Today's post is a little different to normal. I've compiled a list of some vintage books, I feel you should definitely read. Some of these books I've owned for years, some I've checked out from the library & some are fairly new to me! With a six week holiday coming up, I'm going to be using these a lot to aid my vintage projects!
This Old Thing by Dawn O'Porter. After having a catch up with Dawn's series over on Channel 4 this week, I'm hooked! The show is full of tips on where to shop vintage, on top of re-making vintage... I've already dyed a jumpsuit I brought from the East End £1 sale from a stained white to mustard yellow because of episode one!
I've ordered this book, but looking on Amazon, you can see it will be packed of brilliant retro images, alongside guides to each of the vintage from the 20s to 60s! If you haven't seen the show already you should definitely watch it on 4OD as I'm sure, like me, you'll go on to order the book!
Gil Elvgren: All his Glamorous American Pin Ups , for £7.25 on Amazon is a real steal! I have had this book for about eight years now, and still love it as much as when I opened it on Christmas morning! It is full of the most gorgeous pin up illustrations. It is where I first got my old blog name 'Sitting Pretty'. This book is worth a read especially for outfit inspiration & classic poses.
American Pin Up by Charles G Martignette, this book I had a browse of in HMV a few years back, then couldn't find it again in shops so kept forgetting about it. Hello Amazon, & being able to solve these issues! For £5.20 this book is full, once again of the gorgeous pin up models. Another brilliant book for outfit inspiration!
It by Alexa Chung. I checked this book out from the library, mainly through pure shock of seeing an Alexa Chung book in the library! I honestly never really saw the huge appeal of Alexa Chung, so would never of dreamt of buying this book, even though I have seen it on many bloggers Instagram feeds, looking lovely on the shelf. I must say I was really surprised with the contents of the book! It had really good outfit, hair & make up inspiration as well as some informative musings! It is definitely worth a read at some point!
The Vintage Tea Party Year by Angel Adoree. I haven't yet read this little number, but I have wanted to browse this for AGES! I have been on the look out in local charity shops & my local library but am yet to find it. Based on customer reviews & the description, this book gives you every delightful for hosting a tea party. I'm hoping to have a read before New Years, so I can incorporate some classic tea party ideas into the celebrations!
Pearl Lowe's Vintage Craft... I got brought this book for my birthday this year & I wrote a post especially showing my love here. It is on my to do list, to try out some of the crafts in this book this summer.
Kirsties Vintage Home by Kirstie Allsopp. I just love Kirstie Allsopp. Her shows, her writing, her twitter feed! I have ordered this book, and cannot wait to read it over the summer for some inspiration for the home. I'm also hoping to get to the The Handmade Fair this September, as Kirstie herself will be there! I really would love to see the Kirstie in conversation with Cath Kidston event but unfortunately won't be able to due to it being a school day at work! Let me know if your heading to the fair this Autumn!
I love the Style Me Vintage Series. They have brilliant, easy to read step by step tutorials, and ideas based on all the most popular eras & looks... Victory Rolls anyone?
& there we have it. I hope this may have opened your eyes to some new vintage books, or outfit style ideas books. As much as I love Pinterest, since getting a library card especially, there is nothing like a good book, made with actual paper! Just a little note, that I've used links to the books on Amazon here, simply because I use it as an easy way to keep a list of all the books I want using the wish list! You may be able to find the books cheaper elsewhere or even at boot fairs or charity shops!
What vintage books do you like to read?
This is such a fantastic blogpost - so different yet utterly brilliant! Admittedly, I'm a bit like yourself as I too have been sucked in by Channel 4's 'This Old Thing'.
ReplyDeleteClaire xo
I have the Style Me Vintage Make Up book. It's rather great isn't it! I really want This Old Thing because I adore the TV show! xxx
ReplyDeletelonglovefashion.blogspot.co.uk