10 Inspiring Books That Deserve a Spot On Your Bookshelf

By Alexis Bennett
Updated Dec 23, 2019 @ 8:00 am
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It's nice to flip through large coffee table books filled with pretty pictures. Hey, they even make great decoration. But what about those moments when you want a little more? Maybe you're looking for some inspiration to help you kick off the New Year. Perhaps some guidance on how to land your first job in the fashion industry will be the motivation you need or maybe finding out exactly what that successful female entrepreneur was thinking when she was building her empire.

Well, today's your lucky day. You'll find all that and so much more in the 10 empowering books ahead. So click through to find a great read to bury your nose in next year.

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1 of 10

Build an Empire: How to Have It All

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Looking for a book that will give you the principles you need to transform your life? In Build an Empire, Elena Cardone — former actress, creator of Build an Empire University, and founder of 10x Ladies — shares actionable steps and techniques to successfully improve both your career as well as your relationships. Plus, she gives us a firsthand take on what it's like working with her husband and being the visonary behind their success.

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2 of 10

Making It in Manhattan: The Beginner's Guide to Surviving & Thriving in the World of Fashion

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Here's one for those who need applicable steps in securing a dream job in fashion. It has all of the fashion career advice you'll need in one place, from juggling tough internships to nailing that big interview.

3 of 10

Everything Is Figureoutable

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Get out of the habit of making excuses and start coming up with solutions to solve your problems with life coach and motivational speaker Marie Forleo's game-changer.

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4 of 10

Fashion Climbing: A Memoir with Photographs

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Bill Cunningham's posthumous autobiography takes you inside the famed photographer's life as he compares fashion climbing to social climbing. As you read about his journey to the top you'll definitely laugh and, most importantly, learn why it's crucial to always be yourself.

5 of 10

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies about Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be

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The title says it all. Rachel Hollis's words will inspire you to stop pouting and go out and chase your dreams.

6 of 10

D.V.

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Find out what it's like to work at a fashion magazine, from one of the greatest to every do it, Diana Vreeland. Vreeland gives readers a sneak peek into her glamorous world as she casually shares her encounters with Coco Chanel and partying it up in the fashion-forward city of Paris.

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7 of 10

Hijacking the Runway: How Celebrities Are Stealing the Spotlight from Fashion Designers

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Ever wondered what it took for Victoria Beckham or Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen turned their celebrity into a fashion phenomenon? Well, Teri Agins gives readers a deep dive into how celebrity influence pushes sales in the fashion industry.

8 of 10

The Beautiful Fall: Fashion, Genius, and Glorious Excess in 1970s Paris

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Everything you ever wanted to know about Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent's rivalry is summed up in this addicting page turner. Find out how they laid the foundations for the greatest fashion houses back in the 1970s and get a bird's-eye view into their lives outside of work, too.

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Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon

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Read up on anecdotes and essays from a fashion legend who is, hands down, responsible for teaching us everything we know about honing in on your personal style. 

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10 of 10

The Woman I Wanted to Be

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 Diane von Furstenberg takes us beyond her fashion brand and into her personal life, from childhood to her relationship and so much more.

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By Alexis Bennett