Before you buy the fabric...

The best way to avoid wadders (failed projects), UFO's (Unfinished objects) and semi-wadders (partial waste) is with a well-planned project.  Ask me how I know...

Seriously. (*wipes tears from eyes)

Below, are some examples of sketches from books I own, and I have found useful for planning and articulating  2-d versions of things I've created over the years...

Details, and how to draw them - I've probably ben using this book for 25 years now...

A good place to start for sketching a posed fashion body - I've made several body type variations using this sketch...

Before you sew... 

Instructions and illustrations to hep you communicate and create - from Draping for Fashion Design by Hilde Jaffe and Nurie Rellis (used for an FIT Draping class in the 80's)

There's an idea.  You may need to convey that idea to others, to the intended wearer, or even yourself.  Focusing in on the steps you take to make an idea a PLAN is a great way to start, but I will tell you that sketching is very difficult for me. Sketching and/or conceiving using the computer doesn't translate well to the real world for me. What this means, is that I spend a lot of time working in 3 dimensions, when I know I might be better able to solve design problems faster by really sketching out the solution/plan of action earlier in the game.

From Costume 1066-1966 - purchased at the Tate Museum in London, ca. 1983 or so...

The pamphlet I scanned (top) is full of tools to help a designer articulate what he/she is trying to create before any actual construction, pattern making or draping begins. I have been using this book since my first classes at FIT, and it is still amazingly useful. (And it only cost $1.75 when I bought it WAAAAY back then - and it there's no copyright.)

From Erte's Fashion Design Illustrations - Harper's Bazaar 1918-1932

Can you still find resources like these in the garment district? Yes, and places beyond...

Fashion Design Bookstore
FIT classes (particularly continuing education classes)
Around the World Magazines
Ebay
Mood Fabrics (figures to use for sketching)

Some people are better at planning than others, and some are less patient when it comes to the actual hands-on aspect of the process.  I am squarely in the latter category, but, I must say, that it does cost me time and money to skip steps.  I encourage you to learn from my mistakes!

The Value of Wigan

Speaking of things people who create are having trouble finding...

Inspired by a post on Miss Celie's Pants, I felt compelled to write about "wigan".  I then checked Kathleen's Fashion Incubator blog who offers far more information on the subject than anyone ever even asked for (which is one of the reasons I adore her), and then referred to my own sewing definition and explanation bible, otherwise known as Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide.

Wigan is sold by the yard, cut from a roll of stiff, bias cut interfacing, somewhere around 1.5" wide, and used for hems and cuffs.

Looks like the best garment district alternative, if you cannot find it pre-made, would be to bias-cut it yourself, using horsehair interfacing from Steinlauf and Stoller, (doesn't sound like a terrible amount of effort - personally, I'd use the continuous bias method to make yourself a reasonable amount. That's not hard at all...

Example of how to do this is found on The Sewing Loft Blog

Otherwise, Banasch's has been rumored to have it, if you call and mail order!

Where to Buy Petersham Ribbon in the Garment District...

*This is from an earlier post - Updating Meg's original post dated 1/18/11

Petersham is a hard-finished, closely woven, cross-rib fabric.  It is available in ribbon widths, and most commonly used for waist stays, facings and hat bands, among other creative uses. It is crisper than grosgrain, and gives structure and shape to areas of stress on garments and accessories. 

Rows and rows of petersham ribbon at Pacific Trimming

Example

Petersham ribbon, when used as a facing or support, is like a gift from the sewing gods! It kinda looks like regular grosgrain ribbon but its flexible picot edge allows you to shape it with an iron to curve and conform to your project, which grosgrain will not do.

Designers like Moschino, Tahari, MaxMara and Milly have used petersham ribbon as trim on their jackets and coats, and, of course it's perfect for no-waistband skirts and pants. If you make corsets, petersham can be of great use to you! 

One great source for petersham ribbon in NYC's Garment District is Pacific Trimming on W. 38th Street. They have tons of colors in several different widths, very affordably.

Update: Just a word of caution that there is no sign or label indicating "petersham" ribbon at Pacific. The staff may not be able to point you in the right direction, so you just have to know what to look for: the edges of petersham have little scalloped ridges, whereas regular grosgrain ribbon edges are completely straight. In many stores, they will not know what you are talking about if you ask for it by name.  Some stores will say they have it, but then offer something that isn't quite right - I have seen stores offer grosgrain as petersham, thinking the products are the same.

The Pantone color of 2015 is...

"Marsala!"

But, frankly folks, I call it "Brown".  Long ago, as a high school student, I wrote a report on the color and fashion trends of the Great Depression.  For the record, no one appreciated that report but me, but I still stand by it. I thought it was just fascinating. Shades of brown were all the rage at that time. 

Exciting, huh?

This "Marsala" color has no enemy, no personality, and no mood. 

But I'll allow it.  I don't follow color trends, anyway.

If I could choose the color?  I'm not too far away from that one.  I love brick red as a neutral color.  Like "Marsala's" more interesting  sister! I expressed my love for this color in my May 2013 posts about my "Ombre Hombre" shirt and skirt combo. 

Been around the world... within the garment district (Part I)

I go to things...

LOTS OF THINGS.

And when I go to these things, I get business cards.  Not just from anyone who wants to hand me a card, mind you.  I only take them when I am interested in following up, or if I see something that really interests me.  I'm curious by nature, so of course, that means LOTS of cards...

I now have a pile of cards I have not yet put away in the file, and I am fully immersed in my end-of-year/pre-new year cleanup.  Before putting them away, I check each, to make sure they are still valid, and, as I am doing this, I see some definite trends in this group.

These cards take me all over the planet... This industry is clearly global, and modern technology is making it possible to be more closely connected every day.  What that allows for creatives and any industry types right here in NYC, is access to these amazing suppliers who have representatives and local stockists who bring their phenomenally creative wares right here for our use.  Some are as close as New Jersey or Maryland, while others are as far-flung as you can imagine.

With an emphasis on eco-friendly businesses, I have highlighted a few who will remain in my card file.

• PAPER No9

For example, check out Paper No9, which is a very cool Brooklyn company, making amazingly interesting sustainable fabrics for the apparel and accessory industries. I learned about this company and sampled/fondled some of their products at a Be Social Change event earlier this year.

• ZenTex

ZenTex is an eco-friendly NY company with a garment district showroom, selling in stock fabrics with minimums as low as one bolt. 

• Indigo Handloom

Indigo Handloom is a company that makes such breath-takingly beautiful Ikats and other fabrics that you will think you have died and gone to heaven when you see them.  Their fabrics were on display at the DG Expo this year, and their goods are just amazing.

• THINX

I wrote a blog post a while back about Miki Agrawal, an "underwear activist" who impressed me greatly with her THINX line, which is just about the greatest thing since sliced bread, in my opinion.  Her company is an absolutely beautiful example of eco-friendly, passionate, heart-driven work that I sincerely adore.



I will offer a glimpse into some other companies I have discovered in a follow-up post.

Want to Explore the Garment District?

If you want to explore the garment district ... 

There are many ways to do so!

I receive a good number of questions and requests from people who want to tour The Garment District, and have a wide variety of interests/needs/goals.  Believe me, my tours are lots of fun for people who sew, design and create.  The area is navigable on your own, of course, too... but some places you will not find without guidance, and there are so many stores that it is REALLY hard to make your journey time-effective without running out of energy! I do occasionally offer my own carefully curated tours, aimed at really finding what's "special" and unusual for people who are passionately creative and education and quality oriented. The social aspect is a big bonus, too, and may of us have made great connections and gotten great ideas this way!

This is New York City, though, and I'm sure you can imagine that there are other great ways to experience the magic and history of the garment district.

You will find other touring options by clicking http://garmentdistrictnyc.com/plan-your-visit/walking-tours/.  Some of them are free, and some are low-cost! I don't have the personal experience with these tours to offer an endorsement or guarantee, but want to make you aware that they exist!

If you would like to attend one of my tours, there is currently one scheduled for January 2, 2015, and a very special artisanal tour planned for Spring 2015.  Details for the spring tour can be found by clicking http://www.shopthegarmentdistrict.com/2014/11/spring-artisanal-speakeasy.html.  If a tour is not for you, you may decide that you would to tackle the area on your own, with a map.

Whether you come to NYC as a tourist or a local, I hope you will enjoy what The Garment District has to offer!

Apparel, Sustainiblity and the Environment? A very REAL post...

You must treat the earth well. It

was not given to you by your

parents. It is loaned to you by your

children.

- Kenyan Proverb

I'll be real, here...

This is too broad of a topic to even try to address in a single post.  There are far too many tendrils involved to even make a dent in the bigger issues here.

But... this post does come with resources, ideas, and reference tools. 

Why do I even bring this up?


I recently attended a special premiere for an HBO documentary, that, while specifically created for and about children, it presented environmental challenges in a unique, digestible, and hopeful way. Believe me when I say it is equally valuable for adults and children alike.

To view the short trailer for the program, click here.  The documentary is called "Saving My Tomorrow", and it features some phenomenal kids, some great music (Check out Joni Mitchell's song Big Yellow Taxi, performed by Lennon & Maisy - *you can also find it on ITunes or Spotify), wonderful visuals, celebrity readings... and, what I would lovingly refer to as "gourmet food for thought".

After seeing the film, I understood that while we can always talk about what we (collectively) are doing that is environmentally irresponsible now... (and... yeah...yawn, right?) what we will HAVE to talk about eventually, is what we CANNOT continue to do.  Eventually, we will be FORCED to make different decisions, because so many choices we are currently making are not sustainable ones.

Now, if you're still with me, here's my next point:

When it comes to apparel...


Let's consider the Higg Index.  What is it?  Officially, it is an open-source...

"self-assessment tool aimed at creating a standard industry approach to measuring and evaluating sustainability impacts of all apparel and footwear products for the industry, while informing business-to-business decision-making that identifies ways to improve products and processes.  The Higg Index looks at sustainability from an environmental and social/labor standpoint."

Blah, blah, blah...

These are just words right now, but these words will grow louder as time marches on. I've never been a tree-hugging environmental activist, and in fact, have long appreciated the artificial obsolescence of fashion trends.  But, even I will say that this subject is worthy of your time, careful consideration and attention.


On artificial obsolescence:

Have you ever noticed that trends are just created and sold to you?  You didn't actually just happen to love skinny jeans, they just got used to seeing many permutations of them, until, eventually... you bought/made/coveted a pair?

On Squawk Box this morning, the financial reporters commented on low retail numbers for apparel are due to a trendless season in fashion fight now.  No prevailing colors or styles pushing people out to buy new stuff is a real problem for retailers.

In the UK, however, they are busy trying to push sustainability as its own fashion trend.  Is that possible?  Can it be done? Can it be cool?

Yes, it can...

Check out these links:

First eco-fashion week  in New Zealand.

Sustainable fashion from Pharell.  Yes, the guy who sings "Happy" wants to clean the ocean...

Oh, and let's add some more starpower to the mix...

The CFDA Sustainability Initiative, and the no-brainer featured designer...

There's a lot more to explore out there.  I can't imagine where this will take us in the future, but it is absolutely the beginning of a broader movement.

M&J Trimming for your hair!

There's a cute hair ornament/ponytail holder that has been featured and ADVERTISED like MAD this holiday season.  Completely affordable, and easy to buy, right?  But... as any of you garment district lovers will notice, the supplies to duplicate or upgrade this idea are very also VERY easily obtainable.



Inspired by this idea, I stopped at M&J Trimming and found a variety of lovely things and other hair-taming ideas to make some stocking stuffers for a few "tweens" in our family this year.


While these do not photograph particularly well flat, here are some of the things I found, and how I used them...

The balls are light, the elastic is strong.  I found the balls about 18 years ago, in a unique Tibetan store in SoHo (NYC), but the cord stop is from M&J Trimming. I would consider this one to be "hair jewelry" more than anything, great for adorning a low ponytail or bun...

A strong, simple ponytail holder.

A ponytail holder with silver tassels!

A wonderfully strong, snug, stretchy, sparkly headband, to gracefully push hair away from the face.

Just some fun "extras" for some people I love this year...  Side note:  I made more than just these, and some extras I will keep for myself! (Can't wear 'em until after Christmas, though!)

Dance & Fashion at the Museum at FIT

FIT's museum exhibits and I go WAAAAY back.  I remember one cold winter evening after a tailoring class many moons ago, when I casually stepped into the downstairs exhibit space to see an exbit by a designer I'd never heard of... Norell.  That exhibit was ABSOLUTELY breathtaking and unforgettable.  I can't believe I'm saying this, but...

The power of this one comes close!

I don't think there is enough I can say about this one to allow you to live it vicariously, so you'll just have to go see it yourself.

While I'm sure you expect ballerina tutus and flamenco dresses (and there are some of those), what you don't expect is the Rei Kawakubo's lumpy, bumpy designs for Merce Cunningham, and so many beautiful examples of wild creativity and beauty.  I think this is an exhibit that merits more than just one simple pass, as I needed to stop and think a few times as I viewed it.

"When you design for a dancer, you are designing for an athlete."  This is my own paraphrased version of the text introducing the exhibit space.  A video, showing jellyfish-like dancers  flowing within a seemingly gelatinous gauze mesmerizes you before you open the door to the space.

This exhibit is a magical experience.  Be sure to check it out.

Faking It at the Museum at FIT

This weekend, I stopped in to this exhibit, just to give it a look.  I wasn't particularly inspired to see this one, as I have never had any particular feelings about copying garments, or the inevitable resulting "downward spiral of declining quality" it generates.

Now, in a time where digital images and original garments provide equipped copyists nearly immediate access to original designs, it is cheaper to pay off a settlement once sued than it is to buy a license.

Hmmm...

This exhibit really did make me pause and think about that.  When there is no legal protection of the investment of creative work, talent and research and development for the originating designer's enterprise, how do we protect them? 

How do we support that work?

Does it even matter?

Of course, it does.

What's next, if there is no legal protection?  My belief is that designers will continue to follow the lead of companies like Missoni, who satisfy new customers by offering highly affordable versions of their own designs to a wider market.

But...

Here's what I see as an ENORMOUS problem we can't ignore.  The exhibit specifically identifies the famous "Birkin" bag as a unique product on the market, since it's unusual closure is protected by trademark, and its easily identifiable shape gives it a place of its own in the marketplace.

Now, Google "Birkin knock- off" or "Fake Birkin", and see the enormous wave of sites you get.

We'll need a better solution, if there is one...

And if you're wondering where I am...

**UPDATE**

Still here...

Looks like I've invited some chaos into my life... I'm crawling out slowly.  More info to come.  I guarantee, it will be interesting!

I'm here, just EXCEPTIONALLY busy at the moment, with an enormous amount of information to share.  Stay tuned!

Coming up (I'll link them to this post as they appear):

• The (upcoming) Spring Artisanal Speakeasy Tour
• Tapering (in sports and creative life)
• The "Poiple Shoyt" (my ode to Bugs Bunny)
• Eco-Fashion (apparently, you do care)
• Artisinal as a Movement
• PR Day in NYC
• Speakeasy maps and other maps updated and improved
• Project Chaos... how did I do this to myself?

Among other stuff... hold on.  I can't rush this stuff...

Talk soon!

A holiday Speakeasy

*Reposting.  This is the next tour I will be leading.  There will be no others before then.

In response to a particular tourist request, I will lead a holiday Speakeasy on Friday January 2, 2015.  All usual Speakeasy rules and itinerary information will apply:

Itinerary:

10AM - 1PM - 

Shopping (Will include a specifically selected set of stores with a wide variety of offerings suitable for many different purposes/types of garments, appropriate for the theme of the day's tour. Relevant additional information, suggested additional resources and appropriate on-site expertise will be available.)

1PM-2PM

Lunch (local restaurant reservation for our group, already included in your fee.)

2PM - until end of business day

Armed with your "Secret Map" and your own interest in or desire to visit the many other stores you see or have learned about, you may visit more garment district stores if you wish, and give unique codes (that you'll get from me) to vendors who will give special assistance/discounts.

The cost of this guided, efficient tour is $75 per person. If you use this trip to shop and participate in what the NYC garment district has to offer, you will save at least as much as you are paying in supplies and education, and probably far more.

Wanna come? Click above, send payment, and the details on meeting time/place will be provided.

From outta town? If you need hotel and/or travel help, I will advise some of the BEST NYC secrets I know! Payment is only accepted via PayPal (you do not need a Paypal account), credit or debit card. No cash, personal checks, or additional payments will be accepted on the day of the tour. The trip will involve a good amount of walking, so come prepared in weather-appropriate gear, and healthy.

Regarding cancellations:

 If you have paid and wish to cancel 7 days or more before date - 100% refund

 Fewer than 7 days - 50% refund

 If you don't come on the scheduled date or cancel within 24 hours or less - you will forfeit your refund, but can switch reservation to a future tour date.

 If I cancel a tour for reasons not related to weather, newsworthy acts of God or other emergencies, you are entitled to your choice of a full refund, or a future tour.

Wanna come? Buy a ticket here!

Never understood Groupon, but now... I totally get it!

**PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT**

Groupon deals are available from Paron Fabrics and M&J Trimming.  If you don't know what this means, follow the links, and all will be understood...

How it works: Basically, you're buying a coupon in advance, and  you'll buy it for a fraction of its shopping value. (Ex: You spend $30 to get $50 worth of merchandise.) Yes, this gives you a mandate to shop in that store before the expiration date arrives, but you know you will want something! Warning: You've gotta use it all in one shopping trip!

Makes a great gift, too!

Home Dec map

Now, there is also a Home Dec shopping map! ($12) 

 Need your fabric printed? Grommets in your curtain? Wanna make a baby bedding set? Wanna make something exciting? Having something custom made by a professional? Are YOU that professional? Need your zippers cut to size? This is the map for you! 

Pattern Review 13th birthday party in NYC!

I forget to take pictures of people when I'm having a good time. 

Luckily, there are others who took pictures of the event and all of its  players, so you can follow their stories and reports, to which I am giving you precious links...

First up, Peter of Male Pattern Boldness took great "people pictures", so he really covered that aspect of things.  Check out his blog to vicariously experience the party!

Do you know what Pattern Review is?  Do you know who Deepika is?  Click here to learn...  You would really think I didn't even bring a camera.  The thought of taking pictures didn't even occur to me ONCE.

Well, now having explained all of that, Pattern Review is 13 years old!  On Friday, November 7th, the celebratory event began with a tour of the McCall's Pattern Company offices downtown, followed by a party at Elliott Berman Textiles.

The theme was to "dress as your favorite era - whether future, past or present".  That gives us a lot of playing room, right?  Well, my love for The Flintstones made me choose a modern take on the Stone Age.  You know how Fred wore an animal skin, and a TIE, because he had to go to work?  So I wore animal print and a brown suit, to show a professional version of Wilma.  The shirt was more about the fabric (an Elliott Berman digital print panel that I paired with an animal print contrast) cut into two large squares, and laced together at the shoulders with grommets and string.  Then I cut jagged shapes into the hem, armhole/sleeves, and side "seams".  I attempted to create the illusion of no sewn seams on the shirt, to give it a real undone, "Flintstoney" look. This "shirt" will have  a second life in a more tailored version, because I love the print combo and the feel of it, and didn't cut down the big pieces, so I can still tailor it to my body after using it for the party.

Was it fast and lazy?  Yes.  But it was fun!

Jagged, unfinished edges

The "sleeve" fabric is my contrasting fabric - goes very well, doesn't it?

The fabric feels like pajamas, which was great for comfort.

A beloved fabric from Metro Textiles - why am I mentioning this? (see below)

Let me draw your attention to Kyle of Vacuuming the Lawn.  She was also a very enthusiastic attendee of the party, and wore a lovely dress, which was apparently caught in a desperate love triangle, since it was snatched up by me, a Speakeasy attendee, AND Kyle, each of whom wished we had more of it! Isn't it funny, how, in a district with SO much fabric to choose from, we all hone in on one particular fabric???  Her blog post about this fabric and what she made using it practically reads a love letter.  Mine has yet to be deflowered. Kashi should be blushing.

Speaking of "deflowering", I felt driven to show party attenders my very favorite fabric at Elliott Berman, and I am SO SERIOUS when I tell you that at least 4 of us either bought or obtained some in game prizes!  I already knew that it was what I wanted to buy later that evening. I decided to break free of that mold (a little), and chose a different colourway, since we shouldn't all have the SAME EXACT glorious printed digitally printed wool, right???

And then, of course, there was also Sharon, who showed us tricks for how to properly lace a corset when you have no help, and wowed me with some really intriguing corset and bra making philosophy/advice.  I must say, she really knows what she's talking about.

I must say, that this party could not have happened without the expert planning and care of Deepika (Pattern Review), the wonderful enthusiasm and warm, open generosity of the staff at Elliott Berman, the careful attention, communication and dedication to education shown by the fantastic employees of McCalls patterns, and the fabulousness of the party guests/participants.  Each of these ingredients deserve a HUGE thank you for keeping the spirit of creating clothing alive, whether you do it for profit and/or for pleasure!

By the way, I think I ate my weight in cheese, wine and cake... I'm serious. 

Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a... Pattern?

As I talk to people who are just in the very earliest stages of developing a line, or just a single pattern, I find that one of the hardest things to find are businesses who will take that very first step with you.  This weekend, specifically, I have been bombarded with questions from people who aspire to do it all, realize they cannot, and need the right professionals to work with them.  One of the best things I've heard from one such developing designer recently was (paraphrased),

"I didn't realize that I was disrespecting the process by thinking I could do it all by myself.  People have studied long and hard to master the different specialties this business requires, and I have to find the right skills to help me get to where I want to be."

Amen to that.

If you need a professional pattern made, do as much as you know how to do, and then involve a professional.  Save yourself money, time and heartache.

Here's a recommendation for you...

Cherie Bixler

Why?  She knows the business, and she knows how to get newbies up and running. 

*She also answers her phone...

Yesterday, in the garment district... (spoiler alert: Don't worry!)

On the corner of 39th and 7th Avenue in NYC...

I saw this...

Although the sign doesn't say so, this closure is temporary, and the booth is undergoing renovations.  In the meantime, you can visit the virtual kiosk online (not helpful when you are already walking around) or go to their office on 38th Street!

About Friday's Speakeasy

Friday's weather was perfect, and the fabrics we saw were beautiful.  I find myself repeating this statement every time I lead a tour.  Yes, I bought some fabric of my own, and the others found equally beautiful things... Sigh...

I've mentioned this broken grid fabric from Fabrics & Fabrics and cottons from Rosen & Chadick before.
See the Facebook page for more info.

Beautiful cozy sweater knit from Metro Textiles.  Also mentioned today on the Facebook page.

Sought out a rhinestone zipper for one participant at Daytona Trimming.

Beautiful day, wonderful people, fun and delicious lunch!  I wish we could do it again tomorrow! Short post today, you'll understand why when you see my next update!

Until then, sew on, my friends!

Fabrics World USA

Note: Read previous post on this store, and my commitment to responsible blogging, so you are fully informed.

Ready? Here we go:

What year is this?  What season is this? What's trending? I don't know if the owners of this store care.  After seeing these great spandex knits, I'm not sure I care, either.

Just gorgeous!

Stand back!

Had to buy it...

The fabric I chose feels like a heavy swimsuit fabric, kinda.  I'm dedicating it to the "weird garment" category in my life, and it will become my lazy Saturday drawstring-waist hoodie, lined with athletic mesh, for active weekend wear, with solid leggings and t-shirt beneath.  I know that's crazy-specific, but that's what I see...

Where to Get International Fashion Publications in NYC

Don't believe the address on the bag...

This store has a new location, and great reviews (with the owners' response!) if you Google them.

I wandered into a store that truly surprised me (again) earlier this week. It has been a LONG time since this blog post on Around the World, and this particular establishment has come a VERY long way since.  Packed to the brim with beautiful magazines and fashion, photography and technique books, with great lighting and an efficient layout, don't you dare expect to sit in an armchair (there aren't any) and read A SINGLE WORD without the intention of buying.

Relaxed and in a browsing mood, I entered the store, looking for nothing particular, both overwhelmed and impressed by the choice of publications on display, when I felt the buzz of an incoming text message in my pocket.  I reached for my cell phone, and suddenly, with the aggression of a SWAT team (no exaggeration), the words "NO CELL PHONES!" were bellowed simultaneously by MORE THAN ONE staff member behind the counter.

Frightened, "Ummm... Okay... I'm not using the camera, I just..." I stuttered.

"NO CELL PHONES!"

What is this photo? It represents about as close as you can reasonably hope to get to this place for a photo, but look at their website for store photos - the wrinkled white banner announces the location, as it is currently obscured by scaffolding.  Think I'm kidding about the no photo policy?  Just try to get a photo ... I dare ya... and report back (if you live to tell).

Okay.  I get it. Under normal circumstances, I would have been offended and made my exit, but their shouting was so overwhelmingly aggressive that I was more amused than anything.

Yes, there are bold signs banning the use of any camera-like device in the store, and they defend that policy vigorously. I continued browsing, and a few minutes later, in a much softer exchange, I politely asked the proprietor how cell phone use harms a store like his. "After all, a person who snaps a quick photo of a magazine cover is not the same person who would buy a $60 magazine."

"It starts with the cover," he explained, "but people photograph whole articles, full photo spreads.  They don't just bring cell phones, they bring sophisticated photo equipment. Even large bookshops like Borders can't survive in that environment." 

*Note to all:  When I did make my purchase, (yup, I did...) the woman on line in front of me did spend about $200 or so on her magazines, and the store didn't even have the most current issue of one particular magazine she was looking for, so she likely would have bought more, if she could have.

And what do they have?  Everything you've ever wanted, plus everything you never knew existed.  You are only limited by the girth of your wallet.  From a fairly casual browsing experience, I saw at least $500 worth of publications I REALLY wanted to own.

So, what did I buy?

Only the best tween magazine I've seen in a LONG time. I had already heard of it, but I must mention that this magazine is unbelievably great.  I'm glad I read it first, because I may never be able to pry it from my daughter's hands!

You can find issues and info here.

So, visit this store.  Just don't take a camera or reveal your cell phone for ANY REASON.  Don't say I didn't warn ya...