It’s NYFW and for those of us who didn’t receive a coveted invitation to sit next to – or stand like, 9 rows behind – Anna Wintour this week, this Polar Vortex is beginning to look even more grim. Despite the vile weather and the bitter reality of not having been born into fashion royalty, at least there are some kick-ass fashionable reads to keep you warm by the fire and soothe the invitationless-pain during this NYFW.
Man Repeller by Leandra Medine
If you wore that daring hot pink poncho back in 2006 or attempted the unflattering gaucho pant look of middle school glamor, then Leandra Medine, witty fashion blogger and personal essayist, is probably your new best friend. Man Repeller, aptly named after fashionable women everywhere and their penchant towards the “sartorially offensive” that may repel “members of the opposite sex” in a list that includes, but is not limited to, harem pants, overalls, shoulder pads, rompers, etc. This book is quirky, snarky, honest, and definitely a must-read for anyone searching for personal essays that are gut-wrenchingly funny.
It by Alexa Chung
Ever wonder what it must be like to be a fashion muse, model, Fuse Co-host, and British “it girl”? In a book that is half scrapbook and half memoir, Alexa Chung offers a charming book in which she hands-out fashion inspiration, doodles, pictures, and lists, allowing her fans to get an inside glimpse at what her fabulous life entails. The book itself is a fun and easy read with a bit of an inspiration-board feel.
Photo via indiana.u-la-la.com
Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty by Andrew Bolton, Harold Koda, Tim Blanks
Alexander McQueen was a captivating and provocative designer who took on the world with his ability to counter societal conventions through radical designs that commented on race, identity, sexuality, politics, class, and religion. He was pure and unadulterated genius. This book contains a compilation of McQueen’s work and catalogues an exhibition of his work that was on display at the Met back in 2011. Not only is this book a perfect compilation of McQueen’s work, but, it is also a beautiful work of art in it’s own right; sharp and clear photographs fill the entirety of the book while the cover is a magnificent hologram that makes a beautiful addition to any fashion-forward home.
Parisian Chic: A Style Guide by Ines de La Fressange, Sophie Gachet
Parisian style is something that is romanticized by many but nearly impossible to replicate by most. It is simple, genuine, and often possesses an air of confidence. In Parisian Chic, Ines de La Fressange, Chanel’s premiere model back in the 80s, writes a captivating guide on how to accomplish this effortless style through lists of necessary closet staples, inspiration, recommended shops, Parisian travel guides, and how-to’s on essential looks.
The Sartorialist: Closer by Scott Schuman
If you’re a fan of personable street fashion, look no further than The Sartorialist: Closer. In this beautiful book, Scott Schuman, known in the fashion world for his famous blog thesartorialist.com, takes stunning photographs of people all over the world who look great and transcend the glorified runway fashions. Gorgeous, bold, powerful, and compelling, Schuman creates a rich anthology of diverse sartorial inspiration and closely captures the essence of street fashion all over the world.