As the years go by, I'm finding less and less content of interest in modern fashion magazines.  The on-going emphasis on celebrities, the super-skinny models  and the out of touch prices of designer goods just do not seem to be relevant to my life.  Many months I can go through an entire issue of Vogue  in about an hour, and Harper's Bazaar usually takes 45 minutes.

So why do I subscribe?  Well, first of all, magazine subscriptions are insanely cheap.  I think the going rate for either of the above is about $12 a year.  That does not even cover the cost of shipping!  Magazines make their money from the advertisers, not the subscribers.  They keep prices low so they can keep circulation up.  That's not a problem, as in some issues, the ads are more interesting than the editorial content.

But what really keeps me on the mailing list is that from time to time I actually get my dollar's worth from an issue.  The current issue of Vogue (October, 2009) is a good example.  No, I did not fall in love with the fashion spreads, though the one featuring actress Michelle Williams actually featured great looking clothing that most women would love to own. 

And the feature on hats was beautifully done.  Unfortunately it made me want a $890 Hermes fedora!

No, the thing that I always love about Vogue is the book excerpt.  This month's was a real delight - the new biography of Elizabeth Bowes Lyon - The Queen Mother.  That's her getting into the Rolls Royce in my blurry photo.  I took this outside Saint Paul's Cathedral in 2000.  Elizabeth was 99 at the time, but you never would have guessed it.  My friends and I just happened upon her leaving the church, and we excitedly watched as she decended the stairs in front of it, stopping on each step to speak to the choirboys who formed a long line.  Even from the distance we had to stand, her gracious manner was unmistakable. 

 And for the rest of the trip whenever people asked us how we were enjoying the UK, we told them about seeing the Queen Mum.  It was obvious that she had the affection of everyone we told.  And after reading about her life, it is easy to see why.  Her actions during WWII alone make her one of the women I admire most.

But back to Vogue.  At the present I'm reading a book I've had a while, As Seen in Vogue.  Subtitled, A Century of American Fashion in Advertising, the book is turning out to be a not only an interesting tale of ads, but also a nice overview of fashion history.  And there are lots of great illustrations.

And just for the record, I bought this book myself.  In case you have not heard, starting December 1, bloggers must disclose any relationships they have with the companies of products that are endorsed on a blog.  Basicly, they must tell if they were gifted with the product.  I rarely get gifts, but I have received books to review from book companies, so expect this little reminder that I actually buy and pay for 90% of the books I mention.  Unless you are a book company, and want to send me some books!