BOOKS…some will cringe at the thought, but most are delighted by their beauty and charm.

“Reading is one of  life’s greatest  pleasures, affording  us the opportunity  to immerse ourselves in different places, events and lives…As referring sources they satisfy our curiosity, answer questions, and offer the perfect recipe.”

LOVING BOOKS

A book can take you on an emotional roller-coaster ride, to a different universe, inside Coco Chanel’s studio, teach you the latest in Italian cuisine, or break down the basics of a perfect outfit.  There is a book for everyone… and that, I am convinced of! Personally, I love all kinds of books… but my absolute favorite are classic novels, the ones that withstood the test of time, the ones that are a part of  history. However, I am always reading something on art or architecture…at times for joy, but mostly for university. And of course, on the other side of  the spectrum are my other favorites: fashion and lifestyle books!!! Easy to read…easy to enjoy…and always offer something new to learn!

Here are some of my favorites lifestyle and fashion books…to add a touch of fabulous to your life.

♥ The Little Black Book of Style by Nina Garcia ( available at Liv for $25.99)

♥  The Style Strategy by Nina Garcia ( available at Liv for $27.99)

♥ That Extra Half and Inch by Victoria Beckham

♥ The Lucky  Shopping Manual by  Kim France and  Andrea Linett ( available at Liv for $33)

♥ The Lucky Guide to  Mastering Any Style by  Kim France and  Andrea Linett ( available at Liv for $33)

♥ The Gospel According to Coco Chanel by  Karen Karbo

♥  Secrets of  Gorgeous by Esther Blum (available at Liv for $16.95)

♥ Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style by Tim Gunn

♥  Style by Kate Spade ( available at Liv for $30)

♥ The Sartorialist by  Scott Schuman  ( available at Liv for $31)

♥ Vintage Shopping by  Melody Fortier ( available at Liv for $24.95)

LIVING WITH BOOKS

If you’re a book lover and a collector ( like me) this book will make your day… Living with Books by Alan Powers ( available at Liv for $25.95)! The book is fantastic, filled with many ways to incorporate books into your home décor. I honesty freaked out when I saw it… I’ve always love to display my books as they add that perfect touch of personality to any space; but this book just takes it to a whole new level.

♥   In  a home library, form meets function. Shelves with grid of multi-sized compartments  are appealing architectural elements that are also  hardworking. Take advantage of horizontal  surfaces such as tables, to display  striking  covers and binding.

♥ To enhance a stunning contemporary living room, a collection of beautiful volumes is neatly tucked into a sleek paneled wall unit. Here, their bright colors add vibrant note without disturbing  the overall harmony  of the setting.

♥ Don’t forget to make good use of odd spaces, from stairs and landings to hallways. Try mixing  books with other objects, such as collectibles and pottery,  to create character, charm  and interest.

♥ A  wrought iron stand in the kitchen is a lovely and  effective  solution for storing cookbooks alongside bottles, plants and other knick and knacks. Under the  counter space is another great option.

All  that I can say now… is have fun!

Until the next post…toodles!!!

Souces: fashion gone rogue; fashion spot; sarah klassen; this is glamorous.

- xo, Joanna

Joanna Goodman is Co-Owner and Creative Director of LIV by Au Lit and Au Lit Fine Linens. Joanna is also an accomplished author.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 8:34 pm and is filed under For Your Home, Inspiration, LIV by Au Lit, Quotes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.