Fab Read

We're all classy ladies here at Fab, but there's nothing wrong with sprucing up our style etiquette from time to time. I present Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady ($12), by Derek Blasberg. The renowned fashion journalist and man about town, who holds titles at V Magazine, Style.com, and Vogue, has a lot to share about being a classy and sassy lady in 2010. From cheeky "Do you dress like a tramp" quizzes to tips on throwing cheap and chic dinner parties, Derek dishes all in this fun, easy-to-read how-to. My favorite piece of advice? How to tell the difference between a friend and a frenemy — hilarious.

Nina Garcia is not your average fashion editor. Along with her gig at Marie Claire as fashion director and her Project Runway judging role, she's also known for her famous style guides. The latest is her fourth, titled Nina Garcia’s Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion ($17).

The how-to guide offers around 80 different looks for every occasion ranging from "what to wear to a bar mitzvah, what to wear on a first date, what to wear on a job interview," said Garcia. “It just goes on and on. I mean, I hope I’ve covered every single situation." Sounds like a book of Fab Finding situations! The books drops in August — will you be picking up a copy?

I've never worn a Pierre Cardin piece, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the man behind the French fashion empire. And here's a book — Pierre Cardin: 60 Years of Innovation ($75) by Jean-Pascal Hesse — to help educate. It highlights the Italian-born French designer's work, all 60 fabulous years of it. Cardin, now 87, is praised for proving that fashion can be an art and a successful business. Fun fact: Cardin created the bubble dress in 1954. Does this read interest you?

I've encountered a few behind-the-seams action in my lifetime, but I've yet to enter the backstage world of Dior. Luckily, I have Backstage Dior ($79), by Roxanne Lowitt to feed my frenzy.

Through the famous fashion photographer's lens, I experienced John Galliano and his Dior madness in a totally new light. Backstage images of models running around, last minute preparations, and crazy candid photos made me want to jump into the pages and join the euphoria. Maybe one day, but this book will do for now.

For a sneak peek inside the pages, read more

Last night, Oscar de la Renta's LA boutique was transformed into a book signing extravaganza. More than 150 people gathered to get a signed copy of The World in Vogue: People, Parties, Places ($48) by European editor-at-large for Vogue, Hamish Bowles.

It features more than 300 photographs of models, actors, artists, first ladies, and socialites who have graced the pages of the mag. Some of the shots have never been published before. Gisele and Tom, Keira Knightley, Iman and David Bowie, and John Galliano are just some famous faces you can expect to see.

Fab reads make great gifts — here's a bunch of recommendations!

Mociun, a Brooklyn-based clothing line, is known for its sustainable fabrics — organic cotton, bamboo, hemp. Caitlin Mociun has now put together a book titled Mociun ($32) that's filled with endless inspiration from its Fall '09 collection. Jewelry, clothing patterns, and fabric swatches all make for a wonderfully colorful and engaging time. Only 75 copies were printed so get yours before it disappears, forever.

Who knew LC was going to go from The Hills to fashion design back to The Hills and then into the literary world? Works for me. Now that the ex-Hills star has more time on her hands, she has added another project to her budding book club. LA Candy was released earlier this year, and next year we have a style guide to listen to. Titled Lauren Conrad Style, the fashion guide is slated for Fall 2010. Conrad shared: "I think fashion should be fun and reflective of who you are," she says. "I know this guide will offer simple, practical tips to help anyone look fabulous." Plus, LA Candy's sequel Sweet Little Lies in due out Feb. 2. Thoughts?

If Eric Daman looks familiar to you, it's because he was recently posing pretty with Leighton Meester at the launch of his book, You Know You Want It: Style – Inspiration – Confidence ($20).

The Gossip Girl costume designer knows a thing or two about fashion, after all, don't we all covet Blair, Serena, Vanessa, and Jenny's fabulous Upper East Side ensembles? Daman says the trick to pulling off any ensemble is owning it, and in this book, he teaches us how to do just that via confidence and pizazz. (Side note, I think confidence is a woman's personal journey, I don't believe it can be taught.)

“A catalyst for the book was that I wanted to send the message that fashion and style [don’t] have to be scary — [they] can be totally accessible,” said Daman. "I always say style is 20 percent fashion and 80 percent confidence. You have to own it.” The book also includes a forward by the queen bee herself, Leighton Meester.