Fashion Books I've Been Reading

I’m writing this with a severe tummy ache and while procrastinating on other, very important work. Still, it’s my July resolution to write an article a week, and ergo: I am writing.

Summer brings with it a summer wardrobe. Linen shorts, sundresses, basic tees, and then anything else you’ll find in 2000s movies set in California, from Aquamarine to The Parent Trap.

And when you’re wearing that super chic wardrobe and just want a quiet time to yourself, pack up a picnic basket and head to your nearest park with a Kindle and these books:

1. “Claire McCardell, The Designer Who Set Women Free”, by Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson

I’m very selective with my designer biographies. The ones I’m really, really interested in, I never seem to find, from Madame Grès to Paul Pioret, while others I couldn’t care less about are shoved down my throat (Chanel, Dior).

So I was very excited to hear about a new book on Claire McCardell coming out. McCardell was less couture, more casual. She popularized pockets in women’s clothes (POCKETS!!!), as well as staples like leggings and hoodies, and denim. In short, all the clothing you find yourself wearing on the regular.

Dickinson writes in a fun, breezy way, reminiscent of McCardell herself. I’m only midway through the book, but if you’re at all interested in hearing how leggings have overtaken pants post-2000s, I’d highly recommend giving this a shot.

2. “what shall i wear?” by Claire McCardell

Written by the same Claire McCardell who is the subject of the book above (or, well, her ghostwriter), this book is more about vibes. I love reading old-timey fashion books and hearing about what was considered in vogue then. Plus, they’re so much more detailed and ever-so-slightly funny than the bulleted articles we read today.

McCardell/her ghostwriter tell you how to build your wardrobe to suit your life, which I’m so grateful for. I’m exhausted of “capsule” wardrobes which only seem to suit one type of person, living one kind of life, in one kind of location.

Plus, the descriptions of clothes themselves are so fun and romantic. Bows are “always becoming”, which has now inspired me to add bows to my next “at-home” dress. A “purple-orange-pink” combination is one I’d have never thought of, but hey, why not give it a shot?

So if you want to just learn about clothing in the early 20th century from an on-the-ground perspective, or learn how to dress the same item up and down, or just have a funny read - I’d pick this up!

3. “The Cartiers” by Francesca Cartier Brickell

This is a bit of a heavier read, detailing the Cartier dynasty, all the way from the 1700s to the 1970s. Brickell delves into politics, trade deals, arranged marriages made for profit, scandalous mistresses, and everything it took for 4 generations (and 3 siblings in particular) to put Cartier on the world map.

With the death of all 3 Cartier brothers by 1965, the company was sold out of the family, but the association of Cartier with quality still remains.

This isn’t what I’d call a fun summer read, but if a Cartier watch or bracelet is on your “To Buy” bucket list, I’d def give this a shot.

What are you reading this summer? Let me know!

Love,

Simran