At the beginning of 2015 I vowed to myself that I would read one book a month after remembering, first of all, how relaxing reading is, and second, as a writer, for the love of God this should be a priority. 

How did I pick my books? Well, I’m a huge fan of biographies and autobiographies, so sometimes I would take a stroll through a book store looking for something to catch my eye (yes, an ACTUAL bookstore … I don’t partake in this electronic crap when it comes to reading). And Instagram was another hot spot where I found a lot of great book recommendations, so shoutout to the kids I follow for that. 

While I didn’t quite make 12 books (I mean … life), I did read a lot of inspiring shit from some bad ass females that made me have this fiery desire to take over the world. 

And to pay homage to one of my biggest obsessions in life, I did a little photoshoot with my books in true the Coveteur style, pairing them with some of my favorite belongings. 

So behold, my reads of 2015. 

YES PLEASE – By Amy Poehler

Amy Poehler has been a comedy idol of mine and partially the reason why I (try) to be funny when I write. Her book is sassy and hilarious and really makes you want to shine in your own skin. And I read it in like a day over vacation. So YES PLEASE … read this. 

How to be a Parisian Wherever You Go, Love, Style, and Bad Habits – By Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan, Caroline de Maigret, and Sophie Mas 

This book made me want to straight up say, “fuck it, I’m moving to Paris.” Parisian girls are just effortlessly cool. It’s infuriating. But the way these Parisian girls described their lives and styles with such ease and humor, made me A. want to be their best friends, B. want me to not give such an eff about my hair, and C. want to be more bluntly funny in my writing. Again, I read this in like 2 days … do it. For cultures sake. 

To Kill A Mockingbird – By Harper Lee

I mean … do I even need to explain why? The best part was I ordered this copy off Amazon for $2. TWO. DOLLARS. Go on Amazon, find your favorite classic for under $5 and read it. I challenge you all now.

GRACE – By Grace Coddington 

Don’t be scared, but it’s like text book massive, but oh so glorious. Grace Coddington is an idol of mine, and reading the ups and downs of her life and career made me be all, “meh … I’m doing alright in life. If Grace can survive, so can I.” Also she includes some of her personal art work, and a lot of beautiful pictures from her life that entranced me. 

Isabella Blow: A life in fashion – By Lauren Goldstein Crowe 

I’m going to be real with you. This book sucked … aaaaand I couldn’t get through the first 100 pages. It was a lot of names. A lot of interviews. A lot to keep up with. At one point I just wanted to scream, “I DON’T WANT TO HEAR FROM HER AUNT, JUST TELL ME ABOUT HER DAMN LIFE!” So yeah … just don’t. 

If You Have To Cry, Go Outside – By Kelly Cutrone

The fact that it took me THIS long to read this book is a sin. Truly. I’m so ashamed. But just like every stylish girl from 2010 on, I couldn’t put it down and had this strong urge to email her and tell her to read my blog and give me harsh criticism so I could be better in life. 

Leave Your Mark – By Aliza Licht

This was a book I found via Instagram, and I was so glad I did. Aliza gives a lot of great wisdom, and while it all resonated with me, I couldn’t help but wish I had this book when I graduated college, because I would have avoided SO many annoying and heartbreaking road bumps. For that reason, people who have been in their career five plus years, I would pass. But, for the girl/guy who just graduated, or the person who is lost in life … this book will take your soul, own it, and revamp it. 

I’ll Drink To That – By Betty Halbreich 

By far, my favorite book of 2015. I found this when I was sad wandering through Barnes and Noble, and the cover just spoke to me. It’s everything: style, drama, iconic, powerful, sad, funny. I couldn’t put it down and almost cried when I finished it. I kid you not. I don’t cry, okay, I just don’t do such things. I also had this strong urge to visit Bergdorf Goodman, find her, and hug her after I read it. This is a must.