Architects and designers are breaking new ground on the West Coast; incorporating tested ideas with modern technologies; materials; and concepts in thrilling and sustainable designs. This collection of more than 25 inspiring residences by such renowned western architects and interior designers as Ricardo and Victor Legorreta; Tom Kundig; Jim Jennings; Steven Ehrlich; Marmol Radziner; Aidlin Darling; Paul Wiseman; Terry Hunziker; and Gary Hutton showcases large and small homes that respond to the deserts; mountains; plains; and coastlines of the West. The sculptural forms and elegant interiors are urban and rural; open to the outdoors; and always contemporary; comfortable; and stylish.
#2271751 in eBooks 2008-08-01 2008-08-01File Name: B00B7Z5I9K
Review
64 of 64 people found the following review helpful. My review is the most accurateBy SMGFirst things first - I feel like some of these reviews both negative and positive were written by people who didnt even read the book - so be wary of that.Before reading this book my fashion dilemmas were as follows: I have a really weird shaped body for starters and Ive always had uniform jobs so there was never a need for me to pay attention to my fashion. Until I moved to LA that is and began having non uniform jobs and now having the need to attend high profile parties. OMFG!While past years I have made a vague attempt at getting a fashion clue - many a book and magazine assume that everyone is a double zero with a limitless budget.So I just threw in the towel. I dont remember what prompted me to buy this book when so much other fashion advice just had me feeling like a loser but I did.And it did indeed change my life and teach me how to see.This book is different in that it doesnt see or explain fashion as a one size fits all approach. It explains fashion from the approach of "who do you want to see in the mirror and why" and how to realistically tailor your fashion to fit your lifestyle and your unique body type and self image.Im not sure where people are getting that this book is for size zeros wanting a classic look? Im not trying to bash other peoples perspective but Im shaped like a bull frog and Im a size 12 and this is the first fashion read that didnt make me want to jump off a bridge.So props to the author for not saying that "skinny jeans" are the answer to everything as Ive heard other authors say.And I cant thank George enough for helping me feel pretty and confident again for the first time in 2 decades.68 of 69 people found the following review helpful. Best fashion book Ive read (despite a few flaws)By MarceaPROS: Im not very good at fashion; but Ive been reading a lot of fashion books lately. So far; this is the best one Ive read. The first few chapters are mainly about ones attitude and personal blocks to dressing well. This portion of the book had some amazing insights. For example: "Hiding doesnt relieve us of the gaze of others--it only highlights our discomfort and awkwardness; making those our visible qualities." How many times have you noticed someone else (or you yourself) dressing in something cheap or dowdy or faded in the hope that no one will pay attention to you--and then realizing that person stands out in their awkwardness? As a shy person; this idea made a big impression on me. It does make sense that dressing in traditional "wallflower" attire actually draws some attention--and negative attention; at that. Brescia also does a great job explaining how our goal should be a harmony that pleases the eye rather than some kind of perfection of every detail.Most of the rest of the book had more specific advice. The most helpful part of it for me was the list of "wardrobe essentials." Ive read a lot of lists of these kinds; and I dreaded reading another one because I expected it to be yet another list of unattainable; expensive near-useless items that maybe career women in NYC use but no one in little towns like mine would ever use. Brescias list; though; was the most inspiring Ive ever read! The way he broke down articles of clothing made a lot of sense to me; and I could see how almost all of the items on the list were usable and fashionable even in a smaller town like mine. This could be just a coincidence--maybe his sense of style appealed to mine; and thats why I found the list so helpful. It may not apply to most women; Im not sure. Brescias chapter on color made a lot of sense to me because it explained why high-contrast skin/hair tones (like a dark brunette with pale skin) look better with strong colors and contrasts; while honey blondes need milder contrasts in color.CONS: Brescia considers a few arguments against wearing makeup and high heels and tries to counter them (for example; he explains why you shouldnt be lazy or think it doesnt matter). He never addresses the most important arguments Ive heard against such things; though--namely; that they harm the body. I get plenty of harmful chemicals in my food; water; and air; so I really dont need to be adding some to my skin (and even "natural" makeup contains some pretty bad stuff). Wearing heels harms the feet; legs; and spine even if you wear them correctly; and tripping or twisting an ankle is a lot more likely in heels. Also; its just plain hard to get around in heels--trotting to catch up to someone ahead of you; jumping up to reach something; changing direction quickly; walking on soft ground; and a lot of other commonplace activities are difficult or painful in heels. Brescia never even brings up these objections; and he certainly doesnt counter them. (And if "elongating the leg" is so sexy; why dont men wear high heels; too?) That was probably the most frustrating part of the book for me. He did a great job selling me on why I should update my clothes and jewelry; but makeup and heels fell flat. Another difficulty I had was with the color categories. They sounded great; but I had trouble figuring out whether I was in the "brunette" category or "tawny brunette" category. Since the color palettes were pretty different; I really needed to know which one I should apply. I tried looking on his website for some pictures; but all I could find was a long selection of TV interviews. I just need some photos of women with different hair colors with labels of which category they belonged to. He had a couple of drawings in the book; but there werent enough for me to identify my shade of hair.OVERALL: Although I had a few things to nitpick; this was the most helpful fashion book Ive read to date; and I plan to implement a lot of what I read. It gives some helpful psychological analysis; a lot of specific fashion advice; and an easy-to-read writing style.6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. George Brescia is a genius!By Heidi DeanThis book WILL change your life! George Brescia is a genius with his tips; rules and shortcuts for dressing yourself and feeling fabulous! As a new mom who has struggled with the slow process of regaining my pre-baby figure this book has been a godsend! On a professional level; this book is helping many of my clients. I work with actors; helping them with their marketing and personal branding. The idea that our clothes help tell our story and speak for us before we dorsquo; has the power to transform my clientrsquo;s careers and truly change lives. Thank you George for writing such an insightful book for all types of women (and their husbands!).