Bibliophile Bookcases

> Every week, I tell myself that I'm not going to buy any more books and of course, every week I buy another book. I just can't help myself. I love all the pretty photos and wonderful stories. Some are silly summer beach reads and others are highly sought after collectibles but I love them all the same. Only problem is that I'm running out of bookshelves. I can't wait until the day that I have a house big enough to have an entire room devoted to books and have already started an inspiration file devoted to the project. These are just some of my favorites. I'm still amazed at Karl Lagerfeld's massive collection. Thank goodness I don't have that many! I wonder when he finds time to actually read them! Enjoy!

Domino

Philip Gorrivan

David Netto

Richard Meier

Francisco Costa

Michelle Halard

Andre Balzas

Unknown

Christian Louboutin

Life and Work: Malene Birger's Life in Pictures

>

I happened to be perusing the books at the Rizzoli store recently and instantly fell in love with Life and Work: Malene Birger's Life in Pictures.  I wasn't familiar with Ms. Birger but she is a famous fashion designer in Copenhagen, Denmark who has had her own line since 2003.  I was happy to find out that her fashions on Net-a-Porter, are very affordable and wearable.  What really impressed me though are her gorgeous homes.  The book is filled with images of her down to earth Danish decorating style and fabulous artwork.  Her home in Copenhagen (seen here) is eclectic yet elegant and completely befitting a chic fashion designer.  It's quickly become one of my all time favorites and will probably become one of yours.  Enjoy!
 

Grace is Good

>

It was reported by WWD last week that Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington is hard at work on her autobiography.  She will be helped with this task by former Men's Vogue editor in chief Jay Fielden.  “We’re just starting, and I think it’s going to be a really fun project,” she told WWD, adding: “I’m hoping it’s going to be very rich in fashion history. It’s more than just about me.”  Before she was an editor, Coddington was a model who was shot by some legendary lensmen including Lord Snowdon and Helmet Newton.  I'm sure there are some good stories from those years as well as her time at both British and American Vogue.  It was The September Issue that introduced us to this amazing woman who I like to think of as the moral compass of the movie and I can't wait to read about her inspiring life in her own words. 

Chic Read: Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.

> If you've ever read Truman Capote's original book Breakfast at Tiffany's, then you know that the movie version takes some artistic liberties with the story. Sam Wasson has written a new book entitled Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. that delves into how the producers turned a story that was supposedly unadaptable into every girl's favorite film. It's full of interesting tidbits such as how Truman Capote wanted Marilyn Monroe to play Holly Golightly and how the song Moon River almost didn't make the final cut. The title of the book refers to the time of day that they shot the iconic opening scene. Audrey Hepburn supposedly didn't want to eat the Danish either. Lucky for all of us that it all turned out perfectly in the end and if you want to hear how, definitely buy this book!

Chic Reads: Assouline at The Plaza

>

If there is one publisher that epitomizes chicness, it's Assouline.   I had the privilege of attending their fall preview yesterday and I warn you again, make room on your bookshelves!  I was able to take a look at American Fashion Designers at Home and it's even better than I anticipated.  Those of you who love Paris will also want to order Antiquaires: Flea Markets of Paris by Laurie Verchere with a foreword by 1stdibs founder Michael Bruno.  The Assouline shop in the Plaza is also worth checking out since they often carry titles not available online and a vast collection of vintage books.  You can even pick up a Goyard trunk full of Assouline titles.  I told you they were chic!  Happy Reading!

Photos by Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic