I have a love affair with fashion books. There's something about the beautifully styled photos and pretty clothes that makes me a complete sucker for a purchase. But fashion books are expensive, and they take up room, so if you're constrained by money or space, you want to be a little picky about the ones you actually buy. Based on my vast experience with this topic, including photographing my jewelry with fashion books as props, here are some of my recommendations, including why I like them!
Parisian Chic Look Book, paired with our Mahima Earrings
I really enjoyed Ines De la Fressange's Parisian Chic but if I have to pick, I like her second book, Parisian Chic Look Book even more. This book gets into the specifics of Parisian style, the actual "how to put looks together", and what to wear to look completely appropriate and chic for any occasion from date night at a hip restaurant, to meeting your boyfriend's parents for the first time, to meeting with your financial planner. The book not only gives you a check list for things you should have in your wardrobe, but also includes a list of faux pas - sorry ladies, leggings fall in the latter category for Parisians!
Fashion Quotes, photographed with the MALA pink chalcedony earrings
Next up, Fashion Quotes: Stylish Wit & Catwalk Wisdom, by Patrick Mauries and Jean-Christophe Napias. I'm not gonna lie - I'm a complete sucker for the pink leopard print cover, and the illustrations by THE Christian Lacroix. The book is fun look at fashion, with quotes by some of its most famous icons, and overall, a reminder to not take yourself too seriously when it comes to fashion and style. Some of my favorite quotes include these gems -
" Flip flops are a gateway drug, the downfall of many relationships" ~ Lady Gaga; and
"You're only as good as your last haircut" ~ Fran Lebowitz
A page from Garance Dore's Love Style Life, pictured with the MALAVIKA rose quartz earrings
I find myself completely charmed by Garance Dore: whether its her website, or her podcast, or even her book, her sense of humor and wit are consistent throughout. Reading a Garance piece is like speaking with a friend - genuine, heartfelt, funny -- all of the good things. In fact, I want to be friends with her in real life. She's a talented fashion illustrator, and the illustrations in the book are all her own. This book talks about style, beauty, self awareness, what it was like moving to NY, her love life, cutting her hair --- a well-balanced inside look at an OG fashion blogger who expanded her career into so much more!
I'll continue updating this list as I read more fashion books, but in the mean time, what are some of your favorites? I'd love to heard them in the comments section!