There are books that you absolutely need to have in your library in order to maintain your fashionista creds. A true fashionista knows her history right up to modern day. So if you don't have these amazing books in your library, then you need to hit up the bookstore quickly. Here are the 13 must have fashion books:


Stylist: The Interpreters of Fashion, by Style.com

This book chronicles the careers of the top stylists who have shaped way the fashion industry thinks including Carine Roitfeld, Grace Coddington, Polly Mellen and Camilla Nickerson. See how they worked with top photographer like Avedon and Meisel to create the images that made your jaws drop.


Influence by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen

This wonderful book explores the things that have influenced fashion icons like Lauren Hutton, Diane von Furstenberg and John Galliano, just to name a few. Mary Kate and Ashley set out to dig deeply into the personas of these icons to see what makes them really tick.



The Seductive Shoe: Four Centuries of Fashion Footwear, by Jonathan Walford

Jonathan Walford takes a peek into the shoe closets of the world over the last 400 years, revealing the styles and fashions that have fueled that obsession.



Jacques Helleu and Chanel, by Jacques Helleu

This gorgeous and lavishly illustrated book tells the story of Jacques Helleu’s vision. Helleu joined the house of Chanel at the age of eighteen. In 1965 he took over responsibility for promotion, and he currently serves as Chanel’s artistic director.



Dior, by Farid Chenoune

On the occasion of its sixtieth anniversary, the House of Dior presents a monumental recounting of its history, imparted through its exceptional legacy: one hundred and fifty of its most beautiful dresses.



Vintage Fashion: Collecting and Wearing Designer Fashions, 1900-1990 by Emma Baxter Wright

Want to learn the inside scoop on vintage fashion collection? Then this is the book for you. This brilliant book walks you through the fashion decades explaining every important detail about the fashion of that time, as well as, the key designers of that decade, so that you can easily spot and nab that perfect vintage find.



In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine (Hardcover) by Alberto Oliva, Norberto Angeletti, and Anna Wintour

This book offers an inside look into how this magazine is really put together from its fabulous covers to the models who have graced its cover to its photographers of choice.



The Golden Age of Couture in Paris and London: 1947-1957, by Claire Wilcox

This book is the companion to the wonderful exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in September 2007, which focused on Parisian and British couture between 1947 and 1957, the decade Dior hailed as fashion’s “golden age.”



Seduction, by Caroline Cox

Fashion historian, Caroline Cox explains how women have been seducing men for centuries. She examines the use of aphrodisiacs to lushly-decorated boudoirs to the all-important deployment of stockings. She also highlights some of the world's most infamous seductresses including Marie Antoinette.



Style from A to Zoe, by Rachel Zoe

Famed celebrity stylish, Rachel Zoe, tells it like it is in this witty advice book. She offers advice not just on how to pull together a great outfit, but also give the essential tips that women really need to hear in order to be able to face themselves in the mirror and totally love what they see.



The One Hundred, by Nina Garcia

Project Runway judge and Editor-at-Large for Marie Claire, Nina Garcia, identifies the 100 must haves items that every woman should possess in order to secure her fashionista creds.



100 Years of Fashion Illustrations, by Cally Blackman

This books contains over 400 stunning images by some of the world's best illustrators of the last century telling the tales of the fashion industry through their tips of the drawing pencils.



Avedon Fashion: 1944 to 2000, by Richard Avedon

For over sixty years, Richard Avedon was called upon time and time again to capture some of the most memorable moments in fashion including his photographs for Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, Egoiste, and The New Yorker.

Links à la Mode: Ice Cold Lemonade

links a la mode



Ice Cold Lemonade


Edited by Clutch 22


Compiling this week's round up of posts hit closer to home for me. I think we can all relate to the times where stress builds up and blocks inspiration. Reading each of these individually was the exact refreshment I needed (hence "lemonade"), especially with my birthday coming up next week - total outfit planning mode.

So what's in the mix? Alixrose and Decline Designs offer personal style inspirations, Fasshonaburu teaches us how to get our budget-shopping on at high-end boutique sales, hkShoeGeek talks harnesses and Fashion Consciou$ inspires by reviving the culottes trend (so cute on her).

Links à la Mode : June 25th



  • 39th and Broadway: Ever wonder who really determines how your clothes fit? An interview with a technical designer

  • alixrose: You have the perfect outfit, but whats the one thing that can keep it from becoming fabulous?

  • A Typical Atypical: A deep dive into the reasoning behind shoe obsessions

  • Awakened Aesthetic: Affordable ways to bring urban fashion into your decor without getting tacky

  • Bobbins and Bombshells: Fashionable History - A look into 1920's swimwear and bathing suits.

  • Bonne Vie: When Bloggers Unite - The Hotel Max Edition

  • Decline Designs: Defining Your Personal Style - Having "Go-To" Outfits

  • Fasshonaburu: Digging through a high end sales to find purchase-worhty pieces, and tips on how to not go over budget

  • Fashion Consciou$: Fashion Flashback - Return of the culottes

  • Fashion Pulse Daily: The evolution of the gladiator to the "mandiator"

  • Freya: A little gown guide for your summer wedding

  • hkShoeGeek: Harnesses - A collection of favorites for every style and price range

  • Idiosyncratic Style: A guide for casual wedding attire

  • Independent Fashion Bloggers: You just don't compare...

  • Retro Chick : Mary Queen of Charity Shops - Now it's all over, some final thoughts

  • Shoe Daydreams: Are you on board with the latest trend - Over The Knee boots?

  • Tatiana Supports the Arts: Indie Designer Spotlight - ALEX&RA, designed by Alexandra Cipparone

  • The Bare Skinny: Not everything has to be black and white - inspiration for adding color to your wardrobe

  • The Coveted: Shu Uemura's inspired lashes

  • Unfunded: Respect your elders - Rock the vintage!

  • Work Chic: Chic hosiery options if you still have to wear them in the summer heat!

R.I.P. Michael Jackson







Taking a bloging break today to pay tribute to the amazing phenomenon that was Michael Jackson. I will miss you. You will always be the King of Pop in my book. These are my two favorite videos.

Vintage Find of the Day: The Vintage Haven



These vintage shoes by Guild House are sexy, sexy. Get 'em at The Vintage Haven.

Etsy Fashion Find: Sandmaiden does Dresses



I posted about Sandmaiden's gorgeous lingerie back in April. Who knew that they had cute dresses made of organic merino lightweight jersey. They are definitely keeping it eco-friendly. See this dress and more here.

Etsy Fashion Find: Veela Trice Creations



This is the cutest denim halter dress. Get it at Veela Trice Creations.

What I Want Now: Mia @ DSW



This wouldn't be a What I Want Now post without at least one post on shoes. I have been trying so hard not to buy shoes. But of course, my will is weak. So while I was buying a pair of flats from DSW, I came across these gladiator sandals by MIA and I spent quite some time trying to decide whether to get these or not. I just could not decide. I love 'em. But not sure if I should jump on the gladiator bandwagon.

What I Want Now: Martine Wester



I absolutely love this necklace! I love the mixture of shapes and gemstones. It is simply gorgeous. It is the Rosette Crystal Necklace by Martine Wester.

What I Want Now: Lulu's



I have been searching everywhere for the perfect denim dress. This one hits the spot. I am lovin' this halter dress. It's Lulu's Taylor Halter Dress. Got to get one.

What I Want Now: Juicy Couture Jewelry



Totally want this fab bangle by Juicy Couture available at Ssense.

Links à la Mode: Fashion Potluck

ifb links a la mode

Fashion Potluck


Edited by Dramtis Personae


This week’s Links á la Mode it a fashion potluck, a hodge podge of politics in fashion, interviews with fabulous designers, bloggers, and photographers, flashbacks in to our fashion past, and great shops and designers to check out. I couldn’t make rhyme or theme of the collection, so just sit back & enjoy some of the best the Independent Fashion Bloggers had to offer this week!

Links à la Mode : June 19th


Etsy Fashion Find: Surf Luxe



This is a beautiful dress. It's the perfect summer dress for any occasion. The mauve color is divine. Get it at Surf Luxe.

Blogging Break

Lovelies, I am taking a blogging break until Thursday in celebration of my bambino's graduation from elementary school. I am very proud of him. So I am stepping into my mommy shoes for a few days. New posts on Thursday.

Links à la Mode: Happiness is Being a Free Bird

lam0611

Happiness is being a free bird…


Edited by Jennine of IFB & The Coveted


Oddly enough since we moved over to the editorial selection, I’ve never selected the links, and I really have to tell you choosing this week’s roundup was tough, so many great links, I had a hard time picking!

Well, here we are in the midst of summer, this year you can’t click twice without hitting a blog giveaway, as we’ve got great giveaways on Bobbins and Bombshells, Style Symmetry, Fashion Hippo and The Coveted, and if that’s not enough, IFB has a couple of great links to more contests. Whew. And while ‘free’ doesn’t always mean stuff you don’t have to pay for, it can also mean free as in stuff you can’t pay for, Decline Designs takes inspiration to two free spirited cinematic heroines with vivid imaginations, Brick My Lane will add rock and roll to your dancing feet, and free minded bloggers 39th and Broadway, Curvy Fashionista and Pursed Lips question the fashion industry.

Links à la Mode : June 11th



  • 39th and Broadway – What the end of an era of fashion excess means for the industry

  • Bobbins and Bombshells – Celebrating first anniversary with a beauty of a give away! The prize: Pin-Up Cosmetics!

  • BRICK MY LANE – How to give shoes a rock’n'roll edge using simple DIY ideas.

  • CUTEMESS – How Trevor the horse and an Australian Kangaroo Paw flower came to rest on a Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress.

  • Debutante Clothing – Interviews celebrity favorite vintage costume jewelry maven Carol Tanenbaum

  • Decline Designs – Defining Your Personal Style, Part Three: Using Your Inspiration

  • Dirty Dirty Laundry – KABLUEY! Check out my venture into the world of blue monochromatic fashion.

  • Fashion Grail – Love the way Chloe Sevigny perfectly combines the elegance of a scalloped Chloe blazer and cut off shorts.

  • Fashion Hippo – Three lucky readers will receive this tee as a prize. Loved by Kate Moss and many other celebrities. Ends June 18th.

  • Hong Kong Fashion Geek – Update your look for less – Resort 2010 looks for recessionistas

  • Independent Fashion Bloggers – Giveaway sites for freebie junkies.

  • MissRedLips – In Defense of Brooches

  • Pursed Lips Magazine – The CFDA Fashion Design Awards Promotes their Photoshoot, with None of the Women Nominees. Is something fishy?

  • Retro Chick – Mary Queen of Charity Shops – The Review

  • Style on the street – Alison Stephens, the new it model

  • Style Symmetry – Vintage Snakeskin Bracelet Giveaway!

  • Super Kawaii Mama – Meet Aleshia Brevard. A Vintage Style Icon you’ll never forget!

  • The Capitol Fashionista – Fashion Nostalgia: The Beautiful Covers of British Vogue

  • THE COVETED – The perfect giveaway for vintage lovers… win at Rice & Beans Vintage.

  • The Curvy Fashionista – The State of the Curvy Community Panel Discussion at Full Figure Fashion Week

  • the nerdlings – The photo shoot started off well. But words were spoken that shouldn’t have been spoken and everything else just descended into chaos.

Indie Spotlight: Kcoline

I so heart indie designers. They are the modern day equivalent of vintage. They make bring something unique and wonderful to the fashion table. When you buy indie, you know that you are getting something that is handmade and very special. That is why I dedicate Thursdays to indie. So once again, I am blown away by a designer. Enter Kcoline. I clicked on the clothing section on Etsy and bam! Here were some of the most beautiful, fashion-forward, sexy dresses and skirts out there. I must confess that the first dress is my absolute fav. See everything they have to offer here.







Etsy Fashion Find: Zelaya

Eco-friendly design shop Zelaya specializes in working with natural and biodegradable fabrics. Here are the results of this work, handbags to die for. I love every one. I could not pick a favorite. Can you? See their entire collection of handbags and clothing here.





As a graphic design geek, in addition to my fashionista creds, I could not help but gawk in awe over the amazingly beautiful covers from British Vogue. Under the editorial eyes of Dorothy Todd, Elspeth Champcommunal, Alison Settle, and Elizabeth Penrose, these gorgeous covers introduced British women to the must-haves during a fab time in fashion, the Roaring 20's and 30's. It was the time when flappers ruled which is the continual theme throughout these lovely covers.

The covers were illustrated by a number of artists/photographers including Helen Dryden (November 1920), Georges Lepape (November 1924, January 1925, February 1933), Eduardo Benito (July 1926), Pierre Mourgue (March 1932), Pierre Roy (April 1937, The Coronation Issue for King George VI), and René Bouché (May 1939).

The other appeal of these covers is the use of typography as a graphic element. Unlike today where it is important that your masthead look the same each month, these covers explored the whimsy and stylish effect of a great typeface. It was also unusual to see the infrequency of issues compared to today. Here were the best covers from 1920-1939. British Vogue's Covers are archived on their web site.


My Favorite, July 1928, Edited by Alison Settle




1920's


November 1920



November 1924



January 1925



July 1926



January 1927




The 1930's


January 1930



June 1930



May 1931



March 1932



August 1932



February 1933



December 1933



November 1934



May 1935



April 1937



May 1939

The Black Keys


I had a fantastic weekend. My brother and I drove up to Philly for The Roots Picnic. It was off the chain. We had a ball. We left pretty early so that we could get a good parking spot and scope out the perfect chill spot. That all went according to plans. But a few things pressed my last nerve. First of all, my brother notices as we are just pulling into Philly that my jean capris have a split in the seam on the side. Of course, I am annoyed. So luckily, I found a Staples. Ran in there and bought a mini stapler and fixed that problem right quick. In the process of doing that, I somehow lost one of my favorite earrings. That almost made me cry. LOL! I love those earrings.

We parked and the Festival Pier was a few steps away. We get inside the gates and Wow! What a cool place. I would definitely take that drive any day, anytime. There was an outside stage and an air-conditioned stage inside a tent. We grabbed something to eat and scoped out the perfect spot. At the top of one of the bleachers. We could see everything. Trust me, there was plenty to see.

The CF



My Brother, Jason



The Roots put together an amazing line up including Santigold, Public Enemy, Gnarls Barkley, as well as my favorites, The Black Keys and of course, The Roots. On the fashion tip, the majority of the folks were dressed for a picnic. But there were a few folks that didn't get the memo. Who wears 4" heels to an outdoor event like this? We saw quite a bit of that. Quite a bit of folks that didn't make any effort. But I was really impressed by the men of Philly. These men have such a great sense of style.

The Black Keys did not disappoint. I love them! Public Enemy brought the house down, though. Even though Flavor Flav can't stand the fact that it was not his show. He has issues. He wouldn't leave the stage. He was just talking to hear himself talk. He got annoying at the end. He is definitely someone who needs constant attention. Poor thing.

The big annoyance of my day was all of the underage drinkers. Why the hell did they make me show my I.D. so that I could get a wristband if it was going to be so easy to get a beer? There was a group of kids who somehow were able to get folks to buy them beer. So you can imagine how wasted some of them were as the day passed. I was praying that none of them were driving. There was also the entertainment of the day - two "wanna-be-grown-ups" locked lips for more than two hours straight. I am so not making this up. They kissed and kissed and kissed for two hours straight. WTF! It got so bad that people started taking their picture. Now I may have locked lips a time or two in public when I was younger, but not out like that in such a public forum like that. No home training!

All in all, it was a fantastic event. No trouble. No drama. Just peace and love. That was what the day was all about. We didn't get to see The Roots in full effect (even though they gave a little preview when the show started) because they were running late and we needed to get back on the road. But The Roots Picnic will be an annual event for me (and whoever is trying to roll out) for as long as they have one.

Links à la Mode: Fashion History

links a la mode

Fashion History


Edited by Debutante Clothing


I was particularly proud of this week’s choices of IFB member links. As a vintage lover, I think fashion history is an often over-looked part of the fashion equation. I was thrilled to see so many fellow IFBers agree. Bonne Vie, Miss Glitzy, and Couture Allure are some of the blogs that took a trip to the past of fashion. But what good is history if we can’t learn from it? Several other bloggers explored contemporary fashion in the workplace and as a form of expression. We’ve got some real cerebral reads this week – enjoy!

Links à la Mode : June 4th


Idiosyncratic Style – Infatuation List: Top 5 May flowers
Bonne Vie – The history and technique of the bias cut
Miss Glitzy – The story and photos of creation of the first Chanel bi-color sandals in 1955
The Recessionista™ - Meets Norma Kamali and Previews her Summer Line for Walmart
A Typical Atypical – Shows us how to pack for a holiday
The Coveted - One Hot Unveiling from Benefit
Unfunded – Bullets for peace fashion show
MissRedLips – Swap Your Stuff: Someone's junk is another person's treasure
Couture Allure - Big hair from 1965
The Demoiselles – The dangers of creativity infringement
Retro Chick – Bargain hunting essentials
Workchic - Collaborates with Polyvore on what types of T-Shirts are appropriate to wear to the office!
Style Symmetry – An Interview with Beth Jones of The Vintage Society and Quicksilver Women
Dramatis Personae – The Art of Self Love
Hong Kong Fashion Geek – Stripper shoes - classy or trashy? Who can tell anymore?
Threadbared – History and the harem pant
Decline Designs – How to dye your hair crazy colors (and keep it that way)
V is for Olive - a look at the best lingerie shop in San Francisco
Style On the Street – Photographer Isabelle Bonjean
Debutante Clothing – How to market your vintage clothing shop through photography
Independent Fashion Bloggers: How has your blog evolved?

What I Want Now: Studio TMLS



I am not a big fan of the fringe shoe but this wedge by Studio TMLS won me over. Available at Oli

What I Want Now: Zucca



Despite the fact that my hips would never let me enjoy the beauty of this dress, I still love it so. By Zucca at La Garconne.

What I Want Now: Anna Sui



Why is this dress only in a size 0 on Nordstrom's web site? I want this dress so much. It's by Anna Sui (love her totally).

Summer Whites: The Essentials

Summer is almost here and the temperatures are starting to rise. Time to get your wardrobe in tip-top shape. Even though it is quite appropriate to wear white any time of the year, the look of something that is crisp and white makes a fab statement during the summer months. So here are my top choices for your summer white essentials. These are your must adds to your wardrobe if you are looking to be your best stylish self.


Summer White Suit


Tahari, Neiman Marcus (www.neimanmarcus.com)





Summer Dresses


Evening Gown: J. Mendel, Bergdorf Goodman (www.berdorfgoodman.com)




Sundress: Kimichi Blue, Urban Outfitters (www.urbanoutfitters.com)





Dress Shirts


Long Sleeve Dress Shirt, Banana Republic (www.bananarepublic.com)




Short Sleeve Dress Shirt, Banana Republic (www.bananarepublic.com)





Sweaters


Belted Shawl, The Gap (www.gap.com)




Short Sleeve Cardigan, Nine West (www.ninewest.com)




White Pants


Cropped Pants, New York and Co (www.nyandcompany.com)




White Linen Pants, Aspesi, Yoox (www.yoox.com)





White Tees


Ruched White Tee, Old Navy (www.oldnavy.com)




Embroidered Tee, J. Crew (www.jcrew.com)





White Jeans


High End: Paige, Intermix (www.intermixonline.com)




Economy: Old Navy





Shoes


Platform Sandals, Ziska by Report Signature, Endless (www.endless.com)




Fishtail Gladiators, Free People (www.freepeople.com)




Espadrilles, Full Tilt, Tilly's (www.tillys.com)




Flat Sandals, Christian Dior, Bluefly (www.bluefly.com)



Jack Purcells, Converse, Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com)





Accessories



Handbags


Shoulder Bag, Tory Burch (www.toryburch.com)




Circled Beaded Hobo, Charlotte Russe (www.charlotterusse.com)




Tote, Dolce & Gabbana, Bluefly (www.bluefly.com)




Clutch, Carla Mancini, Couture Candy (www.couturecandy.com)





Hats


Summer Hat, Newport News (www.newport-news.com)




Rhinestone Baseball Cap, Armani Exchange (www.armaniexchange.com)


Designer Spotlight: Loeffler Randall

If you can believe it, the brand Loeffler Randall is just a baby. Even though the company has only been in existence since 2004, it has made a boom in the fashion industry. Mixing up textures and silhouettes in a way that has been foreign in the shoe market. The norm has been to push the heel height or the color or the materials. But Loeffler Randall also decided to play with the design of the shoe. For me, that is what sets them apart. Here are my favorites from their Spring 2009 Collection.

Sydney, Shop Bop (www.shopbop.com)




Mazzy, Milk (www.shopatmilk.com)





Mabel, Barney's New York (www.barneys.com)





Poppy, Intermix (www.intermixonline.com)





Flynn, Shop Bop (www.shopbop.com)





Darby, Shop Bop (www.shopbop.com)





Delphine, Goldyn (www.shopgoldyn.com)




Clover, Marissa Collections (www.marissacollections.com)




Ever, Saks Fifth Avenue (www.saks.com)




Birdcage, Cusp (www.cusp.com)




Gracie, TwentyThirtyForty (www.twentythirtyforty.com)


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