When I first read about Camilla Morton's new book, How to Walk in High Heels, I expected it to be little more than a fluffy gift book. But in reality, it's a thick, weighty guide to doing all sorts of things, from walking in high heels to looking fresh after a bender.

As the title suggests, the practical advice focuses mostly on fashion and beauty. Some of my favorite sections include how to get ready in five minutes, how to deal with a bad hair day, and—on a related note—how to wear a hat without looking silly. But Morton, a freelance fashion writer, also covers a lot of ground related to etiquette, leisure, and culture. There's a primer on playing poker and a guide to artists whose names you can drop at gallery openings. The highly readable how-to also contains advice from expert guests such as Manolo Blahnik, who explains how to pick out a shoe. A great gift book, to be sure, but also a highly informative read. Get your copy here for $17.46.