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A review by anneliesb
A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty by Mimi Matthews
4.0
Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC
Great little book concerning everything to do with lady's fashion during the Victorian era.
The first part is a very methodical overview of the key points of fashion per decade, it is rather list-like and therefore gets a bit tedious, but I guess this would work if you want to use this as a reference book. The changes in dress through the century are addressed in detail, however I think it could do with more pictures. For one because I love those old fashion prints, but also because it can be challenging at times to imagine which fringe goes where. It helps if you have a generous helping of BBC costume drama on the side.
Part II and III were actually more interesting, because they go into specific situatons and circumstances as well as beauty products. Part II features riding habits, beachwear, sportswear, and dresses for weddings, maternity and mourning. Part III goes into hair care, hair styles, skin care, and cosmetics.
I really enjoyes it, but there are 2 but's for me:
-lack of pictures
-It would have been nice to also have an idea about how the lower classes dressed and how high fashion trickled down to the servant uniforms. I know the clue is in the title, it's a LADY's guide, but I'm curious.
Great little book concerning everything to do with lady's fashion during the Victorian era.
The first part is a very methodical overview of the key points of fashion per decade, it is rather list-like and therefore gets a bit tedious, but I guess this would work if you want to use this as a reference book. The changes in dress through the century are addressed in detail, however I think it could do with more pictures. For one because I love those old fashion prints, but also because it can be challenging at times to imagine which fringe goes where. It helps if you have a generous helping of BBC costume drama on the side.
Part II and III were actually more interesting, because they go into specific situatons and circumstances as well as beauty products. Part II features riding habits, beachwear, sportswear, and dresses for weddings, maternity and mourning. Part III goes into hair care, hair styles, skin care, and cosmetics.
I really enjoyes it, but there are 2 but's for me:
-lack of pictures
-It would have been nice to also have an idea about how the lower classes dressed and how high fashion trickled down to the servant uniforms. I know the clue is in the title, it's a LADY's guide, but I'm curious.