Best Coffee Table Books {and a winner!}

It's Thursday, my very favorite day of the week! Work projects are nearing completion, the anticipation of the weekend is growing and a brand spanking new episode of Project Runway will air tonight...

Do any of you girls or boys watch Shear Genius on Bravo? Maybe it's because my mom was a hairdresser for years and transferred her love of hairstyling to me, but I LOVE this show.

My favorite contestant Jon, (pronounced like Yawn), was sent home last night, which totally bummed me out. However, I hear Mr. Jon does hair in Nashville, so now I'm seriously considering taking a road trip and having him give me a new do'. Wouldn't that be soooo neat?

So ok...it's no secret that being a former English major and amateur interior decorator, I have a thing for coffee table books. They look cool, they are pretty inexpensive and they make you appear far more cultured than you may actually be.

Here are some of the best coffee table reads I've found, which you may enjoy too:

1. Louis Vuitton: Art, Fashion and Architecture

In this gorgeous book, you will find essays and pics of recent collaborations between Louis V. and creative geniuses like Zaha Hadid, David LaChapelle and Takashi Murakami under the direction of the brilliant Marc Jacobs.

Any fashion junky or LV lovers will adore this book. Oh, and the cover looks like a purse.

2. Hue by Kelly Wearstler

Interior decorator Kelly Wearstler has put together her own lovely book, which features photos of her own home, along with other stunning homes and hotels that she's decorated. She also offers up bite-sized bits of DIY decorating tips and lets readers in on the inspiration behind some of her more famous design undertakings.

Anyone who fancies themselves a decorator is sure to love this tome.

3. Chanel: Collections and Creations by Daniele Bott

Ah, Chanel...the mothership of fashion design. From it's beautifully illustrated cover, to its highly entertaining content inside, this book practically begs to be displayed for all to see. Inside, you'll find tasty never-before-seen photos from the fashion house's private archives, plus cool illustrations from longtime Chanel designer, Karl Lagerfeld.

Fans of the 2009 Audrey Tatou film Coco Before Chanel and anyone in love with the classic modern style that Chanel evokes will welcome this book into their homes with open arms.

4. Majestic Metropolitan Living by Sue Hostetler

MML showcases jaw-dropping urban homes in Manhattan and other cities throughout the world. Any diehard city-dwellers who long for space or beauty will adore this book. It provides inpiration to those who will never abandon metropolitan living, and inspiration to homeowners who are planning to renovate in uber-luxe style.

5. Jim Olson Houses

This one is for my male readers...you guys didn't think I'd leave you out, did you? : )

Olson, a Seattle-based architect, is known for creating graciously porportioned modern houses around the globe. This is the kind of book you'll find a friend deeply immersed in and, quite possibly, drooling over. Sleek and slim, the sophisticated yet masculine cover pairs well with a stack of other books on just about any coffee table.

Who will dig it? Architecture buffs and people who wish they were.

Do you have a favorite coffee table book? What do you think of decorating with them?

Ok, before I go, I have a leeeettle announcement to make...

We have a giveaway winner and her name is Tasha! Girl, email me your addy and I'll get your info to Devon!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Style at Home