Books for the Beach: Our Fashion Must-Reads

I love reading. No bedtime is complete without it and since I travel a lot, the kindle is the best known invention to me. I happily devour about two books a week and so I'm constantly looking for new pieces of literature, and they are not all about fashion.

I've read Fifty Shades (all three) four times each. I know, weirdo. This time of year is my favorite for books, when you are planning your summer hols and part of that is stocking up on beach reads. I love the paper versions but they can take up a lot of suitcase room so the Amazon Kindle is a good investment.

Anyway, if you want some reading recommendations here are my top summer reads, old and new.

• The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

JK Rowling's literary alter ego wrote this novel based on the story of the murder of a prominent super model in London. The main character is a private investigator who is hired to delve into the death and determine what happened. I won't write anymore, as it will give it away, but what got me on this book was the fashion sub plot. The second novel under the pseudonym Silkworm, wasn't as good a storyline but still make for a great beach read.

• Fashion Babylon by Imogen Edward-Jones

Now I have talked about this one before, and there is no time like beach time to read this one. It's gripping, and although it's kind of fictional it was written based on stories from real people in the real fashion world. The Babylon series of books is very very good, and specifically Hotel Babylon which was even made into the TV series. Download these one to the e-reader right now. You'll have one read on the place journey!

• D.V. by Diana Vreeland

This one is a must read for the fashion rookie from the editor of Harper's Bazaar who has been a heroine of mine for a very long time. If you want to get the behind the scenes look of the magazine world, then this biography is for you. Vreeland was the most inspiring character, and her approach and personality made her one of the world's most respected journalists. If you want a fashion education in a book, then this is a must!

• The Woman I Wanted To Be by Diane Von Furstenburg

She invented the wrap dress, and from her early days of suitcases full of jersey dresses trying to sell and establish an empire, DVF tells a very good story. We know her clothes and her brand now, but we didn't know the beginning. Her autobiography is a must read for anyone interested in how fashion businesses get started. But what I loved about this book, is her sensible advice.

• The Devil Wears Prada and Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

You haven't read at least the first one by now, where have you been? Only kidding, the Devil (aka Miranda Priestly) in the novels is one character you do not want to defy. The first book was tremendous; the second one was certainly less fashion focused but equally as magnetic. The innocent character of Andy progresses through the fashion world and makes it to the other side which is explored more in book two. Light reads, but incredibly entertaining.

So are there fashion books and novels you love? Any more I can add to my list?