Custom made and design conscious products and services feed consumers with the feeling that they have purchased something that matches their own individual image. With our fascination with designer logos, there is also a counter culture in response. Not everyone can afford to indulge in adding to their closet the latest bag from Louis Vuitton or that cute appliqué number from a recent Dior collection by Galliano. Prada with her pocket-pals-robot key chain accessories might be Miu Miu's version of designer Hello Kitty. The irony is that this season, these design houses are trying to convince you of buying their knock-off of the do-it-yourself look.

For authentic do-it-yourself and handmade accessories, check out www.PlainMabel.com. Introduced by Tara Mackay in 2003, this site is one of many others appearing that feature independent artists and designers who submit their work to the site's inventory. The menu features products categorized by "Bags", "Jewelry", "Accessories", "Stationary", as well as a section for crafts for the home. This is an excellent outlet for those who have the skills to create and the entrepreneurial motivation to put what they've got out there. Other highlights include a section for artist information where one can give a brief description of company/designer/product information and direct links to associated websites.

Even if you're not looking to buy, check out what's happening in this market. If you're crafty, take advantage of this site's invitation to show your own work. There are some of us who could do-it-ourselves, but don't have the time or the skills and would still prefer to get the "look". It's fun to see the possibility that each one of us have to create. Designers can see and compare what they, too, can make after viewing this diverse catalog of unique accessories. To get that knock-off of the designer knock-off just click on Plain Mabel.

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Glenda Ronduen

The International Publication For Special Event Professionals

Special Events magazine is primarily a trade publication for Event and Meeting Planning professionals. However, you do not need to be in this line of work to reap the benefits of this magazine. There are some very useful tips for planning children’s parties and Bar/Bat Mitvahs that will make your event anything but ordinary. There are many examples of creative items for party rentals such as: tablecloths, chairs, tents, etc. to make start your creative juices start flowing.

Regular departments include:

• Confetti
• Galas
• Food For Fetes
• Tools of the Trade
• Site Lines

The recent “Site Lines” column discusses the trend of using historic mansions as event sites for their charm and ambience. The “Food For Fetes” column gives advice on catering and menu planning with such recent topics as how to cater a festival, inventive reception menus, and how buffets do not need to be expensive to be good. There are also informative interviews with industry professionals such as Carl Schuster of Wolfgang Puck Catering. Another handy feature of this magazine is the recaps of current trends in the industry like meetings and incentive travel. Special Events magazine is useful for those who want their events to be as creative as possible even if they can’t afford to hire a professional planner.

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Monika Earle

The title Costume Design 101: The Art and Business of Costume Design for Film and Television suggests that you will learn something about how to design costumes by reading this book. Actually, this book is almost entirely about the business of costume design, and in a sense, it is far more valuable because of this focus. The author, Richard La Motte, is an expert in the costume design business and he tells you everything you need to know to get started.

La Motte has set out a great deal of information in a very orderly fashion. He starts with “breaking down the script,” which gives a costume designer’s perspective on reading and analyzing a script, creating an overall costume plan, and jotting down some basic financial figures. His advice on the politics of filmmaking is excellent. He includes tips on how to deal with the people on the set, such as how to soothe actors’ egos, and how to negotiate with difficult directors. La Motte tells you how to accumulate your costumes, focusing mainly on renting from costume shops, and he includes information and personal anecdotes about balancing the costume department’s budget. He goes in-depth on how to alter pre-made costumes, both permanently and temporarily, and he touches on creating your own.

Throughout the book, La Motte makes it clear that good planning is crucial to your success as a costume designer. Even with planning, however, there will be many problems that you don’t anticipate. In that case, you have to think of a solution quickly. His personal stories illustrate some of the problems he has faced and his sometimes unconventional solutions that kept the film rolling. Costume Design 101 is not the best resource to learn how to design and create your own costumes. It is, however, the very best resource to learn how to become a Costume Design Department Supervisor. Anyone considering going into the business of costume design should read this book.

Reviewed by R & RC Staff Member - Robin Dodge