The Fash Ed and I don't just read Grazia, Vogue and Elle y'know. We actually have an unofficial book club, which primarily involves me borrowing books from her enviable library of fashionable tomes. When we are bombarded with newspapers, blogs and websites throwing information at us all day long, we both enjoy having a good book to escape with at the end of the day.
Author Lesley M. M. Blume: elegance personified.
Our latest literary treasure comes courtesy of Lesley M. M. Blume, a brilliant author, style editor and columnist at The Huffington Post (essential daily reading!) and her latest book, Let's Bring Back: An Encyclopedia of Forgotten Yet Delightful, Chic, Useful, Curious and Otherwise Commendable Things From Times Gone By was simply too wonderful to keep to ourselves!
Lesley M.M. Blume (apparently, no relation to Judy) is a writer and cultural observer based in her native New York, and has long been a champion of all things traditional and refined in her 'Let's Bring Back' column for the Post. It was turned into this incredible book which is, in our humble opinion, essential Christmas reading.
Normally, this encyclopedia style book is the type you would dip into on a lunch break, treating yourself to a few entries per day. Unfortunately a few weeks back I found myself stuck on a snow-hindered train, which offered plenty of time for an in-depth read. Blume's writing style is witty, sharp and refined; other critics have compared her to Truman Capote for her intelligent, accurate observations of human life and culture. I was engrossed by her incredible knowledge of etiquette, history and cultural icons - one minute I was reading the entry on Fabergé eggs, the next I was learning about Martha Gellhorn, America's first female war correspondent. It's the kind of book that makes you feel like your brain is expanding as you read it.
From consommé to courtship!
American Vogue are big fans of this lady. They recently chose Blume as a founding member of the Vogue 100, an organization of “influential decision makers and opinion leaders known for their distinctive taste in fashion and culture, [and who] personify the rising influence of women over the past several decades.” High praise indeed!
So if any blog fans are desperately searching for a last minute Christmas present, or just want a tome to keep you quietly occupied after Christmas dinner, then look no further.
www.lesleymmblume.com
For more appreciation of all things vintage, read the Fashion Junior's blog.
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Wow!!!! Thank you so much for posting on this...I am heading to Barnes and Noble to get my copy today!!!! Kori xoxo
ReplyDeleteLesley M.M. Blume is an amazing writer. In a small way she changed my life.
ReplyDeletethanks for your tip! I'll try to order it to Oslo asap! also, check out Lucia Van Der Post's "Things I wish my mother had taught me" - it's brilliant!
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Love, Anna
What a beautiful stocking filler! Onto my Christmas list it goes...
ReplyDeleteSarah x
http://stylesouk.wordpress.com
Looks interesting, possibly a little 'Angel of the Home,' when I prefer Elizabeth Cady Stanton. I find nostalgic tomes on yesteryear a bit misguided, although if it's more encyclopaedic than etiquette guide then count me in!
ReplyDeleteI read an interview with Nicole Richie (I know, lowering the tone of this post somewhat) where she recounted how she used to go to Barneys at age 7 which was next door and charge Faberge eggs to her Dad's account. Needless to say when he found out, the account was closed, but how accommodating are sales assistants to let a child buy a Faberge egg?!
got a similar one for my kids - 'the dangerous book for boys' and 'the daring book for girls' - will get this one for me now : ) thanks!
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