I’ve been so busy recently that I haven’t had the time to enjoy my usual reading matter. I’m always on the look out for inspirational books on image and have come across a couple that have really held my attention. The first is from the author of www.the thoughtfuldresser.blogspot.com, Linda Grant. ‘The Thoughtful Dresser’ follows on from her success with the previously short listed Man Booker Prize ‘ The Clothes on Their Backs’. I loved it because she dismisses the notion that dressing is a vaccuous hobby for the vain, empty headed woman. The truth, of course, is that what we choose to wear and how we wear it tells our story, which can change throughout our lives. It’s heralded as ‘the thinking woman’s guide to our relationship with what we wear, why we want to look our best and why it matters’ and is a very thought provoking read.
The second book I’ve really enjoyed is aimed at women over 40 and demonstrates how many ‘classic’ garments can age us. I see this a lot in my wardrobe weeding sessions, with many of us unwilling to part with something that cost a substantial amount of money even though it is woefully out of style. This book teaches us that we can still invest in pieces that will stand the test of time if we know which to choose and how to wear them correctly. So instead of dating us, they remain ageless and stylish.
Style Evolution – How To Create Ageless Personal Style in Your 40′s and Beyond is by Kendall Farr and is well worth a look if you know that you favour traditional, classic clothing and/or you want to be known for your style but are worried about the mutton dressed as lamb syndrome. She also has great tips for buying jeans and other staples. The book is American so it may be a little more difficult to access some of the stockists but a definite worthwhile read.
Lastly, a couple of books that are more age related rather than clothes specific. Suzanne Braun Levine’s ’50 is The New Fifty’ and Marianne Williamson’s ‘The Age of Miracles’ (which I’ve blogged about before and recently re-read) are both uplifting books that show us how to embrace this part of our lives and not to worry if sometimes we don’t know whether we’re coming or going. 
All available from Amazon.co.uk
