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The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe
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.
. . . 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.
292 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2012
About the author
Allie Kingsley
1 book29 followersAllie Kingsley has earned her reputation as a funny-girl fashionista. This author has close to ten years experience working alongside legends in the fashion and entertainment industries. Respected for her creative insight and attention to detail during production, Allie also is known for her comedic timing and ability to make others laugh whether in person or in print.
Given her passion for all things stylish and her sidesplitting sense of humor, it’s not surprising that the natural step was for Allie to write a fashion-based comedy. Her debut novel: The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe has been well received worldwide, with praise from Nylon Magazine, Us Weekly, Refinery29, NY Daily News, and many others. She was a guest on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where he promoted her on-air as being a “hilarious writer”. Hello! Magazine in India claimed the book to be “…our pick as this season’s fluffy read!”; and the National Post named it one of ‘the season’s most stylish reading material.’; in addition to great reviews such as the NY Journal of Books, “Our author understands very well the nature of that particular beast and has slain it and served it up as a banquet complete with all the trimmings” and the Bookscape Report, “The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe is nothing like the L.A. Candy (by Lauren Conrad) series. It’s better written and much more interesting.” Kingsley’s book has also received endorsements from a string of celebrities, fashion designers, stylists and other international tastemakers.
Upcoming projects for Kingsley include co-authoring Nicky Hilton’s only authorized book: 365 Style, published by Harlequin in fall 2013, as well as Julianne Hough’s debut novel: an exciting project with details soon to be announced. In addition, Allie is currently writing a follow-up novella to ‘The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe’. She continues to hone her writing skills with a variety of projects such as motion picture treatments, proposals, style guides and columns for the girl-friendly website Hello Giggles. Her voice appeals to a wide range of demographics and her musings focus on social commentary, fashion, art, and lifestyle issues.
Given her passion for all things stylish and her sidesplitting sense of humor, it’s not surprising that the natural step was for Allie to write a fashion-based comedy. Her debut novel: The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe has been well received worldwide, with praise from Nylon Magazine, Us Weekly, Refinery29, NY Daily News, and many others. She was a guest on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where he promoted her on-air as being a “hilarious writer”. Hello! Magazine in India claimed the book to be “…our pick as this season’s fluffy read!”; and the National Post named it one of ‘the season’s most stylish reading material.’; in addition to great reviews such as the NY Journal of Books, “Our author understands very well the nature of that particular beast and has slain it and served it up as a banquet complete with all the trimmings” and the Bookscape Report, “The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe is nothing like the L.A. Candy (by Lauren Conrad) series. It’s better written and much more interesting.” Kingsley’s book has also received endorsements from a string of celebrities, fashion designers, stylists and other international tastemakers.
Upcoming projects for Kingsley include co-authoring Nicky Hilton’s only authorized book: 365 Style, published by Harlequin in fall 2013, as well as Julianne Hough’s debut novel: an exciting project with details soon to be announced. In addition, Allie is currently writing a follow-up novella to ‘The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe’. She continues to hone her writing skills with a variety of projects such as motion picture treatments, proposals, style guides and columns for the girl-friendly website Hello Giggles. Her voice appeals to a wide range of demographics and her musings focus on social commentary, fashion, art, and lifestyle issues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
June 9, 2012
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 be in the middle of it with Lucy felt very real.
In the middle of the book, Lucy meets and befriends a major starlet, and not only does the portrayal of fame shed a light on the underbelly of a life lived in the spotlight, but Lucy learns so much about her own life and the way she portrays herself. I truly learned things that I could easily apply to my own life.
You can easily tell Kingsley writes from a very truthful place, and although I didn't always agree with Lucy's decisions I very much appreciated the honesty of it all. Besides- anyone who leads a perfect, mistake-free life is no one I want to read about.
The trials and tribulations of Lucy get more tense and exciting with every turn of the page, and I found myself unable to put it down at all for the last 100 pages or so. If you are NOT someone who enjoys having fun and living vicariously through a young woman in the apex of her youth, this is probably not for you. If you enjoy light-hearted reads that turn dark every now and again, The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe is a must read.
In the middle of the book, Lucy meets and befriends a major starlet, and not only does the portrayal of fame shed a light on the underbelly of a life lived in the spotlight, but Lucy learns so much about her own life and the way she portrays herself. I truly learned things that I could easily apply to my own life.
You can easily tell Kingsley writes from a very truthful place, and although I didn't always agree with Lucy's decisions I very much appreciated the honesty of it all. Besides- anyone who leads a perfect, mistake-free life is no one I want to read about.
The trials and tribulations of Lucy get more tense and exciting with every turn of the page, and I found myself unable to put it down at all for the last 100 pages or so. If you are NOT someone who enjoys having fun and living vicariously through a young woman in the apex of her youth, this is probably not for you. If you enjoy light-hearted reads that turn dark every now and again, The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe is a must read.
September 18, 2012
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 details which the reader didn't require. But once the flow of the story started rolling into Hollywood the plot took off famously. I was really impressed by her strong brand of humor which had me laughing out loud continuously and still reading even as I was smashed against a prickly dim sum smelling neck on the train.
The cover and back cover summary make it a readily marketable product to fans of The Devil Wears Prada and Princess Diaries. But the twists are a little too twisted. And seasoned readers will sniff out it's memoir-esk undertones and the road to nowhere red herring details thrown in to protect the author. This book screams reality TV in a Hello Kitty lunch box. I wonder if the appeal could of been broadened with a more daring approach?
One certainty, Kingsley is a sure-footed stellar humor writer. And the lack-luster love scenes were more than made up for by the the roller coaster coke fueled embarrassing and emotional. And as darling as she is, it's riveting to see her get eaten alive and spit out because you know she'll always come out on top with a sunny innocence intact. That said, I'm way excited for her next book on getting lost in Paris! Prepare to see her spit out with a special distaste reserved for the cheery wide-eyed American tourist.
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 details which the reader didn't require. But once the flow of the story started rolling into Hollywood the plot took off famously. I was really impressed by her strong brand of humor which had me laughing out loud continuously and still reading even as I was smashed against a prickly dim sum smelling neck on the train.
The cover and back cover summary make it a readily marketable product to fans of The Devil Wears Prada and Princess Diaries. But the twists are a little too twisted. And seasoned readers will sniff out it's memoir-esk undertones and the road to nowhere red herring details thrown in to protect the author. This book screams reality TV in a Hello Kitty lunch box. I wonder if the appeal could of been broadened with a more daring approach?
One certainty, Kingsley is a sure-footed stellar humor writer. And the lack-luster love scenes were more than made up for by the the roller coaster coke fueled embarrassing and emotional. And as darling as she is, it's riveting to see her get eaten alive and spit out because you know she'll always come out on top with a sunny innocence intact. That said, I'm way excited for her next book on getting lost in Paris! Prepare to see her spit out with a special distaste reserved for the cheery wide-eyed American tourist.
August 27, 2012
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, cowardly and almost impossible to relate to.
Not only were the characters over-blown, caricatures of those who may fill their shoes in real-life but the plot line itself seemed to have no clear destination and just meandered around aimlessly.
I am the type of person who has to see every book I start through to the end - no matter how I feel about it - but this one was of those few that I just couldn't finish. I wound up putting it down with roughly 80 pages left. I had high hopes for this one, and I'm sad to say my expectations were not met.
Not only were the characters over-blown, caricatures of those who may fill their shoes in real-life but the plot line itself seemed to have no clear destination and just meandered around aimlessly.
I am the type of person who has to see every book I start through to the end - no matter how I feel about it - but this one was of those few that I just couldn't finish. I wound up putting it down with roughly 80 pages left. I had high hopes for this one, and I'm sad to say my expectations were not met.
June 7, 2019
What a piece of trash.
April 28, 2024
If you like good trashy books this is perfect for you. About a girl that moves to Hollywood and gets involved in the glitz and glam of it all.
November 13, 2012
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 surprises.
I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't more about actual photography and the photography business in it.
I mean, don't get me wrong, especially in the first half of the book we follow Lucy around when she starts interning for Stefano Lepres and catch a glimpse of photo shoots but also then it mainly focuses on the bitchy diva Stefano Lepres.
Ughh that man! He would have needed a slap a few times; behaving like a bratty celebrity the way his clients should have done...
And Lucy was so freaking naive and compromising at times - girl - learn about the industry you're getting into!
Also, references to "The Devil wears Prada" are bound to come to mind.
Anyway, around halfway trough, Lucy leaves Stefano and from then on the book basically depicts the seemingly beautiful, but shallow-in-real Hollywood life.
Many many drugs, some starlets, a lot of paparazzi, in-clubs, rock stars, designers, private planes...
Yes, it was all rather clichée, and yes, I've read several books before that deal with the aspects of Hollywood (especially thinking of the Jen Calonita series here) so this book hardly contained any surprises.
In fact, it was rather easy to predict.
However, I still fairly enjoyed it as it was really fast-paced, as mentioned above, even though it was rather like reading a tabloid (not that I do) than a book and I wished it had a few more photography scenes (but you know, that's just me haha)!
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 surprises.
I was slightly disappointed that there wasn't more about actual photography and the photography business in it.
I mean, don't get me wrong, especially in the first half of the book we follow Lucy around when she starts interning for Stefano Lepres and catch a glimpse of photo shoots but also then it mainly focuses on the bitchy diva Stefano Lepres.
Ughh that man! He would have needed a slap a few times; behaving like a bratty celebrity the way his clients should have done...
And Lucy was so freaking naive and compromising at times - girl - learn about the industry you're getting into!
Also, references to "The Devil wears Prada" are bound to come to mind.
Anyway, around halfway trough, Lucy leaves Stefano and from then on the book basically depicts the seemingly beautiful, but shallow-in-real Hollywood life.
Many many drugs, some starlets, a lot of paparazzi, in-clubs, rock stars, designers, private planes...
Yes, it was all rather clichée, and yes, I've read several books before that deal with the aspects of Hollywood (especially thinking of the Jen Calonita series here) so this book hardly contained any surprises.
In fact, it was rather easy to predict.
However, I still fairly enjoyed it as it was really fast-paced, as mentioned above, even though it was rather like reading a tabloid (not that I do) than a book and I wished it had a few more photography scenes (but you know, that's just me haha)!
September 16, 2012
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 The Devil Wears Prada, Lucy is sucked into a world of glitz and glamour. Lucy’s world, however, is much more seedy.
As Lucy gets more and more into the Hollywood scene, we see a lot drama, fabulous parties, a bit of romance, and a lot of drugs. As cool and glamorous as Hollywood is, it was also really sad. The things that exist beyond all the bright lights and flashing cameras is really sad and even tragic in some cases.
The Liar, The Bitch, and the Wardrobe has all the addicting qualities of Gossip GIrl and tabloid magazines combined with the high fashion and glamour of The Devil Wears Prada. As you read Allie Kingsley’s novel, you just can’t help but ask yourself “is this what it’s really like?” This is a must read for fans of Lauren Condrad’s L.A. Candy series, as well as Gossip Girl.
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 The Devil Wears Prada, Lucy is sucked into a world of glitz and glamour. Lucy’s world, however, is much more seedy.
As Lucy gets more and more into the Hollywood scene, we see a lot drama, fabulous parties, a bit of romance, and a lot of drugs. As cool and glamorous as Hollywood is, it was also really sad. The things that exist beyond all the bright lights and flashing cameras is really sad and even tragic in some cases.
The Liar, The Bitch, and the Wardrobe has all the addicting qualities of Gossip GIrl and tabloid magazines combined with the high fashion and glamour of The Devil Wears Prada. As you read Allie Kingsley’s novel, you just can’t help but ask yourself “is this what it’s really like?” This is a must read for fans of Lauren Condrad’s L.A. Candy series, as well as Gossip Girl.
September 17, 2012
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 seem to lack, which definitely separates it from the bunch. It possesses The Devil Wears Prada and LA Candy-like drama, as well as some added substance that made it a little more worthwhile to me.
The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe is a charming and hilarious debut, perfect for fans of books that provide the glamor and pitfalls of hollywood life, and the cutthroat ways of those determined to rise to the top. It'd make a great beach read, and I'd also recommend it to Lauren Conrad fangirls that are in search of something a little more mature.
Will surely be looking forward to more by Allie Kingsley!
This book was fun, as expected, but also had another layer to it so many other similar novels seem to lack, which definitely separates it from the bunch. It possesses The Devil Wears Prada and LA Candy-like drama, as well as some added substance that made it a little more worthwhile to me.
The Liar, the Bitch and the Wardrobe is a charming and hilarious debut, perfect for fans of books that provide the glamor and pitfalls of hollywood life, and the cutthroat ways of those determined to rise to the top. It'd make a great beach read, and I'd also recommend it to Lauren Conrad fangirls that are in search of something a little more mature.
Will surely be looking forward to more by Allie Kingsley!
August 18, 2012
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 class girl wishes to work / be in the "it world" or to have fame & fortune. Poof! Suddenly she has her dream wish. She goes to all the parties, shops for expensive, designer clothes, back stabs her best friends in the back...yada ya plot. And she soon comes to realize that fame isn't everything, if it means losing the things that really matter to you in life, which is real friends, family, and of course being yourself. Yeah, how many glamor stories have you not read about this?? For a creative cover, I'll be super, dubber nice and throw in a .5!
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 class girl wishes to work / be in the "it world" or to have fame & fortune. Poof! Suddenly she has her dream wish. She goes to all the parties, shops for expensive, designer clothes, back stabs her best friends in the back...yada ya plot. And she soon comes to realize that fame isn't everything, if it means losing the things that really matter to you in life, which is real friends, family, and of course being yourself. Yeah, how many glamor stories have you not read about this?? For a creative cover, I'll be super, dubber nice and throw in a .5!
June 29, 2012
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 depressing story of dreams being crushed into a cute, witty and funny book. I found myself literally laughing out loud in the subway (which was a little embarrassing). I really didn't want to put the book down. I would definitely recommend you read this book.
August 22, 2012
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.
September 5, 2012
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 people. Almost like a preteen's fantasy about how her life will turn out.
August 21, 2012
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!
August 29, 2012
I won this book from goodreads. I had a hard time putting it down, and really enjoyed the "real" side of Celebrity lifestyle. Lucy had a big dream and went for it, the only downside was she got caught up in all the crazy parties and drama. Not going into too many details i would recommend this book to anyone who likes fashion, celebrity gossip, or wants a FUN quick read. Totally held my interest throughout the whole book!
October 24, 2012
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.
November 21, 2012
A fast and easy read. Reminded me a lot of "The devil wears Prada". Here comes a small spoiler: I'd have liked to read more about how she and James finally got together. They had parted with him totally humiliated (I felt so sorry for him!), and then "one year later" they are suddenly an item. Left me feeling a bit cheated because that should have been quite a delicious little scene.
August 21, 2012
FIVE STARS! Loved it! Review to follow...
July 8, 2015
Loved this book & author. Can't wait for her to release more books.
February 11, 2024
I knew this one would feature some vapid characters but I thought there would be some substance somewhere. Boy was I wrong!
Even when the author clearly meant for the story to be exciting, it was excruitiatingly boring. The shock factor was there for no reason, and the name dropping became irritating.
I didn't like the characters, didn't feel compelled by the storyline, and honestly, it was a bit of a slag to even get across the finish line.
If you ask me, I'd say give this one a skip!
Even when the author clearly meant for the story to be exciting, it was excruitiatingly boring. The shock factor was there for no reason, and the name dropping became irritating.
I didn't like the characters, didn't feel compelled by the storyline, and honestly, it was a bit of a slag to even get across the finish line.
If you ask me, I'd say give this one a skip!
August 19, 2019
This would be a great pool/beach read. It’s lite, sexy, glamorous, edgy, and in parts, laugh-out-loud funny. I’ll admit, it took me a few chapters before I really got into this book, but after that, I pretty much finished it in one sitting.
November 26, 2024
Blech, this was disappointing. Predictable, poorly written, and not very enjoyable at all. I honestly didn't even care what happened at the end. The only parts I really enjoyed were hearing about the different outfits and anything related to fashion. The rest was a bore.
September 26, 2017
This book was very 'meh'...It took me forever to read because I never really got into it. It's like a knock-off TDWP, but with really no redeemable characters.
March 20, 2019
Lots of laughs in the this book - however, it was very much like Devil Wears Prada. Still a fun, light read.
February 15, 2024
Fun, fluffy little story. Good if you don't expect too much. Check your brain at page 1 and enjoy the ride.
March 16, 2017
Cute chick lit. Very easy to read and enjoy. Think summer, beach read.
September 20, 2012
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 with the most famous fashion photographer around and Lucy’s not taking No for an answer.
But breaking into the ranks of celebrity isn’t a position Lucy is prepared for. She’s lived life in the middle; being shot to the top of American Royalty is a dizzying place for poor Lucy to be. It’s a world filled with beautiful people, shopping sprees, hot musicians, and drugs. Drugs that keep this celebrity-encrusted world spinning. Lucy will find herself in a perilous position. She’ll be privy to the finest information the gossip rags could never tell you…she’ll also fall so deep into the glittery world of drugs and fashion she might never dig herself out.
A debut tale written by a woman who has lived this life, Kingsley will have you hanging on her dramatic memories, and dying to figure out who this tale was based on…
Review
This book is a total beach read. Seriously folks, it’s the candy corn in your fall reading world. It’s like US magazine in novel format. At the beginning of the book all I could think was “Where was this book when I was 17?!” I would have LOVED it. As it stands my adult reading of the tale became more enjoyable when I decided to enjoy the good bits and ignore everything that wasn’t working – heck the author was, why couldn’t I?
Perhaps that last line was snarky…
But, this book is about 80% snark. It’s as if fashion, snark, and The Devil Wears Prada had a baby. That baby would be this book. Kingsley has a wonderful and entertaining voice when she’s writing what she knows or what she enjoys. Each chapter where in the heroine Lucy falls deeper and deeper into the celebrity-encrusted drug-laden world gets better and better. The characters are rich, the writing is sharp, and the exploits will make you want to rack your brain for the real celebrity Kingsley is talking about. But resist that urge to Google Kingsley’s previous life as a celebrity friend. Kingsley’s virtual life is tighter than Fort Knox. Even as a professional librarian I gave up the hunt. *Sigh*( I have a fierce hope Bella was really Brittany Spears…)
Anyway – Between the nuggets of Pure Goodness there were some stretches of, well, not goodness. You can see where Kingsley is a new author in the following:
The Secondary “Friend” Characters were flatter than pancakes and non-existent except when Lucy ‘needed’ them. The friends Lucy pines for, wants to brag to, are generally stand-ins with which to measure her ‘celebrity life’ to the normal life of an L.A.young thing trying to break into the biz. To cut them would have strengthened the tale. They never felt real to me anyway.
Time Passage – Warning: There is no accounting for how much time passes in Lucy’s world. Chapters range from beginning either days or moments after the previous chapter to months later with a rare hint at how far we are apart. Don’t be surprised if you start a chapter thinking it’s a day later only to find that weeks have gone by! Using holidays, weather, time stamps – seriously, anything! would have moored the reader chronologically. It was frustrating not knowing the speed at which Lucy’s story was progressing.
I did love that this read falls into the “New Adult” category. I personally would have eaten it up in the older teen/new 20′s space. If you love gossip rags you’ll eat this story up! I ended it excited to see what a second, more focused, effort would be from this author. With some practice she could be a great Chick Lit go-to.
Rating: 2/5 Snarky, fun romp through the dark side of celebrity culture – A debut author to keep an eye on.
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 with the most famous fashion photographer around and Lucy’s not taking No for an answer.
But breaking into the ranks of celebrity isn’t a position Lucy is prepared for. She’s lived life in the middle; being shot to the top of American Royalty is a dizzying place for poor Lucy to be. It’s a world filled with beautiful people, shopping sprees, hot musicians, and drugs. Drugs that keep this celebrity-encrusted world spinning. Lucy will find herself in a perilous position. She’ll be privy to the finest information the gossip rags could never tell you…she’ll also fall so deep into the glittery world of drugs and fashion she might never dig herself out.
A debut tale written by a woman who has lived this life, Kingsley will have you hanging on her dramatic memories, and dying to figure out who this tale was based on…
Review
This book is a total beach read. Seriously folks, it’s the candy corn in your fall reading world. It’s like US magazine in novel format. At the beginning of the book all I could think was “Where was this book when I was 17?!” I would have LOVED it. As it stands my adult reading of the tale became more enjoyable when I decided to enjoy the good bits and ignore everything that wasn’t working – heck the author was, why couldn’t I?
Perhaps that last line was snarky…
But, this book is about 80% snark. It’s as if fashion, snark, and The Devil Wears Prada had a baby. That baby would be this book. Kingsley has a wonderful and entertaining voice when she’s writing what she knows or what she enjoys. Each chapter where in the heroine Lucy falls deeper and deeper into the celebrity-encrusted drug-laden world gets better and better. The characters are rich, the writing is sharp, and the exploits will make you want to rack your brain for the real celebrity Kingsley is talking about. But resist that urge to Google Kingsley’s previous life as a celebrity friend. Kingsley’s virtual life is tighter than Fort Knox. Even as a professional librarian I gave up the hunt. *Sigh*( I have a fierce hope Bella was really Brittany Spears…)
Anyway – Between the nuggets of Pure Goodness there were some stretches of, well, not goodness. You can see where Kingsley is a new author in the following:
The Secondary “Friend” Characters were flatter than pancakes and non-existent except when Lucy ‘needed’ them. The friends Lucy pines for, wants to brag to, are generally stand-ins with which to measure her ‘celebrity life’ to the normal life of an L.A.young thing trying to break into the biz. To cut them would have strengthened the tale. They never felt real to me anyway.
Time Passage – Warning: There is no accounting for how much time passes in Lucy’s world. Chapters range from beginning either days or moments after the previous chapter to months later with a rare hint at how far we are apart. Don’t be surprised if you start a chapter thinking it’s a day later only to find that weeks have gone by! Using holidays, weather, time stamps – seriously, anything! would have moored the reader chronologically. It was frustrating not knowing the speed at which Lucy’s story was progressing.
I did love that this read falls into the “New Adult” category. I personally would have eaten it up in the older teen/new 20′s space. If you love gossip rags you’ll eat this story up! I ended it excited to see what a second, more focused, effort would be from this author. With some practice she could be a great Chick Lit go-to.
Rating: 2/5 Snarky, fun romp through the dark side of celebrity culture – A debut author to keep an eye on.
August 27, 2012
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 picking up his slack when he's too drugged out to function can be. But there's another side to this stressful job--one that she's introduced to when Stefano lends Abby out as an assistant to an actress in her upper thirties who's known more for her wild behavior and man-eating behavior than her acting these days.
Bella introduces Lucy to a whole new world--one of designer clothes, never having to fly on commercial airlines, or waiting in line to get into the hottest night spots. And this is where Lucy thinks she's on the right path to make it as the photographer that she's meant to be, but she hasn't even hit bottom yet.
Bella comes to Seattle as a shy pushover. While she's willing to bide her time as an intern and work hard to move up within Stefano's photography studio, it's hard for her to be noticed since she blends into the background with her drab clothes and equally drab personality. Once she's met and befriended Bella, Lucy begins to change in a big way--in both her appearance and behavior. In a lot of ways, this is a classic girl moves to California to make it and gets caught up in the Hollywood life story, but what sets this book apart is the details. Since Allie Kingsley has been apart of this scene, the little details she adds in are so authentic and out there, you have little doubt that a good chunk of that stuff has actually happened. You feel for Lucy as she goes through her paces as Stefano's assistant, takes her licks until she can't take anymore. And once she's under starlet Bella's wing, Lucy finds that the alternative isn't exactly better either.
The fashion in this book was perfect, thanks to celebrity stylist Robert Verdi. I've been a big fan of his since his Surprise by Design days, and Allie Kingsley does a great job of including all of the couture of the Hollywood elite without it being distracting or taking you out of the book.
The Liar, the Bitch, and the Wardrobe is a fun and exciting look into inner workings of the Hollywood elite. While the ending was wrapped up a bit too neat and tidy to be completely realistic, this book was engaging,fast paced, smart, and it had just the right amount of humor sprinkled throughout to even out the parts where you couldn't believe some of the outrageous things that had just happened! I give this one a four out of five. I really loved the title too with the play on a classic literature title. There is gratuitous drug use throughout the novel, but this is Hollywood, so what'd you expect?
Also on Bewitched Bookworms
review provided by publisher in exchange for honest review
Bella introduces Lucy to a whole new world--one of designer clothes, never having to fly on commercial airlines, or waiting in line to get into the hottest night spots. And this is where Lucy thinks she's on the right path to make it as the photographer that she's meant to be, but she hasn't even hit bottom yet.
Bella comes to Seattle as a shy pushover. While she's willing to bide her time as an intern and work hard to move up within Stefano's photography studio, it's hard for her to be noticed since she blends into the background with her drab clothes and equally drab personality. Once she's met and befriended Bella, Lucy begins to change in a big way--in both her appearance and behavior. In a lot of ways, this is a classic girl moves to California to make it and gets caught up in the Hollywood life story, but what sets this book apart is the details. Since Allie Kingsley has been apart of this scene, the little details she adds in are so authentic and out there, you have little doubt that a good chunk of that stuff has actually happened. You feel for Lucy as she goes through her paces as Stefano's assistant, takes her licks until she can't take anymore. And once she's under starlet Bella's wing, Lucy finds that the alternative isn't exactly better either.
The fashion in this book was perfect, thanks to celebrity stylist Robert Verdi. I've been a big fan of his since his Surprise by Design days, and Allie Kingsley does a great job of including all of the couture of the Hollywood elite without it being distracting or taking you out of the book.
The Liar, the Bitch, and the Wardrobe is a fun and exciting look into inner workings of the Hollywood elite. While the ending was wrapped up a bit too neat and tidy to be completely realistic, this book was engaging,fast paced, smart, and it had just the right amount of humor sprinkled throughout to even out the parts where you couldn't believe some of the outrageous things that had just happened! I give this one a four out of five. I really loved the title too with the play on a classic literature title. There is gratuitous drug use throughout the novel, but this is Hollywood, so what'd you expect?
Also on Bewitched Bookworms
review provided by publisher in exchange for honest review
July 1, 2012
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.
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.
September 5, 2012
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 encouragement of her dreamy guidance counselor, she heads off to Los Angeles from her small town and scores an internship with famed fashion photographer Stefano Lepres. But when things with Stefano aren't what she anticipated, she finds herself working for a famous actress instead. But will that make her happy or disappoint her, too?
The plot drew me in right away, though the farther and farther Lucy got into her escapades, the more agitated I got with her. To me, she was being blind and stupid and I kept reading hoping for some sign of redemption by the end of the book. Thankfully, Lucy usually had that little voice in the back of her head telling her right from wrong, even if she ignored it sometimes. The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe is a relatively short book at under three hundred pages so that combined with the quickly paced plot made this one a fast and enjoyable read.
What's interesting about The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe is that it's been "styled" by celebrity stylist Robert Verdi, which means Verdi picked out all the clothes the characters wore. That was one of the most enjoyable parts of the novel - reading about the fashion Lucy and her rich friends purchased and wore. The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe really is a glimpse into the lives of the rich and the famous.
Four stars! Or maybe three and a half. You'll love this book if you love following celebrities and their antics. Fans of the Devil Wears Prada and the like will also really enjoy The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe, which reads like a more hardcore version. I should point out to my readers devoted to YA that this novel falls under the category "new adult" or "adult." *There is copious drug use in the book, so keep that in mind before picking it up if you don't like reading about those situations.
...more reviews at pandareads.com
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 encouragement of her dreamy guidance counselor, she heads off to Los Angeles from her small town and scores an internship with famed fashion photographer Stefano Lepres. But when things with Stefano aren't what she anticipated, she finds herself working for a famous actress instead. But will that make her happy or disappoint her, too?
The plot drew me in right away, though the farther and farther Lucy got into her escapades, the more agitated I got with her. To me, she was being blind and stupid and I kept reading hoping for some sign of redemption by the end of the book. Thankfully, Lucy usually had that little voice in the back of her head telling her right from wrong, even if she ignored it sometimes. The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe is a relatively short book at under three hundred pages so that combined with the quickly paced plot made this one a fast and enjoyable read.
What's interesting about The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe is that it's been "styled" by celebrity stylist Robert Verdi, which means Verdi picked out all the clothes the characters wore. That was one of the most enjoyable parts of the novel - reading about the fashion Lucy and her rich friends purchased and wore. The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe really is a glimpse into the lives of the rich and the famous.
Four stars! Or maybe three and a half. You'll love this book if you love following celebrities and their antics. Fans of the Devil Wears Prada and the like will also really enjoy The Liar, The Bitch and the Wardrobe, which reads like a more hardcore version. I should point out to my readers devoted to YA that this novel falls under the category "new adult" or "adult." *There is copious drug use in the book, so keep that in mind before picking it up if you don't like reading about those situations.
...more reviews at pandareads.com
September 9, 2012
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 that was Lucy’s new job. On Lucy’s first day on her job she is forced to bring coffee to everyone and messes that up a few times before she gets it right. I felt so sorry for her, but I knew that at that point Lucy needed to put on her seatbelt and hold on!
Kingsley pulled me into the story first and foremost with her main character, Lucy. She is fresh out of college, which I will be soon, and she has one passion and one passion only: photography. I was really able to connect with Lucy because she was determined to get to the top and I could really respect that. She is going to work for Stefano Lepres no matter what anyone says. I really liked seeing Lucy go from the bottom to the top. Even though I didn’t care for Stefano at all, but Kingsley writes him just the way I imagine he really would appear!
I loved the development of her character throughout the book. Stefano turned out to be even more horrible that I expected and Lucy started to realize that her dream was not all that she has imagined it to be. My only complaint is that I wish Lucy would have stood up for herself more. I was waiting so patiently for her to have that moment, the one where something defines a character and they break free from constraint and become a stronger character. I loved Lucy simply because any normal person would probably react the way she did. All she could see was the reality of her dreams and she let herself become susceptible to Hollywood hysteria!
Kingsley definitely captures the sarcasm, cynicism, and utter reality of Hollywood and a world of fast-paced media productions! I laughed at some parts and cringed at others. I loved this book just for its pure realistic features!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by Berkley Trade for review purposes. Thank you!!***
Kingsley pulled me into the story first and foremost with her main character, Lucy. She is fresh out of college, which I will be soon, and she has one passion and one passion only: photography. I was really able to connect with Lucy because she was determined to get to the top and I could really respect that. She is going to work for Stefano Lepres no matter what anyone says. I really liked seeing Lucy go from the bottom to the top. Even though I didn’t care for Stefano at all, but Kingsley writes him just the way I imagine he really would appear!
I loved the development of her character throughout the book. Stefano turned out to be even more horrible that I expected and Lucy started to realize that her dream was not all that she has imagined it to be. My only complaint is that I wish Lucy would have stood up for herself more. I was waiting so patiently for her to have that moment, the one where something defines a character and they break free from constraint and become a stronger character. I loved Lucy simply because any normal person would probably react the way she did. All she could see was the reality of her dreams and she let herself become susceptible to Hollywood hysteria!
Kingsley definitely captures the sarcasm, cynicism, and utter reality of Hollywood and a world of fast-paced media productions! I laughed at some parts and cringed at others. I loved this book just for its pure realistic features!
***A copy of this book was provided to me by Berkley Trade for review purposes. Thank you!!***
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