There are a number of books out there on vintage clothing; the buying, collecting and books full of eye candy. I have most of them. But the latest book on vintage to grace my shelf is a special one for a number of reasons.

Love Vintage is the first offering from Australia’s authority on vintage clothing, Nicole Jenkins. With over thirty years experience as a collector,vintage seller, costumer and fashion historian; Nicole shares a wealth of knowledge in her book that is unmatched.  Beginning with a look at the revolutionary fashions of the 1920′s and the historical influences utilized in their design, we are guided through a rich and fascinating journey.

Nicole Jenkins in her store Circa Vintage Clothing

The book looks at key designers from each era, their signature pieces and influence on others around them. But this isn’t a purely academic study, rather one of the most useful tools in a vintage fashion collectors arsenal. It does not simply deal with the iconic silhouettes we all know and love, but takes you through the intricate details of the designs of each decade; going so far as to help you identify the differences between shoulder pad designs of each decade.

It is a visual feast of fabrics, patterns and colours; highlighting the common shades and fabrics used in each era as well as some of the keys to identifying pieces for their true age. I particularly love the use of the colour advertising plates from fashion magazines of the 1930′s, but it does leave me a bit wistful that I can’t just pop out to the store and pick up these pieces.

It isn’t a book exclusively of high fashion or high end designers, but takes us from beautiful Balenciaga through to 1950′s cotton atomic print house dresses ( a personal favorite). It is stunning and useful, in matter of  fact stunningly useful!  The book has something  for everyone who is even remotely interested in vintage fashion.  If you are looking to begin a serious collection it has all the names, labels and styles to look out for. It has tips on mending and cleaning, and even better it has illustrations!

Although I’m tempted to show you inside the book, I don’t want to spoil the surprise. If you only buy one book to help you in your vintage fashion collecting, this is the one you should have. It is so good I want to hug it!

I spoke with Nicole about Love Vintage and about our passion for vintage fashion…

Just click the link to listen here or to  download the podcast

Nicole Jenkins on her new book Love Vintage. Podcast interview

Checking out Nicole's new book and waiting for an autograph.

You can get your copy of Love Vintage through Carter’s here, or there is a list of stores found here where you can alternatively order directly through Circa Vintage Clothing for your own autographed copy.

Would you like to WIN a copy? Then head on over to my friend Trish Hunter’s blog where she is giving away a copy of the book this Christmas!