Carlton Books recently sent me two new fashion books to review; The Handbag by Carmel Allen, and The Shoe by Tamsin Blanchard.
Right up front, if you are a dedicated vintage nut these books will not be detailed enough for you. But for those who enjoy fashion of all periods and aren’t looking for anything very in depth, these are both fun little books with lots of nice images.
Each book is split into two halves – the first looking at general styles and history, the second with profiles of individual designers and brands known for being outstanding. The second section is the more extensive in both books, with profiles of handbag labels such as Mulberry, Judith Leiber, Marc Jacobs, Hermes and Lulu Guiness, and shoe labels including Ferragamo, Dr Martens, Prada and Charles Jourdan.
Being a vintage nut myself I would have preferred more of a focus on the history of changes in styles over the last 100 years, but for those of you who have more of a general interest in fashion, these are a nice light read, with plenty of photos, and in particular, a great range of designer profiles.
1970s orange peep toe disco heels 
1960s double breasted diamond check wool suit 
1960s pink silk shift dress by Cresta Couture 
1970s chunky woollen Aran knit scarf 
1970s gold leopard print lurex maxi skirt 
‘The shoe’ title amuses me, because really there needs to be two. Otherwise I’d have to hop down the street and might drop my handbag, which wouldn’t be on really.
I have been keeping you in my thoughts, my dear Penny. I see your shop is doing very well.
Have a lovely weekend, my dear friend.
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