Colin Cowie Chic Guide to Life As It Should Be [HC,2007]

by Colin Cowie

A handbook for living well in the twenty-first centuryFrom legendary lifestyle expert Colin Cowie comes the last word in living a gracious, sensuous life on any budget. Colin draws back the curtain on his own chic, passionate, 120-miles-per-hour life, revealing how to create and entertain in an inviting home, garner respect in the workplace, and travel with ease and comfort. No matter how or where you live, or whatever your personal style may be, Colin Cowie Chic will place you on the fast track to experiencing life to the fullest. This immensely practical handbook offers step-by-step instructions on everything from workplace etiquette to the art of no-sweat, fuss-free travel. Colin also takes the guesswork out of navigating today’s social situations with the kind of charm and confidence that will get you invited back anywhere you want! The invaluable details he shares comforts for every roomKitchen decorating ideasStorage and organization shortcutsKnow-how for being or hosting a A wine-and-cheese primerOptions for stunning table settingsA no-fail hangover cure jet-lag remediesRoad-trip guidelinesA must-have packing for motivating employees and coworkersDesk etiquette for the officeAnd much more!Packed with detailed lists, gorgeous photographs, and helpful illustrations, this is the only guidebook you’ll ever need to live a beautiful, elegant life (as you should!).

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published December 31, 2007

Reviews

[ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although you must be filthy rich to pull off half the suggestions listed in this book (even Cowie's "economical" suggestions aren't really all that economical), I found it full of helpful tidbits on entertaining and leading a more pleasure-filled life. He is certainly a perfectionist though, so I believe that many of his suggestions have to be taken with a grain of salt as they aren't so practical for everyday use.

[Lois Lewandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've owned this book for years, it rested in a pile of style books. I highly recommend this book for the breadth of entertaining wisdom from a true expert. Mr. Cowie also covers etiquette in all its forms and organizational and travel hacks. Some info is outdated, but the core of the advice still rings true.

[Bliss · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have judged this one by its cover and left it on the shelf...

But I thought I recalled his name being associated with Oprah's and I thought I might miss something good if I didn't at least peek.

The first turn off was the formatting of the pages. The font face, the size of the print, the sepia-tone of most of the photos, the colors of the text. *sigh*

And then I get to page 71, where he's speaking about the luxury of having domestic help. Ah, yes...

I had to close the book when he made it clear that he does not hire "illegal aliens".

Um, Mr. Cowie? I am one of the Americans who is sensitive to the plight of all human beings and I take objection to the term. PEOPLE may come to this country in what is deemed an illegal manner, yes. But the people themselves are not illegal. Nor are they aliens. They are HUMAN BEINGS and they do indeed hail from planet EARTH.

I understand that our government has given license to the term that Mr. Cowie used. And bully for them. But we, the PEOPLE, don't have to use the term.

I got all up in my feelings with that. I felt like Colin would refer to me as a negro, and only as a euphemism for that other "n" word. Just my personal perception...

Maybe it was having to endure all the aforementioned turn offs only to get to something that pissed me off. Or maybe it was the almost imperceptible feeling of pomposity that oozed from the pages...

Any way, there are some pages of color photos in this book which are beautiful. But after slogging through all the small print and off-color photos (and a few non-motivating illustrations), the color photos did nothing for me.

[Meghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning of this book may have ruined the rest of it for me: if I had known I'd be reading about Colin Cowie's/Oprah's lifestyle and how they maintain their Fancypants, globe-trotting selves, I'd think, "Well, that was very descriptive" and move on.

However, the author asserts at the beginning of this book that anyone can live a chic life if they follow his suggestions. He was obviously not suggesting that we all tap into his bank account, which made me think "Yay! He'll show us internal or budget ways to turn our Mediocre Clerical Worker lives into what could slightly resemble a Super Fancy lifestyle... Or at least give some hints on how to be classy poor people who are happy with what we've got!"

Because class isn't about possessions or spending money... It's about what's inside and how you present it.

Right Mr. Cowie?

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved this book. Colin is really amazing and has some great tips for making every day life more special. Great reminders about etiquette, although I am not sure there are enough hours in the day to do all he suggests! Fun to dream about that type of lifestyle, though, took me to another place which is what a good book is all about!

[Jake Wilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're unsure of how to act or what to do, Chic will guide the way. A great book to know how some simple things in life can make a big impact, especially simply put by knowing have pre-wrapped gifts on-hand for any occasion. A great read for anyone who is into entertaining, lifestyle and really anything Chic

[Linda Ethier · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book supposedly describes how to live with style and grace within any budget, some of the suggestions would be more appropriate for the upstairs habitues of a 21st century Downton Abbey. Nevertheless, a fun read with some useful reminders about organization and etiquette that could be of benefit to anyone.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would LOVE to be personal friends with Colin Cowie. This book is a guide to living an uber-elegant lifestyle. Some of the tips are extremely insightful, and others I will never use, but it's fun to imagine that I might...like how to treat your housekeeper and that you should iron your sheets.

[Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those of us with OCD will see this book as being practical...others may find it a little over the top. I find the detailed lists and total organization soothing. I also really love the luxe photo layouts.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had some good ideas but it is very clear that his lifestyle and the problems he has are very different from mine...One that stands out is I don't have to worry about how I handle my hired help. I clean my own damn house.

[Relyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this book. I mean, what kind of man thinks he can tell people how life should be? Really. What makes someone qualified to to tell us how our life should be. Such confidence intrigues me. Too bad his book wasn't a more interesting read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has great pictures and is enjoyable to look through. However, there isn't really anything new in it, and, as others have noted, most of his suggestions and tips aren't practical for most people.

[raccoon reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to live, travel, work in style. A little bit of everything from how to organize a cupboard, ot pick out a good wine, to how to pack your suitcase or fire an employee (yikes).

An easy flip through and enjoy type read.

[Benmink]

This guy is amazing. He's just brilliant. He offers lifestyle tips on hosting parties and basically how to make things look nice.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any Colin Cowie fan. Full of tips and inspiring ideas.

[Dionne · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little bit basic and too much information. It goes as far as random work etiquette tips too - which are important - but I had hoped he would focus more on his rules of style and decor.

[Ashley Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good book with a lot of ideas but if I emcompassed all his ideas I would be exhausted and very poor (but very chic).

[Allison Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like to entertain and love a cool coffee table book--this is for you!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

He doesn't miss a detail. Exceptional perspective on hospitality.

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

this man definitely is A1 when it comes to party planning and hospitality and travel!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is written more toward a young person just creating their home space. Some good organizational stuff.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just got this book for Xmas, and it's a great coffee table book. He's got a lot of great ideas, and it's a good book to give friends as gifts.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that I will most likely buy and keep as a reference. Full of tips for top notch entertaining on any budget. Quick read, full of fun ideas and a great cocktail recipes.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I can be this organized . . . love Colin Cowie.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

seriously would have ripped out pages for inspiration - had it not been a library book. a bit high society (don't even plan on employing a maid) but some really good ideas.