Put down that copy of 50 Shades of Grey, do you hear me?
Perhaps that sounds a bit harsh, and if you must, you can go on and finish it. When you’re done though, why not pick up something of a little more substance? A book that will educate, inspire and entertain you, and probably make you a better and smarter blogger as well. Sound good? I thought so.
Now trot over to your local book store, load up your e-reader or click on over to Amazon.com, and stock up on these titles. While you lounge poolside this summer or before you rest those work-weary peepers each night, browse, devour or simply enjoy one (or all) of these amazing books:
9 Books Every Style Blogger Should Read
On Fashion:
Fashion: 150 Years of Couturiers, Designers and Labels
- This beautifully illustrated book chronicles the evolution of fashion from corsets to pant suits, and all the designers and cultural movements that drove style forward. It’s a gorgeous coffee table book and an educational necessity for anyone who wants to blog seriously about fashion from an informed and enlightened perspective.
The 100: A Guide to the Stylish Pieces Every Woman Must Own, Nina Garcia
- As the Fashion Director at Marie Claire and a judge on Project Runway, we’ve come to trust Nina Garcia on all things fashion. She has an eye for trends, talent and classic appeal that manifest perfectly in this book’s collection of pieces and inspiration for any well-dressed woman. Garcia’s advice will inspire your wardrobe and the way you style your blog.
On business:
Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcom Gladwell
- This book came out back in 2008, but its over-arching question, “What makes high-achievers different?” and the answers Gladwell supplies still ring true today. From The Beatles to software billionaires, the author breaks down how where you’re from, your upbringing, your culture, family, and generation – all play a roll in how great success is reached.
- The founders of Gilt Group share the story of how they started out as re-connected acquaintances at Harvard Business School, with backgrounds in e-commerce and investment banking, and ended up as the heads of a brilliant fashion-meets-tech company valued at over one billion dollars.
- Whether you’re pursing a professional fashion career as well as blogging, or looking to gain insight as to how fashion PR agencies and in-house teams work, this is great read. Noricks covers everything from education to internships and interviews, as well as personal branding, reputation management and setting goals for an inspired and successful career.
On Writing:
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction, William Zinsser
- No matter what topic or for what reason you may need to write, this book gives sound advice in a warm and friendly tone that is accessible to everyone. Its not a book you need to read cover-to-cover, but is perfect to turn to when you need a quick jolt of direction, inspiration or guidance. From writing about yourself to writing an email, its all here.
Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer, Roy Peter Clark
- “You need tools, not rules” says the author of this helpful guide. He includes 200 writing samples and examples from literature and journalism to illustrate each concept, making the tools accessible and relevant. Like On Writing Well, this book is full of wisdom that can be applied to any style of writing.
On Blogging & Social Media:
Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust, Chris Brogan
- In this book, two social media veterans show readers how to tap into the power of social networks to build a brand’s (or your blog’s) influence, reputation, and potential profit. The author explains why online influencers like bloggers rely on trust, reputation, and relationships to grow, and how they use social media to do it.
Fashion 2.0: Blogging Your Way to The Front Row, Yuli Ziv
- In this first-of-its-kind book, the founder of Style Coalition (a network that represents top fashion and beauty bloggers, in partnership with ELLE magazine), gives tips based on her own experience as to how style bloggers can build their brand, expand their network and influence and turn their site into a profitable business. (We’d call this a must-read for any aspiring style bloggers out there.)
Have you read any of these books yet? Let us know if you have any great recommended reads for our community!
Image by sniegirova mariia on Shuttershock.
I have The Little Book of Schiaparelli ready to start reading, I’ve dipped in to it and it looks amazing!! It’s also perfectly handbag sized so good for plane/train etc.