One question I am asked regularly is, “How did you get into fashion?” That’s a tricky question, because as long as I can remember I paid attention to how people dressed. Growing up in a rural area people rarely dressed up during the weekdays, as most were farmers and other working-class people. On Sunday, of course, getting ready for church is a memory that stays with me. Polishing shoes and getting my clip on bow tie just right! From then on, I realized that the way we present ourselves to people is totally dependent on where we’re from and how clothing and fashion fits into our lives. That is what is so amazing about my work with Goodwill. I am thankful that I am able to help people navigate the vast ocean of style and fashion and hopefully encourage them to create their own unique looks by shopping at our stores. This week, I want to share with you some of my favorite books on the subject of stylishness. Or, in other words books that can help your shape your own opinion in a fun and informative way. Some of these books are still in print, and some that are not can be found online.  Any one of these titles would be the perfect gift for the fashion lover you might know!

1. This is one of my favorites! “What to Wear, Where,” by Hilary Kerr and Katherine Power, (foreword by Nicole Richie) is a wonderful book that is really a “how to” book that gives insight into what is appropriate to wear “for any style situation.” This tome covers everything from job interviews, sporting events and traveling, to shopping and New Year’s Eve! Each chapter tells you what to go for, what to steer clear of, and what is risky business. Here’s a link to purchase online if you like.

2. Do you have a guy in your life that needs some expert style advice? If so you may want to check out a book written by a friend of mine, Tom Julian.  “Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style” is an easy-to-read guide to recognizing detail and quality in menswear.  It opens with “Who Are You?” that has a short quiz and covers men’s body types, to others that specify the basics of male clothing like “Suits” and “Neckwear,” this can be the perfect gift for the man who wants to get a promotion or make a great first impression at a job interview. From the foreword by Pete Nordstrom, “It’s the subtle things that make a real difference in your appearance”, and this book will take you through those subtleties in a straightforward and entertaining way! You can find this book online here.

3.  Anyone have a "Project Runway" fan in his or her family?  How about “The One Hundred?” This is a guide to the pieces every stylish woman must own, by Project Runway judge and fashion editor Nina Garcia. This pretty little silver book has whimsical illustrations by fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo, and is literally a list of practical and fashionable items every gal will wear or should wear to create her own indelible style. This book will give you insight into everything from luxury brands to having an appreciation for good quality. You can find this book here.

No matter what you give your budding fashionista this year for Christmas, a great stocking stuffer would also be a Goodwill gift card in the denomination of your choice. Not only will you be providing them with resources to follow through on their fashion pursuits, but also you’ll teach them the true meaning of giving this season, by helping those less fortunate in your own community. That’s an incredible gift, and at Goodwill we sincerely thank you for supporting our mission year round.