The Perfect Summer Reads

The old adage goes that you should never judge a book by it's cover, but when books are this pretty it's quite hard not to! As an ex English literature student, on entering the book shop, i'm always plagued by the feeling that I should probably bypass all of this kind of beautiful pastel coloured loveliness in favour of a good solid Penguin Classic, something that will really get the cogs turning. But, you know what, sometimes, getting lost in a good book isn't all about what you can learn from it and how you can analyse its meaning. It's about snuggling up, cup of tea in hand and not realising until half way through that hours and hours have passed.

With Summer on the brink, holidays booked and lazy days spent lounging around on a picnic blanket just around the corner, I wanted to put together a list of my top easy reads. Books that you can read from start to finish in an afternoon, that will transport you somewhere new and that are must-haves on my nightstand. These particular reads are perfect for those of you that love a little touch of vintage, all things fashion and a little bit of quirky romance...it is the summer after all.


The Love Letters of Great Men - Various

This one is one for all the Miss Bradshaw fans out there. It's exactly what it says on the tin, a collection of beautifully written love letters penned by men of note. From Ludvig Van Beethoven to Henry VIII, the book spans the centuries, bringing together private little moments often shared across thousands of miles, and giving an insight into how the way we express love has altered over time. It's format means that it's one that you can dip in and out of, perfect for reading by the pool if you're not after anything heavy going, and plus, it's worth a read if not just to hint at the boyfriend!

Auntie Mame An Irreverent Escapade - Patrick Dennis

This book is the perfect example of how a panic buy in the airport bookshop can turn out to be one of the best decisions you've made all year. Auntie Mame is the story of Patrick, who after being orphaned at 10 is sent to live with his only remaining family member, the thoroughly eccentric New York socialite, Auntie Mame. Taking you on a whirlwind journey from New York to Georgia as Mame goes from socialite to Southern Belle and back again, taking Patrick along for the ride. It's one of those books that you will absolutely fall in love with, packed to the brim with 1950's charm and the kind of characters that you would do almost anything to have a cocktail with. It's the opitomy of fun, sun soaked summer reads and one that you will leave you laughing out loud on the sun lounger and beyond.


Alligators, Old Mink and New Money - Alison Houtte & Melissa Houte

This is one for the people that love nothing more than a rummage through a vintage shop. Thats exactly what this book is, like a couple of hours at a vintage fair, not quite knowing what you're going to find. After quitting the world of fashion modelling Alison Houtte opened a vintage shop in Brooklyn, spurred on by her belief that every piece of clothing has a story to tell. A pick'n'mix of advice, tales of a life in fashion and memories of the pieces that have shaped her life, it's the perfect introduction to the world of vintage clothes and one that will have you running for the nearest thrift shop.

What Would Audrey Do? Timeless Lessons for Living with Grace and Style - Pamela Keogh

A bit of a tongue in cheek look at one of the worlds most beautiful women, Audrey Hepburn. Half biography, half self help book, it guides you through everything from fashion to your love life, how to decorate your home to how to do modern life right. Giving a little insight into the life behind one of the most recognisable faces the world has ever seen, this book is the perfect companion for any Audrey fans out there.


IT - Alexa Chung 

This one has been doing the rounds on the blogosphere since it came out, so it has become a bit of a blogger cliche. That being said though, if you're a big fan of Alexa, it's an absolute must have. It's almost like a scrap book, sharing snippets of her life as an It Girl with often funny excepts, drawings and photos, it's another that you can dip in and out of quite easily. With impossibly chic pictures and that no nonsense wit that Alexa has become so well known for, it's as good positioned, in typical Pinterest style, on your coffee table as it is to pop into your hand luggage for a flick through on the plane. Be warned though, you will be trying to perfect that famous cat eye flick and 'I Woke Up Like This' hair for days and days after finishing...

The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets - Eva Rice

If there are a couple of words to describe this book, it's full of vintage sparkle. In my top ten favourite books ever, it's the story of Penelope Wallace, a girl of the brink of womanhood in a post-war England on the cusp of the rock'n'roll era. Taking you on a beautifully 50's ride from Penelope's crumbling ancestral home to the petticoated cocktail parties of the capital, this book is quite honestly like a massive warm hug. Lovely without being cheesy, it's the perfect antidote to inevitable rainy British summer days and will have you lusting after nipped in waists and tulle in absolutely no time.