Claire McCardellWhat Shall I Wear?: The What, Where, When, and How Much of Fashion, New Edition

Simple writing, nice printing, lovely to read on a slow shabbat or as a palette cleanser between heavy books.

As someone who's owned an original copy since 1956 (yes I'm that old) I am noticing typos, omissions and realigned illustrations* in this reissued copy of a classic fashion how-to. Sure, the type is smaller and the book printed in one color, not two, but it's sloppy and annoying at the very least. Tory Burch's new foreword and Allison Tolman's afterword hammer how dated and possibly "offensive at worst" readers may find the text ("cultural stereotypes...body shaming"). It was 1956! Do we now have to deal with Critical Fashion Theory? None of that diffuses the charm and joy in reading "What Shall I Wear", but it's nails-on-the-blackboard to me. The insert of photos of Claire MCardell and examples of her designs, new to this edition, is a welcome addition.* The Flexible Five-Piece Wardrobe doesn't make sense when three of the pieces become a coat (see photos).

Interesting, but ok.