Inspired.

[pic from Amazon.com]

When my lovely friend suggested I read this book, I love your Style by Amanda Brooks (fashion guru and muse to many designers), I was intrigued by her raving reviews. I picked the book up yesterday from my nearby Barnes & Noble and puh-lease let me just tell you that I was glued to the book once it was placed in my hands. I had to tell myself to close it up last night right before bed, because I knew I needed to get some shut eye for my busy week ahead.
Where do I even begin? This book, so far, has inspired me to look at my own personal style in a different way. It has helped me to realize what works best for me and it has made me think outside of the box, in terms of things I probably wouldn't think to invest in--fashion wise. Though I am only in the first chapter, "Classic," my mind has already been flooded with how I can re-invent my closet. It's helped me to realize that there are some pieces that are staples in a woman's wardrobe, and they've been missing from my own! It has also helped me to understand (even more than I already do now) that the size of your wallet does not define your style sense, nor does buying brand names make you more fashionable than the rest. And also, that one piece of clothing may not work for myself, but may be a piece that works so very well for another. AHHH I could go on and on...this book really is fascinating and I cannot wait to get to the other chapters (Bohemian, Minimal, High Fashion, Street, Eclectic, Basics, Cheap Chic, Designer, & Vintage). And I cannot forget to mention THE PICTURES!! She has some ah-mazing snap shots of fashionable women througout the years, from Jackie O, to Kate Moss and Chloe Sevigny. Amanda really expresses to the reader that style has endless options.

I do realize that this book is probably more inspiring to myself because I am obsessed with fashion and all that it entails. However, I do believe whole heartedly that this book can be an eye-opener and a handbook for every fashionista out there, no matter your knowledge or expertise. I have friends that may not view fashion the same way as myself, but I do think they would get a lot of joy out of reading this book. So, before I leave you with a couple quotes from the book...I want to suggest to each and every one of you to pick up this book STAT! I can honestly tell you that it is so very intriguing that you will not want to put it down. If not for Amanda's own journey through fashion (from age 5 on up), but for insider tips on how to tweak your own sense of style and also discovering your individual style all together.

Some quotes from the book:
"There was still one store too intimidating, too fancy for us to approach: CHANEL. Even as Children we could sense the force field of pristine chic emanating from those interlocked C's." -- Amanda Brooks

"Personal style is accepting who you are." -- Diane Von Furstenberg

"Finding my own style was about accepting and liking myself... it was not always an easy process, but it was the only one." -- Diane Von Furstenberg

"Amanda Brooks was born, bred, and raised in style! She has the unique talent of sensing trends, feeling the moment, and knowing what to mix with what. This book is fun, informative, and very clever. I am sure it was inspire many and reassure others. After all, style is something each of us already has--all we need to do is find it." -- Diane Von Furstenberg

"In this wonderfully wise book, Amanda Brooks reveals the style secrets of unexpectedly elegant, singular women from all walks of life. It's candid, canny, and cool, much like Brooks herself." -- Anna Wintour (Editor in Chief, Vogue)



Some pics of the lovely Amanda Brooks...















**Don't forget to enter my recent giveaway HERE!! It ends August 18th (Wednesday) at 5:00 PM eastern time!!