Customer Reviews

Terms of Adornment: The Ultimate Guide to Accessories

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I bought this book because the subtitle promised that I would learn "everything I need to know" about accessories. I guess if all I wanted to know was how to buy clothes that go with my accessories, rather than buying accessories to go with my clothes, this book would be useful.

The book is organized alphabetically by accessory, so you can go to the store, buy any old accessory you like, come home, look up the accessory in the book, then read about outfits you can buy to go with the accessory. USELESS! Not to mention impractical for those of us with tight budgets and/or a disinclination to spend obscene amounts of money.

I am not too adept with accessories, but I have a pretty solid wardrobe for both work and casual wear. I had hoped to find a book to advise me how to select accessories to jazz things up, but this book is designed for people with lots of accessories who need advice on how to wear them.

Needless to say, I got my money back.

I am one of those women who wants to look nice, but really hates to shop. When I stumbled on this book, with its clear and simple lists of what to wear, I knew I had found a secret weapon. And a time saver. With this book in hand and a list of the items I already own, I was able to use the web, catalogs and just a few shopping trips to put together a wonderful look for myself. THANK YOU Ms. Chase and Ms. Powell!!!!

I like the way the book defines and differentiates one fashion accessory from another in the same category (i.e., a kelly from a tote --- both fall in the category "bag"), provides a brief history of the item, and then gives suggestions on how to best use this for oneself. The "best" usage of the many accessories outlined here tend to be relative from person to person, though, so from time to time, you might see some recommendations here which you didn't, (or wouldn't) dream of coming up with. Still, I appreciate reading all these since these help you determine, either by agreeing or disagreeing with their suggestions, what kind of style you prefer.

The only insider insight given in this book is the suggestion to consider socks as accessories instead of underwear. Everything else is commonplace knowledge, that anyone able to look around and in a mirror can come up with on their own, unless, of course, they are into things like suspenders, cowboy boots and charm bracelets... I think the author should stick to describing animal habitats.