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55th out of 62 books
—
13 voters
The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe
by
Allie Kingsley (Goodreads Author)
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...more
... 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...more
Paperback, 292 pages
Published
September 4th 2012
by Berkley Trade
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The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe fell into my hands and I was immediately excited. I'd read some of Allie Kingsley's musings online, and I knew she just "gets it." The first several chapters made me fall in love with the Lucy character. She was so relatable, and even when she started making bad decisions, you understood why, and you never once felt like she was a bad person. To be swept up in the glamour of Hollywood is, at the very least, a secret dream of every girl (and most boys!), so to...more
Chick lit on meth. It's rises high above it's genre. Loved the fun fantastic style.
However, this book should have a disclaimer: starts with irrelevant faux dream. Terrible terrible. The telling accessory of an insecure editor. The last dash of bright blue eyeshadow before running out the door that in some lights pushes the look from hot to whore. The only place I've seen it accepted is in 60% of made for Bollywood books. The beginning rambled for a bit, trying to jam a bunch of background detail...more
However, this book should have a disclaimer: starts with irrelevant faux dream. Terrible terrible. The telling accessory of an insecure editor. The last dash of bright blue eyeshadow before running out the door that in some lights pushes the look from hot to whore. The only place I've seen it accepted is in 60% of made for Bollywood books. The beginning rambled for a bit, trying to jam a bunch of background detail...more
I knew this book would be classic 'chick-lit' (which I've strayed away from and only pick up on occasion now) from the title and cover image but I had high hopes that it would lean more towards the gems like "The Devil Wears Prada", however, most disappointingly, it seems closer to the bottom of the barrel. The story is disjointed and outrageous and while the main character, Lucy, is a heroine I could find myself rooting for in different circumstances; in this book I just find her annoying, cowa...more
1 like · like · see review
The Liar, The Bitch, and the Wardrobe had an ok start, but man is it addicting! We start off with a very innocent, but determined and ambitious main character named Lucy. I liked Lucy from the very beginning. This girl knows exactly what she wants and she is going to get it—nothing will stand in her way.
As Lucy deals with her nightmare boss, I couldn’t help but think of Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada. As hard as it is to believe though, Stefano was probably worse. Much like Andy in...more
As Lucy deals with her nightmare boss, I couldn’t help but think of Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada. As hard as it is to believe though, Stefano was probably worse. Much like Andy in...more
Let me start off by saying The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe is a perfect beach read. If you live somewhere in the country where it's still warm, you're going to want to pick up this book and head out to the beach this weekend. Sit on the sand and read this baby cover to cover - you won't regret it.*
Allie Kingsley writes an intriguing tale about Lucy, a young woman fresh out of college who wants one thing and one thing only - to be a professional (and famous!) photographer. So at the encourag...more
Allie Kingsley writes an intriguing tale about Lucy, a young woman fresh out of college who wants one thing and one thing only - to be a professional (and famous!) photographer. So at the encourag...more
It's chick lit, which I enjoy, but it's also bad. It follows the same pattern of The Devil Wears Prada and any number of books where the heroine wants to be a journalist/photographer/teacher/something noble and ends up sucked into the glamorous world of fashion/make-up/music. She'll lose her focus, until reality hits her in the face in a most dramatic way.
Lauren Weisberger did this well in Prada and Everyone Worth Knowing. Kingsley doesn't. I had to stop reading every few chapters because it ju...more
Lauren Weisberger did this well in Prada and Everyone Worth Knowing. Kingsley doesn't. I had to stop reading every few chapters because it ju...more
As a twenty-one year old that plans to move to Los Angeles soon, it wasn't hard to put myself in Lucy's shoes and relate to her instantly. She's your typical average girl that doesn't see herself as anything special, but is actually much more than she gives herself credit for. It only takes quite a few bad decisions and mistakes as she's swept up in the frenzy that is hollywood, for her to realize it.
This book was fun, as expected, but also had another layer to it so many other similar novels se...more
This book was fun, as expected, but also had another layer to it so many other similar novels se...more
I've read some of Allie Kingsley's posts on hellogiggles.com and was so excited to read this book. The book lived up to my expectations! After getting the dream job of a lifetime working for her mentor, Lucy quickly finds out that everything isn't always what it seems. She tries to find her way and do everything that is asked of her by her crazy bipolar boss (including hanging out with fabulous celebrities and doing drugs for the first time). Kingsley turned what could have been a sad and depres...more
A fun, lighthearted read ideal for a beach trip or weekend getaway. Yes, the plot is somewhat predictable (small town girl moves to big city, gets swept up in glamor, finds her true friends, lives happily ever after) but it's not like the book is trying to be the next great American classic. Kingsley's none-too-thinly veiled caricatures of the current A & B listers are deliciously juicy. (view spoiler)...more
I received this book thru the Goodreads First Reads program. It took me a while to get around to reading as I'm recovering from shoulder surgery and have been relying on my e-reader during recovery. The books I had read prior were much heavier non-fiction subject matter so this was a welcome breezy change.
I read the book in the course of a day (unless you count the 4 chapters semi-drunkenly consumed on the subway ride home last night) and while not disappointed wasn't blown away either. The book...more
I read the book in the course of a day (unless you count the 4 chapters semi-drunkenly consumed on the subway ride home last night) and while not disappointed wasn't blown away either. The book...more
After the first chapter of this book I was immediately reminded of The Devil Wears Prada. Lucy is thrown into the fashion/photography world in order to follow her dream and is in turn working under a boss who is horrible! This book gives readers a wonderful insight into the world of Hollywood and all that it consists of. It seems to me that the author, Allie Kingsley, writes from experience because this story takes readers to the front lines of show biz! I was so into the drama and the chaos tha...more
Allie Kingsley's debut novel is a clever, fun read with an inspirational message. Transforming from small-town girl to big city fashionista, I rooted for the novel's main character Lucy to succeed while she navigates her way through the cutthroat world of fashion photography. After completing her geek-to-chic transformation, Kingsley says it best, "Lost in the luxury, she loses sight of the things that once mattered most." This witty and fast-paced book skillfully balances the fun of fashion and...more
I received this book through the goodreads firstreads giveaway program. This book is definitely light reading. Is there a book genre about materialism? Whatever it is called, this book fits in that category. Another fresh face gets a job in the biz and gets sucked in, tossing her friends and values aside, all for some coke and new wardrobe. Of course, she comes to her senses, and finally get recognized for her own talent. Fine for a light vacation read, not a lot of substance, lots of annoying p...more
Honestly this was not a bad little book. I read the majority of it at work between calls and it was a bit idealistic but still pretty good. It was kind of a standard "Hero/heroine goes off in to the world, reinvents themselves, looses sight of previous goals and then gets a harsh reality check that reminds them of how and who they were before" type thing but I think Allie Kingsley did a good job. She got the peer pressure spot on but as far as her friends completely forgetting how they were trea...more
Absolutely loved this book! It was such a fun & snarky read - I loved how it was both damning and insightful of life within the inner Hollywood circles.
Lucy is a well-crafted character that you always want to cheer on, even when she's acting her worst. I was simultaneously laughing and sympathizing at the crazy situations Lucy finds herself in - all while wondering what was coming next.
Intertwined with fashion references and humor, Kingsley's writing reminds us of how we prioritize work, fa...more
Lucy is a well-crafted character that you always want to cheer on, even when she's acting her worst. I was simultaneously laughing and sympathizing at the crazy situations Lucy finds herself in - all while wondering what was coming next.
Intertwined with fashion references and humor, Kingsley's writing reminds us of how we prioritize work, fa...more
Actual rating 3.5
If you know one of my other blogs (cue shameless selfpromotion: www.lulufrances-photography.blogspot.com ) you might know that I'm passionate about photography and indeed intend to become a (fashion) photographer.
So after reading that promising blurb and the book winning my personal award for the best title ever, I just had to get my hands on it!
And it is what it looks like - an easy, fast-paced read focussing on all the aspects that are mentioned in the blurb and no real surp...more
If you know one of my other blogs (cue shameless selfpromotion: www.lulufrances-photography.blogspot.com ) you might know that I'm passionate about photography and indeed intend to become a (fashion) photographer.
So after reading that promising blurb and the book winning my personal award for the best title ever, I just had to get my hands on it!
And it is what it looks like - an easy, fast-paced read focussing on all the aspects that are mentioned in the blurb and no real surp...more
1 like · like · see review
Link to Original Review
BookTalk
“…if you’re going to step on people to reach the top, you might as well do it in stilettos!” (Bella, 128)
Lucy Butler has always been a wallflower. Shunned in middle school for her braces, befriended in high school only for her Photoshop and camera skills Lucy seems to have been made only to support the more popular people among us. Freshly graduated from college with a major in photography Lucy is ready to separate from the pack. She’s going to get an internship wi...more
BookTalk
“…if you’re going to step on people to reach the top, you might as well do it in stilettos!” (Bella, 128)
Lucy Butler has always been a wallflower. Shunned in middle school for her braces, befriended in high school only for her Photoshop and camera skills Lucy seems to have been made only to support the more popular people among us. Freshly graduated from college with a major in photography Lucy is ready to separate from the pack. She’s going to get an internship wi...more
The rawness of the image of hollywood depicted in the book is so very honest and believable. The story is a typical geek girl turned fabulous when she stepped into hollywood. Reminds me of the Devil wearsprada actually. What's nice in these kinds of stories are the turn around life they held and as a result of the experience, they wind up not really going back to their old selves but an improved version of theirselves. One who hasbeen through battle and was never the same.
I was happy Lucy got h...more
I was happy Lucy got h...more
Fresh out of college and dead set on working for her fashion photographer idol, Lucy Butler sets off from Seattle and lands in Los Angeles with her best friend (who wants to live out her own acting dreams). After finding a way to get her foot in the door as an intern for the infamous Stefano Lepres, Lucy soon finds out just how unglamorous fetching coffee, corralling unruly celebrities for photo shoots, making sure Stefano is on time and doesn't blow off all of his responsibilities, and even pic...more
1.5 Rating
First, I just have to get something off of my chest. I like the cover. Correction I LOVE the cover. From the illustration of the girl to the title. Like come on, such a creative title, The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe ... Okay enough of my obsession with the cover. Sadly I didn't like this book at all (besides the cover of course). I felt that the plot was a copy cat of The Devils Wears Prada. Or maybe because I felt like I read this type of book a million times. Plot?? Lower cl...more
First, I just have to get something off of my chest. I like the cover. Correction I LOVE the cover. From the illustration of the girl to the title. Like come on, such a creative title, The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe ... Okay enough of my obsession with the cover. Sadly I didn't like this book at all (besides the cover of course). I felt that the plot was a copy cat of The Devils Wears Prada. Or maybe because I felt like I read this type of book a million times. Plot?? Lower cl...more
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 a...more
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 a...more
Who could resist a title like this one? I'm glad I picked this up at ALA. It has fresh writing and an interesting premise: an insider's look at Hollywood types from the perspective of a newly minted, eager photographer who signs on as an intern for her idol, one of the world's top photographers. The hedonistic lifestyles of the rich and famous in LA are vividly presented. It has been compared to The Devil Wore Prada.
Overall, a lot of fun.
Overall, a lot of fun.
This beach read is a less clever "The Devil Wears Prada" that I stopped reading half-way through. It's a checklist of implausible-but-fun-stuff: small town girl moves to big city with bff, lands menial job with famous artist/celebrity, goes to Vegas, is befriended by huge celebrity, shopping montage, does drugs, meets bad boy, ditches old friends, things fall apart, learns a lesson. Save it for your train ride to the shore. Or not.
This book and the author embody everything I hate about women of my generation. Perhaps rereading The Universe in a Nutshell or an academic look at the work of Marie Curie may restore my faith in humanity and allow me to forget that people like Miss Kingsley believe they are genuinely contributing to society.
I recieved this book through Goodreads First Reads. ...more
I recieved this book through Goodreads First Reads. ...more
If you like chick lit, you'll adore this book. It's so much more addicting than the average novel in this genre -- the drama feels real and it shows the darker side of Hollywood (from an author who's been there) without losing the light entertainment factor. I'm still left thinking, "Oh my Dior!" and can't wait for Allie's next release.
Not a bad book. Definitely a good read. What bothered me were the lack of repercussions anywhere. She decides to quit because her boss hits her in the back of the head with a phone and no one does anything. She starts taking drugs with her celebrity friends but hey, at the end of the book she's clean, sober and happy! When I was reading this book and got close to the end I remember wondering how they were going to tie up everything so quickly. Now I know. They just glossed over all of it and bam...more
I really enjoyed this book! I loved Lucy! You are really pulling for her during all her struggles in the book. You really come to love and relate to her. While most of us have never been that close to celebrities, we do tend to idolize them way too much. This book shows us that not all celebrities are what they seem to be!
What a great fist novel by this author. Cannot WAIT to read more by her!
What a great fist novel by this author. Cannot WAIT to read more by her!
This book gives a pretty accurate representation of Hollywood and is a great beach read. Some of the plot elements were left hanging and it was a bit irritating to follow yet another insecure female protagonist but it served as a good engine for the story.
This book was extremely cliche. Of course everything works out perfectly in the end! I was bored at times and I don't feel like the main character learned from her mistakes very much. I couldn't relate to her and disliked her from the beginning. I was really disappointed in this book.
I rarely read "chick-lit" anymore, but was in the mood for something light. This one was nicely written. While the plot (new girl in Hollywood) could have been wildly cliched, the author managed to avoid that and make it an interesting read.
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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.
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Oct 14, 2012 05:15pm