The Beltway Bible

I've got a stack of books that I'm making my way through at the moment - and the top of my list is The Beltway Bible.

I've worked on the Hill and having also worked in politics in the UK, I'm a total geek for books which spell out everything you need to know about our political institutions. Written by political reporter and editor of Huff Post's Washington DC Bureau, Eliot Nelson provides a satirical and absolutely fabulous look at the A-Z of everything you would want to know about the Hill.

From why everyone in Washington is an 'expert' to the value of certain Twitter accounts, this is definitely a book for the political fanatic in your life. Nelson thinks that this book will only be read in the bathroom - something I have to disagree with! This is one I'll be dipping in and out of over the years of political ups and downs that are to come.

Jo Malone- My Story

Jo Malone is one of Britain's well known and best loved entrepreneurs, synonymous with the Jo Malone fragrance line which she sold to Estee Lauder in 1999.

Jo has been responsible for revolutionising the world of fragrance, and has just released her auto-biography, My Story.

Jo's story is an inspirational one. From her modest beginnings struggling with dyslexia and leaving school without qualifications, Jo turned her fortunes around to become one of Britain's best and most successful businesswomen. This exciting memoir explore how Jo's unique talents grew out of an ability to interpret the world through an extraordinarily heightened sense of smell, leading to the creation of signature Malone fragrances such as 'Lime, Basil and Mandarin' and 'Pomelo.'

In 2013, Malone opened her first 'Jo Loves' fragrance store on Elizabeth Street in Belgravia, in a full circle journey to where she began her career as a florist just aged 16. Jo was honoured with an MBE in 2008 and continues to help aspiring businesswomen through her weekly business advice column, 'Ask Jo' in the London Evening Standard.

This book is extra cool because of its scented page! The ultimate scratch n' sniff, you can experience the clean, grapefruit citrus scent of Pomelo whilst reading Malone's inspiring auto-biography.

As an entrepreneur, Jo's journey is particularly inspiring, and it is a real joy to find out more about the face behind the fragrance.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of My Story to read. 

Taylor Swift: This Is Our Song

If you are a Swiftie then rejoice- this is the book for you! After ten years of global superstardom, Taylor Swift's fans have teamed up with Simon & Schuster to create a special book dedicated to why TS is such an icon.

A tribute to Swift, fans across the US collaborated to create a unique scrapbook containing everything you would want to know- and revisit about the star. Featuring a mix of interviews from publications such as Vogue, The New Yorker and Rolling Stone, the publication also spotlights the commitment of the fans and shares why they are such big admirers of Swift and her music.

There's no doubt that Swift is a mega star, and this book reinforces her place in both music and cultural history. Some of the most touching passages are how Swift helped fans through her music, whether it be providing them the strength to end an abusive relationship, or gain the confidence to think big and follow their dreams.

Even though I am a fan of Swift's music, I don't listen as regularly as her superfans! I particularly enjoyed reading the stories behind the lyrics - and the infamous 'is Taylor Swift in New Zealand?' story.

A perfect gift for any Taylor or music fan, this is a great book that you won't want to shake off! :)

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of This Is Our Song to review. 

Capturing Fashion: Derujinsky

© Gleb Derujinsky, from Capturing Fashion: Derujinsky (Flammarion, 2016). 

There's nothing more relaxing then sitting down with an oversized fashion book and a cup of tea - and Capturing Fashion Derujinsky has arrived at the right time! It's been a hectic few weeks of work and general life stuff, so this book is the perfect relaxing read!

Within the pages, discover the innovative photography of Gleb Derujinsky, one of the most unique and creative photographers of the twentieth century.

Gleb Derujinsky’s career as a fashion photographer took hold in the golden age of European haute couture, when Balenciaga and Pierre Balmain were at the top of their game. Derujinsky convinced his editors Carmel Snow and Diana Vreeland to send him around the world to photograph beautiful models—like Carmen Dell’Orefice and his future wife Ruth Neumann—draped in expensive gowns juxtaposed against rough desert dunes or a glittering ocean horizon at sunset. His ideas were revolutionary and they gave rise to the mystique and glamour that is now pervasive in fashion.

© Gleb Derujinsky, from Capturing Fashion: Derujinsky (Flammarion, 2016). 

Derujinsky was the quintessential Renaissance man—photographer, cinematographer and commercial director, inventor, WWII veteran, world traveler, jewelry designer, musician, ski instructor, race car driver, and champion glider pilot. As a teenager, he became the youngest member of The Camera Club of New York. His photographs appeared in major lifestyle magazines before he began to work primarily for Harper’s Bazaar from 1950–70. This is the first monograph to celebrate his major contributions to the history of fashion and photography and contains over 200 black and white and colour photographs.

Derujinsky passed away in 2011, and as one of the most sought after fashion photographers of his time, his life and legacy still lives on thanks to publications like Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar and Glamour.

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of Capturing Fashion to review.

© Gleb Derujinsky, from Capturing Fashion: Derujinsky (Flammarion, 2016). 

Miller's Collectables Handbook & Price Guide 2016-2017

I've been a collector for as long as I can remember, and the Miller's Handbook is my bible. Whether you're new to antiques collecting or consider yourself a bit of an expert, make sure you get your hands on the Miller's Collectables Handbook & Price Guide for 2016-2017.

Featuring more than 4,000 objects in full colour, each with a detailed description and current price range, the book also offers what those in the know look for - how to spot that rare example that may be worth twenty times more than another piece. Meanwhile, in-depth closer look features explain what to look for when appraising everything from 20th century glass to posters.

Every image is changed for every edition to keep the book up-to-date with collecting and buying trends. Miller's Collectables Handbook & Price Guide 2016-2017 is the only full- colour, fully-illustrated collectables price guide in the world. Comprehensive sections cover advertising, books, ceramics, glass, metalware, pens and writing equipment, plastics and Bakelite, posters, sporting memorabilia, teddy bears, toys and games and vintage fashion. This year, special sections focus on affordable jewellery, Hornsea ceramics and tribal art.

Judith Miller is the industry's ultimate expert, and she co-founded the Miller's Antiques Price Guide in 1979. She is a regular expert on Antiques Roadshow and is a regular contributor to publications such as Homes & Antiques and House & Garden. Mark Hill was a specialist for international auctioneers Bonhams and Sotheby's before becoming Director of an online antiques and collectables trading website, running its alliance with Ebay Live Auctions. He is an expert on the BBC Antiques Roadshow.

So if you are looking to become serious about collecting then make sure you pick up your copy! Thanks to Octopus Books for sending me an advance copy of the book.

Gift Guide: Books

Christmas is the perfect time of year to sit down with a good book. Whether you're revisiting an old classic or excited for a new release, here are some of the books I'll be reading this season!

Oscar de la Renta: His Legendary World of Style

Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon

The Speechwriter: A Brief Education in Politics

Parisian Chic City Guide: Shopping, Dining, and More

Humans of New York: Stories

The LEGO Ideas Book

The Girl on the Train

Lee

Autumn Book Wishlist

Reading for pleasure is one of the activities that helps me relax. I haven't been reading enough lately, which could suggest why I've had trouble sleeping and generally, feeling a bit under the weather. With my birthday and the holiday season fast approaching, I'll be asking for these books to curl up and read. I'm also headed for a short break in October, so I'm hoping that I may receive one or two of these titles to keep me company on the plane journey. :)

Here are the titles currently on my book wishlist.

The Parrots

Written by Vogue Editor Aexandra Shulman, The Parrots explores the everyday problems of family life set amongst upper crust London privilege and the crumbling of a seemingly solid marriage.

The Lego Architect

I have a confession to make. I love Lego! (There's a growing mini figure collection on my bookcase.) These fun book takes you on a tour of the history of architecture as well as tips and tricks for making your own models!

Love Style Life

Garance Dore is one of my favorite bloggers, so I'm excited to see that her part memoir, part guide will be released later this autumn. Offering a backstage look at fashion's frontlines, this book will help capture the true essence of chic.

Frost: That Was The Life That Was

Sir David Frost was one of the best TV host and reporter we'll ever see. He interviewed every British Prime Minister since Harold Wilson, as well as seven US Presidents, the most famous being Richard Nixon. This is one book I won't be missing!

Which titles are on your wishlist?

In Review: Art and Sole by Jane Gershon Weitzman

What's the most extravagant shoe in your collection? I doubt you'll have one of these creations sitting there!

Art & Sole is the perfect book for shoe lovers. Written by Jane Gershon Weitzman, this book showcases approximately 150 shoes of the more than 1,000 she discovered and commissioned for the windows of the first Stuart Weitzman retail shop on Madison Avenue in the mid‐1990s. Using the best of this collecPon, many of the shoes are in printed form for the first time. Jane Gershon Weitzman was the Executive Vice President of Stuart Weitzman and the first Vice President of Stuart Weitzman Retail. She spearheaded philanthropy for the company by generating funds to support breast and ovarian cancer research and awareness. Her efforts were brought to life through innovative charity events on the brand’s website, such as the Stuart Weitzman Celebrity Breast Cancer Shoe Auction, and its retail stores. She serves on the Trust Board of the Boston Children’s Hospital.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCAS ZAREBINSKI

I love the New York Taxi shoe, and the Alice in Wonderland shoe collection perfectly captures the tale we all love and know so well. Make sure you check this great book out!

*I was sent a copy of Art & Sole to review. All opinions are wholly my own.*

Links of the Week

This week I've been reading...

Inside Coco Chanel's secret apartment

C.Wonder shuts up shop

The best news sources for political staffers to read

The Joe Biden random compliment generator

How to come up with game changing ideas

In Review: Snowdon: A Life in View

© SNOWDON: A Life in View by Antony Armstrong Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon, Rizzoli New York, 2014.

I absolutely love the work of the 1st Earl of Snowdon, so it was a real joy to take a look at his new publication, A Life In View. Curated by the legendary photographer himself, and his youngest daughter Frances von Hofmannsthal, Snowdon: A Life in View looks back on an exceptional life through a selection of 175 iconic full-colour and black-and-white fashion photographs and portraits taken throughout his expansive and influential career. The book also features articles and texts by friends and colleagues of Snowdon who have written about different aspects of his work: Alexandra Shulman on being his editor at British Vogue, Suzy Menkes on his work for Issey Miyake in the 1980s, A.A. Gill on his documentary work, Grace Coddington on being his model and editor, and Lisa Immordino Vreeland on his correspondence with Diana Vreeland. 

Princess Margaret, 1959. Photograph by Snowdon / Courtesy of Trunk Archive

At the start of his photography career in the early 1950s Snowdon focused on theater, fashion, and society subjects, and began a six-decade career with British Vogue. In 1960, he married Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II, in the first globally televised Royal wedding.  In the early 1960's Snowdon worked with The Sunday Times magazine on a range of documentary subjects from mental health to loneliness, and in 1965 Private View was published—an extensive and beautiful book on the London art scene which has now become a cult classic. 

Nureyev/Fontaine in Sunday Times Magazine, 1961. Courtesy of Snowdon.

Over his prolific career Snowdon has photographed a vast range of cultural figures like Cecil Beaton, Charlie Chaplin, David Bowie, Marlene Dietrich, Bridget Riley, David Hockney, Serge Gainsbourg, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jack Nicholson that are featured in the book, amongst many others. In addition to iconic portraits, and legendary fashion images, archival material in the book includes previously unpublished Polaroids, private scrapbooks, and letters. As his daughter, and collaborator on this book, Frances von Hofmannsthal, states; “This book of stories and photographs only makes up a small fraction of my father’s work. The idea is not that it be a complete view, but a very personal one, put together with affection and curiosity, with a love and a lifetime of familiarity.”

Diana Vreeland. Photograph by Snowdon / Courtesy of Trunk Archive.

If you're in London make sure you go along to a special Snowdon exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.  Snowdon has given 130 original prints including many of his iconic images to the National Portrait Gallery, and this gift is being celebrated by a display of his photographs curated by Helen Trompeteler, the National Portrait Gallery’s Assistant Curator of Photographs.

The exhibition runs until the 21 Jun 2015, with free admission. To find out more about the exhibition click here. 

Marlene Dietrich, Cafe de Paris, 1956. Photograph by Snowdon / Courtesy of Trunk Archive.

Current Reads and Wishlist

With the nights drawing in, there's nothing better to sit with a cup of something warm and a great book.

Here's what I'm currently reading:

Personal History by Katharine Graham: Winner of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Biography, this fascinating memoir gives us a glimpse into Graham's life and work. I'm currently on the section on Watergate and I'm hooked!

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: The Goldfinch seems to have been read or is being read by everyone at the moment. It's worth the hype!

And these are the books I can't wait to read! Hopefully I'll get them for Christmas!

How To Be Parisian: Wherever You Are: This book deconstructs the French woman's view on culture, fashion and attitude. Every girl needs some French style in their life!

I'll Drink to That: Get up close with Betty Halbreich, the famous personal shopper at Bergdorf Goodman. The Bergdorf documentary is the perfect accompaniment!

The Women I Wanted To Be: DvF shares with us her journey of being one of fashion's most accomplished businesswoman, and of course, the story of the famous wrap dress!

What are you currently reading? Share with me your suggestions in the comments! 

In Review: Marella Agnelli, The Last Swan

Henry Clarke/Vogue © Condé Nast Publications

Marella Agnelli is perhaps one of the greatest tastemakers, and The Last Swan chronicles her life through many personal memoirs and anedoctes, as well as providing an unprecedented tour through many of her glorious homes and gardens.

Marella and Gianni at the Black and White Ball,1966, Ray Scott Morrison

Nicknamed “The Swan” by Richard Avedon when he photographed her iconic portraits in 1953, Marella Agnelli  was not only one of the great beauties of the last century, but also the most elegant and cultured of that exclusive club which famously included Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, Slim Keith and C.Z. Guest among others.

Villa Frescot by Oberto Gili

Born the Neapolitan princess Marella Caracciolo di Castagneto, she became Marella Agnelli in 1953 upon her marriage to Gianni Agnelli, the Fiat industrialist. However, the innate style for which she is internationally revered  dates back to her New York internship with photographer Erwin Blumenfeld, and her time as a Vogue contributor in the 1950s and 60s, when she also appeared in its pages. One of the most photographed women of jet-set society, Marella was captured not only by Avedon, but Irving Penn, Henry Clarke, Horst, and Robert Doisneau.

Marella at Villa Bona, 1969, Ugo Mulas.

I've always been particularly interested in Agnelli's relationship with Jacqueline Kennedy, and it is great to see this addressed in the book. Simply put, this book is perfect for any individual interested in fashion, high society and glorious homes, and it deserves a place in your library!

Purchase The Last Swan here.

Villa Frescot by Oberto Gili

Links of the Week

This week I've been reading...

Sara Blakely for MAKERS

11 best reads about dysfunctional rich families

Family runs into President Obama at Stonehenge

What Are You Reading?

I'm shortly heading off to Toronto for a part business/part vacation, and will need some great new reads for my journey?

So, what are you reading and what should I try out? Ebooks and physical book suggestions are all welcome!

Let me know in the comments or tweet me. 

Plouffe announces "Beat Palin's Book for a Day!"

President Obama's former campaign manager, David Plouffe is urging readers to purchase 'The Audacity to Win' today-- December 8th in an attempt to knock Sarah Palin's, 'Going Rogue' off the #1 spot.

I have already have my copy, and urge you to get yours! Watch the video below.