Lately, I've been obsessed with coffee table books. They're just so pretty to look at and to display and are the perfect conversation starters. I know I've been talking a lot about Old Hollywood lately, but I thought I'd share with you some of the books I've bought recently and have really enjoyed. Any of these would also make the most perfect gifts (perhaps for someone other than for yourself...)
Even if you aren't an Audrey fan (does this type of person even exist, though, let's be real?) but love 60s fashion, you HAVE to get this book. It is a hardcover book that is filled with the most beautiful, vivid photos of Audrey wearing the most stylish clothing. It also contains quotes by and about Audrey and has just the right amount of text for a coffee table book (in other words, it's all about the pictures). I love the whole feel of this book and it's the kind that won't easily switch pages if you're laying it flat on a table while reading (does that make sense?). I can't say enough good things about the beauty of this book, really.
This book is quite a bit smaller than the Audrey one but can still be considered a coffee table book. I love the beautiful pictures that highlight some of Hollywood's most famous stylish films (Gone with the Wind, A Place in the Sun, Breakfast At Tiffany's, to name a few). There is quite a bit more reading involved with this book but that only adds to the appeal because it is an informative read. Unfortunately, my only "complaint" is that I've only seen about 8 of the films mentioned so until I watch the others, I can't quite get a real feel for the fashion styles that are highlighted here.
Now, this is the only book on this list that I don't actually own but I've been eyeing it for a while now. I recently learned of the Kodachrome photography method (not how to do it, unfortunately) and while people in this day and age either love Kodachrome or hate it, there's no denying that it added a special effect to those classic Hollywood stars. While the stars in this book tend to be from around the 50s and earlier (I myself am more familiar and enthralled by those from the late 50s and 60s), it is still a book that seems worth having. If I was into film photography, I'd definitely want to learn more about Kodachrome (I hear it doesn't exist anymore? But I guess that's a conversation for another time...)
I've been talking about Natalie Wood a lot lately but it's only because I recently discovered how great of an actress she really was (somehow I had convinced myself that Miracle on 34th Street , a wonderful film in itself, was the extent of her career, but how wrong I was!). Now, this book is something special considering it is the only family-authorized biography of Natalie. Like the Audrey book, it is a perfectly large book with the most amazing clear photos that really captivate who Natalie was as an actress and person. It includes highlights of her most famous films and did I mention, there's SO MANY photos?
Okay, so. Suddenly I feel as if I'm on an episode of Reading Rainbow (oh hi, no one remembers that show but me) and trying to convince you that OMG, these books are everything, but don't take my word for it, go find out for yourself! And let me know what some of your favorite coffee table books are!