FabSugar

Lauren Conrad's Literary Journey Continues

FabSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:35:29 -0800

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?

Fab Read: You Know You Want It, Style – Inspiration – Confidence

FabSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:30:22 -0800

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.

Fab Read: Prada

FabSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:22 -0800

Prada is jumping on the designer-book bandwagon. The Italian house has unveiled a 706-page book, titled Prada, that highlights the house's 30 years of fashion, art, and more. "For Prada, fashion, luxury and style go beyond producing an infinity of clothes and shoes, so the book wants to illustrate the various aspects through which Prada expresses itself," said Patrizio Bertelli, chief executive officer of Prada Group. The tome, which retails for about $150, will hit Prada stores, select bookstores, and Prada.com.

Fab Read: Italian Fashion Now

FabSugar — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:42:22 -0800

I've never seen a more polished-at-all-times group of people than Italians. I can always spot Italian tourists thanks to their spot-on style. Of course, Prada, Giorgio Armani, Missoni, Gianni Versace, Gucci, and Dolce & Gabbana are hugely responsible for that. But Italian Fashion Now by Maria Luisa Frisa ($14) dishes about the new rising stars of Italian fashion now. Giambattista Valli, Riccardo Tisci (Givenchy), Stefano Pilati (Yves Saint Laurent) are just a few. The book is currently on pre-order and will be released February, 10, 2010.

Fab Read: Mrs. O, The Face of Fashion Democracy

FabSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:22 -0700

Michelle Obama is such an icon, there's a second book dedicated to her first-class style. Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy ($18) follows the first lady's wardrobe choices, from her wedding dress to her White House getups. You'll also find interviews with designers like Maria Pinto, Isabel Toledo, and Jason Wu, who have all dressed Michelle. The author is Mary Tomer, the same person who started the Mrs. O blog, which reports about Michelle's daily outfits.

Fab Read: . . . Isms: Understanding Fashion

FabSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:50:22 -0700

I'm always one to dig a little deeper when it comes to understanding where certain styles and fashions originate. If you're curious like me, check out the upcoming . . . Isms: Understanding Fashion ($12), by Mairi MacKenzie. In this cute, pocket-sized book, Mairi explores which fashions - such as Neoclassicism, Industrialism, Punk, and Existentialism - came first, and which trends will come next. Cool. Also included are her theories on how culture has played a huge role on influencing fashion cycles and trends. Why did '70s music trigger the popularity of dog collars and safety-pinned clothes - Sex Pistols, anyone?

Fab Read: Junky Styling, Wardrobe Surgery

FabSugar — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:22 -0700

Those of us who can't stop into London's Junky Styling boutique should try the next best thing: the new book, Junky Styling: Wardrobe Surgery ($32), by founders Annika Sanders and Kerry Seager. First read about the store's unique history and its forward-thinking founders - Annika and Kerry started out making clothes to wear to clubs in the early '90s. Then learn how to re-create some of their popular garments: a shirt wrap halter top, a scarf made from suit sleeves, and so on. Get your tools ready and start performing surgery on those clothes that need a little nip/tuck.

Fab Read: Foam Magazine

FabSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:00:22 -0700

There are so many fresh things about Foam magazine, where to begin? Based out of San Clemente, CA, the magazine is brimming with fashion, the ocean, art, and music. It's inspiration information for the beach-loving fashion art hound. It's hard to find, but take a flip through the digital version for an idea. The mag's website is cool, too. I particularly find its fashion and surf musings interesting; getting to know the latest surfer babes and their mantras is totally motivating. A flippy mag focused on fashion and surfing? Why didn't I think of that?

Fab Read: Olivier Theyskens, The Other Side of the Picture

FabSugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:00:22 -0700

Olivier Theyskens may no longer be at Nina Ricci - major bummer - but that doesn't mean he's idle. The designer is penning a book - Olivier Theyskens: The Other Side of the Picture - to be published by Assouline. Come January, you will be able to experience the Belgian designer via decades worth of backstage photos documented by photographer Julien Claessens. I'm so looking forward to getting to know Olivier beyond the runway.

Fab Read: Rebel Rebel, Anti-Style

FabSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 03:00:22 -0700

A bit of a rebel himself, British singer-turned-designer Keanan Duffty has penned a book that will appeal to, well, rebels. Rebel Rebel: Anti-Style ($23), debuting Sept. 8, is a 144-page book exploring how the "heritage and history" of fashion staples like the T-shirt and leather jacket have inspired that style. Famous rebels like Elvis Presley, James Dean, Johnny Depp and Gwen Stefani are also highlighted, as are denim, rock T-shirts and hoodies, hair, makeup, and body art. "When you walk into vintage stores, there are different sections for tuxedos, prom dresses, etc. We approached the book the same way," Duffty said. Makes total sense.

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