Vintage Fashion Guild
  • Home
  • Membership
  • Member Directory
  • Support the VFG
  • About
  • Contact
Vintage Fashion Guild
  • Resources
    • Label Resource
      • A to Z Listing
      • Introduction & Terms of Use
      • Bibliography
    • Fabric Resource
      • A to Z Listing
      • Determining Fiber
      • Manufactured Fibers Timeline
      • Fabric "Looks Like"
      • Fabric by Fiber
      • Fabric by Use
      • Guide & Terms of Use
      • Bibliography & Acknowledgements
    • Fashion Timeline
    • Fur Resource
      • Introduction & Terms of Use
    • Lingerie Resource
    • Hat Resource
    • Wedding Resource
  • Articles
    • VFG Member Books
    • Book Reviews
    • Care and Cleaning
    • Buying & Selling
      • Quick Tips for Dating Vintage
      • How to Buy Vintage Clothing
      • Clothing Measurement Charts
      • Clothing Condition Chart
    • Featured Designers
    • Garment & Item Specifics
    • Innovation & Techniques
    • Regional Style & Stores
    • Trends & Genres
  • DONATE
  • Forum
  • About
    • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
    • Support Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
  • Join
    • Why Join?
    • VFG Code of Practice
    • Apply for Membership
    • VFG Member Directory
  • Blog
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Essential Terms of Fashion by Charlotte Mankey Calasibetta

Essential Terms of Fashion by Charlotte Mankey Calasibetta

Jan 25, 2021 | by admin | Blog | Articles, Book Reviews

Maggie Muellner of Mags Rags and MagsRagsVintage on Etsy shares one of her essential vintage fashion reference books.

I’ve been collecting vintage clothing & accessories since I was 20 years old.  As a visual learner and voracious reader, it was probably inevitable that I would accumulate an extensive library of books about vintage fashion, some for reference, and many for the sheer eye candy indulgence. Here’s an introduction to one of my favorites.

The single reference book that I use the most is Essential Terms of Fashion: A Collection of Definitions by Charlotte Mankey Calasibetta, published in 1985.

I keep this book next to me when I’m working on writing descriptions. As you can see from my photo, I’ve used it so much the binding has cracked. Sometimes I need to confirm that I’m using the correct term for a design detail (is that deep set sleeve dolman or raglan or batwing?). In the process of double-checking, I often stop to browse. Then the next time I’m faced with an unusual collar I know just where to go. I can open the book to the collar chapter and pinpoint that long collar that’s rounded at the end instead of pointed – aha! It’s a dog’s-ear collar!

necklines 2  1

The book is organized in chapters with lots of line drawing illustrations within each chapter. There are the aforementioned chapters for sleeves and collars, as well as chapters on dresses, skirt, handbags, pleats, pockets, jackets and many more. What’s the difference between a Balmacaan, a Chesterfield, a Cocoon and an Inverness? You’ll find it here (hint: they’re all coats).

Look for more favorites from Maggie’s vintage fashion library, coming soon!
This book is out of print. However, you can purchase a used copy:

Essential Terms of Fashion on Amazon
Essential Terms of Fashion on eBay

(If you click a link in this post and make a purchase, the VFG will receive affiliate income. As an Amazon Associate the VFG earns from qualifying purchases)

Screen Shot 2021 01 25 at 1 28 00 PM

collars 2

← previous next →

Question or Comment? Enter it below.

Donate & shop (paid links)

  • Donate button
  • Shop VFG Members Etsy button
  • Shop VFG Members eBay button
  • Amazon shop button
  • Zazzle shop button

VFG Resources

  • Label button
  • Fabric button
  • Lingerie button
  • Fur button
  • Timeline button
  • Hat button
  • Wedding button
  • Care & cleaning button
  • Tips & tricks button

Follow us

Membership

Shop VFG
Why Join
Code of Practice
Apply for Membership

Shop Member Stores

VFG Member Directory
VFG Amazon Shop
VFG Member Books
VFG Book Reviews
VFG on Etsy
VFG on eBay
VFG on Ruby Lane

Resources

The Time Line
Label Resource
Fabric Resource
Lingerie Resource
Fur & Exotics Resource
Hat Resource

Shortcuts

Vintage Inspiration
The VFG Blog
Ways to Say Thank You
About
Contact
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

This website and its content including text and images is © copyright Vintage Fashion Guild™ 2023 - All rights reserved
design © 2023 lucid crew
DMCA.com Protection Status