Fashionistas, Take Note

During the past 25 years, men have spent more money on clothing for themselves than in any other period of modern history, says Alan Flusser (Style and the Man). The time has "never been more propitious for the emergence of a standing army of well-heeled swells," he believes, and in Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion, he takes readers on a tour of men's clothing that he attests will never go out of style. Flusser carefully explains how to mix patterns, what to look for when trying on clothes in the fitting room, what kind of jacket to wear with a straight-point collar, the history of the monk-strap shoe, the correct position for a bow tie and what "business casual" really means. Heavily illustrated with photographs of dapper dans from Humphrey Bogart to the Duke of Windsor and drawings depicting neckwear, suit jackets, coat sleeves and trouser creases, this is a superb reference for any man. (HarperCollins, $49.95 320p ISBN 0-06-019144-9; Oct. 4)

Those who follow fictional columnist Carrie Bradshaw's every move will revel in Sex and the City: Kiss and Tell, a colorful companion—complete with a hot-pink faux alligator cover—to the wildly popular HBO series. New York magazine's "Naked City" columnist Amy Sohn offers an overview of the show's premise, photos of seasons past, biographies of and interviews with cast members and the show's producers, episode summaries and more. Hundreds of photos fill the pages, while sidebars (such as "The Rules, by Charlotte York" and a piece on why Carrie wears a tutu during the show's opening sequence) provide further insight into the show's quirks. There's also a glossary explaining what a Martha Stewart of Death is ("a woman who overcoordinates grief plans"), a fashion guide that shows the women of the show wearing Manolo Blahnik, Tahari and Emanuel Ungaro, a trivia quiz and a map showing Carrie and company's favorite New York hangouts. (Pocket, $40 160p ISBN 0-7434-5681-5; Oct.)

September Publication

Like many musicians, Robin Crow had a hard time breaking into the business. "Although I had an outwardly exciting career as a concert performer and recording artist [playing the guitar], I could never really keep things together," he reflects. In Jump and the Net Will Appear: Discovering the Art of Achievement and the Rhythm of Success, Crow teaches readers how to find the strength to create an extraordinary quality of life. He uses the example of how, at age 40, he turned his Tennessee home into a recording studio complex that has since attracted popular and country stars including Amy Grant, Faith Hill, Jewel, Alison Krause and Dolly Parton. At the core of Crow's advice is the idea that one should be willing to take a risk and learn to embrace the unknown. The book includes lyrics from his own songs, which should delight country and Christian music fans. (New World Library, $20 160p ISBN 1-57731-230-9)