If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You, by Kelly Cutrone with Meredith Bryan
Okay, so it’s not really a fashion book. But for those who want to work in fashion–and for many who already do–Cutrone’s thoughts on how to get through life are both frank and empowering. I loved it. Britt loved it. Read it–you’ll be a better person for it.

House of Versace: The Untold Story of Genius, Murder, and Survival, by Deborah Ball
Sorry to get all ’90s on you, but here’s another crazy, insane, amazing story from the decade’s fashion vaults. Wall Street Journal reporter Deborah Ball was living in Milan during the rise, fall and re-emergence of the house of Versace, and in this detailed tome she reveals it all. What’s most interesting? She had the cooperation of the Versace family.

Chanel: A Woman of her Own, by Axel Madsen
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel really did invent modern fashion, and this biography outlines her journey. You’ll never look at jersey the same way again.

These are the titles that have inspired my work and life. (As well as the work and lives of those around me.) What do you recommend?