I’ve always been a big reader, apart from a period after university when I didn’t want to pick up a book ever again. Studying English Literature will do that to a girl.
To me, books provide security, comfort and company. You can’t beat a paperback either. I’m not a fan of Kindles – mine was resigned to the back of the drawer shortly after I received it. I see their practicality but nothing compares to the smell of book, turning a physical page or slotting a bookmark in-between chapters.
Books are actually one of my favourite scents, along with fresh coffee, citrus and warm bread. Hopefully someone else will know where I’m coming from and not just think I’m a stark raving lunatic for sniffing books!
My taste in literature has definitely changed over the years. I’ve gone from children’s favourites to teen fiction to trashy chick lit to classic novels. Now, I like books based around my interests and hobbies. These include fashion, health, nutrition, mind and body.
Therefore, I tend to go for books which educate, inform and inspire rather than for escapism. At the moment, I’m flicking through a number of stylish titles, which were kindly gifted to me by Welbeck Publishing*.
Curling up with Haute Couture
Liberty: The History by Marie-Therese Rieber* details the beginnings of the brand to it’s furniture, clothing designs, window displays and of the course, the bold and eclectic prints which the luxury department store is known for.
Alexander McQueen: Fashion Visionary by Judith Watt.* A brilliantly beautiul book which celebrates the work of the late designer from his graduate collection at Central Saint Martins to his final designs created days before his death in 2010.
Little Book of Dior by Karen Homer tells the story of Christian Dior’s early life, the brand’s origins and evolution of Dior’s designs from the catwalk to the present day. It was fascinating to read how Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw and Princess Diana popularised the cult of Dior handbags!
Little Book of Chanel by Emma Baxter-Wright* charts the rise of Coco Chanel’s stellar influence from a humble background to a global phenomenon. To read about her creations such as the little black dress, boucle jacket and two-tone cap shoes is truly captivating.
Little Book of Prada by Laia Farran Graves* explores the innovations of one of the world’s most renowned fashion houses. It was wonderful to learn how a small family venture, which started out selling leather goods became the empire that it is today.
Notes on nutrition
How Not to Die by Dr Michael Greger reveals the ground-breaking scientific evidence behind the plant-based diet’s ability to prevent and reverse diseases. Although this was a difficult and sobering read in parts, it really opened my eyes to the impact that particular foods have on your life.
Yoga Bitch by Suzanne Morrison, a memoir which reminds me of Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love but with more humour and cynicism. It’s made me realise that I quite like books on people’s quests for self-betterment and I hope to read more.