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Bergdorf Blondes
Plum Sykes beguiling debut welcomes readers to the glamorous world of Park Avenue Princesses, the girls who careen through Manhattan in search of the perfect Fake Bake (tan acquired from Portofino Tanning Salon), a ride on a PJ (private jet) with the ATM (rich boyfriend), and the ever-elusive fiance.
With invitations to high-profile baby showers and benefits, more Marc Jacobs clothes than is decent, and a department store heiress for a best friend, our heroine known only as Moi is living at the peak of New York society. But what is Moi to do when her engagement falls apart? Can she ever find happiness in a city filled with the distractions of Front Row Girls, dermatologists, premieres, and eyebrow waxes? Is it possible to find love in a town where her friends think that the secret to happiness is getting invited to the Van Cleef and Arpels private sample sale? And how is she going to deal with the endless phone calls from her mother in England demanding that she get married to the Earl next door?
With enormous wit and an insider's eye, Sykes captures the nuances of the rich and spoiled in a heartwarming social satire, featuring a loveable "champagne bubble of a girl" who's just looking for love (and maybe the perfect pair of Chloe jeans).
With invitations to high-profile baby showers and benefits, more Marc Jacobs clothes than is decent, and a department store heiress for a best friend, our heroine known only as Moi is living at the peak of New York society. But what is Moi to do when her engagement falls apart? Can she ever find happiness in a city filled with the distractions of Front Row Girls, dermatologists, premieres, and eyebrow waxes? Is it possible to find love in a town where her friends think that the secret to happiness is getting invited to the Van Cleef and Arpels private sample sale? And how is she going to deal with the endless phone calls from her mother in England demanding that she get married to the Earl next door?
With enormous wit and an insider's eye, Sykes captures the nuances of the rich and spoiled in a heartwarming social satire, featuring a loveable "champagne bubble of a girl" who's just looking for love (and maybe the perfect pair of Chloe jeans).
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
503 people are currently reading
11791 people want to read
About the author
Plum Sykes
11 books633 followersVictoria Rowland, known professionally as Plum Sykes, is an English-born fashion journalist, novelist, and socialite. Born in London in 1969 and raised in Sevenoaks, Kent, she was nicknamed “Plum” after the Victoria plum. She attended Oxford University’s Worcester College, graduating in modern history. Sykes began her career at British Vogue in 1993 as a fashion assistant, later becoming a contributing editor for American Vogue under Anna Wintour. She quickly became a prominent figure on New York’s social scene, often described as an “It girl.”
Sykes is best known for her bestselling chick lit novels Bergdorf Blondes (2004) and The Debutante Divorcée (2006), which portray the glamorous world of New York fashion and society. These works reflect her insider perspective on the “chic lit” genre and have been compared to Sex and the City.
In 2005, she married British entrepreneur Toby Rowland at her family’s ancestral home, wearing a dress by Alexander McQueen, with whom she had a close creative relationship.
Sykes has also been open about her personal struggles, including a three-year battle with anxiety disorder and agoraphobia following the birth of her children. She detailed her recovery in a 2012 Vogue article, crediting an anxiety treatment program for helping her return to a full social and professional life.
Sykes is best known for her bestselling chick lit novels Bergdorf Blondes (2004) and The Debutante Divorcée (2006), which portray the glamorous world of New York fashion and society. These works reflect her insider perspective on the “chic lit” genre and have been compared to Sex and the City.
In 2005, she married British entrepreneur Toby Rowland at her family’s ancestral home, wearing a dress by Alexander McQueen, with whom she had a close creative relationship.
Sykes has also been open about her personal struggles, including a three-year battle with anxiety disorder and agoraphobia following the birth of her children. She detailed her recovery in a 2012 Vogue article, crediting an anxiety treatment program for helping her return to a full social and professional life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,528 reviews
August 27, 2008
I'm not against chick lit. In fact, I indulge in them a lot of times --but this book was as stupid as stupid gets. It was predictable and not even funny in the smallest bit. The writing style is less than mediocre and it was a total waste of the 3 hours (that seemed more like an eternity) that i spent reading it.
If I didn't have the obsessive compulsive NEED to finish books I've started, I would never have finished this one. don't waste your time on this book. There are much more books out there that are more worth your while.
If I didn't have the obsessive compulsive NEED to finish books I've started, I would never have finished this one. don't waste your time on this book. There are much more books out there that are more worth your while.
April 27, 2013
I read this book yesterday. I couldn't stop once I started. I haven't read such a funny book in a long time. Bergdorf Blondes reminded me of the first Chick-lit books I ever read, Tiffany Trott and Minty Malone and Come Together and all those other British classics, only it had the all-too-wonderful extra ingredient, New York!
I loved every page! Park Avenue princesses with ridiculous concerns, who plot how to get the best out of a sample sale at Chanel, Front Row Girls, muses, waiting lists for designer handbags, fundraisers to save 'whatever' and such wonderful and extremely quotable quotes that I was laughing out loud almost every page.
The protagonist, known throughout the book as 'Moi' is a British girl who wants to be American, she escapes England, and a very snobbish American mother who is desperate to marry her to the Earl next door (in spite of the Chair Affair, due to which the families are sworn enemies), and comes to New York where she lives the 'Champagne Bubble' life of a Bergdorf Blonde(although she is a brunette who went to Princeton) with her best friend, the quintessential New York Park Avenue Princess Julie Bergdorf. They search for fiances (not husbands), go to parties, lunches, foreign cities, get heartbroken, get wonderful facials, start book clubs, and finally find love.
I thought the book was clever and hilarious..... I read many negative reviews, and they almost put me off reading what is actually the funniest book I've read in a long time. If you're going to go into this book judging fictional characters for being superficial, then this book is probably not for you. Maybe there are girls who fly around on private jets and think the most important thing in life is to be some fashion designer's muse, maybe that's superficial to you, but there's also someone who thinks you're superficial for having a gym membership when you could just maybe run to work. It takes all sorts to make a world.
I loved every page! Park Avenue princesses with ridiculous concerns, who plot how to get the best out of a sample sale at Chanel, Front Row Girls, muses, waiting lists for designer handbags, fundraisers to save 'whatever' and such wonderful and extremely quotable quotes that I was laughing out loud almost every page.
The protagonist, known throughout the book as 'Moi' is a British girl who wants to be American, she escapes England, and a very snobbish American mother who is desperate to marry her to the Earl next door (in spite of the Chair Affair, due to which the families are sworn enemies), and comes to New York where she lives the 'Champagne Bubble' life of a Bergdorf Blonde(although she is a brunette who went to Princeton) with her best friend, the quintessential New York Park Avenue Princess Julie Bergdorf. They search for fiances (not husbands), go to parties, lunches, foreign cities, get heartbroken, get wonderful facials, start book clubs, and finally find love.
I thought the book was clever and hilarious..... I read many negative reviews, and they almost put me off reading what is actually the funniest book I've read in a long time. If you're going to go into this book judging fictional characters for being superficial, then this book is probably not for you. Maybe there are girls who fly around on private jets and think the most important thing in life is to be some fashion designer's muse, maybe that's superficial to you, but there's also someone who thinks you're superficial for having a gym membership when you could just maybe run to work. It takes all sorts to make a world.
March 7, 2007
This book was nearly offensive in its wanton display of greed, vanity and superficiality. It's almost embarrassing to even admit I read it, but as a follower of Sykes' Vogue pieces, I felt I owed her a bit of literary loyalty. Big mistake.
This book, sadly, confirms all those horror stories you hear about "Park Avenue Princesses," and doesn't even have the decency to laugh at itself at any point. Sykes is a clever wordsmith, but the meat of this book leaves much to be desired....like actual content. Waste your time elsewhere.
This book, sadly, confirms all those horror stories you hear about "Park Avenue Princesses," and doesn't even have the decency to laugh at itself at any point. Sykes is a clever wordsmith, but the meat of this book leaves much to be desired....like actual content. Waste your time elsewhere.
April 23, 2019
This book is a literary equivalent of a shot in the head. It may hurt as hell for a short time, but you get conveniently stupefied right away & can't care about anything afterwards. Read this at your peril.
June 12, 2022
"Daca te ghidezi dupa aceleasi criterii la alegerea sotului ca la alegerea unei genti, iti garantez ca vei gasi unul pe gustul tau."
Plum Sykes a fost redactor la editia britanica a revistei Vogue, apoi, cand s-a mutat la New York, la cea americana. In 2004 a aparut romanul ei de debut, "Blonde de milioane", ce a devenit bestseller international.
Titlul original, "Blondele Bergdorf" reprezinta o nebunie newyorkeza, fiind invidiate de toate femeile. E o treaba extrem de dificila sa ai nuanta de blond perfecta, sa fii stilata, petrecareata si indeajuns de mofturoasa. Si e foarte greu sa probezi rochii ore in sir, sa vanezi posete si logodnici care apar in coloana de scandal a ziarelor. Si desigur "daddy" finanteaza orice, asa ca trebuie doar sa iti bati capul cum sa cheltuiesti.
Cele mai importante cuvinte din dictionarul unei blonde Bergdorf incep toate cu litera P: plictisitor, poseta, pantofi, paparazzi, pudra, petrecere, pudel si Prada. Si la toate acestea trebuie sa gasesti nuanta potrivita. Este tres dificil. Eroina insa, care se numeste simplu "Moi" si prietena ei Julie Bergdorf isi doresc sa gaseasca dragostea adevarata intr-o lume atat de superficiala. Oare este posibil?
Romanul reprezinta o satira sociala a New York-ului si a paturii de bogati, in special a "printeselor" rasfatate, atrase de o viata plina de glamour, petreceri, legaturi amoroase superficiale, bani cheltuiti aiurea si fara grija si a pastrarii cu orice pret a aparentelor.
Romanul trebuie luat ca atare, fiind o lectura lejera si amuzanta si cred eu ca trebuie evitat sa patrundem prea serios in substraturile sale, pierzandu-si altfel toata efervescenta si umorul. Daca stam sa judecam fiecare dintre personaje si actiunile lor superficiale nu il mai terminam.
Cartea abordeaza si dileme precum "ar trebui sa ne epilam brazilian?", "ar trebui sa facem dragoste cu un barbat la prima intalnire?", "ar trebui sa ne culcam cu iubitul celei mai bune prietene?", "e in regula sa te urci in avionul privat al unui barbat pe care-l cunosti de 20 de ore?", "e ok sa mai vorbesti cu un barbat care te abandoneaza pe aeroport fara nimic?" etc. - subiecte asupra carora probabil ca ne-am lamurit deja.
Am selectat o sumedenie de citate care nu numai ca sunt savuroase dar si tres nepretuite, un cuvant pe care blondele Bergdorf il folosesc adesea cand se gandesc la ele insele. Trebuie sa avem rabdare citindu-le pe toate, insa Doamne-fereste sa le si retinem:
"... daca as vorbi franceza la perfectie, nu m-ar mai placea nimeni. La urma urmei, persoanele perfecte nu sunt agreate, nu-i asa?"
"Sunt toleranta. Daca o tipa poarta pantofii cu toc cui Manolo Blahnik din sezonul trecut, n-o exclud instantaneu de pe lista prietenelor mele. La urma urmei, nu poti stii niciodata ce fata super se inalta din acei pantofi demodati."
"Am bun simt. Trebuie sa ai taria de caracter sa recunosti singura cand ai una dintre zilele acelea cand degeaba te-ai chinuit sa te machezi."
"Atunci cand un barbat arata ca Jude Law si poate avea orice femeie, e foarte important sa nu fii prea disponibila."
"Si, ok, inelul asta a costat in jur de un sfert de milion, dar cand te gandesti ce primeste Tommy in schimb - pe mine -, inelul nu mai e chiar atat de scump, fiindca eu sunt nepretuita."
"In privinta sotilor, singurul lucru care conteaza e sa ai unul."
"Femeile casatorite trebuie sa fie foarte destepte daca una dintre cerintele maritisului este aceea de a sti ce vor barbatii lor fara ca macar sa comunice cu ei."
P.S. As vrea sa amintesc si despre Bellini (nu stiu ce e, probabil sampanie) dar cartea garanteaza despre el ca rezolva orice problema in orice situatie, asa ca apelati cu incredere! :)
Plum Sykes a fost redactor la editia britanica a revistei Vogue, apoi, cand s-a mutat la New York, la cea americana. In 2004 a aparut romanul ei de debut, "Blonde de milioane", ce a devenit bestseller international.
Titlul original, "Blondele Bergdorf" reprezinta o nebunie newyorkeza, fiind invidiate de toate femeile. E o treaba extrem de dificila sa ai nuanta de blond perfecta, sa fii stilata, petrecareata si indeajuns de mofturoasa. Si e foarte greu sa probezi rochii ore in sir, sa vanezi posete si logodnici care apar in coloana de scandal a ziarelor. Si desigur "daddy" finanteaza orice, asa ca trebuie doar sa iti bati capul cum sa cheltuiesti.
Cele mai importante cuvinte din dictionarul unei blonde Bergdorf incep toate cu litera P: plictisitor, poseta, pantofi, paparazzi, pudra, petrecere, pudel si Prada. Si la toate acestea trebuie sa gasesti nuanta potrivita. Este tres dificil. Eroina insa, care se numeste simplu "Moi" si prietena ei Julie Bergdorf isi doresc sa gaseasca dragostea adevarata intr-o lume atat de superficiala. Oare este posibil?
Romanul reprezinta o satira sociala a New York-ului si a paturii de bogati, in special a "printeselor" rasfatate, atrase de o viata plina de glamour, petreceri, legaturi amoroase superficiale, bani cheltuiti aiurea si fara grija si a pastrarii cu orice pret a aparentelor.
Romanul trebuie luat ca atare, fiind o lectura lejera si amuzanta si cred eu ca trebuie evitat sa patrundem prea serios in substraturile sale, pierzandu-si altfel toata efervescenta si umorul. Daca stam sa judecam fiecare dintre personaje si actiunile lor superficiale nu il mai terminam.
Cartea abordeaza si dileme precum "ar trebui sa ne epilam brazilian?", "ar trebui sa facem dragoste cu un barbat la prima intalnire?", "ar trebui sa ne culcam cu iubitul celei mai bune prietene?", "e in regula sa te urci in avionul privat al unui barbat pe care-l cunosti de 20 de ore?", "e ok sa mai vorbesti cu un barbat care te abandoneaza pe aeroport fara nimic?" etc. - subiecte asupra carora probabil ca ne-am lamurit deja.
Am selectat o sumedenie de citate care nu numai ca sunt savuroase dar si tres nepretuite, un cuvant pe care blondele Bergdorf il folosesc adesea cand se gandesc la ele insele. Trebuie sa avem rabdare citindu-le pe toate, insa Doamne-fereste sa le si retinem:
"... daca as vorbi franceza la perfectie, nu m-ar mai placea nimeni. La urma urmei, persoanele perfecte nu sunt agreate, nu-i asa?"
"Sunt toleranta. Daca o tipa poarta pantofii cu toc cui Manolo Blahnik din sezonul trecut, n-o exclud instantaneu de pe lista prietenelor mele. La urma urmei, nu poti stii niciodata ce fata super se inalta din acei pantofi demodati."
"Am bun simt. Trebuie sa ai taria de caracter sa recunosti singura cand ai una dintre zilele acelea cand degeaba te-ai chinuit sa te machezi."
"Atunci cand un barbat arata ca Jude Law si poate avea orice femeie, e foarte important sa nu fii prea disponibila."
"Si, ok, inelul asta a costat in jur de un sfert de milion, dar cand te gandesti ce primeste Tommy in schimb - pe mine -, inelul nu mai e chiar atat de scump, fiindca eu sunt nepretuita."
"In privinta sotilor, singurul lucru care conteaza e sa ai unul."
"Femeile casatorite trebuie sa fie foarte destepte daca una dintre cerintele maritisului este aceea de a sti ce vor barbatii lor fara ca macar sa comunice cu ei."
P.S. As vrea sa amintesc si despre Bellini (nu stiu ce e, probabil sampanie) dar cartea garanteaza despre el ca rezolva orice problema in orice situatie, asa ca apelati cu incredere! :)
April 8, 2008
I'm not sure why I even read this in the first place. I think it may have been because my sister lent it to me when I asked her if I could borrow a book on my trip to Milwaukee last summer. She specifically warned me in advance that it was really stupid, but secretly a fun read in a guilty pleasure sort of way. Most people would probably say at this point, "What were you expecting, Camus?" I don't know, I don't care, I HATED this book. It was basically like Sex and the City but 10,000 times more vapid and pointless. I know it was meant to be breezy and whimsical and fun but all it succeeded in doing was making me want to puke all over Plum Sykes and her $5000 handbags and all her spoiled NYC trust fund brat friends, and then throw the book across the room in disgust. Instead I finished it. What is wrong with me? I think I still have this book laying around somewhere in my house, sorry Addie, I honestly have no problem returning it to you the next time I see you again.
May 14, 2021
I know this is one of those books you're not supposed to like because it's so girly and fashion here shooes there. But I absolutely loved it! While reading it one got a feeling 'Bergdorf Blondes' was a mix of Lauren Weisberger meets Candace Bushnell. I had pretty low expectations on Plum Sykes, after reading some of the more well-known fashion-chick-lit books, but this was probably the best one I've read so far. Not only did I find myself laughing out loud at quite a few times, but this novel was warm, and it didn't feel as serious as 'The Devil Wears Prada' and 'Sex and the City'. I think the word I'm looking for is an equivalent to warm/nice/friendly/happy/funny/charming and romantic. I can't figure a work like that out, and I'm not even sure such a word excists.. But if you only ever want to read one fashion-chick.-lit, go for this one!
August 25, 2008
How I Came To Own This Book: Gillian bought it due to the hype surrounding the novel.
The Plot: The unnamed character (who goes by Moi) is your typical, irritating, self-obsessed upper East Sider in NYC on the hunt for a husband and all the other trivialities that make up 'that' type of woman's life - shopping, being seen, and looking great while doing it. Basically a very very fluffy slice of life from a woman who has been there...
The Good & The Bad: This is one of my least favourite books (of this genre at least) of all time, to the point of being almost unreadable. The only part I specifically remember is calling a certain sexual act 'getting tiramisu' (I will leave it up to you to discern what that means) and texting a friend that Moi is getting said act, then said act ending abruptly when actor discovered what actee is up to. Ugh. In all the book was completely pointless and irritating - from the characters to the plot - and a definite non-recommendation on my part.
The Bottom Line: A brutal read that I am still mystified on in regards to the level of hype it received.
50-Book Challenge?: No.
The Plot: The unnamed character (who goes by Moi) is your typical, irritating, self-obsessed upper East Sider in NYC on the hunt for a husband and all the other trivialities that make up 'that' type of woman's life - shopping, being seen, and looking great while doing it. Basically a very very fluffy slice of life from a woman who has been there...
The Good & The Bad: This is one of my least favourite books (of this genre at least) of all time, to the point of being almost unreadable. The only part I specifically remember is calling a certain sexual act 'getting tiramisu' (I will leave it up to you to discern what that means) and texting a friend that Moi is getting said act, then said act ending abruptly when actor discovered what actee is up to. Ugh. In all the book was completely pointless and irritating - from the characters to the plot - and a definite non-recommendation on my part.
The Bottom Line: A brutal read that I am still mystified on in regards to the level of hype it received.
50-Book Challenge?: No.
Read
January 8, 2008 Rather than a female narrator called, say, Plum, we have a narrator called “Moi,” which is that much more intimate. Moi is quick to point out that she is not blonde, that she has a career, as a fashion magazine writer no less, and that she happens to be a conduit for the lives of the rich and blonde around her.
The tone is curious, more Teen Vogue than proper Vogue. Still, it follows American magazine protocol in being chatty, toothlessly catty and less than fully informed. This suits the narrative which follows a traditional arc of girl meets boy, loses boy, meets boy, meets boy, meets really rich boy and swoons. There is a similarity to the television show Sex in the City, in that all men who wander across the pages are either appalling or unutterably wonderful. As Moi sums up her love life: “I had somehow contrived to date one brute, one congenital liar and a professional lothario.”
Early on Moi offers a short list of reasons why it is better to live in New York than in London. After Mummy, Toffs (“ew!”) and Daddy comes the Brazilian, as in the bikini wax favored by thong-wearing women whose nether regions tend to be their most interesting asset. Could the narrator and author be unaware of the fact that such a treatment is available in London? Should Vogue be alerted to the existence of a little place called Bliss?
This display of ignorance becomes less startling as Bergdorf Blondes stumbles on, and it allows for a cloying motif. Because of this amazing new waxing thing that has never been heard of outside of New York, sex is referred to throughout as variations on the word Brazil. This is not unlike Jay McInerney referring to cocaine in “Bright Lights Big City” as Bolivian Marching Powder. Moi, then, goes to Brazil, she goes to the Amazon, she goes to Rio (the clitoris), and, most dismayingly to Impanema. For the sake of context, Moi informs “ . . . . you know me, when faced with a choice between another glass of Pimms or a trip to Brazil, I’ll always take the Brazil.” Of course sex is relative in a world where “Michael Kors understands the inside of a womans’ thigh like no other man I know.”
Oh yes, fashion. There is barely a designer’s name that doesn’t happen to be one of the major advertisers in the first zillion pages of Vogue. The careful politics of acceptable product placement are adhered to but when something as safely acceptable as Alexander McQueen isn’t being exalted the author loses her footing. The lovely designs of Marni for instance, which could be described as shabby chic, are here rendered as having the look of a “street urchin” which is spectacularly incorrect. Personal taste is questionable in the extreme, most especially when we come to a $325 pair of Chloe Jeans which apparently “do something amazing for my ass.”
For a deep inside look at New York fashionista wit, which is slightly too stupid to be offensive: “The hottest sample sales in New York are so fraught with danger they make the Gaza Strip look peaceful.”
Throughout advance copies of the book I was honored to see the author’s mind at work in mid-composition -- pen held aloft as she searched for the mot juste, as moi wouldn’t say. At one point it is written “J’ sais pas [sic:] (ck. French),” which is very sweet given that the narrator expresses excitement with liberal use of the word “trés.” Elsewhere comes the need to describe small items inspiring “chahtchkis [sic:] (ck sp/ Jewish word).” Indeed.
Despite Moi’s objection to England, the whole inside-New York fairy tale grinds to a halt in the English countryside and everyone lives happily ever after, but not before our heroine gets mud on her Jimmy Choos. The ending brings the proceedings firmly into the realm of Barbara Cartland -- the moral of the story is to marry well, which I suppose is the ultimate beauty tip.
The tone is curious, more Teen Vogue than proper Vogue. Still, it follows American magazine protocol in being chatty, toothlessly catty and less than fully informed. This suits the narrative which follows a traditional arc of girl meets boy, loses boy, meets boy, meets boy, meets really rich boy and swoons. There is a similarity to the television show Sex in the City, in that all men who wander across the pages are either appalling or unutterably wonderful. As Moi sums up her love life: “I had somehow contrived to date one brute, one congenital liar and a professional lothario.”
Early on Moi offers a short list of reasons why it is better to live in New York than in London. After Mummy, Toffs (“ew!”) and Daddy comes the Brazilian, as in the bikini wax favored by thong-wearing women whose nether regions tend to be their most interesting asset. Could the narrator and author be unaware of the fact that such a treatment is available in London? Should Vogue be alerted to the existence of a little place called Bliss?
This display of ignorance becomes less startling as Bergdorf Blondes stumbles on, and it allows for a cloying motif. Because of this amazing new waxing thing that has never been heard of outside of New York, sex is referred to throughout as variations on the word Brazil. This is not unlike Jay McInerney referring to cocaine in “Bright Lights Big City” as Bolivian Marching Powder. Moi, then, goes to Brazil, she goes to the Amazon, she goes to Rio (the clitoris), and, most dismayingly to Impanema. For the sake of context, Moi informs “ . . . . you know me, when faced with a choice between another glass of Pimms or a trip to Brazil, I’ll always take the Brazil.” Of course sex is relative in a world where “Michael Kors understands the inside of a womans’ thigh like no other man I know.”
Oh yes, fashion. There is barely a designer’s name that doesn’t happen to be one of the major advertisers in the first zillion pages of Vogue. The careful politics of acceptable product placement are adhered to but when something as safely acceptable as Alexander McQueen isn’t being exalted the author loses her footing. The lovely designs of Marni for instance, which could be described as shabby chic, are here rendered as having the look of a “street urchin” which is spectacularly incorrect. Personal taste is questionable in the extreme, most especially when we come to a $325 pair of Chloe Jeans which apparently “do something amazing for my ass.”
For a deep inside look at New York fashionista wit, which is slightly too stupid to be offensive: “The hottest sample sales in New York are so fraught with danger they make the Gaza Strip look peaceful.”
Throughout advance copies of the book I was honored to see the author’s mind at work in mid-composition -- pen held aloft as she searched for the mot juste, as moi wouldn’t say. At one point it is written “J’ sais pas [sic:] (ck. French),” which is very sweet given that the narrator expresses excitement with liberal use of the word “trés.” Elsewhere comes the need to describe small items inspiring “chahtchkis [sic:] (ck sp/ Jewish word).” Indeed.
Despite Moi’s objection to England, the whole inside-New York fairy tale grinds to a halt in the English countryside and everyone lives happily ever after, but not before our heroine gets mud on her Jimmy Choos. The ending brings the proceedings firmly into the realm of Barbara Cartland -- the moral of the story is to marry well, which I suppose is the ultimate beauty tip.
April 7, 2016
A finished copy was provided by the agency for review.
I have a huge love for some light fluffy reads and chick lit was one of my favourites to read when I was around 19, so I thought I’d give this a shot. I was sadly taken aback because this one was just too much for me.
The social climbing, sample sale shopping, husband hunting and name dropping was all too reminiscent of the Upper East Side life and I pretty much hated it. I thought our main character “Moi” was going to have a huge character change in where she realizes how selfish and shallow she really was. There was a minor inkling of it when someone tells it to her face, but I didn’t see much change in her. I found her to be wide-eyed and naive, pretty much wanting any guy who was good-looking or even gave her the time of day. I honestly can’t believe the amount of acronyms she uses in the book. They do speak in another language and I felt really annoyed about all the name dropping that was given. Julie, her best friend wasn’t any better. She almost an anxiety attack planning her book club and in the end, they all just wanted the attention of the poor professor Henry. It’s just like Mean Girls, but with money and houses.The only character that had promise was Charlie and I liked him instantly from the start. I just didn’t understand any of his attraction to Moi anyway so I figured in the end, he would be the rock that helped her.
I always wondered how the fabulously wealthy really lived, and I’m safe to say that my judgement was correct. I know this is fiction, and I know this is exaggerated for the book, but I still can’t believe some parts of this could be true. Who wrestles people for a coat?
Overall, I would recommend passing on this chick lit book. It wasn’t for me at all.
I have a huge love for some light fluffy reads and chick lit was one of my favourites to read when I was around 19, so I thought I’d give this a shot. I was sadly taken aback because this one was just too much for me.
The social climbing, sample sale shopping, husband hunting and name dropping was all too reminiscent of the Upper East Side life and I pretty much hated it. I thought our main character “Moi” was going to have a huge character change in where she realizes how selfish and shallow she really was. There was a minor inkling of it when someone tells it to her face, but I didn’t see much change in her. I found her to be wide-eyed and naive, pretty much wanting any guy who was good-looking or even gave her the time of day. I honestly can’t believe the amount of acronyms she uses in the book. They do speak in another language and I felt really annoyed about all the name dropping that was given. Julie, her best friend wasn’t any better. She almost an anxiety attack planning her book club and in the end, they all just wanted the attention of the poor professor Henry. It’s just like Mean Girls, but with money and houses.The only character that had promise was Charlie and I liked him instantly from the start. I just didn’t understand any of his attraction to Moi anyway so I figured in the end, he would be the rock that helped her.
I always wondered how the fabulously wealthy really lived, and I’m safe to say that my judgement was correct. I know this is fiction, and I know this is exaggerated for the book, but I still can’t believe some parts of this could be true. Who wrestles people for a coat?
Overall, I would recommend passing on this chick lit book. It wasn’t for me at all.
November 13, 2014
(Review was originally posted on Alexa Loves Books)
Bergdorf Blondes was a pleasant chick lit read that combined three of my favorite things - New York City, traveling to various exotic locations (including England) and a relatable protagonist who enjoyed shopping, beauty rituals and writing.
Though it took a while for me to actually get into the book, somewhere in between the fourth and fifth chapter, I was hooked. I think, surprisingly, what had me riveted was the way the book was written. The author is a writer for a few major publications, so her writing was concise but filled with interesting details, and she had a strong voice telling the entire story (our protagonist moi).
I like how the typical New York socialite was depicted, even though I'm certain that it was a little exaggerated. It was entertaining to read about these women, especially in lieu of the fact that my lifestyle is incredibly different. All the name brand dropping, events, beauty rituals, traveling - it was just fun to imagine and to dream of doing someday (sans the name brand dropping).
As for the love story, well, despite the ups and downs she goes through, our main character ends up with who I wanted her to end up with in the first place (I totally called it from the first time they met!). I thought it was cute and it was woven in quite cleverly so as not to distract from the focus of the story on our main charater's life.
It's well worth a read for all the chick lit lovers out there, sort of like a grown up version of Gossip Girl.
Bergdorf Blondes was a pleasant chick lit read that combined three of my favorite things - New York City, traveling to various exotic locations (including England) and a relatable protagonist who enjoyed shopping, beauty rituals and writing.
Though it took a while for me to actually get into the book, somewhere in between the fourth and fifth chapter, I was hooked. I think, surprisingly, what had me riveted was the way the book was written. The author is a writer for a few major publications, so her writing was concise but filled with interesting details, and she had a strong voice telling the entire story (our protagonist moi).
I like how the typical New York socialite was depicted, even though I'm certain that it was a little exaggerated. It was entertaining to read about these women, especially in lieu of the fact that my lifestyle is incredibly different. All the name brand dropping, events, beauty rituals, traveling - it was just fun to imagine and to dream of doing someday (sans the name brand dropping).
As for the love story, well, despite the ups and downs she goes through, our main character ends up with who I wanted her to end up with in the first place (I totally called it from the first time they met!). I thought it was cute and it was woven in quite cleverly so as not to distract from the focus of the story on our main charater's life.
It's well worth a read for all the chick lit lovers out there, sort of like a grown up version of Gossip Girl.
August 27, 2014
I went into Bergdorf Blondes hoping I was going to like it. I like chick-lit in general and am always up for a laugh. I tried to look at it as a tongue in cheek tale, but there really wasn't anything remotely funny about it. I got about 1/4 of the way through and I just couldn't take any more of the shallowness and greed of the characters.
Why? Where to start..maybe it was the main character deciding a fiance would make her skin look better. Or it could have been one of the characters freaking out because someone gave her a COMPLETE set of Beatrice Potter book for her unborn baby..ungrateful much? I think the last straw was the heiress who shop lifts at her own store and daddy is happy because the scandal boosts sales. Sadly, people like this probably exist. I couldn't even like the main character "Moi". What these characters need is a less money and a lot of therapy. I can't say I would recommend this book.
Why? Where to start..maybe it was the main character deciding a fiance would make her skin look better. Or it could have been one of the characters freaking out because someone gave her a COMPLETE set of Beatrice Potter book for her unborn baby..ungrateful much? I think the last straw was the heiress who shop lifts at her own store and daddy is happy because the scandal boosts sales. Sadly, people like this probably exist. I couldn't even like the main character "Moi". What these characters need is a less money and a lot of therapy. I can't say I would recommend this book.
June 4, 2012
When I started reading this book it infuriated me! I felt like it was the biggest piece of nonsense garbage I had ever picked up and I was teetering on moving on....then I came to the "suicide" portion of the book and suddenly the book became very funny. Don't get me wrong, I was a suicide counselor for ten years and I more than anybody understand how serious suicide is, but this book made it so completely ridiculous it made the entire book make sense. It was supposed to be ridiculous, it was supposed to be shallow and maddening. But after reading the main character say (paraphrasing) "Wow, I didn't know you could commit suicide with ibuprofen, I wonder why more people didn't do it this way if it's this easy!" She then asks her friend how many would constitute an overdose and the friend says "Well anything over two would be an overdose I suppose" so the main character says "Well I'll take 8 just to be on the safe side" she then sends out her last will and testament via email and wakes up the next morning feeling quite foolish! :) At this point I saw the absurdity the author was shooting for and began to enjoy the book. The best advice I can give a person reading it is to not take it too seriously, it was never meant to be taken seriously and if you keep that in mind, you might just enjoy it!
April 13, 2010
I loved this book because it is a very whimsical piece. It was a fun, light read about a high society girl living in New York. It talks a lot about fashion and friendship (that revolves around everything material: parties, shoes, clothes, private jets, etc.)
On the contrary, I don't really think it is an appealing book to everyone. I find it sort of Sex And the City / Legally Blonde / Paris Hilton / Shopaholic type of story, which at first I did not find appealing, but as I get to read the book, it became more interesting that I looked forward to reading more of it. The story is a little bit on the shallow side, which I like for relaxing, because you don't get to think much.
One of my critiques, though, is that there were a lot of abbreviations and slang terms used in the text that I wouldn't understand outright. I may get the meanings through context clues, or through trusty old google.com, but I think it's one of the downsides of the book, 'cause I didn't really get to relate fully to the text. Sure I got the gist anyway, but it would have been better if I actually knew what some of those acronyms mean, so as to get the full humor of the text.
Anyway, I still give it 5 stars :)
On the contrary, I don't really think it is an appealing book to everyone. I find it sort of Sex And the City / Legally Blonde / Paris Hilton / Shopaholic type of story, which at first I did not find appealing, but as I get to read the book, it became more interesting that I looked forward to reading more of it. The story is a little bit on the shallow side, which I like for relaxing, because you don't get to think much.
One of my critiques, though, is that there were a lot of abbreviations and slang terms used in the text that I wouldn't understand outright. I may get the meanings through context clues, or through trusty old google.com, but I think it's one of the downsides of the book, 'cause I didn't really get to relate fully to the text. Sure I got the gist anyway, but it would have been better if I actually knew what some of those acronyms mean, so as to get the full humor of the text.
Anyway, I still give it 5 stars :)
September 10, 2008
I thought it was a lot of pointless, designer name dropping. The storyline was hard to follow and I found the characters to be pathetic, shallow, and hard to relate to.
April 25, 2021
I came across a very angry review of this book by a young woman who was sick of reading about stereotypical women.
I know Its not PC to accept stereotypical sttitudes now, but despite my sensitivity to sexist stuff, I liked this 'shopping with wimmin' oriented story. You've got to remember that books are an escape!
A lot of the movies and literature from the most recent decade are loaded with sexist profiling...
Steven King's books are frequently violence vs. basically helpless women, but " he's a genius!.."
Remember the times and market wimmin writers are writing in. Give women a chance. They have only recently been considered at all serious as frequently as male writers.
A fictional book is meant to entertain, not become a social commentary.
I'll never be able to afford designer dresses so it's kinda fun to armchair-trip around with someone who can, why not escape into a book?
I know Its not PC to accept stereotypical sttitudes now, but despite my sensitivity to sexist stuff, I liked this 'shopping with wimmin' oriented story. You've got to remember that books are an escape!
A lot of the movies and literature from the most recent decade are loaded with sexist profiling...
Steven King's books are frequently violence vs. basically helpless women, but " he's a genius!.."
Remember the times and market wimmin writers are writing in. Give women a chance. They have only recently been considered at all serious as frequently as male writers.
A fictional book is meant to entertain, not become a social commentary.
I'll never be able to afford designer dresses so it's kinda fun to armchair-trip around with someone who can, why not escape into a book?
November 9, 2015
Gosh.
I like fluffy romantic comedies. I’ve enjoyed largely shallow entertainment about people obsessed only with appearances and dating.
But this book. Not only does it have no substance or plot or sense, but the only times it made me think were along the lines of “What a disgusting message” and “Are people really this idiotic? How are we supposed to believe they’d find ‘love’?”
And it doesn’t even make up for its shortcomings by being amusing.
I like fluffy romantic comedies. I’ve enjoyed largely shallow entertainment about people obsessed only with appearances and dating.
But this book. Not only does it have no substance or plot or sense, but the only times it made me think were along the lines of “What a disgusting message” and “Are people really this idiotic? How are we supposed to believe they’d find ‘love’?”
And it doesn’t even make up for its shortcomings by being amusing.
July 6, 2018
This book is silly and fun. It’s not great “literature”; although it’s a PERFECT beach read. The characters are as real today as they were in 2004 and 1987. Plum Sykes writes about the world she knows. Ahhh, to be a Park Avenue Princess!
June 13, 2014
Is another terrible novel that I'm dying to tell you all about. I'm sure this can't be healthy, but meh. Anyhow. This one was written in 2005 by a person called Plum Sykes (real name Victoria Sykes) who worked for Vogue magazine and lived in the shallow nonsense-fest that is the target market of Sex and the City - i.e. deeply unlikeable New York bimbos.
They say you should always write what you know. Based on this, I really, really, don't want to know the author.
Anyhow. My mother recommended this to me as something to execrate. So here goes.
Executive Summary
Poor Little Rich Girl, The Novel.
A bit more detail if you wouldn't mind?
Do I have to?
Alright, if you insist. Bergdorf Blondes is the tale of a woman who narrates this in the first person and is nameless. However, she tells us that she's part American and part British aristocrat - much like the author. That said, she has an increasingly annoying habit of inserting gratuitous French like saying how something is trés in or referring to herself as moi. And being the sort of stupid useless effort that anyone with an ounce of sense would have run screaming from long before. Her interests are, by her own admission, buying designer clothes, not eating, and attention whoring. And just plain whoring - she spends an inordinate amount of time trying to find a "PH" or Potential Husband who is suitably rich, handsome, and has a mutton mallet the likes of which you've probably seen hanging about between the legs of a Grand National winner.
This is also what everyone who the protagonist knows - "NY girls," she calls them - do also. We're supposed to think that being an astoundingly rich trustafarian in New York is meant to be difficult. All the social intrigue that isn't, society parties, and having "Shame Attacks." This is where you suddenly work out what a colossal skidmark on the dunghampers of humanity you really are and end up buying a DVD player. Apparently it's very expensive as you then end up having to spend money on therapists, alternative therapists, dermatologists (if the author is to be believed then there are designer dermatologists at which it is "in" to go), and general woo-mongers. I tell you, I wish I was a peddler of questionable psychobabble woo. I'd move to New York and, once I'd convinced the locals that I wasn't an Australian as they thought the last time I was there, I'd be rolling in money. Because of stupid airheaded bimbos like the protagonist/author (same person, I'm increasingly sure).
What she does for a living is write for a fashion magazine. I hate to sound like this novel is made of predictability, but she does. She also gives us an insight into the argot of NY Girls. Basically, everything is glam or icky, and if you're thin then you're "ana" and this is a good thing. Because every PH likes a woman that he seriously risks snapping in two while he's kicking her front end in, doesn't he? Sorry, did I say, kicking her front end in? I meant "going to Brazil," because all the NY girls have subscribed to that ridiculous fashion for bald genitals.
The low point for me had to be Chapter 6, where the heroine attempted suicide. To do this, she specifically got a one-way plane trip to Paris, bought a one-off designer dress so to do, and wrote a suicide note that made fascinatingly detailed teen angst bullshit day logs sound terse. Why do this? Because her fiancé had left her because he realised what a horrible waste of space she really was and he could do better with a woman who wasn't so superficial and overdramatic and emo. Ugh. She failed, of course, because we're less than halfway through the book, although it would have been a much improved book if she did succeed in rubbing herself out and the rest of it was blank pages.
No, she has to carry on annoying us with her plotless waste of time for page after page, chapter after chapter. I'm sure this will appeal to you if you like Sex and the City (and who does - I knew someone at university who was, by her own admission, SATC's biggest fan even though, also by her own admission, 3/4 of the episodes were pants. Why, I asked. Because of the couture. Ugh.) But there could at least be a plot, come on.
We're also treated to one of the single worst lines in any work of fiction I have ever encountered. This is up there with Torchwood's "When was the last time you came so hard, you forgot where you were?" and Fifty Shades of Grey's "He's no gentleman. He has my panties!" It really is. Want to know what it is? Well, you asked for it:
"Two croissants, two café lattes, two hundred kisses, and an absolute minimum of two very regrettable orgasms later, we were well entrenched into the bed in 606. I felt giddy with happiness. An orgasm really is the answer to almost every problem in life. I honestly believe that if everyone was having orgasms regularly, there wouldn’t be a Palestinian conflict. Seriously, no one would ever get out of bed in time for it."
Note also the off-handed nod to the destined never to end conflict in the Middle East. This is an example also of the hidden depths that "moi" is supposed to have but which we never see. Informed non-superficiality, methinks. Apparently she went to Princeton as well. However this I can believe; I was at the University of London with a self confessed Sloane Ranger called Jaime, who would almost certainly love this book. But I digress.
The fact is, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to read this novel on any level. There are those who claim that it is a satire, however, I must respectfully disagree. The author is deadly serious. This is evidenced by the fact that she, Plum Sykes, is a real life "It Girl" and worked for American Vogue at the time this novel was written. She used her contacts in same to research these things, and her boss, the inspiration for The Devil Wears Prada, Anna Wintour herself, would not have allowed her to take the piss and remain employed. The protagonist also enjoys several commonalities with the author, at least according to Wikipedia, what with working in the rag trade, being half New Yorker and half British aristocrat, being invited to invitation-only fashion sales, and namedropping designer labels, repeatedly. She also, by her own admission in the afterword, did the research into the thread count of designer bedsheets and other such stuff that, to a fashionista, would be deathly important. So I am convinced that she is absolutely serious about this. It's just too obvious in that if it were satire or trolling, it would be deliberately over the top. This... isn't.
In short, this novel is one of the biggest wastes of paper I have ever encountered. There is nothing honest, meaningful, or thoughty about it in the least. It is just self pity and first world problems. As I said in the introduction, if the author wrote what she knew, I do not want to know the author at any time, now, or ever.
July 20, 2012
Ok guys this one is a throw back for me since I originally read Bergdorf Blondes way back in the summer college days, but I just found it and re-read it again this week and now I have a blog, so ya know: review yay! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. Seriously, on the surface it's a light contemporary funny read. Chick lit if you will. But for those looking there's a biting commentary below the surface. It's tres Austen-esque. How can you not love that? Also did I mention there's hot men? cause that. Also Fashion. Also NY. Also Britain. Need I continue? There's so many quotes in this book that got me through college and my early 20s it's bananas. It was practically my "how to be a 20-something in NY" bible when I graduated. I still consider myself a champagne bubble of a girl and that bit about crying into your martini glass, classic. Frankly if you like contemporaries or romances you should need to read this book. Fin.
xoxo
moi
Overall: A
xoxo
moi
Overall: A
August 21, 2008
Fourth book read in my "gal about town" novels in NYC.
I'm fascinated at how people with such wealth and seemingly sophisticated lives could be, in reality, such trash. Oh sorry, when you reach a certain income level, you are "notorious" or "eccentric." The narrator, referring to herself as "moi" was as irritating as the little girl euphamisms given for such acts as "going to Brazil."
Worse yet, I saw the ending coming from a private jet across the Atlantic. Unlike "Save Karyn," where the protaganist grew up and learned something about herself, this character remained happily, hopelessly obtuse.
I'm fascinated at how people with such wealth and seemingly sophisticated lives could be, in reality, such trash. Oh sorry, when you reach a certain income level, you are "notorious" or "eccentric." The narrator, referring to herself as "moi" was as irritating as the little girl euphamisms given for such acts as "going to Brazil."
Worse yet, I saw the ending coming from a private jet across the Atlantic. Unlike "Save Karyn," where the protaganist grew up and learned something about herself, this character remained happily, hopelessly obtuse.
April 25, 2010
God help me; a little bit of this goes a LONG way. I quit halfway through this book. What is kinda cute at first in terms of character quirks quickly becomes obnoxious and over the top. Are there really people out there who are this shallow and pointless? These women's lives are not to be envied at all. How little and empty your life must be to only live on the surface.
I don't mind girly books about fashion, dating, etc. But part of the fun of that is getting to live through the characters, but these characters, I couldn't wait to get away from. Nothing appealing about their thoughts, lives or personalities.
I don't mind girly books about fashion, dating, etc. But part of the fun of that is getting to live through the characters, but these characters, I couldn't wait to get away from. Nothing appealing about their thoughts, lives or personalities.
March 11, 2012
Cute, fun beach reading. Only you'll feel fat and poor while having a glimpse into this world!
April 24, 2009
Blissfully self-interested and flush with the cheeriness of a New York socialite on a quest to snag the perfect P.H. (Potential Husband): "Have you any idea how awesome your skin looks if you are engaged?"
It's impossible not to be entertained by a woman who refers euphemistically to oral sex as "going to Rio" in memory of the first man who suggested she get a Brazilian bikini wax, considers vodka a food group and is always embroiled in a nervous breakdown one after another.
I'd say that she's better than Bushnell in terms of writing style since the book's characters aren't ruthless, they're oftentimes charming and witty, and their very self-indulgence comes across as more amusing than petty. Sykes produced a viciously funny trip into a glittery, glitzy world we sure wouldn't want to live in but would be endlessly fascinated with.
Be warned though; in as much as I liked the book for some beach time reading, there's no character growth. No one ever learns to care for anything beyond men, clothes, and grooming, and yet, despite this, they're perfectly happy people.
Quoting Proust: "There is nothing like desire for preventing the things one says from bearing any resemblance to what one has in one's mind."
Book Details:
Title Bergdorf Blondes
Author Plum Sykes
Reviewed By Purplycookie
It's impossible not to be entertained by a woman who refers euphemistically to oral sex as "going to Rio" in memory of the first man who suggested she get a Brazilian bikini wax, considers vodka a food group and is always embroiled in a nervous breakdown one after another.
I'd say that she's better than Bushnell in terms of writing style since the book's characters aren't ruthless, they're oftentimes charming and witty, and their very self-indulgence comes across as more amusing than petty. Sykes produced a viciously funny trip into a glittery, glitzy world we sure wouldn't want to live in but would be endlessly fascinated with.
Be warned though; in as much as I liked the book for some beach time reading, there's no character growth. No one ever learns to care for anything beyond men, clothes, and grooming, and yet, despite this, they're perfectly happy people.
Quoting Proust: "There is nothing like desire for preventing the things one says from bearing any resemblance to what one has in one's mind."
Book Details:
Title Bergdorf Blondes
Author Plum Sykes
Reviewed By Purplycookie
November 21, 2012
A very funny, light-hearted, astute and loving look at our Park Avenue Princesses.
Here is the 1st paragraph so you can see what this book is like:
"Bergdorf Blondes are a thing, you know, a New York craze. Absolutely everyone wants to be one, but it's actually tres difficult. You wouldn't believe the dedication it takes to be a gorgeous, flaxen-haired, dermatologically perfect New York girl with a life that's fabulous beyond belief. Honestly, it all requires a level of commitment comparable to, say, learning Hebrew or quitting cigarettes.
"Getting the hair color right is murder, for a start...."
Such an enjoyable book and I loved the happy ending.
I would def read more Plum Sykes books.
I was amazed by how many people did not like this book. I found it a breath of fresh air (from NY yet) after all the dysfunctional families, domestic abuse and murder in the usual fictional fare. History is even scarier than the fiction. So to read something light and sweet doesn't mean the reader is shallow, it means it is time for a sorbet, reading-wise. I wouldn't want to read only Plum Sykes but I think her brand of romance is very charming, especially as it is not typical romance with every detail of sex described. Calling sex "going to Brazil" (referring to Brazilian waxing) and leaving it at that was very clever imo.
Here is the 1st paragraph so you can see what this book is like:
"Bergdorf Blondes are a thing, you know, a New York craze. Absolutely everyone wants to be one, but it's actually tres difficult. You wouldn't believe the dedication it takes to be a gorgeous, flaxen-haired, dermatologically perfect New York girl with a life that's fabulous beyond belief. Honestly, it all requires a level of commitment comparable to, say, learning Hebrew or quitting cigarettes.
"Getting the hair color right is murder, for a start...."
Such an enjoyable book and I loved the happy ending.
I would def read more Plum Sykes books.
I was amazed by how many people did not like this book. I found it a breath of fresh air (from NY yet) after all the dysfunctional families, domestic abuse and murder in the usual fictional fare. History is even scarier than the fiction. So to read something light and sweet doesn't mean the reader is shallow, it means it is time for a sorbet, reading-wise. I wouldn't want to read only Plum Sykes but I think her brand of romance is very charming, especially as it is not typical romance with every detail of sex described. Calling sex "going to Brazil" (referring to Brazilian waxing) and leaving it at that was very clever imo.
February 4, 2009
I felt my IQ dropping a few points with every few pages.
This book was worse than "Bridget Jones' Diary" and on the same order as "The Devil Wears Prada". Unfortunately, the characters are much less likeable than the characters in those other books because they are shallow, shallow, shallow.
The only redeeming aspect of the book was that it gave some insight on life as a "Park Ave. Princess", of which Plum Sykes, the author, has perhaps some knowledge. She is a contributing editor at Vogue magazine, and a famous Manhattan "It" girl. Also, this book is interesting as it belongs to an oeuvre of books written by former (or current) minions of Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour. The other famous book is, of course, "The Devil Wears Prada". Both books talk about the famous editor, but the treatment in each book is completely different.
There was a hilarious scene in "Bergdorf Blondes" involving a doomed book club meeting. The book chosen was serious literature about cannibalism at sea. The book club guests were rich Manhattan socialites dripping in diamonds. All the guests care about is the eligibility of the cute, but shy book lecturer.
This book was worse than "Bridget Jones' Diary" and on the same order as "The Devil Wears Prada". Unfortunately, the characters are much less likeable than the characters in those other books because they are shallow, shallow, shallow.
The only redeeming aspect of the book was that it gave some insight on life as a "Park Ave. Princess", of which Plum Sykes, the author, has perhaps some knowledge. She is a contributing editor at Vogue magazine, and a famous Manhattan "It" girl. Also, this book is interesting as it belongs to an oeuvre of books written by former (or current) minions of Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour. The other famous book is, of course, "The Devil Wears Prada". Both books talk about the famous editor, but the treatment in each book is completely different.
There was a hilarious scene in "Bergdorf Blondes" involving a doomed book club meeting. The book chosen was serious literature about cannibalism at sea. The book club guests were rich Manhattan socialites dripping in diamonds. All the guests care about is the eligibility of the cute, but shy book lecturer.
August 23, 2009
This book is the literary equivalent of empty calories. Plum Sykes puts the life of the New York socialite on a platter and serves it with a bottle of Veuve snuggled in its very own ice jacket.
I don't really want to discuss this book's merits (or lack thereof). What I want to discuss is the Alpha-Beta peel. All the characters in the book are obssessed with it and, having a bit of an obsession with skincare myself, I was intrigued. After some minor investigation, I discovered that the Alpha-Beta peel does exist. Unfortunately, the services of Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Gross are not in my budget. I thought, maybe one day, and moved on.
Several months later, I was shopping in Sephora and I happened upon an at-home version of the Alpha-Beta peel! I just had to give it a try. Fyi, after three months of using the product, my skin looked exactly the same as before.
I would recommend this book ONLY to those of you who like this sort of thing. You know who you are.
I don't really want to discuss this book's merits (or lack thereof). What I want to discuss is the Alpha-Beta peel. All the characters in the book are obssessed with it and, having a bit of an obsession with skincare myself, I was intrigued. After some minor investigation, I discovered that the Alpha-Beta peel does exist. Unfortunately, the services of Manhattan dermatologist Dr. Gross are not in my budget. I thought, maybe one day, and moved on.
Several months later, I was shopping in Sephora and I happened upon an at-home version of the Alpha-Beta peel! I just had to give it a try. Fyi, after three months of using the product, my skin looked exactly the same as before.
I would recommend this book ONLY to those of you who like this sort of thing. You know who you are.
April 6, 2022
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I had the novel in English and the cover made me think of a historical romance. In fact, the beginning made me think of it for a long time… Well, until the heroine started talking about cell phones. Yes, well, I realized that it was not what I thought! Not at all!
The main character has no name, she is referred to as “Moi”, but we will follow her throughout the novel in her life full of glitters. But Moi has no luck with men and if Julie, her rich best friend, is always there for her, she does as she pleases.
I thought that Moi would realize her actions and stop behaving like a child, but no, it will take a long time before she understands even a little bit that she is doing wrong.
It was an okay novel, but there are better ones so I don’t necessarily recommend it.
My English review
I had the novel in English and the cover made me think of a historical romance. In fact, the beginning made me think of it for a long time… Well, until the heroine started talking about cell phones. Yes, well, I realized that it was not what I thought! Not at all!
The main character has no name, she is referred to as “Moi”, but we will follow her throughout the novel in her life full of glitters. But Moi has no luck with men and if Julie, her rich best friend, is always there for her, she does as she pleases.
I thought that Moi would realize her actions and stop behaving like a child, but no, it will take a long time before she understands even a little bit that she is doing wrong.
It was an okay novel, but there are better ones so I don’t necessarily recommend it.
July 27, 2009
Loved this book and the New York world of Park Avenue gals it spotlighted.
The book was fun, whimsical, and knew well enough not to take itself seriously more than skin deep!
The twist at the end was a good one and the author seemed to understand the need for a beginning, middle, and end of a book. Nothing was too rushed (but again it was her first book!) but it was just sweet enough to make me smile and want to pass a good review of it on.
I don't think that Ms. Sykes has or probably will create another book that tops this one, but that is okay by me. I have been loaning out my copy since I first read it and can't wait to reread it sometime when I just need to remember that reading is fun...
The book was fun, whimsical, and knew well enough not to take itself seriously more than skin deep!
The twist at the end was a good one and the author seemed to understand the need for a beginning, middle, and end of a book. Nothing was too rushed (but again it was her first book!) but it was just sweet enough to make me smile and want to pass a good review of it on.
I don't think that Ms. Sykes has or probably will create another book that tops this one, but that is okay by me. I have been loaning out my copy since I first read it and can't wait to reread it sometime when I just need to remember that reading is fun...
December 30, 2011
I forgot all about this book.. I wish she would write more books like this. I like sequels with the same characters transitions through life.. I get sad when some books end then excited seeing another story about them.. It was another easy book because the story was fun and i enjoyed her descriptive details. If your into fashion magazines, exspensive clothes, and hearing about what the stars do or how they live, then youll enjoy this and alot of the books ive read...ive saved alot of money buying one book compared to 15 gossip magazines and 8 fashion magazines a month!!!
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