Panache Offblast

I’m a huge list-maker – wishlists, to-do lists, to-buy lists – you name it, I’ll have a list on it! During this time of year, I make sure to have a diverse wishlist for myself to share with friends & family (especially since my birthday just passed and the Holiday season is officially here – it just makes it easier, y’know?). This time, I figured it would be nice to create wishlists that even you can use!

I was recently gifted a book from my wishlist that I’m so incredibly excited to read: Fashion 2.0: Blogging Your Way to The Front Row. I started this blog with that goal (to push it to bigger & better things) and ever since the blogging industry has blossomed tremendously, I realized I needed a boost and a little help to get there, so this book will definitely come in handy!

Here is my list of must-reads for Fashion & Style enthusiasts all around, from informative guides and history lessons to stories with a fashion setting! These are in no particular order and are amongst the top-rated in their categories.

1. The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

Because obviously. I mean honestly, if you haven’t read this book and/or watched the movie, you absolutely need to do so. Right now. I mean it!

2. Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker by Manolo Blahnik / Tale of Sleeping Beauty by Christian Lacroix / Tale of the Empress’s New Clothes by DVF

Christian Lacroix, Diane Von Furstenberg and Manolo Blahnik took a few spins by bending their careers to the plots of these classic fairytales. The fairytale stories come with some of the most beautiful illustrations you’ll lay your eyes on. A lovely addition to your bookcase! 

3. Closer By Scott Schuman

Though “Closer” mostly consists of photographs, it’s still a must-have, especially if you’ve been a follower of Scott Schuman since the beginning! The pioneer of street style photography, the book is filled with a collection of his best work to help you better understand where his journey all began. 

4. The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake

The scene is 1970s Paris, and the story explains the rivalry between two of fashion’s most influential men, Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. The feud – which you may not have known of beforehand – reveals a tale of social ambitions, beautiful fashion and raw talent. Truly inspirational! 

5. If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You by Kelly Cutrone

Fashion is a tough industry, and famous PR maven Kelly Cutrone tells it like it is, because who else will? Some may find her too harsh but I love her blunt, honest personality. The memoir details a sometimes brutal industry and how Cutrone rose to the top with nothing standing in her way. 

6. Fashion A to Z by Alex Newman and Zakee Shariff

Bringing together all the key words commonly used in colleges and in industry, this fashion reference book is beautifully illustrated with diagrams and drawings of fashion details and costumes that bring the subject to life.

7. Vogue: The Editor’s Eye by Conde Nast