Ms. Deville’s library is a treasure trove of books old and new.  Some of these you’ll be able to find for yourself by clicking on the linked images, others will require a more dedicated search of garage sales, second hand dealers and scone bribes to the ladies at the op shop if you wish to get your hands on them too.

A Life in Frocks – by Kelly Doust

Published by Murdoch books

Read my review of A Life in Frocks here.

LOVE VINTAGE – by Nicole Jenkins, Australia’s foremost authority on vintage fashion.

Author interview podcast.

Dreaming of Dior – by Charlotte Smith

Author interview podcast

Our Girls - by Madeline Hamilton

Available through Arcade Publications

A Stitch in Time -  by Jane Waller and Susan Crawford
Published by Arbour House Publishing Ltd
ISBN No: 978-0-9556206-2-1

Vintage kniting and crochet patterns from the 1920′s to 1949. Volume 1.

Available through Knit On The Net

For a sneakpeek at the simply stunning patterns inside, click here.

War Paint- Helena Rubenstien & Elizabeth Arden. Their Lives, their times, their rivalry – by Lindy Woodhead.

Available through Amazon

The Million Dollar Mermaid – by Esther Williams

I could read this one over and over again for all the salacious old Hollywood gossip, the vivid imagery and the sheer honesty of it all. Highly recommended!

Available through Amazon.

Domestic Bliss – by Molly Dye – 2001

1000′s of tips for everyday living, from old fashion remedies to modern manners.

Available through Amazon

Highballs High Heels – by Karen Brooks, Gideon Bosker and Reed Darmon – 2001

If you need to make something special when Don Draper drops round for drinks, this is where you’ll find it.

Even if you don’t drink, this one is worth it just for the pictures. Beautiful fashions, kitsch bar ware, retro advertising and gorgeous illustrations.

Available from Amazon.

The Women in Black – by Madeline St John 1993

I shouldn’t even have to tell you about this one. Every woman with even the most remote interest in vintage fashion should have this one on the shelf.

A beautiful portrait of life as a shop girl in late 1950′s Sydney. Comic, poignant, ironic, this story will transport you.

Available from Amazon, Borders and all good bookstores.

The Thoughtful Dresser – by Linda Grant 2009

For anyone who thinks fashion is frivolous, a luxury, a neccesity, trival or vain – and for those who don’t.

If you only ever read one book about fashion, let this be it; and open your heart and mind to something far greater than the latest trend.

Available through Amazon and Borders, as well as good local Australian and UK bookstores.