The fashion industry is a multi-faceted, billion dollar business that is comprised of numerous moving parts, some of which are recognized monthly whenever magazines hit store shelves or seasonally whenever the latest fashions make their runway debut.
Countless books have also been published recognizing the industry’s major players like stylists and designers and novels have also become hot topics thanks to the attention given to recent motion pictures. Books on the many aspects of the fashion industry are ever evolving, but great style is forever.
For nearly five years, Emily Schuman has been running one of the fashion world’s favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere. Her site is an homage to her favorite recipes, DIY projects, and most importantly, style. Schuman regularly posts trendsetting outfits on her website that would make even the most stylish girl jealous of her wardrobe.
Last year Schuman built off of the success of her website and published her first book, named for her popular website. “Cupcakes and Cashmere” isn’t just for fans of her blog, it’s for the girl that is looking to define her sense of style all while learning how to throw the perfect party and replicate the latest trends on a budget.
Clinton Kelly, style guru and co-host of “The Chew”, became known for his cutting-edge fashion advice on TLC’s “What Not to Wear”. For 10 seasons, Kelly and Stacy London made over hundreds of fashion challenged women from across the country, and wrote insightful fashion books in the process.
“Oh No She Didn’t” by Kelly addresses the 100 most common fashion mistakes that women make and how to avoid them. In between hilarious personal stories, he offers advice for every woman on how to choose the right top to accent her figure, choose accessories to match, all while carrying herself with class. This book is a great read for fans of Kelly’s, and those that want to add some humor to their lives.
The City of Light takes center stage as Isabelle Thomas and Frédérique Veysset explore Parisian street style and the women that epitomize what it means to be Parisian chic. “Paris Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic”, features photographs and interviews from the city’s most stylish young women, and their secrets to adding urban chic flair to an otherwise boring wardrobe.
Thomas and Veysset also look back at legendary French fashion inspirations including Jackie Kennedy and Françoise Hardy and how their style has inspired today’s trendsetters. They also break down the best pieces for women to buy, what to borrow, and what to avoid adding to their wardrobe, in order to look like they’ve just stepped onto the Rue de le Paix.
One of the best fictional stories about the industry to have ever been written is “The Devil Wears Prada”, the story of Andrea Sachs, a recent college grad that landed the job a million girls would kill for, as the assistant to the editor of “Runway” magazine.
This story was brought to life by Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep in the 2006 blockbuster film of the same name. Lauren Weisberger’s mega-hit book paved the way for Sophie Kinsella to bring her beloved novel, “Confessions of a Shopaholic” to the silver screen in 2009, as a heartwarming, funny romantic comedy about Rebecca Bloomwood and how her love of fashion has affected her life.
“The Carrie Diaries” by Candace Bushnell is for fans of “Sex and the City’s” favorite New York City style icon, Carrie Bradshaw. Bushnell brings fans of the popular book series and television show back to the 80s, to see what Carrie was like as a teenager and how she made her way to the city.
Books are a great way to learn about the different aspects of the fashion industry, and can be referenced time and time again. With so many books available, any girl can learn how to have impeccable style.
