Confessions of a Fashionista

by Angela Clarke

The incredibly popular Daily Mail column, 'Confessions of a Fashionista', feeds its hungry readers snippets of a life in the glittering yet deranged world of fashion. Now its anonymous author reveals both her identity and the true story of her giddyingly glamorous time in the style industry, with insider gossip on the people who populate it.

Propelled by a painful end to a relationship and determined to prove her ex wrong for breaking up with her, our Fashionista lands a place on the Harrods Graduate Scheme. A complete outsider to the fashion world, she sets out on a wing and a pair of Guccis, and finds herself in a whirlwind of couture and craziness. Along the way she learns how to stay sane in a world where hairdressers have egos as big as their clients' bouffants, where dogs fly business class, and if you're eating carbs it can only be because you're pregnant.

Confessions of a Fashionista is a book for anyone who's ever been an outsider, for anyone who's ever had a relationship end badly and thought they'd never find true love, and for anyone who thinks that cakes were made to be eaten, not sniffed. By turns hilarious, sad, thrilling, romantic and fun, it is the It book for fashionistas everywhere.

Genres: Nonfiction, Chick Lit, Fashion, Romance, Humor

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 17, 2013

About the author

Angela Clarke is an author, playwright, columnist, screenwriter and broadcaster. Her debut crime thriller Follow Me was named Amazon’s Rising Star Debut of the Month January 2016, longlisted for the Crime Writer’s Association Dagger in the Library 2016, and shortlisted for the Dead Good Reader Page Turner Award 2016. Watch Me is the second instalment in the Social Media Murder Series. Angela’s memoir Confessions of a Fashionista is an Amazon Fashion Chart bestseller. Her play, The Legacy, enjoyed its first run and rave reviews at The Hope Theatre in June 2015. She hosted the current affairs show Outspoken on Radio Verulam for six months in 2014, and has appeared on the BBC World Service, BBC Radio 4, BBC Three Counties and more. Her journalist contributions include: The Guardian, Independent Magazine, The Daily Mail, Cosmopolitan, and Writing magazine. In 2015 Angela was awarded the Young Stationers' Prize for achievement and promise in writing and publishing. She volunteers with Womentoring, and the RSA Meet a Mentor scheme, and others, to help encourage and support marginalised artists into the industry. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Angela lives with her husband and far too many books.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you asked anyone who knows me, they would tell you that I am in no way fashion-inclined. I skip the fancy pages of beautiful models wearing weird clothes in More/Cosmo/Glamour each week/month because it just doesn’t interest me. In fact, it baffles me. The clothes don’t make sense to me and it’s not something I’d be seen dead in. I live either in my Iceland uniform, pyjamas or leggings/sweat pants from Primark. That’s it. My wardrobe consists of work uniform, pjs and Primark. But I do like reading about fashion. Especially gossip about fashion, even if all the outfit talk has my mind boggling. (Never wear one outfit two days in a row? Say what?) So when Confessions of a Fashionista arrived, I was quite thrilled and couldn’t wait to read all of Angela’s stories and anecdotes about her time in the fashion industry.

I really enjoyed Confessions of a Fashionista. It’s a non-fiction book, although as you might expect all names have been changed, or most of them, to protect identities. (And some do need protecting because some of the people in the book should be shot, or, actually they should be outed for being bad, demanding people. Just because you work on fashion doesn’t mean you can treat people like crap and that’s putting it mildly.) I changed my mind, Angela should re-write it with all names included. That’d serve some of ‘em right! Confessions of a Fashionista offers a great insight into the world of fashion. It’s mad, it’s fast-paced and I would never, ever survive even an hour. Angela is clearly awesome, and the fashion world is definitely worse off without her (and so are we, who is going to offer the insights and stories now?). The stories and tales are excellent, and I particularly liked the dog who got his own aeroplane seat. My dog would demand that, because she’s that kinda dog.

The writing was brilliant, Angela is actually a really talented writer, I actually believe she should write a fiction novel next. That’s the way forward, because I’d LOVE to read a fiction novel from her. Man, I had to keep telling myself to stop rooting for Angela and Mr Darling because they were real people and I couldn’t make them be together if it was going to fall apart, sadly you can’t guarantee happy endings in non-fiction (that’s why I don’t read MUCH non-fiction, it can be a bit depressing and non-happy-ending-ish). I thought it was an excellent read, and people who do actually LOVE fashion will be able to appreciate Confessions of a Fashionista a lot more than I ever could because I am a fashion reject, sadly. I definitely recommend the book, it’s a very enjoying, eye-opening foray into the (mad) world of fashion.

[Rebecca Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I know Angela through social media. She’s funny, kind and generous. I then met up with her for something to eat while I was in London, recently. We have the awful EDS in common, as well as a love of writing and reading. I don’t think a book about the fashion industry would necessarily have come across my radar otherwise.

But, I’m so glad it did.

In the middle of an awful reading slump, I need books that are outside what I normally read, to try to lift me out of it, and this book did just that. It had me laughing out loud. In fact, I’m surprised members of my family didn’t come to check to see if I was okay when I got to the part about sniffing cake because I was laughing so hard. I couldn’t stop. And I couldn’t put this book down.

Angela has a wonderful sense of humour throughout and you get a real look inside the crazy world that is the fashion industry – from the perspective of someone who is a little bit amazed by it all even as she works it. The long hours, the parties, the crazy thought processes, it’s all in here. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in a world that just seems so far-flung from where you are, and you want to laugh at the same time, then this is a great read for you.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I have EVER read!! I am an aspiring 'fashionista' so thought reading this book would help with my (possible) future career... I was right, but I didn't realise how much I would enjoy it.. and laugh! I have read 'The Devil Wears Prada', but 'Confessions of a Fashionista' was so much more honest (obviously, it's not fiction..), witty, hilarious and heart-warming. I could not put it down. You feel as though Angela is telling you the story in person, I have not read a book quite like this before.

After finishing the book, I decided it did actually help with my plans for a fashion career.. I've promised myself I will stay true to myself and actually eat cake, not sniff it..

I was also thrilled to see that Angela has a website where you can leave a comment which goes direct to her - I could not believe I had a reply! This is honestly my favourite book now, so glad I picked it up in Waterstone's for my holiday read! If you enjoyed this book I do hope you will tell Angela directly via her website - I was overjoyed she wished me good luck with my future career and offered me some advice.

5 STARS! LOVE !!!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to read on holiday to make a change from the usual crime novels that I read. I had never read the column but heard about the book on social media sites. Not being that interested in fashion ( I hate shopping for clothes) I was amazed to enjoy it so much. I had never thought about how much work goes into fashion shows and how the divas were behind the camera rather than in front of it. Also liked the way that her work colleagues came across in such a hard faced industry. Looking forward to more by Angela Clarke.

[Amyrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this book, I was hoping to get some insight into the career that I wanted to follow. I do not usually read recently published books, I don't know why, it is just the way my mind works. But, after a few pages that was it. I was addicted, when I was on my lunch breaks, I was stuck to the pages like glue. Each phrase as striking as the next. The book gives you laughter, entertain and suspense.

[Ashley Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out my review on Pink Julep! http://www.pinkjulepabroad.com/2013/0...

[Ekaterina Botziou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulously fashionable read - I couldn't put it down! (Apart from when I stopped to order a whole new wardrobe of clothes as I just had to keep up with the characters in the book darling!)

[Sharon Hammonds]

Superb Darling

As a fashionista I loved loved this read. Especially the fashion icon quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Perfection. This book was inspiring hilarious and it was the hilarious banter in the fashion forward read that cracked me up. Angela Clarke was reliable and actually a strong heroine. It was wonderful to watch her evolved into a confident young woman. I loved the fashion and drama. Bravo!!!!

[Carrie Spooner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice lighthearted, funny and easy read. I enjoyed being able to dip in and out as I needed. The humour was very welcomed and I liked Angela as the main character. Not very thought provoking other than the message that it’s easy to get caught up in your working life and lose sight of what’s more important to you and who you really are.

[Argiri Maglari · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's a fun and light-hearted book, literally what I needed for this period. It's ideal for the commute, the holidays, for a relaxing weekend at home. I found Angela's writing way very funny and it definitely transferred me to the fashion world. Read it with open mind but don't expect a heavy literature 3.5 stars rounding to 4

[Amylea · Rating 2 out of 5]

My mum gave me this book hehe. Look, it's actually decently written and easy to read, but it's just...not compelling. It contains some pretty problematic sentiments too. It did evoke some London nostalgia though.

[Sophia Exintaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not literature, but a fresh and mostly honest insight into the world of working in fashion. Very enjoyable for the curious.

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fluff

I couldn’t get past the first chapter. Not my type of book. The main character is a twenty something. If you’re younger or that age you might enjoy it.

[Charlotte]

39th book read in 2019

[Mary J Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in one sitting!

[Cynthia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book because I love fashion and I love books so this could have been the perfect combination. My hopes were very high for this book, I mean, just look at the cover, it looks so fun and interesting. Sadly in my case it wasn't what I hoped it would be. Now this is the genre of book I would read or the type of movie I would watch if there was one so clearly I know these type of books quite well. What disappointed me about this book and the reason I would give it only 2 out of 5 stars is the fact that this book is not original. It is a ripoff of other books and movies. It is a mixture of legally blonde, confessions of a shopaholic and many more. Don't take me wrong, I did enjoy this book, but the credit for this book does not belong to the author. She simply took ideas from those movies and the books and she wrote a book consisting of others ideas. Some of course were original but not many and even when they were this book could not keep a suspense. I knew what would happen. I knew it from the beginning. It is just so predictable it loses everything that it has at the start. Now if you have never read this type of book or you haven't watched many chick-flick movies, this book would be great for you as it does tell you about the fashion world, but for those familiar to this genre I do not recommend this, since you know the storyline from the very first chapters.
Cynthia

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's very rare that you come across a book that envelops your imagination so quickly and creatively. I myself am a writer and fashion obsessive/creative so I knew that this book would be right of my street, like walking down 5th avenue and feeling like you have come home. We all know the fashion industry to be crazy and we have heard horror stories of the ego's that fly around in a cloud of Chanel No.5 - but when we read about these people and experiences through the eyes of a real person, with real problems and life situations, it makes it feel more accessible no matter how much the author felt like she was stuck on the outside.

It all starts of with humble beginnings like most of us do, looking to carve a niche in something we love. A fashion retail beginning, to a fashionable middle and then beginning a career as a writer. This is literally my dream bound in 333 pages of pure fashion escapism. If you love and live for fashion then this book is a must read, and despite the scary sounding diva's; will make you love the industry even more. It shows all of us that you can be a 'real' person in the industry and survive; just make sure you bring your armor in the form of Gucci shoe boots and a Mulberry 'Jacquetta' Chocolate Brown Tote. Read the book, then you will get the reference.

However there is one thing about the book that upset me... ...when I finished it too quickly.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

So the revealing confessions of this "fashionista" are; 1. People in the fashion world don't eat much 2. They spend money on designer clothes. End of list.

Snooze

Made a train ride to London a bit more interesting but all in all a bit flat. 7 years skipped. Could be titled "the life of a well dressed, overdrawn admin assistant who sometimes goes to parties". It sounds like I'm being mean but I expected more

[Hilalliyah Aspihani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Untuk kategori buku yang kebetulan saya beli di bandara buat nunggu waktu boarding, ga nyangka kalo buku ini malah saya habiskan dalam waktu sangat singkat :)

Ceritanya mengalir dengan sederhana tapi samgat menarik, ga neko-neko dan sangat nyata

Love this book so much ;)))

[Warren Gossett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to be shocked . In a laughing kind of way. This Fashionista book by Angels Clarke made me realise I could dump about half my clothes and get other ones to fit my mood, without spending more than I could afford.

[Ilenia Toffanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

È una scopiazzatura di "I love shopping" e "Il diavolo veste prada" ma si fa leggere facilmente e riesce a strappare qualche sorriso fino al finale piuttosto affrettato ed inconcludente. Peccato ...