Got a few fashionistas on your holiday gift list? If so, give them a good book this year. In this digital world, it's refreshing to receive a hard copy of a wonderful book that won't eventually fade away into cyberspace. Here's my annual list of some of the latest style treats for young and old alike:
—"Fun Fashion and Fresh Styles: Coloring Book for Girls" (Around $5). Coloring books are a huge trend this year, and there are plenty to choose from — even for adults. Check out "Advanced Style: The Coloring Book" by Ari Seth Cohen. Coloring books make wonderful stocking stuffers, too. They are also a great idea for all those aspiring fashion designers out there!
—"Style Forever: The Grown-Up Guide to Looking Fabulous" by Alyson Walsh ($19.95) This is one of my favorite new how-to books, written in a witty, conversational style. It provides a lot of practical tips for women over 50.
—"Oscar de la Renta: His Legendary World of Style" by Andre Leon Talley and Adam Kuehl (24.95). If you have a friend who loves all things fashion and would also love to have a beautiful new book to put on his or her coffee table, then this is the perfect gift. They will enjoy the visual delights in this book that are inspired by the late designer's legacy that is, indeed, a legend in the world of style.
—"Style Me Vintage: 1940s" by Liz Tregenza ($24). A great fashion gift for the glamour girls on your list who love to scour vintage markets for unique treasures. This book puts it all together for them: makeup, hair and clothes. It also includes where to source them. And with the 40s era becoming a big trend in the upcoming spring, it's a timely way to get a step ahead of the fashion crowd.
—"Icons of Women's Style" by Josh Sims ($23). This book provides another historical perspective on the most influential pieces of women's clothing — from the little black dress to the trouser suit and corset. It also includes the women who made them famous — from Coco Chanel to Madonna.
—"Fashion Plates: 150 Years of Style" by April Calahan, ($150). This one is a fashion and art lover's dream. Filled with fashion plate illustrations from publications dating back to 1778 through the early 20th century, this is another one of those special books that comes only once in a while.
—"The First Book of Fashion: The Book of Clothes of Mattheus and Veit Konrad Schwartz of Augsburg by Ulinka Rublack ($35). Another book for design and history buffs, this volume traces the sartorial life of a dandy father and son duo who lived in the 16th century Renaissance period. The authors have even included a bespoke pattern of a Renaissance costume by Tony award-winning designer Jenny Tiramani.
—"kate spade new york: all in good taste" by Kate Spade ($20). This fun guidebook is for the fashionista on your list that loves to entertain. The fashion designer covers all of the bases, from table decorating to manners and everything in between. A great hostess gift for the holidays!
—"Indulgent: The Complete Style Guide for the Modern Man" by Jeff Lack ($16). Do you want the man in your life to pay a little more attention to his own sense of style? Give him the gift of his own fashion stylist and tuck this book under the tree.
To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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