There are books about everything these days and deciding what to read gets increasingly challenging when the shelves in bookstores continue to grow and everyone seems to be writing a book. Finding books that are more than common sense wrapped in colourful covers can be difficult, but there is a lot of amazing reads to choose from when it comes to fashion and beauty literature. These books range from beauty bibles to autobiographical journeys into the lives and thoughts of beauty icons. What makes a good book is debatable, but knowing where to start can help in creating your own literature style. Even though everyone has different tastes in both fashion and writing styles, this is a list of some classic books that can act as a gateway into the fashion and beauty book club.
1. Style by Lauren Conrad
Before scoffing at the idea that a reality TV star could ever have any spectacular style tips, stop and admire LC’s impeccable eyeliner and enviable boho style every time she pops in front of a camera. Despite her start on a comically scripted MTV hit, Lauren Conrad has evolved into a style icon and this book follows closely to her successful style and lifestyle blog laurenconrad.com. Style encompasses all that makes a stylebook great. Not only does Lauren Conrad share her style evolution and inspiration, but she also gives tips and tricks into creating your own style and updating your closet. Some of the advice can be common sense, but nonetheless Style offers a complete journey into all that makes fashion available in everyday life and is good for solidifying style fundamentals.
Grab your own copy on Amazon for $12.35
2. The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman by Christian Dior
The closest thing to a style bible is this guidebook written by Dior in 1954. Despite its age these tips are timeless. Not only does it embody all that made that style era iconic but it also gives every woman the fundamentals of fashion. This guide requires a pinch of modern salt to be applicable in today’s world, but it is a book worth reading for anyone wanting a sixth sense of style. From what to wear to a wedding to how to tie a scarf, The Little Dictionary of Fashion is an amazing insight into how timeless fashion can be and how to implement stylish simplicity into your every day attire.
Grab your own copy at Chapters for $21.95
3. Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro by Bobbi Brown
The book club doesn’t stop at fashion and style, there are bundles of books on the topic of beauty, skin care and makeup. From beginner to long-time user, the Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual covers everything, literally everything. It starts from the minute you wash your face to the final touch of highlighter, and covers everything in between. Not only is it full of pages of beauty wisdom from one of the greats in the makeup industry, but it is also filled with beautiful imagery making it a great addition to any bookshelf or coffee table.
Grab your own Kindle copy for only $9.99 on Amazon
4. It by Alexa Chung
A glimpse into the world of a fashion iconic and mystery, IT is a sneak peak into what makes Alexa Chung, a muse to the top designers such as Karl Lagerfeld. This book takes a not-so-obvious approach as a stylebook, but is a collection of writings, drawings and photographs done by Chung herself; all of which capture the elements that go into to creating her unique and mesmerizing style. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the profound roots style can take and what being stylish means.
Grab your own copy on Amazon for $15.77
The array of stylebooks mimics the pluralistic nature of style itself. There is something for every fashionista hidden on the shelves of local bookstores. From fiction to historical evolutions, the genre of fashion and beauty literature is not going anywhere. This fashion and beauty book club will be back soon with more style reads for your reading pleasure.
Snap a shot of your favourite fashion and beauty books, set down beside your perfectly artsy latte, and use the hashtag #HCuOttawa to let us know your favourite fashion looks and literature!