My style library

Today I thought I’d put up some book suggestions as I’ve got quite a collection of fashion and style-related books piling up next to my bedside table at the moment.

Thankfully they’re the sort that you can come back to at any time; I never do this kind of thing with fiction books because I find it too hard to keep track of more than one at a time.

 

A while ago a friend (who has a lovely website called We love Perth – check it out if you’re looking for things to do over on the west side, whether you’re a local or a tourist) recommended the book Parisian Chic to me for some style inspiration. It’s written by Ines de la Fressange, who used to be one of the ‘it’ French models in the 1980s and has some fabulous tips for aspiring fashionistas. The thing I like about the book is that it not only goes into detail about how to create essential Parisian looks (from weekend casual to evening wear) but Ines has also listed her favourite boutiques for items from high-end labels to kids clothes, accessories and even home wares. 

 

I’ve also been reading Zoë Foster’s book Amazing Face, which should be every woman’s bible for anything make-up and skin related. It’s spectacular and I may have developed a slight girl crush on her whilst reading it. (Who wouldn’t? She’s smart, hilarious and engaged to Hamish Blake. The woman's got it all!) In addition to being extremely informative – she goes into detail about the kind of makeup you should be wearing throughout the different stages of your life, as well as suggesting brands to hit up for said items – she’s got a wonderful way of writing that has literally had me laughing out loud numerous times. It’s a wonderful book that I have already recommended to tons of friends and that I hope to one day give my 13-year-old daughter so that she actually learns how to put on makeup properly. Zoë also has heaps of instructional videos on YouTube and writes for MamaMia (Mia Freedman’s website) about all sorts of wonderful stuff, so start stalking her!

  

Food, Fashion, Friends, by Fleur Wood. This is the ultimate coffee table book for any who dabbles in fashion, interior decorating, cooking, entertaining or general styling. Fleur Wood took time out from designing beautiful clothing to write a book about how to host different themed parties, what to cook, how to decorate and what the dress-code should be. The photos are crisp, the styling is spectacular and the recipes to die for. It’s one of my all-time favourite books, mainly because it combines all my most loved pastimes in one but also as it was a birthday gift from a very dear friend who happened to pull some strings and get it signed by the author. Clearly she knows me very, very well.

I’m in the process of building up my style and fashion library (separate to my fiction library, of course!) so any suggestions for future purchases are most welcome! I’d really like to hear what your favourites are, and would especially like to know about any gems that you’ve come across in your op-shop or market wanderings!