WHIMSY

I majored in English in college and have always loved to read just about anything I could get my hands on. My tastes are varied (my husband says schizophrenic) but I enjoy the history of Alexander the Great every bit as much as Confessions of a Shopaholic. This means that our house is filled (filled!) with books, including hundreds of beloved classics from my college days.

Now my daughter is off to college (an English major, just like mom!). Of course, I wanted to send her off with some fun new clothes and just by luck stumbled upon the perfect solution for “wordies” like us! Out of Print Clothing makes clever tees that are designed for the well read college student — or one who just wants to impress the professors!

Out of Print Clothing celebrates the world’s greatest stories — from the Catcher in the Rye, to Lord of the Flies, to Atlas Shrugged and many, many more. The shirts feature iconic (and often out of print) book covers. Some are definitely classics, and some are just curious enough to make great t-shirts — but they are all striking works of art. Made of a cotton/poly blend the tees are distressed, just like a well thumbed book.

One of my favorites is the Slaughterhouse Five t-shirt. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut is the story of anti-hero and POW Billy Pilgrim and the firebombing of Dresden. I remember this great novel as one that actually captured the attention of my entire class and sparked some serious debates. The t-shirt is emblazoned with artwork from the first edition dust jacket by cover artist Paul Bacon. Retail $28

My other top pick is the Hound of the Baskervilles tee. In this iconic work by Arthur Conan Doyle, the indomitable Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson take on a supernatural beast. The novel was originally serialized in The Strand and the t-shirt art is from one of the 1902 first edition UK covers by George Newnes Ltd.   Retail $28

The best part about Out of Print Clothing, though, is their dedication to spreading the joy of reading through their tees. Since there are many parts of the world that don’t have access to books at all, the firm is working to change that. For each shirt they sell, one book is donated to a community in need through partner Books For Africa.

You can shop online at Out of Print Clothing for women’s tees or shirts for the guys. Or give the gift of reading to a friend or loved one —  just send an Out of Print gift certificate.

So, what’s your story?!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Handcrafted items have always held a special allure for me. Knowing that an artist lovingly created a piece solely out of his imagination and produced it using skills honed over a lifetime gives a handcrafted item a personality not found in a mass produced piece. Whether it’s a hand hammered gold ring or a cloche hat delicately topped with chic feathers, I adore artisanal work!

Paris: Made by Hand takes the love of skilled craftsman even one step further and highlights the best artists in that best of all cities – Paris! This fabulous book grabs you by the hand and leads you through the city streets of Paris, where all manner of delightful shops, craft boutiques and studios are revealed. These are the tiny, hidden Parisian gems that often only insiders know!

Written and photographed by Pia Jane Bijkerk, Paris: Made by Hand is filled to bursting with special ateliers (français for studio or workshop) that craft everything from exquisite silk flowers ready to adorn haute couture runway looks, to quirky pieces created from repurposed men’s ties, to jewelry shops dripping in colorful, hand fired glass baubles.

As you wander through the turning, twisting streets and hidden alleys, you uncover treasures at every turn — vintage silk ribbon, yarn, handmade buttons, flowers in feathers and silk, and more. Each atelier is described in loving detail – from the studio’s history, to its unique wares, to the principals whose genius creates such delightful pieces.

Best yet, the photography is nothing short of spectacular. Pia’s background as a photo stylist is evident on every page. From the gleaming, gem encrusted charms at Oh Dis Le Moi to the amazing details on vintage textiles at Marie Louise De Monterey, the photography can only be described as luscious.

Pia helpfully provides not only each studio name and address, but telephone numbers, web addresses where applicable, and even hours of operation — and so, this has become a guidebook of sorts, for connoisseurs of beautiful objects. Paris: Made by Hand is available from The Little Bookroom for only $15.16 USD.

One ticket to the City of Light, please!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

This new book by Charla Krupp at Springboard Press arrived in my mailbox just in time. After a long, long winter spent indoors due to massive snowfall, my clothes are feeling just a smidge tight!

How To Never Look Fat Again claims to showcase over 1,000 ways to dress thinner without dieting, and after a weekend reviewing the suggestions, I’ve decided Charla is right! The book is divided into 16 chapters with such mesmerizing titles as Arm Flap, Heavy Calves, Summer, and Wide Face. All kidding aside, each of us – even the thinnest – has some body issues that could use a little help. And, as Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor once said, “You can never be too rich or too thin!”

The book’s practical advice is illustrated with some shocking celebrity “Before” and “After” shots that clearly show how a side swept bang, a one shouldered gown, or a simple, cinched waist can make a world of difference. Instead of “Do’s” and “Don’ts”, Charla offers “Vows” – “I Will’s” and “I Will Not’s” (she even throws in a few “Don’t Your Dare’s!”). I’ve learned it’s easy to dress thin! Identify your problem area, follow the rules, and see the almost magical results in your mirror.

Many of the rules and suggestions are common sense, but I will admit that in the past I’ve been seduced by clearance racks filled with pieces that really don’t look great on me. A bargain is only a bargain if your wear it and look fabulous. So follow the rules! I can guarantee that if you follow Charla’s advice, someone at your office will ask “Hey, did you lose weight?”

How to Never Look Fat Again is available at Barnes and Noble.  The list price for the book is $26.99, but the online price is only $17.99. Members save even more — 41% — so you can pick up your copy for only $15.78!

A sample copy of How To Never Look Fat Again was received through The Product Review Place

http://productreviewplace.ning.com/.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!