The Pretty Style Bookshelf

Pets, I'm all out of substance after yesterday's post - let's return to the State of Superficial, shall we?

We talked about coming up with a clothing "splurge vs. save list" recently, which got me thinking more about how to build a wardrobe based on what is both flattering & largely designed to last beyond one season.  That sounds a bit obvious, but again, given These Difficult Times blah blah blah, I'm trying to focus even more on my Grandmother's mantra "Buy less, but better" instead of just purchasing what is merely on sale or en vogue.

To that end, I've consulted my bookshelf to consult those who actually know something about the matter, unlike this boring lawyer.  By a book's very nature, it won't be able to cover the fleeting fashions like a magazine or the 'net can, but the right one can be invaluable in creating a lasting style.  Here are a few nuts-and-bolts reads I've found both useful and just fun to look at over the years (all images credit to Amazon):

"What You Wear Can Change Your Life" by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine. Don't be put off by the grandiose title - one, because I assume you wouldn't be reading this blog if you were a stranger to hyperbole; and two, because these two are spot-on with their advice on how to dress for your figure & complexion.  The latter is something that is frequently overlooked by the glossies, which irritates me to no end; obviously part of building a lasting wardrobe is finding the cuts and colors that actually work on you, and not just throwing on the latest trend.

Also, Trinny & Susannah's hysterical BBC show "What Not to Wear" is far superior to the American version, if you're a fan of style TV.

"InStyle Secrets of Style": I like this one for seeing outfits in action on celebrities, as well as their wardrobe basics approach. Some styles are dated, but the underlying content is good.

"Style" by Kate Spade: I'm not the KS aficionado like I once was, but on my more preptastic days, I love the retro illustrations, quotes, and traditional style advice.

"A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style" by Tim Gunn:  I'm going to confess something shocking to you . . . this book is winging its way to me just now, so I can't vouch for it yet.   Forgive me, Fantasy GBFF Tim Gunn, for I can't comprehend how I've survived without your sage advice until this point.  Two penalty shifts at "Mood" for me, at a minimum.

Per my International Woman of Mystery duties, I have a few long plane rides in my near future - any other style reads you would recommend?

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Darlings, I'd love your input on something - I'm considering moving my more personal posts elsewhere;  I enjoy writing those just as much as I do these Pretty posts, but I'm uncertain whether the two belong in the same space.  Do you like reading a bit of each here?

Please don't worry about hurting my feelings - I drowned those in a vat of Veuve long ago.  (I mean that) (sort of) (so long as you're polite) (because I'm like the Chinese government when it comes to comments, except with better accessories) (parentheses).  Thanks for your thoughts!

Edited to add: On a second read-through, it looks like I'm trolling for compliments here.  I'm not, truly. I will let you know, decisively, flagrantly, and none too subtly when I'm in search of flattery.  Which is the vast majority of the time, but not now.