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Out-of-Style: An Illustrated Guide to Vintage Fashions
Winner of five Best Book Awards, this volume of style clues for fashion detectives weaves fascinating elements of social history into tales of how, why, and when fashions evolved. Hundreds of sequential illustrations highlight the style flourishes that identify garments for men, women, and children as products of their individual periods. The images are accompanied by highly readable—and often humorous—comments and explanations by author and illustrator Betty Kreisel Shubert. A noted fashion historian, Ms. Shubert is a columnist for Ancestry Magazine and has designed clothes and costumes for stage and screen as well as hotels, restaurants, and casinos all over the world.
Ranging decade by decade from the nineteenth through twentieth centuries, this book offers a simple way to date photographs and clothing. It also provides background that makes less-accessible histories of costume easier to understand. This second edition, enhanced with a selection of new photographs, offers a valuable resource for costumers, vintage fashion enthusiasts, social historians, genealogists, and collectors of nostalgia items. The easy-to-follow format makes it a great browsing book even for those who are unversed in fashion design and history.
Ranging decade by decade from the nineteenth through twentieth centuries, this book offers a simple way to date photographs and clothing. It also provides background that makes less-accessible histories of costume easier to understand. This second edition, enhanced with a selection of new photographs, offers a valuable resource for costumers, vintage fashion enthusiasts, social historians, genealogists, and collectors of nostalgia items. The easy-to-follow format makes it a great browsing book even for those who are unversed in fashion design and history.
368 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2012
408 people want to read
About the author
Betty Kreisel Shubert
2 books14 followersBETTY KREISEL SHUBERT Costume Designer - Fashion Historian, Ancestry Magazine columnist, Author-Illustrator
Betty Kreisel Shubert has designed clothes and costumes for stage, screen, TV Specials, Ready-to-Wear, Las Vegas musicals and Disneyland. A parallel specialty in career apparel design brought assignments for the uniform programs of major cruise lines, race tracks, hotels, restaurants and casinos all over the world. Betty sold her first design to a manufacturer at age 13 ... the year was 1938. She had two hit Hollywood shows to her credit while barely 18. For several years in the 1940s, Betty owned and operated her own costume shop in Beverly Hills and Hollywood where she employed the world-class craftspeople of the Motion Picture Costumers Union. From them, she learned advanced skills of cutting-fitting (pattern-making), custom garment construction and millinery. This knowledge has enabled her to articulate and illustrate her new book, with the tell-tale style clues that date clothes worn by men, women and children from the 19th through 20th centuries and beyond.
In 1998, as part of the Disney Imagineering Team, Disney doing the architecture and decor, and Betty doing the outer-space-themed uniforms, they won the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Themed Entertainment Association for remodeling the Theme Building at LA international Airport (LAX).
From 2008-2010, a new career as a writer-illustrator began for her when Ancestry Magazine heard about the book she was writing and asked her to write a regular column about how to date vintage clothes for their genealogist subscribers. It has taken four years of research, writing and illustrating to compile a lifetime of knowledge in this ground breaking new book, OUT-of-STYLE, A Modern Perspective of HOW, WHY and WHEN Vintage Fashions Evolved. It is available in either hard or soft cover at www.amazon.com/dp/098357619X and www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-style... and at wholesale distributor Ingram Book Co.
See testimonials from famous genealogists, Disneyland designers, college and university professors of theatre on her website: www.outofstylethebook.com
Betty Kreisel Shubert has designed clothes and costumes for stage, screen, TV Specials, Ready-to-Wear, Las Vegas musicals and Disneyland. A parallel specialty in career apparel design brought assignments for the uniform programs of major cruise lines, race tracks, hotels, restaurants and casinos all over the world. Betty sold her first design to a manufacturer at age 13 ... the year was 1938. She had two hit Hollywood shows to her credit while barely 18. For several years in the 1940s, Betty owned and operated her own costume shop in Beverly Hills and Hollywood where she employed the world-class craftspeople of the Motion Picture Costumers Union. From them, she learned advanced skills of cutting-fitting (pattern-making), custom garment construction and millinery. This knowledge has enabled her to articulate and illustrate her new book, with the tell-tale style clues that date clothes worn by men, women and children from the 19th through 20th centuries and beyond.
In 1998, as part of the Disney Imagineering Team, Disney doing the architecture and decor, and Betty doing the outer-space-themed uniforms, they won the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Themed Entertainment Association for remodeling the Theme Building at LA international Airport (LAX).
From 2008-2010, a new career as a writer-illustrator began for her when Ancestry Magazine heard about the book she was writing and asked her to write a regular column about how to date vintage clothes for their genealogist subscribers. It has taken four years of research, writing and illustrating to compile a lifetime of knowledge in this ground breaking new book, OUT-of-STYLE, A Modern Perspective of HOW, WHY and WHEN Vintage Fashions Evolved. It is available in either hard or soft cover at www.amazon.com/dp/098357619X and www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-style... and at wholesale distributor Ingram Book Co.
See testimonials from famous genealogists, Disneyland designers, college and university professors of theatre on her website: www.outofstylethebook.com
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 18, 2016
This book is WONDERFUL.
Whether you're a fasionista, studying history or fashion, looking into your own family history or love reading novels set in Victorian England to the present day this book is for you.
The amount of research and work that has gone in to this is astonishing.
But it's very accessible and easy to use, with super helpful illustrations to back up the text. And I learnt so much! Bra's have been around since WHEN??
I love how much easier it is to visualise when I'm reading and I loved discovering how and why fashions changed during the time periods.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
Whether you're a fasionista, studying history or fashion, looking into your own family history or love reading novels set in Victorian England to the present day this book is for you.
The amount of research and work that has gone in to this is astonishing.
But it's very accessible and easy to use, with super helpful illustrations to back up the text. And I learnt so much! Bra's have been around since WHEN??
I love how much easier it is to visualise when I'm reading and I loved discovering how and why fashions changed during the time periods.
I received a copy of this for free via Goodreads First Reads.
January 15, 2016
Although I'm looking at this book from a genealogy perspective - as a reference to help me date old family photos - I've also found it a fascinating look at the fashion fads of years gone by. It's an amazing reference, offering beautifully drawn illustrations combined with a running commentary describing how small differences in the shape of a sleeve or length of a hem can pinpoint a photograph to within a year or two. It begins in the 1830s and continues into the 1960s. [Thank you, Betty, for not forcing us to take another look at the leisure suit.]
Both the index and table of contents make it easy to find a particular period or fashion component when looking for elements from the photograph I'm researching. I've had no problem finding the information I needed for my research. However, it is easy to get distracted with the many fascinating tidbits of fashion history. Betty's commentary is both informative and delightful as she offers delicious social tidbits in with the fashion facts.
The illustrations are quite detailed and she often includes spot drawings to show even more - like the evolution of sleeve styles within a specific decade. There are notes associated with almost every drawing describing the important features and the time range associated with each. Even accessories and shoes are included in the discussion.
This book would be a welcome addition to any genealogical society's research library. It now has a permanent place in my personal library and will be used often as I continue to organize and index my family's photo archives.
Both the index and table of contents make it easy to find a particular period or fashion component when looking for elements from the photograph I'm researching. I've had no problem finding the information I needed for my research. However, it is easy to get distracted with the many fascinating tidbits of fashion history. Betty's commentary is both informative and delightful as she offers delicious social tidbits in with the fashion facts.
The illustrations are quite detailed and she often includes spot drawings to show even more - like the evolution of sleeve styles within a specific decade. There are notes associated with almost every drawing describing the important features and the time range associated with each. Even accessories and shoes are included in the discussion.
This book would be a welcome addition to any genealogical society's research library. It now has a permanent place in my personal library and will be used often as I continue to organize and index my family's photo archives.
October 24, 2013
Although the book is aimed to people in the costume/fashion industry I really enjoyed it. It is easy to read and very entertaining. Betty is funny and clever in her descriptions and the information she gives in her book, which she peppers with personal anecdotes. She knows her trade and she is talented, very talented.
I love to read and watch historical fiction and this book helped me understand and learn more about how fashion evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries.
I actually took my time to read it as I wanted to really learn from this book, and I read it with my laptop next to me as I would google to get more information on a specific topic or photographs of the types of clothes or designs or even designers.
With that said, I would have loved to see more actual photographs. The book is full of composites and drawings that I assume Betty herself did and they are great. A true insight as to how a "look" came together and evolved, but I would have loved to see how outfits really looked liked in an actual photo.
I got this book as a goodreads giveaway!
October 11, 2015
I found "Out of Style by Betty Kreisel Shubert to be a treasure chest of fashions through out the ages. I thought I knew a great deal about fashion but learned so much from this meticulously researched book. It took me an a wonderful walk down memory lane with fashions I've worn and read about beginning centuries before I was born. It would be a fabulous resource book for any author of regency romances, history . . . A complete guide from the 1820 though the 60's for men, women, and children. Complete with drawings and life styles. A must for costume designers.This treasure is written in easy to understand text. My hats off to Betty for all the detailed work on a valuable part of our history.
June 14, 2013
I'm so happy I won this book from Goodread,First reads! What an Excellent job Betty Kreisel Shubert did, this is a labor of love, the Illustrations are awesome and this book is loaded with very interesting facts. I enjoyed this book very much and I would recommend it to everyone!
March 1, 2015
Betty Kreisel Shubert's wonderful book "Out-Of-Style: A Modern Perspective of How, Why and When Vintage Fashions Evolved" reminded me why I love fashion so much, especially vintage fashion. Written in the first person, and packed with countless anecdotes from her life, charming illustrations created by Shubert, photographs and an extensive bibliography the book opened me up to a whole new source of information that I can refer to whenever I need to.
One of the most useful sections of the book, were the sections that broke down popular clothing from each era from the 1840's to 1990. Through her descriptions, historical facts and accompanying illustrations I was able to visualize how people dressed in the past. Inspired by their accuracy I also became more motivated to pay closer attention to costumes worn on historical T.V. shows like "Downton Abbey," "Paradise," "Mr. Selfridge," "Call the Midwife" and others.
Shubert's choice to include clothing worn by men and children, from those eras, also proved useful and informative for me since I'm still learning about their styles too. By giving me a complete picture she also made it possible for me to use this book as a starting point for continuing my education in fashion history.
One of the most useful sections of the book, were the sections that broke down popular clothing from each era from the 1840's to 1990. Through her descriptions, historical facts and accompanying illustrations I was able to visualize how people dressed in the past. Inspired by their accuracy I also became more motivated to pay closer attention to costumes worn on historical T.V. shows like "Downton Abbey," "Paradise," "Mr. Selfridge," "Call the Midwife" and others.
Shubert's choice to include clothing worn by men and children, from those eras, also proved useful and informative for me since I'm still learning about their styles too. By giving me a complete picture she also made it possible for me to use this book as a starting point for continuing my education in fashion history.
September 20, 2013
"New fashions are created by the logical accident of experimentation ... gradually evolving into numerous mutations that may take decades to play out... if everyone likes the new look then that is IN and everything else is OUT!"
Betty's theory of evolution is the law of the fashion world. This book is a jewel. I held onto my Survey of Historic Costume text after fashion college; but I can see now that this book will replace my former first line reference tool. This is so much more fun to read.
My favorite section is "A Good Body Never Goes Out of Style". The "stuff with cotton what God has forgotten " comment had me dying of laughter. As a designer myself I can relate. I adored the tips also. Like "do not over-fit a bad figure..." will stick with me forever. The conversational tone and witty titles like "Look Ma!...No Bra!" kept me fully engaged.
The author does and excellent job of breaking down the details in each sketch.
My only complaint at the moment is I wish the history went further back. I always have issues dating the tunic eras.
full review to come...
Betty's theory of evolution is the law of the fashion world. This book is a jewel. I held onto my Survey of Historic Costume text after fashion college; but I can see now that this book will replace my former first line reference tool. This is so much more fun to read.
My favorite section is "A Good Body Never Goes Out of Style". The "stuff with cotton what God has forgotten " comment had me dying of laughter. As a designer myself I can relate. I adored the tips also. Like "do not over-fit a bad figure..." will stick with me forever. The conversational tone and witty titles like "Look Ma!...No Bra!" kept me fully engaged.
The author does and excellent job of breaking down the details in each sketch.
My only complaint at the moment is I wish the history went further back. I always have issues dating the tunic eras.
full review to come...
July 21, 2014
I received this book, at no cost to me, through the Goodreads/Firstreads site.
I am simply amazed by the amount of time that the Author must have committed to putting this book together.
Clothes worn by men, women, and children in the 19th through 20th century and beyond are shown in
hundreds of illustrations drawn by the Author, and the descriptive text adds even more information, which will prove invaluable to those doing genealogical research by time-dating old photographs.
This is an over-sized, coffee table type book that will prove invaluable to anyone looking into the past history of fashion.
Highly recommended to anyone in need of a reference book on this subject.
I am simply amazed by the amount of time that the Author must have committed to putting this book together.
Clothes worn by men, women, and children in the 19th through 20th century and beyond are shown in
hundreds of illustrations drawn by the Author, and the descriptive text adds even more information, which will prove invaluable to those doing genealogical research by time-dating old photographs.
This is an over-sized, coffee table type book that will prove invaluable to anyone looking into the past history of fashion.
Highly recommended to anyone in need of a reference book on this subject.
June 10, 2013
This is such a fun book! I haven't had a chance yet to thoroughly read the entire book, but I can tell already by what I have looked at that it's by far a 5 star book. It would be very useful for people who are trying to date when certain photos were taken and would also be great for theatrical costume design. I have no real use for the information in the book other than it just being really fun and interesting to read. I'm pretty excited that I was one of the winners in the giveaway, thank you!
July 2, 2013
This book was delightfully entertaining and really, really informative. It's geared more for costume designers and people trying to time date old photos, but as someone just looking to research 1800's fashions, it was a wonderful resource.
June 27, 2013
Loved it, loved all the illustrations.
September 11, 2013
It's curious how the current fashions are changed and determined.
June 22, 2014
Great resource for historical reference or just plain fun.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews