your fashion reference library
Every gal could use a little wisdom occasionally on the ins-and-outs of shopping and dressing. Whether you’re still searching for that little black dress and the perfect Manolos to match, or the hippest in-the-now boutique, a good reference book can start you on your merry way to finding the best of you.
I’ve poured over dozens, and these (in my humble shopaholic opinion) are the best of the bunch:
The Where to Wear 2006: Fashion Shopping from A-Z series is a fantastic guide to shopping in major metropolitan cities, including Europe. I refer to the Los Angeles edition often for shop information, location, phone numbers, honest reviews, Web site addresses, you name it — this little ditty has it all.
The Budget Fashionista is not only a great website but its also a great book. Anyone who has champagne taste on a beer budget will revel in the savvy info championed by the author.
I’ve poured over The Lucky Shopping Manual on numerous occasions in a frantic frenzy trying to assemble the absolute perfect to-die-for outfit. It’s a fantastic reference tool for teaching you what to wear, how to wear it, how to buy it, and when and where to splurge. A great survival guide, it also features fashion-forward New Yorker’s best-of-the-best closet must-haves.
And the ultimate guide for maintaining, streamlining, and shopping for your definitive wardrobe year round? InStyle: Instant Style.
Beginning with the basics, InStyle outlines essential seasonal clothing and then teaches you how to compliment with pieces that best showcase your personal style. Learn to pair the right tops with the right pants, which boots look best with A-line skirts, how the right bag can alter the look of an entire outfit, how to flatter your shape. Filled with pearls of wisdom.
