Although, this is a fashion blog first and foremost, Mimi has to show the beauty and brains every now and then. And what better way to display my knowledge than with a few novel…well, novels. Don’t worry summer stylistas, this is no back-to-school reading list. The books are new and old, BritLit and Stateside, funny and fancy.

Carl Hiassen’s Skinny Dip tells the story of a savvy young bride who finds herself in an attempted murder situation with her skeevy, adulterous husband. Though the tale sounds tragic, you will find yourself LaughingOutLoud at the protagonist’s dead-pan wit and her groom’s dimwitted schemes. It’s a modern murder mystery with a subtle enviro message. So, strip down and jump into this fun, summer read!

No Clothes Allowed *fantasticfiction.co.uk*

An Intimation of Things Distant: The Collected Fiction of Nella Larsen has a daunting title, but offers delightful reading. The compilation chronicles Larsen’s entire mysterious career, from her first short stories to her more well-known novels. Each story is shrouded in racial ambiguity and life-shattering secrets, haunting the reader from the first word to the last sentence. As its title suggests, the book will give you a quick glance of something distant and unknown, but not much more.

LovelyLarsen *beinecke.library.yale.edu*

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh inspired a TV miniseries starring Jeremy Irons and a full-feature film with Emma Thompson. And it has inspired me to create a clothing line, move to the British country-side and name my two future dogs (or children) after the main characters. I. LOVE.THIS.BOOK. Upon first sight, I was daunted by its 300 pages; small, old-timey print; and its slightly pretentious British feel. I was totally taken with the movie, but could I really get Bridesheady by the pool? Well, boy was I wrong. I found myself smitten with the wide-eyed Charles Ryder, thrust into a world of Old English money and propriety; charmed of course by the rebellious Sebastian Flyte, torn between his addiction to life’s pleasures and his Catholic upbringing; and envious of Julia Flyte’s BritishBlueBlood, superchic wardrobe and nuanced sense of self. Brew a whole pot of tea, lovies, because you won’t want to put this one down!

BlushingBride *wikipedia.com*

Danielle Steel’s Sisters is the essential summer read-  lighthearted, but heart-warming while offering a completely engrossing escape from reality. In perfect Steel style, the novel tells the tale of four thick-as-thieves sisters- a control-freak attorney, a care-free artist, a Type-A TV producer and a world-famous supermodel- who pull even closer when faced with a life-altering tragedy. Not to sound like a lame chick-lit reviewer, but be prepared to sniffle, giggle and reminisce on the sisterly ties in your life.

Sisters Doin' It For Themselves *fantasticfiction.co.uk*

So take that smarty RearEnd, and crack open something a little more substantial than InStyle or Elle.