote the book and the fun illustrations that brighten each page are by renowned fashion illustrator and designer Zakee Shariff.
To enter the contest*, answer the following question in the comments section of this post:
What is your favourite fashion/style detail? (Like ruching, a boater hat, or cashmere for example. Anything that makes a garment or accessory special or is a standout piece.)
*If you re-post this giveaway on your blog and provide the link with your answer you will get an extra entry. I will also count RTs on Twitter as second entries as well. I will go in and put a '2' in your comment once I've seen it!
The contest will run until midnight (London time) Thursday, July 9 and the winner, chosen at random, will be announced on Friday. Anyone, anywhere, can enter!
Good luck!
For me, it's embellishment. It always adds a touch of magic to an outfit. Providing it's done well, that is x
Posted by: Frankie - Swell Vintage | June 30, 2009 at 02:50 PM
This looks like a lovely book!
I have a special affection for pin-tucking. I have seen entire dresses done like that and I always am in awe of the time and effort it takes to add this detail that gets taken for granted
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Posted by: Shrimpton Couture | June 30, 2009 at 03:18 PM
I'm a little biased, but I'd say it's in the jewelry - a strand of pearls makes everything better.
Posted by: alexandra keller | June 30, 2009 at 03:42 PM
I love elastic shirring and how it gives the body a form hugging fit! I'd love to be entered in your giveaway!
Posted by: Glamoursurf | June 30, 2009 at 03:45 PM
i love ruching...because placed correctly...it can hide a multitude of sins...
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Posted by: elena @ fabulous finds | June 30, 2009 at 04:16 PM
I love sleeves! From peasant sleeves to balloon sleeves to dolman sleeves, gotta love 'em all! They can be embellished, tied, ruffled, and so on!
For me, they are uber feminine and fun!
Diane Von Furstenberg once said:
“The wonderful thing about sleeves is that they help you give an attitude, a certain confidence.”
I posted your contest on my blog:
http://luajewelry.blogspot.com/2009/06/swelle-life-giveaway.html
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Posted by: Lucia Ferrer | June 30, 2009 at 04:16 PM
I would have to say the strategic placement of the simple button..be there many on going up the back or off to the side on the front. The bigger the better...even jeweled can make a huge difference!
Off to add to the side of the blog and we'll just have to give a tweet on this one!
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Posted by: Alicia | June 30, 2009 at 05:11 PM
i would totally LOVE this book! my favorite fashion style/detail would have to be a low plunging back line. anything backless....super sexy....adds so much to a dress! off to tweet about this! xo
Posted by: nodtomod vintage | June 30, 2009 at 06:03 PM
Beading. It's ageless. I remember (years ago) seeing an Oscar de la Renta dress: tightly fitted multi-color beaded bodice with very full white tulle skirt. So beautiful. xoxo m
Posted by: Micki | June 30, 2009 at 06:20 PM
Less is more... I just think simplicity is the real eye-catcher... for me anyway!
Posted by: tea | June 30, 2009 at 06:22 PM
Ruffles. Tulle. Crinoline. Wow. I'm rather frothy. This is the complete opposite of my own wardrobe.
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Posted by: dreamsequins | June 30, 2009 at 06:57 PM
I may have to get my sister a copy of this for her b-day :)
Posted by: Richard Brian Penn | June 30, 2009 at 07:15 PM
piping, bows, lace insets, pin-tucks, ruffles...little feminine details that would be found on vintage slips.
Great blog...will be tweeting this post right now!
xo
Posted by: BobbinsAndBombshells | June 30, 2009 at 07:25 PM
When it comes to details, I couldn't name just one favorite, or two, or three... so I'll have to go with my favorite article(s) of clothing. The jacket and the coat. The perfect jacket makes up for a variety of fashion sins, and can be an outfit in and of itself. A coat... well, you throw on a fantastic coat over your pajamas and you look just fabulous (if you add some sunglasses and lipstick on top of an otherwise unmade face, you're even cleverer.) Too bad I live in such a warm climate!
psst-adore your blog! and totally twittered ;)
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Posted by: Rococo Vintage | June 30, 2009 at 08:45 PM
I love prints on clothing, and metallic hardware accents.
Posted by: Michelle | July 01, 2009 at 12:40 AM
I adore buttons, asymmetrical ruffles, contrasting cuffs, a strategic flash of print - all those wonderful details that transform fashion into art.
I also adore your blog!
Posted by: Kristine | July 01, 2009 at 06:25 AM
Oh so many things... embroidery, beading, ruffles/frills, lace... Recently my sister took up Bollywood lessons and I went with her to buy a Bollywood type outfit! I also saw what looked to be an Indian wedding gown with the most elaborate slightly-raised (3D) embroidery and beading and I'd ever seen. It was so exquisite and beautiful. I think it weighed a tonne too.
Posted by: Livia | July 01, 2009 at 03:08 PM
What a fantastic giveaway! I would have to say my favorite design feature is a bustle on a shorter skirt, or a fishtail on a longer skirt. You don't see them nearly enough, but they are absolutely gorgeous!
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Posted by: najeema | July 01, 2009 at 11:21 PM
Great giveaway! Belts are my favorite, can instantly fit any oversized top, define a waist and add interest.
Posted by: Eyeliah | July 02, 2009 at 01:52 AM
My fav details have to be anything done with intricate lace and subtle sequining. Even though sequins can look trashy, if done correctly they can spice up any outfit!
Posted by: Swati | July 02, 2009 at 02:23 AM
My favourite detail right now are ruffles and draping. Ruffles because they give a sweet, feminine touch, and draping for how they flatter any body type and their modern edge.
This book looks like an awesome read! I also tweeted your contest :)
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Posted by: MizzJ | July 02, 2009 at 07:43 PM
ah why not, might as well enter. I loooooooove chain detail, when designers knit/sew chain into a garment. Allsaints have this beautiful jumper with chain knitted into it....like the garments Clare Tough used to make.
Posted by: knitkicks | July 02, 2009 at 09:54 PM
I think that ruffle detailing is my very favorite detail on clothing! I love volume too...
wonderful giveaway!
Posted by: hanako66 | July 03, 2009 at 08:00 PM
I have a weakness for 50s style dresses with dolman sleeves. :]
Posted by: Jillian | July 03, 2009 at 09:40 PM
I myself cannot get enough of sequins! I have a sequin vest, blazer and dress and I have to fight urges everytime I see a sequin piece at work!
trisch xo
Posted by: trisch | July 04, 2009 at 04:21 AM