Fab Read: The Fashion Designer Survival Guide, An Insider's Look at Starting and Running Your Own Fashion Business

If you've noticed that there are insurmountable fashion labels out there, you're onto something. Apparently, the employment rate for designers is expected to outpace all other professions through 2008.

If you're thinking of joining the fickle but fabulous industry, The Fashion Designer Survival Guide: An Insider's Look at Starting and Running Your Own Fashion Business ($23) should be your next read. Author Mary Gehlhar, who has consulted on labels like Milly and Alicia Bell, gives behind-the-scenes advice and business information on starting a career as an independent designer.

The book also provides case studies from designers in different stages of their careers and advice from several veteran designers. Once done, you'll be ready to tackle the designer world head on.