7 of My Favorite FASHIONABLE, ARTISTIC & LOVABLE Books to Read Over the Summer

I just finished reading Flannery O'Connor's Habit of Being, I found her struggle to come to terms with not only her health, but also trusting others relatable, truthfully. She wouldn't tell others her problems and risk "resentment or self-pity" from her friends and family, not at first anyway.

So, I am in desparate need of another book to read, possibly a fashion forward feel-good novel.

If you already haven't guessed it, fashion and art are kinda my thing, and I am more than happy, if not excited, to share the things that bring me joy with you guys! Though the mystery novels and the philosophy books draw my interest immensely, it is the renowned Editor-in-Chiefs' autobiographies, the Fashion-Gossipy novels, the Art Historic books, and the honest relatable feel-good stories that I love to read for fun. If you're in desparate need of a/another summer book to read, look no further because I have 7 fashionable, artistic & lovable books.

#1

A DASH OF DARING BY PENELOPE ROWLANDS

I woud recommend this book for those are trying to go against the tide and do what you feel is best. Sometimes, I feel like I haven't a single clue what to do, and the my instinct would then tell me to do what others tell me to do despite what I want to do--because it's the safest route. I pray I am not the only one who feels this way. But then there are also times where I notice I feel that I'm left behind because I didn't put myself out there enough. This book helped be realize that it takes risks, "A Dash of Daring" and putting yourself out there to be the best you can be. Carmel Snow is definitely a person to look up when it comes to being daring especially in the fashion publishing world.

"From her perch as editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar from 1932 to 1957, Carmel Snow (1887–1961) defined fashion for hundreds of thousands of American women for a quarter century. Her apprenticeship in fashion journalism began when Condé Nast hired her at Vogue in 1922. Jumping ship a decade later to work for Nast's rival, Hearst's Bazaar, Snow set out to redefine the fashion magazine to include anything—fiction, diets, theater reviews, politics—of interest to a fashionable woman."

--Publishers Weekly

#2

D.V. BY DIANA VREELAND

For those into a bit of gossip: the best, I assure you, can be told by the fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar and editor-in-chief of Vogue, Diana Vreeland.

"Moving from English palaces to the nightclubs of 1930s Paris, the wilds of Wyoming to the exclusive venues of New York high society, D.V. takes readers into this iconic woman's dazzling life, evoking the luxury and brio of an era that encompassed Josephine Baker, England's Queen Mary, Buffalo Bill, and Diaghilev."

--From the Back Cover

#3

THE WOMAN I WANTED TO BE BY DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

I love love love Diane von Furstenberg and her drive for self-empowerment and empowering others.

“In this era when girls are made to think it’s better to be a princess than a person, Diane von Furstenberg’s The Woman I Wanted to Be is just the reverse. I thank her for honesty, spirit, encouragement to be one’s own self in public and professional life, and a memoir that covers more human experience than most novels. Pick it up — you won’t put it down.”

--Gloria Steinem

#4

THE END OF FASHION: HOW MARKETING CHANGED THE CLOTHING BUSINESS FOREVER BY TERI AGINS

One of my art teacher recommended this book to me, and I find it so eye-opening. It explains everything from why the runway is so exclusive from the real world and the business practices, history and persona that is the fashion industry. It is simply divine and fun to learn from especially for people who wish to work in the fashion world.

#5

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA BY LAUREN WEISBERGER

Okay, okay. This book is so amusing. THE END OF FASHION reminds me a lot of The Devil Wears Prada; however, this book has more of a comedic route of exposing the way the fashion industry really works. For those who have only seen the movie with the ever-so-lovely Meryl Streep, I strongely recommend reading the book also because there is much more goofy drama to read, I assure you. Not saying that the book is better than the movie (but, it is). The movie understandably couldn't fit the whole story line and juicy details from the book into a two hour time frame. Like the movie, I love reading this book for fun and on my free time. Whenever I'm on a plane, getting ready for bed or simply needing a giggle or two, I can definitely rely on The Devil Wears Prada.

#6

NO ONE BELONGS HERE MORE THAN YOU BY MIRANDA JULY

This book will most likely be my next summer read. If you guys like "Friends", this is the book for you. I definitely adore the books I can relate to and be given that assurance that I'm not a total goofball.

"Miranda July’s stories make you feel strangely understood as she explores the small joys, heartbreaks, and agonies of life. From the opening story “The Shared Patio” to the closing “How to Tell Stories to Children,” July makes us feel better about the human experience. Friends fans will love it because you can identify with just like you can with Friends."

--Amy Sachs

#7

ROME: A CULTURAL, VISUAL, AND PERSONAL HISTORY BY ROBERT HUGHES

For all of my ART BUFFS out there whose favorite art periods date back from the Renaissance all the way to Rococco, this is the book for you. For those who have an interest for Rome, Italy: why not prep yourselves with a bit of "Cultural, Visual, and Personal History"?

“Robert Hughes couldn’t have chosen a better subject for himself than Rome. His cultural history of the city is superb. . . . Hughes devours art—and Rome offers a feast worthy of his gargantuan appetites. . . . If visiting Rome, you should certainly take this passionate, erudite bruiser’s Baedeker with you—a superbly rich blend of history, art and travelogue.”

--The Sunday Times

I hope at least one book quenched your thirst for comfort in a book during the summer. Stay dazzling and amazing, you bookworms.

--MASR

#books #Fashion #ART #arthistory #biographies