At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled “quiet,” it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society–from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer. . . . RDuJour would call this simply not being a pushy jerk . . . Thank God there are still enough people like this out there somewhere that Cain could even write such a case study! Visit Amazon.com to Order Now.

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The pinnacle of French haute couture and savior faire, the house of Dior is one of the world’s most celebrated luxury brands. In three retrospective volumes presented in a collectible slipcase, Assouline’s Dior captures the most enduring images from each decade of the brand’s rich history. Immortalizing Dior’s fashion, fine jewelry, and fragrance collections, Assouline presents an objetas chic as its subject. Visit Amazon.com to Order Now.

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RDuJour is well over the moon to hear about this latest project from Condé Nast called Domino Quick Fixes. The fabulous decorating magazine that shuttered back in 2009 is back in a new special edition format. The first issue focuses on easy, often inexpensive changes that make a striking difference – from fast furniture fixes and ways to wake up a wall to more involved DIY projects like a kitchen face-lift or dressing up a home office. Available through July 16, another edition is being planned for Autumn 2012.

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‘She is one of the – if not the – most stylish women living’, says designer and film director Tom Ford, speaking of Daphne Guinness, the subject and co-author of this extraordinary book. From her platinum-and-black striped hair to her towering 10-inch heels, her to-die-for couture collection and amazing diamond jewellery, Daphne Guinness embodies the rarified, personal style of a true fashion icon. A designer, editor, model, muse and stylist, Ms. Guinness is renowned for the way she uses fashion to transform herself. As her friend, the art historian John Richardson puts it: ‘She is the object of her own creativity. Her persona is her own masterpiece’. Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel, Valentino, Azzedine Alaia and the late Alexander McQueen are among the many great fashion designers whose spectacular garments form part of Daphne Guinness’ personal collection of haute couture. But Ms. Guinness is far more than a great couture client, she is also an inspiration to designers because of her fearless personal style. In an extended interview with the curator and fashion historian Valerie Steele, ‘Daphne Guinness’ explains the origins and characteristics of her style. She also discusses her friendships and collaborations with other creative fashion personalities from the late Isabella Blow to the photographer Steven Klein and the jeweller Shaun Leane. Sumptuously illustrated with both high-fashion photographs and paparazzi shots, the book is a spectacular showcase for the world of Daphne Guinness’. Visit Amazon.com to purchase now.

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The first book to celebrate the timeless beauty and craftsmanship of Dior’s jewelry designs. Since launching Dior Fine Jewelry in 1998, Victoire de Castellane has been celebrated for having revolutionized the staid world of jewelry design. Her designs play with the barriers between natural and artificial. Renowned as one of the most creative and fearless jewelry designers in the world, she trailblazed the use of the semiprecious gemstones and lacquered gold in baroque, translucent colors. Her sources of inspiration include a global mix of pop culture, floral and natural motifs, and the visual excesses of Bollywood. Visit Amazon.com to purchase now.

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Colette, prodded by her first husband, Willy, began her writing career with Claudine at School, which catapulted the young author into instant, sensational success. Among the most autobiographical of Colette’s works, these four novels are dominated by the child-woman Claudine, whose strength, humor, and zest for living make her seem almost a symbol for the life force. Available to Purchase from Amazon.com.

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The scene of this entertaining story is laid in a charming English village. The plot centres round Miss Barbara Buncle, a maiden lady who was obliged to write a book because – as she naively explained – her dividends were so poor. Unfortunately, Miss Buncle had no imagination, so she wrote about her friends – quite kindly and truthfully, of course, for she was a benevolent and veracious soul. The reactions of her friends to Miss Buncle’s book, however, were a little surprising, and the far-reaching and unexpected results of its publication caused quite a stir. Visit Amazon.com to Pre-Order or Find The Persephone Books Version Here.

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It’s the summer of 1983 and best friends, Salome, Annie and Kendra have left university to embark on adulthood. Three very different girls with very different paths ahead: Sal, the aspiring journalist whose personal demons threaten to destroy everything she has achieved; Annie, the capable domestic beauty, convinced that marriage will give her everything she wants; and, Kendra, the daughter of chic, liberal parents who, searching for her own identity, encounters a life she never expected. As they navigate the decade of ra-ra skirts and shoulder pads, Duran Duran and Margaret Thatcher, they discover that the future is what happens to you, not what you plan. Their interwoven tale captures brilliantly what it is to learn the exhilarating and painful truths about love, work, family and the ties of friendship. Available to purchase from Amazon.com.

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Carine Roitfeld’s long awaited new magazine is gearing up to release it’s first issue. The biannual publication is being put to market by Fashion Group LLC, who also publish Visionnaire, VMan and V, and will be called CR Fashion Book or CR for short. Roitfeld hopes that they will be timeless but trendy keepsakes.

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Wishing all RDuJour readers a very Happy Easter with greetings from Bunnicula, the Vampire Bunny. If you missed this series that begins with the “rabbit-tale of mystery” during your childhood take the chance to indulge in a fun holiday treat and order a copy!  . . . This immensely popular children’s story is told from the point of view of a dog named Harold. It all starts when Harold’s human family, the Monroes, goes to see the movie Dracula, and young Toby accidentally sits on a baby rabbit wrapped in a bundle on his seat. How could the family help but take the rabbit home and name it Bunnicula? Chester, the literate, sensitive, and keenly observant family cat, soon decides there is something weird about this rabbit. Pointy fangs, the appearance of a cape, black-and-white coloring, nocturnal habits … it sure seemed like he was a vampire bunny. When the family finds a white tomato in the kitchen, sucked dry and colorless, well … Chester becomes distraught and fears for the safety of the family. “Today, vegetables. Tomorrow … the world!” he warns Harold. But when Chester tries to make his fears known to the Monroes, he is completely misunderstood, and the results are truly hilarious. Is Bunnicula really a vampire bunny? We can’t say. But any child who has ever let his or her imagination run a little wild will love Deborah and James Howe’s funny, fast-paced “rabbit-tale of mystery.”  . . . Visit Amazon.com to purchase now.

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