The Secret Lives of Dresses

Just finished reading this great book titled "The Secret Lives of Dresses," by Erin McKean. It is about a girl who goes back to her old town to take over her grandmother's vintage clothing shop while she is taken ill. She trades her boring clothes for vintage glamor sold at the shop, and soon discovers that her grandmother has been writing stories to accompany every dress she sells.

This book is an easy read, perfect to take along on a summer vacation. I loved the idea of each piece of clothing having its own story and memories. If your clothing could tell a story, what would it say???... and do you believe that the right dress could change your life?

The Story of Isabella Blow

In the spirit of the Alexander McQueen Show at the Met I just finished reading "Blow By Blow." This is the story of Isabella Blow, McQueen's mentor and muse. Blow by Blow written by Tom Sykes and Isabella's husband Detmar who tells the interesting and tragic story of the fashion icon.

Isabella Blow was no stranger to the fashion world and was best friends with Alexander McQueen for years before business differences got in the way. She was also friends with Philip Treacy and was famous for wearing many of his outrageous hats. She was an assistant to Vogue's Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley before becoming Fashion Director at Tatler. Pictured below is Isabella with Alexander McQueen from a shoot for Vanity Fair. Also pictured is Isabella in one of Pilip Treacy's hats named "Arrows of Love."

Such an interesting person, I wish I could have met Isabella! I definitely recommend reading "Blow by Blow" to get an inside view of what it was like for Isabella in the world of fashion. Tragically Isabella suffered from depression and ended her life in 2007.