Be Inspired...

The Sartorialist's first book: regular edition is left and bespoke edition, right.

The Sartorialist, aka Scott Schuman, is finally releasing a book collection of his work. This coffee table style book will contain all of Schuman's hand-picked favorites. Expect to see famous fashion icons as well as innately fashionable passers-by off the streets. From Stockholm to Milan, London to New York, this book will showcase the most inspiring everyday fashionistas ever caught on film. The release date is scheduled for August 12th but you can pre-order the "Bespoke" edition at Amazon.com now.

Shops and the City…

I’m in the middle of planning my annual trip to the U.K. and one of my must-have travel items is a book by author Caryn Franklin called “Fashion UK.” Though it was published nearly six years ago, I still find it a valuable resource when looking for unique boutiques and local designers wherever I am in the U.K. The book details all noteworthy boutiques in regions including the south/London, the northeast and northwest of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. It even features interviews from local and international designers on how they became successful. For my trip to Italy later this year I’m still on the hunt for a handy little shopping guide but I did discover two chic books about Paris and one on New York. I’ll be storing them for future shopping expeditions – one has to be prepared. I guess some were born to sightsee, others to shop!

Left to right: Chic Shopping Paris by Rebecca Perry Magniant; Paris Chic & Trendy: Designers' Studios, Hip Boutiques, Vintage Shops by Adrienne Ribes-Tiphaine; Shop New York: Downtownstyle by Meg Castaldo

I Like Their Style!: The Get ‘Em Girls…

Curious to know what men look for in women? Wonder no more. Three southern-gals, Shakara Bridgers, Jeniece Isley, and Joan Davis, set out to find out exactly what makes men tick simply by asking them. Their discovery led to “The Get ‘Em Girl's Guide To Unlocking the Power of Cuisine,” the first in the series of books penned to help any city diva find and keep a man. Although it's an old-fashioned cliché, the way to a man's heart is still through his stomach. From the first date to the wedding reception, good food plays an important role in relationships and in life. The Get 'Em Girl's Guide To Unlocking the Power Of Cuisine is filled with helpful advice from stocking your pantry and shopping for basic kitchen tools to tips on proper table settings and wine selections. Each chapter is preceded with laugh-out-loud advice on impressing your special someone and tried and true comfort food recipes.

Although the book is filled with tips to help you get your man, the authors forewarn, that the book is not intended to send women back into the kitchen. "When we first decided to write this book, it was solely based on our love of three things, food, fun, and men. Being three single career-oriented women living in New York, we didn't need (or want) to cook. There's a restaurant, deli, and take-out place on every block. We knew that in order to keep a man in a place as big as New York City, with so many beautiful women to choose from, we had to step up our game and ask ourselves what are we bringing to the table that separates us from the others? Yes, we're all beautiful, intelligent, and educated, but so are the millions of other women waiting to take our places." Never were truer words spoken.

If you like what you see here, head over to the Get ‘Em Girls three official sites. The main site (launching soon) will feature regular articles on everything ranging from food, business, fashion, beauty, technology and health. Their MySpace page keeps you up to date on all the Get ‘Em Girl happenings and finally their blog, updated daily, offers the latest musings on life, entertainment and culture. See below for how to find out about their future events including the Girls Bite Out 2008!
Authors Joan Davis, Shakara Bridgers and Jeniece Isley.

Will the Real Style Icons Please Stand Up!

With plenty of photos to feast your eyes on, “Black Style” by Carol Tulloch documents the full spectrum of black fashion and its influences. Every facet of the African Diaspora is explored. Think beyond American soil to West Africa, Jamaica, Britain and Brazil. Don’t expect to see Naomi or Tyra gracing these pages with glossy photo shoots, the appeal of this book is that real people are glorified for their unique and innate sense of style. From weddings to carnivals, clubs to tribal rituals this is one for your personal library. I have it but I waited until the price had dropped. Be advised that this cover (right) is only available in the U.K. The U.S. book cover isn’t nearly as stylish. :(
Photos from inside the book.

That Extra Half an Inch Indeed…

Victoria Beckham’s book of fashion and style tips, titled “That Extra Half an Inch,” is heading for the U.S. and I’m super excited! Now I know she’s way too skinny, not to mention she scowls too much and takes high maintenance to a whole new level, but I can’t deny how well put together her outfits are. Since I do believe that she dresses herself I’m keen to learn a thing or two from this style diva. The U.S. edition of the book is out now. It's divided into sections such as jeans, tops, dresses and accessories. However, I don’t know if she’ll substitute the English retailers she suggests with American brands. I know this book isn’t groundbreaking but for the fashion junkies out there this is another one to add to the collection… and we all need that extra half inch ;)

Where Did You Buy That?

Author Funmi Odulate and the cover to her first book “Shopping for Vintage.”
Illustrations from "Shopping for Vintage."

Forgive me but I forget the name of the reader who suggested this book. After buying myself a copy and falling in love, I had to recommend it to the rest of you. Vintage clothing has taken over the fashion industry of late. If we’re not looking for genuine gems from the past we are drawn to vintage “inspired” pieces currently on the shelves of our favorite stores. Thankfully fashion journalist Funmi Odulate took it upon herself to research, collect and condense her vintage shopping knowledge into this cute little book appropriately named “Shopping for Vintage.” In it you’ll find beautifully illustrated pictures of fashion trends through the decades, a brief history of fashion’s pioneers and a must-have directory of vintage shops throughout the world. Unfortunately, this book is only available in Europe (and Australia, I think) so you may have to get relatives to buy it abroad (like I did – thanks sis!). It’ll be worth the hassle though, especially when you saunter into that party in a one-off, throw-back Lanvin dress.

Author Bio: Funmi Odulate is a top fashion writer and worldwide vintage connoisseur. She has collated her extraordinary knowledge of fashion during her many years as a fashion journalist writing for major titles such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Sunday Times Style, The Sunday Telegraph, The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian and InStyle magazine. This is her first book.

The Way We Wore…

For all the students gearing up for Spring Break, pick up a copy of “The Way We Wore” for your long journey home. Published by Glitteratii and penned by ‘Black Style Now’ curator Michael McCollom, the book takes a retrospective look back at individual black style from the 1940s onwards. The book features photos from the authors own family and famous friends such as Oprah, Naomi Campbell, Tracy Reese, Tyra Banks, Iman and Kimora lee, among others. The majority of pictures however, are of unknowns, all with a flawless sense of style. I flipped threw a copy in Barnes & Noble and it’s quite amusing, kinda like looking through an old photo album that belongs to your parents. Fun times!