Review: The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe by Allie Kingsley

The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe

by Allie Kingsley 

Paperback, 304 pages
Published: September 4th 2012 
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository
*Paperback provided by publisher for an honest review.

Synopsis via Goodreads:

If you’re going to step on people on your way to the top, you might as well do it in stilettos . . .  

. . . Or so she’s been told. Lucy Butler, former wallflower, lands her dream job working for her idol, world-famous fashion photographer Stefano Lepres. But in a world where getting doused in coffee for not getting the order right is the new normal, she isn’t getting any closer to her ideal of being behind the camera herself. Then a superstar actress generously takes Lucy under her wing and teaches her the ways of the rich and famous—treating her to racks of designer clothes and introducing her to a life of private planes and penthouse suites. Soon Lucy is dating a rock star, attending the hottest Hollywood parties, and dressing the part. Lost in the luxury, she loses sight of the things that once mattered most. It’s going to take a hard blow from the high life to send Lucy back to the real life she always wanted. 

From an industry insider—and featuring wardrobes personally selected by celebrity stylist Robert Verdi—this is a novel that will keep you guessing and introduce you to a world you know exists; you’ve just never seen it unretouched.

~My Review~

Allie Kingsley's debut is tremendously hilarious, fashionable, and overall inspirational. A chick-lit like no other giving a realistic view of the lifestyle of the rich and aspiring to be famous. What more could a girl ask for?

The fact that the author has experienced fashion and entertainment, and continues to live in both worlds, is just perfect for this novel. Throughout it all I kept wondering if such characters were inspired by an actual person, if so, who. It was just an interesting story all in all. Very fast paced,.I was not disappointed.

This novel was not all about making it big, but it strongly depicted, amidst the fun and adventure, how hard-work and determination is key. There's also the aspect of understanding that sometimes things and people aren't always what they seem, and it's important not to lose yourself while doing whatever it takes to achieve your goals. Lucy learns that lesson well when her eyes are open to the bigger picture.

"I knew I was compromising everything that I was all about, but if this is what it took to be part of the scene, I was going to do it. And really, it didn't seem that bad."

That part alone says a lot about the situation the main character finds herself in. Lucy moved to LA with the mindset of starting her career. Her overall outlook on life before she took flight was quite applaudable. However, Lucy's values are tested. Her relationship with the people who truly have her best interest at heart is affected by Lucy's new found accomplishments, and in the end it leaves us all thinking how amazing it is that fancy things can place conflict in our hearts and make us question everything we were taught.

Lucy comes in contact with some sapid characters. Few good, few with dubios motives. Allie unveils them all so well. In fact, her clear descriptions are so good that you're given the impression she actually knows what she's writing about (then again, she has an industry insider). And speaking of writing, the fast paced and witty style kept me even more motivated to continue to the end, and I did get there in no time. It was certainly a light but intriguing read.

There's a lot you could gain from this story, humor and glamour aside, there are other things projecting in the chapters. I do hope you won't pass this off as a cheesy chick lit because it's not. I promise you'll find it informative if not entertaining. 

About the Author

Allie Kingsley began her career in photography working with the boldest names in fashion and entertainment. She continues to write and produce in both industries. She also enjoys writing columns for online and print magazines that focus on humor and social studies. Allie lives in New York City and Los Angeles.

www.alliekingsley.com

twitter.com/alliekingsley