LIFE READS

. NEW FAVOURITE BOOKS .

I like to mix my posts up at the weekend, posting something slightly different to my usual outfit features whether that be beauty, lifestyle or in today’s case books. I’ve developed a bit of a hard back book obsession over the last year or two and my lounge walls are now filled with beautifully covered lifestyle, style, food or travel books. I have a few firm favourites (36 hours in Europe & What Kate Ate) but also have a few new books I’ve really enjoyed which I wanted to share with you all.

I received a couple of fab books for my Birthday back in April –  Paris Street Style (a fab book, beautiful pics & some great tips for effortless style), Fashion & Couture (a stunning hardback with incredible couture pictures featuring all our favourite designers) as well as some foodie books Let’s Do Brunch, Three Sisters Bake and Food Lovers London (all of which have some great recipes & cafe recommendations in them) which all take pride of place on mediamarmalade HQ (my desk). I have Alexa Chung IT & my favourite 36 Hours In Europe book on my bedside table (as well as a pile of chick lits for the summer), but i’ve also been treating myself to a few books lately too. Today I wanted to share with you my latest purchases – The London Style Guide by Saska Graville and Parisian Chic by Ines De La Fressange. Both these books are hardbacks i’ve been eyeing up for ages in my favourite homie stores The Hambledon (in Winchester) and Oliver Bonas (a fab chain in London), both the books are super cute, full of gorgeous pictures and most importantly packed full of practical tips & recommendations. They’re really pretty reads but also books which look fab on the coffee table too which is a bonus.

The London Style guide is broken into a series of sections based on various London locations ranging from London Fields & Bermondsey to Chelsea & Hampstead. Within each location Saska talks about the best style, foodie & general hot spots to visit in each area. There’s also an interview with a local business person about their own store or cafe which she loves. I love books like this as it not only lets you in on the cities hidden gems, but encourages me to explore other towns outside of my usual favourites.  I was glad to see i’d already explored and would also recommend a couple of the places she’s recommended. A fab pressie for a londoner friend or even a treat to yourself if you’re a fan of going on little weekend adventures.

The second book I bought –  Parisian Chic, is a book i’ve spied many a time but never bought myself. It’s an extremely practical book about the do’s and don’ts of Parisian dressing … many things you’ll know already, but perhaps forget to put into practice. It’s a thorough book so one you could dedicate a couple of days to reading and getting through. The book is fully illustrated but teamed with fashion pictures from the Streets of Paris. A great book for anyone into their style or the Parisian way of life. It’s not advanced styling, which makes it a really great easy read.

I’ve also recently received Arianna Huffington’s new book THRIVE, which I picked up (and got signed) at a conference she held at my work this month (I wrote a bit about it here),  I’ve not yet read the book but after getting extremely inspired by Arianna’s success but quest for wellbeing, I think it’ll be a really worthwhile and inspirational read. One for my summer holidays when I have a few days to dedicate to reading. I also bought Jase a book for our anniversary, the recipe book Poplo. Polpo is a favourite restaurant of mine in London which i’ve been to many a time over the last few years. After Jase and I went for dinner there a few weeks back I thought it’d would be a good anniversary present, not least because our first ever trip was to Venice and Polpo is full of venetian recipes. The book is beautifully presented, simplistic and clean in style, but jam packed full of ‘must try’ tapas recipes.